Apple iPhone USB security: What that ‘allow accessory’ alert really means
"Juice jacking" may be overblown as a threat to average users, but you should know how and why to use that iPhone "allow accessory" setting. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPhone Fold enters manufacturing test phase right on schedule
A new report claims that the iPhone Fold has entered a key production stage and that, if it passes tests, the device will be launched alongside the iPhone 18 range in September 2026.The iPhone Fold may have all physical buttons on the right, leaving the left side clear — image credit: AppleInsiderFollowing rumors in March 2026 of Samsung Display planning to ramp up production of screens for the iPhone Fold, a new report backs up that schedule. According to leaker Instant Digital on Chinese social media site Weibo, the iPhone Fold is now in testing."The iPhone Fold is now in trial production at Foxconn," says the leaker (in translation). "If there is no accident, the iPhone Fold folding screen will be sold simultaneously around July like the iPhone 18 Pro." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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What the new Matter update delivers to Apple Home users, on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we cover the launch of Matter 1.5.1 and all the changes that are coming to Apple Home users after the update.Smart Home Insider PodcastThe Connectivity Standards Alliance has committed to at least two updates to the Matter spec each year. While sometimes we see a larger milestone update, other times it's smaller — as with 1.5.1.This update primarily focuses on improving the experience for cameras, which were added with version 1.5 in the fall of 2025. Even though Apple Home still lacks support, Apple has committed to doing so in the future. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone Fold just hit major milestone that’s good news for launch timing
The iPhone Fold is coming later this year, and per a notable leaker, the brand new model just hit a major milestone that’s good news for launch timing. more…

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Studio Display XDR may be used to look at your next MRI or X-Ray
Apple made it clear at launch that there is a Medical Imaging Calibrator in the Studio Display XDR to allow for use as a DICOM monitor to view X-rays or other scans. It has now been granted FDA approval.DICOM settings available on the Studio Display XDRThe Studio Display XDR improves in nearly every aspect of the original and in some aspects of the Pro Display XDR it replaces. The smaller 27-inch display is still Retina with ProMotion and Adaptive sync.One of the headlining features of the Pro Display XDR was DICOM medical imaging, which had to go through FDA approval. As of Thursday evening, the FDA has cleared the Medical Imaging Calibrator and Apple can roll it out to users. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Artemis II astronauts each take Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max units around the Moon
NASA's Artemis II crew is making history not just by flying around the Moon, but by doing so with the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Vibe coding app's victory lap cut very short by the App Store
The vibe-coding app Anything was pulled from the App Store, but the developer claimed victory after a return. Victory was fleeting, as the app is gone again, and nobody is saying why.App Store boots Anything, againAnything, a vibe-coding app for iOS that was pulled from the App Store, made a triumphant return on April 3. It celebrated by launching a $5,000 weekend hackathon and a credit giveaway on X, but that was seemingly premature.Checking the App Store on Monday, Anything is nowhere to be found. It doesn't appear in searches, while a direct link to the app warns it's not available. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Google and MediaTek Move to Challenge the PC Status Quo
Android PCs powered by Arm and AI are emerging as a challenge to the WinTel model, led by Google. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Best Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations for your MacBook 2026
Macworld Plug your MacBook in and out of a multi-port laptop docking station to swiftly add multiple devices and external displays with just one cable connection to your laptop. We tested the top contenders to find the best Thunderbolt and USB-C docks available to owners of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Thunderbolt, USB4 or USB-C The connectors all look the same (technically known as a “Type-C connector”), but there are significant differences, particularly on speed that will determine both data-transfer rate and higher external display refresh rates. USB-C: 5Gbps or 10Gbps USB4: 20Gbps or 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 and 4: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 5: 80Gbps / 120Gbps Our list Which ports does my MacBook have will show you how many USB-C or more likely one of Thunderbolt 3, 4 or 5 that you have. While an older Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) dock will be enough for most casual users, if you can stretch the budget go for a TB4 or TB5 dock as they will remain current for years, saving you money in the long term, and are backwards compatible with earlier versions and all the way back to USB-C. High-end professionals should aim for Thunderbolt 5. The dock needs one (“upstream“) Thunderbolt or USB-C port for connecting to and charging your laptop (although all recent MacBooks can also power via the MagSafe 3 port), and at least another (“downstream“) to attach further devices (hard drives, external display, and others). For more detail, read our Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 3 vs USB4 explainer. Add external displays to your MacBook If you use your laptop as your principal computer, attaching at least one larger display to create a hybrid desktop/laptop setup, with a keyboard and mouse, will boost your productivity. You can turn that 13in MacBook’s cramped screen real-estate into an iconic iMac-sized 27in or even larger screen by adding an extra display—or connect two or even four large monitors to extend your screen across your whole desk. Take a look at our recommended best monitors and displays for Mac and also the best portable monitors for Mac. You’ll get two or more Extended mode screens (where the screen extends beyond what you can see on the laptop screen) using a Thunderbolt connection (or DisplayPort/HDMI). Natively over mere USB-C, Macs can connect to only one external display in Extended mode, as opposed to Mirrored mode (which replicates exactly what you get on the laptop screen) but DisplayLink is third-party software that allows some docks to extend to up to four screens on even the most basic Mac. DisplayLink-supporting docks are also the only way that non-Pro/Max M1 and M2 MacBooks can connect more than one external display. More explained: we cover more on Mac docking stations and external displays at the end of this feature below our recommendations. Do I need a docking station? With three TB4 or TB5 and an HDMI port, a MacBook with a Max chip could connect to up to four external displays without the need for a dock, although such a power user would likely require extra Thunderbolt and other ports for more devices to make up for using all the laptop ports for multiple monitors. See below our list of recommended docking stations for more detail on the external display options with each recent MacBook. All docks come with a bunch of USB ports: some old-school USB-A and newer, more capable USB-C. MacBook Pros also have an SD card reader. Although this card reader is rated as UHS-II (312MBps), Apple has pegged it back at 250MBps, so for the fastest speeds (and a microSD slot if you need one), a dock will likely be a better choice for memory-card use if it is rated at UHS-II rather than UHS-I (104MBps). MacBooks also lack wired Internet access via an Ethernet port, so if you want to escape flaky Wi-Fi, buy a dock with at least Gigabit Ethernet, although you could add a Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter instead if you have a spare TB port. Some later docks include faster 2.5Gb, 5Gb or even 10Gb Ethernet but you’ll need a supporting router or other device to get the benefits, although these faster Ethernet ports are backwards compatible with Gigabit so will future-proof your purchase. Dock or hub? If you need just a few extra ports, a USB-C hub or Thunderbolt hub might be your best choice—see our roundup of the best USB-C and Thunderbolt hubs for Mac. However, if you require a bunch of fast ports including Gigabit (or faster) Ethernet and multiple video ports plus more powerful charging capability, then look for a full dock that fulfils your needs. We’ve reviewed the best hubs alongside the docks. USB-C and Thunderbolt speeds Simon Jary / Foundry • USB and Thunderbolt speeds explained USB PD: Power Delivery for your laptop Most docks can charge the connected MacBook, so look for the right Power Delivery (PD) rating that suits your laptop. You can’t over-power a MacBook so the simplest advice is to aim as high as you can. 70W will be more than enough to fast-charge a MacBook Air but go for 85W or more (PD 3.0) for a MacBook Pro, and 140W (PD 3.1) for the top-end 16-inch Pro. We’ve got more detailed advice on recommended MacBook charging speeds below our list of docks. Best docks for Mac 2026 Here we list the Thunderbolt and USB-C docks that we have reviewed and tested. Read the descriptions for details on all the features and functions offered by each docking station. We start with the latest Thunderbolt 5 docks as they offer the most but docks with TB4 and even TB3 might be all you need and often (not always) come in cheaper. The benefit of buying a Thunderbolt 5 dock now—even if your Mac doesn’t have it—is that it’s backwards compatible and future proofs you for your next Mac purchase. CalDigit TS5 Plus – Ultimate Thunderbolt 5 dock for Macs Pros Thunderbolt 5 20 top-end ports 10Gb Ethernet Iconic case 330W Power Delivery 140W PD 3.1 laptop charging Cons Premium price Price When Reviewed: $499.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $499.99 View Deal Caldigit $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Type: 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 Dock Ports: 20 Power: 140W PD 3.1; 330W max External displays: Up to 2x 8K at 60Hz or 1x 8K at 60Hz; 3x/4x displays using M5 Pro/Max If you desire the ultimate in MacBook docking stations, the CalDigit TS5 Plus has just about everything you need—indeed probably more than you need. Alongside super-fast Thunderbolt 5 you get an incredible number of top-end ports including 10Gb Ethernet and an incredible 330W power supply. Somehow CalDigit has included an incredible clearly labelled 20 ports into the compact dock—all of which can be used simultaneously—including ten 10Gbps USB ports (five USB-C and five USB-A), the fastest Ethernet available, top-rated card readers and audio ports front and back. There are three 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 ports: one upstream to connect to your computer and two downstream for speedy data-transfer devices. CalDigit has sacrificed a possible third downstream TB5 port for a dedicated DisplayPort in the knowledge that most dock users run at least one external display and so the extra TB5 port would be used for a monitor connection anyway. Depending on the display capabilities of your MacBook, the maximum resolution is 8K at a 60Hz refresh rate, with a possible refresh rate of 240Hz for 4K or 500Hz for 1080p HD. Advances in the top-end M5 processors mean that a MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro or M5 Max chip can now respectively attach three or four external displays from the TS5 Plus. Standard M5, M4 Pro and M4 Max and lower are still restricted to two external displays. The TS5 Plus is the first dock with dual 10Gbps USB controllers, one controller for the front ports and one for the ports at the back of the dock for increased USB bandwidth. Each of the USB ports offers 7.5W of power except the front-facing 36W USB-C port. The two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports also offer 36W. As it has the highest power supply of any dock tested here (330W), all can output at a maximum at the same time—something that’s not possible with most other docks. One upstream Thunderbolt 5 port (80Gbps, 140W) Two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 36W) Five USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W) Four USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W) One USB-C port (10Gbps, 36W) One DisplayPort 2.1 Ethernet (10Gb) UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps) UHS-II microSD card reader (312MBps) 3.5mm combo audio jack (front) Two 3.5mm In/Out audio jacks (back) 330W power supply Who should buy the CalDigit TS5 Plus? There isn’t a docking station available now that rivals the CalDigit TS5 Plus for number and quality of ports, although the iVanky FusionDock Max 2 (reviewed below) can natively handle three displays. Each port is rated as high as they go. Priced at $499 in the US (£469 in the UK) it’s significantly more expensive than the Sonnet Echo 13 ($369) and OWC ($329) and Plugable Thunderbolt 5 ($299) docks but none can match the CalDigit TS5 Plus on sheer number and speed of ports and highest-level features. Power users who want the very premium end will pay top dollar for the best. If you can cope with a little less, consider the 15-port CalDigit TS5 reviewed below. Read our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 5 Plus (TS5 Plus) review

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Apple’s first 50 years were just the beginning. Get ready for a wild 2026
Macworld Over the past couple of weeks, Apple, Macworld, and everyone else in the tech sphere spent time celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary, looking back at not just the company’s rich history, but also our own past and how Apple has played a part in it. It’s been a blast, but now it’s time to get down to business. As you read this article, Apple is now 50 years and five days old (and counting). I point that out because, as die-hards know, Apple is more interested in looking forward than looking back. So, now that we’ve had time to recover from all the revelry, it’s time to get ready for the next 50 years of Apple. And it’s set to get off to a really fast start. While the MacBook Neo might have come in just under the wire, in June, Apple will preview the much-awaited Sri overhaul that is expected to ship with version 27 of its operating systems. As we all know (perhaps begrudgingly), AI is the future of tech, and Apple has stumbled and bumbled its Apple Intelligence plan. But AI is going to be what drives Apple (and all tech companies) over the next 50 years, so it needs to get on track. That’ll start at WWDC26. Once the AI issue is settled, Apple will shift to hardware releases, and it’ll be more than the usual iPhones and Macs. In September, Apple is expected to release its first folding iPhone, also certain to be its most expensive iPhone ever. While all eyes will be on how Apple executes the hardware, the real key will be with the software and how Apple will enhance iOS so it can take advantage of the new form factor. After that, perhaps in October, Apple will reportedly release a product we thought we’d never see: a touchscreen MacBook Pro. It’ll be dramatically different, and we’ll be looking for hints at WWDC26, if we can read between the lines (or in this case, code) of macOS 27. Besides the touchscreen, the MacBook Pro is going to see a design overhaul in an effort to further differentiate the laptop from the MacBook Air and MacBook Neo. Reports also say that Apple is planning to finally release the long-reported smart home hub, or HomePad, which would act as a central station for a smart home. This product relies on Siri, so again, WWDC26 could tell us a lot of what’s going on here. But the smart home market is a place where Apple could make a major part of its next 50 years. That’s just what we could see by the end of 2026. They’re extremely important products, because they form the basis of what Apple can do in the upcoming years and into the next 50. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Apple turns 50 We picked the best products for Apple’s 50 years: 1976-1985 1986-1995 1996-2005 2006-2015 2016-2026 Apple’s top 50 most influential people of all time, ranked Macworld’s Jason Snell looks back on his own history with Apple The Macalope wonders if success has made Apple better or worse Apple gives out 50th T-shirts, pins, and posters to employees, and hosts Paul McCartney These are longtime editor Roman Loyola’s two favorite keynotes Trending: Top stories Apple’s newest Finder Guy videos are more adorable than ever Apple slashed the price of the Pro Display XDR by $400 Apple has shut down digital payments in Russia Finder Guy is back in a series of new TikTok videos Podcast of the week Podcast of the week While Apple celebrated its 50th anniversary, we took this cue on the latest Macworld Podcast and chatted with former Macworld editorial director and current Macworld columnist, Jason Snell. We talk about our favorite memories, the moments that defined the company, where it’s at, and what to expect in the future. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or our own site. Reviews corner Kensington EQ Pro Thunderbolt 5 Dock for MacBook Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock Abxylute M4 The rumor mill The upcoming new Siri might finally be able to do two things at once The iPhone 18 Pro’s smaller Dynamic Island shown in a leaked spy shot The AirTag 2 got a firmware update to tweak the unwanted tracking sound Video of the week Did you know Apple’s original logo was a lot different than the one it uses now? All is revealed in our latest short. Enjoy all our short-form video on TikTok or Instagram. @macworld.com The original Apple logo was VERY different #apple #apple50 ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Software updates, bugs, and problems The iOS 26.5 beta has arrived, but where’s the new Siri? Rare iOS update pushes critical DarkSword security fix to all phones And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

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NASA astronauts on the way to the Moon capture Earth using iPhone 17 Pro Max
The next Apple Shot on iPhone ad campaign is writing itself: the four NASA astronauts currently on the Artemis || mission are taking stunning shots of Earth, using iPhone 17 Pro Max. As confirmed on NASA’s official Flickr page, three of the published shots were taken on iPhone. The images show Earth through the window of the Orion spaceship’s capsule. more…

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Your Mac deserves better — here’s an MS Office license for under $25
Macworld TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for $24.97 — a one-time purchase that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, with no subscriptions or recurring fees. Trying to stay productive on a Mac without Microsoft Office can feel like duct-taping your workflow together. Formatting breaks, compatibility issues pop up, and suddenly, a simple document turns into a time sink. Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac cuts through that chaos — and right now, it’s available for a one-time $24.97 (normally $229). This version brings the core apps most professionals rely on — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic — into a one-time purchase that lives on your Mac without monthly fees. It’s designed to work smoothly with modern macOS features like Retina display and full-screen view, so everything looks sharp and runs clean. One-time purchase — no subscriptions or recurring costs Full suite of essential Microsoft apps for work and home Optimized for Mac performance and display features Instant digital delivery with lifetime access There are a couple of trade-offs to note: this is a 2019 version, which means no future security updates, and auto-updates need to stay off. But if you want reliable, familiar tools without ongoing costs, this setup still gets the job done. Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $24.97 before April 19 and lock in your productivity setup without the monthly bill. Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for MacSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Aulumu M10 Dual-Mag 10K Power Bank review: Space-age looks and power
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Can charge iPhone, Watch and third device at same time Fantastic looks Built-in 35W cable Cons Slow power output Larger than rivals Our Verdict If you desire this power bank’s futuristic looks you’ll have to put up with its slower wireless charging speeds. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$89.98 Best Prices Today: Aulumu M10 Multi-Charging Dual-Mag 10000mAh Power Bank Retailer Price $89.98 View Deal Aulumu £89.98 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Looking like something from a spaceship, the Aulumu M10 Power Bank will draw admiring glances, and envious ones too if the starer’s Apple devices are running low on battery. Design The Aulumu M10 Multi-Charging Dual-Mag 10000mAh Power Bank has a long name and a long body compared to most magnetic power banks. This is because, as its name suggests, it’s not just good at recharging a connected iPhone but will work with other Apple devices too—even at the same time. You could wirelessly charge an iPhone (12 and later) plus any model of Apple Watch, while using the built-in cable to charge a third USB-C device. That could be your AirPods case if it has USB-C as its charging port rather than the older Lightning port. The M10 measures 5.3 inches (135mm) long by 2.9 inches (73mm) wide and 0.7-inch (18mm) deep, and weighs 8.7oz (248g). Compared to other 10K power banks it’s bulky but remember this beast can charge three devices at once—two wirelessly. It’s better compared to similar multi-device battery packs. Rival magnetic iPhone and Apple Watch-charging power banks include the 10K Kuxiu K1 that measures 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches (105 x 69 x 20mm) and weighs 8.9oz (253g). The OneAdaptr OneGo has dimensions of 4.7 x 2.8 x 0.94 inches (120 x 70 x 24mm) and a weight of 7.8oz (220g). The M10 is noticeably longer than both those alternatives but about the same width a little slimmer, with around the same weight. Aulumu The silver-gray metallic case looks cool, as do the five indicator LEDs and the glowing light that changes color depending on what it’s doing. When charging, it pulses orange. When being charged itself, it’s more of a cool blue. The 6.3-inch (160mm) USB-C cable means you won’t have to carry around a spare cable if you want to charge faster using a wired connection. It fits into a secure notch making it a handy carry cable that you can hold or attach to another object such as your belt to backpack. The battery-life indicator is made up of five easily visible LEDs, compared to the usual four. The more LEDs the more accurate picture you have of how much power is left in the battery pack. For a four-LED display each represents 25% so is only accurate to that degree, The M10’s five mean you know within 20% what the remaining charge is. A digital display—seen with some power banks such as the Kuxiu S3—gives the most accurate reading down to a single-figure percentage. Simon Jary Old-school wireless speeds While the look is futuristic the charging speeds are a bit yesterday, so space-age in a retro rather than futuristic way. While some magnetic power banks are now rated at 25W charging power (Qi2.2), the Aulumu M10 is “MagSafe Compatible” so only 7.5W compared to the now normal 15W certified-MagSafe or Qi2. In its specs it claims a 15W maximum but for iPhones an uncertified rating means it will drop to 7.5W. We’d expect 15W as a minimum these days, but that elevel of power/speed is important only if you are in a real hurry. The low power output means it will take longer to charge an iPhone: around 90 minutes compared to 15W’s 45 minutes or 25W’s approximate 30 minutes. Aulumu If you’re not in a rush, this doesn’t matter at all, but if you need to quickly recharge your iPhone look at our other best magnetic iPhone power bank reviews—or use the 35W USB-C cable direct to the iPhone (if iPhone 15 or later) as shown above. Wired charging beats even 25W wireless and is certainly speedier than 7.5W wireless. The Apple Watch charger on the other side is rated at 2.5W, so won’t fast-charge your Watch like some of the best Apple Watch chargers that can output 5W to the Watch. When using all three outputs—wireless iPhone and Watch plus cable—at the same time, total output is 15W. Aulumu Performance The Aulumu M10 has a 10000mAh (milliamp) battery, rated at 36Wh (watt hours). In our tests using an iPhone 16 Pro, it scored 158%—meaning it completely recharged the depleted iPhone once and then again to 58% on the second charge once the iPhone had run dry again. Compared to other 10K magnetic power banks this score is not the lowest (around 140%) but also not the highest (190%), with the average being about 170%. That said, those are iPhone-only power banks without the added Apple Watch-charging module. Anyone whose Watch has died during the day will thank themselves for buying a dual-device power bank when it’s needed, rather than carrying an individual Apple Watch power bank or just losing all those Activity points while out and about. Using the 35W cable we recharged a spent 14-inch MacBook Pro to 45%, which is about the average for a 10K power bank—and again a useful tool for any tech traveler. Simon Jary Price The Aulumu M10 Multi-Charging Dual-Mag 10000mAh Power Bank is priced at $89.98 / £79. Rival multi-device power banks include the $99 Kuxiu K1 Ultra 3-in-1 MagSafe 10K Power Bank, which is faster at 25W but lacks the M10’s integrated cable, and the equally cableless $89 OneAdaptr OneGo 3-in-1 power bank (also 7.5W). Should you buy the Aulumu M10 Multi-Charging Dual-Mag 10000mAh Power Bank? We love this 3-in-1 power bank’s amazing looks and built-in cable, but the low wireless power output rather lets this multi-device power bank down if your charging needs are immediate.  

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New Macs? Apple TV? Here’s what’s coming from Apple in April
Macworld The biggest Apple event in April is definitely the company’s 50th anniversary. We have a lot of features related to the event, which was officially on Wednesday, April 1. Other than the possibility of some M5 Mac refreshes and maybe an overdue Apple TV update, there’s not much else expected in April. The OS 26.5 updates will continue their beta tests, with a small chance of going into wide release late in the month. But we no longer expect any sort of Siri overhaul until the OS 27 releases later this year, leaving precious little in the OS 26 updates. There will be new Apple TV shows and Apple Arcade games, of course. But when it comes to new hardware, again, all eyes are now on WWDC in June rather than April or May. New hardware releases Though they were announced in March, the AirPods Max 2 only started to ship at the start of April. The new model takes the existing AirPods Max hardware (including the same colors) and upgrades the audio processor from the H1 to the H2, bringing with it some new features and improvements to noise cancellation. However, there’s a lot of other hardware still rumored to arrive in the first half of 2026, any of which could arrive this month: M5 Mac mini: Apple updated its M4 laptops to M5 processors, but its desktops still run M4 chips. The Mac mini is already low on stock or sold out everywhere, so it’s probably first in line to get an update. M5 Ultra Mac Studio: Now that the Mac Pro is retired, the Mac Studio takes the crown as Apple’s fastest and most powerful desktop Mac. Apple is expected to update the current model with an M5 Ultra chip, which will bring a significant performance boost over the M3 Ultra. That might not arrive until WWDC, though. M5 iMac: Like the other desktop Macs, the iMac also still has an M4 processor. However, Apple has skipped iMac generations before, most recently with the M2, so it’s possible it doesn’t get an update until the M6. Other products are seemingly close to release, but are waiting on the new Siri: a new Apple TV 4K, new HomePod mini, and a smart home hub many are calling “HomePad.” All of these products are dependent on new Siri capabilities that are nearly two years late, and with all the new Siri features now seemingly bumped back to the OS 27 releases this fall, these products might sit on the back burner until the fall. Apps and software updates The beta testing period for iOS 26.5 (and other 26.5 releases) has begun, and still no sign of the new Siri, even in a limited capacity. There are very few new features in the OS 26.5 releases so far—more RCS encryption testing and support for ads in Maps—and we don’t have big expectations for the final release. It will most likely arrive in early May, though it could arrive in late April. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in April. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content. Your Friends and Neighbors (season 2): Jon Hamm is back to rob his rich neighbors in season 2. April 3 Outcome: A dark comedy starring Keanu Reeves as a hated celebrity trying to make amends for being so awful. April 10 Margo’s Got Money Troubles: A college dropout turns to camming when she needs money for her new baby. April 15 Criminal Record: A character-driven drama set in the heart of contemporary London. April 22 My Brother the Minotaur: When a minotaur raised by humans starts dreaming of his mythical past, he sets out on a wild adventure. April 29 Widow’s Bay: A horror-comedy about a sleepy island fishing town full of superstition and curses. April 29 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Dredge+: An absolutely fantastic Lovecraftian horror fishing game. April 2 HYKE: Northern Light(s): Top-down 2D pixel are RPG. April 2 My Very Hungry Caterpiller+: A colorful early education game for kids. Date Unpacking+: A simple cozy game in which you unpack boxes to set up and decorate rooms. April 2

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iPhone 17 Pro Max goes to space — and captures Earth
The iPhone 17 Pro Max just made history by capturing photos of Earth from space taken by NASA's astronauts during the Artemis II mission. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Shrinking co-creator teases what’s next ahead of season finale this week
Shrinking is one of Apple TV’s biggest hits, and it’s set to conclude its third season in just a few days. Here’s what to expect from the show going forward, according to co-creator Bill Lawrence. more…

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Sunday Reboot: Gift bags, China flubs, and iPhones in space
In this week's "Sunday Reboot," Apple's gift bags and artifacts get a close look, China briefly gets Apple Intelligence ahead of schedule, and iPhones go to the Moon.The iPhone 17 Pro Max is in space. Sunday Reboot is a weekly column covering some of the lighter stories within the Apple reality distortion field from the past seven days. All to get the next week underway with a good first step.This week, Apple Ireland was fined by UK regulators for seemingly breaking sanctions on Russia, an AI porn startup sued Apple over its App Store rules, and the Apple Fitness+ chief prepares to retire amid claims he introduced a toxic mental health work environment. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Brings Device-Level Age Verification to Two More Countries
11 days ago Apple launched device-level age restrictions in the U.K. There were some glitches, reports the blog 9to5Mac. For me, the experience was an entirely painless one, taking less than 30 seconds. All I had to do was tap a confirm and continue button, and Apple told me that the length of time I'd had an Apple account was used to confirm that I'm 18+. Others, however, experienced difficulties with the process timing out or failing to complete. We summarized some of the steps you can take to try to address this. Apple has since listed additional acceptable ways to verify your age. "You can confirm your age with a credit card, or by scanning a driver's license or one of the following PASS-accredited Proof of Age cards: CitizenCard, My ID Card, TOTUM ID card, or Young Scot National Entitlement Card." If you don't verify your age, then you'll be treated as a child or teenager, meaning that both the web content filter and communication safety features are switched on. Apple is continuing the roll-out in Singapore (population 6 million) and South Korea (population 52 million), the article points out, citing a new Apple support document. South Korea's law actually requires Apple to re-verify someone's age annually. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Vibe coding significantly boosted App Store review submissions in 2025
Submissions to the App Store have jumped by 84% year-over-year, with the growth of vibe coding believed to be behind the surge.Vibe coding has led to more apps being submitted to the App Store in 2025The continuing growth of AI services like ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude has helped fuel productivity in many fields, including coding. While developers have been assisted by automated tools before, AI has led to even novice coders to create bigger things beyond their capabilities.It now seems that the increased use of AI in development has resulted in more work for the App Store. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Save $150 on Apple's new M5 MacBook Air during Amazon's April sale
The lowest price ever is in effect now on Apple's M5 MacBook Air, with a weekend deal at Amazon slashing prices by $150 (and there are numerous 13-inch and 15-inch configurations to choose from).Grab the lowest price ever on Apple's new M5 MacBook Air.Apple's brand-new M5 MacBook Air, which was released in March 2026, is on sale at Amazon today, with multiple 13-inch and 15-inch configurations to choose from.Kicking off the sale is a $150 discount on the standard 13-inch MacBook Air with Apple's M5 chip. Pick up the M5/16GB/512GB configuration for $949.99, the lowest price to date on the Sky Blue and Starlight models. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iCloud email goes down for some users in an Easter Sunday outage
Apple users are encountering issues accessing iCloud, in what is a rare Sunday outage for the company's email, cloud storage, and associated services.Apple service outage iconsUsers of iCloud, Apple's online services, are reporting issues in being able to access files. Sites including DownDetector and StatusGator show a sudden surge of reports from thousands of users, encountering problems since 10 A.M. Eastern.The reported issues, for the most part, raise iCloud as being the problem. The range of issues is wide, including claims of iCloud Mail being unavailable, Find My devices disappearing in the app, and an inability to access files stored on the service. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple’s most important products of all time [Cult of Mac podcast No. 14]
This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: We reflect on Apple's most important products during the company's first 50 years. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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NASA shares Artemis II crew's iPhone shots from space
NASA has started to share images that the crew of Artemis II have taken of their trip to the Moon, including some taken on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.An Artemis II crew member's shot of Earth though a window - Image Credit: NASAMonths before the launch of Artemis II, NASA confirmed that the crew would be allowed iPhones to document the journey around the Moon. In galleries released by NASA, those first images are now back on Earth.The shots in the "Journey to the Moon" web gallery are a mix of images taken by imaging equipment brought along by the crew. While the newest standalone camera on the flight is a 2016 Nikon DSLR accompanied by some decade-old GoPro cameras, the crew were provided with a set of the iPhone 17 Pro Max for similar imaging duties. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Your book, published: This AI guides you from first word to final print
Struggling to finish your brilliant book idea? BookBud.ai writing software gives you tools you need to write the book you’ve always imagined. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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