Apple TV’s ‘Widow’s Bay’ series walks a tonal tightrope to bewitching effect – Variety
Apple TV's new “Widow’s Bay” series is set in a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Gemini Intelligence announcement hopes to steal Apple's Siri thunder but falls short
Gemini Intelligence has been announced just a month before Apple Intelligence's big moment at WWDC, but I have doubts about whether either company can deliver on its AI promises.Google's Gemini Intelligence has been announcedGoogle announced its new suite of AI features under the Gemini Intelligence banner during a streamed event on May 12, 2026. That's less than a month before Apple's WWDC 2026 event kicks off on June 8.Surely, that isn't a coincidence. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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This wild story will make you think twice about buying Apple gift cards
Macworld If you ever go to a local supermarket or convenience store to buy an Apple gift card, you may think twice after reading a new report from New Hampshire Public Radio. The state of New Hampshire in the U.S. appears to be the center of a global criminal operation that involves stolen Apple gift cards, huge quantities of Apple hardware bought with those cards, and sales of the gear to gray-market importers who then sell the devices overseas. The N.H. operation started with the theft of Apple gift cards in retail outlets. The cards were carefully opened so the PIN and other vital statistics could be recorded, but otherwise looked unused. Then the cards are repackaged and placed back in the stores. When the card was activated with a balance, the organization was notified, took the money from the card, and then used it to buy Apple products, such as iPhones and MacBooks. The Apple products were bought in New Hampshire because the state doesn’t charge sales tax, which allowed the organization to make the most of the stolen money. The products were then shipped to a warehouse in New Hampshire, where the devices were repackaged and sold to gray-market importers in China, Dubai, or South America, who then turned around and sold the devices to individuals or other outlets. According to the report, police in New Hampshire partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to crack down on the operation that was run by Chinese nationals and involved hundreds of millions of dollars. In one bust, a New Hampshire warehouse housed 4,000 iPhones, estimated to be valued at $8 to $9 million. Nearly 20 people have been charged, with charges including wire fraud, stealing gift cards, and receiving stolen property. The report also states that Apple fully cooperated in the investigation, though it did not comment on NHPR’s article. NHPR’s report is compelling, explaining in detail how the scam works, the process of laundering the purchases, some of the problems that have arisen in court, and how one person was murdered during a robbery of a warehouse. I encourage you to give it a read. How to protect yourself from gift card scams In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported that losses from gift and prepaid card scams totaled over $212 million, and the number of scams continues to rise. The FTC has a website that explains how gift card scams work, the common types of scams, and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed. Apple There are also several things you can do to protect yourself. It’s convenient to buy a gift card from a retail store, but if you can avoid it, you minimize your risk. Many stores allow you to buy gift cards online, which requires you to send an email address for the recipient, and the store sends a redemption code that the recipient can use when making a purchase. Don’t buy from online auctions, since the cards could be stolen. Buy directly when you can–Apple sells gift cards online. But sometimes you can’t avoid buying a gift card from a store. If you need to, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. The FTC recommends the following: Stick to stores you know and trust. Avoid buying from online auction sites because the gift cards may be fake or stolen. Inspect the gift card before you buy it. Make sure the protective stickers are on the card and that it doesn’t look like someone tampered with them. Also check that the PIN number on the back isn’t showing. Pick a different gift card if you spot a problem and show the tampered card to a cashier or manager. Always keep a copy of the gift card and store receipt. Take a picture of the gift card and store receipt with your phone. The number on the gift card and store receipt will help you file a report with the gift card company if you lose the gift card or if you need to report fraud. Federal Trade Comission

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DOJ investigation into vehicle modding hardware leads to Apple subpoena
Over 100,000 EZ Lynk users could find their data being handed over to the United States government if Apple complies with a request for app download information.Apple now involved in a lawsuit involving vehicle modificationsGovernments subpoena Apple for information all of the time, but that doesn't mean it gets handed over automatically. Apple will push back if the scope of the request is too broad or vague.In the case of the EZ Lynk lawsuit, the US Department of Justice has asked Apple and Google to hand over information about over 100,000 users. According to a report from Forbes, the DOJ wants information like the name and address of every person that downloaded the EZ Lynk app. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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OpenAI feels “burned” by Apple’s crappy ChatGPT integration, insiders say
Judge orders Apple to give Musk internal messages discussing secretive ChatGPT deal.

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5 creepy emoji you should never send to your co-workers
Using creepy emoji in workplace communication can earn you a meeting with HR. And you might not realize which ones to avoid at all costs. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple will launch 15+ new products this fall, here’s what’s coming
Apple has a packed lineup of new products coming this fall. Here’s every new Apple product rumored to arrive later this year. more…

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Apple's treatment of AI coding apps could be shifting with Replit update
Replit has released its first iPhone app update in four months after resolving an App Store review dispute with Apple over how AI-generated apps can be previewed and developed on iOS.Vibe coding app ReplitCEO Amjad Masad said on May 15 that Replit had "worked things out with Apple" and published its first iPhone app update in four months. The update brings Replit Agent 4 to mobile users, along with support for parallel agents, team collaboration through merge flows, and project viewing across workspaces.The update follows a dispute that began after Apple reportedly pushed back on new versions of the App Store app in March. Reporting around the conflict said Apple objected to how Replit let users preview AI-built apps on iPhone, an area tied to Apple's long-standing restrictions around downloaded and dynamically executed code.Replit belongs to a fast-growing category of "vibe coding" tools that let users describe software in plain language and have AI generate the code. Desktop versions of those tools resemble modern cloud development environments where users can build, test, and modify apps through conversational prompts. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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This magnetic headphone amp puts a DAC (and display) on the back of your iPhone
If you’re serious about wired audio, there’s now a MagSafe headphone amp and digital-to-analog convertor for iPhone. more…

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Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is coming to Mac this month
Apple has been pushing to expand Mac gaming in recent years, and a new high-profile title was recently announced: Age of Empires II is coming to macOS this month. more…

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New Apple Card promotion could net applicants free AirPods Pro 3
Apple is reportedly preparing a major Apple Card signup push that would effectively give new customers free AirPods Pro 3, a sharp shift in strategy as Chase prepares to take over the troubled program from Goldman Sachs.Apple could essentially give away AirPods Pro 3 with new Apple Card promotionApple has largely avoided the large signup bonuses commonly used across the credit card industry. Early Apple Card marketing focused on privacy features, Daily Cash rewards, Wallet integration, spending transparency, and the titanium physical card.Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed on May 15 that Apple plans to launch a promotion in retail stores during the week of May 18. Under the rumored offer, customers who sign up for a new Apple Card and purchase AirPods Pro 3 would receive $249 in cash back, effectively offsetting the full retail price of the earbuds. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple launches major iPhone discounts in China ahead of 618 shopping festival
Apple has launched major discounts on its flagship iPhones in China ahead of the annual 618 shopping festival, signaling that competition… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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The biggest iPhone Ultra mystery left to sway my upgrade decision
Rumors about the iPhone Ultra are readily available and offer a strong consensus on what’s coming in Apple’s foldable model. But as I’ve been weighing my own upgrade decision this year, there’s one big question that likely won’t be resolved until September: will the new form factor make the trade-offs of the Ultra worth it? more…

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DOJ reportedly demands Apple and Google identify over 100,000 users of car app
According to a new report from Forbes, the Department of Justice is demanding Apple, Amazon, and Google hand over “identities, addresses, and purchase histories” of more than 100,000 users of a “car tinkering app” called EZ Lynk. more…

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OpenAI just released new personal finance features for ChatGPT customers
OpenAI is catching up with some competitors and offering new personal finance features inside ChatGPT. The new personal finance experience is rolling out starting today for some subscribers. more…

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Save $300 and take home this M5 MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM
Macworld Apple MacBook Pro M5 View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); If you’re in the market for a laptop upgrade, you’ll want to get as much RAM and storage as you can without destroying your budget. Today’s deal does just that, bringing the price of an M5 MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage to just $1,799 at Amazon, a massive $300 savings. This $300 discount is the best we’ve seen for this particular MacBook configuration. And what more could you ask for? This laptop features the powerful M5 chip boosted by 32GB of unified memory on board. This combo will breeze through any of the tasks you have to complete, whether you’re merely sending emails, coding, or editing complex videos. This MacBook also offers maximum connectivity with Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, as well as reliable MagSafe 3 charging, along with a headphone jack. When it comes to storage space, you’ll have plenty of room for all those files you need to keep because this configuration also includes a 1TB SSD that offers both quick transfer times and boot times. With a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, you’ll love streaming content in your downtime, while also taking advantage of fantastic color accuracy when editing images and brilliant HDR for videos. Don’t miss out on this impressive discount for one of Apple’s best laptop configurations and get the M5 MacBook Pro for $1,799.

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AirPods Max development involved hundreds of variations over five years
An ex-Apple designer has revealed just long ago the company began working on AirPods Max and the reasoning behind not having an Apple logo on the product.Apple's AirPods Max took years to developThe original AirPods came out in 2016 and AirPods Max weren't launched until 2020. So it's an easy assumption that Apple only decided to make AirPods Max once those initial tiny white earbuds had proven to be a success.Then, too, it took so long for AirPods Max to ever be updated, that it had to feel like they were not considered important. That's especially so since their eventual update chiefly consisted of switching them to using USB-C for charging. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Installing iOS 26.5 this weekend? These are the features you need to seek out
Macworld With WWDC less than a month away, Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 to all iPhone users, and while it isn’t a major update, it introduces many long-awaited tweaks and improvements, as well as new options for customizing the look of your iPhone or iPad. From encrypted RCS messages to controversial changes in Maps and a beautiful new Pride wallpaper, here’s everything new in iOS 26.5. Encrypted RCS messaging One of the most notable additions in iOS 26.5 is support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app. While it’s still technically labeled as a beta feature and limited to supported carriers, it’s the first step toward iPhone users being able to chat securely with their Android friends. Apple had previously tested encrypted RCS during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle, but the feature didn’t make it into the general release. Now, it’s officially rolling out to users. iOS 26.5 brings encryption to RCS messages for the first time.Foundry RCS already brings iMessage-like improvements such as better media quality, typing indicators, and read receipts when messaging Android users. With end-to-end encryption, Apple is closing one of the biggest privacy gaps between iPhone and cross-platform conversations. That said, availability will vary depending on carrier support, so not everyone will see it right away. However, all three major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) are already beta-testing it, so it shouldn’t be long. You can enable encrypted RCS messages by going to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. Pride Luminance wallpaper As part of its annual Pride collection, Apple is introducing a new “Pride Luminance” wallpaper in iOS 26.5. There’s nothing new about that—Apple has released a new wallpaper to celebrate Pride Month for years—but this year’s design takes it to a new level. Pride Luminance isn’t just a static background. The wallpaper dynamically refracts colors as you move or unlock your iPhone, creating a subtle animated effect. Apple’s Pride Luminance wallpaper is as customizable as it is gorgeous.Foundry More interestingly, it’s highly customizable. Users can create their own version of the wallpaper by choosing from up to 12 different colors, making it one of the most flexible system wallpapers Apple has ever made. Not only that, but Apple Watch users will also find a new Pride Luminance watch face in watchOS 26.5 that perfectly matches the new wallpaper.  Apple Maps gets Suggested Places (and ads) iOS 26.5 paves the way for ads in Apple’s Maps app.Foundry iOS 26.5 also introduces a new “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps. This section shows recommendations based on what’s trending nearby, along with your recent searches. On the surface, it’s a discovery feature designed to help users find new restaurants, shops, and points of interest. But it also marks something more significant: the introduction of ads in Apple Maps. Businesses can now pay to have their locations promoted in search results, meaning some of the suggestions you see may be sponsored. According to the company, privacy remains a top priority. Ads won’t be linked to users, and advertisers won’t be able to target specific groups of users, Apple promises. Apple hasn’t made a big deal about this in its release notes, but it represents a notable shift for the platform. Easier accessory pairing via USB-C Pairing your Magic accessories with an iPhone or iPad is a little easier in iOS 26.5.Foundry Another small but very practical improvement is a new way to pair Apple accessories such as the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard. With iOS 26.5, you can simply connect these devices to your iPhone or iPad using a USB-C cable, and they’ll automatically pair. After that, you can disconnect the cable, and they continue working wirelessly over Bluetooth. It’s a simple change, but one that removes friction, especially for users who rely on these accessories with multiple devices. Improvements for switching from iPhone to Android Following the introduction of a new tool that makes it easier to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device with iOS 26.3, Apple is now giving users a little more choice. With iOS 26.5, the iPhone-to-Android transfer process now lets users choose which message attachments they want to keep for more control over what gets moved, instead of forcing a full transfer of all media. EU-exclusive features continue to expand As expected, iOS 26.5 includes additional region-specific changes for the European Union. With this update, users can mirror not only notifications but also Live Activities to non-Apple devices. iOS 26.5 also extends the same AirPods quick-pairing experience to third-party accessories. Unfortunately, since this is a requirement under EU law, these features aren’t available to iPhone users in the rest of the world. App marketplaces are coming to Brazil Users in Brazil will soon be able to access third-party app marketplaces.Foundry Following similar changes in the EU and Japan, iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for alternative app marketplaces in Brazil. While the feature isn’t live for users yet, the update includes the necessary system support for third-party app distribution outside the App Store. That means iPhone users in Brazil will soon be able to download apps from alternative app stores, another international change driven by local regulatory changes. Update your iPhone right now In addition to these features, iOS 26.5 also includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and security updates. That’s why it’s always important to keep your devices updated with the latest software. That said, this is likely the last iOS 26 update ahead of WWDC 2026, where Apple is expected to give a sneak peek at what’s coming in iOS 27. You can install iOS 26.5 by going to Settings > General > Software Update. The update is available for iPhone 11 and later.

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iPhone vibe coding app ships first update in four months after App Store review issue
All’s well that ends well in App Store review controversies. Back in March, a major agentic coding company made news when Apple reportedly pushed back on new versions of its iPhone app. Two months later, the head of the company says they “worked things out with Apple,” and they have a big new app update to show for it. more…

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Sonos Era 100 SL Review: A cheaper AirPlay speaker for Apple users
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Competitive price Good sound quality Supports AirPlay 2 Powerful sound in a compact design Cons No audio via USB-C Wired connections require an additional adaptor  Bass could be firmer Our Verdict The Era 100 SL provides a good alternative to Apple’s HomePod at a competitive price. The compact speaker packs a powerful punch, with a clear, detailed sound, and its AirPlay support ensures that it works well with Apple devices, as well as AirPlay speakers from other manufacturers. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$189 Best Prices Today: Sonos Era 100 SL Retailer Price $189 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Sonos Era 100 SL is a compact wireless smart speaker designed to deliver premium sound quality at a more affordable price point. Built as a simplified version of the original Era 100, it removes voice assistant and microphone features while retaining the same powerful audio performance, sleek design, and wireless connectivity options. The lower price tag of the Era 100 SL is intended to attract new users who may not have owned any Sonos speakers before. However, it can also be used in conjunction with other Sonos products, such as its soundbars and subwoofers, providing an affordable upgrade path for Sonos fans who may want to expand their existing multi-room or home cinema set-up. One of the biggest drawbacks of the Sonos Era 100 SL is that its USB-C port cannot be used for direct audio input from devices like laptops, phones, or tablets, meaning users who want a wired connection must purchase a separate Sonos adaptor – an inconvenience that mainly affects people who prefer wired audio setups or want to connect non-wireless devices easily. What’s different in the Era 100 SL vs Era 100 The original Sonos Era 100 was launched a couple of years ago, with a £249/$249 price tag that pitched it right up against Apple’s HomePod. The Era 100 is still available, but Sonos has just launched a new model called the Era 100 SL that aims to provide a “more accessible” – i.e. cheaper – option at just $189/£169. As the name suggests, the Era 100 SL is very similar to the earlier Era 100 (which remains on sale, now at a reduced price of $219.00/£199). Available in black or white, the two speakers are virtually identical, with the Era 100 SL standing 183mm high, 120mm wide and 131mm deep. The Era 100 SL is fractionally lighter, though, as it omits the microphone and voice control features of the Era 100, which reduces the weight of the speaker by a few grams to 1.95kg. The Era 100 SL also has the same internal set-up as its predecessor, with a pair of tweeters handling the higher frequencies, while a single woofer looks after the mid-range and bass. Each of the drivers has its own amplifier, although Sonos doesn’t provide specific details for the amplifier output. FeatureOriginal Era 100Era 100 SLPrice$249 / £249 at launch, now reduced to $219 / £199$189 / £169 Voice Assistant / MicrophonesYesNoWeightSlightly heavier1.95kgTarget AudiencePremium smart speaker buyersBudget-conscious buyers / Apple users What features does the Era 100 SL offer? Sonos Era 100 SL Port. Like all Sonos speakers, the Era 100 SL is primarily designed for wireless audio, supporting Bluetooth and dual-band wi-fi on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. And, as always, it supports AirPlay 2 for Apple devices, allowing it to work alongside Apple’s HomePods and other AirPlay speakers as part of a multi-room audio system. The Era 100 SL doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or spatial audio, but it is possible to pair two Era 100 SL speakers together to create a stereo system, or use them with a soundbar as part of a surround-sound system for your TV. Wired connections are more limited, though. There is a USB-C port on the back of the speaker, but this can’t be used to provide a wired connection from a USB-C port on your Mac or mobile devices. If you want to use a wired connection then you’ll have to buy a separate adaptor from Sonos, which costs $19.00/£19.00 for a basic adaptor with a 3.5mm audio connector, or $39.00 for a ‘combo’ adaptor that includes both a 3.5mm connector and an Ethernet interface for a wired network (although the 3.5mm and Ethernet cables are not included). Our only other complaint is that the power connector is recessed into the base of the speaker, which means that you have to use the special ‘angled power cable’ provided by Sonos and can’t simply use a standard power cable if you misplace the Sonos cable. How does it sound? Unsurprisingly, the Era 100 SL sounds very similar to its predecessor, providing very good sound quality for such a compact speaker. Despite the compact design, it works a treat with the atmospheric electronics of Madonna’s Frozen, creating a relaxed, spacious soundstage for the song’s ambient sounds. There’s a smooth tone to the opening strings, and the Era 100 SL picks out all the little details in the track, such as the jangling percussion and the gentle electronic chimes.  It’s got some muscle too, allowing the drums to crack like a whip as they kick us into the chorus, and the bass drum anchors the sound, while Madonna’s multi-tracked vocal floats gently above it all. That power really comes in handy for the raucous rock/dance mash-up of Sturgill Simpson’s Sing Along, and I’m worried about upsetting the neighbours even with the speaker cruising along at just 60% of maximum volume. There’s a big, echoing sound to the fuzzy guitar riffs, while the electronic keyboards fizz along with infectious energy and, again, there’s a weighty sound from the bass drum that holds the whole song together. Admittedly, the bass drop at the end of the song could be a little firmer, but bass output is always a weakness with compact speakers such as this, and the Era 100 SL provides good sound quality for a speaker in this price range.  Should you buy the Sonos Era 100 SL? If you simply want a Bluetooth speaker for use with mobile devices, then there are certainly cheaper options available that can match the sound quality of the Era 100 SL. But, for Apple users, it’s the AirPlay support that stands out, allowing the Era 100 SL to quickly and easily work with all your Apple devices and apps, as well as working with other AirPlay speakers as part of a multi-room audio system.

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