Apple's AI summaries include racial & gender biases, if the query is vague enough
When specifically tailored queries made to test Apple Intelligence using developer tools are intentionally ambiguous about race and gender, researchers have seen biases pop up.Examples of notification summaries on an iPhoneAI Forensics, a German nonprofit, analyzed over 10,000 notification summaries created by Apple's AI feature. The report suggests that Apple Intelligence treats White people as the "default" while applying gender stereotypes when no gender has been specified.According to the report, Apple Intelligence has a tendency to ignore a person's ethnicity if they are caucasian. Conversely, any messages that mentioned another ethnicity regularly saw the notification summary follow suit. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple acquires graph database maker Kuzu
As noted in the European Union's list of significant company acquisitions, Apple has acquired graph database maker Kuzu, Inc… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Claude’s free tier now connects to apps, can create Microsoft Office documents, and more
Anthropic has just launched significant new features to Claude’s free tier. Connecting to apps was previously a pro feature available only to paid subscribers, but this is now included in the free tier. Claude can connect to a wide range of apps, including Canva, Figma, Monday, Notion, Slack, Square, Wix, WordPress, and Google Workspace apps … more…

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Apple nabs full rights to Severance, eyes franchise expansion
A "Severance" franchise expansion with more seasons and new spinoff shows now seems all but certain. Apple bought full rights to the show. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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‘Dried out’ iPhone 16e stock points to imminent launch of 17e
Macworld It’s an open secret that Apple is on the verge of launching the iPhone 17e. One theory is that it will be released as soon as next week on the first anniversary of its predecessor’s launch. And based on new information about Apple’s stock levels, that sounds about right. According to a post on Twitter/X by the generally reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, citing the testimony of unnamed Apple retail employees, the inventory of the iPhone 16e “has basically dried out.” Stock shortages are typically a sign that a product is about to be discontinued, most likely to be replaced by something new. Apple is well known for its supply-chain efficiency and habitually winds down production near the end of a product’s life in order to avoid being stuck with old stock after it’s killed off. I checked online (using the U.K. Apple Store, since I’m based in London) and was able to buy the 16e in white with 128GB of storage for delivery or pickup tomorrow, and the black model for delivery tomorrow or pickup today. In fact, I couldn’t find a single configuration that would arrive later than the day after purchase. I also took a quick peek at the U.S. store, using the White House zip code for delivery estimates, and the only models I had any issues with were the 512GB units in both black and white, neither of which is currently available for pickup at the president’s local store. But they could still be delivered to the Oval Office by tomorrow. David Price / Foundry So there are iPhone 16e units out there. But it’s possible that what little stock Apple has remaining has been largely assigned to online purchases, since it would prefer employees to divert in-store visitors to more expensive products like the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17e could be one of the most important products Apple will release in 2026, because the e-class iPhones are the only ones that are even remotely close to the budget market. The iPhone 16e came in for criticism because it was significantly more expensive than the final iPhone SE, while still including numerous compromises in areas such as the lack of MagSafe and a second camera. The iPhone 17e is unlikely to cost less than the 16e, but it should at least offer MagSafe. Gurman adds that the iPad Air is also experiencing stock shortages, although it’s implied that these are not as severe as those affecting the iPhone 16e. The 2026 iPad Air is also expected to arrive soon as well, featuring an M4 processor, an N1 wireless chip, and probably very few other changes.

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These Apple Wallet features helped me replace my physical wallet [Video]
When most people think of the Apple Wallet app, they think of just Apple Pay. They think it’s a way to pay for things digitally instead of using a physical card. While this is true, the Apple Wallet App can do so much more and is quietly becoming one of the most useful apps on your iPhone. It can give you public transit access, a form of digital keys for your home or car, peer-to-peer payments, and even storing your physical card information (finally!). Apple Wallet in iOS 26 can realistically replace most of what people still carry in their pockets, as it has for me. If you’ve only used it for Apple Pay, you’re honestly missing the best parts. Here are some of the best Apple Wallet features! more…

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5 under-the-radar features that make Apple News+ even better
If you've never touched it before, you're missing out. There are five great Apple News+ features waiting for you to discover. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2026: Top Picks for Privacy and Speed
Macworld If you are browsing the web using your iPad or iPhone your online activity is visible to your internet service provider (ISP), your government, and potentially others. You might think you have nothing to hide, but if you are accessing the web via a public Wi-Fi network there is a chance of interception that could put your data at risk. There is a really simple solution if you want to maintain online privacy and anonymity: a VPN. The VPN will encrypt your data and provide a secure means of surfing the web. If privacy is important to you, and why wouldn’t it be, surfing via a VPN will guard your identity. If you are surfing from a location that requires some form of identification to view certain sites, a VPN would allow you to bypass that requirement by hiding your IP address and switching it for a new IP address somewhere else in the world. You can switch to an IP address in the same country, or it could be halfway across the globe. This makes a VPN an essential tool for iPad and iPhone users wanting to access streaming services in countries where they don’t exist (such as HBO Max in the U.K. or BBC iPlayer in the U.S.) or to watch content that isn’t available where you are on services like as Disney+, Netflix, or Amazon Prime. If you’re traveling abroad and missing out on your favorite shows you can use a VPN to connect to a server in your own country and carry on watching as if you were at home. How we choose the best VPN for iPad and iPhone To select the best VPNs, the experts at Macworld conducts hands-on testing on iPhone and iPad that combines performance benchmarks with practical, real-world use. Our evaluation process is built on a foundation of quantifiable data and qualitative analysis to ensure we recommend only services we would use ourselves. You can about our methodology below. At a glance: Feature comparison table VPNBest ForPrivacy & No-LogsStreaming SupportSpeed & PerformanceDevice LimitEase of Use (iOS App)Free/TrialNordVPNBest overallExcellent (strict no-logs)StrongFast & reliableUp to ~10 devicesVery good30-day refundSurfsharkBest for multiple devicesExcellent (no-logs)GoodFast (unlimited connections)UnlimitedVery good30-day refundExpressVPNBest for ease of useExcellentVery strongVery fast~8 devicesExcellent (simple UI)30-day refundProtonVPNBest for privacyExcellent (privacy-first)ModerateGoodVaries (free/paid tiers)GoodFree tier + refundFastestVPNBest valueModerateGoodDecentVariesBasicTrial/Lifetime optionshide.meBest free tierGoodGoodGoodUp to 10 devicesGoodFree tierPIA (Private Internet Access)Best for customizationGoodModerateGood~10 devicesModerateRefund policyCyberGhostBest for streamingGoodVery goodGoodUp to ~7 devicesVery easy45-day refundClearVPNBest for beginnersVariesVariesVariesVariesEasyRefund/Trial Best iPad and iPhone VPN 2026: Reviewed & Ranked We’ve tested many VPN services on Macs and we’ve tested them on iPads and iPhones. The good news is it’s never been easier to find a great VPN for your iPhone or iPad, but they’re not all created equal. Here are our picks. 1. NordVPN – Best VPN for iPhones and iPads Pros Lots of servers around the world Impressive speeds Independently audited Cons Not the cheapest option Connections aren’t unlimited Price When Reviewed: Basic plan from $3.39 a month for two years. Usually $12.99 a month Best Prices Today: Retailer Price NordVPN (Monthly) $3.39 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Up to 6 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Amazon Fire TV and tvOS. Who should buy: NordVPN is arguably the best iPad or iPhone VPN available, thanks to its impressive speeds and extensive server selection, as well as its robust geoblocking toolkit. Why Nord is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: With one of the largest server networks in the world and impressively fast connection speeds, NordVPN delivers reliable performance for streaming, browsing or unblocking geo-restricted content on iPhone and iPad. Additionally, its audited no-logs policy and built-in kill switch provide strong privacy and security, while native iOS and iPadOS apps make it easy to use. Further considerations: NordVPN isn’t the cheapest option, and it only supports 6 devices per membership. If you’re running it across your various devices and maybe your family’s, that can soon creep up. NordVPN is easy to use and one of the fastest VPNs around and shouldn’t slow down your internet connection. It’s an excellent choice for iPad owners. The map view is fun to use on a screen larger than your phone’s, and it connects you swiftly to one of Nord’s thousands of servers (there are 5,300 in total across 60 countries, which means you can always find a server in the location you need that isn’t overloaded). It unblocks many services, including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. It also ticks the privacy box, carrying out regular audits. It features a kill switch, which is important to keep your data and location hidden if the VPN connection stops unexpectedly. Based in Panama, it’s outside of the jurisdiction of the ’14-eyes’ (a group of countries that have agreed to collect, analyze and share information).  You can connect up to six devices to NordVPN at once, and there are also apps for iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows and Amazon Fire TV. You can get great discounts by signing up for a couple of years. See the deals on NordVPN’s website. Read our full NordVPN review 2. Surfshark – Best VPN for multiple devices Pros Unlimited devices and connections. Multi-Hop servers. Security features and audited no-logs policy Cons Kill switch can’t be customised. Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: Starter plan from $1.99 a month for two years + 3 free months. Usually $15.45 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark (Monthly) $1.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Unlimited devices. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Apple TV, Windows, Chrome, Firefox and Edge extensions. Who should buy: If six devices aren’t enough for you, then SurfShark could be ideal. It’s available on unlimited devices and offers multi-hop servers for increased anonymity while browsing. Why SurfShark is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: Surfshark is ideal if you want to protect numerous devices, its iOS/iPadOS apps support unlimited simultaneous connections. It also includes advanced features such as Multi-Hop routing (for extra privacy) and offers a smooth, user-friendly interface, making it a great value VPN for iPhone and iPad owners who want flexibility and simplicity. Further considerations: While SurfShark isn’t too expensive, its pricing does double when it comes to renewal. That’s something to consider if you’re looking for an option that you’ll be relying on in the long term. Surfshark is an easy-to-use and intuitive VPN with a slick iPad app that has more features than you might expect given the low price. The service has more than 3,200 servers across 100+ countries but, importantly, lets you watch Netflix shows, BBC iPlayer and other streaming services that aren’t normally available in your region. We were able to flick between streaming libraries with ease, do a bit of shopping for digital goods, and there were no real issues with connectivity. The iOS version of Surfshark includes features like MultiHop, which routes your connection through two countries instead of just one, and Dedicated IP baked in. Many mobile apps are watered-down versions of their desktop VPN offerings, but there’s even an Alternative ID function here. It supports multiple protocols and excellent encryption. With WireGuard, Surfshark the slickest VPN around and we saw very little speed lost from our connection. You’ll find security features including a kill switch, which is like a like a safety net that will shut down your connection if your VPN connection falters. Surfshark is run from the Netherlands, which is privacy-friendly. It has a strict no-logs policy that’s regularly audited, uses two-factor authentication (2FA), and is one of the members of the VPN Trust Initiative. There’s also an Antivirus Scan that will run scheduled background scans if you leave the app open. Just beware that the price increases substantially on renewal–a gotcha with quite a few VPN services and one that’s easily missed when signing up. Our advice is to cancel before it renews and sign up for a new deal. It really is one of the best VPNs around, and also one of the fastest thanks to the use of the WireGuard protocol. See the current deals on Surfshark’s website and read our Surfshark review for more details. Read our full Surfshark review 3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for ease of use Pros Simple to use on all platforms Big focus on privacy and transparency 105 countries Cons A little barebones Price When Reviewed: Basic: $3.49 a month for 2 years + 4 free months; Advanced: $4.49 a month for 2 years + 4 free months; Pro: $7.49 a month for 2 years + 4 free months Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ExpressVPN (Monthly) $3.49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Up to 8 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, tvOS, Mac, Android, Windows, Chrome, XBox, Playstation, Switch and more. Who should buy: ExpressVPN is a fantastic service thanks to a sizeable array of server locations and the fact that it’s really easy to use means it’s a good option for the less tech savvy. Why ExpressVPN is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: We love ExpressVPN for its simplicity and ease of use, making it especially attractive for less technical users on iPhone or iPad. Its large server footprint (105+ countries) and Lightway protocol deliver fast, reliable connections, which will be handy for streaming or secure browsing on mobile Apple devices. Further considerations: Eight devices are included per membership, but there’s no antivirus, and it costs more than SurfShark. Also among our favourite VPNs for the iPad is ExpressVPN, which has 105 country options and a network of more than three thousand servers. ExpressVPN unblocks more video services than rivals. It claims to reliably unblock over 200 streaming service and also gives you a backup option – the MediaStreamer proxy service – if you find that the VPN isn’t unblocking at the exact moment you want to watch. It bills itself as the premium option, and justifies this partly with the long list of video services it works with. There is also 24/7 live chat support and Threat Manager blocks traffic from websites known to be malicious. There’s also an ad blocker and an adult site blocker. You can expect fast speeds thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol and privacy is good thanks to the TrustedServer setup (where the software runs entirely in RAM and doesn’t save any data to the hard drive). The company is registered in the British Virgin Islands, a self-governing territory that isn’t subject to British laws. It operates a no-logs policy. As well as using it on your iPad, there are also apps for iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Fire TV and more. There’s a limit of eight devices at once (up from 5 previously). While not the cheapest, ExpressVPN does run discounts, with the best deal being the one-year subscription, which is almost half-price. Read our full ExpressVPN review 4. ProtonVPN – Best for privacy VPN Pros Simple to use Free plan Great speed Cons Set up is a little fiddly Price When Reviewed: Proton Free; VPN Plus from $2.99 a month for two years. Usually $9.99 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Proton Technologies (Monthly) $2.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Up to 8 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, tvOS, Mac, Android, Windows, and more. Who should buy: ProtonVPN is great for anyone looking for privacy online, thanks to its ‘Secure Core’ servers, and covers up to 10 devices with a single plan. It’s also packed with features on iPad, whereas some rivals go for a simpler offering on tablet devices. Why ProtonVPN is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: ProtonVPN stands out for offering a free tier, useful for iPad/iPhone users wanting to try a VPN without commitment. The paid version brings strong privacy tools and solid performance. Its apps are polished and intuitive to use on iOS/iPadOS, and its security features (Secure Core, no-logs policy, kill switch) make it a good match for privacy-minded users. Further considerations: Proton has a solid free plan that’s better than so many of its rivals, but it’s pricier on the premium side. ProtonVPN’s free tier of membership sets Proton VPN apart from some of its rivals. It’s limited, with US, Japan, and Netherlands as the server locations and some speed drop – but it’s usable. If you subscribe, you get a sleek interface, impressive connection speeds and more than enough features, without throwing too many complex concepts at new users.  Proton VPN Plus features include an ad and tracker blocker and speed of up to 10 Gbps, as well as a 10-device limit. There’s Port Forwarding for downloads and gaming, and a Kill Switch for disconnecting should the VPN drop out. The company offers a “no-logs” policy – meaning it doesn’t track sites, IP addresses, communications, or session lengths, nor does it track location-based information. Proton is Swiss-based, so only Swiss court orders can request data from the company, but since it doesn’t log data there’s very little it can reveal. Secure Core, routes traffic through one of the company’s ‘Secure’ servers, minimizing the potential of a data leak. There secure servers owned by Proton in more than 90 countries. Proton VPN does increase latency, but only by about 29% in our testing on a modest 60 Mbps broadband. It was only about 7% slower when downloading and 5.5% slower when uploading – one of the slicker VPNs we’ve tested. Of the included VPN protocols, Smart will be enough for most users, automatically setting the right protocol for your current usage, but WireGuard, WireGuard (TCP), IKEv2 and Stealth are also offered. Proton VPN is an easy recommendation both for new and experienced users. You can sign up for Proton VPN here. Read our full ProtonVPN review 5. FastestVPN – Best value Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds Dedicated downloading and streaming servers Independent audit Cons No split tunneling Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: Lifetime special deal: $30, usually $600 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price FastestVPN (Lifetime payment) $30 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 10 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, and more. Who should buy: This is a great VPN service for privacy, thanks to its Cayman Islands HQ and third-party No Logs audit, FastestVPN is, as the name suggests, a fairly nippy VPN at a budget price. Why FastestVPN is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: FastestVPN offers a low-cost, budget-friendly option that supports iPhone, iPad, Mac and more – up to 10 devices. Its streaming-optimised servers and use of the WireGuard protocol bring decent speeds and unblocking capabilities, making this VPN appealing for cost-conscious users. Further considerations: Despite the name, it’s not the fastest on this list by some distance, and unblocking streaming services is inconsistent. FastestVPN does a great job and for a lot less than others, with the option of a one time payment of $40 (sometimes reduced to $30). It’s also seen a bunch of improvements since we took a look in 2021. The app is sleek and easy to use and offers 10 simultaneous connections. FastestVPN will help you get around geoblocks. It actually highlights certain streaming-focused servers. It boosts a number power user features like multi-hop connections, an Internet Kill Switch to shut down all traffic if your VPN drops for any reason, and you can use Smart Tunneling to ensure certain apps go via a VPN while others don’t. FastestVPN is headquartered in the Cayman islands and has undergone a third-party audit from Altius to confirm its no-logs policy. You’ll find a variety of VPN protocols to choose from, with Wireguard, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP options) and IKEv2 available, and Servers have recently been updated to 10 Gbps options, but despite the name, it’s not the fastest around. FastestVPN has more than 800 servers, which is a lot – but in context, that’s dramatically less than NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Rivals do offer a larger server count, but the ease of use, and low barrier of entry, make FastestVPN one of our best VPN picks in 2025. FastestVPN is available on Mac as well as Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and plenty more. You can sign up for Private Internet Access here. Read our full FastestVPN review 6. hide.me VPN – Best free tier Price When Reviewed: From $2.49 per month for two years (+4 months extra) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Hide.Me (Monthly) $2.49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy: Hide.me is a great choice for iPad, iPhone and Mac users who want a simple to use, privacy-focused VPN. One subscription can be used on up to 10 simultaneous devices, which is a big benefit if you have multiple devices to cover. The free tier is a great opportunity to test the VPN before you buy. Why Hide.me is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: Hide.me works well on iOS/iPadOS and is a great all-around VPN for all Apple devices. It’s easy to install, offers a risk-free free plan, and delivers strong privacy and streaming support without noticeable speed loss. The lower server count is the only real downside, but for everyday use, including browsing, streaming and geo-unblocking, it’s a strong choice. Further considerations: There is a low number of servers compared to the alternatives on this list. Hide.me offers native apps for macOS, iOS and iPadOS (plus other platforms), so whether you’re on a Mac, iPhone or iPad you’re covered. Setting up hide.me is very simple and fast. It also provides a free plan, which makes it easy for Apple-device users to try hide.me without commitment. For those who want more than the basics, hide.me includes advanced VPN features even on paid plans: split-tunnelling, a kill switch, and multi-hop connections. These let you control which apps route through VPN, shut off traffic if VPN drops, or route through multiple servers for extra privacy. Performance is solid: in our testing, download speed drops remained below 10% across servers, so iPhone/iPad users shouldn’t notice major slowdowns when browsing or streaming. hide.me handled geo-unblocking well: streaming-friendly servers successfully bypassed geo-restrictions for various services, so iPhone or iPad users wanting to watch region-locked content should find it effective. Our only real criticisms are that the total number of servers is lower than many competitors, which might mean fewer location choices or slower speeds. Read our full hide.me VPN review 7. Mullvad – Best VPN for privacy Pros Privacy-focused Great for avoiding geoblocks Good pricing Cons Lower number of connections (just 5) Price When Reviewed: $5.26 a month (€5) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mullvad $5.26 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 700+ servers 5 connections Available on Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android Who should buy: Perfect for anonymity, Mullvad won’t even store users’ payment info, so it doesn’t offer recurring plans. It’s also priced well and is a solid streaming VPN. Why Mullvad is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: Mullvad VPN is a privacy-first choice for iOS and iPadOS users: it offers no-logs, allows anonymous payment, and includes advanced features like multihop, split tunnelling, and a kill switch. Its iPhone and iPad apps support robust privacy and security tools that are often missing on mobile VPN clients, making it ideal for users seeking maximum anonymity and control. Further considerations: There aren’t that many servers on Mullvad’s list at the time of writing, and it only allows for 5 connections per membership. With Mullvad you pay €5 a month whether you sign up for a month, a year or longer. The only price change will be dependent on the exchange rate from euros at that time. We like the fact that this means you aren’t caught up in a recurring subscription and can cancel at any time. Another bonus is that Mullvad, with its privacy-first mindset, doesn’t store your personal information. You can even pay using prepaid cards if you don’t want to log payment information. As a result, Mullvad the ideal VPN service for anyone looking to leave a minimal digital footprint. With excellent performance and plenty of features, that would be paid additions elsewhere, Mullvad is a great VPN. There is a Kill Switch to cut traffic if the VPN drops, a Lockdown Mode that forces the user to reconnect via Mullvad if the connection drops. Multihop will bounce your connection via multiple servers and split tunnelling is available so you can send some traffic via the VPN and ignore it for others. An ad blocker is also included. It’s available on Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. It’s accessed exclusively from the menu bar on Mac. The iPhone and iPad apps pack plenty of power user features that in some services are limited to desktop, like multihop connections and the DAITA protection. DAITA (Defence against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) will add ‘network noise’ so data packets are all the same size. The main disadvantages are the five device limit, which is lower than many VPNs, and. a lower server count. It has 700, but this is still lower than the likes of NordVPN with over 7,000. Mullvad’s servers are all real, not virtual, servers though. Connection speeds are impressive. Mullvad is a fantastic VPN service that’s about as privacy-minded as can be. It might not have the most servers, but that’s a small price to pay for the service on offer. Read our full Mullvad review 8. Private Internet Access Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds Dedicated downloading and streaming servers Independent audit Cons No split tunneling Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: From $2.03 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $11.99 a month. Unlimited devices. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Private Internet Access (Monthly) $2.03 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Unlimited devices. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, and more. Who should buy: PIA is a solid pick for anyone who’s happy to dig into its app settings since it’s not ideal for newcomers. Why PIA is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: It’s got a killswitch on iOS, which isn’t something many on this list can claim they have. It’s also very affordable at around $2 per month. Further considerations: Speeds aren’t great here, with around half the speed of some rivals. It comes in around the middle of the pack. Private Internet Access (PIA) is designed for savvy users, with power user tools and features such as custom DNS, connection rules, and split-tunneling. Despite this, it comes in at a lower cost than many competitors. The app offers servers in 91 countries. In testing, the auto setting did a good job of picking servers that balanced speed and privacy. The main window provides information on performance, download and upload speeds, and quick settings for things like Port Forwarding and LAN connections. PIA also offers customizable features like automation setup and DNS options.  While you can use PIA for getting around geoblocked content on your streaming services, PIA’s main focus is privacy, with features like the Advanced Kill Switch, Split Tunnelling, port forwarding, and Multi-Hop server obfuscation. Its zero-log policy has been verified by Deloitte Audit Romania. Private Internet Access can’t beat the speeds of NordVPN and Surfshark, and its stablemate CyberGhost VPN offers more impressive speeds, but at the cost of some power features. In our testing, we saw a reasonable drop of around 8% while using the PIA VPN. Upload speeds dropped considerably – by around 25%, which may be an issue if you do a lot of uploading.  Despite inconsistent speeds, Private Internet Access is a great VPN for all budgets with a wealth of features for privacy-inclined users. You can sign up for Private Internet Access here. Read our full Private Internet Access review 9. CyberGhost Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds. Dedicated downloading and streaming servers. Independent audit. Cons No split tunneling Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: $2.02 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $12.99 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CyberGhost (Monthly) $2.03 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Up to 7 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Android, Windows and more. Who should buy: Cyberghost is focused on newcomers, offering them an easy-to-use app and a whole bunch of servers across the globe. Why Cyberghost is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: Setup and usage on iPhone or iPad straightforward, it has a very large global server network and there are streaming-optimized servers. It also has strong security and gets quarterly reports on transparency. Further considerations: There’s no multi-hop connectivity here, and only seven devices can be connected. CyberGhost is really easy to use and one of the least-expensive services when you sign up for a couple of years.  CyberGhost has more than 7,000 servers across 90 countries, so you’re bound to find a connection that suits your needs. CyberGhost allows seven simultaneous connections.  Of potentially more interest to most people is the fact it’s pretty reliable for unblocking streaming services. It unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBOMax, Amazon Prime and others. CyberGhost even provides a streaming list so you can choose the best server to unblock specific streaming services on specific devices.  CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is good for privacy. Deloitte has audited CyberGhost’s privacy claims and found no issues. With support for WireGuard, CyberGhost offers speedy connections and one subscription allows you to use the service on up to seven devices at once. You can sign up for CyberGhost here. Read our full CyberGhost review 10. ClearVPN Pros Nice design and easy to use. Great for getting around geo-blocks. Cons Lacks split tunneling. Not very fast. Price When Reviewed: Three day trial. Currently $44.99 a year, usually $119.88 a year ($9.99 a month). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (first year, 6 devices) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Up to 6 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows. Who should buy: ClearVPN is super easy to use even for newcomers. Why ClearVPN is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: ClearVPN is of the best-looking VPN services we’ve seen and it is priced competitively. Further considerations: Sadly, it’s missing a lot of features on the mobile version, while also not offering a No-Logs Audit. It’s also not one of the fastest available options. MacPaw’s ClearVPN lacks some of the advanced features offered by other services, but it’s one of the easiest VPNs to use. It’s thoughtfully designed for VPN newcomers: you need only hit a button to connect. It’s all pretty basic stuff, but we think those new to VPNs will appreciate the simplicity. There are options to block ads and a Kill Switch to automatically cut traffic from your device if the connection to the VPN is broken. ClearVPN can grant access to more than 50 servers, which sounds like a lot, but thats a fraction of what’s offered by rivals. But you only really need a server in the country you want to be surfing, so it may not matter. One common power user feature offered by VPNs is split tunneling, which lets some traffic go through the VPN while some goes around it. That’s not supported by ClearVPN.  MacPaw’s VPN speeds aren’t as good as the competition. We saw speed drops across multiple servers – even ones close to us. We saw drops of around 20 to 30 percent in download speed, and around 50 percent for upload speed. It’s still fast enough to use Netflix though. Most VPN companies use external auditors to verify that they’re not recording user or session data. ClearVPN hasn’t undergone one at the time of writing. This shouldn’t mean anything untoward as the company is headquartered in Ukraine, which falls outside of various surveillance alliances, so it can’t be asked to share your data. ClearVPN is priced affordably, but prices and the deals on offer change all the time with VPNs so look out for low monthly prices that don’t lock you in for too long. There’s a six-device limit that can include Macs, iPhone and iPads.  If you’re new to using a VPN service, ClearVPN makes a compelling case to be your first choice., and stress-free access to Netflix around the globe, it’s a great starter option. Still, the speed drop and lack of common features like split-tunneling likely mean power users should look elsewhere. You can sign up for ClearVPN here. Read our full ClearVPN review 11. PureVPN Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds Dedicated downloading and streaming servers Independent audit Cons No split tunneling Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: From $1.49 per month ( + 3 months extra) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PureVPN (Monthly for first year) $1.49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Up to 6 devices at once. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows. Who should buy: PureVPN is ideal for unblocking Netflix across the globe so it’s a great option for streaming. Why PureVPN is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: It’s a sleek-looking VPN that packs additional features like a Password Manager and File Encryption. Server selection is solid, too. Further considerations: Sadly, PureVPN’s pricing can be confusing to follow, and its audit report, perhaps, isn’t as transparent as it could be. If you’re want a VPN service that will get around geoblocking and is easy to use, PureVPN is a good option. The basic plan only includes the VPN service, but the Plus plan adds a Password Manager and File Encryption tools. The Max plan adds a Digital Privacy Manager that recommends ways to maximize your privacy. Whichever plan you opt for you’ll be able to connect 10 devices at once. PureVPN will run on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, and is easy to use on each to let you connect to over six thousand servers. As far as getting around geo-blocks, we found PureVPN to be as easy as any other service to use. Select a location, load your streaming service or app of choice, and you’re off. PureVPN now registered in the British Virgin Islands, which is more privacy-friendly than Hong Kong where it was previously. PureVPN offers one of the more impressive no-logging policies, with an ongoing audit process that means auditors can request confirmation of the no-logs policy at any time. PureVPN has been winding down its virtual servers, of which it has less control. There are still 23 such servers, but PureVPN is transparent about which servers are virtual and which are physical – you can see a small ‘v’ next to each virtual server on the PureVPN website. You can sign up for PureVPN here. Read our full PureVPN review 12. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds. Dedicated downloading and streaming servers. Independent audit. Cons No split tunneling. Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: $39.99 a year for one device Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Pay per device (up to 20 devices). Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows. Who should buy: If you’re already using MalwareBytes, this is a no-brainer offering that offers features like a killswitch and a neat Protection Score so you know how well looked after your machine (and your privacy) are. Why Malwarebytes is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: You can easily install it on iPhone or iPad with no fuss and the VPN client is user-friendly. Further considerations: Sadly, there are only five connections per account, and there aren’t many servers either. Malwarebytes is, of course, known for it’s antivirus software, and it’s one of the options we’ve looked at in our round up of the Best Antivirus for Mac, reviewed here Malwarebytes Premium for Mac review. Malwarebytes Premium also has a VPN element to it that can also be purchased separately if you just want a VPN. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is easy to use and offers speeds that are better than many of its rivals for both downloads and uploads. It also has split-tunnelling via its ‘Connection rules’, and a Kill Switch to cut all traffic if the VPN drops out. There are some caveats — namely that it features fewer server locations than its rivals, and getting around geoblocks for different versions of streaming services can be a tad inconsistent. There’s no multi-hop server jumping, but the company does have a verified no-logs policy in place which means information isn’t held about a user’s activity. However, it offers a pretty compelling package of features and Malwarebytes VPN is available just about anywhere, Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, with Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and plenty more apps. You can sign up for Malwarebytes Privacy VPN here. Read our full Malwarebytes Privacy VPN review 13. Norton Ultra VPN Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds Dedicated downloading and streaming servers Independent audit Cons No split tunneling Price doubles on renewal Price When Reviewed: First year is from $39.99 Norton Secure VPN; $49.99 Norton Ultra VPN; $59.99 Norton Ultra VPN Plus. Renews at a higher price of $79.99/$109.99/$129.99. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton (first year) $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton VPN Standard: 1 device. VPN Plus: 5 devices. VPN Ultimate: 10 devices. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Android, Windows and more. Who should buy: Already a Norton user? This option packs many of its best security features under the hood, as well as excellent antivirus. Why Norton is a good choice for iPhone/iPad users: The service isn’t just a VPN — it bundles extra security tools: a password manager, dark-web monitoring, cloud backup, email-tracking quarantine and malware/antivirus protection. Further considerations: Sadly, Norton’s offering lacks browser extensions and doesn’t have the best track record with unblocking streaming services. Norton is best known as an antivirus solution (see our review of Norton 360), but it also offers a VPN solution which can be tied to the antivirus or purchased separately. Norton’s VPN includes plenty of accoutrements that other VPNs either don’t have or charge extra for. If you’re looking for real-time protection it remains a good security-focused option, but with geoblocking being inconsistent in our testing, you might want to look elsewhere for your international Netflix fix. Norton has servers in 32 countries – a steep drop from the 111 in NordVPN’s portfolio – but it does offer four protocols to choose from. VPNs naturally decrease your internet speeds and we found Nord’s VPN did lag behind some rivals. Norton’s Browser Protection scans sites as you browse, so you do get the benefit of real-time detection alerts if a site might be unsafe. Norton does a good job with privacy, with a 2024 VerSprite audit confirming Norton’s VPN “no logs” policy. You can install the app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and all three platforms have apps that work well and run nicely in the background. You can sign up for Norton Ultra VPN here. Read our full Norton Ultra VPN review What to consider when choosing the best VPN for iPad A VPN ideally serves two purposes for the user: obfuscating network traffic and allowing for geo-unblocking. Still, some VPN options on this list are better at one or the other, so you should lean towards what you need it to do. For example, if you’re looking to anonymise your online activity, you’ll want to find a service that puts your privacy first. If your main focus is unblocking sites and streaming services around the world, either for accessing new content libraries or because you travel regularly, many services are packed with streaming-focused servers. That brings us nicely to server count. While some streaming services have hundreds of available server locations, others have thousands, increasing your options substantially. These sometimes come at a price, though, and budget will naturally be a concern. Many VPN services will aim to tie a user into a longer-term subscription by enticing them with cheaper payments, but you should always check the renewal costs as many will climb steeply after a year or two. Above all else, it’s important that the VPN works on your device of choice, and while some iPad VPNs are lacking in features compared to their Mac counterparts, you can read our full review for each to find out. How we test VPNs for iPad and iPhone We tested every VPN in this list, and worked to check out their performance on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. We tested speeds, attempted to unblock streaming services around the world from BBC iPlayer to Amazon Prime Video and more, while also poking around the various app offerings. We focus on the practicalities of device compatibility (iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, and Mac), the number of devices supported, geo-restrictions and ease of use. We also pay attention to security – and validate the privacy promises made by each VPN company. Our testing methodology focuses on several key areas: Performance and Speed: We conduct speed tests in the morning, afternoon, and evening using Ookla Speedtest. To ensure accuracy, we first measure our baseline internet speed without a VPN. Then, we connect to VPN servers in North America, the UK, Europe, Oceana, and Asia over an ethernet connection. To isolate the VPN’s performance, we use TripMode to shut down all other background internet processes on the Mac. The final scores are averaged and presented as a percentage difference from our unprotected speed, which provides a clearer picture of expected performance than raw speed numbers alone. Security and Privacy: A VPN’s privacy policy is a critical factor. We look for clear, easy-to-understand policies that detail what user information, if any, is collected and what is done with it. As part of our process, we also validate the privacy promises made by each VPN company. We research the company’s ownership, its legal jurisdiction, and its track record for any questionable business practices. A provider’s location is important, as many countries do not require VPNs to maintain user activity logs, offering a higher level of privacy. Features and Usability: We evaluate each VPN based on practical, everyday use. This includes the following:  Testing the VPN apps on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV to ensure devolve compatibility. Considering the total number of servers and the number of countries available. Attempt to unblock popular streaming services from around the world, such as BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video to identify any geo-restrictions. We use the software ourselves to assess the user experience and app interface. Cost: The monthly and annual cost is weighed against the features and performance offered. Why trust Macworld’s advice We have been testing Mac hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. We put every product through its paces using rigorous benchmarking and hands-on evaluation. We’d never recommend something we wouldn’t use ourselves. We use the software ourselves so our reviews are based on our own experience with the software and include our own insights and unbiassed opinions. Macworld’s VPN specialist Lloyd Coombes has made it his aim to assess every VPN going. FAQ 1. Do iPads and iPhones have a built-in VPN? iPads and iPhones don’t come with a VPN out of the box, but Apple does offer iCloud Private Relay which is a sort of halfway house. iCloud Private Relay sends your data to a relay server that’s owned by Apple. This can tell who you are, but not what you’re looking at in Safari, and the traffic then moves to another (third-party) relay, which assigns a temporary IP address. This means your IP address is only visible to Apple, but not to the third-party relay. You’ll need an iCloud+ subscription to use it, and it’s only available in Safari. All of the offerings on this list can be used with other browsers, though. 2. Should I put a VPN on my iPad or iPhone?  A VPN for your iPad or iPhone offers many of the same benefits to putting a VPN on your Mac. If you’re looking to protect your online activity when using iffy coffee shop or train station Wi-Fi, they’ll obfuscate your data so it’s not easy for hackers to gain access. They can also be used to ‘relocate’ your device to access streaming services from elsewhere. 3. Can I get a free VPN on my iPhone/iPad? There are free VPN options, but they tend to have limitations on server locations and speeds, or struggle to break through geoblocks. A free VPN can be a solid way to get started, letting you do some private browsing in a pinch, but if you’re using them regularly, you’ll soon want to move to a paid option. Most VPNs cost less than $3/£3 per month if you sign up for a one- or two-year deal. However, once that deal period ends the price can jump, so it’s worth setting a reminder to shop around a month before your subscription runs out so you can search for a better deal, alternatively, you might be able to cancel and sign up with another email address. You may be able to save money if you take a look at our round-up of the best VPN deals. 4. Is it safe to use a VPN on my iPhone or iPad? Yes! Since VPN apps are installed through the App Store and are therefore signed off by Apple, you should have no issues. With that said, if sideloading a VPN via a third-party app store or browser download then you forgo that safety. Everything on this list is found on the App Store. 5. When should you not use a VPN?  If you’re not looking to unblock Netflix or any other streaming services in your region, then there’s a good chance you won’t need a VPN if you’re at home or on a connection you trust. For example, if you’re on your home network, you can use your iPad or iPhone without a VPN because your network is a trusted one. If there’s a chance that your network might be compromised, however, then a VPN becomes more important. Next: learn how to use a VPN on iPhone or iPad. For more information on the legalities and whether it is safe to use a VPN read: Is a VPN safe for iPad and iPhone? If you’ve still got some questions and want to find out more, read what is a VPN and are VPNs legal?

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U.S. FTC sends letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook about amplifying left-leaning media outlets in Apple News app
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sent a letter to Apple regarding allegations of political bias in its Apple News curation… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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This robot can fold some of your laundry fairly badly for $8,000 [Video]
Domestic robots have been a fixture in science fiction novels for more than a century, but in the real world we’re still all doing our own domestic chores barring vacuuming. While a number of companies are working on humanoid robots, with Apple reportedly among them, all we’ve really had so far are promises and extremely limited demos. But you can (maybe) buy a laundry-folding robot today for $8,000 or rent it for $450 a month … more…

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Apple Creator Studio users are hitting generative AI usage limits far too soon
Apple buries the fact that its Apple Creator Studio bundle's generative AI features come with any usage limits, but the limits are real and now appear to be significantly less than expected.You can check your AI feature usage in the iWorks app — if you even realise that there are any limits.Apple Creator Studio is a bundle of apps such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, plus updated versions of the iWork ones such as Pages and Keynote. In each case, Apple heavily promotes how the apps all come with new Apple Intelligence features.Apple also promotes the bundle as meaning "endless creativity... unlimited possibilities," but those AI features are in fact limited. Users have to read the Apple Creator Studio support page before they would even know about them — or they have to hit the limits. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AI Washing Could Take Customers to Cleaners
As artificial intelligence dominates corporate messaging, exaggerated claims — known as "AI washing" — may be masking layoffs, distorting valuations, and weakening trust across the tech industry. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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SmartGym expands workout tracking to 3rd-party apps, adds Strava sync
SmartGym, Apple’s 2023 Apple Watch App of the Year, is rolling out a new update today that delivers some of its longest-requested features. Here’s what’s new. more…

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WhatsApp and Telegram blocked in Russia as Meta designated an ‘extremist organization’
Both WhatsApp and Telegram have been blocked in Russia as the government tries to force people to use its unencrypted WeChat clone, Max. All messages sent and received in Max can be read by the government. The government also blocked access to Facebook and Instagram, and designated parent company Meta as “an extremist organization” … more…

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iPhone 16e and iPad Air stocks are newly depleting at Apple retail
A new report is claiming that stocks of both the iPhone 16e and the iPad Air are dwindling at retail, perhaps backing up expectations of new models being launched soon.The current iPhone 16eThere are regularly reports of stocks of Apple devices running low, and the presumption is often that this means a refresh is coming. As of late it hasn't been the case — reports of MacBook Pro custom configuration stock-outs have been prevalent for months, and the Apple TV hardware is subject to the same from time to time.In this case, however, a new claim by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman fits well with reports of Apple shortly releasing an updated iPhone 17e. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Update now! iOS 26.3 contains dozens of critical security fixes
Macworld While most iPhone users rush to download the latest iOS update to check out all the new features, the latest one released this week doesn’t really have any. So it could be tempting to wait a few weeks. But there are a few dozen reasons not to do that. It’s common for nearly every iOS and iPadOS release to contain at least a few security updates. Apple works diligently to close every loophole and fix every flaw that could let a malicious actor get access to your device and data. iOS and iPadOS 26.3 have more than 35 security patches, according to Apple’s security updates page. Some seem relatively benign, but others are more serious. The biggest is a zero-day vulnerability in the Dynamic Link Editor (dyld), which loads the libraries required by an application, that could enable an app with memory write capability to execute arbitrary code. Apple says it knows of a report that this flaw has been used in “an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals” who were running versions of iOS prior to iOS 26. There are three kernel flaws fixed, one of which allows a malicious app to gain root privileges. A bug in Photos could allow a person with physical access to a device to see a user’s photos from the lock screen. A pair of Accessibility bugs could allow someone to view sensitive user information on a locked device. In other words, you should update your iPhone or iPad right away. Oh, and your Mac, too; you’ll find most of these same security fixes apply to macOS as well. To update your iPhone, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and follow the prompts.

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Apple Creator Studio AI usage limits seem dramatically lower than promised
When Apple launched the Apple Creator Studio (ACS) subscription, the company indicated that you could use the AI features to produce 50 Keynote presentations per month “as a minimum.” However, developer and security researcher Steve Troughton-Smith had a very different experience when it came to AI usage limits. He reported that far from being able to produce 50 presentations, a single Keynote slideshow used half of his monthly ACS limit, so the limit would be just two … more…

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Best deals on Mac antivirus
Macworld With Apple already including built-in antivirus protection for Macs you might be wondering “Do Macs need antivirus software?” especially when confronted by pricy monthly subscriptions for services. In this article we’ll explain why you need an extra layer of protection and how to get the best cheap Mac antivirus software with the best deals. Mac security software adds another layer of protection to what Apple already provides, with features that can help to protect your identity, passwords, and financial details. These are the things that criminals are after, and they’ll often use cunning ways to extract them rather than spending time trying to break past Apple’s defenses in macOS. Although some of the packages here are solely focused on macOS, others will also protect Android and Windows devices you might also own, and that makes the price of protection much cheaper per computer. There are lots of other great options if you are looking for cheap antivirus software for Mac. We’ve evaluated antivirus for Mac solutions from several companies, including free and low-cost options as well as some more feature-packed alternatives. See our round-up of the Best antivirus for Mac and our guide to How to remove a Mac virus for free, where we also run through the best free options. Here we will share the best free antivirus options as well as the best deals we have seen on the paid-for antivirus solutions. Our best deal is our top choice of Mac Antivirus Software: Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – you can get it for $24.99/£20.99 a year for one Mac, normally $49.99/£49.99 a year get the deal here. Get our top choice: Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Best free antivirus for Mac While macOS includes built-in security features like XProtect and Gatekeeper, these native tools primarily focus on known malware and may not be updated as frequently as third-party solutions. If you are looking for the best free antivirus for Mac, several reputable companies offer “freemium” versions that provide the same core scanning engine as their paid counterparts. Several companies offer free antivirus software for Mac, one of our top recommendations is Intego VirusBarrier Scanner, we also liked Avast Security for Mac. However, you should always be cautious using a free antivirus and don’t expect all the features of the paid-for options. SoftwareKey FeaturesExpert VerdictDownloadIntego VirusBarrier Scanner (read our review)Reliable virus scanner; free version of the top-rated paid suite.Excellent for on-demand scans and a worthy candidate for emergency use.Get Intego hereAvira Free Antivirus for Mac (read our review)Includes Smart Scan, Web Guard, and AI-powered scam protection.Strong core protection, but includes frequent ads and upgrade prompts.Get Avira hereAVG Antivirus For Mac (read our review)Offers Smart Scan, email protection, and web protection.Reliable and simple, though some advanced features are locked behind a paywall.Get AVG hereAvast Security for Mac (read our review)Admirable scanning engine; includes a junk cleaner and a limited VPN.Good user interface, but many features (like the uninstaller) require a subscription.Get Avast hereBitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac (read our review)Lightweight; easy to scan specific folders or external volumes.Effective for clearing out malware, though the free version is quite basic.Get Bitdefender hereMalwarebytes Antivirus for Mac (read our review)Specialized in hunting down and removing persistent malware.Excellent for manual removal of “pesky” infections that others might miss.Get Malwarebytes here Cheapest antivirus deals for Mac Free versions, like the ones above, typically offer a strong core antivirus engine but may lack real-time protection, firewalls, or advanced web guards. Paid versions generally provide better technical support and more comprehensive features like identity theft protection.  You’ll find the following Mac antivirus recommendations in our round-up of the Best antivirus for Mac. We’re just presenting the lower-priced options here, but if you look at the roundup you may find alternative deals that suit you better. You can rest assured that we will only share deals here if we think they’re good enough to be worth buying. Everything we share below is a great saving on a service we trust. 1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Pros Built for Mac Easy to set up Cons No protection from phishing links in email Price When Reviewed: From $24.99 for first year, usually $49.99 a year (1 Mac) Using our link First year, 1 Mac, Internet Security X9$24.99First year, 1 Mac, Mac Premium Bundle$29.99First year, 1 Mac, VirusBarrier X9 only$19.99See all plans & pricing at Intego Intego Mac Internet Security X9 offers a useful set of security utilities that help keep your Mac safe and running smoothly and its user-friendly interface is right at home with Apple’s macOS aesthetic. We have a special deal for Intego Mac Internet Security X9, which bundles Intego VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, so you can get it for $24.99/£20.99 a year ($2.08/£1.75 a month) for one Mac: get the deal here. Intego also regularly discounts the Mac Premium Bundle that includes Mac Internet Security X9 as well as NetBarrier, Washing Machine, Content Barrier and Personal Backup apps. The deal is currently: $29.99/£23.99 a year ($2.50/£2 a month). Get the deal here. There’s also a deal to get Intego VirusBarrier X9 for $19.99/$17.99. Get the deal here. Read our full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review 2. Norton 360 Pros Fast, good performance and stability Minimal performance impact Cons Unable to scan .zip archives 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 1 year, 3 devices (Standard)$39.991 year, 5 devices (Deluxe)$49.991 year, 3 devices (Amazon)$19.99 The user interface is clean and friendly and the program ran both its foreground and background tasks briskly, with no crashes or slowdowns. There are some differences between the UK and US versions of Norton 360. Read our full Norton 360 review 3. McAfee Total Protection Pros Good, customizable set of security tools Background scanning feature Cons Can be laggy 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 1 year, 1 device$29.991 year, 5 devices$39.99PCWorld Software Store$19.99 McAfee Total Protection offers some good tools with good background protection and customization as well as an easy means of keeping your devices secure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review 4. Avast Premium Security Pros Impressive malware detection and network tools Easy to specify antiviral scan types and target volumes Cons Descriptions of suspect files lack detail Price When Reviewed: From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). First year, 1 Mac$49.08First year, 10 devices$69.48 This suite offers a good suite of tools at a good price. The best functions such as VPN, disk cleanup, and anti-tracking tools are only available on the “Ultimate” subscription tier. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. Surfshark One Pros Good speed and performance Impressive anti-virus/anti-malware shielding Identity alert and protection Cons Multi-year contracts Occasional trouble accessing Google services 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. 15 months, 1 Mac$50.8527 months, 1 Mac$67.231 month, 1 Mac$17.95 Surfshark One offers a genuinely excellent suite of tools that combine its VPN with anti-virus/anti-malware and privacy-focused identity protection. It’s price is high compared to other options here, but it’s saving you the price of a VPN too. The VPN module includes tools such as IP configuration, an Internet kill switch, rotating IP addresses, and Invisible on LAN features. While Surfshark One’s real-time protection tool was able to catch dozens of our sample malware installers. Get the deal here Read our full Surfshark One review 6. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Pros Easy to scan external volumes such as flash drives Nice user interface Cons Occasional freezes Limited VPN Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) 1 year, 3 devices$29.99 (usually $59.99)1 year, 1 device$24.99 (usually $39.99) Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers a handy, customizable user interface and good features. Bitdefender Total Security is currently $29.99 (usually $59.99) in the U.S. for a one-year subscription for one device. In the U.K. it’s £17.99 (usually £29.99) for a year and one device: get the U.S. deal here / get the U.K. deal here. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review 7. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Pros Good malware detection Low system load Cons Fewer extra features than less-expensive options Price When Reviewed: $24.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) 1 year, 1 Mac$24.95 Trend Micro Antivirus is a good program with well-rated antivirus protection and a simple, straightforward interface that users will appreciate. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is currently $29.95 for first year for one Mac, usually $39.95: Get the U.S. deal here / Currently £19.95 for first year for one Mac, usually £49.95: Get the U.K. deal here. Read our full Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac review 8. Eset Home Security Pros Good level of antiviral and real-time protection Excellent customization options Cons Slow drive scan Didn’t include the promised password manager or encryption features Price When Reviewed: Essential: $49.99 a year for one device; Premium: $79.99 a year for one device 1 year, 1 Mac (Premium) $79.991 year, 1 Mac (Essential)$49.99 ESET Home Security Premium completes its primary task of antiviral and malware prevention and there’s an excellent level of customization. We did encounter a few bugs when we tested it though. The ESET Home Security Premium is $39.99/£39.99 (usually $79.99/£64.99) for first year for one device. There’s also the cheaper ESET Home Security Essential: $24.99/£24.49 (usually $49.99/£34.99) for first year for one devices. Read our full Eset Home Security review What should I consider before buying an Antivirus for Mac  Choosing an antivirus for your Mac requires balancing the need for extra security against potential impacts on system performance and your budget.  When evaluating your options, consider the following factors to ensure the software meets your specific needs: Performance Impact: One of the most critical factors is how the software affects your Mac’s speed. If an app slows down your machine, you are more likely to disable it, leaving you unprotected. Built-in tools like XProtect have a negligible impact because they are integrated into the OS, whereas some third-party suites can cause lag or system freezes. Essential Features: Look beyond basic malware scanning. Essential utilities often include real-time protection, a robust firewall, and anti-phishing tools . Some premium bundles also offer parental controls, password managers, and VPNs. Ease of Use: The interface should be intuitive. If a program is too complicated or bombards you with confusing alerts, it becomes a hindrance rather than a help. Tailored for Mac: Some antivirus programs are essentially “cut-back” versions of PC apps. It is often better to choose software specifically tailored for macOS, such as Intego, which is designed to feel native to the platform. Multi-device support: Do you have multiple devices to protect? Do you need to protect an iPhone as well as your Mac? Do you have a PC or PC using friends, clients and colleagues? If you have multiple devices, look for “Total Security” or “Family” plans that cover Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, as these often provide the best overall value. How to find a good antivirus deal Most Mac antivirus products are sold as yearly subscriptions. Many vendors offer significant first-year discounts, but prices often increase upon renewal. Many of the best deals spread payments over a number of years. This can save you money because the price of a deal that covers you for one year can increase significantly in the preceding years. In some cases antivirus discounts can be huge, often at more than half price. But these are typically first-year deals, and at renewal you’ll pay the regular price. Our recommendation is that when you sign up for a year or two you make a note of the renewal date and switch to a different subscription to take advantage of another deal. We also recommend taking a look at our article all about the best Mac antivirus to help you get a better understanding of which services we like most and why.

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MacOS Tahoe nuked my Time Machine backups
Macworld For the past decade, my Apple Time Capsule has faithfully backed up my Mac. I’ve been through several upgrades over the past decade—my current machine is an M3 Max MacBook Pro—and I’ve never had an issue with my Time Capsule. It’s been one of the most reliable devices I’ve ever owned, and I’ve barely had to even think about it since I bought it in 2016. Until recently, that is. I don’t know the exact date, but I installed macOS Tahoe 26.2 sometime near the end of 2025. I was hoping it would fix the lingering issues I had with Spotlight, but otherwise didn’t think much of it until I got a message from Time Machine telling me my backup disk was full. I’ve had occasional issues with Time Machine backups over the years, but they’ve usually been fixed by simply running the backup again. This was a new persistent error that seemed to indicate something was actually wrong with my backup system. So I started to investigate the issue, and the process ended up bricking my Time Capsule. Time keeps on spinning Apple introduced Time Capsule in 2008 as “a backup appliance that automatically and wirelessly backs up everything on one or more Macs.” At the time, it was a novel concept, combining an AirPort base station with a “server-grade” hard drive. It was essentially a personal NAS drive before personal NAS drives were a thing. I owned a couple over the years, and before Apple eventually discontinued Time Capsule in 2018, I bought one of the last models ever made, the 802.11ac (WiFi 5) AirPort Time Capsule mini tower. It’s been running ever since. My Time Capsule has worked dutifully for over a decade.Foundry I have a 2TB Time Capsule backing up a Mac with about 250GB filled up, so space has never been an issue. Moreover, I’ve been using the same MacBook since Sonoma, so there’s no reason why it should suddenly run out of space. I routinely clean out all backups when upgrading to a new OS and start fresh, and I keep the bulk of my files backed up on a 2TB iCloud Drive, so the physical space should be more than enough. So I went to my AirPort settings to inspect my Time Capsule. But it wouldn’t accept my password, the same password that I have used for at least five years and have saved in my password manager.  OK, that was weird, but still, I chalked it up to user error. I reset my Time Capsule using a paper clip and changed the password. I checked the space, and it said it had less than a gig available. Also strange. My Mac isn’t anywhere near 2TB, I don’t keep old backups around, and Time Machine is supposed to automatically delete the oldest backups to clear space on a full disk and keep on running. Unfortunately, there’s no way to see what’s filling up a Time Machine “Data” file, so I was left with one option: Erase the drive. Tahoe’s revenge Apple announced last summer that it would no longer support AirPort or other Time Capsule disks for Time Machine backups with macOS 27 coming later this year due to deprecated support for Apple Filing Protocol.  So I was already preparing for the day when I had to retire my 10-year-old drive in order to stay on the latest version of macOS.  I’ll admit that 10 years is a long time to use any device, let alone a 3.5-inch SATA drive. But I didn’t expect any issues with Tahoe. I thought I could clear the drive and simply start over while amassing eight or so months of backups until macOS 27 came along in September. It’s easy to erase a Time Capsule disk–I just wish I wouldn’t have done it.Foundry At this point, I probably should have put two and two together and realized something was wrong. But somewhat naively, I pressed on. Erasing the Time Capsule was simple. The Disks tab in AirPort Utility has a “Quick Erase” option that takes just a few seconds. I clicked through the standard, “This cannot be undone” dialogue box, but didn’t get any warnings about Tahoe specifically. The light went from amber to green, showed I now had 2TB of space, and all seemed well. When I went to set up the disk in the Time Machine settings, however, I got a new message: “‘Data’ can only be used if it contains existing Time Machine backups for this Mac. The next major version of macOS will no longer support Time Capsule disks for Time Machine backups.” No matter how many times I try, Time Machine refuses to back up to my Time Capsule.Foundry The second part I already knew. The first part was information that would have been useful before I erased my disk. I’ve searched for a solution and I’ve reached the conclusion that my Time Capsule backup disk is essentially a brick. To use it I’d need to downgrade to Sequoia, back up my machine, upgrade to Tahoe, and continue the backups until the disk filled up again, at which point I’d be back where I started. The search for a solution To recap: Either a bug or a feature in macOS Tahoe 26.2 caused my Time Machine backups to eat up all the available space on my Time Capsule disk, and erasing it rendered it useless. I’m still not sure if the password issue was related to Tahoe, but I suspect it was. But it doesn’t matter—since Apple has already announced the Time Capsule won’t work with future versions of macOS, I’m left with a retro paperweight. So after a decade-plus of effortless backups with Time Capsule, I’m left to find a new solution. Macworld has a roundup of the best external hard drives or SSDs for wired Time Machine backups, as well as the best NAS drives. There are some great options in there, but I want to find the best replacement for Time Capsule, so I’ll be testing a few wireless drives on my Mac with Time Machine to try to find the most affordable alternative. So stay tuned.

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Best VPN deals 2026: Get a cheap VPN for Mac, iPhone or iPad with these discounts
Macworld If you want to unblock regional content on streaming services like Netflix, iPlayer, and Prime, or access websites that aren’t available in your region, or without ID, a VPN is an essential tool. A good VPN will work with all your Apple devices, including a Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even an Apple TV in some cases. VPN services can also give you online privacy as well as letting you securely connect to open Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, airports and other places. It’s something well worth packing when you go on vacation. VPNs tend to have complex pricing structures, with long-term contract pricing and offers that seem to offer huge discounts, making identifying a good deal more complex than it is with other types of software. We have tested the Best Mac VPNs and Best VPN for iPhone and iPad and we use them daily, so we know which ones offer the best features and we know which ones offer the best value for money. In this article, we will help you find the cheapest VPN to suit your needs. Every month we assess the best VPN for Mac deals so we can keep an eye out for the best discounts on offer right now and let you know the latest prices and best deals so you can find the VPN that suites you at the best price. Before we share the best VPN deals you may be hoping that you can get a VPN for free… Best free VPN There are a few free VPNs on offer but our advice is usually to be very cautious about them. Companies that give stuff away will be making money somehow, and you can’t be sure they aren’t selling your data. One decent VPN that does offer a free tier is Proton VPN (read our review). You can use Proton VPN for nothing, as long as you’re happy with U.S., Japan, and Netherlands as your server locations. It’s also limiting in that you can only connect a single device, and speeds are slower than the paid plans, but the free version is available on all platforms and if you like it you can always subscribe to get the whole package which will unblock a host of features, including an ad and tracker blocker and improved speed of up to 10 Gbit, as well as an expanded 10-device limit. There’s Port Forwarding for downloads and gaming, too, as well as a Kill Switch for disconnecting should the VPN drop out. Get Proton VPN free Best VPN deals and cheap VPNs VPN providers tend to offer year-round discounts, however with most deals you will be locked into a monthly fee for a couple of years, so we recommend setting a reminder in your calendar to cancel and look for a new deal to replace the one you had at the end of the contract period. Deals change all the time. The deals below save a significant amount compared to paying for each of these services on a rolling monthly subscription. We some great VPN deals for shoppers in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia below. One deal to take a look at is FastestVPN’s Lifetime plan – which with 93% off is an absolute bargain as you pay once and have access to the VPN for life. It’s a one-off $40 (approx £33). The company says that the full price would be $600. Read How to use a VPN on a Mac for more information, and if you still aren’t sure why you need a VPN read: Should I use a VPN on my Mac/iPhone? 1. NordVPN Pros Incredibly easy to use Plenty of server options Price When Reviewed: Basic plan from $3.39 a month for two years. Usually $12.99 a month 2-Year Plan $3.39 a month1-Year Plan$4.99 a monthMonthly Plan$12.99 a month NordVPN is a fully featured VPN option that’s secure, easy to use, and unbelievably fast compared to its competitors. Read our full NordVPN review 2. Surfshark Pros Simple to use No device limits Price When Reviewed: Starter plan from $1.99 a month for two years + 3 free months. Usually $15.45 a month. Starter 2-Year Plan (+ 3 free months)$1.99 a monthStarter 1-Year Plan (+ 3 free months)$3.19 a monthStarter Monthly Plan$15.45 a month Surfshark is a great VPN option that’s as easy to use as the best of them, while maintaining security across an unlimited number of devices – something we don’t see often. Read our full Surfshark review 3. Private Internet Access Pros Lots of power features Privacy-minded Great value Price When Reviewed: From $2.03 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $11.99 a month. Unlimited devices. 2-Year Plan (+2 free months)$2.03 a month6-Month Plan$7.50 a monthMonthly plan$11.99 a month Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a robust feature set that makes it one of the more impressive VPNs out there. Read our full Private Internet Access review 4. CyberGhost Pros Simple to use Decent speeds Plenty of servers Price When Reviewed: $2.02 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $12.99 a month. 2-Year Plan (+ 4 free months)$2.03 a month6-Month Plan$6.99 a monthMonthly Plan$12.99 a month CyberGhost takes a lot of the complexity out of VPN usage, for better and for worse. On the one hand, some users may want more power-user features. It’s fully refundable for 45 days, according to the company. Read our full CyberGhost review 5. hide.me VPN Pros Dedicated streaming servers Impressive free tier Cons Slightly clunky UI Price When Reviewed: From $2.49 per month for two years (+4 months extra) 2-Year Plan (+ 2 free months)$3.84 a month1-Year Plan$6.67 a monthMonthly plan$9.95 a month Hide.me is a solid VPN with a great free tier, but the UI isn’t particularly intuitive. Read our full hide.me VPN review 6. ProtonVPN Pros Simple to use Free plan Great speed Price When Reviewed: Proton Free; VPN Plus from $2.99 a month for two years. Usually $9.99 a month. 2-Year Plan$2.99 a month1-Year Plan$2.99 a monthProton VPN FreeFree account, 1 device Proton VPN’s free tier, ease of use, and impressive speeds put it right near the top of our VPN recommendations. There is a free tier of Proton VPN, but if you want a bit more flexibility and a few more features prices start at $4.49/€4.49 a month for two years. The Swiss-based company doesn’t seem to like pounds, so it’s dollars or euros, unfortunately. Read our full ProtonVPN review How to find the best VPN deal VPN subscriptions typically work out cheaper if you commit for a year or longer, which saves a lot of money. Prices rarely exceed $6/£6 per month with multi-year subscriptions and are often closer to $2/£2… or even less. Many major VPN providers offer discounts through the year, and sometimes even offer permanent discounts. These discounts can look impressive at first. It’s not uncommon to see a countdown timer telling you when the deal ends – but these are almost always to induce FOMO – the fear of missing out – in order to persuade you to sign up immediately. Large discounts are par for the course with VPN services, especially when you’re subscribing for several years. This makes it all the more important to look into the various providers and what each has to offer, before jumping into a long-term commitment. All VPNs we’ve tested offer cross-device coverage too, so you can use them on your Mac, iPhone, iPad and more. For our recommendations of Mac Antivirus Software that we have tested see: Best Antivirus for Mac Top Security Software Compared.

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