MacBook Neo vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Inexpensive Mac vs Windows toe-to-toe
Apple's MacBook Neo is a warning shot at the budget Windows notebook industry. Here's how it compares against the similarly-priced and popular Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x.MacBook Neo [left], Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x [right]The introduction of the MacBook Neo was a big event for Apple. Not only was it a new model for its MacBook catalog, but it was also a shift to cover the value end of the market.This is a price category that Apple has no real prior experience in, considering its premium-focused history. However, while the market is already full of extremely good examples of low-cost notebooks, the MacBook Neo still caused a stir with reviewers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AI Data Center Boom Drives Inland Expansion Across US
Hyperscale data center development is shifting inland as AI demand surges, with Texas and Midwestern states gaining ground due to power availability, lower costs, and faster permitting. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Microsoft Surface price hikes the latest reason to buy a MacBook Neo
Even Windows fans saw the MacBook Neo as a stunning buy, with many saying that Microsoft and other brands were going to be forced to respond. Microsoft has now done so – but in completely the wrong way. Yesterday saw the announcement of some very steep Microsoft Surface price hikes across the full range of models. The 13-inch version matching the MacBook Neo display size has seen a staggering 50% increase from $999 to $1,499 … more…

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CarPlay ruined every other vehicle for me
Macworld From air-vent phone mounts to AUX cables and Bluetooth connections, drivers have long relied on a bewildering array of tech solutions in order to access navigation apps, stream music, and take calls on the road. Apple decided this was all too complicated. CarPlay, which was introduced back in 2014, streamlined the in-car experience by projecting a familiar iOS interface on to compatible displays. It’s taken me a while, but I’ve finally joined the party. Earlier this month, I bought my first CarPlay-enabled vehicle: a 2026 Kia Picanto. Within hours, I realised that I’ll never be able to go back. Much like an Apple TV 4K, CarPlay transforms unintuitive infotainment systems into fluid extensions of the iPhone, presenting your apps and data through a UI you already know. Switching to anything else would be a downgrade. Firing up CarPlay Like most Apple setup flows, getting started with CarPlay requires just a few taps. Once I confirmed the pairing, my compatible iPhone apps instantly appeared on the Picanto’s display, automatically logging me into all of my accounts. From this point on, CarPlay launches whenever I start my car and disconnects in a similar fashion. It’s convenient and doesn’t require me to manually initiate anything before each ride. CarPlay offers the right balance between simplicity and functionality. For instance, I can reorder my apps and widgets, but I’m limited to a few first-party wallpaper options—presumably to minimize distractions. Likewise, the Settings app on CarPlay offers some basic customizations but doesn’t give me full control over the look or experience. In general, built-in and third-party CarPlay apps revolve around driving-related tools and leave out the rest of their feature sets. Beyond touchscreen controls, CarPlay primarily relies on Siri commands and speech-to-text input to help drivers stay focused on the road. The software keyboard deactivates when my car is moving, limiting me to the Dictation feature. CarPlay setup is a breeze, and the system doesn’t need to be initiated before each car journey.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Native navigation As a road trip enthusiast, I often depend on navigation apps to reach areas I haven’t been to before. This can mean mounting my iPhone precariously on the dashboard or windscreen, and awkwardly trying to follow maps on its small screen. CarPlay offers a far better approach, displaying real-time routes on my Picanto’s larger screen. It also audibly alerts me about upcoming turns I need to make, and other important updates. While many cars come with built-in maps, CarPlay is a step above because it has access to my personal Apple and Google Maps data, such as the location of my home. This spares me from having to adapt to a new navigation app or feed it relevant information about my commute habits and frequent destinations. Besides, I like the way both Apple and Google Maps automatically drop a pin when I park, making it easy to find my car using my iPhone later on. The iPhone is a wonderful navigation tool, but CarPlay makes it more convenient to use.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Dashboard DJ Apple Music is my second most used CarPlay app, letting me stream my favorite playlists when driving. While you could always connect your iPhone to a car’s audio system via Bluetooth or AUX, the native Music app comes with exclusive perks. Most notably, it allows other passengers to initiate a SharePlay session by scanning a QR code. This enables them to take over the queue using their own smartphones instead of having to be handed the driver’s unlocked iPhone. Those who prefer to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or narrated news articles will also appreciate the dedicated CarPlay apps from Apple, which include all of their bookmarks and relevant data. Everyone knows that the driver gets to pick the tunes. That’s just how it works.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Dial and drive Texting and driving is illegal in most countries for obvious reasons. CarPlay takes laws and users’ safety into account, while still offering a comprehensive communication experience. Instant messaging apps like Apple Messages and Meta’s WhatsApp, for example, are designed to read texts out loud instead of displaying the actual messages. I can then optionally reply by dictating my response. Similarly, users won’t be able to check their emails using CarPlay, as Apple’s guidelines ban developers from displaying long-form text or distracting elements. Besides IM apps, CarPlay supports regular phone calls, in addition to audio calls via FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other third-party VoIP apps. This allows me to easily call any of my contacts using a specific app in a hands-free manner. While Siri generally struggles to execute complex tasks on iOS, it’s typically reliable for basic CarPlay commands, such as sending texts and calling contacts. CarPlay helps you stay in touch while remaining safe.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry More under the hood Now that Apple’s car project has reportedly been axed, the company has been working to improve the CarPlay experience in third-party vehicles. CarPlay now supports AI chatbot apps, such as ChatGPT. It’s safe to assume that Apple will require app developers to implement a voice-first interface and limit the use of text. This would help us get urgent answers on the road without needing to park and take our iPhones out. Additionally, Apple will seemingly bring the Apple TV app to CarPlay, as well as AirPlay casting support, which began testing during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle but has yet to appear. Once active, these perks will let users watch videos on the built-in screens when their vehicles are parked. It’s a neat addition that would help to kill time when we’re waiting for someone.

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Apple published a new Press Release
Apple just published a new Press Release:Apple Arcade brings endless family fun with Nick Jr. Replay! on May 7

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All of a sudden, everyone is doomed except Apple
Macworld In the day and age of AI getting shoved into everything whether it’s warranted or not and CEOs behaving badly, it’s nice to seem some positive trends in tech. Have you heard about this MacBook Neo? It’s priced to go and is apparently doing just that: “Apple’s stock could surge 20%, and the MacBook Neo could be a key catalyst” (Apple News link) Tip o’ the antlers to Horace Deiu, who says: …a doubling of the Mac user base is certainly a worthy and achievable goal over the next decade. Now, before you sniff and say “Where were these customers when the Mac was dying? Where were these customers when we needed them? And where are we going to put them all now that they’re coming to the Mac? They’re not staying at my place. Kevin has much more room than I do and Kevin never does anything,” remember first that Kevin is still reeling from the heartbreak of psoriasis. So… you know. But also, while millions of people buying cheap Macs may not be the best thing for Apple’s margins, it does mean good things for Mac users. Even after Steve Jobs returned and saved the Mac from extinction, Mac users had to deal with the walk of shame to the secluded area in the back of Circuit City to buy software and Mac peripherals. What changed that and made the Apple Store viable was the iPod. When it was still just a relative few who owned Macs, everyone owned an iPod. Anyone who walked the floor at Macworld Expo in the mid-2000s can attest to the bevy of third-party products you could buy for the iPod. More Mac users could mean more software and more accessories for our favorite non-pocketable computing platform. Of course, the company still has some problems to iron out. According to Tim Culpan, MacBook Neo demand is so good it has exceeded Apple’s expectations, meaning the company may have to spin up more production of the A18 Pro processor. The whole idea behind the MacBook Neo was it could be made from stuff Apple just had lying around, like binned A18 Pro chips. If the company now has to make more just for the Neo, they’ll cost more, cutting into margins. As problems go, though, massive sales are not a bad one to have. If you’d like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast, David Price’s weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors.Foundry So, yeah, it turns out people like products that are made well and that they don’t feel like they’re being gouged for! Huh! Who knew? Apparently here in the Year of Our Lord 2026, some are just discovering this whole “price elasticity of demand” thing. For example: “Doritos prices jumped 50% in four years and PepsiCo waited until it lost billions to do anything about it” What are they teaching in MBA school these days? PepsiCo, 2022: “Our glorious product is like air to people! They cannot live without it and will pay any price to get it! Hahaha!” PepsiCo, 2026: “Oh, no.” Surprise, when prices get too high, people just buy other carbohydrate and sodium injection systems covered in various types of flavored powder! Likewise, you can get music in other ways when the price of music streaming gets too high. As Gizmodo points out, nostalgia isn’t the only reason iPods and other dedicated digital music players are becoming popular again, largely with da yoots. In January, Spotify raised its prices once again, this time reaching $13 a month. For context, in 2023, subscription fees rose from $9.99 to $10.99, and again in 2024 from $10.99 to $11.99. Apple Music is more affordable, but not by much at $11 per month. People moved from buying music to subscribing to a streaming service for convenience but also price, it was simply cheaper than buying music. When it becomes not cheaper, guess what people do? It would certainly be fun if Apple decided to make an iPod Classic again, but do not hold your breath or even any other bodily expulsion of gases because it’s not gonna happen. The Macalope doesn’t need anyone exploding because they misread this column. Not again. Not again. You think Tim Cook is making it easier for you to quit sending him that sweet services revenue? Please. Finally, there are some signs that AI is being pulled from places it just doesn’t add any value: “Microsoft starts removing Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps” Noted weirdo Sam Altman may dream of someday tithing all of us for graciously shoving a firehose into our windows and spewing AI into our homes, but the divide between his opinion and public opinion is growing. And he is not The Lathe of Heaven. He may be a lathe of some kind, but it’s not of Heaven.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: PocketMDM brings Apple Business Manager to your pocket
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, Joshua Patrick joins the show to talk about his new app: PocketMDM. more…

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Down from $448.99, you can now get lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office for $105
Macworld TL;DR: Get Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2024 for life for only $105. Windows 10 is no longer getting security updates, and there’s no guarantee Microsoft 365 will stay at the same (already high) price. If you want a way out of both, right now, you can get Microsoft Office 2024 and Windows 11 Pro together for $104.99 (reg. $448.99). This is a two-part bundle that gives you lifetime access to Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro. This version of Office comes with Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook OneNote These are recently updated versions of the same core apps you get from Microsoft 365, complete with the new AI integrations for data analysis and content creation. PowerPoint even has new ways to record presentations. The Windows 11 Pro is an all-encompassing upgrade. You’ll get access to a refined interface with snap layout, along with improved security features like BitLocker device encryption, Hyper-V, and TPM 2.0. Both of these licenses last for life without any recurring costs, so while they may be more expensive than a single month of Microsoft 365, they cost a lot less than you’d end up paying in the long run. Right now, it’s only $105 to get Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for life. Offer ends soon. Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business + Windows 11 Pro BundleSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Crash detection! The Apple Watch 11 drops to its best price
Macworld NOW $100 OFF Apple Watch Series 11 View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); If you were waiting for the right time to get an Apple Watch Series 11, then now’s the time to add it to your cart. This one’s a fantastic smartwatch, and it can be yours for $299, which is a substantial $100 under its regular price and the best deal we’ve seen for this model. While we didn’t love the fact that the Series 11 only brought minor upgrades, we can’t deny that it’s a lot better at health monitoring. If you get any hypertension spikes, it’ll send you a notification, or even tell you if you have sleep apnea, while also creating a nightly sleep score complete with tips on how to improve your rest. The watch also features plenty of sensors that will help track your heart rate, pulse, temperature, blood-oxygen levels, and so on. The watch also comes with the safety features we’ve come to love, namely Crash Detection and Fall Detection, which you can use to alert others in the event of an accident. Battery life won’t disappoint, either, as you get up to 24 hours on a single charge, which is more than we can say about any previous model outside of the pricey Ultra line. This was easily one of our favorite things about the Series 11 when we reviewed it (and gave it a 4-star rating). Unless you want to wait until mid-summer for a better deal (I expect to see a better price around Prime Day), now’s the time to get the Apple Watch Series 11 for $100 off.

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Never lose anything again with these Find My accessories
There’s a robust ecosystem of Find My accessories on the market nowadays, across various different designs and form factors. Here are some of the most popular options. more…

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Dope Thief’s Brian Tyree Henry joins upcoming Apple Original Films feature
Apple TV confirmed today that Brian Tyree Henry, who recently starred alongside Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent, Elite Squad) on Dope Thief, is joining a new feature film from Apple Original Films. Here are the details. more…

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Sonos Play review: Sonos is back with the Goldilocks of portable speakers
After a lengthy hardware hiatus, Sonos is back with its portable Play speaker. Between the impressive audio quality and AirPlay streaming, it's a solid choice for any Apple user.Sonos Play review: Sonos is back with a new portable speakerWithout getting too into the weeds, the last couple of years have been unusually tough for Sonos. The speaker maker took a lot of well-deserved flak for rolling out an app update that wasn't ready.This update revamped the UI, but it was also temporarily lacking essential features that many users depended on. Sonos quickly went into damage control mode. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Blackmagic's camera for Apple Vision Pro content is now available for $30K
Blackmagic's URSA Cine Immersive camera for Apple Vision Pro content can now be ordered, if you have $30,000. Here's what it can do, and who it's for.Blackmagic's URSA Cine immersive camera is here.Announced back in June 2024, the high-end camera was presented as an end-to-end workflow for the Apple Immersive Video format used by the Apple Vision Pro. Apple Immersive Video delivers 8K 3D video with a 180-degree field of view, along with support for Spatial Audio.With the Apple Vision Pro, Apple delivered immersive 3D video experiences, giving wearers the chance to re-live their favorite moments with the help of formats such as Spatial Video. Exclusive content, in a special format called Apple Immersive Video, is also offered on the headset. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Security Bite Podcast: Atomic Stealer is blurring the line between infostealers and trojans on Mac
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode, I break down what I think is the most significant finding from Jamf’s latest Security 360 report: trojan malware now accounting for over 50% of all Mac malware detections. This is up from roughly 17% just a year prior and beats out infostealers for the number one spot. But its not as simple as trojans are just getting popular… It basically comes down to one malware family, Atomic Stealer (shocker), which is now simultaneously sitting at the top of both the trojan and infostealer categories. That dual classification is reshaping how we should think about the Mac threat landscape, because the old lines between malware categories I think are blurring. more…

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Apple AI Glasses Will Rival Meta's With Several Styles, Oval Cameras
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is developing display-free AI smart glasses aimed at rivaling Meta's Ray-Bans, with multiple frame styles, a distinctive oval camera design, and tight iPhone integration. "The idea is to unveil the product at the end of 2026 or early the following year, with the actual release coming in 2027," writes Gurman. From the report: Like Meta's offering, Apple's glasses will be designed to handle everyday uses: capturing photos and videos, syncing with a smartphone for editing and sharing, handling phone calls, listening to notifications, playing music, and enabling hands-free interaction via a voice assistant. In Apple's case, that assistant will be a significantly upgraded Siri coming in iOS 27. The glasses are part of a broader, three-pronged AI wearables strategy that also includes new AirPods and a camera-equipped pendant. Each device is designed to leverage computer vision to interpret the user's surroundings and feed contextual awareness into Siri and Apple Intelligence. That will enable features like improved turn-by-turn map directions and visual reminders. When Apple typically enters a new product category, it offers clear advantages over what's currently available. We saw this with the original iPod, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch -- and, even though it was a flop, the Vision Pro. That approach won't be as obvious with Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, but we should see it on full display with the glasses. According to employees working on the project, Apple's strategy is to outdo competitors by tightly integrating the glasses with the iPhone and offering a higher-end build. While Meta relies heavily on partner EssilorLuxottica SA for frames, Apple is unsurprisingly planning to go at it alone in terms of design. That also should set it apart from Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Samsung Electronics Co., which are leaning on Warby Parker. Apple's design team has whipped up at least four different styles and plans to launch some or all of them, I'm told, as well as many color options. The latest units are made from a high-end material called acetate, which is known to be more durable and luxurious than the standard plastic used by many brands. Here are the designs in testing: - A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers - A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook - Larger oval or circular frames - A smaller, more refined oval or circular option Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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MagSafe Monday: Is a suction cup the best way to secure your MagSafe desk charger?
I have tested dozens of MagSafe iPhone desk chargers, and a lot of them suffer from the same super-annoying flaw. Unless they are made of solid steel and weigh five pounds, they slide all over your desk when you try to grab your iPhone or tap the screen to check a notification. You’ll often have to hold the base down with one hand while pulling the iPhone off with the other. Scosche decided to tackle this problem in a completely different way with its new Qi2 home and office mount. Instead of relying on heavy metal bases, it uses a heavy-duty suction cup to securely attach to your desk or counter. more…

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iCloud backups targeted in hack-for-hire operation using fake Apple pages
A new investigation shows that hackers are still relying on old tricks to break into iPhones and Android devices. Here are the details. more…

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Get 88 hours of AI cybersecurity training for less than $20
The 2026 AI Security & Cybersecurity Expert Bundle delivers 88 hours of training on AI, ethical hacking and real-world defense skills. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPhone Fold limbo: both delayed & still coming in 2026
A new report has jumped on the bandwagon of announcing iPhone Fold delays, though it also asserts that the device will still arrive before the end of the year.iPhone Fold could still be revealed on time, even if manufacturing is delayedThe rumor mill has been churning at a rapid pace after news of a potential iPhone Fold delay appeared. However, different sources can't agree on exactly how long the delay might be.A new report from Digitimes hopes to clarify things with information from its sources. It confirms that mass production of iPhone Fold could be delayed by as much as two months, but that won't affect the launch by much. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26 boarding passes now available for American Airlines flights
American Airlines has now become the latest company to take advantage of the revamped boarding pass system in the iOS 26 update.American Airlines now supports the revamped iOS 26 boarding pass system.At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that upgraded boarding passes, with support for Live Activities and real-time flight information, would make their way to the Apple Wallet app with iOS 26. Improved support for tracking luggage with AirTags and Find My, along with maps data for airports, was touted as well.Since then, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have rolled out support for the iOS 26 boarding pass system, and now American Airlines has followed suit. The American Airlines iOS app was recently updated, and its release notes detail the upgraded boarding pass experience. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Japan launches fun new App Store spring campaign with local artists
Apple’s marketing efforts have been on a tear lately. While the MacBook Neo campaign has been getting most of the attention, a new spring campaign in Japan has been promoting the App Store with fun commissioned ads. Watch them below. more…

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Apple TV is about to have three top-tier shows airing all at once
Apple TV has a big summer ahead with the return of Ted Lasso, Dark Matter, and more, but the streamer’s current lineup is compelling too, and will get even more so later this week. more…

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‘Apple’s true achievement is the culture Steve Jobs instilled’ – Gene Munster
Longtime Apple analyst Gene Munster has obsessed about all things Apple for more than 20 years. When asked for Apple’s defining achievement… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Maps ads inch closer to release with iOS 26.5 beta 2
Ads will soon make their way to Apple Maps, with the latest iOS 26.5 developer beta offering additional insight into how they'll work.iOS 26.5 beta 2 includes a new splash screen for Apple Maps ads.Following multiple rumors of advertisements coming to Apple Maps, the change was officially confirmed on March 24. With Monday's iOS 26.5 developer beta, Apple has now taken the first step towards bringing ads to the iPhone's built-in Maps app.The software update contains a new splash screen detailing the key aspects of Apple Maps ads. "Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search," reads the screen. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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