As we await Apple Glasses, Neal Stephenson now says the tech is doomed
Apple execs reportedly once expected the iPhone to be replaced by smart glasses by 2029, with Eddy Cue later updating this prediction to 2035. However, one high-profile former ardent supporter of this idea has now changed his mind completely, and now believes that we will still be using smartphones 20 years from now … more…

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The OS 26.4 updates are loaded with security fixes, so grab it now
Macworld The iOS 26.4 update has a handful of neat new features and some bug fixes. There may not be the new Siri we were hoping for, but at least there are new emojis and a keyboard accuracy fix, right? Well, even if you don’t care about any of that stuff, this is a must-install update. The Apple Security releases page lists almost 40 important fixes for security and privacy in iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. For macOS Tahoe 26.4, the list is even longer. The bugs range from the relatively minor, like a fix in Crash Reporter that may allow an app to know which other apps you have installed, to the critical, like a security fix that prevents someone with local access to your device from accessing your Keychain items. There are updates to pre-installed apps, core components like networking, major WebKit vulnerabilities closed, and four kernel updates. Unless you have a very good reason not to, you should grab this update now. Nothing here is known to be exploited in the wild, but we recommend all users update as soon as it is practical. To install OS 26.4 on your iPhone or iPad: Open Settings Tap General Tap Software Update Follow the on-screen prompts

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Apple urges iPhone users to update as new DarkSword hacking tool lands online
Macworld The latest iOS security report is a good reminder that iPhone users need to install iOS updates as soon as possible. TechCrunch (a sister publication to Macworld) reports that an updated version of the DarkSword hacking toolkit has been released on GitHub, which means the softare is freely available for download on the internet by threat agents. Last week, the Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) reported on DarkSword, software used to create three malware families called Ghostblade, Ghostknife, and Ghostsaber. The malware uses JavaScript, and attackers embeds the code in a website. When the user visits the website, the JavaScript executes and installs malware on the iPhone that can gather the user’s personal data, record audio, or check GS data for the current location. The information is then uploaded to a remote server. GTIG said that most targeted users in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine. iPhones running iOS 18.4 to 18.7 are vulnerable to the attacks, but all of the security holes used by the DarkSword malware have been fixed as of iOS 26.3 (the current version is iOS 26.3.1); most of them were fixed before 26.3. The latest version of iOS 18 is 18.7.6, released on March 4. “Keeping your software up to date is the single most important thing you can do to maintain the security of your Apple products,” Apple spokesperson Sarah O’Rourke told TechCrunch. Older iPhones running updated versions of iOS were not vulnerable to the DarkSword attacks. Generally, iOS can be updated in the Settings app by tapping General > Software Update. However, Apple has a separate method for installing immediate security patches. This setting is called Background Security Improvements, and is located in Settings > Privacy & Security, then scroll to the bottom to find Background Security Improvements. Matthias Frielingsdorf of iVerify, told TechCrunch that the new DarkSword spyware has similarities to previous DarkSword versions, and that the GitHub files are so simple that anyone can execute them “in a couple minutes to hours.”

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iOS 27 rumored to bring a totally new Siri interface, ‘Ask’ button, and more
Macworld A new report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg sheds a little more light on the rumors and leaks already circulating about the upcoming changes coming to Siri. It describes some of Apple’s plans and tests for what Gurman is calling an “AI reboot.” We’ve already heard that Apple is working on a new Siri powered by Google Gemini (with Apple’s own technology alongside it). A version of that was expected to arrive as part of this week’s iOS 26.4 update, but setbacks in development and testing pushed some of those features back to 26.5. Other features have been delayed until the fall, when Apple is set to introduce an even bigger Siri overhaul. Still based on Gemini technology, the iOS 27 Siri is supposed to be a full chatbot that you can converse with, similar to the latest versions of ChatGPT or Gemini. It will also reportedly be based on a much larger and more capable foundation model. The new report makes it sound like Apple won’t release a half-baked new Siri this spring, and instead is putting all its eggs in the OS 27 basket. It should be something of a total AI reboot set to be unveiled at the WWDC keynote on June 8. According to the report, Apple is testing an actual Siri app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Like rival chatbots, it would give users a place to reference and refer to past interactions, and keep multiple AI-powered projects and lines of query going at once. Apple is also testing new interfaces for Siri to replace the glowing screen border introduced in iOS 18. Users would still be able to summon Siri with the power button or “Siri” wake word, but the response could change. In one version in testing, Siri appears in the Dynamic Island with a prompt to “Search or ask.” Apple’s systemwide search feature, Spotlight, could also be replaced with Siri. It will still focus on local content and apps, and show “Siri Suggestions,” but it will be able to root through more kinds of data in more apps. Finally, Apple’s plans may include more deeply integrating Siri throughout its OSes. Built-in apps could have an “Ask Siri” toggle in menus, and the keyboard could have a “Write with Siri” option at the top, making Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools feature more visible. Key Siri features promised for iOS 18—personal context gleaned from on-device data sources, full screen awareness to add context to commands and questions—don’t seem ready for release any time soon. Gurman reports that people involved believe the majority of the already-announced changes “won’t be ready until this fall” when iOS 27 arrives. That would be two full years since Apple began advertising the features alongside the iPhone 16. The big expansion of Apple’s “App Intents” feature, by which Siri can perform actions within apps, is still in the works, Gurman says. Perhaps that will be released this spring, while the rest of New Siri comes this fall? We’ll know soon enough, with the iOS 26.5 beta, likely the last major update before WWDC, set to arrive imminently.

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Upgrade your drive without upgrading your car — get this wireless CarPlay adapter for $35
Macworld TL;DR: Cut the cords for good — this $34.99 (MSRP $59.99) compact adapter converts your wired CarPlay or Android Auto into a fully wireless setup, reconnects automatically in seconds, and keeps all controls working. Grabbing your phone, plugging it in, dealing with tangled cables — it’s a small annoyance that somehow happens every single time you get in the car. And once you’re on the road, that clutter just sits there, getting in the way of an otherwise clean, modern dashboard. The Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter fixes that instantly, and it’s available now for $34.99. Designed for cars that already support wired CarPlay or Android Auto, it converts your existing system into a fully wireless setup in seconds. Setup is simple: plug it in once, pair via Bluetooth, and after that, it reconnects automatically in under three seconds every time you start your car. You still get full functionality — navigation, music, calls, messaging, and voice assistants — without sacrificing performance. It uses dual-band Wi-Fi for a stable connection and supports your car’s built-in controls like touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands. The compact design keeps things clean and out of the way, while built-in protections help it handle real driving conditions. If your car already has CarPlay or Android Auto, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. Cut the cord and upgrade your drive — get the Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter for $34.99 while this deal lasts. Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto AdapterSee Deal Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply. StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Amazon's Big Spring Sale drops stainless steel Apple Watch S9 with cellular to $299
The GPS + Cellular Apple Watch Series 9 with a stainless steel case is on sale for $299 today only as Amazon kicks off its Big Spring Sale event.Get a stainless steel Apple Watch S9 with cellular for just $299 - Image credit: AppleOriginally retailing for $699, the $400 discount on the blowout Apple Watch Series 9 is valid today only at Amazon. The 41mm S9 has GPS + Cellular capability, along with a Silver Stainless Steel Case and Storm Blue Sport Band.Get the $299 Apple Watch deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV picks up 15 BAFTA Television Award nominations, here’s the full list
Apple has picked up 15 nominations across nine Apple TV series for the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards, set for May 10 in London. Here’s the full list. more…

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Apple could face new taxes in Poland under proposed digital services law
Poland is reportedly moving forward with a proposal to tax certain digital services revenue at up to 3%, potentially affecting companies like Apple. Here are the details. more…

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Just get a new Mac? Here’s how to upgrade it
Optimizing and perfecting my Mac setup is one of my favorite things to do. I love my M4 MacBook Pro, and surrounding it with accessories that improve my productivity is key to my workflow. If you just unwrapped a new Mac, there are tons of ways to upgrade your experience even further. In fact, almost all of these products are on my desk as I write this story — and they’d pair perfectly with a new M5 MacBook Air or MacBook Neo. more…

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Apple Maps is adding a useful new feature for trending places
Apple today announced that ads are officially coming to Apple Maps later this summer. In addition to that, however, the company also teased a new feature that Apple Maps should’ve added years ago: Suggested Places. more…

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Apple Maps is adding a useful new feature for trending places
Apple today announced that ads are officially coming to Apple Maps later this summer. In addition to that, however, the company also teased a new feature that Apple Maps should’ve added years ago: Suggested Places. more…

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Ugreen NASync iDX6011 Pro NAS review: The right kind of overkill
The Ugreen NASync iDX6011 Pro AI NAS is overkill for average consumer and small business network storage needs, but its capabilities will be attractive to enthusiasts — even if the AI isn't great yet.Ugreen NASync iDX6011 Pro NAS reviewOver the years, AppleInsider has seen network-attached storage options grow in scope. Effectively a cut-down computer that focused on storage above all else, the format has evolved to bring more utility.Apps allowed users to do things like run Plex servers or other services on their home network. This was previously in a restrained manner, due to the limitations of the included hardware in most cases. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Generative video creator Sora is dead along with $1 billion Disney content deal
The controversial Sora AI video app is being shuttered, but OpenAI isn't done with generated video. Even so, Disney won't be moving forward with its content deal as a result.Sora will be shuttered by OpenAISora was a video platform formatted like TikTok where people could share their generated videos and swipe through others. The video generation was controversial from the get-go, as users could easily generate videos of copyrighted characters in compromising situations.The platform saw a big burst in interest that immediately waned after legal action forced those copyrighted characters to get pulled. The Sora app launchd in late 2024 and will soon be shuttered. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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watchOS 8 and watchOS 5 get minor updates with iMessage fix
Apple has issued new updates for some of its older Apple Watch operating systems, delivering a certificate fix for FaceTime and iMessage.A new software update is available for the Apple Watch 3 and a few other older Apple Watch models.On Tuesday, alongside the release of the watchOS 26.4 and iOS 18.7.7 updates, new versions of watchOS 5 and watchOS 8 were made available to end users.watchOS 8.8.2 increases the build number to 19U526, up from the preceding 19U512. The release is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 to the Apple Watch Series 7, and can also be installed on the first-generation Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch Series 4 and newer are also compatible with watchOS 9, however. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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What the new, AI-powered Siri will look like (and do) in iOS 27
Apple plans a total revamp of Siri in iOS 27 that turns the beleaguered voice assistant into an AI chatbot (and maybe a standalone app). (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple details Safari 26.4 with 44 new features, 191 bug fixes, more
A new post on Apple’s WebKit blog outlines the new features, bug fixes, and deprecations (or rather, just one) included in Safari 26.4’s WebKit. Here are the details. more…

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Apple details Safari 26.4 with 44 new features, 191 bug fixes, more
A new post on Apple’s WebKit blog outlines the new features, bug fixes, and deprecations (or rather, just one) included in Safari 26.4’s WebKit. Here are the details. more…

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Apple details Safari 26.4 with 44 new features, 191 bug fixes, more
A new post on Apple’s WebKit blog outlines the new features, bug fixes, and deprecations (or rather, just one) included in Safari 26.4’s WebKit. Here are the details. more…

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macOS 26 Tahoe Guide: New features in the latest macOS 26.4 update
Macworld Like its counterparts on the other Apple devices, in September 2025 macOS got a brand new look along with a new name: macOS 26. Because Apple is aligning the names of all the operating systems this year, the new version of macOS is called macOS 26 rather than macOS 16. It also takes the name Tahoe, inspired by the lake, beaches, and the ski resorts of that area of California.  Along with a big redesign, macOS 26 brings new Continuity features to bring your iPad, iPhone, and Mac even closer together, a brand new Phone app, and more. Spotlight also gets its biggest ever update with the ability to action things like sending emails directly from Spotlight.  Those with compatible Macs have been able to install macOS Tahoe since it was released on September 15, 2025. If you haven’t yet, read on to find out how to do so, whether you can, and whether you should. macOS Tahoe might have launched, but Apple is continuing development with new features being added every couple of months – the latest update being macOS 26.3.1. You can get a first look at the new upcoming features via Apple’s developer and public betas, which are available to download if you join the beta program (we explain how to do so below). You will find all the things you need to know about macOS Tahoe and all its new features below, including which Macs are compatible with macOS 26 and the new features you can expect, including what’s been added since the September launch, and what’s coming in the next update. Stay tuned to this superguide for everything you need to know about macOS 26 Tahoe. macOS 26 Tahoe: Summary The new version of macOS, called macOS 26 Tahoe, was released on September 15 2025. The latest version – macOS 26.4 – arrived in March 2026. macOS 26 Tahoe is still being developed and you can access new features before they are launched via the Developer and Public Betas. Apple is now working on the macOS 26.4 beta. Tahoe runs on Macs released since 2019. macOS 26 Tahoe runs on all M-series Macs, but it runs on a small number of Intel-powered models. Apple has confirmed that macOS Tahoe will be the last macOS version to support Intel-powered Macs; from macOS 27 Intel Macs will not be supported. With its new Liquid Glass interface, macOS 26 has its biggest design change since 2013. New features in macOS Tahoe include more options for personalization, improvements to Spotlight and Shortcuts app, and the introduction of a Phone app on the Mac and all the associated features. macOS 26 Tahoe latest version Latest version of macOS is macOS Tahoe 26.4 which arrived on March 24, 2026 Apple released the first version of macOS 26 Tahoe on September 15, 2025. The release coincided with the iOS 26 update. Since then the following updates to Tahoe have been issued by Apple: macOS 26 – September 15, 2025 macOS 26.0.1 – September 29, 2025 (bug fixes) macOS 26.1 – November 3, 2025 macOS 26.2 – December 12, 2025 macOS 26.3 – February 11, 2026 macOS 25.3.1 – March 4, 2026 Wondering whether to install macOS Tahoe? Read: macOS Tahoe vs macOS Sequoia: What’s different, what’s new, and should you update? macOS 26 Tahoe next update: macOS 26.4 release date Development continues even after the official macOS update is released, as Apple seeks to introduce new features that missed the initial introduction date. Apple is running a developer beta as well as a public beta so that upcoming new features can be tested. The macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta is now in development. Both betas are free, though the developer beta requires a free registration as a developer. Apple issues updates to the betas fairly regularly. The public beta updates tend to come a day or two after the updated developer beta. If you are interested in trying out the beta, you can join Apple’s beta program. For help installing the macOS beta, see our guide to installing the macOS beta. New features in macOS 26.4 Battery management feature: A manual battery charge limit for MacBooks. This is a feature previously exclusive to iPhones that allows users to cap their battery charge at 80 percent, 100 percent, or any five-percent increment in between to reduce long-term wear and tear. Apple Music “Playlist Playground”: A new feature that uses Apple Intelligence to generate or edit playlists based on text prompts or a selection of songs. Writing Tools and Summaries: Continued integration of system-wide AI tools for proofreading and summarizing text. Apple Podcasts update: A new video podcast experience that utilizes HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to allow users to switch seamlessly between watching and listening to shows. Apple Music update: The interface for albums and playlists has been updated so that the background color dynamically matches the album artwork. Freeform: The whiteboarding app has received a “Creator Studio” update, which includes new features and a refreshed app icon. Advanced Fingerprinting Protection: macOS 26.4 includes critical security patches and expands on privacy features like Advanced Fingerprinting Protection. Stolen Device Protection: This a feature, first seen on iPhone, is expected to be enabled by default starting with this release. Eight new emoji: Ballet Dancer, Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Hairy Creature (Bigfoot), Landslide, Orca, Treasure Chest, and Trombone Rosetta 2 warnings: Support for the transition layer for Intel-based apps will end with macOS 27. What’s in macOS 26.3.1 External Display Support: macOS 26.3.1 adds support for the 2026 models of the Studio Display and Studio Display XDR. If you’re planning on investing in a Studio Display, you’ll need to install this update, according to the release notes. It also includes security patches and bug fixes. Apple What’s in macOS 26.3 This update continues the refinement of the major features introduced with the initial launch of macOS 26 Tahoe. However in iOS 26.3 there are a number of EU-mandated changes. It is also optimized for the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are due to launch. Read our iOS 26 guide for more information. What was new in macOS 26.2 macOS Tahoe 26.2, released in late 2025, introduced several specialized updates focusing on video conferencing enhancements, AI development tools, and hardware-specific performance boosts. While it was not considered a massive overhaul, it brought a few “genius” utility features that improved the daily user experience, particularly for those working in remote or low-light environments. Edge Light: The most prominent consumer-facing feature in macOS 26.2 is Edge Light, a virtual ring light designed to improve webcam image quality. It places a bright white border around the display to mimic a selfie ring light, significantly improving visibility in dark rooms. It uses the Neural Engine to detect the user’s face for appropriate light adjustment and can even detect the cursor to hide the light when it might interfere with navigation. Users can adjust the intensity of the light and choose between warmer or cooler color temperatures. It requires an M-series Mac, but on M4 Macs and later, the feature can be set to enable automatically when low light is detected . AI and Developer Enhancements: For developers and power users, macOS 26.2 introduced significant updates to machine learning frameworks and hardware clustering. Developers using the open-source MLX framework can now leverage the Neural Accelerator in the M5 chip. The update enhanced the ability to create AI clusters using the Mac Studio’s Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Security Updates: Critical patches for vulnerabilities, aligning with security fixes found in iPadOS 26.2. Interface Polish: Continued refinement of the “Liquid Glass” UI, which introduced more translucency and visionOS-style effects across the system. Performance: General “under-the-hood” changes to improve system stability and responsiveness . What was new in macOS 26.1 The macOS 26.1 update includes fixes for problems with games controllers and some other issues. There are a lot more changes coming to iPhones with iOS 26.1. New features in macOS 26.1 include: Liquid Glass: Ability to tone down Liquid Glass effect. Choose between clear and tinted look for increased opacity. AutoMix support for Apple Music over AirPlay. FaceTime audio improvements over low-bandwidth. Regional Communication Safety and Web content filters for adult websites. Icons: Changes to the Macintosh HD icon. New TV app icon with Apple TV+ rebranded to Apple TV. A new Results from Clipboard setting for Spotlight, where the user can turn on/off Spotlight’s ability to search and display clipboard items. Users can also set an expiration time for the clipboard and clear the Clipboard history. (Settings > Spotlight > Results from Clipboard.) macOS Tahoe 26.1 has a new Spotlight setting for Clipboard management.Foundry macOS 26 Tahoe problems & fixes YouTube / Apple Some M3 Ultra Mac Studio users have reported that they are unable to install macOS Tahoe. It seems the problematic Mac Studios already had Sequoia 15.7 installed, and during the attempted installation, Tahoe would look for a driver, and when it failed to find it, it resulted in a failed installation. The macOS 26.0.1 update addresses the initial bugs, including the Mac Studio installation bug. macOS 26 Tahoe supported devices: Which Macs get macOS Tahoe Requires M-series chip or Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip Apple Intelligence features require M1 or later No Intel support from macOS 27 onwards When Apple updates the operating system for its devices, it sometimes means that certain models are no longer supported. The good news is that Macs that ran macOS Sonoma will be able to run the new macOS. Apple states that the base requirement includes Macs with M-series chips and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 security chip. Here are Macs with Apple Silicon that will be able to run macOS Tahoe: MacBook Air (M1/2020 and later) MacBook Pro (M1/2020 and later) iMac (M1/2021 and later) Mac mini (M1/2020 and later) Mac Studio (M1/2022 and later) Mac Pro (M2/2023 and later) There are four Intel-powered Macs able to run macOS Tahoe. These models won’t support Apple Intelligence features: MacBook Pro (16‑inch, Intel/2019) MacBook Pro (13‑inch, Intel/2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) iMac (Intel/mid 2020) Mac Pro (Intel/2019) Apple confirmed that this is the last version of macOS that will run on Intel Macs.  What were the biggest changes in macOS 26 Tahoe macOS 26 Tahoe represents one of the most significant overhauls to Apple’s desktop operating system in over a decade. The update is characterized by a dramatic visual redesign, the introduction of core mobile apps to the Mac, and a complete rethinking of system-wide tools like Spotlight. We’ll run through each new feature in detail below, including the Liquid Glass redesign, Spotlight overhaul, new apps, new iPhone features that are coming to the Mac and more… macOS 26 Tahoe design: Liquid Glass and other interface changes  Apple At WWDC in June, Apple showed off some enticing new features for macOS that will be coming later in 2025. A number of new features and interface enhancements were promised, but one of the biggest changes is coming to all of Apple’s products: a new design based on a graphical user interface that Apple is calling Liquid Glass. Apple showed off the brand new look for macOS in the WWDC keynote. As with Apple’s other operating systems, macOS Tahoe uses Apple’s new Liquid Glass effect to create reflective, glossy elements around the interface. The Liquid Glass elements will change color to reflect the content beneath as you scroll and will dynamically react. Buttons appear more curved and less flat. You’ll see the effect in the Dock, sidebars, toolbars, and elsewhere. The menu bar is fully transparent, and you can adjust the transparency of icons in the Dock, for example. If you don’t like the new transparent look or if it affects how well you can see items, there is a way to reduce it, and in some instances, turn it in off altogether. Read: How to reduce transparency in macOS Tahoe. This is the first time in years that Apple has made significant changes to the visual style of macOS, and it certainly makes the OS appear more modern. @macworld.com Top 3 features in macOS Tahoe from WWDC #wwdc #macostahoe #fyp ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld macOS Tahoe interface changes  Apple Apple says the design overhaul will elevate the key elements of macOS and enhance the macOS experience. The cleaner design is intended to help the user to focus on their content rather than other distractions, while elements like the translucent menu bar will make the screen feel larger.  Users will be able to choose to add third-party apps to the menu bar and even drag widgets and buttons from the Control Centre into the menu bar, thanks to a customizable layout, similar to iOS 18. Users will also be able to add controls for their favorite apps to the Control Centre. We have a guide to how to use Control Centre in macOS Tahoe where you can read about how to add controls, remove the ones you don’t want, and arrange them in a way that makes sense for you. Apple is taking advantage of the Liquid Glass introduction to bring some new icon designs to the Mac as well to help give macOS a fresh look. Some of the icons look drastically different, for others the changes are more subtle. The ‘hard drive’ icon will now be replaced with one that looks more like an SSD, for example. The new icons tend to take the form of ‘squircles’. The changes may make some third party icons less recognisable. Take a look at: 21 of the new macOS Tahoe icons with new designs for the Finder, Automator, Calendar and Contacts icons among others. You can change the icons if you want, read: How to change the icon of a macOS storage device. The new Finder icon.Apple macOS will also gain a feature that arrived on the iPhone and iPad with iOS 18: tinted and dark app icons. Users will be able to personalize their Mac in other ways, too, such as changing the color of folders and adding emoji or symbols to help them identify folders. Users can also pick personalised wallpapers and choose theme colors. If you want to change your folder color read: How to change folder color and add icons in Tahoe. New dynamic screensavers will be included. One, based on the default macOS Tahoe wallpaper, depicts the landscapes of South Lake Tahoe in a stylized artistic manner, is available in both light and dark versions. See how it looks in Tahoe’s gorgeous new screen saver. There are up to 15 other new screensavers with images of Tahoe at various time of the day, Himalayas, Goa, The Ganges and more. macOS Tahoe Spotlight overhaul Apple Spotlight has always been much more than a search tool built into macOS, helping users find anything on their Macs, make calculations and conversions, and more. In macOS Tahoe, Spotlight will be able to do even more. Spotlight’s design and functionality have been completely rethought for macOS 26, with changes that will help Mac users get things done faster. Rather than being a single bar, on the right-hand side of the new Spotlight search box, you will find icons for things like apps, files, Shortcuts, Actions, and clipboard. Select one of these buttons, and Spotlight’s box expands to house relevant items in an easy-to-browse view. When you search for something, you’ll see relevant filters under your search terms – click one to quickly apply it. Not only will Spotlight be the easiest way to find anything on your Mac, but in macOS 26, Spotlight will be contextually aware so it can make suggestions based on what you are doing. Search results will be listed based on their relevance to you, and it will be possible to use new filtering options for more specific search results.  Spotlight will also have the ability to perform actions that normally require you to be inside an app. For example, you will be able to create a calendar event, begin an audio recording, or play a podcast from within Spotlight. It will even let you fill out parameters for actions, such as typing out an email message and filling in the recipient and subject. You can essentially compose an email from inside Spotlight, without opening your email app. This will be simplified further with Quick Keys, with which you will be able to type a short string of letters to launch an action, such as typing “sm” to start sending a message to a friend. An App Intents API will make it possible for third-party developers to add Spotlight shortcuts for their applications. One of the most exciting new arrivals in Spotlight is Clipboard History, something we have wanted for years. Instead of being limited to pasting the last copied item, you will be able to view previous text and photos you’ve copied and re-insert them as needed. Why did it take Apple so long to offer this? Apple Tied to the new Spotlight is the new Apps app, which replaces Launchpad, which has been a feature of Macs for more than a decade and provides users with a Home page like view of all their apps. Instead Spotlight will be the means of finding apps. This will take some adjustment, especially if you were a Launchpad user. Learn more about Apps replacing Launchpad, and if you want to get Launchpad back we have a tutorial to show you how. macOS 26 Tahoe: New and updated apps  There are also lots of updates coming to Apple apps that are included with iPads, iPhones, and Macs. Many of the changes are shared across all the new apps, but there are a number of Mac-specific updates coming.  Phone app A Phone app on the Mac is the latest Continuity feature to come to macOS. Continuity is Apple’s name for the features that work seamlessly between Macs, iPad and iPhones, these include Handoff (which enables you to start a task on one device and switch to another to finish it), Universal Clipboard (which allows you to copy something on one device and paste it on another), and Universal Control (where you can use one mouse and keyboard to interface with more than one Mac), among other features.  With the new Phone app, users will be able to receive their calls and voicemail on the Mac. The Phone app is getting some new features of its own, including Call Screening, which is designed to help you avoid spam calls, and Hold Assist, which means you will never have to listen to hold music again. With Call Screening, before a call is put through, an unknown caller will have to share their name and reason for calling, and you will then be provided with that information. With Hold Assist, when you join a queue to wait for a call operator and the hold music starts, you can choose to be called back.  YouTube / Apple Live Activities Another feature that demonstrates the interoperability between the iPhone and Mac is Live Activities. In iOS 18, you can see a live update on your Lock Screen relating to things like a takeaway order. Live Activities show the process of a food delivery driver, for example. Now, that functionality is coming to the Mac. It will be powered by the iPhone Mirroring function, and will take the form of an iPhone-style widget that you will see on the screen of your Mac. Games app The Games app is another one that is available across all three main operating system updates: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. As with the iOS Games app, the Games app on the Mac will bring together all the games you have on your Mac (bought from the App Store, Apple Arcade and elsewhere), as well as your friends list, achievements, and leaderboards. Tabs will make it easy to find the games you and your friends are playing. A new Game Overlay will make it easy to adjust settings for a particular game. You’ll also be able to chat with friends and ask them to play. @macworld.com New Mac gaming features just dropped! #wwdc25 #gaming #apple #fyp ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld There is also a new Low Power Mode coming, which gamers will be able to turn on to maximise battery life when playing games.  And in related news, Metal 4 is coming, which will enable next-gen features for Mac game developers, such as MetalFX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX De-noising.  Apple Shortcuts  Apple The Shortcuts app is getting an overhaul in macOS Tahoe. Shortcuts is a tool for automating tasks and repetitive actions. For those with more specific needs, there is also Automator on the Mac, but Shortcuts is simple to use and available on iPhone and iPad as well. In Tahoe, Shortcuts will be able to run workflows based on factors like time of day, or in response to an email from a specific person arriving. This functionality was previously limited to the iPhone and iPad versions. There are new intelligent actions available that can be used to create Smart Shortcuts. Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT can be used to enhance these Shortcuts. Apple says that “Users will see dedicated actions for features like summarizing text with Writing Tools or creating images with Image Playground.” Live Translation  One of the most useful new features announced at WWDC is Live Translation. With Live Translation, you can text a friend who speaks a different language and have the translations appear in real time, or get instant translations during a phone call or FaceTime conference. Everyone gets their own translator.  You’ll be able to take advantage of Live Translation in the Phone app, Messages, and FaceTime on your Mac. Apple Journal The Journal app, which arrived on iOS in 2023, is coming to the Mac (and iPad). Terminal Terminal is getting a colorful redesign and the Liquid Glass treatment, with support for 24-bit color and the ability to use Powerline fonts. Reminders Reminders is getting some help from Apple Intelligence. Reminders will scan a website, note, email or other content, then decide the most relevant action items for you based on its findings. You’ll be able to use Apple Intelligence to automatically categorize your reminders into sections, making them easier to find There are also changes coming to Safari, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, and Notes. 

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Apple Music now helps you keep up with concerts from your favorite artists
Apple Music has partnered with Ticketmaster and Bandsintown to surface upcoming concerts based on your listening, with quick links to buy tickets. Here are the details. more…

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