Kuzu database company joins Apple’s list of recent acquisitions
Earlier this month, Apple confirmed its blockbuster $2 billion acquisition of the mysterious AI startup Q.ai. In addition to that deal, Apple also recently acquired a database company called Kuzu. Here’s an in-depth list of recent acquisitions made by Apple. more…

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Kuxiu X55 Turbo 25W Wireless Charging Station Review: A cheaper 25W Qi2.2 alternative
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Compact 3-in-1 charger 25W iPhone charging Apple Watch fast charger Charge as stand or flat Cheaper than X40 Turbo Cons Small but bigger than X40 Turbo Our Verdict This more affordable variant of the metal X40 Turbo is rated at the same super-fast charging speeds for iPhone, AirPods and Watch. While maybe not as pocketable it’s just as portable, and the choice between the two Kuxiu chargers may just come down to color choice. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$59.98 Best Prices Today: Kuxiu X55 Turbo 25W 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand Retailer Price Kuxiu $59.98 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Only a few weeks ago we were singing the praises of the Kuxiu X40 Turbo, a super-compact 3-in-1 wireless charger that can fast-charge an iPhone at 25W and your AirPods and Apple Watch at the time. It’s so small and lightweight that we recommended it as the ultimate travel charger for Apple devices. Now, Kuxiu has released the X55 Turbo that promises to do most of the same things as the X40 Turbo but at a lower cost. Both are a three-piece stack of charging modules that unfold into a vertical stand with an adjustable iPhone charger at the front and top, AirPods charger on the base and a pull-out Apple Watch charger that pops out from the middle of the back. X55 Turbo charging stand at the back, X40 Turbo at the front.Simon Jary The iPhone charger employs the latest Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging technology that can output 25W for the fastest wireless charging you can get. It can recharge any of the iPhone 16 or 17 series (except the oddball 16e) from 0-50% in just over 30 minutes. The 5W Watch charger is powerful enough to fast-charge the Watch, and the AirPods are well provided for with the non-magnetic 5W Qi base. Design: Comparing the X40 and X55, what’s different? FeatureX55 TurboX40 TurboMaterialPlasticAluminum alloyFolded height1.28in (3.25cm)0.71in (1.8cm)Length/Width2.7in square2.5in squareWeight5.29oz (150g)5.23oz (148g)Lie flat modeYesNo25W Qi2.2YesYes The fundamental difference between the X40 Turbo and X55 Turbo is the materials it’s made of and its size, but the X55 includes an additional feature. The X40 Turbo is an all-metal aluminum alloy build, while the X55 Turbo is made from high-quality plastic. It doesn’t feel like plastic as it feels more like a pleasantly smooth silicone. Simon Jary Side by side, the X55 Turbo looks much bigger than the X40 Turbo, but that’s mostly due to the folded height of the charger; see photo above. The X40 Turbo has a folded height of just 0.71 inch (1.8cm) while the X55 looks chunky in comparison at 1.28 inch (3.25cm). In fact, the X40 is 2.5 inches (6.4cm) long and wide, while the X55 is a 2.7 inch (6.8cm) square. The difference seems minimal, but it is certainly noticeable when both are put next to each other. Both weigh around the same (5.23oz vs 5.29oz / 148g vs 150g), which is surprising given the X40’s metal build. The X55 Turbo (top) can charge as a flat strip unlike the X40 Turbo (bottom) that will fold flat but with charging pads not exposed on the same side.Simon Jary The X55’s secret feature that is lacking in the X40 is its ability to lie flat as well as pull up to form a stand. This is made possible by the USB-C power input port being situated on the side of the X55 Turbo, rather than at the back as it is on the X40 Turbo. A minor niggle: the Apple Watch charging module sits straighter on the back of the X40 Turbo than it does the X55 Turbo, where it is lower and on an angle. This doesn’t impact charging, and is probably more robust but just looks slightly odd in comparison. The X40 Turbo (left) is physically a little smaller than the X55 (right) in length and width.Simon Jary The height of the folded X55 probably makes it too large to comfortably sit in a tight trouser pocket, where the X40 is dinky enough to do so with ease. One should remember however that you need to pack a USB-C wall charger and cable with you. Kuxiu includes both in the tidy gray travel case that ships with each charger. Simon Jary Performance: Is the cheaper X55 just as fast? Unsurprisingly for certified Qi2.2 devices, the X40 Turbo and X55 Turbo are matched in terms of charging speed. An iPhone 16 or 17 series will charge to 50% in just over 30 minutes at full 25W speed. Earlier iPhones (12-15) charge at a slower 15W on both the X55 and X40 Turbo as they don’t support 25W Qi2.2 charging. Qi2.2 (aka Qi2 25W) maxes power output to a possible 25W for the iPhone 16 and 17 models—excluding the 16e (which Apple took the strange decision to make non-magnetic) and iPhone Air (limited to 20W for thermal management reasons). Color choices The metal Kuxiu X40 Turbo comes in a range of colors, including Black, Gray, Wood and Cosmic Orange. On the Kuxiu online store, the plastic X55 is available only in black. On Amazon it’s available in orange as well as black. Wireless travel rivals: Which is better for travel? Even pushing the boundaries at 25W the X40 Turbo is the slimmest 3-in-1 charging stand we’ve tested. You can find slimmer 3-in-1 chargers but these lie flat rather than create a handy viewing stand. For example, the fold-out Mouse 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is super slim at 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches (9 x 6.2 x 1.3cm) but it’s not a robust stand like the Kuxiu 3-in-1 foldable chargers. As we mentioned in the X40 Turbo review, the wireless travel charger market is a rich one, although many of the chargers look boringly similar. The Kuxiu X40 Turbo and X55 Turbo feature a neat folding stack that pulls out to create a stand—and can also lie flat in the case of the X55 Turbo. In this regard, the biggest rival to the X55 Turbo is its X40 Turbo sibling. The $139 25W Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is twice as long and a little deeper with the Apple Watch charging module pulled out from the base next to the AirPods pad. Another folding stand is the ESR CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station, which is also rated at up to 25W. The $89 Baseus PicoGo AF21 3-in-1 Qi2.2 Wireless Charger is another dinky travel charger stand that measures 2.97 x 3.15 x 1.5 inches (7.5 x 8 x 3.8cm) and weighs 9oz (254g). The $89 Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Folding Wireless Charging Station remains at 15W Qi2 for now and is a more organic UFO-like shape that unfolds to create a longer flat strip. All have their benefits: the Ugreen creates a more stable stand, and the Anker is cute and pocketable. The Kuxiu 3-in-1 models are somewhere in between: cute in size and creating a reasonably tall stand considering their folded-down dimensions. Realistically though, the main competition for the X55 Turbo is the X40 Turbo. If portability matters most, buy the X40. If you want 25W charging for less money, buy the X55. Simon Jary Price: Is the X55 worth the $20 saving? The Kuxiu X55 Turbo 25W Wireless Charging Station is priced at $59.98 / £45 / €51,95 direct or from Amazon and Amazon UK. That compares to $78.99 / £59 / €67,95 for the X40 Turbo. For the extra money the X40 Turbo is smaller and made of metal, plus there’s a wider range of colors to choose from. The slightly larger but notably deeper plastic X55 Turbo has the added ability to lie flat as well as in a stand. We’ve provided links buying direct to the products here but be careful that you are choosing the right one. There’s an X55, X55Plus, X55 Ultra and X55 Turbo, just as there are a few X40 models. For owners of the iPhone 16 and 17 series, and anyone considering an upgrade in the future, we recommend buying the Turbo for its charging speed and size. Should you buy the Kuxiu X55 Turbo 25W Wireless Charging Station? The Kuxiu X55 Turbo is a more affordable variant of the metal X40 Turbo, rated at the same super-fast charging speeds for iPhone, AirPods and Watch. While maybe not as pocketable it’s just as portable, and the choice between the two Kuxiu chargers may just come down to color choice depending on your region.

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‘Dystopian’ Ring Search Party feature sparks public backlash [Video]
Amazon apparently thought the world would respond with a collective “awww” when it announced an expansion of its Ring Search Party feature to help find lost dogs, promoted via a 30-second Super Bowl ad (below). Instead, it’s being widely panned as a dystopian move in the current climate. Since the company has recently rolled out a facial recognition capability for the Ring video doorbell, people drew the obvious and exceedingly short line between surveilling for dogs to surveilling for people … more…

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‘Dystopian’ Ring Search Party feature sparks public backlash [Video]
Amazon apparently thought the world would respond with a collective “awww” when it announced an expansion of its Ring Search Party feature to help find lost dogs, promoted via a 30-second Super Bowl ad (below). Instead, it’s being widely panned as a dystopian move in the current climate. Since the company has recently rolled out a facial recognition capability for the Ring video doorbell, people drew the obvious and exceedingly short line between surveilling for dogs to surveilling for people … more…

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‘Dystopian’ Ring Search Party feature sparks public backlash [Video]
Amazon apparently thought the world would respond with a collective “awww” when it announced an expansion of its Ring Search Party feature to help find lost dogs, promoted via a 30-second Super Bowl ad (below). Instead, it’s being widely panned as a dystopian move in the current climate. Since the company has recently rolled out a facial recognition capability for the Ring video doorbell, people drew the obvious and exceedingly short line between surveilling for dogs to surveilling for people … more…

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Will the iPhone 18 Pro get a price hike? The latest rumors say no
Macworld When it comes to smartphone launches, the principle of “no news is good news” rarely applies: a new phone that’s largely the same as its predecessor can only be a disappointment. But one exception, particularly at times of economic turmoil, is the price tag. Last fall’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max were premium phones, priced accordingly: the 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and the 17 Pro Max at $1,199. But there have been concerns that the 18 Pro will be even more expensive as a result of market pressures, and it’s with great relief that we can report that the consensus among experts is now that it won’t. No news is good news. In a research note seen by 9to5Mac this week, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu reports that Apple has implemented cost-management measures for the late-2026 iPhone refreshes, with the goal of selling the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max at “unchanged [pricing] or at a similar level” to the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This follows similar predictions by other analysts, including the well-known Ming-Chi Kuo. Fears of a price hike were based on a RAM supply crunch, largely caused by the AI market and its ever-growing infrastructure needs. Apple itself has acknowledged that this is a challenge. In the Q1 earnings call last month, CEO Tim Cook said that while RAM price increases did not affect the company in that quarter, it’s likely they would have an impact later in the year. Apple is now “in a supply chase mode,” he admitted. The cost-management measures include negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms (in return, Apple may agree to buy in higher volume) and cost-cutting in areas other than the memory. It isn’t clear how Apple will cut costs on the display and cameras, for example, but under normal conditions, it’s to be expected that the same components will get cheaper year on year. The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will launch in the fall of 2026, almost certainly in September and probably accompanied by the iPhone Fold. (The price of that, I’m afraid, will be extremely high.) The standard iPhone 18 isn’t expected to launch until the following spring, likely alongside the iPhone 18e. For all the latest news and rumors, check out our regularly updated iPhone 18 superguide. Or, if you can’t wait until the fall, make sure you’re paying the lowest price on the current range with our roundup of the best iPhone deals.

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Faster, more flexible databases could be coming to FileMaker or iWork
Despite owning FileMaker, Apple has never included a database app with iWork. Apple has now acquired Kuzu, Inc, a firm developing fast, flexible graph databases.Kuzo Explorer is a demonstration of a graph database where every point of data links to all related ones — image credit: KuzuApple has had the FileMaker database since the 1980s, but by being operated by an Apple subsidiary, it's always been kept at arms' length from the consumer iWork apps of Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. In comparison, Microsoft's Office includes the company's Access database.Now as noted by the European Union's list of significant company acquisitions, Apple has bought Kuzu, Inc. The EU defines significant not by size, but by whether the aim is to "provide core platform services." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 18 Pro 5G via satellite rumor gets new support
Apple is believed to be on a gradual journey that began with Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 back in 2022 and will at some point progress to full 5G access via satellite, bypassing ground-based antenna altogether. It’s previously been suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro might take a significant step in this direction with support for 5G over satellite links. A new report today adds weight to that idea … more…

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5 cool Apple Pencil Pro features you probably don’t know
Macworld For years, the Apple Pencil 2 was the go-to stylus for digital illustrators, offering easy pairing, precise input, pressure sensitivity, shading support, and much more. Then things changed. The iPad maker outdid itself with the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, which builds upon the 2nd-gen model’s solid base and takes the experience to the next level. Despite its name, the Apple Pencil Pro’s compatibility actually extends to some non-Pro iPad models, including the latest Air and mini variants. (It doesn’t work with the entry-level iPad, however.) But its feature set is absolutely Pro standard. If you’re using your Apple Pencil Pro for basic doodling and not much else, it’s time to discover how much more it can achieve. In this article we reveal the five main features you need to familiarize yourself with. Time-saving gestures The Apple Pencil Pro doesn’t merely mimic your finger, like all those dumb styli out there. Its input varies depending on the way you’re holding it, and it supports a couple of advanced gestures that can accelerate power users’ workflows. First, the Pencil Pro is pressure-sensitive. In compatible apps, pressing harder will result in a thicker line or a denser application of digital ink. Similarly, the Pencil Pro can detect variations in hand position. Tilt the stylus and it will switch to a shading action. Roll it, and the selected brush will change angle–a valuable function when using shaped brushes. In other words, it behaves just like a real artistic or writing tool, making it an appealing and reliable option for digital illustrators. In fact, supported iPads will even imitate the selected tool’s shadow as the Pencil hovers over the display, revealing exactly where the tip will hit. Input aside, the Apple Pencil Pro supports two main gestures that you can personalize in the Settings app on iPadOS. The double-tap gesture, first of all, lets you quickly switch between tools, show the color palette, or various other useful actions. You just have to tap the side of the stylus twice in quick succession. Likewise, the squeezing gesture can be assigned to a task of your choice; you can also choose how firmly you need to press to trigger it. The best part about squeezing is that you can link it to a series of actions via the built-in Shortcuts app, letting you execute complex tasks with a single action. This gesture also (optionally) provides haptic feedback when triggered, giving the experience a premium feel. Squeezy does it: Tactile gestures give you quick access to useful features.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Turn handwriting into digital text Notetakers, this one’s for you. The Apple Pencil Pro supports iPadOS’s Scribble feature, which replicates and refines traditional note-taking by converting your handwriting into typed words you can insert in any textbox. It also borrows logical gestures to minimize the need for a keyboard. You can scratch out words to delete them, or circle words to select them. Similarly, you can make room to write words by tapping and holding on the desired spot, and join or separate words by drawing a vertical line before or after the target. These turn Scribble into an intuitive way to input text using just your Apple Pencil. Scribble is an intuitive way to enter editable text using the Apple Pencil.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Instant notes If you’re late to class, don’t worry! With the Apple Pencil Pro, you can start taking notes right away. Assuming you’ve allowed this in your preferences (open Settings and go to Apps > Notes > Access Notes from Lock Screen), you won’t need to unlock your iPad or launch any apps manually. All you’ll need to do is use the Pencil to tap the display, even if it’s asleep. By default this will start a new entry in the Notes app, although in the same section of Settings you can instead tell it to resume the last one. Similarly, you can quickly start a note anywhere in iPadOS by swiping diagonally with your Pencil from the assigned bottom corner. The other bottom corner can be configured to take a screenshot. Open the Settings app and go to the Apple Pencil section to assign your corners. AirTag in disguise How many Apple Pencils have gotten lost over the years? We’d guess the answer is a lot. The Apple Pencil Pro addresses this matter by tapping into the extensive Find My network. If you ever lose it, you can simply launch the Find My app on your iPad to precisely locate it. The last known location will also appear on that app in iOS and macOS, albeit without the precision finding perk. The Apple Pencil Pro doesn’t beep, so the process of tracking it down may be a bit more challenging than finding an AirTag. Nevertheless, the Find My integration works reliably and is welcome, especially since it prevents thieves from pairing it to their own accounts and helps anyone who finds it to get in touch with you. Lost your Apple Pencil Pro? Not for long.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Make the battery go further The Apple Pencil Pro, like the 2nd-gen model, pairs and recharges by attaching magnetically to the edge of your iPad. Most users leave it there for storage when not in use, as this keeps it conveniently within reach and ensures it’s fully charged when needed. But this may not be the best policy if you don’t use the Apple Pencil Pro every day. The Apple Pencil Pro packs a lithium-ion battery, which wears down the more you use it. To prevent damage, iPadOS will allow your Apple Pencil’s battery to drain a bit and refill it when attached for prolonged periods. This process can both drain your iPad’s battery and unnecessarily strain the one in the Apple Pencil. In other words, if you use the Pencil only sporadically, you may want to store it somewhere other than the edge of your iPad. Contrary to popular belief, the Apple Pencil Pro’s battery doesn’t drain rapidly when it’s left idle. Based on personal tests, my Pencil lost only 1% of its charge after being detached for over 24 hours. If you store it in a drawer or on your desk, the chances are that it will be ready to go the next time you need it… assuming you don’t leave it there for months on end. And you’ll save yourself those unnecessary battery cycles.

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Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger review: Almost unbelievably small
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Charges iPhone, Watch, AirPods Super compact Super lightweight Super affordable Cons Slow 7.5W iPhone charging Our Verdict It’s certainly not the fastest 3-in-1 wireless charger, but the Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger is without doubt the smallest and lightest we’ve tested. If you’re using it to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods over night or at your leisure during the day, this is an excellent super-light, compact portable charger for your travels. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$44.99 Best Prices Today: Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger Retailer Price Mous $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best for: Lightweight overnight travel charging Not for: Fast top-ups or 15W/25W Qi2 charging I’ve tested a lot of MagSafe, Qi2 and other magnetic wireless chargers and power banks, and have road-tested plenty of 3-in-1 chargers at home, in the office and on the road—not actually on the road, you understand, but on my travels. Aside from charging speed—between 7.5W and 25W—I look for design, size and weight. When I first picked up the Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger I couldn’t believe just how light this thing is. In fact, I thought the box was empty! Out of the box, it weighs just 3oz (85g) and is pretty tiny too. It’s hard to believe that something so light and small can simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods case. To put that into context, the lightest 3-in-1 charger I’d tested before now is the ESR CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station, weighing 5.2oz (148g). Simon Jary Design: How small and light is it really? Folded, the Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger measures just 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches (9 x 6.2 x 1.3cm). That’s about the length and width a standard playing card, and in depth around the size of half a pack. It should fit in your trouser or jacket pocket without you noticing. It unfolds to a width of 5.4 inches (13.6cm), and less than a third of an inch (8mm) deep, with a faux leather folding hinge between. On one side is the MagSafe-compatible magnetic charging pad for your iPhone (iPhone 12 and later), and on the other is a recessed Qi-charging pad for a wireless-charging AirPods case plus a pop-up Apple Watch module. From left: Mous, Anker and Kuxiu compact 3-in-1 wireless chargers in folded position.Simon Jary Other compact 3-in-1 wireless chargers include the 25W ESR CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station or 25W Kuxiu X40 Turbo 25W Wireless Charging Station (both weighing 5.2oz / 148g) and UFO-shaped 15W Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Folding Wireless Charging Station (3.7oz / 105g). Those dinky travel chargers are small and weigh little but the 3oz / 85g Mous really is petite in comparison. Mous 3-in-1 at top left opens flat like the Anker MagGo at the bottom, while the Kuxiu X40 Turbo is a charging stand,Simon Jary Performance: How fast does it charge compared to rivals? The Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger isn’t built with the latest 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging technology or even the older 15W Qi2 standard. It’s not certified MagSafe but is “MagSafe-compatible”. As such, it works with all Apple’s MagSafe iPhones (12-17, with the curious exception of the 16e) but is powered at a low 7.5W, so notably slower than 15W or 25W. The travel-charger alternatives mentioned above are heavier and larger but faster, from 15W (Anker MagGo) to 25W (ESR and Kuxiu). While 25W charging—available to only the iPhone 16 and later—will take an iPhone from 0% to 50% in just over half an hour, and 15W in about 45 minutes, 7.5W is more likely to take 70-90 minutes to reach the same recharge level. Once past 50% the iPhone restricts incoming power so for the full 100% recharge the different speeds are a little more levelled. This mini charger is therefore not for you if you need to get as much power into your iPhone as quickly as possible, but if that was your aim you’d be better charging straight with a cable anyway. If, however, you’re in less of a rush—say charging overnight—the speed difference will matter less. This solution prioritizes size over speed. The Apple Watch charging pad is also not at a speed that Apple designs as enough for fast-charging (5W) so you’re in the same position there. Again, the fastest speeds are not required when overnight charging. Mous Price: Is it worth $39.99? The Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger isn’t just small in size but in price, too. $39.99 for a 3-in-1 wireless charger is great value. Most similar 3-in-1 chargers—to be fair, much faster ones—cost between $69 and $99, and none are as small or lightweight. For more options check out our reviews of the best magnetic wireless chargers. Simon Jary Should you buy the Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger? It’s certainly not the fastest 3-in-1 wireless charger, but the Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger is without doubt the smallest and lightest we’ve tested. If you’re using it to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods overnight or at your leisure during the day, this is an excellent super-light, compact portable charger for your travels.

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Subscription culture put my Mac at risk
Macworld You’ve heard this before: as a Mac user, it’s important to keep your apps up to date. Doing so not only ensures you get all the latest features as they arrive, but it also keeps your computer safe and vulnerabilities patched. Why, then, is it so hard to keep your apps updated? Sure, the App Store lets you upgrade multiple apps at once, but many Mac users download apps from all sorts of third-party websites, not just from Apple’s storefront. That means updating requires opening and checking each installed app individually–a nightmare if you have more than a handful running on your Mac. For many years, I’ve been using an app called MacUpdater to solve this problem. Open it up, and it scans your installed apps, then installs any updates in one go. It has a clean interface, can run updates from the menu bar, is highly customizable, and finds updates whether your apps are from the App Store or elsewhere. Plus, it required a single, one-off payment, without a subscription in sight. Except that’s become a major problem. In 2025, MacUpdater’s creator said they’d be ceasing development come January 2026. Now that that date has rolled around, the developer has revealed that the one-off payment method was unsustainable, while they were also opposed to implementing ongoing subscriptions. As a result, MacUpdater died off. Since hearing that news, I’ve been searching for an alternative updater app and have put plenty through their paces. After much testing, I think I’ve reached a way forward, but MacUpdater’s demise has left a significant hole in my macOS life. It highlights how difficult it can be to keep your computer safe and up to spec without the hassle, and what you can do to keep your Mac apps chugging smoothly along. MacUpdate Desktop MacUpdate DesktopFoundry The first app I tried in place of MacUpdater was the similarly named MacUpdate Desktop, which costs $9.99 for a one-year subscription. This felt like a natural first stop because it’s maintained by MacUpdate, a prominent website that catalogues new versions of Mac apps and offers them for download. In terms of raw updates found, MacUpdate Desktop was easily the best app I tried. It came up with 14 installed apps that needed updating, more than three times the closest competitor. That gave me confidence that it wouldn’t miss important releases, which perhaps is unsurprising given the nature of the MacUpdate website. But that’s about as far as the positives went. Unfortunately, there is a lot to dislike about this app. The main issue is that there’s no way to bulk update your apps. Yes, it found plenty of updates, but I had to go through them all one by one, which quickly got tiresome. There’s also more bloat than I need, including a store to download new apps and a collections tab that sorts your apps into groups (which wasn’t particularly useful). There’s also no way around the interface: it’s bad. MacUpdate Desktop doesn’t feel like a native Mac app; instead looking like a website that’s been housed in a simple app wrapper. Its menus are non-native, there’s extremely limited customization, and the menu bar icon leaves a lot to be desired. All in all, then, this is probably one to avoid. The app is still in beta, so hopefully improvements are on the way. It’s not an encouraging start, though. Updatest Updatest Foundry Next up is an independent app called Updatest. I was immediately interested in this because it can check for updates to Homebrew projects, Electron apps, and those from GitHub, something that many app updaters can’t do. That’s an extra degree of flexibility for people who need it. Unfortunately, it only found four app updates for me, far fewer than the 14 MacUpdate Desktop located. Annoyingly, it also couldn’t automatically update some apps that other updaters could. Still, there’s an awful lot to like about Updatest. Unlike MacUpdate Desktop, its slick, professional design helps it feel like a familiar, native Mac app. Its Dock icon shows how many apps need updating, and while its menu bar icon isn’t as powerful as MacUpdater’s, it’s still useful. You can skip or ignore apps (either permanently or temporarily) and, importantly, update them in bulk. It also only requires a one-off payment of $9.99, with no ongoing subscription. Paying users gain access to an addon that surfaces anonymized update info from the community, which is handy if Updatest can’t find info on whether an app has a new version (this feature is expected to require a payment in the future). With filters for apps from the likes of Setapp and TestFlight (as well as standard sources like Sparkle and the App Store), Updatest has a lot of welcome features thrown in. It’s come close to scratching the MacUpdater itch, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a strong offering. CleanMyMac Foundry While Updatest is a resolutely simple app, CleanMyMac occupies the other end of the spectrum. It’s an all-in-one package that cleans your system, scans for viruses, tweaks your Mac’s performance, and a lot more. That could be just what you need, but it also means that there’s a huge amount of bloat if all you want is an app updater. As well as all those extra features, its design is hard to miss and certainly won’t be to everyone’s tastes. I was also a little disappointed that it only found four apps to update. Curiously, three of those four were different from the four discovered by Updatest. That said, CleanMyMac comes with a bulk update feature that lets you keep your apps healthy in just a few clicks. The app itself also feels highly polished and comes with a lot of quality-of-life features added in, plus it’s made by a well-known Mac-only developer in the form of MacPaw. At $39.95 for a one-year subscription, though, it’s expensive, especially if you’re just looking for an app updater. It’s probably only worth considering if you are after something more all-encompassing. Latest Foundry The final app to land on my desk was Latest. This is, on the face of it, the most straightforward app here, and a far cry from the bold design sentiments of CleanMyMac. There’s a left-hand column that lists your apps and those that need updating, with a right-hand column containing more info on each app you click on. And that’s about it as far as the design goes. There are pleasing extras located here and there. There’s a bulk update option hidden in the File menu, and like Updatest, it shows the number of app updates on the Dock icon. It’s easy to use, quick to get started, and is totally bloat-free. It’s all totally free, period. There’s no subscription, no one-off payment, and no trial, just a freely distributed app that’s yours to keep. After MacUpdater’s woes, that’s refreshing. What do I do know? Despite none of the apps I tested meeting the high-water mark set by MacUpdater, it’s probably still worth using one, if only because they beat having to open every app you’ve installed and check for updates individually. MacUpdate Desktop gave me the most confidence in terms of the number of app updates it found, but it has a lot of problems: it feels horrible to use, it’s not much of a looker, and it’s missing bulk update and other much-needed features. Thankfully, there are other options. If you’re undecided, Latest is a good place to start, as it is free, so you lose nothing by trying it. The other apps all have time-limited free trials, so they’re worth testing out too if you’re unsure. But what became clear from my testing was that MacUpdater’s demise has left a vacuum in this space for Mac updaters. We need a simple, reliable way to keep our apps up to date, wherever we downloaded them from. For now, I’m going to keep looking.

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Top Apple Watch discounts & deals – Big savings on all models
Macworld Best Apple Watch deals: Updated February 11, 2026 These recommendations are based on the best prices for Apple Watches we are seeing right now at top resellers in the U.S. and U.K. Today’s best Apple Watch deals: U.S. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm): $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm): $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm): $219 ($30 off, MSRP $249)* Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm): $249 ($30 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3: $768 ($31 off, MSRP $799) See more U.S. Apple Watch deals below… Today’s best Apple Watch deals: U.K. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm: £299 (£70 off, RRP £369)* Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11, 46mm: £329 (£70 off, RRP £399)* Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3: £729 (£20 off, RRP £749)* KRCS, Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm): £215 (£4 off, RRP £219) See more U.K. Apple Watch deals below… The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you can buy, but it’s not cheap. Luckily, you don’t have to pay full price for an Apple Watch. Resellers frequently offer fantastic deals on all models, and in this article we are tracking deals for the new Apple Watch 11, SE 3 and Ultra 3 which were introduced in September 2025, as well as the older Apple Watch 10, SE 2 and Ultra 2. How we find the best Apple Watch deals To find the best Apple Watch deals we continuously monitor the market to spot the most worthwhile bargains, but, ultimately, our recommendations are based on our own in-experience with the full range of Apple Watches, which we have reviewed and use daily. Our editors’ selections are guided by a simple principle: we won’t recommend buying something that we wouldn’t buy ourselves. We focus on products at prices we believe are fair, ensuring our recommendations steer you toward genuine savings. Price is just one factor we consider. A significant part of our methodology is evaluating the overall value of a deal, especially when comparing different generations of the Apple Watch. When Apple launches new models, such as the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, we see resellers clear out stock of previous-generation models at lower prices. We highlight these opportunities, as older models like the Series 10 or Ultra 2 can become excellent alternatives to the latest releases. It isn’t always the case that an older Watch is a good option though: we’ve previously advised readers to avoid what seemed like an all-time-low price on an older Apple Watch SE 2 because the newer Apple Watch SE 3, available for just $40 more, offered a vastly superior feature set, including an always-on display, a faster chip, and better battery life. We also recommend checking the Apple Refurbished Store as a source for year-round discounts. Products from this store are revamped by Apple and include a one-year warranty, often providing substantial savings on recent models like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2. Is now a good time to buy a new Apple Watch? David Price / Foundry Now is an excellent time to buy a new Apple Watch. The latest models, the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, were released in September 2025, so the product line is fresh, and you won’t have to worry about a new model arriving just weeks after your purchase. Additionally, despite Black Friday having passed, holiday deals are still abundant, offering significant savings on both the newest and previous-generation watches. That said, the best time to buy is during the major sales events: Amazon’s Prime Day in July and October, or Black Friday in November. There may also be deals during Amazon’s spring sale. The worst time to buy is in the summer, just before Apple’s usual September hardware update, as you risk purchasing a device that will soon be outdated. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including MacBook Air deals, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPhone and iPad. Which Apple Watch to buy David Price / Foundry When choosing which Apple Watch to buy you should consider various factors. If you need advanced health sensors, like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, then you need to choose the Series 11 and Ultra 3 (or the Series 10 and Ultra 2) because the SE doesn’t offer those options. But if you are on a budget the Apple Watch SE 3 offers importtant features like Fall Detection and heart rate monitoring, and comes at an affordable price. The best battery life is offered by the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but the SEries 11 offers a solid 24 hours, and even the 18 hour SE 3 will be sufficient for most people, plus charging can be done in less than an hour. Apple Watch Series 11: This model features a 24-hour battery life, 5G connectivity on cellular models, and a more scratch-resistant display. While it shares the same S10 chip and many health features with the Series 10, its improved battery is a key advantage. Deals have been spotted offering up to $100 off, bringing the price down to as low as $299. Apple Watch SE 3: This Apple Watch is the best value option for most people. The SE 3 received a major upgrade, including an always-on display, a faster chip, temperature sensing, fast charging, and 5G on cellular models. It offers most of the essential features of the Series 11 at a much lower price, starting at $249. It has been on sale for as low as $199. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Designed for adventurers and sports enthusiasts, the Ultra 3 boasts a 42-hour battery life, a larger and brighter screen, satellite connectivity for emergencies, and a rugged design. It’s the most expensive model, but we have seen discounts of up to $100. Apple Watch Series 10: You can find significant clearance deals on last-generation models. The Series 10 is very similar to the 11, with the main difference being its 18-hour battery life. It has been seen for as low as $279, a $150 discount. Apple Watch Ultra 2: This is also a great option, with deals dropping its price by as much as $200. Apple Watch SE 2: We advise to avoid the Apple Watch SE 2 unless the price is exceptionally low (around $100), as the SE 3 is a far superior and more future-proof device. If you’re still not sure which Apple Watch is right for your needs, take a look at our Best Apple Watch buying guide. Best refurbished Apple Watch deals One of the best places to look for Apple Watch deals all year round is the Apple Refurbished Store. There, you’ll find huge Apple Watch discounts, sometimes even on the latest models. These Apple Watches have been returned to Apple for various reasons, and then completely revamped for resale. One of the major benefits of buying a refurbished Watch from Apple is that it will come with a one-year warranty so Apple may fix or replace it for free should anything happen to it in that first year. In the U.S. you can get an Apple Watch Series 10, 9, 2nd generation Ultra for less. You can, for example, get a 44mm Apple Watch SE with cellular for $239, compared to $279 for the SE 3. It’s a saving, but we’d still recommend the new SE3 which is leaps ahead of the much older SE. Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K. you can save money on an Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 at the moment. However, the deals aren’t great here. You can get a refurbished Apple Watch Series 10 with Cellular for £479, which is £10 more than the price of the same Apple Watch Series 11 with Cellular new (£469). Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) For more information on this topic, read Should I buy a refurbished Apple Watch? Best Apple Watch deals right now Below you will find price comparison tables that show the best prices right now for each Apple Watch model from various stockists. You will also find deals on Apple Watch models that Apple has now discontinued, as long as stockists still have them available. Best Apple Watch Series 11 deals The Apple Watch 11 (2025 model) starts at $399/£369 (that’s a price drop in the U.K.) for the aluminum 41mm version and $429/£399 for the 44mm model. It’s an extra $100/£100 for cellular. It costs the same as the Series 9 did. Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm, from $399/£369 Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $363.41 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Series 11, 46mm, from $429/£399 Retailer Price $329 View Deal $329.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025 model) starts at $799/£749. It comes with cellular. The original Ultra previously sold for $799/£849, so the U.K. then was reduced to $799 in 2025, and is now even cheaper at $749. Apple Watch Ultra 3, from $799/£749 Retailer Price $768 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch SE 3, 40mm, from $249/£219 Retailer Price $219 View Deal $219.99 View Deal $270.88 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch SE 3, 44mm, from $279/£249 Retailer Price $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $297.31 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Clearance Apple Watch discounts and deals – discontinued models Apple Watch Series 10, 42mm, was $399/£399 Retailer Price $260 View Deal $329 View Deal $341.38 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm, was $429/£429 New Refurbished Retailer Price $329 View Deal $329 View Deal $359 View Deal $366.99 View Deal $429 View Deal $429.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 1 (2020) GPS + Cellular 44 mm – Aluminium Gold – Sport loop Red $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 42 mm – Aluminium Rose Gold – Sport band Starlight $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 46 mm – Aluminium Rose Gold – Sport band Starlight $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 46 mm – Aluminium Rose Gold – Sport loop Red $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Ultra 2, was $799/£799 New Refurbished Retailer Price $649.99 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Ocean band Blue $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Alpine loop Blue $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Black – Alpine loop Green $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch SE 2, 40mm, was $249/£219 New Refurbished Retailer Price $209 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Midnight – Sport band Black $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band White $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport loop Starlight $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Apple Watch SE 2, 44mm, was $279/£249 New Refurbished Retailer Price $219 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm – Aluminium Midnight – Sport band Black $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 44 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $Not Available View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Where to buy an Apple Watch If you’re simply looking to pick up an Apple Watch regardless of price, there are plenty of stores that sell not only the latest Apple Watch Series, but older variants of the Apple Watch that aren’t available from Apple any more—some at significant savings, too. Apple Watch buyers in the U.S. can check out the following stores: Apple Amazon Best Buy Costco Target Walmart If you’re based in the U.K., you can pick up an Apple Watch from the following retailers: Apple Amazon Argos Carphone Warehouse Currys John Lewis KRCS Very Where to buy an Apple Watch with Cellular You’ve also got the option of picking up an Apple Watch with a cellular contract, allowing it to function as a standalone device that doesn’t need to be tethered to your phone to make calls and send texts. Amazon and other retailers sell the Apple Watch with cellular and you can usually find discounts on most models, though not as deep as the GPS versions. Here are the sales we’re tracking this month: All of the major U.S. carriers sell the Apple Watch and offer trade-in deals: T-Mobile Verizon AT&T Carriers in the UK that stock the Apple Watch include: EE O2 Vodafone 3 See our roundup of the best Apple Watch bands, as well as our roundup of the best stands and charging docks. Read: Which plug do I need for my Apple Watch? If this is your first time buying and using an Apple Watch, we’ve also got helpful tips on how to use the Apple Watch.

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The Anker Prime 14in1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock is $60 Off
Fast charge your gadgets and transfer massive sized files in just a few seconds with the use of a Thunderbolt 5 Port so you don’t have to waste time waiting for it to be completed.  The charger gives out a max 140W for the upstream Thunderbolt 5 Port and 45W of charging with USB-C ports. […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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iPhone 18 Pro Max May Have a Bigger Battery That’s The Best of Its Kind
Digital Chat Station reports that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a bigger battery with a battery capacity of 5,100 – 5,200 mAh. This, merged with the improvements in efficiency given by the A20 Pro chip, could result in an incredible battery life. As of now, the device that holds the biggest capacity is […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple Tightens Their Grip on the Market for Tablets As Demand For iPad Rises
In an Omdia research, Apple’s lead in the worldwide market for tablets late last year has been shown to have expanded with the rebound of shipments. Reportedly, Shipments for global tablets have achieved 162 million units last year with a 9.8% annual growth. Apple was a significant factor to the late year growth of the […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Teardown Video For AirTag 2 Shared By iFixit
A teardown video for the AirTag 2 shared by iFixit unraveled what’s new with Apple’s tracking accessory. The AirTag is an Apple accessory you can put on valuables like a bag, device, keys and more. You can then track your belongings on your iPhone in the Find My app to lessen the stress of the […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Choose screen time that encourages exploration instead of constant stimulation — this app is a flat $45
Macworld TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for $44.97 with code PLAY for up to 10 devices and give kids ages 2–8 a calm, ad-free, Montessori-inspired screen experience focused on creativity and learning. Helping kids build a healthy relationship with screens isn’t easy, particularly when so many apps are noisy, overstimulating, or ad-driven. Pok Pok takes a slower, more intentional approach, offering a screen experience designed for young children to explore creatively and independently. Through February 22, a lifetime Pok Pok subscription covering up to 10 devices is available for $44.97 (MSRP $250) with promo code PLAY. Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app for kids ages 2 to 8. Instead of levels or winning, it focuses on open-ended digital play that encourages creativity, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving. The activities are simple, intuitive, and support early learning in areas like STEM, numbers, language, and spatial reasoning. It’s ad-free, easy to use offline, and there are no in-app purchases. Each digital toy in Pok Pok is designed to grow with your child. From exploring space and dinosaurs to tinkering with shapes or making music, the experience is meant to be relaxing and rewarding. The visuals are hand-drawn, the music is gentle, and everything is designed to avoid overstimulation. There’s no pressure to win or finish, just the freedom to explore and learn. You can use one account across up to 10 devices, and new toys and seasonal content are added regularly. Kids can navigate the app on their own, but it also works well as a co-play experience, especially for younger users just starting out. Use code PLAY by February 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a Pok Pok lifetime subscription for $44.97. Pok Pok: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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How to bring back macOS Launchpad with this neat command-line tool
Apple power users on macOS Tahoe are deliberately undoing parts of Apple's latest interface overhaul in order to remove the Liquid Glass design.Bring back Launchpad to macOS TahoeThere's an unofficial workaround that brings back the classic Launchpad app grid and reduces Liquid Glass's heavy translucency. The tool allows users to enjoy macOS Tahoe's performance and feature updates without fully embracing its new visual style.Liquid Glass looks polished in screenshots and marketing videos, with layered blur and reflections giving a sense of depth and motion. In daily use, those effects can feel intrusive, particularly on large displays or detailed wallpapers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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600 companies in Japan want the Epic treatment — a free ride in Apple's ecosystem
Apple set up alternative app stores and external payments in Japan similar to how it is being handled in the EU, but developers say it has "no economic incentive" and want to pay nothing to Apple.iOS in Japan has been opened up to alternative app stores, but there's a problemAn ongoing snafu between Apple, Epic, and Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has led to an injunction forcing Apple to allow external payments without collecting a commission. While that is being appealed in the US, developers in Japan want similar treatment.According to a report from The Japan News, seven IT-related industry groups comprising over 600 companies released a statement asking Apple and Google to eliminate new commissions. They mean the ones for alternative app marketplaces and externally linked purchases that were forced into place by the Mobile Software Competition Law (MSCL). Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Tim Cook promises Apple will celebrate its upcoming 50th anniversary
Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, which means this year marks the company’s 50th anniversary. In a recent all-hands meeting with employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased that Apple is planning a celebration for this historic milestone. more…

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