iOS 26.4 release date: Here’s when new iPhone features are coming
iOS 26.4 is a big update with lots of new features across Apple Music, Podcasts, CarPlay, and more. Here’s when to expect its public launch. more…

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iOS 26.4 fixes iPhone keyboard accuracy, here’s how
Apple released the iOS 26.4 RC to developers and public beta testers today, setting the stage for an official release as soon as later this month. Apple has also shared its official release notes for iOS 26.4, confirming that the update improves keyboard accuracy when typing quickly on your iPhone. more…

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How to take stunning selfies with the Apple Watch Camera Remote
Use the built-in Apple Watch Camera Remote app to take your iPhone selfies to the next level with these helpful tips and tricks. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to take stunning selfies with the Apple Watch Camera Remote
Use the built-in Apple Watch Camera Remote app to take your iPhone selfies to the next level with these helpful tips and tricks. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to take stunning selfies with the Apple Watch Camera Remote
Use the built-in Apple Watch Camera Remote app to take your iPhone selfies to the next level with these helpful tips and tricks. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Researchers uncover iPhone spyware capable of penetrating millions of devices
This powerful tool can silently penetrate and extract sensitive information from potentially hundreds of millions of iPhone models running… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Best MacBook for 2026: Air vs Pro vs Neo compared
Macworld Apple sells several MacBook models across different sizes and performance tiers, so choosing the right one comes down to how much you want to spend, what kind of work you do, and how much power you actually need. In this in-depth guide to buying a MacBook, we explain which MacBook is best for different users, compare the latest models, advise on how much RAM you need, how much storage is enough, and help you decide whether a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or a MacBook Neo makes the most sense for you. Which MacBook is right for you? In 2026, Apple’s laptop lineup spans three clear tiers: the budget-friendly MacBook Neo, the mainstream MacBook Air, and the high-performance MacBook Pro. Best for basic use and tight budgets: MacBook Neo
Ideal for students, casual browsing, streaming, and light productivity at the lowest entry price. Best for most people: MacBook Air (M5)
The best mix of portability, battery life, silent operation, and everyday performance. Best for professionals: MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max)
Best for demanding workflows such as 4K video editing, 3D work, heavy multitasking, and software development. Use the table below to quickly find the MacBook that best suit your needs, or read on for more detailed guide to help you choose the best MacBook for your specific needs. ModelBest ForStarting PriceKey SpecsMacBook NeoStudents, casual users, and first-time buyers.$599 ($499 for education)A18 Pro chip, 13-inch display, 16-hour battery MacBook Air (M5)Most users; perfect balance of power and portability.$1,099 (13-inch) / $1,299 (15-inch)M5 chip, 13.6 or 15.3-inch display, 18-hour battery MacBook Pro (M5)Users needing sustained performance and better displays.$1,599 M5 chip, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 24-hour battery MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max)Creative pros, developers, and high-end video editors.$2,199 (Pro) / $3,599 (Max) M5 Pro/Max chip, Thunderbolt 5, up to 128GB RAM Table: The best Mac for various use cases. Apple’s MacBook lineup 2026: Overview As of March 2026, Apple’s MacBook range falls into three categories: the budget MacBook Neo, the mid-range MacBook Air, and the high-performance MacBook Pro. As you can see from the MacBook specs table below, the current generation is defined by Apple’s latest chips, including the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max, while the entry-level MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro. ModelScreenChipPortsBattery LifeStarting priceMacBook Neo13-inchA18 Pro2x USB-C16 hours$599MacBook Air 13-inch13.6-inchM52x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe18 hours$1,099MacBook Air 15-inch15.3-inchM52x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe18 hours$1,299MacBook Pro 14-inch14.2-inchM5/M5 Pro/M5 Max3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe22-24 hours$1,699MacBook Pro 16-inch16.2-inchM5 Pro/M5 Max3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe22-24 hours$2,499Table: MacBook line up since March 2026. Which MacBook is best in 2026 Below we recommend the best MacBooks for various users, from students and every day users, to professionals, creatives and content creators. We also compare MacBook Air or MacBook Pro for those wondering which model to buy. Below this section you can find general advice about choosing the best specs, including screen size, when purchasing a new Mac. Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) – The best MacBook overall Price When Reviewed: From $1,099 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,049 View Deal $1049 View Deal $1049 View Deal $1099 View Deal $1191.04 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The MacBook Air (M5) is the best MacBook for most buyers because it offers the strongest balance of price, portability, battery life, and performance. The 13-inch MacBook Air is light, quiet, fast enough for everyday work, and easier to recommend than any other Mac laptop. The latest version, updated in March 2026, keeps the same winning formula while improving storage and connectivity. What’s newThe latest MacBook Air adds the M5 chip, doubles base storage to 512GB, and supports newer wireless standards including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Why we recommend the MacBook Air Excellent balance of performance and portability Silent fanless design Long battery life Strong everyday performance for work, school, and travel Now ships with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage as standard SizesThe MacBook Air comes in two sizes: 13-inch MacBook Air, 13.6-inch screen: Best for portability 15-inch MacBook Air, 15.3-inch screen: Better for multitasking and split-screen work DisplayAs you can see from the above measurements, the display, when measured diagonally is a little larger than the standard naming would suggest. As a result the 13-inch MacBook Air display is actually larger than that on the 13-inch MacBook Neo, discussed below. The MacBook Air uses a bright Liquid Retina display, but it still lacks the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and HDR capabilities found on MacBook Pro models. PerformanceThe M5 chip in the MacBook Air is fast enough for office work, school tasks, web apps, multitasking, and light creative work. Because the Air has no fan, though, performance can dip during long video exports or other sustained heavy workloads so that the temperature remains optimal. Battery lifeBattery life is excellent, making the Air a great choice for anyone who works away from a desk. It offers more battery life than the budget-friendly MacBook Neo, but falls short of the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Other specsYou get MagSafe 3 for charging and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. The MacBook Air also supports up to two external displays. (Older M1 and M2 models were limited to one external monitor). 16GB RAM to 32GB RAM From 512GB to 4TB SSD Price 13-inch MacBook Air: Starts at $1,099/£1,099 15-inch MacBook Air: Starts at $1,299/£1,299 What to know before buyingThe Air’s biggest limitation is sustained performance. It is quick for most tasks, but it is not the right machine for users who regularly push their system for long periods. Read our full Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review Apple MacBook Neo – Best budget MacBook Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $595 View Deal $597 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The MacBook Neo is the cheapest way to buy a Mac laptop in 2026. Starting at $599, it is aimed at students, first-time Mac buyers, and casual users who mainly browse the web, stream video, join video calls, and work in basic apps. Despite its lower price, it still looks and feels like a MacBook, with an all-aluminum design and a lightweight chassis. Who is MacBook Neo for?The MacBook Neo is best for people whose computing needs are simple: web browsing, email, documents, streaming, and schoolwork. Why we recommend MacBook Neo Lowest price in the lineup Light and portable Quiet fanless design Good battery life Fast enough for basic everyday use SizesThe MacBook Neo comes in just one size: 13-inch MacBook Neo, 13-inch screen Display Like the MacBook Air the MacBook Neo offers a Liquid Retina display with max 500 nits brightness, but that’s where the similarities end. The display is slightly smaller than the display on the 13-inch MacBook Air, offering 2,408 by 1,506 pixels compared to 2,560 by 1,664 pixels. It also lacks the wide color P3 and True Tone technology of the other MacBooks, offering only sRGB color. Performance The MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip – the same processor first introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro. While it is a mobile-class chip, its performance is optimized for a laptop environment, offering a highly responsive experience for everyday productivity. In our tests it proved faster than the M3 in single-core, while equal to the M1 when it came to multi-core performance and graphics. Battery life The budget-friendly MacBook Neo provides a modest but sufficient “all-day” battery for general productivity. In our tests it was slightly under Apple’s claimed 16 hours video playback. While this is the lowest battery life in the current Mac lineup, it it competitive against Windows laptops at the same $599 price point. Other specsYou get two two USB-C ports, but these are not identical in capability, one being USB 3 and the other USB 2. See MacBook Neo ports explained. The MacBook Neo only supports one external display with a resolution of up to 4K at 60Hz. 8GB RAM 256GB or 512GB SSD Price Starts at $599/£599 Education pricing starts at $499/£499 What to know before buyingThe Neo makes several trade-offs to achieve its low price, including the absence of a backlit keyboard, a limited selection of ports, and no Touch ID on the base model. It also features a lower-quality display compared to the Air and Pro, offers less memory with a maximum of 8GB RAM, and delivers lower sustained performance than M-series MacBooks. For many buyers, the $699 model represents better value, as it includes Touch ID and additional storage. AlternativesThe MacBook Neo is the best budget MacBook, but it is best suited to light workloads. If you can spend more, the MacBook Air remains the better long-term buy for most people. Another option, if a low price is your top priority, is a refurbished MacBook. Look out for clearance deals on older Apple silicon MacBooks, but avoid the older Intel-based models. Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026) – Best MacBook for creatives & professionals Price When Reviewed: $2,199 Best Prices Today: Retailer   Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you regularly edit 4K video, render 3D scenes, compile large code projects, or run demanding professional software, the MacBook Pro is the MacBook to buy. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are Apple’s most powerful laptops, offering better sustained performance, more ports, stronger display technology, and much higher memory ceilings than the MacBook Air. Why we recommend MacBook Pro Faster performance under heavy sustained workloads Better display with ProMotion and HDR More ports, including HDMI and SD card Higher RAM and GPU options Better support for multiple external displays SizesThe MacBook Pro comes in two sizes: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 14.2-inch screen: Best for portability 16-inch MacBook Pro, 16.2-inch screen: Better for multitasking and split-screen work Display The MacBook Pro uses Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display, with higher brightness, better contrast, and ProMotion support up to 120Hz. Performance The MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, released in March 2026, represent a significant architectural shift for Apple through the introduction of “Fusion Architecture”. This design combines two 3nm dies into a single unified system on a chip (SoC), allowing Apple to scale performance and efficiency more effectively than previous generations. There are three chips to choose from in the MacBook Pro line up: M5: Good for users who want Pro features without stepping up to the Pro or Max chips M5 Pro: Ideal for software development, 4K editing, and heavier multitasking M5 Max: Best for 3D animation, high-end video production, AI workloads, and the most demanding creative tasks Battery life Battery life is outstanding for a performance laptop, with the larger MacBook Pro model offering the best endurance in the MacBook range. Other specsThese models offer the broadest port selection in the lineup and are best suited to photographers, video editors, and other professionals who plug into external gear frequently. From 16GB RAM or 24GB RAM to 128GB RAM From 1TB or 2TB to 8TB SSD What to know before buyingThe MacBook Pro is heavier and more expensive than the Air, so it only makes sense if you will actually use the extra performance and features. MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Should I buy a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? The M5 MacBook Air and M5 MacBook Pro are different in some significant ways.Foundry Choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is straightforward if you want maximum performance and have a larger budget, as only the MacBook Pro can be configured with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. However, deciding between the similarly specced M5 MacBook Air and M5 MacBook Pro is less clear-cut. The key differences centre on thermal design, display quality, and connectivity. While both use the M5 chip, the MacBook Pro is built for sustained professional workloads, whereas the MacBook Air prioritises portability and silent operation. One significant distinction is cooling. The MacBook Pro features active cooling with a fan, allowing it to maintain peak performance during demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering. The MacBook Air, by contrast, uses a fanless design, making it completely silent but more prone to performance throttling under heavy load. Display quality is another major differentiator. The MacBook Pro offers a superior Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (up to a 120Hz refresh rate) and significantly higher brightness, reaching up to 1,000 nits for SDR and HDR content. The MacBook Air uses a standard Liquid Retina display, limited to 500 nits and without HDR or adaptive refresh rate. The Pro also provides a wider selection of ports, a more advanced audio system, and longer battery life, making it better suited to professional workflows. The Air, however, remains thinner and lighter – for example, the 13-inch model weighs just 2.7 pounds – making it ideal for portability. Price is another factor. The Air is more affordable, although the gap narrows when upgrading storage and memory to match the Pro. Why choose the MacBook Air? The MacBook Air is the better option for students, office users, travelers, and anyone who wants a light, quiet laptop for everyday work. Reasons to buy the Air Thinner and lighter Silent fanless design Lower price Excellent battery life Plenty of performance for everyday tasks Why choose the MacBook Pro? The MacBook Pro is built for people who push their system harder and need better sustained performance, more ports, and a better display. Reasons to buy the Pro Faster under heavy workloads Better screen Wider port selection Higher memory and GPU configurations Better for video editing, development, and pro creative apps What about MacBook Neo? If your budget is much tighter and your needs are basic, the MacBook Neo is the entry point. It gives you macOS at a much lower price, but with more compromises than the Air. MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Key differences Choosing between a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro is primarily a decision between portability and sustained power. With the recent launch of the M5 series, the gap in performance has widened, particularly for users with demanding workflows. MacBook Air is lighter and cheaper MacBook Air uses fanless cooling MacBook Pro is faster under sustained load MacBook Pro has better ports and display options MacBook Pro supports higher-end RAM and GPU configurations The table below shows the key differences between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air: FeatureMacBook Air MacBook Pro Starting Price$1,099$1,699Display13.6″ or 15.3″ Liquid Retina (500 nits)14.2″ or 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR (1,600+ nits, ProMotion)ProcessorM5M5, M5 Pro, or M5 MaxBattery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 24 hoursPorts2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe3x Thunderbolt 4/5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafeCooling FanlessActive coolingSSDUp to 4TBUp to 8TBRAMUp to 32GBUp to 128GBComparing the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Best MacBook for specialist cases Not everyone will fit into one of the categories we have addressed above. If you work in the creative industries, development, machine learning, or software engineering, or other high performance use, we’ll address the best MacBook for you next. Best MacBook for video editing and creative work: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $2,199 Best Prices Today: $2071 at Walmart | $2,149 at Amazon | $2149 at B&H The MacBook Pro is the best MacBook for video editing and creative work, especially if you regularly work with large files, high-resolution footage, or GPU-heavy apps. These models are built for demanding workflows and offer the sustained performance, display quality, memory headroom, and connectivity that creative professionals need. The following are reasons why crestives choose the MacBook Pro: Active cooling for long renders Stronger GPU performance Higher RAM ceiling Better display for color-critical work Better external monitor support Runs: Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and more Best MacBook for enthusiast creators: 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5) We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB, 1TB, 2025) Price When Reviewed: $1,699 (was $1,799) Best Prices Today: $1499 at Walmart | $1,499.99 at Amazon | $1599 at B&H The M5 MacBook Pro is the better middle ground if you want more than the Air offers, but do not need the full cost or power of an M5 Pro or M5 Max. Best MacBook for developers: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $3,899 Best Prices Today: $3642 at Walmart | $3,849 at Amazon | $3849 at B&H For professional developers, the MacBook Pro remains the strongest option. It is better suited to large codebases, longer compile times, virtualization, multiple displays, and heavier sustained workloads. It offers a good balance of price and performance for most engineers. The following are reasons why developers choose the MacBook Pro: Better thermal management for long build sessions More RAM options Better support for external displays More overhead for containers, emulators, and heavier dev tools Best MacBook for heavy workloads: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max) The M5 Max chip is best for AI development, complex simulations, or users who need the highest memory ceiling. Best MacBook for gamers: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $3,599 Best Prices Today: $3549 at B&H | $3,549.99 at Amazon | $3599 at Apple While Windows PCs still hold a performance lead in raw frames per second, Apple Silicon has made high-end gaming a viable reality on macOS, particularly with the latest Pro and Max models. The M5 Pro MacBook Pro, updated in March 2026, strikes a balance for those who need “oomph” for gaming without the extreme price tag of the M5 Max version of the MacBook Pro. It includes Thunderbolt 5 ports for high-speed data transfer and supports more unified memory than the base M5. It is specifically recommended for “serious gaming” and moderate media production. The M5 Pro model lacks the massive GPU core count of the Max chip, meaning it may struggle with the highest settings on the most demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077. In our real-world gaming benchmarks, it provides “good results” for Mac users, even if it still faces a gap compared to dedicated PC gaming rigs. See our round up of the Best Games for Mac to see which A-list games are available to play. Is MacBook Air good enough? Eugen Wegmann The MacBook Air may suffice in some cases: Creatives: The Air works well for light creative work, especially photo editing, design, and shorter video projects. It is not as strong in sustained workloads, but it is much easier to carry and costs less. Development: The MacBook Air is still a good choice for lighter software development, especially for web development, scripting, and general programming. It is best for developers who prioritize portability over maximum sustained speed. Gaming: The M5 MacBook Air features a third-generation ray-tracing engine and enhanced shader cores, which Apple says improves 3D rendering and gaming tasks. However, in our tests the lack of active cooling caused performance to dip after playing for 10 minutes or so. You can play casual games just fine, but for a variety of reasons, if you’re into AAA gaming, the Air isn’t the best choice. Other MacBook buying decisions to consider When buying a MacBook, it’s important to consider how you will use it, as this will determine the right balance of performance, portability, and price. Key factors to consider include which chip you require, how much RAM you will need for multitasking, and the size of the SSD required for storage, all of which cannot be upgraded later. Screen size affects portability and productivity, screen quality is key for creative work, while battery life matters if you work on the go. You should also think about weight, port selection, and long-term value to ensure the device meets your needs both now and in the future. In the next section we’ll examine these elements of the buying decision. Best MacBook display and screen size Foundry The best MacBook screen size depends on how much portability, screen space, and display quality you need. Best MacBook screen sizes Best size for most people: 13-inch MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro Best size for portability: 13-inch MacBook Air or MacBook Neo Best all-around Pro size: 14-inch MacBook Pro Best large-screen option without Pro pricing: 15-inch MacBook Air Best for maximum workspace: 16-inch MacBook Pro The 13-inch and 14-inch MacBooks offer the best balance of portability and usability. The larger 15-inch and 16-inch options are ideal if you want more room for spreadsheets, side-by-side apps, or general multitasking. How MacBook displays compare Apple’s laptop lineup features three distinct display tiers: the budget-oriented MacBook Neo, the consumer-focused MacBook Air, and the professional-grade MacBook Pro. While all models now utilize “Liquid Retina” branding, the underlying technologies – ranging from standard LED to advanced mini-LED with XDR – create significant differences in brightness, color accuracy, and motion smoothness. MacBook Pro: Liquid Retina XDRThis is the best display in the lineup. It uses a mini-LED backlight array to achieve better contrast and higher brightness. The display provides 1000 nits sustained XDR brightness, 1600 nits peak (HDR content only); 1000 nits SDR brightness. Only the MacBook Pro features ProMotion technology, which allows for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling and more responsive UI animations. MacBook Pro also offers an optional Nano-texture glass with a matte finish that significantly reduces glare in bright environments. MacBook Air: Liquid RetinaBright and sharp enough for most people, with good color quality but without the advanced features of the Pro. Like the Pro and unlike the Neo, the MacBook Air supports P3, offering richer reds and greens for photo and video work. MacBook Neo: standard Liquid RetinaA decent display for the price, but it makes more compromises in color and overall quality. The MacBook Neo is the first modern MacBook to omit support for the P3 wide color gamut, sticking instead to the older sRGB standard. While this is sufficient for general web browsing, it marks a clear visual step down from the MacBook Air. The MacBook Neo is unique in the current lineup for not having a display notch; instead, it houses its 1080p camera in a traditional, slightly thicker upper bezel. External display supportIf you work mainly at a desk, built-in screen size may matter less because modern MacBooks can be paired with external monitors to create a much better workstation setup. For more advice read: How to use two or more monitors to a Mac. MacBook Neo: Supports only one external display up to 4K at 60Hz. MacBook Air (M5): Supports up to two external displays at 6K/60Hz. MacBook Pro (M5 Pro): Supports up to three external displays natively. MacBook Pro (M5 Max): Supports up to four external displays. You can compare the screen options in the table below: ModelScreen SizePanel TypeMax BrightnessColor GamutRefresh RateDisplay TechnologyTrue ToneMacBook Neo13-inchLED-backlit LCD500 nitssRGB60HzLiquid Retina (sRGB)NoMacBook Air13.6-inchLED-backlit LCD500 nitsP3 Wide Color60HzLiquid Retina (P3)YesMacBook Air15.3-inchLED-backlit LCD500 nitsP3 Wide Color60HzLiquid Retina (P3)YesMacBook Pro14.2-inchMini-LED (XDR)1,600 nits (Peak HDR)P3 Wide ColorUp to 120Hz (ProMotion) Liquid Retina XDR (ProMotion)YesMacBook Pro16.2-inchMini-LED (XDR)1,600 nits (Peak HDR)P3 Wide ColorUp to 120Hz (ProMotion) Liquid Retina XDR (ProMotion)YesHow the screens compare across Apple’s range of MacBooks. Best MacBook for battery life: MacBook Pro If battery life matters most, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models currently lead Apple’s laptop lineup, with the best official endurance figures. Both are rated by Apple for up to 24 hours of video playback. While the Pro models lead in official ratings, real-world testing shows that the entire current lineup – including the new budget-friendly MacBook Neo and the M5 MacBook Air – delivers “all-day” endurance. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip and the 16-inch model with the M5 Pro chip currently hold the record for the best battery life ever in a MacBook at 24 hours. The MacBook Air is one of the best choices for buyers who want strong battery life in a lighter, cheaper package. The MacBook Neo trails the rest of the lineup, but still delivers respectable endurance for its price class. See: MacBook Air, Pro and Neo batteries compared. You can compare battery life in the table below: ModelBattery CapacityVideo Playback (Apple)Video Playback (Apple)16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max)100WhUp to 24 hoursUp to 17 hours14-inch MacBook Pro (M5)72.4WhUp to 24 hoursUp to 17 hours14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)72.4WhUp to 22 hoursUp to 14 hours15-inch MacBook Air (M5)66.5WhUp to 18 hoursUp to 15 hours13-inch MacBook Air (M5)53.8WhUp to 18 hoursUp to 15 hours13-inch MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)36.5WhUp to 16 hoursUp to 11 hoursCompare battery life across Apple’s MacBook range. How much RAM do you need? For most buyers in 2026, 16GB of RAM should be the minimum. That is the sweet spot for a MacBook you plan to keep for several years. However, the MacBook Neo ships with only 8GB RAM, and there are no options to upgrade this capacity at the time of purchase or later. Whether this is enough RAM depends entirely on your specific use case, as the device is positioned as a budget-friendly entry point into the Mac ecosystem. For the target audience – students, teachers, and casual users – 8GB of RAM should be sufficient for general productivity. A significant concern regarding the 8GB capacity is its long-term viability. MacBook memory is not upgradeable after purchase. If you expect to keep your laptop for a long time, it is worth buying more RAM upfront if your budget allows. RAM recommendations by user type Casual users and students: 16GB recommended. 8GB is workable for very light use, but not ideal for longevity. Creative work and gaming: 24GB to 32GB is the safer target. Professionals and AI-heavy workflows: 48GB to 128GB, depending on workload. You can compare RAM options in the table below: MacBook ModelBase RAMMaximum RAMMacBook Neo8GB8GBMacBook Air (M5)16GB32GBMacBook Pro (M5)16GB32GBMacBook Pro (M5 Pro)24GB64GBMacBook Pro (M5 Max)36GB128GBCompare RAM allocation across Apple’s range of MacBooks. How much storage do you need for a MacBook? 256GB: Fine for cloud-first users with light local storage needs, but it can fill up quickly. 512GB: The better starting point for most people. It gives you more breathing room for apps, files, photos, and offline media. 1TB or more: Best for media professionals, developers with larger local workloads, or anyone who works with large files regularly. Determining the best storage capacity for a MacBook depends heavily on your specific workflow, as internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase. While Apple previously offered 256GB as a baseline, most current models now start at 512GB or 1TB to accommodate the increasing space requirements of modern operating systems and applications. For most buyers, 512GB is the practical minimum if the budget allows. Experts now generally advise against 256GB drives for primary machines. Furthermore, SSDs can slow down significantly as they fill up. A common rule of thumb is to “buy at least twice the capacity of what you need to store” to maintain performance and account for drive wear. Storage (SSD) recommendations by user type Casual users and students: 512GB recommended. Sufficient for documents, web browsing, and light media use. General Productivity: 512GB to 1TB recommended. For users with moderate photo libraries and some video projects. Creative Professionals: 1TB to 2TB+ recommended. Necessary for 4K video editing, large high-resolution photo libraries, and professional audio suites. High-End Workflows: 4TB to 8TB recommended. For 3D animation, AI development, and massive video production projects. Is there a difference between SSDs in Apple’s MacBooks There are significant differences in SSD performance, capacity, and technology across the current MacBook lineup. In March 2026, Apple introduced faster storage technologies for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. The most notable differences lie in the read/write speeds, which vary based on the model’s processor and the physical capacity of the drive: MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max): The M5 Pro and Max models, released in March 2026, feature the fastest internal storage in the lineup. Apple claims these SSDs are up to twice as fast as the previous generation. MacBook Pro (M5): Apple also claimed the SSD in the M5 model, which launched in October 2025, delivers up to 2x faster read/write performance than the predecessors. MacBook Air (M5): The M5 MacBook Air also received a similar storage speed boost with the March 2026 update. MacBook Neo: The MacBook Neo uses a slower SSD to maintain its lower price point. Compare storage options in the table below: MacBook ModelBase StorageMaximum StorageMacBook Neo256GB512GBMacBook Air (M5)512GB4TBMacBook Pro (M5)1TB4TBMacBook Pro (M5 Pro)1TB8TBMacBook Pro (M5 Max)2TB8TBCompare SSD options for MacBooks. Which MacBook chip should you choose? Choosing the right MacBook chip in 2026 depends on your specific workflow, ranging from basic productivity to high-end professional creative work. Apple’s current lineup features the M5 family (M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max) and the budget-friendly A18 Pro. Apple’s MacBook chips currently fall into four clear tiers. A18 Pro: Best for basic users who want the cheapest MacBook possible. M5: Best for general users, students, and office work. M5 Pro: Best for photographers, editors, programmers, and users with heavier workloads. M5 Max: Best for high-end creative work, large AI models, 3D production, and anyone who needs the most performance possible in a MacBook. See our Mac processor comparison to find out how different generations of Mac chips compared. Compare processor and GPU options in the table below: FeatureA18 Pro M5 M5 Pro M5 Max MacBooks(s)MacBook NeoMacBook Air & MacBook ProMacBook ProMacBook ProCPU Cores6-core10-coreUp to 18-core18-coreGPU Cores5-coreUp to 10-coreUp to 20-coreUp to 40-coreMax Memory8GB32GB48GB128GBPorts SupportUSB 2/3Thunderbolt 4Thunderbolt 5Thunderbolt 5ArchitectureMobile-classStandard SoCFusion (Dual-die)Fusion (Dual-die)Best ForBudget choice for students & basic tasksMainstream choice for general consumersSoftware development, 4K video editing, photo editing Extreme processing power, massive memory capacityCompare chip options for MacBook Air, Neo and Pro. FAQ 1. Is a MacBook Air powerful enough? Yes. For most people, the MacBook Air is more than powerful enough for everyday work, school, multitasking, web use, and light creative tasks. 2. Which MacBook lasts the longest? For battery life, the MacBook Pro models lead the lineup, with 24 hours of playback. 3. Should I buy a refurbished MacBook? A refurbished MacBook can be a good value, especially if you buy Apple silicon rather than Intel. Just make sure the price gap is meaningful and the machine still has enough life left to justify the purchase. 4. Is a MacBook worth it compared to a Windows laptop? That depends on your priorities, but MacBooks are often worth it for buyers who want strong battery life, premium build quality, excellent trackpads, and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. 5. How long will a MacBook last? The typical lifespan of a MacBook is generally between five and eight years, though this depends heavily on a combination of hardware durability and ongoing software support . While the physical components are built to last, Apple eventually classifies older models as “vintage” or “obsolete,” which limits your ability to get official repairs and parts. Find out more here: How long do MacBooks last: Lifespan, support and when to upgrade. Why you can trust Macworld Macworld has been covering everything Apple related since our first issue which arrived alongside the original Mac in 1984. Nobody knows Apple better, except probably Apple, but the difference is that we are completely impartial. We are made up of a team of experts with decades of experiences with Macs and other Apple products, and between us we have reviewed every Apple product meaning we are uniquely positioned to provide buying advice. Which MacBook should you buy Most people should buy the MacBook Air because it offers the best balance of performance, battery life, portability, and price. Choose the MacBook Pro if you regularly edit video, compile code, create 3D work, or run other demanding professional software. Choose the MacBook Neo if your budget is tight and your needs are basic, but be aware of the compromises.

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iOS 26.4 upgrades one of my most-used Control Center features in a big way
iOS 26.4 is launching soon, headlined by many new features in Apple Music. There’s also a music-related improvement to Control Center in iOS 26.4: Shazam song recognition will now work even when you’re offline. more…

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Perplexity's Comet AI-powered browser arrives on iPhone with a new surfing paradigm
After hitting the Mac earlier, Perplexity's Comet browser is now on iPhone and focuses on using AI to summarize and extract information instead of relying on tabs, surfing, and search results.Perplexity search interfaceThe release follows a short prelaunch period with App Store listings and a March window. It builds on earlier versions on Mac and other platforms that positioned Comet closer to an AI interface than a conventional browser.On iPhone, the focus shifts toward working with the information contained instead of just rendering pages. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Amazon is blowing out remaining Apple Watch Ultra 2 inventory at $499
Amazon is clearing out remaining Apple Watch Ultra 2 inventory, with a new record-low price in effect thanks to a $300 discount.Save $300 on remaining Apple Watch Ultra 2 styles at Amazon - Image credit: AppleThe $499 deal at Amazon delivers the lowest price ever on the last-gen 49mm wearable with a titanium case.Buy Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $499 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Why rent cloud storage? Own 2TB for life for just $76.
This user-friendly platform makes it simple for anyone to manage their digital assets. Save on a 2TB lifetime FileJump cloud storage plan. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple highlights 13 enhancements coming to iPhone with iOS 26.4
Apple has released the first iOS 26.4 RC build, highlighting 13 enhancements coming to your iPhone, and that means three things. more…

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RC builds of iOS 26.4, macOS 26.4 arrive as release draws near
Apple's first RC builds for 26.4 have surfaced, with the new builds of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 out as the release to the public gets closer.Apple's hardware that works with the 26-generation operating systems - Image Credit: AppleThe release candidate builds for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 arrive after the fourth developer betas, which were brought on on March 9. The third landed on March 2 for most, March 3 for macOS.The second round appeared on February 23, and the first round arrived on February 16. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple debuts RC for tvOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, and more
Beta testers, the RC (Release Candidate) versions of tvOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, and more are now available. Here’s what to expect. more…

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PSA: Spotify investigating outage that’s kicking users off their plans
If you’re having trouble accessing Spotify this afternoon, you’re not alone. The streaming music service has confirmed an ongoing issue causing some listeners to be kicked off their subscription. more…

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macOS 26.4 RC now available for developers
Following last week’s rollout of beta 4, Apple is now rolling out the macOS 26.4 Release Candidate. Here’s what to expect. more…

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Apple releases iOS 26.4 RC for iPhone with upcoming features
The first iOS 26.4 release candidate is now available. iOS 26.4 includes a number of exciting new features and changes, including new emoji and AI-powered Apple Music updates. more…

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iPadOS 26.4 RC available now, and public launch soon
Apple just shipped the RC (Release Candidate) version of iPadOS 26.4 for testing, which means the public launch is coming very soon. Here are the details. more…

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iPhone 18 Pro models expected to get exclusive camera upgrade
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just six months from launch, and fresh rumors point to at least one significant camera… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Demanding spatial apps can now stream directly to Vision Pro
Nvidia CloudXR for visionOS can handle graphically intensive games, sims and 3D apps for use with the Vision Pro headset. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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This clever 4-port Twelve South charger that never gets lost is $50 off today
Macworld Twelve South PlugBug, 120W View Deal There are plenty of chargers out there, but this is the only one that checks off all of these boxes: Four USB-C ports, downward-facing ports for neat cable management, 120W of power, and FindMy support. Now available for $70 you can save $50 on its usual $120 MSRP. As we mentioned, this charger comes with four USB-C ports that should be more than enough to charge all your gadgets at once, including your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. You’ll also get dynamic power allocation, so power will be split between all ports when multiple are in use. If all four ports are in use, for instance, one of them will cap at 50W, while the others will deliver less power. When only one of them is in use, all the 120W will be delivered through it. Either way, your gadgets will get charged in no time. The beautiful part about the Twelve South PlugBug is that it comes with a slim and compact design and downward-facing ports, which make for a neat look. When you’re traveling, the foldable prongs will be super helpful too, as they won’t snag on things or scratch your tech. And the coolest part is that the charger comes with built-in Apple Find My integration so you’ll never have to worry about losing it while traveling. Don’t miss out on the chance to get this 4-port Twelve South PlugBug charger for $70.

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Apple releases first Background Security Improvements patch for iPhone and Mac
Apple updated iOS, macOS and iPadOS with a Background Security Improvements patch, the first time a new system has been used. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPhone 18 rumors say Pro models will get exclusive camera upgrade
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are just six months away, and rumors indicate they’ll get at least one camera upgrade that’s exclusive to the Pro line. more…

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This severe and international iPhone hack is the best reason to update to iOS 26.3 yet
A sophisticated iPhone hacking technique and surveillance campaign ran rampant internationally for months, prior to a patch in iOS 26.3.iPhone AirA new and severe attack vector focused on iPhones paired two different vulnerabilities into one. The "DarkSword" attack started with malicious web content in Safari, and ended with full kernel control, allowing attackers to break out of browser protections and access core parts of the system.With that level of access, attackers can read messages and stored data, track location, access photos and files, and potentially activate the microphone or camera. In practice, it gives near-complete visibility into the device and the user's activity. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Perplexity AI ‘Comet’ browser for iPhone now available
Last summer, Perplexity launched one of the first AI-focused web browsers with Comet on the Mac. Now, the long promised iOS counterpart to Comet is available. more…

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Your iPhone and Mac might have updated overnight. Here’s why
Macworld Apple has released an update to iOS 26.3.1, iPadOS 26.3.1, macOS 26.3.1, and macOS 26.3.2 (currently a MacBook Neo-only version). The update is part of Apple’s Background Security Improvements feature in its newest operating systems, which used to be called Rapid Security Responses. The update doesn’t appear in Software Update. According to an Apple support document, the update contains a single fix for a WebKit vulnerability (WebKit is the engine used by Safari and other software with web access). The vulnerability involves WebKit’s same-origin policy, which is a mechanism that manages how data is used based on the origin of a website. A malicious user could figure out a way to bypass WebKit’s SOP, but the update fixes that. The vulnerability was documented as CVE-2026-20643 in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database. The update has been labeled iOS 26.3.1 (a), iPadOS 26.3.1 (a), macOS 26.3.1 (a), and macOS 26.3.2 (a) by Apple. It appears in Settings/System Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements, and you can manually install it here if it hasn’t been installed already. If you’ve opted to automatically install regular software updates, Background Security Improvements will also be set to automatically install, but you can change the toggle here as well. Adam Boynton of Jamf, a software company specializing in device management and security, issued a statement regarding the update: “For organizations, it’s crucial to ensure this update is issued immediately, as any postponements will leave devices and operations vulnerable. More importantly, users should set updates to be issued automatically, so there’s no window for attackers to exploit.” Background Security Improvements are updates that Apple issues between its regular update cycle. They are usually security patches that Apple wants to issue immediately without waiting weeks or months for a regular software update.

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AirPods Max 3 rumored for 2027 with lighter-weight design
This week, Apple finally unveiled the proper successor to its original over-ear headphones: AirPods Max 2. Powered by the H2 chip… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Matic Robots vacuum/mop adds Apple Home support, here’s how it works
I’ve been testing a robot vacuum and mop from Matic Robots for several months now. It’s a solid product built on privacy and intelligence. I’ll share more about my overall experience with Matic in the future. For now, I want to quickly highlight an exciting update that rolled out overnight: Apple Home integration. more…

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Deals: AirPods Pro 3 $50 off, M4 MacBook Air $300 off, MacBook Neo + $50 credit, M3 iPad Air $200 off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by one of the best prices to date now live on AirPods Pro 3 down at $200 alongside the return of Apple’s 24GB M4 MacBook Air models at $300 off. We also spotted Best Buy doubling down with FREE $50 credits on new MacBook Neo purchases for members, alongside Apple’s most affordable current-gen iPad at $299 and M3 iPad Air models at $200 off the original list prices. Head below for a closer look. more…

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Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs gets hitched
On March 18, 1991, Steve Jobs married 27-year-old Laurene Powell. They had three children together and remained married until his death. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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