The Verge Explains the US Government’s Router Ban
Sean Hollister’s lively Q&A explains why the FCC’s foreign router ban won’t recall existing routers, audit new ones, or do much of anything to improve security—it just blocks future imports unless manufacturers commit to US production.Read original article

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Apple's 50th: London celebrates & Sydney Opera House is lit with iPad art
The latest two events in Apple's global celebration of its 50th anniversary saw iPad artists take over the Sydney Opera House, while London danced at Apple Battersea.Nia Archives and Mumford & Sons performed at Apple Battersea — image credit: AppleApple Battersea is both a store and Apple's UK headquarters, and the company often uses the iconic Battersea Power Station building in its marketing. To mark Apple's anniversary, huge Apple logos were projected on the building, and a stage was erected in front of it.The evening saw London-based Nia Archives, award-winning DJ, singer and songwriter, playing jungle scene music. Apple says she's a "dedicated Logic Pro user", and has remixed for Jorja Smith, PinkPantheress, Jamie xx, and Fred again. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple adds 4 new partners to its American Manufacturing Program
As part of a $600 billion commitment, Apple adds partners to its American Manufacturing Program, including Bosch and TDK. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want
Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report outlined Apple’s big plans for a Siri overhaul in iOS 27. And if it proves accurate, I’m very excited for the direction Apple’s taking with Siri. more…

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Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want
Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report outlined Apple’s big plans for a Siri overhaul in iOS 27. And if it proves accurate, I’m very excited for the direction Apple’s taking with Siri. more…

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Apple’s rumored 200MP move would bring iPhone camera in line with competitors
Apple may finally join the 200MP camera race, as a leak suggests it is testing a 200MP sensor for the 2027 iPhone. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Unite Pro 1.1
Brings a plethora of improvements following the site-specific browser's recent reset. ($39.99 new, free update, 34.1 MB, macOS 15+)

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WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages
If there’s one aspect of Apple Intelligence I really detest, it’s the suggested replies to iMessages. Meta is now emulating this with a new update to its Writing Help feature in WhatsApp. The idea is that instead of actually replying to our friends with, you know, genuine human communication, we can just have AI send something generic instead … more…

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WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages
If there’s one aspect of Apple Intelligence I really detest, it’s the suggested replies to iMessages. Meta is now emulating this with a new update to its Writing Help feature in WhatsApp. The idea is that instead of actually replying to our friends with, you know, genuine human communication, we can just have AI send something generic instead … more…

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WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages
If there’s one aspect of Apple Intelligence I really detest, it’s the suggested replies to iMessages. Meta is now emulating this with a new update to its Writing Help feature in WhatsApp. The idea is that instead of actually replying to our friends with, you know, genuine human communication, we can just have AI send something generic instead … more…

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Ultimate power: Top 9 Mac Pro setups
Truly the stuff of dreams, the top 9 Mac Pro setups from Cult of Mac's archives showcase the Apple flagship desktop's amazing power. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iOS versions: Explore every iOS version from day one to today
Macworld iOS is at the heart of the iPhone experience. It’s the operating system on which everything else sits, while also delivering plenty of features and dedicated apps built by Apple itself. Every year (usually in September) Apple adds new features to compatible iPhones with an update to iOS, and in the months that follow more features arrive. If you want to know what the latest version of iOS is, or if you’ve ever wondered about when versions came out and what features they brought, we will answer your questions. We also show you how to check which iOS you’re currently using and how to update to the latest iteration. The latest version of iOS is iOS 26, which brings a brand new look and lots of new features. iOS 26 arrived in September 2025 and subsequent updates to iOS 26 have added new features. As of March 2026 we are at version iOS 26.4. iOS version history: Every iOS and the features it brought There are significant milestones scattered across the iOS timeline: Steve Jobs holding the first iPhone at the launch in 2007.Apple iPhone OS (2007): iOS made its debut in 2007 with the first iPhone. However, when Steve Jobs held the little device aloft revealing it to the world for the first time, it wasn’t running iOS 1. Instead, it was reported by Apple to be powered by OS X, the software for the Mac. Over time it was called iPhone OS, until finally gaining its now legendary name in the fourth generation of the software when it was shortened to iOS in 2010. iPhone OS 2 (2008): The second major release of the iPhone software was groundbreaking because it brought third party apps and introduced the App Store. iPhone OS 3 (2009): This update was designed to make it easier to find things, while at the same time adding the ability to have up to 11 pages to the Home Screen. Messages could support MMS, Video recording became possible and it was possible to save voice notes with the Voice Memos app. iOS 4 (2010): Apple changed the name to iOS and added the ability to put apps in folders for a better organised Home screen with iOS 4. The FaceTime, iBooks and Game Centre apps also arrived. The iPad also joined the scene, sharing the same operating system as the iPhone. iOS 5 (2011): iOS 5 was introduced along with the iPhone 4S in 2011, which saw the debut of Siri as a built-in part of the operating system. The Notification Centre was introduced and iCloud arrived bringing syncronisation between devices. This was the first time iOS could be installed directly on the iPhone without requiring a computer. iOS 6 (2012): This is where Apple Maps came onto the scene. Podcasts and Passbook (now Wallet) apps also arrived. iCloud Photo Stream made it easier to share photos with family and friends. iOS 6 was the last with a skeuomorphic design. iOS 7 (2013): With iOS 7 iPhone users got a redesigned user interface, which looked a lot more modern with flatter icons. iOS 7 introduced AirDrop and CarPlay. iOS 7 had a brand new look (at the time).Apple iOS 8 (2014): One of the features of iOS 8 was Continuity, which linked the iPhone, iPad and Mac together, so you could “handoff” tasks from one device to another. Family Sharing also arrived making it easier to manage a child’s iPhone. iOS 9 (2015): iOS 9 improved the Notes app, added Apple News, and featured a new Night Shift mode that removed some of the blue light that can disturb circadian rhythms and stop someone sleeping. iOS 10 (2016): There were updates to Messages and changes to the Photos app in iOS 10. A new Home app brought HomeKit control. Maps got a redesign. Universal Clipboard meant that users could copy something on a Mac and paste it on an iPhone, for example. iOS 11 (2017): Things changed significantly in iOS 11 in 2017 as it brought the first touch and gesture interface, allowing the first iPhone without a Home button – the iPhone X. There was a new Files app making it easier to access content synced or saved in iCloud and the Control Centre got a redesign. iOS 12 (2018): Screen Time, Memoji, Group FaceTime and Siri Shortcuts were new in iOS 12. iOS 13 (2019): Another major shift came with iOS 13 in 2019, as Apple’s mobile operating system for the iPad split with the iPhone, with iPadOS powering new iPads. Updates to iOS included Dark Mode, new privacy features and the ability to Sign in with Apple and hide your email address. The Photos and Apple Maps apps got a redesign and a swipe-to-type keyboard was added. iOS 14 (2020): One of the most notable additions was Back Tap, a feature that effectively turned the back of the iPhone into an extra button. Starting with iOS 14.2, music recognition was built directly into the operating system via a Shazam button. iOS 15 on iPhone 12.Foundry iOS 15 (2021): Focus Mode arrived in iOS 15 to help users manage the onslaught of notifications, Live Text and Visual Look up made it possible to interact with text within photos (Live Text) and use the camera to identify objects like plants and animals. The Safari browser received a major interface update as did Maps and the Weather app. iOS 16 (2022): One of the most visible changes in iOS 16 was the complete overhaul of the Lock screen, which allowed users to add widgets for the first time to view data at a glance without unlocking their devices. Apple added Rapid Security Responses so that it could deliver important security patches outside of an iOS update. iOS 17 (2023): NameDrop in iOS 17 made it possible to share information by bringing two iPhones together. Stolen Device Protection added a layer of security by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) before an Apple ID password could be changed. Live Voicemail meant that iPhone users could get a live transaction of a message. iOS 18 (2024): The iOS 18 update laid the groundwork for Apple’s subsequent AI initiatives. There was also a complete redesign of the Photos app, a dedicated Passwords app, Control Center Customization and Live Activities (so you could see when your dinner delivery is arriving). iOS 26 (2025): Rather than progress to iOS 19, Apple has aligned the numbering of all its operating systems according to the year with iOS 26. It wasn’t just a name change though, there was a significant visual and functional overhaul with a Liquid Glass design language. Big changes also came to the Phone app with Call Screening and Hold Assist. Live Transaltions make it easy to communicate with foreign friends and colleagues. The Camera app had a simplifying redesign and a Games app replaced Game Centre. Foundry Here’s how the latest two iOS versions compare: iOS 26 vs iOS 18. List of iOS versions and latest versions Here’s a breakdown of all the versions of iOS that have been released, when they were released, when they were last updated, and the latest iOS version. OS versionRelease dateLatest versionLatest update dateiPhone OS 1June 29, 2007iOS 1.1.5July 15, 2008iPhone OS 2July 11, 2008iOS 2.2.1January 27, 2009iPhone OS 3June 17, 2009iOS 3.2.2August 11, 2010iOS 4June 22, 2010iOS 4.3.5July 25, 2011iOS 5October 12, 2011iOS 5.1.1May 7, 2012iOS 6September 19, 2012iOS 6.1.6February 21, 2014iOS 7September 18, 2013iOS 7.1.2June 30, 2014iOS 8September 17, 2014iOS 8.4.1August 13, 2015iOS 9September 16, 2015iOS 9.3.6July 22, 2019iOS 10September 13, 2016iOS 10.3.4July 22, 2019iOS 11September 19, 2017iOS 11.4.1July 9, 2018iOS 12September 17, 2018iOS 12.5.8January 26, 2026iOS 13September 19, 2019iOS 13.7September 1, 2020iOS 14September 17, 2020iOS 14.8.1October 26, 2021iOS 15September 24, 2021iOS 15.8.7March 11, 2026iOS 16September 12, 2022iOS 16.7.15March 11, 2026iOS 17September 18, 2023iOS 17.7.2November 19, 2024iOS 18September 16, 2024iOS 18.7.7March 24, 2026iOS 26September 15, 2025iOS 26.4March 24, 2026 Which iOS versions are currently supported by Apple? In terms of new features, only iOS 26 is currently supported. When Apple introduced iOS 26 it stopped development of new features for iOS 18. The following iPhones support iOS 26: iPhone 17 Series – iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air (2025), iPhone 17e (2026) iPhone 16 Series – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e (2024) iPhone 15 Series – iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023) iPhone 14 Series – iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) iPhone 13 Series – iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) iPhone 12 Series – iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020) iPhone 11 Series – iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019) iPhone SE – iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020), iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) However, even after Apple stops developing new features for older versions of iOS, it continues to issue security updates for some time. As explained in How long does Apple support iPhones?, Apple often provides security patches for devices that can’t run the latest version of iOS. For example, in March 2026, Apple released an update to iOS 18 addressing security vulnerabilities. This patch was only available for iPhones that cannot upgrade to iOS 26, suggesting that Apple expects compatible devices to move to iOS 26 for ongoing security support. This still means older models – such as the iPhone XR and XS – remain supported, even though they cannot run iOS 26. Support extends even further back. Also in March 2026, Apple issued security updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16. Updates iOS 15.8.7 and iOS 16.7.15 patched critical vulnerabilities in older devices, including: iPhone 6s (all models) iPhone 7 (all models) iPhone SE (1st gen) iPhone 8 and 8 Plus iPhone X Notably, the iPhone 6s – launched in 2015 – continues to receive security updates, marking over ten years of support. Earlier, in January 2026, Apple also released updates for iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 to extend support for certificates required by services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, ensuring these features continue to work beyond January 2027. This means that even the iPhone 5s has received some support in 2026. Which iPhones support which iOS versions? Luckily, many iPhones are able to run supported versions of iOS. We run through which iPhone supports which version of iOS in a separate article: iOS compatibility: Find out the latest version your iPhone can run. You may also find this at a glance chart useful: Every version of iOS and the phones supported. Foundry So, there it is. A potted history of iOS. Want to know about all the versions of macOS? Read: Mac OS X and macOS: Every version released so far. You can also find out what the latest version of macOS is.

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Apple will spend $400 million more through 2030 to bring more manufacturing to the U.S.
Apple has announced plans to work with four new companies as part of a 14-year $400 million plan to manufacture more iPhone and other components and materials in the United States.Tim Cook and Donald Trump, at the Mac Pro factoryDubbed the American Manufacturing Program (AMP), Apple has already been working to move more manufacturing to the United States in recent years. Now, Apple is working with Bosch, Cirrus Logic, TDK, and Qnity Electronics on new programs that will run through 2030."At Apple, we believe in the power of American innovation and manufacturing, and we're proud to partner with even more companies to produce critical components and cutting-edge materials for our products right here in the U.S.," Tim Cook, Apple's CEO said via press release. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple details 4 new ways it’s bringing product component manufacturing to the US
Apple is expanding its American Manufacturing Program and bringing more component production to the United States. The company named new AMP partners and detailed how each helps it increase advanced manufacturing in America. more…

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Skip the plugins: Build your WordPress site with these ready-to-use templates
CopyElement gives Elementor users 4,000-plus ready-to-use website components and templates to copy and paste into WordPress. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple turns the Sydney Opera House into an iPad canvas with stunning results
Macworld Apple doesn’t turn 50 until next week, but the celebrations are already in high gear. Following a performance by Alicia Keys in New York City earlier this month, Apple held events on Wednesday in London, China, Korea, Australia, and Washington, D.C. to commemorate the milestone. At Apple Battersea in London, the company welcomed DJ Nia Archives and folk-rock band Mumford & Sons to perform for the crowd outside the company’s U.K. headquarters. Following Archives’ set, Mumford & Sons played nine songs, including hits “Little Lion Man” and “I Will Wait.” In China, Chris Lee took over Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu with a performance that blended fashion, choreography, music, and dynamic set pieces, while CODA star Troy Kotsur and Roberta Cordano, the first deaf woman to be president of Gallaudet University, sat down with Apple’s Sarah Herrlinger for a discussion about the legacy and future of Deaf creativity. And at Apple Myeongdong in Seoul, K-pop group Cortis performed a trio of songs, including “YOUNGCREATORCREW” from their upcoming album. But the coolest event was held at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. As part of the Illuminating Creativity project, Apple transformed the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sails into a digital canvas for artwork from 11 emerging Australian artists and six members of the public. A mix of still imagery and motion created in Procreate on the iPad, set to a score composed by musician Bailey Pickles using Logic Pro. Just check out these images: Art projections on the Sydney Opera House.Apple Apple Apple Apple’s 50th anniversary is officially April 1, so we expect events to continue all next week. 

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New storage cleanup, cross-platform transfers & AI tools reshape WhatsApp
WhatsApp is tightening up its iPhone experience with smarter storage controls, easier cross-platform chat transfers, and built-in AI tools that handle edits and replies inside conversations.WhatsApp is pushing out updates to its messaging appWhatsApp will begin rolling out new features on March 26. They include two accounts on a single iPhone, improved storage controls, and easier cross-platform chat transfers.The update also adds AI-powered tools for editing photos and drafting messages on iOS. Running separate work and personal accounts has often required a second device. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple rolls out age verification for UK users
Apple has introduced age verification requirements for users in the UK. Customers will now be asked to confirm that they are at least 18… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Major court ruling says social media apps are intentionally addictive; Meta & Google lose
A court ruling with potentially massive implications has found that social media apps are intentionally designed to be addictive, and are harmful to teenage mental health. A now 20-year-old woman sued Meta and YouTube owner Google for damaging her mental health as a child, with a jury awarding her $6 million in damages – and this is likely to be only the start … more…

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Modern CSV 2.4
Adds a few features and improvements to the CSV manipulation app. (Free/$39/$59 new, free update, 27.3 MB, macOS 11+)

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Apple’s rumoured 200MP camera said to have larger sensor
Previous reports have suggested that Apple is planning to fit a 200-megapixel camera to an iPhone in either 2027 or 2028. While squeezing ever more pixels into the same size sensor would be bad news for low-light photography, the latest report has a couple of pieces of good news … more…

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iPhone 19 Pro rumored to get 200MP telephoto camera sensor
A leaker with a decent track record says that Apple is testing a 200 megapixel telephoto camera in the 2027 iPhone 19 Pro, to try to catch up with cameras on rival phones.The rear cameras on Pro iPhone models are likely to get high-resolution sensors first. The rear cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro Max have a 48MP sensor, but it's long been rumored that Apple move to 200MP — and probably by 2028. Now according to leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple is currently testing such a sensor, and it may ship in iPhones released in 2027.Reportedly basing this on what are described (in translation) as reliable supply chain sources, Digital Chat Station describes a 200MP 1/1.12-inch sensor. He or she says it's the same configuration being launched in the Oppo Find X9 Ultra in April 2026. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple age verification failing for some – here’s what to try
Apple age verification went live in the UK in iOS 26.4 after a previous accidental release in the developer beta. While it was straightforward for me, some on the Apple Support forums and Reddit are reporting major problems with the process. Some of the issues appear to be based on misunderstandings around the acceptable documentation when the company is unable to verify your age automatically, while others seem to be system failures … more…

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macOS 26.4 warning about potentially malicious Terminal commands
In a small but very welcome move, Apple has added a message in Terminal in macOS 26.4 that warns when a user tries to paste an instruction that might be malware.The new warning — image credit: Mr MacintoshTerminal is the command-line app that the giant majority of users never even know about, but is extremely useful for customizing Macs. It has such deep-rooted access to the Mac, though, that it can be dangerous.Usually the danger comes from either inexperienced users typing the wrong commands — or scammers telling them to paste in certain instructions. If a user does that, they bypass all of Apple's security and basically hand the keys over to the scammers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple at 50: 7 iconic products that proved everyone wrong
Macworld Humans are typically averse to change. When something defies expectations with a dramatic shift, they tend to react negatively, holding onto familiar concepts. Sometimes, radical changes eventually become the new norm. People evolve with the objects surrounding them when they realize how they elevate their lives in unprecedented ways. Apple has a long history of thinking differently. During its past 50 years, the company has repeatedly defied traditions through products that don’t initially make sense to everyone. Critics would attack said products… until the sales paint a different picture. These are some of the products that seemed doomed to fail at launch but quickly proved to be ingenious. iPod While the iPod (RIP) remains one of Apple’s most iconic products of all time, its initial 2001 introduction was met with lots of criticism. The $399 device debuted with several restrictions at a time when customers could buy generic CD or MP3 players for a fraction of that price. The iPod required a FireWire connection and iTunes for music transfer, making it exclusive to the Mac—which accounted for less than 5 percent of the desktop market share back then. Screenshot IDG In the years that followed, Apple made several improvements to the iPod, like releasing multiple variants that catered to different needs, swapping FireWire for USB, and bringing iTunes to Windows. The product flourished, popularizing digital music purchases and miniature media players. It also acted as one of the iPhone’s three key selling points. iPhone The iPhone is Apple’s most widely recognized product, dominating the U.S. smartphone market and swiftly expanding its global reach. That hasn’t always been the case, however. When Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007, critics naturally had some unkind words to say. Screenshot Foundry Microsoft’s then CEO, Steve Ballmer, famously expressed how the virtual keyboard was nearly impossible to use, suggesting the overpriced device was doomed to fail. The folks at BlackBerry similarly questioned the device’s seriousness and productive capabilities. That’s not to mention the unforgiving headlines and technology journalists’ negative takes. Market analysts predicted that Windows-based phones would capture nearly all market share within a few years. Remind me, what’s a BlackBerry, and where does one find a Windows Phone again? iPad The most popular tablet line similarly had a controversial start. When Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPad in 2010, many critics described it as just a large iPhone with no distinct purpose. The device largely mimicked the iPhone’s OS, offering no file management system, multitasking features, or Adobe Flash support. Its hardware was also perceived as limited due to the lack of an SD card slot, USB port, and camera. Despite that, Apple still sold millions of iPads by the end of that year. Screenshot Apple Today, Apple sells a wide range of iPads, featuring different sizes, processing powers, and exclusive perks. The OS has matured to support proper multitasking, including Mac-like windowing and a menu bar, in addition to professional, desktop-class apps. While the tablet still has a long way to go, it certainly proved not to be just a large iPhone. By some estimates, about half of all tablets in the world are iPads. Apple Watch When the Apple Watch debuted over a decade ago, it wasn’t the independent miniature iPhone it is today. The wearable heavily relied on the paired iPhone for basic features, including GPS, texting and calling, using third-party apps, and more. It also lacked a clear direction, as Apple was trying to sell it as a luxury item (remember the $17,000 gold edition?) that also tracked your activity and doubled as a communication hub; the identity crisis was real. Screenshot Foundry At this point, the battery lasts a full day on a single charge, the design has been slimmed down to perfection, and the above-mentioned flaws have been dealt with. The Apple Watch is now perceived as the best smartwatch for most casual users, featuring advanced, life-saving sensors, several models to pick from, and a mature OS that functions autonomously. It is, by far, the best-selling watch of any kind in the world. AirPods Likewise, the AirPods’ birth was accompanied by a ton of criticism and concerns revolving around pricing, design, functionality, and more. In 2016, Apple retired the iPhone’s headphone jack, pushing users to dongles or the $159 AirPods. At the time, many critics compared the AirPods’ design to electric toothbrush heads and dental floss cases. Users were concerned about losing them and needing to regularly charge yet another device. Some reviewers also questioned their value, given that their sound quality was similar to that of wired EarPods—despite costing eightfold more. Compatibility was also a frequent complaint: they worked as bluetooth headphones with other devices, but all their main features were only enabled with other Apple products. Screenshot Apple Nowadays, AirPods have become the go-to wireless earbuds for many iPhone users, offering immersive audio technology, precise location via Find My, seamless integrations with other Apple devices, multiple product tiers, health features, and much more. They’ve also moved the industry forward, pushing rival brands to enhance their own wireless earbuds. M-series chips In 2020, Apple kickstarted the Mac’s transition from Intel processors to its own in-house chip designs. The move was questioned by many critics, raising concerns around software compatibility, performance, and energy efficiency. It turns out Apple was fully prepared for the overhaul, however. To avoid breaking apps, Apple introduced Rosetta 2—a tool that runs software designed for Intel chips on M-series Macs. While macOS 27 will likely be the last version to support Rosetta 2, all relevant app developers have already updated their apps to run natively on Apple silicon. Otherwise, the M-series chips have proved to be more capable and energy-efficient than their Intel counterparts, as today’s Macs boast the longest battery life ever and manage to obliterate competitors in many benchmark tests. That’s not to mention that Macs can now run iPhone apps, and iPads have Mac chips in them—all thanks to this historical transition. MacBook Neo One of the most recent Apple products to attract skepticism is the MacBook Neo. Prior to its launch, many critics doubted Apple would ever sell a new MacBook as cheaply as $599 (and even $499 for education). They also had doubts about its performance, given that it’s powered by the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro chipset. Many onlookers proclaimed that a laptop with 8GB of RAM was useless. Eugen Wegmann Apple proved them wrong by actually embracing the affordable price tag and delivering a comprehensive desktop experience that can handle everyday tasks without any lag. In fact, Tim Cook recently said the MacBook Neo set a new all-time record for first-time Mac buyers, popularizing macOS among younger generations. In performance tests against similarly-priced Windows laptops, the RAM limitation has proven to be a non-issue.

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Macworld Podcast: WWDC26, Apple Studio Display reviews,
Macworld The dates for the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2026 are set. Are Apple’s new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR worth the money? Tune in and find out more in this episode of the Macworld Podcast. This is episode 977 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross,  and Roman Loyola.  Watch episode 976 on YouTube Listen to episode 976 on Apple Podcasts

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Turn your Mac into a video editing studio without spending a fortune — this tool is only $36
Macworld TL;DR: Edit, convert, compress, and polish 4K videos with lightning-fast speed with VideoProc Converter for Mac — get a lifetime family license for $35.99 and take control of your footage today. Editing 4K videos can be a nightmare. Slow exports, choppy playback, endless waiting, and quality loss turn projects that should be fun into hours of frustration. If you’re constantly battling sluggish software, missed deadlines, or messy conversions, VideoProc Converter is your way out as a one-stop solution for all your video needs — lifetime access is on sale for just $35.99 for a limited time. With hardware level-3 acceleration, it handles 4K UHD footage, DVDs, and audio without slowing you down. Cut, crop, stabilize, remove noise, add subtitles, fix fisheye distortions — all while preserving quality. It converts formats seamlessly, compresses files to save space, downloads clips from 1000+ sites, and even records your screen for webinars or gameplay. Designed for creators, families, or small teams, this lifetime family license supports up to five Mac devices, making collaboration easy. Say goodbye to juggling multiple apps, waiting forever for exports, and worrying about video quality. VideoProc makes editing fast, smooth, and fun again. Level up your video game today — get a lifetime VideoProc Converter Family license for Mac for just $35.99 (MSRP $119.90). VideoProc Converter: Lifetime Family License (For Mac)See Deal Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply. StackSocial prices subject to change.

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How to use Playlist Playground to build Apple Music playlists in seconds
Apple Music's new Playlist Playground feature is a prompt-driven playlist builder that's fast and surprisingly useful, even if it won't replace a carefully curated mix. Here's how to start playing, and how well it works.Apple Music's new Playlist PlaygroundApple added Playlist Playground to Apple Music on March 24 with iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. It lets users build playlists by describing what they want instead of adding songs one by one.Building playlists in Apple Music takes time, especially when you're chasing a specific mood. Playlist Playground cuts that down to a few seconds, making it useful as a starting point. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Security Bite: What stands out in the iOS 26.4 security release notes
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations 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. On Tuesday, along with the wide release of iOS 26.4, which had been in beta up until then, Apple dropped a hefty list of security patches addressing over 35 vulnerabilities. While most single-point releases usually come with a large number of fixes, there are a handful of notable ones here I want to bring attention to. Here are the ones that caught my eye. more…

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Apple blocks App Store updates for Mac app replacing Launchpad, a feature it no longer offers
As spotted by Michael Tsai, Apple is blocking App Store updates to AppGrid for resembling Launchpad, a feature the company discontinued in macOS Tahoe. Here are the details. more…

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