Apple Maps got a big iOS 26 upgrade for an essential feature
Apple Maps recently gained several new features in iOS 26, but the one that could make the biggest impact for users involves an essential app function: search. Here’s what’s new. more…

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Pebblebee’s tracker tag just became a better AirTag rival [Review] ★★★★☆
We went hands-on with Pebblebee Clip 5, a Bluetooth tracker tag that offers loud alerts and bright LEDs for effective tracking. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Google launches unauthorized Pixel-to-iPhone file sharing via Apple’s AirDrop
Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., has announced that its newest Pixel phones can now send images and other files directly to iPhones… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple gift guide 2025: Best deals and buying advice for every product
As the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing, it’s important to make sure you’re buying the right Apple product and getting the best deal possible. Here’s everything you need to know about what to buy and how to score some big savings on the best Apple gifts of the year. Updated November 21, 2025: New low prices across the board at Amazon and Best Buy, Apple’s Black Friday shopping event announced, more. more…

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Black Friday Week deals: AirPods 4 $80 all-time low, M5 MacBook Pro $157 off, M5 iPad Pro, Apple iPhone 17 cases from $27, more
As you know, the official Amazon 2025 Black Friday Week deals are now live alongside the best price yet on the new AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC at $110 shipped. But today we are featuring a new Amazon all-time low on the base model AirPods 4 that are now sitting down at $80 shipped. Amazon is also undercutting everyone with new lows on M5 MacBook Pro configurations at up to $157 off the list prices alongside the most affordable M5 iPad Pro models at up to $100 off for Black Friday Week. Those deals join up to 43% off Apple’s official iPhone 17/Pro/Max and iPhone Air cases from $27 and Amazon’s best deals on Beats 5-foot USB-C woven cables from $8.50. All of that awaits below alongside Black Friday pricing on M3 iPad Air, iPad mini 7, and  iPad 11 from $279.  more…

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Apple’s budget bonanza may bring a cheap(er) MacBook, iPhone, iPad in early 2026
Macworld Apple is preparing to unveil a glut of cheaper products in the first few months of 2026, according to a new report. This includes the much-anticipated launch of a budget MacBook based on an iPhone processor. GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, who has an extensive but slightly hit-or-miss track record of Apple predictions, published a research note about the company’s plans for 2026. These plans, he claims, include lower-end versions of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, all likely to launch in the spring. The affordable iPhone will, of course, be the follow-up to last year’s divisive (and, we hear, commercially unsuccessful) iPhone 16e. Reviewers complained about the 16e’s inconvenient compromises (notably its single rear camera lens and lack of MagSafe) despite a decidedly mid-market price, a combination likely the result of the maker’s wish to focus on processing power and make it compatible with Apple Intelligence. But there’s little to suggest the 17e will address either of those concerns. Instead, it’s expected to maintain the tradition of combining a high-end processor (likely the same A19 currently included in the iPhone 17) with a similarly low-end rear camera setup, although Pu thinks buyers may get the compensation, as on the iPhone Air, of an 18MP Center Stage front camera for selfies and video chats. The screen notch, meanwhile, is expected to be upgraded to a Dynamic Island. Pundits always predicted that the 17e would come out in spring 2026, a year on from the launch of its predecessor. But Pu’s claim that it will be accompanied by a low-end iPad and Mac comes as more of a surprise. The 12th-gen iPad could be an important launch because the 11th-gen model was that rarity for 2025: a new Apple product that can’t run Apple Intelligence. Cupertino will likely move to correct that and usher more users onto its AI platform. But can it achieve the necessary tech specs while maintaining the basic iPad’s crucial and beloved $349 price tag? Probably, but that remains to be seen. But the greatest point of interest in Pu’s report is that budget Mac. Set to be priced between $699 and $899, the upcoming MacBook will run an A-class iPhone processor (Pu predicts the A18 Pro used by the iPhone 16 Pro, although there have been rumors of an A19) rather than one of the M-class chips used throughout the rest of the current Mac range. It may also, Pu warns, make compromises in other areas, such as an older design, weaker display, less RAM, and potentially just one USB-C port. On the plus side, it will reportedly come in a set of attractive color finishes–silver, blue, pink, and yellow–to match the current standard iPad. Pu may not have a flawless predictive record, but these claims make sense and largely match what other pundits are expecting. For all the latest news and rumors, check our regularly updated guide to the new Apple products on the way in 2025 and 2026.

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Public anxiety about Apple's Digital ID greatly overstates actual risks
Fears about Apple's Digital ID are afraid of a boogeyman that the iPhone can't unleash, and concerns about governmental tracking or over-reach because of it are best pointed at other avenues that actually exist.A digital driver's license in the Apple Wallet appCritics focus on sweeping threats that sound dramatic but don't match the system inside the Apple Wallet Digital ID feature.Some advocates warn that digital credentials could reveal where a person travels or when they present an ID. Many fears connect to surveillance practices that already exist through public cameras, automated license plate readers, and other systems that track movement without consent. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Walmart makes the leap from NYSE to Nasdaq in biggest-ever exchange transfer
The Nasdaq just landed one of the most old-school names imaginable: Walmart.The retail behemoth announced Thursday that it’s ditching… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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New iPhone 18 Pro design will reportedly make two key changes
Supply chain leaks indicate Apple is currently finalizing details for next fall’s iPhone 18 line, and the latest reporting says the new iPhone 18 Pro will come with at least two key design changes. more…

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Apple's M4 Mac mini with 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD drops to $869 today
Amazon's early Black Friday discount on Apple's current Mac mini knocks $130 off a popular spec with an upgrade to 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage.Save $130 on Apple's M4 Mac mini 24GB, 512GB.We covered Amazon's $479 Mac mini deal on the standard configuration yesterday, but today we're following an early Black Friday discount on an upgraded model with 24GB RAM and 512GB of storage.This M4 spec, which normally retails for $999, is marked down to $869.99, with units in stock and ready to ship before the holidays. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The AirPods 4 with ANC crash to $110 in this insane Black Friday discount
Macworld Just when we thought we had seen the best AirPods 4 deal this Black Friday, we get an even better one. Amazon is selling the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation for an unbelievable $110, a massive savings of $69 off its MSRP, and the best price we’ve seen by a wide margin. You can also get AirPods 4 without ANC for $80, also an all-time low. The AirPods 4 are easily our favorite non-Pro earbuds, and that’s plenty obvious from the fact that we gave them a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed them, appreciating the top-notch audio quality, the improved sweat and water resistance, and the USB-C charging case. We also couldn’t complain about the battery life because a single charge gets you 5 hours of playtime on the buds and a total of 30 hours with the case. The H2 chip ensures you can make great quality phone calls with little to no background noise, as well as have an overall better time when listening to music. The AirPods 4 also come with easy access to Siri, so you can ask the assistant for help with everything from making calls to playing specific songs. Now’s the best time ever to get the AirPods 4 with ANC for $110 or the ANC-less model for $80, so hurry up and take advantage of this Black Friday deal. This is, by far, the best price we've seen for the AirPods 4Buy now at Amazon

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Google's new 'Wicked'-inspired ad takes another swing at the iPhone
Google's latest ad leans on a "Wicked" riff to paint the Pixel Pro 10 as the brains behind features Apple now touts on the iPhone 17 Pro.Google spoofs 'Wicked' to hype the Pixel over iPhoneThe 60-second advertisement uses Google and Apple's iPhones as references to "Wicked," a book-turned-musical-turned-movie. A purple iPhone 17 Pro portrays a Glinda, "the good witch" like character, while a green Pixel Pro 10 plays an Elphaba, or the "wicked witch" character.As always, the ad somehow suggests the Pixel phone is superior to the iPhone. The iPhone 17 Pro tells the Pixel Pro 10 how lucky it is to have a friend like Pixel. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro: Which should you buy this holiday season?
Apple’s AirPods lineup is stronger than it’s ever been, with compelling options at multiple different price points. If you’re exploring which AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro to buy this holiday season, whether for yourself or someone else, here’s what you need to know. more…

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One more iPhone 17 model is coming, with big camera upgrade rumored
Apple has started shaking up its iPhone release schedule, shifting certain models out of the fall and into the following winter and spring. There’s an iPhone 17e expected to launch in early 2026, and the latest rumor indicates it will pack a big camera upgrade. more…

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This $40 AI content suite does the work of a full creative team
 The 2026 AI Content Creation lifetime subscription bundles together the WordPop AI Pro Plan and SpeakBreez Voiceover Generator Plan. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple gives up on Mac Pro, an iPhone designer, and MLS on the AppleInsider Podcast
Apple's sports media strategy is up in the air, the Mac Pro may actually be dead this time, and Apple's doom won't be found in a single employee departure on the AppleInsider Podcast.AppleInsider+ covers the hosts' podcast picksThe Apple Music Artist of the Year is Tyler, the Creator, plus, Apple has shared the top podcasts of the year. While these are quite popular and mainstream, your podcast hosts don't listen to any of them, so they've shared some podcast picks in AppleInsider+.There doesn't seem to be much of a strategy in Apple's sports strategy other than signing up to stream content only to be disappointed. MLS is set to end its tenure at Apple early in 2029, but MLB is sticking around at least a little longer. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Today in Apple history: Apple signs damaging deal with Microsoft
On November 21, 1985, an Apple-Microsoft deal gave Redmond the right to mimic the Macintosh’s look and feel. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: Tim Cook, Siri, iPhone Pocket
The Dalrymple Report: Tim Cook, Siri, iPhone Pocket There are rumors that Tim Cook is getting ready to retire from Apple as early as next year. Many think the link was intentional to test the market to see what it thinks before making anything official. In Japan, users can replace Siri on their iPhones, something people in most countries would love to do. Apple's newest product, the iPhone Pocket seems to be a success. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: Notion Agent: Go to https://notion.com/tdr to try your new AI teammate, Notion Agent, today. Surfshark VPN: Go to https://surfshark.com/dalrymple or use code dalrymple at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Show Notes: Best Chinese Food I’ve ever had in my life Financial Times: ‘Apple Intensifies Succession Planning for CEO Tim Cook’ Tim Cook retirement ‘leak’ is clearly a deliberate test of market reaction Apple Podcasts unveils the most popular shows and trends of 2025 iOS 26.2 Lets iPhone Users in Japan Replace Siri With Third-Party Assistants on Side Button Apple introduces iPhone Pocket Shows and movies we're watching The Nest, AMC+ Clive Davis: the soundtrack of our lives, Netflix Aka Charlie Sheen, Netflix

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Apple significantly improves its Shortcuts app with Apple Intelligence
Apple's often-overlooked Shortcuts app — the powerful tool for creating custom automations on iPhone, iPad, and Mac… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Best AI video upscaling app: Enhance video quality to 4K on Mac
Digiarty's VideoProc Converter AI can enhance your old, grainy, shaky, and low resolution video by using AI to enhance it and increase the output resolution by up to 4x, making it much sharper for viewing on modern 4K displays.VideoProc Converter AI. Image source: DigiartyWe've all faced common video issues: grain and noise from low-light shoots or incorrect ISO settings, pixelation that ruins details when zooming in, or VHS and DVD memories that look off on a sharp UHD 4K Apple TV. Even minor camera shake from handheld recording can make a video less than perfect.This is exactly where VideoProc Converter AI comes in for Mac users. Powered by advanced AI algorithms, this video enhancer effortlessly upscales low-resolution videos by up to 400%, delivering stunning 4K clarity on your Mac. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Kuxiu S3 25W 10K Solid-State Power Bank review: Fast battery pack has it all
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Large battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 25W wireless or 35W wired charging Kickstand Digital display Cons Built-in USB-C cable is geared to iPhone 15/16/17 users Our Verdict Safe and durable semi-solid-state battery, 25W wireless charging speed, built-in USB-C cable, kickstand. The Kuxiu S3 Power Bank has it all. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$149.99 Best Prices Today: Kuxiu S3 25W 10K Solid-State Power Bank Retailer Price Kuxiu $68.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The big news in wireless power banks is all about two technologies these days: super-speedy Qi2 25W charging; and semi-solid-state batteries. The Kuxiu S3 is not the first semi-sold-state magnetic wireless power bank we’ve tested—that honor goes to stablemate Kuxiu S2. Nor is it the first 25W battery pack: that was the Ugreen MagFlow. However, the Kuxiu S3 is the first—and surely not the last—semi-solid-state 25W magnetic wireless power bank to enter the Macworld Labs. Indeed, not only does it tick those boxes but its also boasts three other top-end features: a built-in USB-C cable, integrated kickstand, and digital battery display. In terms of a magnetic wireless power bank it has it all. Capacity: 39.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W) & USB-C (30W) On test charged iPhone to: 177% Weight: 8.65oz (245g) Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches (10.7 x 7.1 x 2.2cm) Colors: Black Simon Jary Qi2 25W for some, Qi2 for the rest Elsewhere (in Which wireless tech is best for your iPhone) I’ve written more about the various wireless power outputs, how they affect charging speed and which iPhone can use which charging tech. In short, the higher the power output the faster the recharge, and only the iPhones 16 and 17 support the very fastest wireless tech Qi2 25W (also known as Qi 2.2). Older iPhones (from 12 on) can use 25W chargers and power banks but are pegged back at 15W. 15W MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging is still speedy, and faster than found on older and cheaper “MagSafe-compatible” power banks that chug along at 7.5W. In terms of wireless charging, the Kuxiu S3 is best suited to iPhones 16 and later, which can take advantage of the full 25W on offer. Simon Jary Wireless vs wired 25W takes wireless close to the charging speeds that are possible with a cabled wired charger. In terms of compatibility, another factor to consider is the type of charging port on your iPhone. A built-in cable is fine if it matches your phone’s port. iPhones from version 15 onwards pack a USB-C charging port. Previous models (14 and earlier) use Lightning cables. Simon Jary The S3’s USB-C cable feels integrated but can be detached, although I’m not sure why that would be an advantage. It makes it a little more flexible (and losable) and the connection to the power bank is robust so it won’t come out without a good tug. At 10 inches (25cm) it’s longer than most. It tucks neatly around both sides of the power bank. The S3’s USB-C cable is therefore best suited to later iPhones (15/16/17), just as its wireless charging (16/17) is also more beneficial for later iPhones. That’s not to say it’s useless for older iPhones as it can be used to input power into the battery pack when it needs recharging itself. The S3’s power input is rated at 30W. That’s not bad but somewhere shy of the EcoFlow RAPID’s unmatched input rate of 65W. Simon Jary The included USB-C cable is the best of both worlds being both firmly connected and detachable.Simon Jary Battery capacity The Kuxiu S2 performed well in our tests, its 5000mAh (5K) battery recharging an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 79%. The S3 has a 10000mAh (10K) battery capacity and managed to recharge that same iPhone to 177%—so up to 100% then another 77% when it came to a second recharging task. That’s not the top score we’ve had in our 10K power bank tests: the champs so far have been the Anker Zolo 10K and EcoFlow RAPID 10K, both of which scored 190%. But 177% is above average and handsomely beat the 25W Ugreen MagFlow 10K (144%). While the 5K Kuxiu S2 measures 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inches (8.4 x 6 x 1.1cm) and weighs 174g, the 10K S3 is, as you’d expect, bulkier at 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches (10.7 x 7.1 x 2.2cm) and weighing in at 245g. It’s not as slim as the aptly named Anker MagGo 10K Slim (4.1 x 2.8 x 0.58 inches) and is about the same size as the 25W Ugreen MagFlow’s 4.4 x 2.8 x 0.8 inches and 254g. If you desire an ultra slim magnetic power bank look to the 5K models. Simon Jary Semi-Solid-State of the art A semi-solid state (SSS) power bank is more energy-dense than a traditional liquid electrolyte power bank because its semi-solid electrolyte is less prone to leakage and thermal runaway. SSS is therefore more durable, safer and offers more charge cycles so will last longer. I can see the day when airlines ban liquid electrolyte power banks; at present it restricts the capacity to 100Wh. The S2’s 10K is 39.5Wh, well within airline regulations, and being semi-solid-state safer to carry. Simon Jary Clear display You can see exactly how much power is left in the power bank via its digital display, which is more accurate than other power banks’ four LED indicators that let you know the remaining capacity only in increments of 15%. The display is at the bottom of the power bank, next to a spare 30W USB-C port and a power button that switches the display on when you need it. Even with that spare port plus the wireless pad and cable you sadly can’t charge three devices at the same time, but two is possible at a total shared 15W: wireless + cable 1; wireless + cable 2; or cable 1 + cable 2. Simon Jary Stand to attention If you are using your phone to watch a streaming show or making a video call, you’ll appreciate the kickstand at the back that allows for either portrait or landscape orientation while charging wirelessly. Simon Jary Price The Kuxiu S3 10K Magnetic Power Bank is priced at $68.99 or £54. For a 25W semi-solid-state 10K power bank with all these features, this is great value. It’s also available on Amazon. For more options we have tested and reviewed the best magnetic power banks. Should you buy the Kuxiu S3 25W 10K Solid-State Power Bank? Safe and durable semi-solid-state battery? Tick. 25W wireless charging speed. Tick. Built-in USB-C cable. Tick. Kickstand. Tick. The Kuxiu S3 has it all. We’ve tested slimmer and higher capacity magnetic wireless power banks but what’s on offer at this price is super easy to recommend.

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Latest macOS Tahoe beta fixes bug with Electron apps that caused widespread performance issues
After macOS Tahoe launched, some intrepid developers noticed that Electron apps could cause the Mac’s rendering system to be overloaded due to an incompatibility with the way Electron apps were overriding the default window corner mask. Users would experience issues like stuttery scrolling when interacting with any app (including non-Electron ones), as long as an Electron app window was currently visible on the desktop. Major Electron-based apps have subsequently released software updates to work around this bug, but this meant waiting for an update from the developer of each Electron app installed on your Mac. With the latest 26.2 betas, Apple has now fixed the incompatibility at a system-wide level. more…

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Apple Pencils compared: Which Apple Pencil is best for your iPad
Macworld Apple sells four products all named “Apple Pencil,” but two of them are essentially only for products no longer sold as new, but rather only for legacy models. However, in some cases the older Apple Pencil models are a better choice than the Apple Pencil USB-C, as we will explain in this buying guide. Apple Pencils at a glance Apple Pencil Pro costs $129/£129 and is compatible with recent iPad Pro (M4/M5) and iPad Air (M2/M3) models, and iPad mini (A17 Pro). Apple Pencil USB-C costs $79/£79 and is compatible with most iPad Pro and iPad Air models going back a few years, the iPad (10th gen and A16) and iPad mini (A17 Pro and 6th gen). Apple Pencil (2nd gen) costs $129/£129 and is compatible with older iPad Pro and iPad Air and iPad mini models. Apple Pencil (1st gen) costs $99/£99 and is compatible with the iPad (6th-10th gen and A16 models) It also works with some very old iPad Pro and iPad Air and iPad mini models. In this article we will help you decide which Apple Pencil to buy to use with your iPad. If you want to save money, consider alternative styluses for your iPad. Read our round-up of the best stylus for iPad, iPad Air, Pro, and mini. Best Apple Pencil Deals Available Now! Right now is a great time to buy an Apple Pencil because Black Friday week is here and we are already seeing lots of deals including: Amazon, Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Amazon, Apple Pencil USB-C: $70 ($9 off, MSRP $79) Amazon UK, Apple Pencil Pro: £119 (£10 off, RRP £129) For more deals see our Best Black Friday 2025 Apple deals round up. Which Apple Pencil: Differences explained 1. Apple Pencil Pro Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $124 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (Pro) – 2024 $100 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Who is the Apple Pencil Pro for? This is the best Apple Pencil for artists, as long as you have a compatible iPad. This Apple Pencil Pro supports pressure and tilt sensitivity and has low latency, so it’s good for drawing and painting. You can squeeze the Apple Pencil Pro allow you to open a tool pallet for quick access to line weight, different colors, or to switch to a different brush. Lots of artistic apps that take advantage of Apple Pencil Pro gestures. Support for rolling means you can use the pencil like a paintbrush, rotating it to create effects like calligraphy. You get a hover preview before the pencil touches the iPad so you know where the pen will make it’s impact, allowing for precision. The Pencil Pro charges wirelessly and will attach to an iPad magnetically so is less likely to get lost. The Apple Pencil Pro It works with the most recent iPad Air (M2/M3) and iPad Pro (M4/

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Low-cost MacBook and more launching in Q1 2026, report says
Analyst Jeff Pu is out with a new investor note today with details on Apple’s timeline for new product launches over the next year. In the investor note, seen by 9to5Mac, Pu says that Apple will kick off 2026 with the launch of three new low-cost products: the iPhone 17e, a low-cost MacBook, and an updated base model iPad. These devices will launch sometime in mid-Q1 2026, Pu reports. more…

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How my first iPod touch made me love Apple forever
Macworld If you consider yourself an Apple fan, you’ve probably had that instant when something clicked, when the feeling of opening and using a product seemed like more than just that. For some people, it was the first tim e they used a Mac. For others, it was unboxing an iPhone or hearing the click wheel on an iPod. For me, the moment came with a device that often gets overshadowed by its more iconic siblings: the original iPod touch. The day I first held the future in my hands The year was 2007, and Apple had just unveiled the iPhone. Like so many others, watching the iPhone presentation made me really excited about the future. No one could have imagined a device like that before that moment. The iPhone finally hit stores in July of that year, but with two major limitations: it was only sold under a two-year contract with carriers and was only available in the US. As someone living in Brazil, owning an iPhone was impossible. But just a few months later, Apple unveiled the first iPod touch. It was essentially an iPhone, but without phone capabilities. It was also much thinner and lacked a camera (replaced by a black Wi-Fi bar). Unlike the iPhone, the iPod touch was available worldwide, and that’s when I first got my hands on what was then called iPhone OS (now iOS). I still remember the exact moment when I slid to unlock the iPod for the first time. That gesture was simple, but it felt revolutionary. It was a completely different way of interacting with software. Apple clearly wanted users to experience the touchscreen from the moment they started using the device. Cover Flow on the iPod touch was a revelatory experience.Foundry But then came the real “wow” factor: turning the iPod horizontally and seeing the Music app transform into the Cover Flow interface. Being able to slide my finger through my music library felt like magic. The pinch-to-zoom gesture also blew my mind. It’s not something we think about today, but back then, the ability to manipulate a photo with our fingers seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie. The start of a lifelong connection to Apple More than a Mac or any other iPod, the iPod touch felt different, like I was using a product no other company could make. It wasn’t about processor benchmarks or megapixel counts. It was about the feeling of owning and using something special, about how only Apple knew how to turn complex technology into something fun and uncomplicated. The iPod touch brought the magic of the iPhone to the rest of the world.Foundry The iPod touch captured that feeling perfectly, offering a slice of the iPhone’s magic at a time when the iPhone itself was out of reach for most users. That moment changed how I saw technology, and it’s what set me on the path to following Apple more closely. I still have my first iPod touch with me, and surprisingly, it still works. Of course, it’s not as useful anymore, but I’ll always keep it as a reminder of a piece of technology that changed everything for me.

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Inside Files – How to manage files like a pro on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro
The Files app has grown a lot since its introduction in iOS 11. While it's not quite Finder on Mac, it's more than enough to get work done.Apple Files is available on nearly every platformWhen the Files app first debuted with iOS 11 in 2017, it was borderline unusable as a file manager. Apps were siloed, and saving files from Safari was considered a new feature.Eight years on, and Files has become the go-to place for file management and storage on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. It can show connected servers, cloud clients, and local files with tags and more. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The 12 most ridiculously overpriced Apple products, ranked
Macworld It’s no secret that Apple isn’t a cheap brand. While the company sells relatively affordable “SE” and “e” variants of certain devices, its main focus has always been on the higher-end tiers—and the public generally knows what to expect. Nevertheless, there have been several instances of Apple releasing exceptionally overpriced products that transcend the typical “Apple tax,” shocking customers with ridiculously high markups. Let’s take a look at some of them, starting with the most accessible of these notoriously pricey items and working our way up to the most jaw-droppingly expensive product in Apple’s history. 12. Polishing Cloth (2021) Apple Arguably, the cheapest overpriced Apple product is the Polishing Cloth released in 2021. For $19, you get a 6.3 x 6.3 inches (16 x 16 cm) cloth made from non-abrasive material, suitable for wiping fingerprints off your Apple display. While 19 bucks may be negligible for some people, the product is still objectively overpriced compared to similar microfiber cloths sold by third parties. Many enthusiasts justify paying premium prices for the tight Apple ecosystem integrations, long years of software support, and reliable build quality. These arguments, however, don’t apply to the Polishing Cloth, since, well, it’s a mere cloth. 11. Crossbody Strap (2025) Apple Earlier this year, Apple launched the iPhone 17 series, along with an all-new Crossbody Strap accessory. The $59 product is made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn and lets you dangle your iPhone across your body when paired with a compatible Apple case (starting at $39). Like the Polishing Cloth, there’s really no advantage to buying Apple’s $100-plus version, as third-party options made from the same material are offered for a fraction of the price. A similar argument could be made about Apple’s iPhone cases, which cost around $50 and aren’t always durable or… finely woven. 10. iPhone Pocket (2025) Apple Now, onto the reason this list is being typed in the first place: Apple’s highly innovative iPhone Pocket. For just $149.95 or $229.95, you can get the short or long variant of this 2025 fashion statement. For those unfamiliar, the iPhone Pocket is a special-edition project in collaboration with Issey Miyake, the namesake of the Japanese designer famous for making Steve Jobs’s trademark turtleneck. As its name suggests, it’s a 3D-knitted pocket for your iPhone that you can wear or attach to your bag—a Posh Cloth, if you will. While it may visually resemble the fan-favorite iPod Sock, it absolutely doesn’t match its more reasonable $29 pricing. 9. Pro Stand (2019) Apple Next, we’ve got the Pro Display XDR’s $999 Pro Stand, launched in 2019. Given the display’s exceptional color accuracy, it would be a steal at $999. Well, except the one grand only gets you the display’s stand—not the display itself. Now, I’m not going to argue whether the stand-less Pro Display XDR’s $4,999-5,999 pricing is fair, as it’s a niche product for a very specific group of professionals. However, there’s no defense for a separate aluminum stand to cost as much as an iPhone, regardless of how versatile it is. 8. Apple Vision Pro (2024) Apple We all knew Vision Pro was going to have a high price tag, but when it was unveiled at WWDC 2023, its whopping $3,499 price tag was at the highest end of expectations. While one could suggest that the price is fair for a first-generation, highly sophisticated spatial computer, Apple retained the same price with this year’s M5 refresh, which brought little more than a new chip. Given that it still can’t replace a Mac and how constrained visionOS is, we can safely declare that the ambitious headset is ridiculously overpriced. 7. Macintosh XL (1985) Vladeep – shutterstock.com Back in 1985, the Macintosh XL wasn’t actually a new Mac—it was rather a retooled version of Apple’s failed Lisa PC with $3,995 price tag, which would translate to around $12,000 today when accounting for inflation. Considering the original Lisa (see #3 below) sold for $9,995, the Macintosh XL was downright affordable and actually sold pretty well, but it was discontinued just four months later. 6. iMac Pro (2017) Apple As a way to placate professionals who were hamstrung by the cylindrical Mac Pro but still wanted a new machine, Apple launched the iMac Pro in 2017 as a more capable version of the iMac, catering to professionals with exceptionally demanding needs. It was loaded with high-end specs, including up to an 18-core Intel Xeon processor, 5K display, and AMD Vega graphics, but started at an eye-watering $4,999. Initial rumors suggested that the machine would cost up to $17,000, so maybe customers were pleasantly surprised to learn that the maxed-out version capped out at just $13,199. 5. Twentieth Anniversary Mac (1997) Six Colors To celebrate 20 years in business, Apple produced 12,000 units of the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (TAM) in 1997 to show off Apple’s flair for design. This high-end machine had a flat screen LCD and a Bose sound system, but its $7,499 price tag (around $14,600 today), made it one of the company’s priciest devices yet. It was so futuristic, Apple actually delivered it to customers in a limo, but it didn’t sell out until Apple cut the price all the way to $1,995.  4. 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition (2015) Foundry Remember when the Apple Watch was still going through its identity crisis phase? A few unlucky customers’ wallets sure do. In 2015, the 18-karat Gold Apple Watch Edition debuted for an insane $17,000. Not only was it the same watch as the $349 version, but it became obsolete a few years later. Apple still tailors its smartwatches to luxury fashionistas, but the high-end Hermès models top out at $1,949 instead, much easier to swallow. 3. Macintosh Portable (1989) RR Auctions If you think the 16-inch MacBook Pro is expensive, 1989’s Macintosh Portable, Apple’s first battery-powered Mac, cost $7,300, or around $18,500 today. While technically “portable,” it weighed 16 pounds and lasted about 10 hours when not plugged in. It was a major step toward the PowerBook and MacBook, but its high price barred it from being adopted by the masses, and the company discontinued it in 1991. 2. Lisa (1983) Computer History Museum Released in 1983 for $9,995 (over $31,000 today), Lisa was one of Apple’s first desktop computers. Due to its exorbitantly high cost, however, Lisa’s sales didn’t meet the company’s expectations. As such, Apple buried 2,700 Lisa units in a landfill and launched the Macintosh line a couple of years later for a lower price. 1. Mac Pro (2019) Apple Last but not least, we have the world’s most expensive cheese grater. In 2019, a year before entering the M-chip era, Apple launched a modular Mac Pro tower for power users. When maxed out, the Intel-powered computer cost $52,748—excluding the display. This possibly crowns it as the most expensive product Apple will ever release, now that the self-driving car project has been axed. Today, the latest, maxed-out Mac Pro with an M2 Ultra costs a mere $12,448, a significant drop from $50K. Though the $699 wheel kit is still sold separately.

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Black Friday pitfall: Avoid this Apple Watch SE 2 deal at all costs
Macworld With the Black Friday deals season rapidly approaching, Apple fans are living their best life. Bearly everything on sale for all-time-low prices, from MacBooks to AirPods and Apple Watches. But it’s important to be wary of the non-bargains that retailers will mix in with the worthwhile offers. Amazon is currently selling the Apple Watch SE 2 for an all-time low of $160. That’s almost $90 off the launch price: the SE 2 started at $249 when it came out three years ago, and the best price we’ve ever seen. So, on first glance, you might think it’s a great deal, even for a watch from 2022. But you should look again. Just over two months ago, Apple released the Apple Watch SE 3, and as I explain in my review, it’s a huge improvement over the SE 2. It now has an always-on display with tougher glass, new medical features and gestures, on-device Siri, 5G, twice the capacity, fast-charging, and improved battery life. I like the SE 3 so much that I had to tell people not to buy the Series 11. And it’s so much better (and more future-proofed) than the SE 2, that I would recommend buying the SE 3 at its full price, $249, over its predecessor at $160. But you don’t have to! Despite being just two months old, the Apple Watch SE 3 is already on sale for $200 at Amazon. Even though it’s still $40 more than the SE, you’ll be much happie with it. View Deal on Apple Watch SE 3 We’ll be keeping track of all the great deals (and warning you about the bad ones) right here on Macworld. For the latest smartwatch savings, check out our roundup of the best Black Friday Apple Watch deals.

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Google announces Quick Share, allows for interoperability with Apple’s AirDrop feature
If you love AirDrop as a feature, it now plays nice with Google’s Quick Share and vice versa. Google on Thursday announced that its new cross-platform feature allows for sharing between iPhone and Android devices. With AirDrop on the ‌iPhone‌ and QuickShare on Pixel 10 devices, there is a new file transfer function available. The […] Source

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Spotify’s latest tool makes switching from Apple Music effortless
With TuneMyMusic integration, Spotify now lets you import your music library from rival services in just a few taps. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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