Original PlayStation games come to iPhone with new Gamma emulator
Gamma, a free emulator of the original Sony PlayStation, was added to the iOS and iPad App Stores on May 11th.Screenshots from the Gamma emulator on the App StoreGamma is similar to developer Riley Testut's Delta emulator, especially in terms of the interface. Like Delta, it allows customizable on-screen controller skins, and includes support for Bluetooth controllers as well as wired keyboards.It supports both Google Drive and Dropbox for backing up your own game disk images as well as automatically-saved progress. Users can choose their own preferred method or service to back up the games and save stages as well. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Ultra-thin M4 iPad Pro features new internal structure to improve stiffness and heat dissipation
The is Apple’s thinnest product ever, with the 13-inch model measuring at just 5.1mm thick (excluding camera bump). The last time the iPad Pro was redesigned, with the 2018 model, there was a big controversy as people noticed it was relatively easy to bend their iPads, with some arriving bent out of the box. For this ultra-thin redesign, the question of rigidity and durability inevitably has relevance again. But, in an interview with Arun Maini, Apple SVP John Ternus addressed these concerns, noting that the new iPad has a redesigned internal structure meant to improve the device’s stiffness. more…

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Apple's M3 MacBook Air dips to $949 today for Best Buy Plus members
The Mother's Day flash sale at Best Buy drops Apple's latest MacBook Air M3 down to $949 with a Plus membership.Best Buy Plus members can pick up an M3 MacBook Air for $949.Best Buy's Deal of the Day features triple-digit savings on several M3 MacBook Air laptops, with the standard 13-inch model on sale for $999 ($100 off), plus another $50 off for Plus members. Considering the cost of the Plus membership is $49.99 per year, it's like getting the first year for free.Buy for $949 Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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NJ Short Pump Apple Store votes down unionization effort
An effort by some staff at an Apple Store in Short Hills, New Jersey to form a union has failed in a vote among the workers there.Short Pump Town Center Apple StoreOperations lead John Nagy of the of the Short Pump Town Center Apple Store told Bloomberg that staff there had filed for union representation via the Communication Workers of America on April 8.The CWA later alleged that management at the store was engaging in illegal anti-union campaigning. It subsequently filed complaints to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Crime blotter: UPS catches Apple product thieves in sting
In this week's Apple crime roundup, the Citizen app uses Apple Store theft footage in advertising, a Philadelphia Police scandal involving a smartphone app, stolen softball gear recovered thanks to AirTag, and more!The Apple Store in Emeryville, Calif. As we do every other Sunday, this is the latest in an occasional AppleInsider series, looking at the world of Apple-related crime. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Maryland Apple Store staff vote in favor of strike action
Workers at the Apple Towson Town Center store in Maryland have backed their union's plan to hold a strike over unresolved issues.Apple Towson Town Center store (Source: Apple)The Towson store unionized in 2022, and representatives had said they were disheartened by what were described as Apple's insufficient responses to concerns. Unions at the store conducted an independent survey early in 2024 and reported on alleged illegal anti-union activities by Apple.Now according to CNBC, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (AIM) union says workers at the store have voted in favor of authorizing a strike. "The issues at the forefront of this action include concerns over work-life balance," said the union in a statement, "unpredictable scheduling practices disrupting personal lives, and wages failing to align with the area's cost of living." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Surf anonymously and block ads with a $70 subscription to Windscribe VPN Pro
Macworld In this new age of internet threats, you could spend more time worrying about your data privacy than you do actually working or comfortably browsing. If you wish to enhance your digital experience, Windscribe VPN offers an all-in-one solution to privacy and internet security that’s now available for a new low price of less than $70. Trusted sites like Tom’s Guide and G2 gave Windscribe VPN high marks for its user-friendly interface and commitment to a true no-logging policy. This Windscribe VPN Pro subscription allows you to use it as a desktop app, browser extension, or both. It also has a massive server network spanning 69 countries and 112 cities for optimized connectivity. With Windscribe VPN, you can unblock websites, keep ads and trackers at bay, and guarantee your online privacy. It also boasts a strict no-logging policy and impressive encryption (S-256 cipher with SHA512 auth and a 4096-bit RSA key). It has R.O.B.E.R.T, a feature that can block IPs and domains on your devices and create proxy servers on your network. It even offers split tunneling so you can select which apps use Windscribe or not. You have until May 12 at 11:59 PM Pacific to grab a 3-year subscription to the Windscribe VPN Pro Plan for just $69.97. No coupon necessary.   Windscribe VPN Pro Plan: 3-Year Subscription Only $69.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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How to check a Mac’s free hard drive space
Macworld In today’s era of multi-terabyte hard drives and online storage, many of us don’t keep as close an eye on our disk usage as we used to. Still, even the largest drives fill up eventually. If you don’t know how to check your disk space use on your Mac, here’s where to look first. And for long-term upkeep, there are plenty of powerful apps such as CleanMyMac ($34.95/£34.95) and DaisyDisk ($9.99/£9.99) which offer useful visualizations of your hard drive storage, while also allowing you to delete unnecessary files that hog too much space. Many of them also offer free trials — we’ve covered the ones worth downloading in round up of the Best Mac Cleaners. Also see our guide on how to clear disk space on a Mac. Options 1 and 2: From the Finder The Finder gives you a couple of ways to see how much free disk space you have. These are the easiest ways. Preview your storage device. In macOS, if you select an item in the Finder and press the spacebar on your keyboard, you get a preview of the item. For example, if you select a text document and then press the spacebar, you can see what’s in the document without actually opening it. You can use preview to check your storage device’s capacity. Here’s how. 1. Select the storage device on the Desktop. (To make your storage device appear on your Desktop, go to the Finder and select Finder > Preferences, click on General, and modify the setting for Show these items on the Desktop.) Or open a Finder window, look in the left column, under the Devices heading, and select the storage device. 2. Press the spacebar. You should see a window open that shows the capacity of your storage device and the available space. 3. To close the window, press spacebar again or press Command-W, or click on the close-window icon (the circle X) in the upper left. Finder window status bar. If you would like to have an overview of your free disk space at all times from the Finder, you can turn on the Finder’s status bar. 1. Open a Finder window if you don’t have one open already (click the Finder’s Dock icon or go to File > New Finder Window). 2. Open the View menu and select Show status bar. This will show you how many items are in the current folder, and if you’re viewing a folder on your hard drive (such as your Applications or Documents folder), you’ll also get a readout of your hard drive’s free space. Want an always-visible overview of your disk usage? Go to the View menu and select Show Status Bar. Want an always-visible overview of your disk usage? Go to the View menu and select Show Status Bar. Foundry Want an always-visible overview of your disk usage? Go to the View menu and select Show Status Bar. Foundry Foundry Options 3: Get Info The Get Info box is an easy way to check your disk’s capacity and used space. The Get Info box is an easy way to check your disk’s capacity and used space. The Get Info box is an easy way to check your disk’s capacity and used space. 1. Find your hard drive in the Finder and select it. If it appears in the Finder window sidebar or on the Desktop (it doesn’t by default—go to Finder > Preferences to change that), click your hard drive’s icon in either of those spots. If your hard drive icon doesn’t appear there, go to Go > Computer, then click the hard drive icon under Devices. 2. Click the File menu, and select Get Info, or press Comand-I on your keyboard. The Info window shows the capacity, available space, and used space, as well as other information. Option 4: About This Mac In recent versions of macOS, you can easily check your disk usage from the About box. Here are the instructions for macOS Sonoma. Open the Apple menu, then select About This Mac. Click the More Info button. This takes you to the General > About section of System Settings. In the main section of the window, scroll down to the bottom and look for the Storage section. Here, you will find how much free space is available. It will say something like, “XXX.XX GB of 994.66 GB.” Click the Storage Settings button and you can see details on what files are taking up space on your drive. See below. Foundry Option 5: From Disk Utility You can also view your free disk space from your Mac’s Disk Utility app. Open Spotlight by clicking the magnifying glass in the upper-right corner of the screen, then type Disk Utility in the search box that appears. Once Disk Utility comes up in the list and is highlighted, press the Return key. Disk Utility is also found in Applications > Utilities. Here’s how to check your storage capacity. Your Mac drive’s name appears in the left column. Click the topmost listing of your Mac’s drive. In the main window, a listing of different statistics appears. The Free label tells you how much free space is available on the whole drive. If you’ve partitioned your drive, you can see how much free space is in each partition. Click the arrow next to your drive’s name in the left column, and it should expand to show your partitions. Click on a partition and you’ll see its info in the main window, including the free space. With Disk Utility, you can also check the free space for any drive you have connected to your Mac from this window, be it a USB flash drive or an external hard drive. Disk Utility provides basic information about your hard drive and other disks. It also lets you repair or reformat your disks. Disk Utility provides basic information about your hard drive and other disks. It also lets you repair or reformat your disks.Foundry Disk Utility provides basic information about your hard drive and other disks. It also lets you repair or reformat your disks.Foundry Foundry Option 6; Use the Terminal The Mac’s command-line interface can be used to check your drive’s free space. The command line uses the Terminal, which is located in the Applications > Utilities folder. Launch Terminal and at the prompt, type df -h and press the Return key. Foundry Foundry Foundry A list of data points appears for your drive. Look for the /System/Volumes/Data listing; in the Avail column, you’ll see how much free space your drive has. This information is provided in gibibytes and you can convert it to gigabytes by multiplying it by 1.073741824. In the screenshot above, 814 gibibytes is equal to 874GB. Need to make some more space for that download? Here’s how to clear disk space on a Mac, we also discuss how to delete System storage on a Mac and how to delete Other storage on a Mac. You may also want to use Optimized Storage in macOS to manage your storage. Cleaning and Data Recovery Software, Mac, MacOS

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Gain cybersecurity knowledge with this $50 bundle to prepare for certification tests
Macworld Work towards a new career in cybersecurity with The Complete 2024 Cyber Security Expert Certification Training Bundle, now just $49.99 (reg. $195). If you’re interested in a lucrative new career, cybersecurity is a great bet. The industry is only growing as cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent. A good first step towards joining this evolving field is investing in a comprehensive cybersecurity education. With this $50 cybersecurity bundle, you can gain practical cybersecurity knowledge and application skills, as well as prepare for certification exams.  These five courses are led by IDUNOVA, an online IT services specialist with over 20 years of training experience. You’ll delve into ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004), (ISC) CISSP, NIST Cybersecurity & Risk Management Frameworks, and ISACA Certified in Risk & Information Systems Control (CRISC). In this bundle, you can discover how to analyze risk and research trends, conduct security control testing, study governance and risk management topics, and much more. The study materials for each are fully updated and at the end of each course, you’ll receive a certification of completion. Successful completion of these courses can even help prepare you to pass future certification exams. Dive into a career in cybersecurity with help from the 2024 Cyber Security Expert Certification Training Bundle, now just $49.99.   The Complete 2024 Cyber Security Expert Certification Training Bundle Only $49.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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iPhone 16 Pro: Four new camera features coming this year
The iPhone 16 Pro lineup will bring new features such as larger displays, a dedicated Capture button, and more. We’re also expecting multiple noticeable improvements to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max camera hardware. Here are four things to look forward to this year… more…

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Large US developers are avoiding third-party App Store alternate payment plans
No major US app developers have chosen to opt in to new App Store rules allowing outside links for payments, because there is effectively no savings, Apple told a judge during testimony on Friday.Epic's battle with Apple continuesApple had revised its rules following the original Epic lawsuit, which Apple largely won in 2021. The one area where Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers had ruled in Epic's favor in that case was antisteering — the prohibition on using outside payment processors.After some time spent developing the new rules, it began allowing developers to include outside payment links in App Store listings in January 2024. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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It’s iPadmania! [The CultCast]
This week on Cult of Mac's podcast, it's time for an Apple "Let Loose" event postmortem. We talk iPad Pro, iPad Air, M4 chip and more. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Should you upgrade to the 2024 iPad Pro with M4 chip?
It might be time to upgrade to the new iPad Pro with M4, but the answer depends on which model of iPad Pro you use right now. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Should you upgrade to the 2024 iPad Air with M2 chip?
Depending on which model of iPad you already own, it might be time to upgrade to the new iPad Air with Apple's M2 processor. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs lays out a new strategy for Mac OS
On May 11, 1998, Steve Jobs spelled out the future of the Mac operating system. The big news? OS X was scheduled to arrive the following year. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple @ Work: Considering an MDM migration? Here are some things to remember
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. There’s never a good time to migrate between device management vendors, but sometimes its necessary. If all of your devices are deployed at the same time (on a lease, etc.), you can time these device refreshes with the new device management deployment; otherwise, you’ll be migrating mid-flight. The end goal is to ensure that end-users have no disruption. more…

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Apple inching closer to ChatGPT deal with OpenAI
Talks between Apple and OpenAI have advanced so far, that a deal is reportedly close to completion that may bring ChatGPT generative AI technology to iOS 18 in some fashion.ChatGPT is in the App Store nowA report published late on Friday is light on details. However, it does claim that Apple and OpenAI are "finalizing terms" to use ChatGPT in iOS 18.In the report, Apple is also said to still be in talks with Google for Gemini. It's less clear how far along those discussions are. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Get this waterproof speaker for cheaper than on Amazon, only $59.99
Macworld The TREBLAB HD77 Outdoor Rugged Wireless Speaker has a long-lasting battery, excellent sound quality, and a tough build. This portable speaker could be great for your next camping trip, and you can get one on sale for $59.99.  This wireless speaker comes with DualBass and TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology. It produces 360-degree sound coverage, and the 5,200mAh battery could last up to 20 hours, depending on your usage. The PlayXTend energy-saving feature could stretch this speaker’s battery to last even longer. The HD77 is durable. IT features an IPX6-rated waterproof design, which means it’s protected against high pressure water streams from any angle, but you should not submerge it completely. Rain, humidity, and sweat are not a problem. The shockproof body is resilient against falls, and a strap and carabiner are included for easy portability.  Make calls with the built-in mic, connect from up to 33 feet away using Bluetooth 5.0, or hook up an AUX cord for wired listening.  Get the TREBLAB HD77 Outdoor Rugged Wireless Speaker on sale for $59.99. That’s a better price than Amazon, but it might not last.    TREBLAB HD77 Outdoor Rugged Wireless Speaker with TWS Support Only $59.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change.  Accessories

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Why is my Mac fan so loud? How to fix an overheating Mac
Macworld If your Mac is beginning to sound like it has a jet engine spinning up inside it’s not just annoying, it may also be a sign that something is wrong. There could be an issue that is causing your Mac to overheat, or you might have a faulty fan. Here’s what to do if those fans keep whirring even if nothing appears to be wrong. Why is my Mac’s fan so loud all of a sudden? Having the fans going at full pelt isn’t a sign that things are necessarily wrong with your Mac, as the reason they’re installed in the first place is to cool down the insides of your computer by increasing the airflow around the components. If you’re running computationally intensive applications such as HD video editors or high-end games, then your Mac will be working very hard, which in turn creates heat. The fan sensor will notice that the temperature is rising and immediately spin up the fans to help keep the system from cooking itself into oblivion. So, if you find the noise levels suddenly increase when you’re compressing a 4K movie about your recent holiday or playing a particularly frantic game of League of Legends, then it’s actually a good thing. Of course, if you’re not doing any of these things, then there are a few other factors to consider before calling Apple support. How to stop a Mac from overheating 1. Check the CPU usage The fans in Macs will usually kick in as a precautionary measure when the CPU is under a heavy load, such as with the tasks mentioned above. But, if you’re not sure what’s triggering the fans, it’s best to open the Activity Monitor and see the apps that are hogging all of your CPU resources. To do this, hold the CMD key and press the Space Bar to open Spotlight. Now search for Activity Monitor and select it from the list that appears. Make sure that the CPU tab is selected, then look to see which apps are at the top of the %CPU column. If it’s not essential, you can try closing it to see if that stops the fans. Click on the process and then click on the X above to stop it. 2. Check your room temperature It’s important to consider environmental factors when diagnosing a problem with fans. If it’s a hot day and there is no airconditioning in your home, or if you’ve got the heating whacked up in your room, then the ambient temperature could have a detrimental effect on the performance of your Mac. Ideally the room temperature should be between 50 – 95 Fahrenheit (10 to 35 degrees Celsius). Move to another room or stop using your Mac if the area you are in is hotter than that. This could be even more challenging when using intensive software, as it’s much harder for the fans to cool down the computer if the room temperature itself is high. If you can open a window, turn down the thermostat, or use a room fan to move air around, then your iMac, Mac mini or other Mac should be able to cope a little better. To alleviate the issue, you can try using a ventilated tray like the TeckNet Cooling Pad (£21.99/$23.99) under a MacBook. To monitor your room temperature you could try the SwitchBot Thermometer ($24.99). 3. Make sure the air can circulate It’s likely that your MacBook is placed directly on a surface, this will mean that the air cannot circulate around it. We suggest using a dedicated MacBook stand, which will at least allow air to circulate underneath it. Using a stand will raise the Mac off the flat surface of a desk or lap and increase airflow around the chassis. One of our favourites is the Twelve South Curve ($59.99/£49.99). 4. Check your vents are clear of blockages Foundry Another reason your fans could be going like billy-o is if the vents themselves are blocked, as this will make it difficult for hot air to leave the interior of the device. On a MacBook Pro, you’ll find vents along the back edge (where the display hinges are found) and the side edges just beyond the USB-C ports, while MacBook Air vents are all situated along the top edge of the chassis near the hinges. Mac mini owners should check the underside of the device, as this is where cooler air is drawn into the chassis, plus you’ll need to ensure that the vents at the back are clear so that the heated air can be safely dispelled. On iMacs and iMac Pros, the vents are situated on the back and bottom edge, while the Mac Pro has vents on the front and back. Make sure that these areas aren’t blocked by items on your desk or a cushion if you’re working on the sofa. You could try using a hoover to remove any build-up of fluff or dust, but be sure to keep the nozzle a little distance away from the device casing to avoid any damage. 5. Make sure you are using an official adapter IDG You should also be using an Apple adaptor, and Apple recommends that you plug your adaptor into the MacBook before plugging it into the mains. 6. Reset the SMC IDG If you have done all of this and are still having trouble with your overheating Mac, then consider resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) .This is generally seen as a bit of a last resort for fixing most Mac problems before heading to the Apple Store. Here’s how to reset the SMC. 7. Keep macOS updated Foundry When Apple releases software updates to macOS, it often includes bug fixes and tweaks to better performance. There could be an OS issue that affects the fans and if so, the fix will be included in an update. When updating macOS, the computer will need an internet connection. It will also need to restart, so save any open files before doing an update. It’s also a good idea to back up your Mac. To check for a macOS update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. If one is available, it will appear here and you can do the installation. 8. Check for malware IDG “Malware” is a term that refers to “malicious software,” which includes viruses, trojans, and other software that intrudes your Mac for nefarious reasons. Malware can cause your Mac to run intensive processes, which in turn increases the operating temperature and makes the fans go on. Macworld has several guides to help with malware, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and a comparison of Mac security software. How to test a Mac’s cooling fans If you want to see if your Mac’s fans are running properly, you can try running tests through Diagnostic mode on your Mac. The tests will check your hardware and if issues are found, will point them out and refer you to an Apple Store for service. Foundry Foundry Foundry This requires booting into Diagnostic mode, which can be done by booting into Mac Recovery mode first. You need an internet connection, Here’s how to do it. How to boot into Diagnostic mode: Intel Macs: Turn on your Mac and hold down the D key. Then go to step 3.M-series Macs: Turn on your Mac by pressing and holding down the power button. The Mac will show startup options. Don’t click any of the icons. Instead, hold down Command-D on the keyboard. The Mac will say “Continue holding to start diagnostics.” Hold down these keys. The Mac will reboot and you can let go of the keys. The Diagnostics Loader will appear and you’ll see an “Initializing Diagnostics” screen with a list of languages. Select a language and click OK. The Diagnostic & Repair screen appears. Click Run Offline to start testing. The diagnostic tests will run and take a few minutes. If an issue is found, it will be noted at the end of the test. A “Get started” link leads you to an Apple website with a guide to the reference codes used in the diagnostic. The website will offer suggestions on how to address any issues. How to clean a Mac’s fans Over time, it’s possible that your Mac’s fans can get clogged up with dust and other bits and pieces, which can add to the noise they make when spinning. If you’re handy with a screwdriver (you’ll need a pentalobe one) and have a can of compressed air to hand, you can take to bottom off of a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac mini and give it a few quick blasts of air to dislodge any detritus that has taken up residence inside the case and fans. You can find detailed instructions on iFixit on how to clean a MacBook’s fans. Be very careful not to catch any wires or touch any of the circuitry, as you don’t want a static charge to blow any of the processors or other important components. Just beware that opening up your Mac could void your warranty. How to stop a Mac’s fans If your fans have gone haywire, then we recommend downloading the free Macs Fan Control (free) software, which allows you to manually control and monitor the cooling system. With this software you can change the RPM value and fan speed in relation to the temperature sensor so that the fans don’t kick in until your Mac is REALLY hot – but be aware that this could damage your Mac. How to check my Mac’s temperature If you think your Mac is overheating then you may want to check the temperature. One way to do this is to install an app called Temperature Gauge Pro (aka TGPro) from TunabellySoftware, $20/£19.20 (currently discounted to $10/£9.50). Temperature Gauge Pro enables you to monitor the temperature inside your MacBook. While the numbers sounds particularly high, a temperature of the Mac’s CPU even at 90 degrees Celsius is nothing to worry about. What you need to worry about is if the physical temperature of your MacBook is uncomfortably warm, and if the fans appear to spin up for no apparent reason. There could be a huge range of issues at fault here. We also discuss How to check your Mac’s internal temperature and keep it cool in a separate article. Does my Mac have an overheating problem? If you’ve followed all of the steps above and still can’t quell the sound of spinning, there might be a hardware problem with the Mac. Your Mac also comes with built-in monitoring software that can check your hardware for any faults. For instructions on how to use this, to take a look at the official guide to the Apple Diagnostics tools. Should you discover that there is an issue, you’ll want to contact Apple support and book an appointment at the Genius bar. While there you might be tempted with trading in your old model for a new one, so be sure to read our Mac buying guide so you get the one that best suits your needs. We have a separate article where we discuss everything you need to know about getting Apple products repaired.   Mac

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iPad Pro with M4 chip boasts impressive performance jump compared to just-released M3 MacBook Air
The M4 is looking like a very strong generation for Apple Silicon. According to leaked Geekbench scores likely posted by reviewers who already got their hands on the new iPad ahead of next week’s embargo, with the M4 chip scores about 3700 in single-core CPU benchmark, and around 14500 in multi-core. That compares to ~3100 and ~12000 for the M3 MacBook Air, which Apple only just shipped in March. The new iPad Pro bests the Air by about 20%, an impressive generational jump, at least in these benchmark results. more…

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