Apple hits record 30% recycled material across all products in 2025
Apple on Thursday announced its highest-ever use of recycled materials, with 30 percent of the total material in products shipped in 2025… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How to get 10% off Apple AirPods and more when you recycle old devices
Apple is running a promotion that offers a 10% discount on AirPods and other accessories when customers recycle their old devices, including very old iPhones and iPads.Apple is offering a discount on AirPods and other accessories right nowThe deal, which runs from today through May 26, is only valid at physical Apple Stores. Those who don't have an Apple Store within traveling distance are, unfortunately, out of luck.Apple also notes that customers must recycle their old hardware and buy their new accessory at the same time. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Let there be light: First iPhone variable-aperture camera enters production
The very first iPhone variable-aperture camera just went into production. It's one reason we're excited about iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple’s Weather app recently overhauled one of its most important features
Apple’s Weather app recently got overhauled a key feature that the average user hopefully won’t have to use very often: Enhanced Safety Alerts for emergency situations. Here’s how they work. more…

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iOS 26.2 expanded one of iPhone’s most important safety features
iOS 26.2 introduced a key new feature that the average user hopefully won’t have to use very often: Enhanced Safety Alerts for emergency situations. Here’s how they work. more…

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Apple Immersive Video documentary pilot died in microlight aircraft crash
Apple invited paraplegic Claire Lomas to fly a plane while being filmed for an Apple Vision Pro immersive video, but she then suffered fatal injuries in an accident upon landing.Claire Lomas pictured in 2012 walking London Marathon - image credit: Lulu KyriacouIn 2024, Apple was making one of the first of its "Adventure" immersive videos for the then-new Apple Vision Pro, featuring spectacular feats such as Parkour running in Paris. According to Bloomberg, Lomas was being filmed flying a converted microlight over the Jordan desert when she crashed after landing.BBC News reported back in 2025 that Lomas had been invited to film there by an unnamed documentary maker, now revealed to be Apple and London's Atlantic Studios. Lomas had flown this type of microlight before, but the BBC says it went off a road after landing and crashed into a rock. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Touchscreen MacBook Pro M6 rumors: Everything you need to know about Apple’s MacBook redesign
Macworld 2026 is the 20th anniversary of the MacBook Pro, and Apple could introduce some major changes to its top-of-the-line laptop, including introducing a feature we thought we’d never see in a MacBook: a touch screen! The touch screen is slated to be part of an overhaul of the MacBook Pro, which includes OLED displays and a design update. However, there’s a possibility of the new MacBook Pro being more expensive, due to the component supply issues that are affecting the industry. Some big things are reportedly happening with the 2026 MacBook Pro, and as its release date approaches, the reports will be coming through. You can keep track of what’s been reported on this page, as well as our perspective on the feasibility of such reports. So, keep your eye on this page for the latest. Expected release date for the touchscreen MacBook Pro Late 2026 or early 2027 The touchscreen MacBook Pro has been in the rumor mill since Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first reported on it back in 2023. While it’s always felt more like a fantasy back then, recent reports make it seem like it’s a near-certain reality. When will that reality happen? Several reports from both analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (September 2025) and Gurman (October 2025) state that the arrival date will be sometime in late 2026. That seems feasible; Apple tends to release its 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models during the last quarter of the year, with the one exception of the M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pro in January 2023 and the upcoming M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro coming in early 2026. According to the Naver blog, Samsung has started production on its 8.6-generation OLED production. This production line is expected to be used for the M6 MacBook Pro. The start of the display production could mean that Apple could have the new laptop ready by the end of this year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported on February 8 that the M6 MacBook Pro is expected during “the back half of the year.”

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Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand review: 25W update to a wireless fave
Macworld At a glance Pros Charges iPhone, Watch and AirPods 25W for iPhone (Qi2.2) Apple Watch fast charge Adjustable charging pad Folds for travel US, UK and EU plugs Includes 45W AC power adapter Cons Smaller, lighter alternatives Our Verdict There may be smaller and lighter rival 3-in-1 foldable chargers but none stand as tall or are as adjustable as this one. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$129.99 Best Prices Today: Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand (Qi2 25W) Retailer Price $129.99 View Deal Satechi $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who is the Satechi Foldable 3-in-1 Charging Stand for? This stand suits anyone who wants a proper iPhone stand on their desk, especially for FaceTime calls or keeping the screen visible while charging. It’s a strong choice if you regularly charge multiple Apple devices at once and want a single, tidy setup. It’s less ideal for travel due to its weight, and overkill if you only need a simple overnight charger for your iPhone. The Satechi Foldable 3-in-1 Charging Stand with Qi2 25W is the tallest and most adjustable foldable 3-in-1 we’ve seen. It looks like a permanent desktop charger when in use but folds into a travel-friendly package. Having one charger to power multiple devices is a neater desktop solution, reducing cable clutter, and they can be even more useful if they double as viewing stands. In the vast array of multi-device iPhone chargers, we have some favourites. We were big fans of Satechi’s previous Foldable 3-in-1 Charging Stand, and remain so with this new, faster model. We tested it and compare it to similar fast, portable 3-in-1 chargers. Simon Jary How fast does it charge your iPhone? This gunmetal-gray 3-in-1 charger uses the latest Qi2 wireless charging technology to reach up to 25W power output. Wirelessly charging an iPhone doesn’t get any faster—to speed things further you must connect a cable directly. The AirPods charging pad charges at 5W and can even be used to charge a second phone, although at a much slower rate than using the raised magnetic pad and only with some careful placement as there’s no magnet there to get just the right positioning. Simon Jary Pulling out from the back of the stand, the Apple Watch charging module is also rated at 5W—enough power to fast-charge the Watch. A 25W 3-in-1 charging station isn’t surprising. There are several we happily recommend: the designer Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 and display-rich Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagGo Wireless Charging Station are fine fast stands—although you wouldn’t want to take it with you on your travels. From left, folded Kuxiu X40 Turbo, ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 and Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable.Simon Jary How compact it is – and how high does it actually lift your iPhone? With a remarkably small 3.5-inch square (90mm) footprint, the Satechi’s foldability isn’t unique, either. We’ve seen similar fold-up 25W chargers in the super-compact Kuxiu X40 Turbo 25W Wireless Charging Stand, lightweight ESR CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station (25W), and svelte Ugreen 25W MagFlow 3-in-1 Folding Magnetic Wireless Charger. The Kuxiu X40 is the one to beat—it’s almost ridiculously compact when folded on itself yet transforms into a decent-height stand when unfurled, raising the connected iPhone around 35mm from the desk. The ESR and Ugreen folding stands are lower-profile, lifting the iPhone a maximum 20mm. The same 3-in-1 chargers unfolded into iPhone viewing stands. The Satechi is by far the highest of the stands.Simon Jary The Satechi Foldable 3-in-1 is more impressive—it can hold the iPhone over 70mm higher than the desk it sits on, making it more akin to the stately Anker Prime yet still foldable and travel friendly. Its iPhone-charging pad is more adjustable than its rivals, with a weighted hinge offering a 160-degree viewing angle. Is it too big and heavy for travel? It’s a desktop iPhone charging stand that also happens to be travel friendly, while the Kuxiu and ESR are more travel chargers that do a decent job when you’re not on the move. Simon Jary At 152mm long, 90mm wide and 30mm deep when folded, it’s undeniably larger than the X40 (64 x 64 x 18.5mm) or ESR (110 x 62 x 19.5mm), but still able to slip into a large pocket or backpack front pocket. Both the Kuxiu X40 and ESR Foldable weigh just 148g; the Satechi is over twice that at 399g. And yet… are you really going to notice that extra 250g when the charger is stashed in your backpack? In your pocket, you’ll notice its comparative bulk, but probably not when in your carry-on. Remember with any travel charger you’ll need to pack a wall charger and cable to bring the power to the wireless charger itself. The Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable ships with its own 45W power adapter. 45W is a decent amount of power—consider that Apple ships a mere 20W charger with its MacBook Neo. If at full pelt, the 3-in-1 might need 35W (25W iPhone+5W AirPods+5W Watch) so there’s plenty of juice to spare. There are better USB-C chargers that offer more than one port and more power, but this is all you need to charge three Apple devices with the 3-in-1. Built for travel, the Foldable 3-in-1’s power adapter also ships with plug adapters for the U.K. and E.U. Also in the box is a 4-foot (1.2m) cable. Simon Jary Price The Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand costs $129.99, the same price as its 15W predecessor. In comparison the more petite Kuxiu X40 and ESR Foldable cost $79.99 and $99.99 respectively. While it’s pricier, it’s more adjustable and sits as a taller desktop stand than those travel alternatives. If you don’t own an Apple Watch, there’s a $79.99 15W Satechi 2-in-1 Foldable Charger in a similar form. Find more options in our reviews of the best wireless chargers for iPhone. Satechi Should you buy the Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand? Satechi hasn’t changed much with the new version of its 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand except increase the iPhone wireless charging speed to 25W. There may be smaller and lighter rival 3-in-1 foldable chargers but none stand as tall or are as adjustable as this one.

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Get 15 coding courses, plus Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2026, for just $59.99
This bundle pairs Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 with 15 in-depth coding courses covering Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL and more. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Spotify’s latest update is a redesign for iPads with four features
Spotify is releasing a new version of its mobile app that redesigns the experience for iPad users. The experience is improved for browsing, navigation, and more with four specific features. more…

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Apple Silicon supplier TSMC Q1 profit jumps 58% to record, beats expectations
Apple Silicon supplier TSMC, the world's largest contract ​chipmaker, posted a ‌58% jump in first-quarter net profit on Thursday, ​beating… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Canva AI 2.0 introduces memory, connectors, and automated workflows
At Canva Create today, the company is making its biggest push yet into the agentic design field with the release of the research preview of Canva AI 2.0. Here’s what’s new. more…

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Apple is using a record-high 30% recycled material across its entire product line
Apple has released its latest annual environmental report with new milestones achieved, including 100% recycled cobalt in batteries, 100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets, and more.Apple claims it now uses 100% recycled gold plating in all Apple-designed printed circuit board - image credit: AppleIts 2025 annual environmental report was a tale of the company being under pressure to reach its 2030 target despite the new energy requirements of AI. But for 2026, the company can now point to multiple milestones it has reached, specifically:30% recycled materials across all devices Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple achieves 100% recycled materials in three categories, offers 10% discount
In the run-up to Earth Day next week, Apple has highlighted its latest environmental progress. This includes the use of 100% recycled materials in three categories. The company is also offering a 10% discount on AirPods and other accessories when you recycle an eligible product. The company today published its latest annual Environmental Progress Report, which tracks Apple’s timeline toward its goal of being carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of this decade … more…

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New iOS 27 Apple Intelligence features could boost Safari, Wallet, and more
Apple will add at least four new iPhone Apple Intelligence features to Safari, Wallet, and more when it announces iOS 27 this June.New Apple Intelligence features are rumored for iOS 27That's according to a new report, which cites code discovered on Apple's backend servers. The new features are yet to be confirmed by Apple, but could bring additional functionality to a beleaguered Apple Intelligence feature set.Apple isn't expected to announce the iOS 27 update until its June 2026 WWDC event. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Safety concerns were reported to Apple before pilot killed during Vision Pro filming
It’s been revealed that an athlete and pilot killed in a microlight plane crash was being filmed for the Vision Pro immersive video series Adventure at the time. The report says that crew members had reported safety concerns to Apple ahead of the crash, citing factors such as limited training and unsafe working hours … more…

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Apple leaks four iOS 27 features, including overdue Wallet upgrade
As we approach WWDC kicking off in June, we’re learning more about what to expect from iOS 27. A new leak today details four features likely destined for iOS 27, including Apple Intelligence, Wallet, and more. more…

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YouTube Premium now costs half with this Google AI plan
If you subscribe to Google One AI Premium, you can get a 50% discount on YouTube Premium for the first year. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Manufacturing started for all-new iPhone 18 Pro camera feature
Apple’s component suppliers are beginning production for iPhone 18 parts, and a new report says this includes elements of a brand new camera feature for the iPhone 18 Pro. Specifically, China’s Sunny Optical has reportedly begun manufacturing a key component needed to control the iris in the lenses in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max … more…

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First iPhone 18 Pro variable aperture camera component is now in production
A key part for the regularly rumored variable aperture camera in the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max has reportedly now entered manufacturing, on schedule for production of the whole system.iPhone 17 Pro has a new wider camera plateau, which could feasibly be used in the next model to incorporate a variable aperture mechanism.A variable aperture will be one of the most significant improvements Apple has made to the iPhone's camera system, bringing it another feature that's previously been confined to standalone cameras. Now according to ET News, the supply chain has revealed that it's coming, and that it is now in production.Specifically, China's Sunny Optical firm is reported to have started production of an actuator. This is the mechanism that moves the lens components, letting it increase or decrease the amount of light being received by the sensor. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple still doesn’t get iPad pros
Macworld When Apple launched Final Cut Pro for iPad almost two years ago, I really wanted it to work. The macOS version already serves me very well, but it would be quite nice to be able to start projects on my iPad and finish them on my Mac if necessary. I tried it back then, ran into its limitations, and moved on. Now with Apple Creator Studio, I decided to give Final Cut for iPad another try. Two years later, I realize that the problem isn’t just that Final Cut for iPad hasn’t improved. The problem is that Apple still hasn’t figured out how to actually make proper “pro” apps for the iPad. ‘Pro’ apps constrained by iPadOS Even after its Creator Studio updates, Final Cut Pro for iPad still feels like a secondary, companion experience compared to the Mac app. Many core features are still missing, others are simplified, and some workflows are limited by iPadOS itself.  If you expect to have a full Mac experience on the iPad, you’ll likely end up as frustrated as I did. Keyboard shortcuts, essential for speeding up editing, are inconsistent on the iPad. Some work, some don’t, which ruins muscle memory for those already familiar with the Mac version.  Working with the Final Cut Pro library on the iPad isn’t as easy as it is on the Mac.Foundry Then there’s file management, which exposes one of iPadOS’s biggest limitations. On the Mac, users can freely reorganize, move, or back up their Final Cut library. You can even create multiple libraries for different projects if you want. But iPadOS handles file management very differently from macOS. All apps run in a sandbox, so they can’t really access other parts of the system. While this is good for privacy and security, it’s terrible for Final Cut and other pro apps. For example, if I add a clip from the Photos app to Final Cut on iPad, the file is duplicated because it must be added to the sandboxed Final Cut library. On the Mac, Final Cut can use and edit files in their original locations. What if you need to back up your library? On the iPad, you can’t. Again, because everything is sandboxed, you can’t really access the data from apps. Instead, you need to export each project manually. But if something goes wrong or gets corrupted, and you need to reinstall the app, chances are you’ll lose all your data. The iPad hardware isn’t the problem—isn’t the constraints of iPadOS.Foundry Powerful hardware, restrictive software This isn’t just a Final Cut Pro issue or even an iPad issue. The latest iPads are powered by the same chips found inside Macs. However, they are far from having the same capabilities. These problems are the result of all the structural limitations of iPadOS. Another example is Pixelmator Pro, which was exclusive to the Mac and is now on the iPad for the first time with Creator Studio. The app looks a lot like the Mac version, but due to how iPadOS handles RAM management, it has many more limitations. For example, the iPad version struggles to handle large files with multiple layers. While working on a document, I hit a warning message telling me I couldn’t add any more layers to my project, something that doesn’t happen on my Mac. Pixelmator Pro on the iPad pales in comparison to the Mac version.Foundry On the iPad, basic features take much longer to arrive, and when they do, they are often limited or implemented in a clunky way. Although iPadOS has had multitasking for years, the ability to keep apps running in the background while they download a file or export a large project was only just added with iPadOS 26. Still, for some reason, the ability to export videos in the background with Final Cut is only available for iPads with the M3 chip or later (iPad Air and iPad Pro). Even an old Intel Mac lets you export videos in the background. Mac-like features that are still limited As iPadOS evolves, Apple has been trying new ways to make it more “pro” and Mac-like. However, the iPad still behaves very differently from a Mac, and in a way that is not very intuitive. Back to Final Cut, the iPad version now supports external displays, but it’s far from working as well as it does on the Mac. You can’t rearrange the interface and choose what you’ll see on the external display. The only thing the app does is show a preview of the video on the big screen. Even with the latest improvements, iPadOS continues to hold back the iPad.Foundry That’s because support for external displays on the iPad is still quite limited. As an example, although iPadOS 26 added a Menu Bar like on the Mac, there’s no way to keep it always visible on the screen, even on a large monitor. You also can’t do something as basic as resizing the Dock. And while iPadOS has an API for apps to have multiple windows like on a desktop operating system, Apple’s Pixelmator Pro for iPad is still limited to opening one project at a time. The Mac is still the clear choice for Pros These are just a few examples of how Apple itself still limits the iPad to the point that using it as a professional tool is not that appealing. With Creator Studio, I was really tempted to try to make the iPad more a part of my workflow. But unfortunately, all these restrictions still make the Mac feel easier and simpler to use. I really hope things change for the better in the future. I get that the iPad needs to be different than the Mac, but it would be great to have more consistency and professional overlap between the two platforms. Until then, if you really have a pro workflow, you should probably stick with the Mac.

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Audio Pro Drumfire D-2 W review: Powerful AirPlay speaker with impressive sound
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming Clear, precise sound Powerful 100W amplification Cons Wired input is RCA only Expensive Heavy and not very portable Our Verdict We’d like to see more wired input options, but the sound quality of the updated Drumfire D-2 W speaks for itself. The size and power of the speaker allows it to create a bold, detailed sound, and it supports high-res audio for Apple Music and other streaming services. You can even buy it with an optional subwoofer too. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$400 Best Prices Today: Audio Pro Drumfire D-2 W Retailer Price $249 View Deal Audio Pro $400 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who is the Drumfire D-2 W for? The Drumfire D-2 W is ideal for Apple users who stream high-resolution or lossless audio over AirPlay and want loud, room-filling sound with clarity and punch, but don’t mind limited connectivity and portability. The Swedish company Audio Pro makes a range of attractive speakers that combine smart Nordic design with impressive sound quality. We’ve reviewed its new ‘W’ generation, which focuses on wireless audio, with AirPlay 2 and other streaming features that make it particularly well suited to Apple users. What’s new in the Drumfire D-2 ‘W‘ model? The ‘W’ model is a wireless-focused update rather than a full redesign, including the following features: AirPlay 2 support for Apple devices and multi-room audio Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for improved streaming High-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz over Wi-Fi The company’s product names can be a bit confusing at times, often collapsing into a jumble of alphanumeric codenames that make it rather tricky to find the exact model that you need. For instance, the Drumfire D-2 W that we review here is the latest model, but the previous Drumfire D-2 model is still available, so you need to look out for that ‘W’ suffix to make sure you buy the latest model because they look the same.  And, just to complicate things even further, you can buy the Drumfire D-2 W on its own for $400/£350, and simply sit it on any convenient desk or shelf. However, you can also buy it as part of a larger two-piece system called the Drumfire II W (see what I mean about those names?) which costs $700/£600 and includes a big, fat floor-standing subwoofer to really pump up the bass. That’s a little over the top though, so we tested the D-2 W on its own, as it provides a good alternative to Apple’s HomePod.  In short: the D-2 is the older model, the D-2 W adds AirPlay and improved wireless streaming, and the Drumfire II W adds a separate subwoofer for deeper bass. Drumfire D-2 W design and dimensions The Drumfire is larger than rivals such as the Apple HomePod, but has a smart, minimalist design. Audio Pro Even on its own, the D-2 W is a fairly beefy speaker, measuring a full 365mm wide, 155mm high and 190mm deep, and weighing in at a hefty 4.9kg  (more than twice the weight of the HomePod). It’s smartly designed, though, available in black, white or grey, and finished with a faux leather covering, with a fabric cover on the front panel and aluminium details on the top control panel. The size of the speaker is due to the fact that it provides a true stereo system, with two 4.5-inch woofers handling the mid-range and bass, and two 1-inch tweeters for the higher frequencies. That combination provides a frequency range of 61Hz – 22KHz, backed up by 100W of amp output, so the D-2 W has got enough power to get the mood going at a party. How it fits with an Apple setup As mentioned, the ‘W’ suffix on this new model indicates an emphasis on wireless streaming, and the Drumfire supports both Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), along with support for AirPlay and multi-room audio. That makes it an excellent option for use with Apple devices, and it supports audio formats up to 24-bit/96KHz when streaming music over Wi-Fi, so it can handle most of the high-res and lossless tracks on Apple Music and other streaming services.  The Drumfire provides Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless audio, but its wired inputs are limited to just a set of RCA connectors.Audio Pro The lack of wired inputs is a little disappointing, though, even if the Drumfire is clearly designed to focus on wireless connectivity. The only option provided for a wired connection is a single set of RCA stereo connectors, but at this price we’d like to see at least USB-C for digital audio as well.  How does it sound in real use? When playing the bombastic rock of Queen’s Seven Seas Of Rhye on Apple Music, the Drumfire was loud enough for casual listening at just 25% of maximum volume, and loud enough to annoy my neighbours at barely 50%, so it’s got plenty of power if you want to have a party or BBQ. The Drumfire does require mains power though, so it’s not likely to go outside very often, unless you have a pretty long extension lead.  If you’re happy to stick with wireless streaming, then the Drumfire’s sound quality is undeniably impressive. I recently found a high-res version of Temple Of Love by The Sisters Of Mercy on Apple Music, and the Drumfire handles the song’s contrasts really well. It balances the crystal clear tones of Ofra Haza with the rumbling bass of lead singer Andrew Eldritch, while both voices are underpinned by the firm, precise bass drum that leads us through the opening section.  The Sisters Of Mercy are often described as a goth band, but many of their songs have really catchy dance rhythms, and the Drumfire catches the bright, energetic sound of the electronic keyboards, and the chopping rhythm of the guitars. The Audio Pro app has built-in support for a wide range of streaming music services. Audio Pro Switching to something a little more soothing, the Drumfire shows a delicate touch on the ambient sound of Max Richter’s Shadow Journal. The size of the speaker and its stereo drivers allow it to create a hazy, ambient sound as the electronic loops shimmer through the air, and it captures the piercing tone of the violins and viola as they cut through and add a sense of melancholy to the piece. And, although the Drumfire D-2 W doesn’t include a subwoofer, it does a good job of digging deep for the electronic bass effects that rumble off into the distance like a storm passing overhead. It sounds noticeably bigger and more powerful than Apple’s HomePod, with greater volume and room-filling presence. Should You Buy The Audio Pro Drumfire D-2 W? The Drumfire D-2 isn’t the cheapest AirPlay speaker currently available, but it provides a powerful, precise sound that few speakers in this price range can match. The lack of USB-C or 3.5mm inputs may deter some people who still like to use wired audio connections from time to time. However, the Drumfire’s high-res wireless audio features work really well with the high-res tracks available on Apple Music and other streaming services, and leave Apple’s HomePod looking distinctly under-powered. See our round up of the best AirPlay speakers.

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Apple’s Mac lineup is nearly perfect. It’s just missing some Magic
Macworld Forget the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air, the MacBook Neo is all anyone is talking about at the moment. And with good reason: the striking laptop has proved to be a surefire hit, with Apple managing to produce an affordable device that still offers the kind of build quality that equivalent Windows machines can only dream of. That means it’s a good time to be part of the Apple universe, whether you’re a first-time customer or a long-time veteran. In fact, when you factor in desktop Macs and Apple’s recent Studio Display upgrades, we’re looking at one of the strongest Mac lineups ever. But I can’t help feeling that something is missing from all the fuzzy positivity. Apple’s made-for-Mac Magic accessories should be the perfect add-ons for new Mac buyers, but after decades of making mice and keyboards, Apple’s accessories still don’t live up to their name. The walled garden I’ve been using Macs for 15 to 20 years and I’ve had plenty of experience with Apple’s mice and keyboards, new and old, in that time. The perspective gained in that time has shown me that these products have often been a weak spot for Apple. The tiny scroll ball on the Apple Mighty Mouse seemed like a good idea, but they were prone to failure.Apple There was the Pro Mouse and its lack of a second button. Or the Mighty Mouse and its tiny scroll ball that didn’t take long to fail. I never had the misfortune to use the iMac G3’s hockey puck mouse, but plenty of poor unfortunates did. On the typing side, I still have painful memories of the old Apple Keyboard from 2003 and its chunky keys that continually got stuck. And the butterfly keyboard? That was so bad that I bought an outdated MacBook Pro just so I wouldn’t have to get a then-current one with Apple’s doomed keyboard built in. Apple has, after all, rectified things somewhat with the Magic Keyboard, which provides a comfortable enough experience for typists. Yet even then, that’s only half the battle. The modern Magic Mouse has more than its fair share of problems, from its wonky charging to its RSI-inducing low-profile shape. It also hasn’t been updated in the 11 years since its release. In other words, Apple still hasn’t banished the ghosts of peripherals past. It just seems unfathomable to me that the same company that makes wondrous devices like the MacBook Neo or the high-end Mac Studio can fall so flat with its mice and keyboards. Outside the garden At this point, you might be thinking that this is all a bit of a storm in a teacup. After all, aren’t the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Mouse good enough? Perhaps they are, but since when has “good enough” been Apple’s mantra? Last time I checked, “insanely great” was the order of the day. Can any of us say that both of these devices have earned that moniker? They might seem acceptable in isolation, but once you start looking outside the Apple ecosystem and you see what everyone else is up to, the scales fall away from your eyes. If you’ve ever used a mechanical keyboard, for example, you’ll know what a difference one can make. While these devices are often promoted for gamers, they’re just as beneficial for typists too. Even if you don’t spend much time at your desk, you’ll appreciate the supremely comfortable typing feel they offer. The mechanical keyboard market is bursting with innovations everywhere you look, from magnetic switches whose actuation points can be customized, to hot-swappable options that let you add your own switches for the perfect experience. Third-party mice, too, are leagues ahead of the best that Apple can whip up. Whether you want an ergonomically shaped pointer, one that’s loaded with buttons, or a mouse that’s so light it almost floats away, there are so many excellent choices out there. Sure, almost none have managed to replicate the Magic Mouse’s gesture pad, but is it worth wrecking your tendons for such a privilege? Not for me, it’s not. Ever since I first tried a mechanical keyboard, I’ve left Apple’s Magic Keyboard firmly in my past, while the Magic Mouse can’t get within 200 feet of my desk. It’s a shame, because Apple’s products are so good in almost every other respect. Yet right now, they’re conspicuous by their absence from my setup, and I can’t see that changing any time soon. Nothing in the offing What can Apple do to fix up its Mac peripherals? Well, the obvious answer is to release new versions. But that doesn’t appear to be anywhere on the horizon. Part of the problem is the strength of the Apple ecosystem. I know as well as anyone else that once you find yourself within the walled garden, it’s hard to leave. It’s only because I started my computing journey on Windows (I still use both a Mac and a PC) that I thought to try looking for outside offerings. Most Mac users, I suspect, stick with the defaults. It also doesn’t help that the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are fine. The Magic Mouse is, in my opinion, worse than the Magic Keyboard, but neither is so offensively bad to put people off by default. Compared to most membrane keyboards made for Windows, the Magic Keyboard is head and shoulders above its competition. The only “innovation” Apple has introduced recently with its input devices is color options.Dominik Tomaszewski/Macworld U.K. Combined, those two factors probably mean that there’s very little overt demand for change among Mac users. I expect it’s only enthusiasts like me who want something more, and given our numbers are probably fairly low, Apple is probably happy to let us get our peripherals from other companies. After all, it’s not like we’re ditching the Mac altogether. I get the feeling that Apple is not averse to the idea of making a mechanical keyboard. Look back to 2024 when it worked with Corsair to develop Mac-exclusive versions of the K65 Plus keyboard, for instance. It wasn’t an Apple-branded mechanical keyboard, sure, but it’s the closest we’ve come to one and seemingly demonstrates that Apple isn’t entirely opposed to the product line. But the real kicker is that the rumor mill is utterly silent on the idea of Apple shaking up its mice and keyboards. There’s been no talk of upgrades to the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, or even of supplementary devices being launched for those who want them. That tells me that I’m probably going to have to wait a lot longer before anything changes, or stick to my third-party devices. But if it’s a toss-up between that and accepting what Apple brings to the table, I know which way I’m going to go. If you’re in the market for new input devices, check out our keyboard best picks and mouse and trackpad best picks.

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Macworld Podcast: iPhone 17e review
Macworld The iPhone 17e is now available. Is it a compelling affordable iPhone? We review Apple’s new iPhone on this episode of the Macworld Podcast.  This is episode 979 with Michael Simon, David Price, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 979 on YouTube Listen to episode 979 on Apple Podcast

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