JP Morgan hikes Apple stock target to $325 after record-breaking earnings
Less than a week after its last rise, JP Morgan now says Apple's target price is $325, specifically because of the latest earnings and Apple's guidance for the next two quarters.The current iPhone 17On January 26, ahead of what was already expected to be a record-breaking quarter for Apple, JP Morgan raised its target from $305 to $315. Now following both higher than predicted earnings and, in particular, Apple's projections for the future, the investment firm has raised the target again.In a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, JP Morgan summarized the earnings report and said that this should calm fears about rising costs. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 18 isn’t launching until next year, new report reaffirms
Apple is widely expected to bifurcate the launch of the iPhone 18 lineup. Sources including Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg, and The Information  have reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold will launch later this year, followed by the base model iPhone 18 next spring. A new report from Nikkei Asia today corroborates that timeline. more…

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Best antivirus for Mac 2026: Security apps tested vs Apple Xprotect & Gatekeeper
Macworld It wasn’t so long ago that many users believed Macs didn’t need security software. Not only was the platform thought to be inherently secure by design, but the vast majority of computer users were running Windows, so that was where the money was for malware writers. Several high-profile attacks and a surge in popularity later, and now even Apple acknowledges macOS is a target, building in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper for basic protection from known Mac malware. Trouble is, it’s really not the known threats that keep us awake at night, and the dangers are not limited to malware. The most dangerous digital security threats are the ones we don’t see coming – those are the ones that will be successful in stealing our data, our privacy, our identity, and our money. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your Apple computer from digital threats. Use this guide to find the best Mac Antivirus software to suit your needs. We have thoroughly tested all Mac antivirus products for usability and functionality, and consulted independent lab data to determine which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. No-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than Macworld, the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac. See our top pick in Mac antivirus softwareView Intego Mac Internet Security X9 How we test Mac Antivirus To thoroughly test Mac antivirus software, we combine hands-on evaluation with data from independent security labs. We assess malware detection, usability, performance, and value for money. We start with a clean macOS installation and download known malicious software and visit malicious websites to evaluate protection against online and offline threats. We then assess performance impact and user experience. We also evaluate the usefulness and accessibility of the software’s tools, including VPNs, password managers, firewalls, and parental controls. Finally, we look at how well the software detects and deals with Windows viruses and other types of malware. Updated January 30, 2026: This article is regularly updated and we aim to assess each suite on a yearly basis or when new features are launched. Is Apple’s malware protection enough? We have tested Apple’s own solution against a raft of malware and although it did an OK job keeping us safe, we proved that there were times when a questionable application could be installed without warning. A good analogy is to think of Apple’s built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while a paid antivirus is its alarm system and security cameras. With virus – also adware, spyware, trojan, and ransomware – definitions updated several times a day (far more frequently than Apple’s offering), you get real-time protection from all new and emerging threats. In our tests of Apple’s malware-protections, our only option was to wipe our Mac and return to the back up we made before the reckless behavior – and hope we hadn’t passed anything on. Apple doesn’t offer customer support or virus removal guarantees when the worst happens, nor does it protect you from cross-platform threats across all your devices. With paid antivirus software you get all this, plus more: extra features might include web and phishing protection, software updaters to patch vulnerabilities, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud storage and backup, and dark web monitoring. Investing in a decent security suite for Mac is a smart move, adding an extra layer of protection and being safe rather than sorry. Best antivirus for Mac at a glance Jump straight to a Mac antivirus product for more details: CategoryBest PickWhy It WinsBest overallIntego Mac Internet Security X9 | DownloadExcellent malware detection, strong ransomware protection, and tools built specifically for macOS.Best free optionAvira Free Security for Mac | DownloadOne of the most generous free packages, with solid malware protection and useful extras like a limited VPN.Best for familiesNorton 360 | DownloadMulti-device, cross-platform protection with parental controls on supported plans, ideal for households.Best for power usersNorton 360 | DownloadAdvanced features including a full VPN, cloud backup, dark-web monitoring, and identity protection.Best for privacySurfshark One | DownloadSurfshark One is integrated into a broader privacy suite with a comprehensive suite of identity protection and security tools. 1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Built for Mac with simplicity in mind Easy to set up and customize Solid malware protection Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: From $24.99 for first year, usually $49.99 a year (1 Mac) Using our link Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is our top pick for Mac antivirus software. It is approved by independent testing labs AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, offering solid antivirus and firewall protection. In November SE Labs gave Intego Mac Internet Security a highly commendable 98% protection accuracy rating. As the only antivirus in this round-up to be built from the ground-up for Mac, it has a simplicity about it that Apple users will appreciate. We love how easy this no-fuss Mac antivirus is to set up and use, with deep customization options, and no pushy upsells. If you have just the one Mac you wish to protect, Intego is an extremely effective security product – and also the cheapest paid option here. Who’s it for? Intego is for Mac users who want simple, but effective security, and are looking to gain peace of mind without diving into system-level configuration gymnastics. Intego’s VirusBarrier is ideal for users who have a single Mac or MacBook to protect, while NetBarrier lets them quickly and easily set up profiles for home, work or public connections. Why we picked it Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 is a strong choice for Mac antivirus software for several key reasons. Intego offers protection specifically for macOS, this means its robust feature set is tailored to the Mac. While some rivals offer more features those apps can feel like they are a cut-back PC app running on the Mac. Only Intego offers such an easy-to-use set of security utilities for Mac users. Further considerations The basic package includes the company’s VirusBarrier real-time antivirus and NetBarrier firewall, along with anti-phishing protection. If you need additional features, the Premium Bundle adds parental controls so you can monitor internet time and block inappropriate content, optimization utilities for reducing file clutter and improving system performance, organizational tools for putting your most frequently used files at your fingertips and neatly arranging your desktop and dock, plus backup. A VPN is also available as an add-on. Because Intego is a Mac-only security suite, it isn’t suitable for users who also want to protect their iPhone or iPad, Windows PC or Android device. Most alternative antivirus products offer cross-platform protection. If unbeatable malware protection is your only concern, there are better alternatives to Intego. In September 2024, AV-Test awarded Intego a rating of 5 (out of 6) for Protection, 6 for Speed, and 6 for Usability. Then, in June 2025, AV-Comparatives rated it 97.1% for Mac malware protection, 97% for protection from potentially unwanted applications, and 100% for Windows malware detection. All four of the alternative Mac antivirus programs listed below scored a 6 for Protection from AV-Test, plus 100% for Mac malware protection and the maximum possible 99% for protection from potentially unwanted programs from AV-Comparatives. Use our link to get the best deal on Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle. Read our full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review 2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton is a name with which most readers will be familiar, which is important for a tool that’s going to be responsible for your digital security. Norton’s Virus Protection Promise means you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your Mac. Including VPN, a password manager, Deepfake protection, and antivirus, antimalware, ransomware and hacking protection, it has a more complete feature set than many of the Mac antivirus offerings here – without the high price tag to match. Norton 360 appeals for its top marks across both AV-Comparatives and AV-Test’s June 2025 benchmarks, delivering on malware protection, performance, and usability. A new feature that moves Norton up our ranking here is AI-powered Genie Scam Protection. The Genie Scam Assistant is available around the clock to answer your security questions, and can provide instant reassurance for dodgy-looking emails and texts. Who’s it for? The standard Norton 360 package is well suited to security-minded individuals who need a solution to cover all angles, and would appreciate the peace of mind afforded by an AI scam assistant that is able to answer questions in real time. The Deluxe package is ideal for couples, covering up to five devices including Macs, iPhones and iPads, while the Advanced package is perfect for families, with up to 10 devices covered. Further considerations Norton 360 supports Mac, iOS, Windows and Android, but if you use only Mac then you may be better served by Intego. Here macOS feels like more of an afterthought, with some features (such as cloud backup) available to Windows users only. There’s a lot of functionality here, and a lot of customization options, but if you’re not comfortable going digging into the settings for them then you might find this overkill. Some technical knowledge is required to take full advantage of these features. Although Norton performed very well in independent testing, in our own tests it missed a few threats, such as OSX.Proton, and it struggled to scan Zip files. We also found that the browser extension and private browser still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links. Read our full Norton 360 review 3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy, and unlimited device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.29 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you have multiple devices to protect, Surfshark One’s unlimited device protection for macOS, Android, and Windows is unbeaten. Not only does this antivirus product ace AV-Test’s malware protection benchmark, it has several extra features designed with privacy in mind, including the Surfshark VPN the company is arguably better known for. Additional features found within Surfshark One include: Alert, which alerts you if your email, credit card or personal data is leaked in a data breach; Search, which lets you browse the web ad-, tracker and threat-free; Alternative ID, which generates a new identity and proxy email for online registrations; and CleanWeb, for blocking pop-ups. Who’s it for? Many of the digital threats we face today target the person as well as the PC. Surfshark One is the Mac antivirus tool for anyone who is concerned with protecting their personal data and identity, as well as their Mac (or PC, or Android device). Further considerations While Surfshark One packs a lot of features, it is also the most expensive option in this round-up – especially if you plump for the one-month plan (not an option with all Mac antivirus vendors). All plans are billed monthly, with the cheapest tying you in for two years. If cost is a concern, Intego offers the cheapest entry point. Surfshark One has not been tested by AV-Comparatives but, as we noted, notched up the maximum possible score for protection in AV-Test’s benchmarks in June 2025. However, it did drop half a point on both speed and usability, where every other Mac antivirus product here scored the full six points. Read our full Surfshark One review 4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered Mac security Pros Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats No impact on performance 60-day trial available Cons Slow manual scanning Price When Reviewed: From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Like Norton 360, Avast is going big on AI in the latest edition of its Premium Security suite. The logic is there: if AI is enabling the most sophisticated digital threats, AI may also present the best solution for finding and thwarting them. Avast also boasts an on-demand scam assistant as part of its new Scam Guardian module, providing instant reassurance for your security concerns, and it can prevent you clicking on dodgy links in scam emails and on fraudulent websites. Premium Security from Avast covers Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, with packages available for one or up to 10 devices. You get a clean interface that is easy to use, and robust malware protection (scoring top marks in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives benchmarks in June 2025), with flexible scan options, smart network tools, and strong defense against browser hacks and ransomware. Who’s it for? Avast is well suited to individual users or families who are active on the internet, with protection focused on helping you spot the latest scams and guarding you while you shop or bank online. Further considerations If you’re not ready to buy Avast Premium Security, the company offers a generous 60-day trial, as well as a free version of its real-time antivirus. We would strongly urge you to consider the Premium version for its new AI-powered Scam Guardian module, and protection beyond basic malware. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for trialing Mac antivirus Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket AVG is probably better known for its free antivirus than its premium security suite, but it impresses with its broad feature set, clean interface, and solid malware/phishing protection. If you’re not sure whether to take the plunge and purchase paid antivirus then it offers the easiest path to do so, first offering a 60-day trial and then a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. In June 2025, AVG Internet Security for Mac scored top marks with AV-Test for Protection, Speed, and Usability, and also scored the maximum possible with AV-Comparatives when pitted against Mac malware, Windows malware, and potentially unwanted applications. Who’s it for? AVG Internet Security for Mac is for – as the name implies – Mac users. It does not support Windows or Android, although versions for those platforms are available. Best suited for cautious Mac users who want layered protection without complexity, the free trial lets them check it out with no strings attached. Further considerations AVG is mostly well designed and easy to navigate. It is good at its basic job, letting you use the web with confidence. We would like to see clearer indication of when scans are running, and it didn’t manage to prevent a fake Adobe Flash Player from being installed in our tests, but it’s difficult to fault this otherwise very strong Mac antivirus, which also did a great job of removing malware that did get through. It doesn’t particularly stand out among the competition here, but nonetheless it offers Mac security you can trust. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top five doesn’t mean a product isn’t going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. You’ll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldn’t advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews. (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.) McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: McAfee Total Protection 2025 covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Who’s it for: It’s a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Avira Prime We recommend: Avira Prime Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Avira – Prime (first year, 5 devices) Why we recommend it: Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Who’s it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Read our full Avira Prime review Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: $24.95 at Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory. Who’s it for: While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, it’s a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss. Read our fullTrend Micro Antivirus review Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: $24.99 at Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers fast scans, solid real-time protection, and a clean install process. While it fumbles on some pre-existing threats and Safari phishing defense, it’s a reliable day-to-day application. Who’s it for: Bitdefender is arguably ideal for users wanting basic, no-fuss Mac protection with the option to scale up to Total Security for multi-platform coverage should they desire. Read our fullBitdefender Antivirus for Mac review MacPaw, Moonlock We recommend: MacPaw Moonlock Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: $45 at MacPaw (annual) Why we recommend it: MacPaw is best known for CleanMyMac, but now it’s brought out its own Mac antivirus app. What’s present in Moonlock, in terms of malware detection and removal makes it a viable option for Mac users who want good protection with minimal fuss. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past. Who’s it for: Moonlock includes some great learning tools, making it well suited to users who feel a bit lost navigating the world of anti-malware. MacPaw really makes an effort to teach less-technical users why certain security settings matter. Read our fullMoonlock review BitMedic Pro Antivirus We recommend: BitMedic Pro Antivirus Read our review Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Mac App Store (one off payment) Why we recommend it: BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s beginning to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. Who’s it for: The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection. Read our fullBitMedic Pro Antivirus review Sophos Home Premium for Mac We recommend: Sophos Home Premium for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Sophos (first year, 10 device) Why we recommend it: Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows. Who’s it for: It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination. Read our fullSophos Home Premium for Mac review Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes Premium Security Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard: $44.99 a year for one device; Plus (inc VPN): $59.99 a year; Total: $94.99 a year (usually $189.99) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it: Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac is a user-friendly tool with strong malware detection, but lacks deeper customisation, external volume scanning, effective web protection, and Windows-specific features. Who’s it for: It’s best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence with its built-in VPN feature, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our fullMalwarebytes Premium Security review Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison DeveloperProduct NameMalware ProtectionRansomware ProtectionAdware PreventionAnti Phishing ProtectionEmail ProtectionFirewallVPNiOS VersionParental ControlsSupportTrial/Free versionIntegoInternet Security X9Excellent, Mac focusedYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesEmail/Phone30 day trial and free optionSurfsharkSurfshark OneStrongYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoChat/Email30-day money back guaranteeAVGInternet Security for MacGoodYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoEmail60 daysAvastPremium SecurityVery goodYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail/Forum60 daysMcAfeeTotal ProtectionGoodYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30 days/money-back guaranteeTrend MicroAntivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail30 daysNortonNorton 360Very strongYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30-day money-backAviraAvira PrimeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoEmail30 daysBitdefenderBitdefender Antivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Chat30 daysMacPawMoonlockYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoEmail7 daysPocket Bits LLCBitMedic Pro AntivirusYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoEmail/Support Form7 daysSophosSophos Home Premium for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesChat/Email30 daysESETEset Home SecurityYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Phone30 daysMalwarebtyesMalwarebytes Premium SecurityNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoEmail/Forum14 days Can I use free Mac antivirus? Apple’s XProtect is a free antivirus built into macOS, while Gatekeeper blocks unverified apps. We’ve installed Mac malware on a Mac with only Apple’s protections in place and while Apple’s security layers offered some protection, malware and suspect applications could still be installed if warnings are ignored. An advantage of running a free Mac antivirus product from a third-party company rather than Apple’s antivirus is more frequent updates, making it better able to protect you from the latest threats, as well as other nasties including adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware. The antivirus engine in free and paid antivirus programs is typically the same. The difference is in all the extra features afforded by the premium suite, including the availability of customer and/or AI-powered tech support when something goes wrong, cross-platform support for all your devices, web and phishing protection, privacy features such as a VPN and identity- or dark web monitoring, parental controls, and more. The old adage that you get what you pay for is true, and if you are genuinely concerned about Mac security then it is advisable to pay for the most complete protection you can get. If value for money is your most important criteria, you should check out the best Mac antivirus deals. But if you’re on a really tight budget, free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apple’s security tools. What’s the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect – Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac – Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac – Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner – Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download How we test Mac antivirus Each software package is evaluated by creating a clean installation of macOS, cloning it for each antivirus product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This is to ensure that previous app installations don’t interfere with new ones – sometimes antivirus software treats other antivirus software as an infection. We consider the strength of protection against threats (online and offline), and how well it addresses the ever-expanding types of attacks. We spend time using the software. Ease of use and user interface is important because if the software is too complicated people will not use it, it should be easy to find the tools users need, and alerts should make sense and be relevant. Equally performance really matters because if an app slows down your Mac you are likely to turn that app off. We also look at the features on offer. The best antivirus suites go beyond the basics of real-time protection and deeper scans, adding features like password managers and firewalls, some incorporate a VPN. However, we do assess whether these extras are helpful, or just unnecessary additions. In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware on our Mac, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST. These laboratories test antivirus software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware). The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus for Mac software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware. We also test Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective, and we evaluate pricing which, more often than not, comes in the form of an annual subscription with different tiers of features. We advise on the best options based on value for money. Finally, while we give props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we mark down products if they lack any or all of the following: A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection Ransomware monitoring Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy A high score on Windows malware detection Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since our conception during the launch of the Mac in 1984, and we know Macs better than anyone. When it comes to antivirus apps we recognise that, despite Apple’s built-in systems to combat the threat of malware, in the current climate there is value in adding an extra layer of protection. Our Mac antivirus software reviewers have worked in the industry for decades, and have experience working with clients and fixing their IT problems. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac – a key reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect – are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features. Best Mac Antivirus FAQ 1. Do I need antivirus for Mac? Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and don’t require protection beyond the software already provided by Apple. We’d argue that they are wrong, or at very least overconfident. Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren because macOS is a Unix-based operating system, which means it is sandboxed. This is like having a series of fire doors: even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to other areas of the machine. But while they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs, it is not impossible. You can about this topic in our article do Macs need antivirus? More general advice can be found in our Mac security tips; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should see how to remove a virus from a Mac. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? All Mac antivirus software packages find viruses using both on-demand- and always-on protection. The former examines individual files either during scheduled scans or when you decide to run one. This can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of files, and some antivirus products will hog your Mac’s processor power to prioritize the scan, so it’s worth selecting a convenient time. (See how to scan a Mac for malware). Always-on malware protection protects you when a scan is not currently active. If malware arrives – perhaps via an email or a downloaded file – your antivirus software should detect and quarantine it. Quarantining a file involves moving it to a safe folder, allowing you to decide what to do with it. You’ll typically receive a notification of the discovered malware, but some Mac antivirus products can be more informative than others in these notifications (something we keep in mind in our testing). The effectiveness of this on-demand and always-on virus protection is absolutely the most important thing when it comes to choosing Mac antivirus, but additional features may also affect your choice. Many Mac security suites now include ransomware protection. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to decrypt them. An anti-ransomware feature will typically block any app from writing to a user’s home folders, such as Documents or Photos, unless that app has been whitelisted. Some apps, such as Microsoft Word, are pre-approved, and you can whitelist any that you trust. Web protection via browser plugins or extensions is also a common component and aims to stop you (or your children) from visiting infected websites or handing over personal information when you shouldn’t. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? One of the add-ons you might find with Mac security products, although also commonly sold separately, is Mac VPN (virtual private network). For many users, these are of interest because they can mask your location and allow you to view things (like streaming series) that are otherwise off-limits in your location. But they also have a very real benefit for security, protecting your internet connection by encrypting it, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. In this day and age we should all be using VPNs and, while we’d recommend buying a dedicated Mac VPN product, one built into your antivirus software is better than nothing – just be prepared to be nagged to upgrade to the full product. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? But value is perceived differently by all users: for some the best value Mac antivirus is the free one, and for others, it is the one that is affordable but includes the most useful add-ons. We prefer to consider value in terms of which is the best all-round offering, rather than the budget deal. We believe that, for protecting a single Mac, Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways you can save money even on the more expensive products. Bear in mind that all antivirus for Mac apps are sold as yearly subscriptions, and often the first year has a hefty discount. When that first year is up, there’s nothing stopping you switching to another product and benefiting from that discount again. Alternatively, opt for a three- or even five-year subscription to save even more money – and why not: it’s not like viruses are going to disappear in the meantime and you won’t need it. Some of the best Mac antivirus products can also cater to your other devices – and not just iPads and iPhones, but also Windows and Android devices. If you have multiple devices in your household, this can present a huge saving. Take a look at our recommendations for the Best Mac Antivirus deals, which includes the cheapest options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper. 6. What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apple’s virus protection? It’s actually very good, and there isn’t much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features – but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what they’re doing. Still, the protection is present, it’s updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers.

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Best antivirus for Mac 2026: Security apps tested vs Apple Xprotect & Gatekeeper
Macworld It wasn’t so long ago that many users believed Macs didn’t need security software. Not only was the platform thought to be inherently secure by design, but the vast majority of computer users were running Windows, so that was where the money was for malware writers. Several high-profile attacks and a surge in popularity later, and now even Apple acknowledges macOS is a target, building in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper for basic protection from known Mac malware. Trouble is, it’s really not the known threats that keep us awake at night, and the dangers are not limited to malware. The most dangerous digital security threats are the ones we don’t see coming – those are the ones that will be successful in stealing our data, our privacy, our identity, and our money. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your Apple computer from digital threats. Use this guide to find the best Mac Antivirus software to suit your needs. We have thoroughly tested all Mac antivirus products for usability and functionality, and consulted independent lab data to determine which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. No-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than Macworld, the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac. See our top pick in Mac antivirus softwareView Intego Mac Internet Security X9 How we test Mac Antivirus To thoroughly test Mac antivirus software, we combine hands-on evaluation with data from independent security labs. We assess malware detection, usability, performance, and value for money. We start with a clean macOS installation and download known malicious software and visit malicious websites to evaluate protection against online and offline threats. We then assess performance impact and user experience. We also evaluate the usefulness and accessibility of the software’s tools, including VPNs, password managers, firewalls, and parental controls. Finally, we look at how well the software detects and deals with Windows viruses and other types of malware. Updated January 30, 2026: This article is regularly updated and we aim to assess each suite on a yearly basis or when new features are launched. Is Apple’s malware protection enough? We have tested Apple’s own solution against a raft of malware and although it did an OK job keeping us safe, we proved that there were times when a questionable application could be installed without warning. A good analogy is to think of Apple’s built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while a paid antivirus is its alarm system and security cameras. With virus – also adware, spyware, trojan, and ransomware – definitions updated several times a day (far more frequently than Apple’s offering), you get real-time protection from all new and emerging threats. In our tests of Apple’s malware-protections, our only option was to wipe our Mac and return to the back up we made before the reckless behavior – and hope we hadn’t passed anything on. Apple doesn’t offer customer support or virus removal guarantees when the worst happens, nor does it protect you from cross-platform threats across all your devices. With paid antivirus software you get all this, plus more: extra features might include web and phishing protection, software updaters to patch vulnerabilities, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud storage and backup, and dark web monitoring. Investing in a decent security suite for Mac is a smart move, adding an extra layer of protection and being safe rather than sorry. Best antivirus for Mac at a glance Jump straight to a Mac antivirus product for more details: CategoryBest PickWhy It WinsBest overallIntego Mac Internet Security X9 | DownloadExcellent malware detection, strong ransomware protection, and tools built specifically for macOS.Best free optionAvira Free Security for Mac | DownloadOne of the most generous free packages, with solid malware protection and useful extras like a limited VPN.Best for familiesNorton 360 | DownloadMulti-device, cross-platform protection with parental controls on supported plans, ideal for households.Best for power usersNorton 360 | DownloadAdvanced features including a full VPN, cloud backup, dark-web monitoring, and identity protection.Best for privacySurfshark One | DownloadSurfshark One is integrated into a broader privacy suite with a comprehensive suite of identity protection and security tools. 1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Built for Mac with simplicity in mind Easy to set up and customize Solid malware protection Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: From $24.99 for first year, usually $49.99 a year (1 Mac) Using our link Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is our top pick for Mac antivirus software. It is approved by independent testing labs AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, offering solid antivirus and firewall protection. In November SE Labs gave Intego Mac Internet Security a highly commendable 98% protection accuracy rating. As the only antivirus in this round-up to be built from the ground-up for Mac, it has a simplicity about it that Apple users will appreciate. We love how easy this no-fuss Mac antivirus is to set up and use, with deep customization options, and no pushy upsells. If you have just the one Mac you wish to protect, Intego is an extremely effective security product – and also the cheapest paid option here. Who’s it for? Intego is for Mac users who want simple, but effective security, and are looking to gain peace of mind without diving into system-level configuration gymnastics. Intego’s VirusBarrier is ideal for users who have a single Mac or MacBook to protect, while NetBarrier lets them quickly and easily set up profiles for home, work or public connections. Why we picked it Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 is a strong choice for Mac antivirus software for several key reasons. Intego offers protection specifically for macOS, this means its robust feature set is tailored to the Mac. While some rivals offer more features those apps can feel like they are a cut-back PC app running on the Mac. Only Intego offers such an easy-to-use set of security utilities for Mac users. Further considerations The basic package includes the company’s VirusBarrier real-time antivirus and NetBarrier firewall, along with anti-phishing protection. If you need additional features, the Premium Bundle adds parental controls so you can monitor internet time and block inappropriate content, optimization utilities for reducing file clutter and improving system performance, organizational tools for putting your most frequently used files at your fingertips and neatly arranging your desktop and dock, plus backup. A VPN is also available as an add-on. Because Intego is a Mac-only security suite, it isn’t suitable for users who also want to protect their iPhone or iPad, Windows PC or Android device. Most alternative antivirus products offer cross-platform protection. If unbeatable malware protection is your only concern, there are better alternatives to Intego. In September 2024, AV-Test awarded Intego a rating of 5 (out of 6) for Protection, 6 for Speed, and 6 for Usability. Then, in June 2025, AV-Comparatives rated it 97.1% for Mac malware protection, 97% for protection from potentially unwanted applications, and 100% for Windows malware detection. All four of the alternative Mac antivirus programs listed below scored a 6 for Protection from AV-Test, plus 100% for Mac malware protection and the maximum possible 99% for protection from potentially unwanted programs from AV-Comparatives. Use our link to get the best deal on Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle. Read our full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review 2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton is a name with which most readers will be familiar, which is important for a tool that’s going to be responsible for your digital security. Norton’s Virus Protection Promise means you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your Mac. Including VPN, a password manager, Deepfake protection, and antivirus, antimalware, ransomware and hacking protection, it has a more complete feature set than many of the Mac antivirus offerings here – without the high price tag to match. Norton 360 appeals for its top marks across both AV-Comparatives and AV-Test’s June 2025 benchmarks, delivering on malware protection, performance, and usability. A new feature that moves Norton up our ranking here is AI-powered Genie Scam Protection. The Genie Scam Assistant is available around the clock to answer your security questions, and can provide instant reassurance for dodgy-looking emails and texts. Who’s it for? The standard Norton 360 package is well suited to security-minded individuals who need a solution to cover all angles, and would appreciate the peace of mind afforded by an AI scam assistant that is able to answer questions in real time. The Deluxe package is ideal for couples, covering up to five devices including Macs, iPhones and iPads, while the Advanced package is perfect for families, with up to 10 devices covered. Further considerations Norton 360 supports Mac, iOS, Windows and Android, but if you use only Mac then you may be better served by Intego. Here macOS feels like more of an afterthought, with some features (such as cloud backup) available to Windows users only. There’s a lot of functionality here, and a lot of customization options, but if you’re not comfortable going digging into the settings for them then you might find this overkill. Some technical knowledge is required to take full advantage of these features. Although Norton performed very well in independent testing, in our own tests it missed a few threats, such as OSX.Proton, and it struggled to scan Zip files. We also found that the browser extension and private browser still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links. Read our full Norton 360 review 3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy, and unlimited device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.29 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you have multiple devices to protect, Surfshark One’s unlimited device protection for macOS, Android, and Windows is unbeaten. Not only does this antivirus product ace AV-Test’s malware protection benchmark, it has several extra features designed with privacy in mind, including the Surfshark VPN the company is arguably better known for. Additional features found within Surfshark One include: Alert, which alerts you if your email, credit card or personal data is leaked in a data breach; Search, which lets you browse the web ad-, tracker and threat-free; Alternative ID, which generates a new identity and proxy email for online registrations; and CleanWeb, for blocking pop-ups. Who’s it for? Many of the digital threats we face today target the person as well as the PC. Surfshark One is the Mac antivirus tool for anyone who is concerned with protecting their personal data and identity, as well as their Mac (or PC, or Android device). Further considerations While Surfshark One packs a lot of features, it is also the most expensive option in this round-up – especially if you plump for the one-month plan (not an option with all Mac antivirus vendors). All plans are billed monthly, with the cheapest tying you in for two years. If cost is a concern, Intego offers the cheapest entry point. Surfshark One has not been tested by AV-Comparatives but, as we noted, notched up the maximum possible score for protection in AV-Test’s benchmarks in June 2025. However, it did drop half a point on both speed and usability, where every other Mac antivirus product here scored the full six points. Read our full Surfshark One review 4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered Mac security Pros Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats No impact on performance 60-day trial available Cons Slow manual scanning Price When Reviewed: From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Like Norton 360, Avast is going big on AI in the latest edition of its Premium Security suite. The logic is there: if AI is enabling the most sophisticated digital threats, AI may also present the best solution for finding and thwarting them. Avast also boasts an on-demand scam assistant as part of its new Scam Guardian module, providing instant reassurance for your security concerns, and it can prevent you clicking on dodgy links in scam emails and on fraudulent websites. Premium Security from Avast covers Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, with packages available for one or up to 10 devices. You get a clean interface that is easy to use, and robust malware protection (scoring top marks in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives benchmarks in June 2025), with flexible scan options, smart network tools, and strong defense against browser hacks and ransomware. Who’s it for? Avast is well suited to individual users or families who are active on the internet, with protection focused on helping you spot the latest scams and guarding you while you shop or bank online. Further considerations If you’re not ready to buy Avast Premium Security, the company offers a generous 60-day trial, as well as a free version of its real-time antivirus. We would strongly urge you to consider the Premium version for its new AI-powered Scam Guardian module, and protection beyond basic malware. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for trialing Mac antivirus Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket AVG is probably better known for its free antivirus than its premium security suite, but it impresses with its broad feature set, clean interface, and solid malware/phishing protection. If you’re not sure whether to take the plunge and purchase paid antivirus then it offers the easiest path to do so, first offering a 60-day trial and then a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. In June 2025, AVG Internet Security for Mac scored top marks with AV-Test for Protection, Speed, and Usability, and also scored the maximum possible with AV-Comparatives when pitted against Mac malware, Windows malware, and potentially unwanted applications. Who’s it for? AVG Internet Security for Mac is for – as the name implies – Mac users. It does not support Windows or Android, although versions for those platforms are available. Best suited for cautious Mac users who want layered protection without complexity, the free trial lets them check it out with no strings attached. Further considerations AVG is mostly well designed and easy to navigate. It is good at its basic job, letting you use the web with confidence. We would like to see clearer indication of when scans are running, and it didn’t manage to prevent a fake Adobe Flash Player from being installed in our tests, but it’s difficult to fault this otherwise very strong Mac antivirus, which also did a great job of removing malware that did get through. It doesn’t particularly stand out among the competition here, but nonetheless it offers Mac security you can trust. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top five doesn’t mean a product isn’t going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. You’ll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldn’t advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews. (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.) McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: McAfee Total Protection 2025 covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Who’s it for: It’s a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Avira Prime We recommend: Avira Prime Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Avira – Prime (first year, 5 devices) Why we recommend it: Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Who’s it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Read our full Avira Prime review Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: $24.95 at Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory. Who’s it for: While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, it’s a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss. Read our fullTrend Micro Antivirus review Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: $24.99 at Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers fast scans, solid real-time protection, and a clean install process. While it fumbles on some pre-existing threats and Safari phishing defense, it’s a reliable day-to-day application. Who’s it for: Bitdefender is arguably ideal for users wanting basic, no-fuss Mac protection with the option to scale up to Total Security for multi-platform coverage should they desire. Read our fullBitdefender Antivirus for Mac review MacPaw, Moonlock We recommend: MacPaw Moonlock Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: $45 at MacPaw (annual) Why we recommend it: MacPaw is best known for CleanMyMac, but now it’s brought out its own Mac antivirus app. What’s present in Moonlock, in terms of malware detection and removal makes it a viable option for Mac users who want good protection with minimal fuss. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past. Who’s it for: Moonlock includes some great learning tools, making it well suited to users who feel a bit lost navigating the world of anti-malware. MacPaw really makes an effort to teach less-technical users why certain security settings matter. Read our fullMoonlock review BitMedic Pro Antivirus We recommend: BitMedic Pro Antivirus Read our review Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Mac App Store (one off payment) Why we recommend it: BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s beginning to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. Who’s it for: The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection. Read our fullBitMedic Pro Antivirus review Sophos Home Premium for Mac We recommend: Sophos Home Premium for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Sophos (first year, 10 device) Why we recommend it: Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows. Who’s it for: It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination. Read our fullSophos Home Premium for Mac review Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes Premium Security Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard: $44.99 a year for one device; Plus (inc VPN): $59.99 a year; Total: $94.99 a year (usually $189.99) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it: Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac is a user-friendly tool with strong malware detection, but lacks deeper customisation, external volume scanning, effective web protection, and Windows-specific features. Who’s it for: It’s best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence with its built-in VPN feature, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our fullMalwarebytes Premium Security review Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison DeveloperProduct NameMalware ProtectionRansomware ProtectionAdware PreventionAnti Phishing ProtectionEmail ProtectionFirewallVPNiOS VersionParental ControlsSupportTrial/Free versionIntegoInternet Security X9Excellent, Mac focusedYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesEmail/Phone30 day trial and free optionSurfsharkSurfshark OneStrongYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoChat/Email30-day money back guaranteeAVGInternet Security for MacGoodYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoEmail60 daysAvastPremium SecurityVery goodYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail/Forum60 daysMcAfeeTotal ProtectionGoodYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30 days/money-back guaranteeTrend MicroAntivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail30 daysNortonNorton 360Very strongYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30-day money-backAviraAvira PrimeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoEmail30 daysBitdefenderBitdefender Antivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Chat30 daysMacPawMoonlockYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoEmail7 daysPocket Bits LLCBitMedic Pro AntivirusYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoEmail/Support Form7 daysSophosSophos Home Premium for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesChat/Email30 daysESETEset Home SecurityYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Phone30 daysMalwarebtyesMalwarebytes Premium SecurityNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoEmail/Forum14 days Can I use free Mac antivirus? Apple’s XProtect is a free antivirus built into macOS, while Gatekeeper blocks unverified apps. We’ve installed Mac malware on a Mac with only Apple’s protections in place and while Apple’s security layers offered some protection, malware and suspect applications could still be installed if warnings are ignored. An advantage of running a free Mac antivirus product from a third-party company rather than Apple’s antivirus is more frequent updates, making it better able to protect you from the latest threats, as well as other nasties including adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware. The antivirus engine in free and paid antivirus programs is typically the same. The difference is in all the extra features afforded by the premium suite, including the availability of customer and/or AI-powered tech support when something goes wrong, cross-platform support for all your devices, web and phishing protection, privacy features such as a VPN and identity- or dark web monitoring, parental controls, and more. The old adage that you get what you pay for is true, and if you are genuinely concerned about Mac security then it is advisable to pay for the most complete protection you can get. If value for money is your most important criteria, you should check out the best Mac antivirus deals. But if you’re on a really tight budget, free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apple’s security tools. What’s the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect – Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac – Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac – Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner – Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download How we test Mac antivirus Each software package is evaluated by creating a clean installation of macOS, cloning it for each antivirus product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This is to ensure that previous app installations don’t interfere with new ones – sometimes antivirus software treats other antivirus software as an infection. We consider the strength of protection against threats (online and offline), and how well it addresses the ever-expanding types of attacks. We spend time using the software. Ease of use and user interface is important because if the software is too complicated people will not use it, it should be easy to find the tools users need, and alerts should make sense and be relevant. Equally performance really matters because if an app slows down your Mac you are likely to turn that app off. We also look at the features on offer. The best antivirus suites go beyond the basics of real-time protection and deeper scans, adding features like password managers and firewalls, some incorporate a VPN. However, we do assess whether these extras are helpful, or just unnecessary additions. In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware on our Mac, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST. These laboratories test antivirus software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware). The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus for Mac software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware. We also test Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective, and we evaluate pricing which, more often than not, comes in the form of an annual subscription with different tiers of features. We advise on the best options based on value for money. Finally, while we give props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we mark down products if they lack any or all of the following: A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection Ransomware monitoring Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy A high score on Windows malware detection Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since our conception during the launch of the Mac in 1984, and we know Macs better than anyone. When it comes to antivirus apps we recognise that, despite Apple’s built-in systems to combat the threat of malware, in the current climate there is value in adding an extra layer of protection. Our Mac antivirus software reviewers have worked in the industry for decades, and have experience working with clients and fixing their IT problems. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac – a key reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect – are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features. Best Mac Antivirus FAQ 1. Do I need antivirus for Mac? Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and don’t require protection beyond the software already provided by Apple. We’d argue that they are wrong, or at very least overconfident. Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren because macOS is a Unix-based operating system, which means it is sandboxed. This is like having a series of fire doors: even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to other areas of the machine. But while they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs, it is not impossible. You can about this topic in our article do Macs need antivirus? More general advice can be found in our Mac security tips; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should see how to remove a virus from a Mac. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? All Mac antivirus software packages find viruses using both on-demand- and always-on protection. The former examines individual files either during scheduled scans or when you decide to run one. This can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of files, and some antivirus products will hog your Mac’s processor power to prioritize the scan, so it’s worth selecting a convenient time. (See how to scan a Mac for malware). Always-on malware protection protects you when a scan is not currently active. If malware arrives – perhaps via an email or a downloaded file – your antivirus software should detect and quarantine it. Quarantining a file involves moving it to a safe folder, allowing you to decide what to do with it. You’ll typically receive a notification of the discovered malware, but some Mac antivirus products can be more informative than others in these notifications (something we keep in mind in our testing). The effectiveness of this on-demand and always-on virus protection is absolutely the most important thing when it comes to choosing Mac antivirus, but additional features may also affect your choice. Many Mac security suites now include ransomware protection. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to decrypt them. An anti-ransomware feature will typically block any app from writing to a user’s home folders, such as Documents or Photos, unless that app has been whitelisted. Some apps, such as Microsoft Word, are pre-approved, and you can whitelist any that you trust. Web protection via browser plugins or extensions is also a common component and aims to stop you (or your children) from visiting infected websites or handing over personal information when you shouldn’t. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? One of the add-ons you might find with Mac security products, although also commonly sold separately, is Mac VPN (virtual private network). For many users, these are of interest because they can mask your location and allow you to view things (like streaming series) that are otherwise off-limits in your location. But they also have a very real benefit for security, protecting your internet connection by encrypting it, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. In this day and age we should all be using VPNs and, while we’d recommend buying a dedicated Mac VPN product, one built into your antivirus software is better than nothing – just be prepared to be nagged to upgrade to the full product. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? But value is perceived differently by all users: for some the best value Mac antivirus is the free one, and for others, it is the one that is affordable but includes the most useful add-ons. We prefer to consider value in terms of which is the best all-round offering, rather than the budget deal. We believe that, for protecting a single Mac, Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways you can save money even on the more expensive products. Bear in mind that all antivirus for Mac apps are sold as yearly subscriptions, and often the first year has a hefty discount. When that first year is up, there’s nothing stopping you switching to another product and benefiting from that discount again. Alternatively, opt for a three- or even five-year subscription to save even more money – and why not: it’s not like viruses are going to disappear in the meantime and you won’t need it. Some of the best Mac antivirus products can also cater to your other devices – and not just iPads and iPhones, but also Windows and Android devices. If you have multiple devices in your household, this can present a huge saving. Take a look at our recommendations for the Best Mac Antivirus deals, which includes the cheapest options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper. 6. What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apple’s virus protection? It’s actually very good, and there isn’t much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features – but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what they’re doing. Still, the protection is present, it’s updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers.

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The person who could be Apple CEO: Who is John Ternus?
All things considered, John Ternus is the center of speculation as being the best and most likely choice for control of the company. Who is he, and how did he get here?John TernusApple, like many other massive companies with giant workforces and a decades-long history, have to plan for the future direction of the company. Part of that preparation involves determining who will take control as CEO after the current leader departs, and what to do to prepare for that inevitability.For Apple and its aging leadership, Apple has to find its replacement for Tim Cook. Even though Cook probably won't be retiring in 2026, the sheer size and number of moving parts at Apple means it has to prepare now, so there's enough of a runway for the heir to the position to get ready, as well as the company itself, from 2027 onward. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Tim Cook boasts about US manufacturing, yet it's still nothing new
Apple commitment to US manufacturing has always been notable, even if the company has kept it pretty quiet before 2025. Tim Cook's attempt at making it look new and fresh during earnings is performative, and unnecessary.Take a close look at what Apple says it is doing with US Investment — image credit: Michigan State UniversityBack in February 2025, Apple announced that it would be investing $500 billion into the US economy, with projects such as building AI servers in Houston. It's no criticism to say that Apple announced this in order to appease Trump who was then pressing it to build the iPhone in America.The iPhone will never be made in the US — and later Trump seemed to be quite okay about that. But if Apple needed to show it was investing in the US, it was more than capable of that — because Apple has long been investing in the country already. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple discontinues iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK
Apple has discontinued the iPhone Upgraded Program in the UK, according to changes made to its website. The company says it is starting a “new chapter for upgrades” and that “the iPhone Upgrade Program is coming to an end.” Apple also appears to be winding down its partnership with Barclays, which was the bank behind the iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK. more…

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11 Apple Creator Studio facts you need to know before subscribing
Macworld Apple Creator Studio is now available to users. The bundle gathers apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro into a single subscription. Subscribers also get access to exclusive features in some Apple apps, such as Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. But there are a few small details about Apple Creator Studio that weren’t clear until we had a chance to play around with it. So here are 11 things you might not know about the bundle. 1. There is no Creator Studio app On the day of the Creator Studio launch, many users naturally tried to find the Apple Creator Studio app in the App Store. However, Creator Studio is not a single app, but rather a bundle. If you search for Apple Creator Studio in the App Store, you’ll find a bundle with all of the following apps: Final Cut Pro Logic Pro Pixelmator Pro Keynote Pages Numbers Motion Compressor MainStage You can download every app in the bundle all at once or just select the ones you want to use right away, but Creator Studio is just the name of the collection. There isn’t a Creator Studio manager or content hub—the individual apps are merely sold together.  When you open any app that is part of Creator Studio, a subscription prompt will appear. Once you subscribe, your subscription will be valid for all other apps in the bundle.  If you want to use Pixelmator Pro the iPad, you’ll need to subscribe.Apple 2. You can still buy Mac apps individually, but not iPad apps If you’re not a fan of subscriptions and prefer to pay a one-time fee for a license, the Mac apps that are part of Apple Creator Studio can still be purchased individually from the App Store, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage. However, there are no lifetime licenses offered for iPad apps, and Pixelmator Pro for iPadOS is exclusively available as part of Apple Creator Studio. iWork apps remain available for free, although some features are now exclusive to subscribers. 3. AI features have usage limits Speaking of exclusive features, iWork apps (Keynote, Pages, and Numbers) provide some new AI tools for Apple Creator Studio subscribers. For example, you can generate images for your documents or presentations, create slides based on prompts, and even auto-fill tables. There are limits to how many Apple Intelligence features can be used each month.Foundry However, according to Apple, there are usage limits for these AI features. Creator Studio subscribers can generate up to 50 images and 50 Keynote presentations (with approximately 10 slides each) per month. Presentation notes are also limited to 700 slides per month. Mac users can check their usage status by clicking on the app name in the Menu Bar, then Intelligence Features. On the iPhone and iPad, usage status can be found under the “More” button in Pages, Numbers, or Keynote. 4. Apple Creator Studio uses AI models from OpenAI While some users may think that the AI tools offered as part of Apple Creator Studio are powered by Apple Intelligence models, these are actually powered by OpenAI. Apple makes it clear that, although some data may be sent to OpenAI, the data is not used to train AI models in any situation. The data is also sent anonymously and isn’t synced with your ChatGPT account. 5. Images from Content Hub can’t be used in other apps Apple Creator Studio subscribers have access to the Content Hub, which is essentially a library of royalty-free images and artwork. While you can use these images freely in your documents and presentations, you can’t copy them to other apps. If you try, the image will have an Apple Creator Studio watermark. If you try to import an Apple Creator Studio stock image in another app, a watermark will appear.Foundry 6. Some Creator Studio apps aren’t available on the iPad While Apple promotes Creator Studio as a multi-platform subscription, some of the apps are exclusive to the Mac: Motion, Compressor, and MainStage. On the iPad, you can use Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, as well as Keynote, Pages, and Numbers (which also work on the iPhone). Except for Keynote, Creator Studio apps are not compatible with Vision Pro. 7. You may need to re-download some of the apps on your Mac If you already have older versions of apps such as Final Cut Pro or Pixelmator Pro installed on your Mac, you’ll need to re-download the new versions if you plan to subscribe to Creator Studio. That’s because the subscription versions are available as separate apps. When it comes to Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, Apple says that everyone needs to download the new versions of these apps from the App Store, even if they don’t plan to subscribe to Creator Studio. The old versions have been discontinued and will no longer receive updates. On iOS, nothing changes. You can simply update your current apps to the latest versions, which are also compatible with Creator Studio. If you’re an existing Final Cut Pro user, you may need to download another version.Apple 8. New icons are exclusive to Creator Studio subscribers When Apple unveiled Creator Studio, it also showed off new icons for the apps that are part of the bundle. However, since there are two different versions of the apps, only those intended for subscribers have the redesigned icons. The standalone versions available on the Mac App Store for individual purchase stick with the old icons—except for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, which have new Creator Studio-styled icons. 9. New Freeform features are coming later this year Apple highlighted that the Freeform app would also be part of Creator Studio. More specifically, the app will also gain new AI-powered tools, just like Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. However, Apple says that Freeform’s new features will be available later this year, which could mean they won’t arrive with the OS 27 updates in the fall. 10. You can share your Apple Creator Studio subscription One of the main benefits of subscribing to Apple Creator Studio is that you can share your subscription with up to five other friends or family members through iCloud Family Sharing. If you’re a student, Creator Studio is cheaper than a cup of coffee.Apple 11. Creator Studio is really cheap for students and teachers While Creator Studio is a very good value for $12.99 per month or $129 per year, it’s a downright steal for the education market. Eligible students and teachers can get Apple Creator Studio for just $2.99 per month or $29.99 a year. Is Apple Creator Studio worth it? Apple Creator Studio offers solid value by combining powerful creative apps into a single subscription, especially for students and users already deep in Apple’s ecosystem. But it also introduces new trade-offs, from AI usage limits to platform restrictions and subscription-only features. For some creators, the convenience and pricing will outweigh the drawbacks. But for others, understanding these lesser-known details may be the difference between subscribing or sticking with standalone apps.

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These 5 rumored iPhone 18 Pro upgrades will make your current phone feel outdated
Macworld Last year, Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro with a striking design overhaul, meaningful upgrades to the telephoto and selfie cameras, and a ton of internal enhancements. With the addition of vapor-chamber cooling and a larger battery, performance and endurance have reached new highs for the Pro lineup. Still, there’s ample room for refinement. Several core components of the iPhone 17 Pro have gone untouched for years, and their age is beginning to show. Fortunately, the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to address some of these imperfections—and if the leaks materialize, skipping an upgrade this September may be harder than ever. Next-gen Dynamic Island When the iPhone 13 debuted with a smaller notch, iPhone 12, 11, and X models instantly looked dated in comparison. The display became more aesthetically pleasing and could accommodate more content. Likewise, when the iPhone 14 Pro introduced the interactive Dynamic Island, it felt significantly more futuristic compared to previous models’ notches. The same could happen later this year. Foundry The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to shrink the display cutout by moving certain Face ID components under the display. If true, the centered cutout would retain the selfie camera, while other sensors could be concealed and shifted to the left. This would increase the immersion when consuming media and bring the iPhone a step closer to its idealistic glass-slab vision. That’s not all, however. The iPhone 18 Pro could adopt Samsung Display’s most advanced panels, potentially increasing their brightness and efficiency. While the iPhone 17 Pro undoubtedly has an excellent display, its successor may rob it of its shine. Variable aperture lens If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’re likely aware of the iPhone camera’s physical constraints. While newer models can undeniably take stunning shots, they still can’t replace mirrorless cameras in professional contexts due to the limits dictated by their size and design. For example, iPhone lenses currently have a fixed aperture, which gives users little control over the depth of field. To push its limits, Apple could equip the iPhone 18 Pro with a variable aperture lens. Foundry The wide camera is rumored to adopt the aforementioned upgrade, adding a mechanical aspect to the lens. Users would be able to decide how much light gets through and control the bokeh effect. While Apple already lets you adjust the fake AI-enabled aperture effect when using Portrait mode, the controls are aren’t always precise. As such, the iPhone 18 Pro could noticeably outdo current models when opting for the main lens. Current iPhone camera apertures are already as wide as they can go and shoot wide open all the time, so this wouldn’t be about better low-light photography or increased bokeh effect. Instead, it would offers some creative control, and importantly, let you match shutter speeds to video frame rates without overexposure, which is something smartphones struggle with today. Refined exterior design With the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple redesigned the exterior shell, reducing its reliance on glass to improve durability. The metallic frame and remaining glass components, however, are not color-matched. As a result, the new back glass panel can appear plasticky—particularly on the orange and silver models. The iPhone 18 Pro could remedy this flaw by refining the finish of the glass back. This would potentially allow it to blend more seamlessly with the metal and present a uniform overall appearance. Foundry Otherwise, Apple is reportedly testing new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro, including purple, burgundy, and brown. That’s welcome news for those of us who found the orange jarring and would rather see more subtle choices. One would also hope for a black or gray edition this year, especially since the iPhone 17 Pro’s darkest finish was blue. Regardless, it’s safe to assume that the iPhone 18 Pro’s design will be more mature than that of its predecessor. Upgraded chipsets Chip bumps tend to be boring for those on an annual iPhone upgrade cycle, as the differences often go unnoticed. That may not be the case with the iPhone 18 Pro, however. Apple is reportedly set to transition from a 3nm to a 2nm manufacturing process this year, allowing more transistors to be packed into a tighter space. Consequently, the upcoming A20 Pro chip may be smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient than the iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Pro chipset. This could help the device power more advanced features—AI and otherwise—while also delivering longer battery life. Beyond the main processor, the iPhone 18 Pro could feature Apple’s unreleased C2 modem for cellular connectivity, which will almost certainly be less power-hungry than Qualcomm’s alternative. Simplified Camera Control Ever since the Camera Control button debuted, I’ve used it exclusively to launch the Camera app. After thorough testing, I realized its controls will never be faster or more intuitive than those on the iPhone’s screen. That’s not to mention its (now-disabled) touch-sensitive surface, which would often be triggered accidentally while holding my phone to shoot—throwing off my setup in the process. Foundry Fortunately, iPhone 18 models are rumored to introduce Camera Control 2.0. The reimagined button will reportedly drop touch sensitivity and rely exclusively on pressure to execute tasks. This should make it more practical to use, especially if it supports shooting via light clicks that don’t shake the device or ruin the composition. Camera Control 1.0 will not be missed.

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Buying an older iPhone? Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off
Macworld When we talk about buying a new iPhone, the latest models are naturally the most appealing. But in reality, for most people, buying an iPhone 17 is going to look like overkill. If you’re thinking about buying an iPhone in 2026 but don’t want the latest flagship, looking at older models may be a good option. Of course, you should be selective about which model you choose, as not every older iPhone is worth buying. Read on as we detail the best choices for those planning to buy an older iPhone in 2026. Why you shouldn’t go older than the iPhone 14 Pro Every iPhone is built to last. When they’re brand new, they have great processors and cameras. But over time, signs of aging start to show. Suddenly, the chip inside the iPhone can no longer handle today’s apps smoothly, and new versions of iOS become more resource-intensive. That’s why you need to be careful when choosing an older iPhone. If you choose wisely, you’ll still get a great device for less. But if you go too far, the experience can end up being frustrating. As of 2026, anything older than the iPhone 14 Pro is liable to show its age, starting with the performance. For example, the iPhone 11 and 12 are both capable of running iOS 26, but performance is far from ideal even for light tasks. At the same time, these iPhones are nearing the end of their software update cycle, at which point they’ll no longer be able to run the latest apps and features. The iPhone 14 Pro still holds up. Just don’t go for anything older.Filipe Esposito / Foundry Thanks to its A16 chip and 6GB of RAM, the 14 Pro can still run iOS 26 smoothly. It lacks support for some modern features such as Apple Intelligence, but you can happily use an iPhone 14 Pro without any significant slowdowns. There are other aspects that make the iPhone 14 Pro look modern even though it was released in fall 2022. It has a ProMotion display with Dynamic Island, just like the latest iPhones. It also features emergency SOS via satellite, an always-on display, multiple cameras at a decent quality by today’s standards, and Action Mode for super smooth videos. Plus, if you buy an iPhone 14 Pro today, you’ll likely get at least three further years of software support. Finding a brand-new iPhone 14 Pro can be difficult since Apple no longer officially sells it, but you may still find new or refurbished units in stock at stores. iPhone 14 Pro deals New Refurbished Retailer Price $410 View Deal $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Silver – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Space Black – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Gold – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Space Black – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Silver – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Gold – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices If you want a cheaper new iPhone: consider the iPhone 16e For buyers who want a brand-new iPhone without spending a lot of money, the iPhone 16e is probably the best choice, and it’s worth considering over older iPhone models for multiple reasons. Unlike older iPhones, the iPhone 16e is powered by an A18 chip, the same chip found in the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup. It’s still a very powerful chip that can run any modern app or game without struggle. And because it has 8GB of RAM, it works with all Apple Intelligence features, such as Writing Tools and Genmoji. This also means that the iPhone 16e will last much longer than any of the older iPhones we’re considering. Expect around five further years of software updates. It’s perfect for those who don’t plan on spending more money on a new phone anytime soon. There are other factors that make the iPhone 16e a strong choice. These include its USB-C port, giving you support for a universal cable and a broader ecosystem of accessories. If you buy any iPhone older than an iPhone 15, you’ll get the old Lightning connector. The battery of the iPhone 16e also lasts longer than those of most older iPhones. The iPhone 16e is a collection of compromises, but it may suit your requirements.David Price / Foundry However, there are some trade-offs you should be aware of. While the iPhone 16e has modern hardware, it also lacks some key features that Apple likely left out to keep the price low. If you go with the iPhone 16e, you won’t get things like MagSafe, an ultra-wide lens on the back, or a ProMotion display with Dynamic Island. Despite its compromises, the iPhone 16e is still an interesting option for those looking for a modern iPhone experience at a more affordable price. It starts at $599 for the 128GB version, but you can find it for lower prices at other stores. Keep in mind that Apple is rumored to introduce an updated iPhone 17e with a faster chip and Dynamic Island in spring 2026, so it may be worth waiting a bit longer. iPhone 16e deals Retailer Price $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The hidden value of refurbished iPhones As we mentioned earlier, if you want to save some money to upgrade your iPhone, you should also consider buying a refurbished phone. This is an option that many people overlook, but it can really help you save money. If you’re unfamiliar with refurbished phones, they’re essentially used devices that may have had some parts replaced, such as the display or battery. For instance, Apple has its own Refurbished Store (in both the U.S. and the U.K.), where you can buy older iPhones at a much lower price, and they all look new. The 128GB iPhone 14 Pro, which we mentioned earlier, is available for $589 at the Apple Refurbished Store. Or you can get an iPhone 15 Pro for just $679–if Apple has stock, which currently it doesn’t. Apple makes it clear that refurbished iPhones are shipped with all manuals and accessories, a new battery and outer shell, and a new sealed white box. Those are the sorts of assurance you should be looking for, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to buy refurbished devices from trusted sellers. If you need more features than an iPhone 16e offers, a refurbished Pro-level iPhone may be a smarter choice than Apple’s base model. Check out our guide to the best places to buy a refurbished iPhone for more detailed on advice on this subject. The iPhone 15 Pro offers an appealing blend of price and features.Filipe Esposito / Foundry Which one should you choose? When it comes down to it, which budget iPhone should you choose given all the options available today? We have a few suggestions. If you’re looking for the best value for money on a phone that will last for years, the iPhone 16e is definitely the best choice. It doesn’t look as premium and lacks some features, but you’ll get one of the latest and greatest chips on the market, which means your iOS experience will be super smooth. If you need Pro features such as ProRAW and multiple cameras, it’s worth checking out refurbished Pro models. A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro is probably the best balance between price, features, and longevity, as it supports most iOS 26 features and costs much less than an iPhone 17 Pro. And again, if you really want to save money without losing too much, the refurbished iPhone 14 Pro is your best option. The key isn’t buying the cheapest iPhone you can find, but the one that will still feel fast, modern, and supported years from now. iPhone 15 Pro deals Retailer Price $899.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

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Apple almost rebuilt Siri around Claude
Apple reportedly planned to rebuilt Siri around Anthropic’s Claude before walking away from the deal over cost concerns. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Replace your PDF editor subscription with this $40 lifetime license
Macworld TL;DR: PDF Reader Pro is a full PDF editor with a lifetime license on sale now for $39.99. Paying a monthly subscription for a PDF editor is kind of like paying to access one of the most common file formats in the world. PDFs aren’t going away, but the subscription fees can. Instead of paying monthly, switch to a lifetime subscription with a platform like PDF Reader Pro. Right now, it’s only $39.99 (reg. $79.99). PDF Reader Pro can edit text and images directly in a document, insert or replace content, and use bookmarks, search, and night mode to make long reading sessions easier. Markup tools let you highlight, strike out, underline, and comment right on the page. The app also lets you rearrange pages, merge or split files, rotate, crop, or delete pages, and batch add watermarks, headers, and footers. A batch compressor and encryptor help shrink and protect groups of files at once, and password protection keeps sensitive documents locked down. For more advanced work, there are tools to create fillable forms with text fields, buttons, radio buttons, and combo boxes. OCR support lets you extract text and turn scanned pages into editable, searchable PDFs, which cuts down on manual typing. You can fill and sign forms, use redaction to permanently block sensitive text, and apply a digital signature that verifies identity and intent. Right now, it’s only $39.99 to get a PDF Reader Pro Lifetime License for Macs. PDF Reader Pro Premium License For Mac: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Here’s how people are using Apple Intelligence, according to Tim Cook
Tim Cook’s opening remarks on Apple’s fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call touched on how customers are using Apple Intelligence. Here’s what he said. more…

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Apple by the numbers: Key stats reveal the company’s astonishing scale
“I am proud to say that we just had a quarter for the record books,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said during Thursday’s earnings call, before rattling off numbers that surprised Wall Street analysts — in a good way. The highly successful quarter was also one for the stat geeks. Apple racked up several all-time highs […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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AirPods Pro 3 supply constraints may have cost Apple at least $230 million last quarter
A comment made by Apple CFO Kevan Parekh underscored just how important the AirPods line is to Apple’s bottom line. Here’s what he said. more…

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Transform your blurry photos with this easy-to-use Mac app
Older photos often look blurry on modern screens. This AI-powered image upscaler from Aiarty enhances images for clear, high-quality results. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple CEO commits to ‘personal and private’ AI for users
Tim Cook assures iPhone users that their privacy will be maintained in the new collaboration that brings Google Gemini AI to Siri. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Rivian CEO touts ‘great working relationship with Apple’ despite lack of CarPlay support
Rivian’s opposition to CarPlay is well-documented, with CEO RJ Scaringe emphasizing the automaker’s focus on creating a native and integrated infotainment experience. In a new interview with Kara Swisher this week, Scaringe once again reiterated those thoughts, while simultaneously touting a “great working relationship with Apple.” more…

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Apple confirms Gemini-powered Siri will use Private Cloud Compute
During today’s fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh fielded, albeit vaguely, questions regarding the recent deal to have Gemini power the next-gen Siri. Here’s what they said. more…

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Apple ‘looking at a range of options’ to make up for skyrocketing memory prices
While the current worldwide memory constraints had minimal impact on Apple’s Q1 2026, the company expects Q2 to be a very different story. Here are the details. more…

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Memory cost explosion won't hurt Apple too badly in Q2, may sting in Q3
Tim Cook says that the rising cost of RAM and Flash that the industry is facing has not yet affected Apple, but he expects it to be an increasing issue in this quarter, and worse yet in the third fiscal quarter of 2026.A Samsung LPDDR5X memory chip - Image Credit: SamsungDuring Apple's latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook addressed the issue of rising component costs, specifically memory, that have been expected to impact Apple's costs."Memory had a minimal impact on the Q1, so [on] the December quarter gross margin," said Cook. "We do expect it to be a bit more of an impact to the Q2 gross margin, and that was comprehended in the outlook of 48% to 49% that Kevan [Parekh] gave earlier." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple reaches 2.5 billion active devices after record-breaking quarter
The active install base of Apple users has increased by 150 million users since 2025 and has reached over 2.5 billion active users as of January 2026.iPhone 17 Pro Max is in high demandApple's first-quarter earnings are record-breaking and surpassed estimates with $143.8 billion in revenue. During the call, Apple shared that its install base reached over 2.5 billion active users, the first update to the number since 2.35 billion was shared in January 2025.The increase was helped by demand for the iPhone 16 through 2025 and a strong iPhone 17 launch. It seems every new product did well in the past quarter. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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'Encrypt it already' campaign challenges big tech to keep your data secure
The Electronic Frontier Foundation has launched a new advocacy initiative directly targeting Apple, Google, and other tech giants to demand broader adoption of data encryption and more transparent privacy controls.Encrypt it AlreadyThe campaign is known as "Encrypt it Already," and addresses what the EFF sees as ongoing problems with the way companies like Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon handle data encryption. It hopes to spur changes by calling out companies directly, but also by providing users with resources to help them voice their concerns.According to EncryptItAlready.org, "End-to-end encryption protects the privacy of your data, puts control over how the data gets used into your hands, and is the best way we have to ensure private conversations remain private," Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 17 Pro array will be used in a new offside camera system
The Maracana Stadium will use iPhone 17 Pro units as part of a semi-automated system for offside calls, with the devices set to record each football play in 4K at 100fps.The iPhone 17 Pro will be used as part of a new camera system, meant to record soccer matches in Brazil.Time and time again, the iPhone has proven itself to be a great option for recording sporting events. Major League Soccer is recording matches on the iPhone 17 Pro alongside traditional cameras. Now, Apple's smartphone is set to be used for matches in the Brazilian Championship (Brasileirao).The Brazilian Football Confederation, or CBF, has announced that Maracana Stadium will make use of a new iPhone-powered camera system for the 2026 season. The new camera system consists of 28 iPhone 17 Pro units, each with an internet connection, mounted across 12 rigs. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Tim Cook: Apple won't change privacy rules with Google Gemini partnership
It has already been said repeatedly, but Apple CEO Tim Cook has once again confirmed that Apple Intelligence will still be on-device and in Private Cloud Compute in spite of the Google partnership.Apple Intelligence will have upgraded Apple Foundation Models trained by GeminiApple is working with Google to get access to a powerful Gemini model built to operate in Apple's technology structures like Private Cloud Compute. While the details of the deal and implementation are still scarce, one repeating mantra from Apple has been that Apple Intelligence will still be operated by Apple Foundation Models on device and in Private Cloud Compute.Yet another reiteration came from Apple CEO Tim Cook on a call with CNBC prior to the quarterly earnings call. His truncated comment states that Apple's privacy rules aren't going anywhere. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Record iPhone sales lead Apple to its best quarter of all time
Macworld Apple held its first quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, and the company posted revenue of $143.8 billion, a 16 percent year-over-year increase, and quarterly diluted earnings per share of $2.84, up 19 percent, with $42 billion in profit. Apple’s previous all-time record quarter was exactly a year ago. Analysts had projected Apple’s revenue at $138.48 billion, with an earnings per share of $2.67, so this was a substantial beat. Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per share. The dividend is payable on February 12, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 9, 2026. The iPhone had its best quarter ever, with $85 billion, beating the previous record of $71.6 billion set in the first quarter of 2022. “iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment,” said CEO Tim Cook in a press release. Apple easily broke its previous record of $71.6 billion in 2022. The iPad saw an increase of 8 percent, while Services had another great quarter with an increase of 15 percent. Mac sales were down 7 percent year-over-year, which isn’t surprising since Apple released only one new Mac for the quarter, the M5 MacBook Pro, versus five new models last year. Apple’s sales for Wearables, Home, and Accessories saw a slight 2 percent decrease. How the quarter ended year-over-year for Apple: iPhone: $85 billion (up from $69 billion) iPad: $8.6 billion (up from $8 billion) Mac: $8.3 billion (down from $8.9 billion) Wearables, Home, and Accessories: $11.5 billion (down from $11.7 billion) Services: $30 billion (up from $26 billion) Apple is holding a conference call for investors at 5 pm ET. We’ll update this story with any news.

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iPhone demand hits new heights as Apple rakes in record revenue
Apple broke revenue records during the critical holiday quarter, the company announced Thursday, leading to sky-high earnings per share. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple reveals it has 2.5 billion active devices around the world
Apple just reported its best quarterly earnings ever, beating Wall Street expectations in large part due to “staggering” iPhone demand. Alongside its earnings report, the company has revealed it now has 2.5 billion active devices in use around the world. more…

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Apple is resurgent in China with unexpected iPhone 17 sales domination
Ahead of Apple announcing its latest earnings, CEO Tim Cook has revealed that Apple did not quite expect the iPhone 17 range to do as well as it has in China.Apple's current iPhone 17 ProIn November 2025, after the launch of the iPhone 17, it was revealed that one in four smartphones sold in China was an iPhone. Then preorders for the iPhone Air sold out in minutes in the country, and the whole iPhone 17 range broke records.Yet for years the iPhone has seen sales drop in China, and overall was trending downwards against local rivals. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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MacDailyNews presents live notes from Apple’s Q126 conference call
MacDailyNews presents live notes from Apple’s Q126 Conference Call with analysts starting at 2pm PT / 5pm ET today, January 29, 2026… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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