News

ClickFix attack uses Script Editor instead of Terminal on macOS

Jamf Threat Labs has discovered a ClickFix-style macOS attack that abuses the applescript:// URL scheme to launch Script Editor and deliver an Atomic Stealer infostealer payload — bypassing Terminal entirely. Unlike traditional ClickFix campaigns that instruct users...

Moonlock Lab report investigates Go-based modular stealer plaguing macOS users

MacPaw’s Moonlock Lab has investigated the origins, functionality, and distribution of notnullOSX, a new Go-based modular stealer with full backdoor capabilities. The Lab’s telemetry recorded the first detections of notnullOSX on March 30, 2026. Delivered via ClickFix...

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Opinion

Granted patent hints that Apple might make its own HomeKit-compatible security cameras

Apple has been granted a patent (number 11589010 B2) for “camera and user interfaces” that hints that the company might develop its own line of HomeKit-compatible security cameras. About the patent The patent relates generally to computer user interfaces, and...

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Monday March 16
06:07 pm
AirPods Pro 3 are $40 off right now | Macworld
AirPods Pro 3 are $40 off right now
Macworld AirPods Pro 3 View Deal There’s no reason to wait around to get yourself some new earbuds because the AirPods Pro 3 are down to $210 right now, a $40 discount at Amazon, and one of the best prices we’ve seen since all year. These earbuds are easily among our favorites, as we gave them a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed them, as well as our Editors’ Choice award. We loved how our favorite tracks sound with the buds in our ears and just how long the battery lasts, as well as the advanced active noise cancellation that effectively removes unwanted background sounds. The improved Transpacency mode will make it safer for you to use the earbuds when walking out at night, for instance. Another feature that will help when you’re working out is the integrated heart rate sensor that will give you info about your health without having to wear a smartwatch, smart ring, or other similar gadget. If you’re into traveling, the Live Translation feature will come in handy too. Plus you’ll get Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and a slew of other useful features. So grab the AirPods Pro 3 for $210 while Amazon still has the earbuds down to this price.
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06:01 pm
Apple kicks off 50th anniversary celebrations with Alicia Keys performance at Apple Grand Central in New York City | Mac Daily News
Apple kicks off 50th anniversary celebrations with Alicia Keys performance at Apple Grand Central in New York City
On March 13th, Apple kicked off celebrations for its 50th anniversary with a special performance by Alicia Keys at Apple Grand Central… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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06:00 pm
Scammers are using your own data against you this tax season, here’s how to stop them | 9 to 5 Mac
Scammers are using your own data against you this tax season, here’s how to stop them
Tax season brings more than just paperwork. It brings a surge in scams, and retirees are squarely in the crosshairs. Criminals know that older Americans are often expecting refunds, may be less familiar with digital red flags, and frequently have stable income and good credit worth stealing. The result: a flood of fake IRS messages, identity theft schemes, and impersonation attempts that arrive right when you’re most distracted. Incogni gives you the power to do something about it, and 9to5Mac readers can save 58% with promo code 9TO5MAC. more…
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06:00 pm
MagSafe Monday: Apple FineWoven Wallet review and Find My tracking | 9 to 5 Mac
MagSafe Monday: Apple FineWoven Wallet review and Find My tracking
Apple’s FineWoven material has gotten a lot of bad rap over the years. People have been incredibly critical of it since it replaced leather in the Apple lineup. This is my first time giving it a go after using the original leather Apple Find My wallet many years ago, and I wanted to see how it holds up for everyday carry. This week, I am taking a look at Apple’s FineWoven iPhone wallet with MagSafe. more…
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05:27 pm
Apple Exclaves and the Secure Design of the MacBook Neo’s On-Screen Camera Indicator | Daring Fireball
Apple Exclaves and the Secure Design of the MacBook Neo’s On-Screen Camera Indicator
“What that means in practice is that even a kernel-level exploit would not be able to turn on the camera without the light appearing on screen.”
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05:19 pm
Apple unveils new $549 H2-powered AirPods Max 2 | Mac Daily News
Apple unveils new $549 H2-powered AirPods Max 2
Apple today announced AirPods Max 2, bringing even better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), elevated sound quality, and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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05:13 pm
Amazon drops Apple's iPad 11 to $299 with March markdowns | AppleInsider
Amazon drops Apple's iPad 11 to $299 with March markdowns
Amazon's March iPad sale delivers prices as low as $299, with discounts of up to $300 off new and closeout models across Apple's tablet line.Get Apple's iPad 11 for just $299 at Amazon.Steeper discounts on Apple's iPad line are in effect at Amazon as March hits the midway point, with Apple's 11-inch iPad available for $299 thanks to a $50 discount in three colors.Buy iPad 11 for $299 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:51 pm
Apple’s AirPods Max 2 bring H2 chip, boosted ANC in April for $549 | Ars Technica
Apple’s AirPods Max 2 bring H2 chip, boosted ANC in April for $549
Apple's over-head headphones gets an update after over five years.
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04:34 pm
MotionVFX acquisition hints at new Final Cut Pro features on iPad | AppleInsider
MotionVFX acquisition hints at new Final Cut Pro features on iPad
Apple has bought MotionVFX, a firm that makes transitions, effects and plugins for the Final Cut Pro video editing app on Mac — and maybe also for iPad.MotionVFX makes it possible to subtly edit footage in Final Cut Pro with new effects — image credit: MotionVFXOne of the benefits of Apple bundling its professional audio and video tools into Apple Creator Studio has been the assumption that they will get updated more. Now with the acquisition of MotionVFX, it's certain that Final Cut Pro will get new features on the Mac, but there's also a chance they will come to the iPad."For over 15 years, we've been on a mission to create world-class, visually inspiring content and effects for video editors," says the MotionVFX company in a statement. "From the very beginning, we've been all about quality, ease of use, and great design." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:28 pm
X-VPN review: Cheap VPN with great streaming – but slower speeds | Macworld
X-VPN review: Cheap VPN with great streaming – but slower speeds
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Free plan Growing collection of server locations Great for geo-unblocking Cons Significant speed drop Five device limit is lower than rivals Our Verdict X-VPN has improved significantly and is now a solid option, especially if you want a free VPN or a low-cost service that can reliably unblock streaming platforms and social media. Its proprietary Everest protocol works well for bypassing geo-restrictions, and the service offers a transparent no-logs policy backed by an external audit. However, performance can lag behind top rivals, with noticeable speed drops during long-distance connections, so it’s best suited to casual browsing and streaming rather than speed-sensitive tasks. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$2.99 a month for 24 months/$69.99 for two year plan Best Prices Today: X-VPN Retailer Price X-VPN $2.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket X-VPN’s biggest strengths: Reliable geo-unblocking, generous free plan, and low-cost premium tier, making it an accessible VPN for users who mainly want to stream content or browse more privately without paying top-tier prices X-VPN’s biggest drawback: Its biggest drawback is a significant speed drop compared with leading VPNs, with testing showing download speeds falling by around 60% on long-distance connections. Free plan: Yes Price: $2.99/month (2-year plan) Devices: 5 Protocols: Everest, WireGuard, OpenVPN Server locations: 10,000 servers Money-back guarantee: 30 days Logging policy: No-logs (audited) I’ve spent an long time poring over Mac VPN details to help pick the best of the best, and in that time, X-VPN popped up on the periphery with many concerns over how the service handled privacy. While I can’t speak for earlier versions of X-VPN, reviewing it in 2026 makes it clear it’s a solid product that has outgrown those concerns for the most part. The Singapore-based VPN does a great job of getting around geoblocks, while also offering a series of safeguards to keep your Mac (and other devices) safe and protect your identity. There’s a free plan, which is always welcome, but it’s naturally limited to a small subset of server locations, while there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for its competitively-priced premium option, too. If you are happy to upgrade, it’s a pretty transparent service in terms of security, too, with a no-logs policy backed up by an external audit. Privacy aside, its Everest protocol is a great unblocker for just about any service. It’s not open source (such is the nature of proprietary protocols), but it does a great job at making social media and video content available just about anywhere. For more options see our round up of the Best VPN for Mac and Best VPN for iPad & iPhone. Features & Apps: How easy is X-VPN to use and what features does it include The best VPN services meet you where you need them, and X-VPN does a great job of doing that. It has options for macOS, iOS (and iPadOS), Android, Windows, and game consoles. X-VPN also abides by the long-tested VPN app philosophy of having a big ol’ button to press when you’re ready to connect, something that offers an enjoyable simplicity. I’m also pleased to see, despite the low price, that there are some more powerful features included in the paid tier. There’s a password manager, leak tests for DNS and IPv6, and an IP address checker, as well as the option to route your traffic through two VPN servers to further obfuscate traffic. A kill switch comes as standard for dropping connections if the VPN connection drops out, while Split Tunnelling is available for routing some traffic via a VPN. Foundry It’s a shame there’s a five-device limit, however. While we’re not expecting Surfshark-esque unlimited devices, it’s lower than more well-known rivals like ExpressVPN, which starts at 10. While we’re nitpicking, there are some grammatical errors on the X-VPN site that don’t inspire confidence. It’s a small thing, but in such a competitive field and when choosing who to entrust with your digital privacy, phrases like “All human deserves a free internet” might make you think twice about subscribing. Performance: How fast is X-VPN in real-world use? Foundry One of X-VPN’s biggest selling points is its proprietary Everest protocol, which claims to be a great way to get around geoblocks to access content from elsewhere in the world. In our testing, we found that pretty accurate: I was able to switch between Netflix libraries and storefronts with ease, although the 10,000 server locations aren’t as spread out as some of its rivals. For example, UK servers are based in London and Manchester, whereas other rivals offer more than just a few major cities. I do appreciate that there are servers for specific needs; however, like streaming-specific options or ones earmarked for torrent downloads. Sadly, the fly in the ointment here is speed. X-VPN offers a ‘smart routing AI’ for finding the ‘fastest server’, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, connecting from the U.K. to the U.S. knocked off around 60% of our download speeds in testing, which is a higher drop than we’re used to. A representative from X-VPN told us the company has formed an optimization task force and is rolling out additional 10Gbps servers. That should bear fruit around July 2026, but for now, it’s a steep speed drop despite the positives of getting around geoblocks. A note on Everest: The protocol here isn’t open-source, which is something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, users can’t examine the code of Everest, potentially working on improvements, but on the other, it can’t be easily cracked by bad actors, either. If it were to be opened up to the world, it would likely lose some potency as streaming services and web providers work to restrict its capabilities, but for now, it does a great job of getting around content blocks. Thankfully, OpenVPN and WireGuard are supported as alternatives should you run into any compatibility issues. Foundry Privacy & Security: Is X-VPN safe and private to use? AES-256 encryption is provided as standard, while all servers are RAM-only so data is instantly removed. That’s something of a bold step for more traditional users, however, who will no doubt feel secure just knowing the company runs a no-logs policy that’s backed up by external auditors. Better yet, you don’t even need to log in with the free plan to get the benefit of the VPN. That means you can use it without even giving away your email address. X-VPN’s Transparency Report showed the service saw over 239,000 DMCA requests, and 65 law enforcement enquiries, with none of them being responded to with identifiable user data. There’s a Dark Web Monitor built in, too, which looks for instances of your data appearing on the Dark Web so you can stay vigilant. Dark Web Monitoring,Foundry Pricing and plans: Is X-VPN good value for money? While X-VPN is naturally a better service when you’re paying for it (as is the case for just about anything in life, VPN or otherwise), it’s nice that its free plan exists. It offers a way to test the waters without needing to even give away your email (spoof or otherwise). That means you’re getting access to a VPN without giving any information away. When it does come time to pay, $69.99 covers you for two years (that’s $2.99 per month), and you can pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. It’s refreshing to see an affordable VPN with so many features, too, as covered earlier. Many of those are often tied to higher tiers with other services. Should you use X-VPN? Device limits and breadth of server locations aside, X-VPN is a much better service than you may have been led to believe in recent years. Its Everest protocol is great for just about any unblocking, and the low price (and free plan) make it easy to recommend for new VPN users, as long as you’re ok with some degree of speed drop.
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04:10 pm
Apple is the TCS London Marathon Official Performance Technology Product Partner | AppleInsider
Apple is the TCS London Marathon Official Performance Technology Product Partner
Apple has partnered with the world's biggest marathon as part of a push to encourage ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary goals.Image credit: TCS London MarathonOn April 26, athletes from all over the world will gather to participate in the 2026 TCS London Marathon. This year, Apple has been honored as the Official Performance Technology Partner."The London Marathon is one of the world's greatest sporting events and a powerful celebration of the global running community," Jay Blahnik, Apple's vice president of Fitness Technologies, said in the announcement. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:05 pm
9to5Mac Daily: March 16, 2026 – AirPods Max 2 are here | 9 to 5 Mac
9to5Mac Daily: March 16, 2026 – AirPods Max 2 are here
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily. more…
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04:02 pm
Apple TV’s ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ opens SXSW with world premiere event | Mac Daily News
Apple TV’s ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ opens SXSW with world premiere event
Apple TV celebrated the upcoming launch of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” with a star-studded opening-night premiere at the SXSW Film; The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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03:55 pm
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Premium personal audio compared | AppleInsider
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Premium personal audio compared
After years of rumors, Apple finally introduced new AirPods Max. Here's what's changed in the 2026 model compared to the first released six years ago.AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2In Apple's AirPods range, the earbud-based versions have received the most updates. There have been multiple generations of AirPods and AirPods Pro released over the years, with each bringing in new features to the lines.By contrast, Apple has largely steered clear of the AirPods Max. The premium over-ear headphones have received only one minor update since the 2020 introduction, with a September 2024 refresh switching out the Lightning connector for USB-C and doing little else. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:48 pm
Get lifetime AI investing advice for 85% off | Cult of Mac
Get lifetime AI investing advice for 85% off
Build an optimized portfolio, track performance and fine-tune your investments with a lifetime subscription to this AI investing app. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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03:46 pm
Deals: AirPods Pro 3, 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air $300 off, Titanium Apple Watch $300 off, more | 9 to 5 Mac
Deals: AirPods Pro 3, 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air $300 off, Titanium Apple Watch $300 off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by AirPods Pro 3 back down at $210 (within $10 of holiday price) just after the reveal of the all-new AirPods Max 2. We also have Apple’s M5-powered 24GB MacBook Pro with 1TB storage at $200 off launch price as well as this 24GB M4 MacBook Air at $300 off joined by Apple Pencil Pro from $65, Apple Watch Ultra 2 clearance pricing at $300 off, Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 Cell models at $300 off, and much more below. more…
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03:32 pm
Apple Maps EV Routing adds battery preconditioning for Ford Mustang Mach-E | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple Maps EV Routing adds battery preconditioning for Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is one of very few cars with support for Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay. The feature helps you plan EV trips by automatically inserting necessary charging stops along your route. One limitation of Apple Maps EV Routing, however, is that it doesn’t support battery preconditioning. According to Ford, however, this is changing. more…
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03:30 pm
F1: The Movie wins Apple its first Academy Award in three years | 9 to 5 Mac
F1: The Movie wins Apple its first Academy Award in three years
The 98th Annual Academy Awards were held last night. Apple had six nominations total, and won its first Oscar in three years thanks to F1: The Movie’s ‘Best Sound’ victory. more…
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03:22 pm
Liquid Glass is divisive now, but Apple knows where it's going | AppleInsider
Liquid Glass is divisive now, but Apple knows where it's going
Six months after public release, Liquid Glass remains as controversial as ever. Apple may be considering some mitigations in iOS 27 and so forth, but this is the future — especially if we get touchscreen Macs.Maybe Liquid Glass is controversial on Macs and iPhones, but you'd still buy one of these Apple Park models if you could — image credit: AppleIt's not at all true that everyone hates Apple's Liquid Glass redesign. What is true is that right now, it's in flux and being changed.There was never any question that it would stay. It was always going to evolve, just as Apple's iOS 7 so famously and controversially did over many years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:15 pm
Today in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display | Cult of Mac
Today in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display
On March 16, 2012, Apple introduced the third-generation iPad. The short-lived iPad 3 became the first tablet to come with a Retina display. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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03:06 pm
Apple acquires MotionVFX, maker of popular Final Cut Pro plugins and more | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple acquires MotionVFX, maker of popular Final Cut Pro plugins and more
Apple has acquired MotionVFX, the company behind popular templates and plugins for Final Cut Pro. MotionVFX announced the acquisition on its website, saying it is “joining the Apple team to continue to empower creators and editors to do their best work.” more…
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03:02 pm
Apple’s feature film ‘F1’ scores Best Sound at the 98th Annual Academy Awards | Mac Daily News
Apple’s feature film ‘F1’ scores Best Sound at the 98th Annual Academy Awards
Sunday night, at the 98th Annual Academy Awards, Apple’s history-making film “F1” won Best Sound from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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03:01 pm
Apple partnering with London Marathon: ‘Apple’s technologies support runners at every level’ | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple partnering with London Marathon: ‘Apple’s technologies support runners at every level’
Apple has been announced as an official partner of this year’s TCS London Marathon ahead of race day next month. Running and Apple already have a strong association after a decade of developing the Apple Watch to be the best run tracking smartwatch on the market. more…
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02:50 pm
F1: The Movie takes home Apple TV’s only Oscar | Cult of Mac
F1: The Movie takes home Apple TV’s only Oscar
After four nominations, "F1: The Movie" took home an Oscar for Best Sound -- another honor for the smash-hit racing flick starring Brad Pitt. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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02:42 pm
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Here’s everything new | 9 to 5 Mac
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Here’s everything new
Today Apple unveiled the long-awaited AirPods Max 2. Here’s a comparison of all the differences between AirPods Max 2 and the previous AirPods Max models with both USB-C and Lightning. more…
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02:38 pm
Big changes are coming to iOS 27, but Liquid Glass is here to stay | Macworld
Big changes are coming to iOS 27, but Liquid Glass is here to stay
Macworld Last year’s 26-branded operating system updates, including macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 as well as the iPhone’s iOS 26, were dominated by a single but very broad design change. A new look called Liquid Glass was brought in across all of Apple’s devices, introducing glass-like transparency effects and animations. This wasn’t universally popular, but according to a new report, Apple has no plans to get rid of Liquid Glass any time soon. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman argues firstly that Liquid Glass was never as unpopular as some media outlets claimed. “The idea that iOS 26 and Liquid Glass represent a crisis for Apple–or some unforgivable offense against good design that customers around the world despise–is greatly overblown,” he writes. “The vast majority of users appear happy with the update, and adoption has steadily climbed.” He goes on to claim that, contrary to one narrative, Liquid Glass was not the pet project of a few individuals who have since left the company. The design language had full buy-in from the executive team, he says, while several employees who now have more prominent roles in the design team were driving forces behind its long-term development. A sudden change of direction is unlikely. However, in a post on X, Gurman does concede that Apple is still looking at ways to give users more control over just how glassy Liquid Glass looks. Apple introduced a setting in iOS 26.2 letting users choose between “Clear” and “Tinted,” but Gurman reports it is still trying to give users granular control over the look of the interface: “Apple had been working on a systemwide Liquid Glass slider for iOS 26 to adjust the level of the glass effect. It couldn’t be pulled off for engineering reasons. Apple is trying again now for iOS 27. TBD if it lands.” But it’s clear that the opening keynote presentation at WWDC 26 won’t feature a loud mea culpa and the announcement of a new design language. (Indeed, we’ve suspected as much for some time.) But that doesn’t mean it’ll be uneventful. And Gurman believes that one major change is on the way to iOS 27 this year. In preparation for the launch of its first ever foldable in the fall, Gurman believes that Apple is preparing iOS to accommodate the larger display and multiple screen sizes of the iPhone Fold. When the device is folded up, it will behave more like the iPhones we are used to; when unfolded, somewhat like an iPad. It will support split-screen apps, for example, but not the iPad’s full multitasking capabilities. Offering a superior experience for watching video and playing games than any other iPhone, Gurman feels the iPhone Fold has the potential to be a game-changer. “The foldable iPhone promises to be one of Apple’s most exciting products in years,” he writes. iOS 27 will be announced and demonstrated at WWDC 26 in June, before rolling out to beta testers across multiple versions. The final public version of iOS 27.0 will become available in September. For all the latest news and rumors, bookmark our regularly updated iOS 27 superguide.
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02:08 pm
AirPods Max 2 pack AI-powered listening and stronger noise cancellation | Cult of Mac
AirPods Max 2 pack AI-powered listening and stronger noise cancellation
H2-chip-powered AirPods Max 2 enhance sound quality and noise cancellation and bring new features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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02:01 pm
Apple’s ongoing Siri and AI struggles ripple into hardware launch delays | Mac Daily News
Apple’s ongoing Siri and AI struggles ripple into hardware launch delays
LLM Siri is Apple's major, next-generation overhaul of Siri that shifts the assistant to a foundation built on large language models (LLMs)… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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01:48 pm
Apple drops a surprise AirPods Max 2 update | Macworld
Apple drops a surprise AirPods Max 2 update
Macworld More than five years after the first generation arrived and 18 months after the perfunctory USB-C for Lightning swap, Apple has launched AirPods Max 2. The new headphones look the same, come in the same five colors, and have the same maligned Smart Case for the same $549. The only difference appears to be the inclusion of the H2 chip, which was introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 back in 2022. Like in that model, the H2 chip brings several overdue upgrades to AirPods Max 2, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and Voice Isolation. Notably, Apple doesn’t list the AirPods Max as being compatible with its Hearing Health features, which can turn AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. The H2 chip does bring 1.5x improved Noise Cancellation and “more natural” Transparency mode. The AirPods Max 2 also bring a new high-dynamic-range amplifier for “even cleaner audio.” They still support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when listening via USB-C, as well as Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. While AirPods Max 2 is a welcome update, it’s hard not to wish these were released in 2024, if not sooner. The inclusion of the H2 chip only catches them up to the 3-year-old AirPods Pro 2, and does little to correct the flaws in the original model. And based on the frequency of updates, this model could be on shelves until 2030. But if you’ve been on the fence about buying a pair, now’s your chance. You can preorder them on March 25 for delivery “early next month.”
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01:43 pm
AirPods Max 2: Price, release date, new features and everything you need to know | Macworld
AirPods Max 2: Price, release date, new features and everything you need to know
Macworld Five years after the arrival of the AirPods Max (in December 2020) Apple has introduced that AirPods Max 2. These are Apple’s next-generation premium over-ear headphones, powered by the H2 chip and designed to deliver improved audio processing, noise cancellation, and spatial audio capabilities. They build on the original AirPods Max by refining connectivity, features, and audio performance while retaining Apple’s high-end design and ecosystem integration. In the past couple of years Apple has launched the AirPods 4 (in September 2024) and the AirPods Pro 3 (in September 2025). The only changes to the AirPods Max were updated color options and changed the adapter from Lightning to USB-C. AirPods Max 2 Buying Information: Release date and where to buy Announcement: March 16, 2026 (via Apple Newsroom press release) Pre-orders: March 25, 2026 Shipping / availability: Expected to start later in March 2026 Apple typically releases new hardware within weeks of announcement and sells it simultaneously online and through retail stores. Order AirPods Max 2 from Apple Customers can purchase AirPods Max 2 from: Apple Store (retail locations) Apple Store online Apple Store app Apple Authorized Resellers Major electronics retailers AirPods Max 2 Price: Has the AirPods Max price changed? The starting price is the same for this generation: In the U.S. the AirPods Max cost $549. Apple has historically kept the same U.S. pricing across AirPods Max revisions. In the U.K. the AirPods Max cost £499. The UK price dropped to £499 in September 2024, it was £549 at launch in 2020. Apple also typically offers: Monthly financing Trade-in credit for old devices Optional engraving when purchased directly from Apple. AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max 1: What’s New and what’s Missing? New features H2 chip for improved computational audio Improved active noise cancellation (1.5x better than original) Adaptive Audio: Adjusts sound depending on surroundings Conversation Awareness: Making it easier to talk to someone while wearing AirPods Enhanced Spatial Audio Better power efficiency Improved wireless connectivity The H2 chip powers features like adaptive audio processing and better voice isolation on newer AirPods models. What’s unchanged Overall industrial design Premium materials Control scheme (Digital Crown) High-end pricing AirPods Max 2 Audio: How have the audio features improved? One of the biggest improvements compared to the original AirPods Max is lossless audio support. Earlier AirPods Max models couldn’t deliver true lossless sound because of the way Bluetooth and Lightning wired playback processed audio signals. The newer hardware and software support means AirPods Max can now deliver 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the full detail of the original recording rather than compressing it. This means more detail and clarity in music, better reproduction of studio recordings and improved listening quality for movies and games. Lossless playback will be a benefit to those listening to music from Apple Music’s lossless catalogue. Another improvement relates to ultra-low latency audio. This reduced the delay between what is seen on screen and the sound reaching your ears – important for gaming and video. The new headphones should reduced this delay significantly. AirPods Max 2 focus heavily on computational audio. The new model uses more advanced audio processing hardware (including the H2 chip) to improve computational audio. The original AirPods Max used Apple’s H1 chip. Key audio features include: Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks environmental noise using external and internal microphones. Transparency Mode: Allows outside sound to pass through so users can remain aware of surroundings. Spatial Audio: Provides immersive surround sound with dynamic head tracking. Computational audio: Powered by the H2 chip, which enables: improved noise cancellation adaptive audio tuning improved voice clarity for calls AirPods Max 2 Color Options : Have the AirPods colors changed? Apple AirPods Max 2 generally offer configuration based on color only, with the same internal specs. The color choices are: Blue Purple Midnight Starlight Orange Those are the same color options as were introduced to the line with he 2024 color refresh. At launch the original AirPod Max were available in: Space Gray Silver Sky Blue Green Pink AirPods Max 2 Design: Has anything changed to the design? The AirPods Max retain the same premium design language as the first model. They still feature the same stainless steel headband, aluminum ear cups, and breathable knit mesh canopy that distributes weight to reduce pressure on the head. The dimensions remain similar to the original, including the 386.2g weight. Apple also hasn’t changed the design of the Smart Case. AirPods Max 2 Battery Life: Is battery life better? The new AirPods Max 2 offer the same “up to 20 hours listening time” as the predecessor.
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A look at SwitchEasy’s cases for the iPhone 13

For several days, I’ve been testing some of the SwitchEasy cases for my new iPhone 13 Pro Max. Instead of doing a lengthy review of each, following is a round-up of mini-critiques. SwitchEasy MagCrush This is my favorite of the SwitchEasy cases I tested, mainly...

A look at SwitchEasy’s cases for the iPhone 13

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Brenthaven 5-in-1 is one versatile iPad case

It’s so much more fun reviewing iPad cases than those for the iPhone or iPad because the very nature of the iPad offers designers a chance to be a bit more innovative with accessories for the tablet. Let’s face it: there’s only so much you can do with a case for the iPhone or iPod.

That’s true for the iPad, but to a lesser device. As evidence I present Brenthaven’s 5-in-1 iPad Case (http://www.brenthaven.com/ipad-catalog/5-1-ipad-case-matte-black). Weighing in at only 1.11 pounds, this multi-faceted iPad case (which measures 7.55 x 9.75 x .5 inches) performs five functions including:

Elements a must-have app for iPad-using writers

Second Gear Software’s Elements 1.0 (http://www.secondgearsoftware.com/elements/) is a great idevice app for writers, especially considering the kludgey workaround you need to sync iWork docs between an iPad and a Mac.

Review: Commuter for iPad balances price, style, protection

By ‘Doctor Dave’ Greenbaum

The name Otterbox (http://www.otterbox.com) is synonymous with quality protection for your portable devices, so having a line of cases for the iPad is a welcome addition to their family.

Generally, Otterbox cases come in the “Defender” line and the “Commuter” line. While the Defender is the ultimate in protection, the Commuter is an excellent balance of price, performance and bulk.

Kraken cases for the iPhone 4, iPad a mixed bounty

Kraken cases from Trident Cases (http://www.tridentcases.com) are named after the legendary sea monster that was big and strong (and which swallowed Jack Sparrow — but that’s irrelevant). It’s an apt name as they’ll more-than-adequately protect your idevice from falls, spills and other mishaps.

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Scanners “By The Numbers”

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