Best laptop stands for Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2026
Macworld Apple’s MacBooks are great, but—as with all laptops—using one isn’t that great for your back or neck. Continual bowing of the head to see a screen can lead to a stiff neck and what doctors scarily call spinal stenosis, which can compress blood vessels and displace nerves—cutting off blood supply to the brain. That’s not a good thing. Your screen should be at a comfortable height that doesn’t make you bend your neck down to see it. Try to make sure your eyes are in line with the screen while sitting with a straight back. This also helps when making video calls, so the other people aren’t staring up your nostrils. Using a laptop stand also makes using a separate keyboard and mouse much easier. See our roundups of the best Mac keyboards and best Mac mouse. And, after use, you can hide away your keyboard under the raised stand on certain models. Some stands raise the laptop to eye level, and others—known as “vertical” or “closed” stands—just keep the MacBook closed for minimal desk disruption if you have connected external displays to increase your screen size—learn how to set up a second screen for a Mac. The eye-level, open laptop stands are more ergonomic, raising the MacBook screen so that you are not straining your neck muscles, shoulders and back. It should also reduce screen glare, which means less eye strain and fewer headaches. On such a stand, the MacBook’s webcam will also be at a more natural level with your head, meaning less video calls with people looking up your nose or down on your head. Buy a vertical/closed laptop stand to keep your desk tidy and free up space for other stuff—be that a charger for your iPhone, backup hard disk, or a cup of coffee. Both types of stand should also raise the laptop, raising it off the desk and keeping it cooler. If a laptop gets too hot, its performance is likely to suffer. A laptop stand also works nicely with a MacBook docking station, which can multiply the number of ports and slots available to you and allow for multiple larger displays. Some stands even have their own integrated USB-C hub, which is a very clever addition. We’ve rounded up the best laptop stands for MacBook that we can find, each with its own special features. Most mimic the clean metal lines of the MacBook range, while others think differently. Twelve South Curve Flex – Most stylish flexible MacBook stand Pros Stylish Multiple height and tilt settings Portable Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer   Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Many laptop stands are rigid and offers little flexibility. The Cuve Flex, from premium accessory maker Twelve South, remedies this limitation with both height and tilt adjustability. It can elevate your MacBook screen and camera up to 22 inches (56cm) so it can be close to eye level and aligned with an external screen if you have one. This flexibility is better for your neck, back and eyes. You can angle the MacBook’s keyboard from 0 to 45 degrees. The Curve Flex is not just flexible; it’s portable, too. It weighs 28oz (795g), folds flat and comes with a padded neoprene travel sleeve. While it costs more than the original fixed-position Curve and even cheaper Curve SE (reviewed below), and indeed many of the MacBook stands tested here, the flexibility and portability justify the extra expense. The Curve Flex is available in matte black or white. Twelve South also has a companion stand for the external display you might connect to your MacBook. The Curve Riser will put your second screen at a similar height to the laptop, and includes a handy shelf for a docking station or other device.

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Apple makes expensive app subscriptions easier to pay
You can soon pay annual app subscriptions monthly with a 12-month commitment, making expensive apps more affordable. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Please, John Ternus, bring back the Mac event
Macworld Here’s something that my editor pointed out to me the other day: The last time Apple held a Mac-specific event was in October 2023. At first, I was like, nah, that’s not right. But when I checked, it turns out that Apple hasn’t made any Mac announcements at a keynote since that Scary Fast event. At most, a recap of recent Mac releases was briefly mentioned, and that’s it. As a Mac guy, I accepted that the Mac became a lower priority for Apple, for a good reason: The iPhone is so prominent, it just has to be that way. And the Mac is into its fourth decade as a platform. It’s mature, it’s stable, it will always be here. It kind of takes care of itself. But, again, I’m a Mac guy, so I’d like to see Mac marketing events for the general public again. It doesn’t have to be every year, but we should not go nearly three years without one. And no, the Apple Experience event for the MacBook Neo doesn’t count. That was an invite-only event. There was no presentation to the general public, except for a press release and YouTube videos. And if there’s any Mac release in the last two years that called for a keynote, it’s the Neo. If you’re rolling your eyes, exasperated at what you think is a trivial request, I can see that. But you probably never watched Steve Jobs introduce the first Mac, or you never watched the introduction of the first iMac. These are iconic keynotes not just for the products they unveiled, but because they did more than introduce new computers to buy. Mac events, even the Scary Fast event from 2023, are a love letter to die-hard users. (Side note: Who was the last presenter at that event? New CEO John Ternus.) The Scary Fast October 2023 event was a Mac showcase–the last one Apple has done.Apple For a lot of us, the Mac has nostalgic value. The Mac says something about how we prefer to work, how we get things done. The Mac has a greater sense of community than any other Apple product, including the iPhone. A Mac event that celebrates that community and its users reminds everyone that the Mac is where it all started, and it’s the basis of everything that has come since. Just take a look at the reaction to the MacBook Neo. The amazement about the combination of price and quality has led to an infusion of excitement in the Mac community. But more importantly, it has led to those curious about the Mac to reach out, and what they are finding is a community that is happy to engage, willing to teach, and enthusiastic about sharing. Apple’s new CEO, who just so happens to be a Mac guy. I, like many others, am very optimistic about John Ternus’ ability to lead Apple. His decisions over the next few years, more so than any other time in recent history, are critical to Apple. We’re in a time in technology where companies need to move in certain directions to thrive, much less stay relevant. While Ternus has a lot of hard work ahead of him, reviving Mac presentation events is low-hanging fruit that would accomplish a lot. It would convey that the Mac is a top priority with Apple, and it would reinforce the bonds that make the Mac community. If the MacBook Neo tells us anything, that community is growing. Nurture that growth with Mac showcases.

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Apple is doomed because John Ternus isn’t Elon Musk
Macworld It is more than a week since Apple announced that Tim Cook would be transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman and John Ternus would be taking over as CEO, so if you think the Macalope has a “Ternus”-based pun to start this week’s column that hasn’t already been used, well, sorry, that well has been tapped bone dry. As a mythical beast who has had to endure years of Apple doomerism, it is interesting how decidedly calm everyone is about this impending transition. Sure, a few have said Ternus will have to hit the ground running on AI to overcome a perceived failure on Tim Cook’s part to dump billions into it, but for the most part, everyone has been remarkably chill, which has never been a word the Macalope would use to describe our esteemed corps of technology pundits. We are, therefore, left with only one logical conclusion: they have all been replaced by unfeeling, silicon-based lifeforms from the 8th dimension. Which… eh, okay. Even the concern over AI seems pretty unwarranted to the Macalope, though. Why? Here’s why: “OpenAI could be making a phone with AI agents replacing apps.” First of all, good luck with that. It should go about as well as other new phones that have been announced in recent years. Second, the reason OpenAI is taking this move is that it has to: AI is a service that needs to be delivered on a platform, and if you don’t own the platform, someone else is your gatekeeper. They will try pins, they will try glasses, they will try phones, they will try whatever hardware they can think of, but at the end of the day, they have to beat the iPhone. Which is why the Macalope says good luck. But there are a few reasons there has been no rending of garments over this changing of the guard. Probably the biggest one is that Tim Cook isn’t leaving the company. If Ternus needs to ask him a question like “How do I get Eddy Cue to dial it back a bit?”, he can just walk into his office. Apple also did an excellent job greasing the skids on this transition. Of course, Tim Cook has reached an age where it’s natural to wonder if he’d consider stepping down, but it’s not just because of that that we’ve been talking about this eventuality and John Ternus as his likely replacement for more than a year now. We can argue over who got it wrong and who got it right in terms of reporting this impending change, but the one who really got it right was Apple, which leaked just enough, got Ternus in front of the press just enough, and delivered the news at just the right time. 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 Finally, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is that Ternus is coming from inside Apple and from a product development discipline, no less. While the Macalope has been extremely critical of some of Cook’s decisions in the last, oh, 16 months or so (totally random timespan not at all linked to any national events), he is by and large a really tough act to follow. The fantastic growth Apple has experienced over the last 15 years, thanks to the ability to follow up on the single biggest consumer product in the history of capitalism–the iPhone–is no mean feat. (You have to caveat it with “in the history of capitalism” because fire was just slightly more popular on a percentage basis.) The one knock people have had on Cook over the years? “He’s not a product guy.” Ternus is. That knock was nonsense, of course, and it reached its fever peak when it was made into weapons-grade nonsense with one suggestion in particular. Please swallow any liquids in your mouth before you read the following suggestion, made back in 2017: “Why Apple Should Buy Tesla and Make Elon Musk CEO” Can? You? Even? Effing? Imagine? The Macalope has revisited this piece several times in the intervening years as Musk’s… [audible gulp]… unique personality… was put more and more on display and found to be severely lacking, and each time he reads the title, it makes certain parts of him clench ever tighter. Of course, no one was taking this seriously then, even the author. It was just another way to lob cheap shots at Tim Cook. Ternus is starting with a company still largely at the top of its game (government relations and macOS Tahoe notwithstanding) and a tremendous amount of goodwill. One could worry that there’s nowhere to go but down, but the Macalope is excited to see what results from this remarkable… Ternus events. Somebody probably already used that.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Securing mobile apps in the age of vibe coding
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, Alan Snyder from NowSecure joins the show to talk about MARI and the risks of LLM-generated code in mobile apps. more…

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One quick upgrade could make your PC usable again — now only $9.97
Macworld TL;DR: Upgrade your PC with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (MSRP $199) and bring it up to speed without overspending. Your Mac probably handles most of your day-to-day work, but that doesn’t mean your PC gets a free pass to fall behind. Maybe it’s a backup machine, a work device, or just the computer you keep around for specific tasks — either way, running outdated software slows everything down. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is now just $9.97 (reg. $199), making it a low-effort way to bring that machine up to speed. Windows 11 Pro introduces a cleaner interface that’s easier to navigate, along with tools like Snap layouts that help keep multiple windows organized without the usual juggling. Performance feels more responsive, and built-in security features like BitLocker and improved protections help keep your data secure without extra setup. It also includes Copilot, which is an AI assistant that can help with quick actions like summarizing content or adjusting system settings without digging through menus. It’s a small upgrade that makes a noticeable difference, especially if your PC has been running on older software for a while. Upgrading to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 before May 3 is an easy way to keep everything running smoothly. Microsoft Windows 11 ProSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Key takeaways after testing out SpeakON, an AI-powered dictation iPhone accessory
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to test SpeakON, a magnetic, AI-powered dictation accessory that snaps onto the back of the iPhone and refines transcriptions based on preset preferences. Here’s how it did. more…

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Apple accused of discriminating against unionized Towson workers
Following Apple’s decision to close its first-ever unionized store, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. Here are the details. more…

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Bambu Lab H2C review: the Cadillac of 3D printers
Bambu Lab's H2C 3D printer is a powerhouse built for professionals, easy enough for beginners to use, and comes with a price tag to match.Bambu Lab H2C 3D printerIt's been a minute since I've done any 3D printing. A couple of years ago, I got to try out the Ender 3 Neo, which I thought was neat, but ultimately couldn't justify keeping around.I thought maybe 3D printing wasn't for me. As it turns out, I was very, very wrong. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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9to5Mac Daily: April 27, 2026 – iOS 26.4.2, more on Ternus and Cook 
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 Bitwarden: Make your life easier with Bitwarden, featuring a secure, open source password manager with end-to-end encryption and seamless autofill across all your devices. more…

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Here’s what Apple showcased at ICLR 2026, one of the world’s biggest AI conferences
The fourteenth International Conference on Learning Representation (ICLR) is wrapping up today in Rio de Janeiro, closing out nearly a week of presentations, debates, and research showcases from leading AI scientists across academia and the tech industry, including Apple. Here’s what the company presented. more…

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Joanna Stern Launches Independent Media Outlet New Things
Tech journalist Joanna Stern has left The Wall Street Journal to launch an independent media outlet called New Things, promising columns, videos, and the same blend of technical accuracy and entertainment.Read original article

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App Store annual subscriptions get new discounted monthly option
If that one big sum per year for an annual app subscription is too much to pay at once, the App Store will let you break that into monthly payments.Apple is making it easier to get annual subscription discountsSubscription revenue has become an integral part of Apple Services. Developers have a few ways to draw customers into long-term usage and bigger payouts, but they require big up-front financial commitments.Apple has revealed a new payment option that could help developers offer better discounts while still getting a long-term commitment from the user. It works by offering the user an annual discount that is paid for over 12 months. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Notepad++ Finally Lands On macOS as a Native App
BrianFagioli writes: Notepad++ has finally made its way to macOS, and this time it is not through a compatibility layer. A new community-driven port brings the long-standing Windows text editor over as a fully native Mac application, built with Cocoa and compiled for both Apple Silicon and Intel systems. Instead of relying on Wine or similar tools, the project replaces the Windows-specific interface with a macOS-native one while keeping the core editing engine intact, allowing longtime users to retain the same workflow, shortcuts, and overall feel. The port is independent from the original Notepad++ project but tracks upstream changes closely, with development happening in the open. It is code-signed and notarized, and notably avoids telemetry or ads. Plugin support is being rebuilt for macOS and is still evolving, but the groundwork is in place. While macOS already has several established editors, this effort is aimed squarely at users who want the familiar Notepad++ experience without relearning a new tool. You can download the app here. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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MagSafe Monday: Scosche’s 2-in-1 Qi2 mount is the perfect car companion for summer travel
When you are looking for a MagSafe car mount, you usually have to make a hard choice right at the start of your shopping decisions. Do you want a vent mount or a dashboard mount? Vent mounts are great because they are easy to move between cars and avoid the need for adhesives on your car’s dash, but they can sometimes block your airflow. Dashboard mounts offer a more permanent feel but can be harder to get right. Scosche decided to skip that debate entirely with the Scosche MagicMount Charge Pro, which includes both options in the box. I prefer the vent mount because I love helping keep my iPhone cool on summer trips, where it can overheat by letting my AC keep it cool while it’s keeping my car cold. more…

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Apple introduces monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment on the App Store
Last month, we reported that iOS 26.5 beta 1 hinted at new App Store subscription options. Today, Apple has made that official, with developers now able to set up and test monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment ahead of the public rollout. Here are the details. more…

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Apple TV is about to have two highly acclaimed new comedies airing at once
Apple TV recently debuted one of its best-reviewed series of the year in Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and now another new comedy is about to premiere that’s also highly acclaimed—with more coming. more…

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How to find a ton of WWDC 2026 community-led events
While Apple's keynote video is typically the most memorable part of WWDC, Apple has shown off how and where developers can participate in a bunch of community events across the globe before and after the conference.More than 20 community-driven events will be held before and after WWDC 2026.Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is held in June each year, at Apple Park in California. The company uses its annual event to preview new versions of its major operating systems, with iOS 27 and more expected to debut on June 8.In-person WWDC attendees are selected through a lottery program, but even those who didn't win will have access to conference-adjacent and community-hosted events. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV’s ‘Slow Horses’ and ‘Vietnam: The War That Changed America’ win 2026 BAFTA Television Craft Awards
Last night, Apple TV was recognized with two wins at the 2026 BAFTA Television Craft Awards, as Will Smith landed for “Slow Horses” and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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FindYourTag Website Catalogs the Expanding Find My Ecosystem
Glenn Fleishman has cataloged the surprisingly diverse ecosystem of Find My-compatible products—now numbering over 70—and built a comparison website to help you navigate the options.Read original article

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Apple TV surveys subscribers about content quality, variety, and interest in sports
Apple is surveying a subset of Apple TV subscribers about how they feel the service is performing, covering content quality and variety, as well as the importance of awards and sports to their overall experience. Here are the details. more…

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Apple’s new MacBook Ultra could be exactly what I’ve been wanting
Earlier today, a new report said Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pro overhaul will actually be called the MacBook Ultra. Here’s why the new Mac sounds like the exact kind of model I’ve been wanting. more…

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Apple’s new MacBook Ultra could be exactly what I’ve been wanting
Earlier today, a new report said Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pro overhaul will actually be called the MacBook Ultra. Here’s why the new Mac sounds like the exact kind of model I’ve been wanting. more…

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Apple’s new MacBook Ultra could be exactly what I’ve been wanting
Earlier today, a new report said Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pro overhaul will actually be called the MacBook Ultra. Here’s why the new Mac sounds like the exact kind of model I’ve been wanting. more…

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Apple’s new MacBook Ultra could be exactly what I’ve been wanting
Earlier today, a new report said Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pro overhaul will actually be called the MacBook Ultra. Here’s why the new Mac sounds like the exact kind of model I’ve been wanting. more…

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WWDC 2026: Apple highlights community events in California during keynote week
WWDC 2026 is six weeks away, and we’re looking forward to Apple’s big iOS 27 reveal with a healthy side of AI-infused Siri. You don’t need a WWDC ticket to enjoy many of the developer events happening around Apple’s conference in June either. more…

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Apple’s Q226 earnings preview: Analysts project another strong quarter
Apple is set to report its fiscal second-quarter 2026 results after the market close (around 1:30 p.m. PDT / 4:30 p.m. EDT) on April 30th… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple's massive lobbying effort saves it from new App Store rules
Apple and Google have managed to defeat a California bill that would've forced them to stop favoring their own apps in digital storefronts like the App Store. All through the power of lobbying.Apple Park at nightThe tech giants are frequently the target of legislators and regulators, trying to prevent them from being too dominant. One recent attempt to curtail the influence of Apple and Google failed to become a problem because of a massive and successful lobbying operation.Senator Scott Wiener (D-CA) sponsored "Based Act," a bill to prevent tech companies from favoring their own apps and services when providing users with apps in the App Store and the Google Play Store, reports Bloomberg. The intention was to allow other apps to become more visible, instead of the platform owner's own services. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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John Giannandrea has found a new role after leaving Apple
John Giannandrea, Apple’s former AI head, wrapped his final days at Apple earlier this month after his pending departure was first reported in December. And now, it seems Giannandrea already has his next role lined up. more…

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Got $20K? Steve Jobs & John Lasseter signed 'Toy Story' book is up for auction
A rare first-edition "Toy Story" book signed by Steve Jobs will go up for auction on April 30, 2026, in Los Angeles, tied directly to the Pixar IPO that made him a billionaire.Toy Story bookNate D. Sanders Auctions will auction a rare Steve Jobs artifact on April 30, in Los Angeles. Bidding will start at $20,000, targeting seasoned collectors of high-end Apple and film memorabilia.A first-edition copy of "Toy Story: The Art and Making of the Animated Film" signed by Steve Jobs and John Lasseter anchors the lot. Their signatures tie together Pixar's financial backing and creative leadership at a pivotal moment in the company's history.An original "Toy Story" promotional brochure housed in a red leather case is also included. Added material presents the offering as a complete display piece with stronger historical context. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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