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- Thursday March 12
- 09:33 pmThis app adds MacBook Neo and iMac accent colors to any Mac
macOS includes device-specific accent color options for iMac and MacBook Neo. Any Mac can unlock these special color options, it turns out, with an app. more…09:33 pmThis app adds MacBook Neo and iMac accent colors to any Mac
macOS includes device-specific accent color options for iMac and MacBook Neo. Any Mac can unlock these special color options, it turns out, with an app. more…09:26 pm50 Years of Thinking Different
Tim Cook’s public letter celebrating Apple's 50th anniversary invokes the Think Different campaign, but the company’s recent actions—from Tahoe's controversial icons to App Store battles—don’t necessarily align with those ideals.Read original article09:00 pmApple's MacBook Neo Makes Repairs Easier, Cheaper Than Other MacBooks
Apple's new MacBook Neo is "easier to repair than other modern MacBooks," according to Ars Technica's Andrew Cunningham. It introduces a more repairable internal design that makes components like the battery and keyboard easier and cheaper to replace. An anonymous reader quotes an excerpt from the report: Replacements for pretty much any component in the Neo are simpler and involve fewer steps and tools than in the M5 MacBook Air. That includes the battery, which in the MacBook Air is attached to the chassis with multiple screws and adhesive strips but which in the Neo comes out relatively easily after you get some shielding and flex cables out of the way. But the most significant change in the Neo is that the keyboard is its own separate component. For essentially all modern MacBooks, going back at least as far as the late-2000s unibody aluminum MacBook designs, the keyboard has been integrated into the top part of the laptop case and is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace independently. [...] Apple hasn't yet listed MacBook Neo components in its parts store, but based on the repair prices it has announced, Neo components should cost quite a bit less than those for higher-end MacBooks. An out-of-warranty battery replacement for the Neo will cost $149, down from $199 for current Airs and $229 for current MacBook Pros; fixing accidental screen or external enclosure damage will cost AppleCare+ subscribers $49 for a Neo, down from $99 for other MacBooks. Read more of this story at Slashdot.08:43 pmiOS 26 added four new features I’ve been using almost every day
Major iPhone updates like iOS 26 typically come with hundreds of new features and changes, but a much smaller subset that become daily go-tos. Here are four new iOS 26 features I’ve found myself using just about every day. more…08:28 pmDIRECTV app brings Sports Central to the iPhone and iPad
Sports Central isn’t just a part of DIRECTV on TVs anymore. This week, DIRECTV updated its iPhone and iPad app with an overhaul that brings the live sports hub feature to iOS. more…08:19 pmNew iPhone Fold details include rumored RAM, storage, and pricing
The iPhone Fold is coming this fall, and new rumors today outline what to expect from included RAM, storage, and pricing. more…08:10 pmIndia preparing fresh manufacturing incentives as Apple shifts more iPhone production
As India’s current phone manufacturing incentive program is about to expire, the country is planning fresh incentives to keep production growing. Here are the details. more…08:00 pmMacBook Neo teardown: Apple’s most repairable laptop ever?
An early MacBook Neo teardown highlights a very user-friendly internal design for an Apple laptop. The device, Apple's new budget-oriented… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.07:44 pmMacBook Neo review, Apple leadership changes, iPhone Fold rumors
Chance and Zac talk through changes to Apple’s leadership website and what they signal for the future. There’s also a pair of new Bloomberg reports focused on Apple’s delayed Siri smart display product, plus the looming iPhone Fold’s software interface. Finally, they go in-depth on MacBook Neo, discussing Chance’s review and answering some Ask9to5Mac questions. And in Happy Hour Plus, the pair do a check-in on Apple Vision Pro and whether there’s about to a big boom in gaming. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by BenQ: Check out BenQ’s smarter displays made for how Mac users actually work and sign up for the giveaway here. Sponsored by Shopify: See less carts go abandoned and more sales. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by HelloFresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/happyhour10fm. more…07:04 pmiPhone 17e hands-on: Apple finally got the entry level iPhone right [Video]
Apple has attempted for years to give us an entry-level and budget-minded iPhone. First, we had the iPhone 5c with all its vibrant colors, then we got the iPhone SE line, and then last year Apple introduced the iPhone 16e. But these iPhones always came with compromises that made them hard to recommend, like limited storage, key missing features like MagSafe, or outdated hardware. With the new iPhone 17e, I think Apple may have finally solved that problem. The iPhone 17e is Apple’s first true budget-friendly iPhone that is worth recommending to the masses. Here is what you should know. more…06:55 pmIndia plans fresh incentives for iPhone production in boost for Apple
India is preparing new incentives to support domestic manufacturing of mobile phones following the expiration this month of its… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:28 pmFirst MacBook Neo teardown praises ‘absolutely amazing’ repairability
Macworld Our reviewer calls it the perfect gateway Mac. But if that’s not enough to make you like the surprisingly affordable MacBook Neo, the first teardown of the device has revealed another factor in its favor: repairability. A new video from the Australian YouTube channel TECH RE-NU demonstrates what the presenter describes as a “speedrun disassembly” of the MacBook Neo, from unscrewing the bottom plate to removing the trackpad. Without appearing to rush in any way, the presenter achieves this in double-quick time, while praising the way that the Neo’s simple construction lends itself to disassembly and easy repair. When the speakers are popped out, they comment on the lack of sticky tabs. The battery lifts out easily (once the 18 screws are removed), and there’s no sticky adhesive. The audio jack is “nice and modular.” And while there is “a little bit” of adhesive on the trackpad, the presenter says that’s not the end of the world. Overall it’s a highly positive evaluation. “We’ve done this in less than 100 minutes,” they say, while a caption points out that it’s actually been six. “Which is absolutely amazing for an Apple laptop. I can’t say we’ve ever had a Mac that looks as repairable or as modular as this one. “It’s just super straightforward, elegant design. Apple has kept the costs down, [it’s] got the simplicity up, and that’s just meant a really repairable, very easy-to-open laptop.” As the presenter notes, Apple designers have not always been this kind to repairers. Last year the iPhone 16e was criticised by iFixit for the “terrible design” of its USB-C port, although other elements were received more favorably. A few years earlier the same site gave the iPhone 15 Pro Max a repairability score of just 4 out of 10 and complained about the company’s “ongoing constriction of repair freedoms through its restrictive parts pairing system.” And that’s before we even get into the “excruciating gauntlet of hurdles” presented by Apple’s self-repair program. The issue, generally, has been that Apple receives revenue if you get your devices repaired at an Apple Store or accredited partner, so the company is incentivised to gatekeep the process. On the other hand, public praise of a product’s repairability can only help sales, so perhaps the Neo will herald the start of a new Apple strategy in more way than one.06:24 pmM6 MacBook Pro: Six new features coming later this year
Apple has a new M6 MacBook Pro rumored to launch later this year with a total design overhaul. Here are six new features expected with the M6 MacBook Pro. more…05:47 pmApple Grand Central retail store closed due to special activity
Apple Grand Central in New York City is closed today and tomorrow due to some sort of mysterious special activity. Customers visiting Apple’s retail location in Grand Central Terminal will be turned away until normal hours resume on Saturday, March 14, at 10 am. more…05:43 pmHomePod rumors: All we know about HomePod mini 2, HomePod Touch & HomePad hub
Macworld Apple’s HomePod lineup may be on the verge of its biggest shake-up since launch with multiple new products coming from Apple. Among the new products are: A long-awaited HomePod mini 2 update, with updated internals and new colors. This is expected to arrive first. A HomePod Touch, or a HomePod with a built-in display. This would be designed to address long-standing usability issues by offering a touchscreen alternative to Siri. An entirely new category of device: a HomePod-based smart hub, sometimes referred to as the HomePad or HomeHub, combining a speaker, display, and advanced home-control features. Security camera and other accessories are considered to be part of Apple’s smart home roadmap. In this article, we round up all the latest rumors and reports surrounding Apple’s three (or more) upcoming HomePod products, from expected release timelines and hardware upgrades to Apple Intelligence features and potential pricing, covering everything Apple may have planned for the future of its smart speakers and home hubs. HomePod mini 2: Rumors & release date Foundry Rumored release: Early-mid 2026 Possible changes: New red color, major processor upgrade, improved connectivity Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in November 2020, making it long overdue for an update. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had indicated that a new HomePod mini could arrive toward the end of 2025. In an August 2025 newsletter, referencing Apple code that briefly appeared, and was then withdrawn, he wrote: “The findings corroborate a lot of what I’ve reported, including that fresh Apple TV and HomePod mini models will arrive this fall.” Obviously there was no new HomePod (or Apple TV) in 2025. But there could be soon. Current rumors point to an early 2026 release, with delays attributed to ongoing software development challenges related to Siri and Apple Intelligence. HomePod mini 2 Design New red color option rumored. In September 2025, Gurman reported that Apple had tested a new red color option for the HomePod mini 2. Beyond cosmetic changes, the update is expected to focus primarily on internal improvements. The overall design is likely to remain largely unchanged, but the internal hardware is expected to receive a meaningful refresh. The HomePod mini has not seen a hardware update since its debut, and Apple is reportedly keen to modernize it to support upcoming software features. HomePod mini 2 New Features & Specs The most consistent rumors point to a faster processor, improved connectivity and Apple Intelligence support. As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted in August 2025: “We don’t know what, if anything, will be new with the speaker other than a faster chip, though Apple will likely keep the same design.” The expectation is that the new HomePod mini 2 will get a much faster chip, possibly the S9, S10 or even the S11 – all a big improvement on the current S5 chip. Wi-Fi 6E support is also expected, a notable upgrade from the current HomePod mini’s older Wi-Fi standard. Upgraded Ultra Wideband is also likely, which would improve interactions like Handoff (transferring the playing track between Apple devices). Additional rumored upgrades include: Apple Intelligence Support: The new model is expected to feature a chip capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, which would allow it to benefit from Apple’s upcoming AI-enhanced Siri. However, it’s not guaranteed that there will be support for Apple Intelligence and the upgraded Siri at launch. Improved Connectivity: Possible inclusion of Apple’s in-house N1 networking chip, potential Wi-Fi 6E support, and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for more seamless Handoff functionality. Audio Enhancements: Some reports indicate the speaker could receive upgraded drivers for better sound quality and potentially official support for spatial audio/Dolby Atmos, a feature currently restricted to the full-sized HomePod. See: Five upgrades the HomePod mini needs. Hardware Refinements: There is also speculation that Apple might introduce a removable power cable, similar to the 2nd-gen HomePod, to improve repairability. HomePod 3 with screen: Rumors & release date of HomePod Touch Foundry and Apple Possible launch: Delayed until fall 2026 Display size: Touchscreen 6 and 7-inches Software: Custom touchscreen operating system running apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, HomeKit as well as Apple Music The HomePod mini has a larger sibling and even bigger things are rumored for that model. One of the HomePod’s biggest limitations is its reliance on Siri, which still struggles with complex commands. Many users end up controlling the speaker via their iPhone instead, which can be inconvenient and drain battery life. A built-in screen could provide a more direct and reliable way to interact with the device. There has long been speculation Apple is working on a HomePod with a built-in display, which could be called HomePod Touch. This device is expected to feature a 6-7-inch touchscreen that would allow the HomePod to function as a smart hub with apps and visuals in addition a smart speaker. This new HomePod would run homeOS or a similar touch-optimized UI for apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, Apple Music, and HomeKit. Apple has been working redesigning the HomePod to include a display for some time. Back in March 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would “unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel.” Kuo initially expected this product to arrive in the first half of 2024, but that timeline slipped. In December 2024, he reported further delays had pushined the launch to after WWDC 2025, citing software development challenges. Then, in March 2025, Kuo suggested the device had been delayed again, due to Apple Intelligence setbacks. Current speculation suggests a possible release in the later half of 2026, with the release slipping as the major updates to Siri and Apple’s AI platform have been further delayed. Alternatively, the HomePod Touch may gain AI related features as part of a later software update. HomePod with display incoming?Foundry HomePod Touch Features & Specs As with the HomePod mini 2, the touchscreen HomePod is expected to feature a chip capable of supporting the AI-enhanced Siri, but it will also need to support a custom touchscreen operating system, possibly derived from tvOS. Given the demands of such a touchscreen interface and advanced software, this would likely mean A-series or even M-series silicon, possibly an A17 Pro. Rather than just being a speaker with a screen, it is thought the device will be a central smart home controller with enhanced HomeKit and Matter device control, potentially rivalling Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show devices. Other expected features include: Specs: Apple’s N1 networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E support, and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband chip for improved device handoff. Modular design: Some rumors point to a modular design, where a screen-based hub could magnetically dock onto a full-size HomePod speaker. This could allow the device to function as a stationary high-fidelity speaker while also supporting FaceTime calls and smart home management. Display: The display is widely rumored to measure around 7-inches, putting it in direct competition with smart displays from Amazon and Google. Amazon Echo Show beside the HomePod mini, Ben Patterson/Foundry HomePod Touch Design Unlike current HomePods, which rely on a small LED surface for controls and animations, this model is expected to feature a 7-inch full display capable of showing useful information and acting as a touchscreen control interface. Some time ago Swiss website Handy Abovergleich and designer Eric Huismann created a series of concept illustrations of how this new generation of HomePod could look. Here’s how they imagine the HomePod Show—a speaker with a camera and a small touchscreen—could look. Foundry However, this updated HomePod could offer a lot more than a screen to tap when you want to choose a playlist or skip a track. There are rumors that suggest putting a screen on HomePod could transform it into a new device entirely. HomePad smart hub: Rumors & release date for smart display with robot arm Possible launch: Late 2026 Strategy: Brand new category of products HomePad release date Apple’s first-ever smart home display had been rumored to launch in the spring of 2026, but it’s been delayed due to issues with Siri, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He claims the hardware has been ready for some time, according to anonymous sources with knowledge of the matter. Another leaker, known as Kosutami, who has made accurate predictions in the past, posted on X on March 5 to predict: “Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming.” That somewhat cryptic post doesn’t necessarily refer to the HomePad, but it seems likely. What is the HomePad? Apple has reportedly been exploring a broader smart home strategy for years, and the HomePad could be its most ambitious step yet. As far back as April 2021, Mark Gurman described a high-end device combining a HomePod speaker, a touchscreen, and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during video calls. Gurman has made various references to this over the years. Reports suggest Apple may be planning multiple smart home hub products, potentially split into two tiers: Low-end smart display (J490): A stationary device with an approximately 7-inch screen, designed for wall mounting or docking. It would focus on HomeKit control and FaceTime calls. High-end robotic hub (J595): A more advanced version featuring a display mounted on a robotic arm. This “Luxo Jr.-like” device could function as a videoconferencing system and home security tool, though it may not arrive until late 2026 or even 2027. A revamped, AI-powered Siri is expected to be central to the experience – and its ongoing development is widely believed to be the main reason these products have yet to launch. Imagen 3 (Gemini) HomePad Smart Hub Design, Features & Specs Speculation regarding the HomePad’s internal specifications and software capabilities includes: Processing Power: Internal code suggests the device, codenamed J490, may be powered by the A18 chip, which is capable of supporting advanced Apple Intelligence features. Operating System: The hub will likely run a version of TVos that incorporates iOS-like features. For instance, the inclusion of the “ChatKit” framework in recent software betas suggests the HomePad may support iMessage and texting, features not currently available on Apple TV or standard HomePods. Kitchen Integration: A new “CookingKit” framework and expanded food sections in Apple News indicate that kitchen assistance, such as searching for recipes by ingredient, could be a primary selling point. Entertainment: Beyond home control, the device is expected to function as an entertainment hub for streaming music and video, as well as making FaceTime calls via a built-in camera. Advanced Home Control: Code found in the iOS 26 Home app describes an “Adaptive Temperature” feature, which could allow the HomePad to offer more granular control over smart thermostats, including energy-saving optimizations based on local electricity rates. Camera: There are suggestions that the device could combines a HomePod with a camera, or place a camera on a robot arm. This camera could also be used to recognize gestures. Some years ago a patent was filed that related to a future HomePod that could interpret 3D hand gestures. That patent describes a HomePod that can “interpret three-dimensional hand gestures as a means of controlling the device so as to execute an action or function.” New HomePod Prices The current prices for the HomePods are as follows: HomePod: $299/£299 HomePod mini: $99/£99 We don’t expect prices to change for the existing configurations. The HomePod mini is likely to remain at the sub-$100 price point. However, a HomePod with a built-in screen could command a higher price. It may launch as a separate product altogether, potentially starting around $399 / £399, or higher, depending on features. What is on Apple’s Smart Home Roadmap Apple’s smart-home roadmap is expected to accelerate in 2026 and beyond, as the company expands its Home ecosystem with new hardware, AI features and services designed to compete with Amazon and Google. Ongoing: Apple continues to lean on the Matter standard to increase device compatibility. Updates like Matter 1.5 have added support for security cameras and energy management, which Apple is expected to integrate into the Home app. February 2026: On February 10, 2026, Apple ended support for its legacy HomeKit architecture. This transition removed the ability to use an iPad as a home hub, restricting that role to the Apple TV 4K or HomePod. Spring – mid 2026: Launch of new HomePod mini. Later in 2026: Apple intends to overhaul Siri. A completely redesigned, LLM-based Siri is expected to debut in early 2026 to power the new smart hubs. Previous delays in the smart home roadmap were largely attributed to Siri’s development “snags” September 2026: iOS 27 (expected September 2026) may include AI vision recognition, allowing cameras to recognize specific users and their actions to trigger automations while maintaining privacy. Fall 2026: Launch of Apple’s HomePad device. Other Smart Home products coming from Apple Apple Security Camera: Reports indicate Apple plans to enter the security camera market with its own hardware. Code discovered in iOS 26.2 includes a new “isFirstPartyAccessory” flag, suggesting support for Apple-branded cameras and doorbells that integrate deeply with the ecosystem.05:13 pmAmazon fire sale slashes $320 off this M4 MacBook Air
Macworld Apple MacBook Air M4, 15-inch View Deal Wow! Now that the M5 is here, we expected to see sales on the M4 Apple MacBook Air M4, but we didn’t know they’d be this good. Instead of getting it for $1,399, Amazon is selling the 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage for $1,079, the very best price we’ve ever seen for this laptop. The MacBook Air M4 is easily one of our favorite laptops, and the perfect 5-star rating we gave it is proof enough. We gave the MacBook Air our Editors’ Choice award, too, appreciating the fact that you can add two external 6K displays at 60Hz, the M4 performance, and the new 12MP Center Stage camera. The laptop is super speedy and will deliver a great performance whether you’re running work apps, editing videos, or running graphically intensive games. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display supports over one billion colors, which makes it an ideal pick for content creation and editing. The 18 hours of battery life will make it easier to stay productive and connected anywhere you may go without needing to plug in. The 15-inch MacBook Air M4 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage has a fantastic price right now, and you really shouldn’t miss out on the chance to get it ordered.05:01 pmReview: Apple TV’s ‘Imperfect Women’ is a gripping, near-flawless mystery thriller
Based on Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, the new Apple TV limited series “Imperfect Women” examines a crime that shatters… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:00 pmGet an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile, no trade-in needed
The iPhone 17e is one of the best values in a smartphone, and T-Mobile will make it easy to upgrade, no trade-in required. Get the iPhone 17e on T-Mobile, plus Magenta Status and more.Get an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile - Image credit: AppleWhether your device is ready for an upgrade or you're just looking for something new, the iPhone 17e is a great choice. New and existing T-Mobile customers can get an iPhone 17e on them, plus access to perks, benefits, and special features.Get an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile Continue Reading on AppleInsider04:59 pmPSA: Neo won’t work with some MacBook USB-C hubs
Macworld While the MacBook Neo’s USB-C ports look the same as the Thunderbolt ports on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, Apple’s new budget laptop won’t work with every USB-C hub on the market, including some of Macworld’s favorites. Since USB-C is forward- and backward-compatible, most single-port USB-C hubs work just fine with the Neo’s USB 3 port, even if they’re made for Thunderbolt or USB 4. However, some USB-C hubs—such as the Anker 547, Satechi Pro Hub Max, and Plugable AMS–5IN1E—take advantage of both of the MacBook’s side-by-side ports to supply both charging and data transfer by having a double-USB-C connector from hub to Mac. By using both ports, the bandwidth is not compromised by the need to supply power to the laptop, and they can attach neatly to the left side of the Mac without blocking any connections. Since the Neo’s USB-C ports are not equal–the rear USB 3 port boasts a data rate of 10Gbps while the front USB 2 port is really only fit for charging or attaching a low-data device such as a wired mouse or keyboard. As such, you need to make sure that you connect single-port hubs to the rear 10Gbps port on the Neo to get full speeds (Apple helpfully warns you if you try to connect something to the wrong Neo port). Those different ports are a bigger problem if the hub is not set up in the same formation. Take the Anker 547 USB-C Hub (7-in-2, for MacBook), a fine USB4 hub that adds seven ports, including a USB-C data port, two legacy USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and SD and microSD card slots. Anker On the MacBook Air and Pri, this hub uses the rear USB-C port for passthrough charging, and the other for downstream data/monitor and data transfer. Since the MacBook Neo’s rear port supports up to 10Gbps of data and the front port is limited to just 480Mbps, it’s simply not up to the task of fetching video data from the Neo or really doing much more—aside from charging—or supporting a connected wired mouse. Even the USB-A ports on most hubs are 10 times faster than the Neo’s second USB-C port can handle. Anker An example of an Anker hub that does work with the Neo is the Anker 555 USB-C Hub (above) that connects to the MacBook via a single USB-C connector. Satechi The Satechi Pro Hub Max (above) is also another dual-USB-C hub that’s not compatible with the MacBook Neo. Below you can see what each of the two USB-C connectors controls in the hub. Satechi Since only the rear port on the MacBook Neo supports video output, connecting the Pro Hub Max to the MacBook Neo won’t support HDMI, and the rest of the ports would also be significantly limited to USB 2.0 speeds. The Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is an example of a hub that works with the Neo.Simon Jary Plugable told Macworld that it is awaiting the arrival of a MacBook Neo to test it with all of its devices, including its 5-port AMS–5IN1E hub. However, it expects the AMS-5IN1E will be limited in functionality when connected to the Neo. Plugable That hub’s left USB-C male connector is a direct “bridge” between the MacBook and the female USB-C port on the Neo. This means that the USB-C port on the AMS-5IN1E should behave exactly like the rear port on the MacBook Neo (that is, 10Gbps data, charging, and DisplayPort). However, the right USB-C male connector connects the other functionalities of the hub, which are the two USB 3.0 ports, audio jack, and Ethernet port. Plugable suspects that both the USB ports and Ethernet port will therefore be downgraded to USB 2.0 speeds. Presuming this is the case, Plugable believes that its hub will likely still be useful for lightweight port expansion on the Neo for users who want to connect a wired mouse and keyboard, but won’t live up to its full potential. An example of a Plugable hub that does work with the MacBook Neo is the 9-in-1 Plugable Multiport Adapter, pictured below showing its single USB-C connector. The 9-in-1 Plugable Multiport Adapter is a hub that connects to the MacBook via a single USB-C connector. Attach it to the Neo’s rear USB-C port and everything will be fine. Plugable The MacBook Neo should be fully capable of working with single male-connector USB-C hubs if they connect via the rear/left port on the Neo. Just avoid any hubs that feature two male connectors as they will fail on the lower-speed Neo port. Read our reviews of the best USB-C hubs for MacBook, as well as our MacBook Neo review. And to find more great gear that we think Neo owners should seriously consider, read our feature on the 10 essential accessories for the MacBook Neo.