MacBook Neo could face price hike, analyst predicts
Macworld The MacBook Neo, by almost all accounts, is a wildly successful product, so much so that Apple quickly started to run short of the “free” binned A18 Pro chips it used in the laptop. This is great news for Apple, which has a blockbuster on its hands and a new source of revenue in the budget space. But it could be bad news for consumers who haven’t yet managed to snag a Neo. According to the Taipei-based tech columnist Tim Culpan, writing in his Culpium newsletter this week, Apple has decided to respond to the higher-than-expected demand by doubling its Neo production plans… which might seem like a no-brainer, except that the ongoing components crisis means the new batch could be a lot more expensive for Apple than the original one. The company faces, Culpan claims, “a severe cut in gross margins amid escalating DRAM prices and a higher cost-base for the core processor.” At the heart of the issue is that the Neo’s binned A18 Pro, a mildly defective version of the chip produced randomly as a natural byproduct of the imperfect manufacturing process, are running low, and cannot be created to order. Most of the new processors Apple will receive, Culpan explains, won’t be binned at all: rather, they’ll be fully functional A18 Pros with six operational GPUs instead of the five in the Neo’s spec. Apple may disable one GPU chip via software, as bizarre as that sounds, in order to maintain consistency. But that won’t change the fact that these non-binned chips will cost more than the binned ones. And that’s on top of the fact that other components have also gone up in price as a result of ballooning demand for AI server hardware. Each second-batch Neo will cost significantly more to make than its first-batch equivalent, and profit margins tend to be tighter at the budget end of the market anyway. How can Apple preserve its profits? We’ve speculated earlier that Apple may introduce the A19 Pro Neo earlier than anticipated to absorb some of the blow, but Culpan suggests a bolder option. While he’s already floated the possibility that Apple drops the $599 256GB model from sale and pushes customers to the higher-margin $699 512GB configuration, in this latest article, he goes further, arguing that this now looks more likely than ever, after Apple pulled exactly the same move with the Mac mini. The 256GB model of that device is no longer available, effectively increasing the baseline price from $599 to $799 (although at least you get twice as much storage). It’s important to note that Culpan does not present this as something Apple is definitely planning to do, nor even that he has firm evidence that the company has discussed it. This is merely an analyst predicting what is likely, based on supply-chain pressures and recent activity with another budget Mac product. But sure, it could happen, so if you have your eye on a $599 MacBook Neo, you should grab it. Our MacBook Neo deals page is a good place to start.

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The Zens Semi-Solid-State Powerbank: a modest but worthwhile battery breakthrough
Next-generation battery technology is much like fusion power: a major breakthrough is always a year or two away. We keep being promised things like laptop batteries that can last for a month, and true wireless charging throughout a room. None of it ever materializes. However, one modest but still worthwhile breakthrough in battery tech is real and available today: solid-state powerbanks – including a new MagSafe model from Zens … more…

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: Swap Apple Intelligence Models, Apple advertising on Apple Maps
Perhaps one of the best Apple Intelligence decisions I've ever heard, the company announced this week that users will be able to swap Apple's AI model to a rival's to control the new AI system. That means you could use Claude or Gemini or another company that wants to have theirs available. Dave and I also talk about Apple's decision to show advertising on Maps. A disappointing choice for a company that ridiculed Google for its advertising efforts to customers and saying Apple doesn't treat its customers like the product. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: NordLayer: Get an exclusive offer: up to 22% off NordLayer yearly plans plus 10% on top with the coupon code: DALRYMPLE10. Try it risk-free—14-day money-back guarantee. Show Notes: Apple Stops Selling Mac Mini With 256GB of Storage, Starting Price Rises to $799 Apple settles Apple Intelligence lawsuit Apple plans to let users swap Apple Intelligence models Apple lands first-ever honors from the Tony Awards with a record 12 nominations Apple reports second quarter results Shows and movies we're watching Running Point, Netflix The Truman Show, Paramount+

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Wedbush biggest bull on Apple with huge target price jump to $400
Financial analysts at Wedbush have consistently been bullish about Apple, but now has raised its target price by a whopping $50 to $400, making its greatest jump in at least the last five years.The new Siri is comingBack in April 2025 when Trump's tariffs first struck, Wedbush did cut its Apple price target $325 down to $250, but that was a rare drop. Now it's made a similarly large increase, taking its price target from the $350 it set in December 2025, to $400.This is the highest price target ever set for Apple by any investment firm, and in a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, the company's analysts attribute it very much to AI. They believe that what Apple will reveal at WWDC 2026 in June will lead to around a fifth of the entire world's population using AI via Apple devices over the next few years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple cracks down on unverified student discounts in US
You can no longer purchase Apple products in the US and Canada with a student or teacher discount without verifying your eligibility. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iOS 26 review one year later: Liquid Glass complaints hide the real problem
Most of the conversation around iOS 26 got lost behind social media's need for it to be as controversial a change as iOS 7. The bigger story is the lack of a revitalized Apple Intelligence.iOS 26 review: Liquid Glass all the way downMy iOS 26 review is going to focus on the changes that actually affected our day-to-day use of the iPhone. There are a lot of new features, app updates, and the Liquid Glass material, but the elephant in the room is the ongoing delays in AI.If you're here for me to pile onto the Apple failure bandwagon, this isn't the review for you. In fact, I am still fully of the opinion that Apple's admittedly embarrassingly slow start in artificial intelligence might be one of its biggest victories in tech in decades. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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I can’t wait for iOS 27 to fix my iPhone
Macworld With iOS 26, Apple introduced one of the most significant changes to its operating system interface, arguably the most radical since iOS 7. However, this change has also led to many users experiencing annoying bugs and performance issues. Not only that, but Apple still hasn’t delivered on many of the Apple Intelligence features it promised two years ago at WWDC 2024. That’s why, when Apple unveils iOS 27 at WWDC in June, my only wish is that it focuses on fixing iOS instead of changing it even more.  iOS 26 has been a troubled release Every time Apple releases a new version of iOS, some bugs are to be expected. That’s why Apple is always releasing updates to refine its software. No platform is immune to bugs, especially when it has just undergone major changes. But if you ask many iPhone, iPad, or Mac users, they’ll likely tell you that iOS 26 was one of the most buggy releases of recent times. It’s not hard to find reports online about broken features, interface glitches, or slow performance (especially on older devices).  Since September, Apple has released 10 software updates for iOS 26, including major updates and smaller security and bug fixes. We’ve gotten three in just the last month, with iOS 26.4 adding new features, followed by minor updates iOS 26.4.1 and iOS 26.4.2 that focused on bugs and security updates. Still, iOS 26 doesn’t feel as polished as iOS 18 did. For me, one of the most annoying things about iOS 26 has been how hot my iPhone 17 Pro Max with the new vapor cooling chamber gets even when running basic apps like Messages. As a result, the battery has also been draining very quickly. There are also a few minor but very unpleasant bugs, such as icons disappearing or showing up in a different style than the one I chose (like a light icon when dark mode is on), Face ID taking longer to authenticate, and extremely sluggish animations when Low Power Mode is enabled. I could also mention how unreliable the virtual keyboard has become, even with all the fixes in iOS 26.4, and how the Liquid Glass interface has made some text unreadable. Liquid Glass has made some text all but unreadable with certain backgrounds.Foundry Liquid Glass might be to blame The problems all seem to come down to Liquid Glass. Apple’s new shiny interface demands a lot of hardware resources, especially graphics resources, since we see translucency and distortion happening in real time. When Craig Federighi introduced Liquid Glass at WWDC 2025, he made sure to mention how the chips inside Apple devices have evolved in terms of performance in recent years, enabling the company to run a more demanding and complex interface. And that’s true, but it seems that Apple didn’t take the time to fine-tune the performance of this interface on devices that rely heavily on battery power. To test just how resource-intensive the Liquid Glass interface is, I used my MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip since it’s easier to measure GPU and power usage on macOS than it is on iOS. Here, my Mac usually runs at around 3W when idle. It’s pretty impressive. Apple Silicon chips really shine here. And even when I’m doing simple things like scrolling through a webpage in Safari or opening a Finder window, power consumption rarely exceeds 5W. But this is where things start to get interesting. When I open the Messages app in a chat with an animated background, power consumption spikes to 10W. At the same time, GPU usage, which typically ranges from 0% to 5% when idle, reaches 40 percent when the Mac is rendering animations in the Messages app. Animated Messages backgrounds are neat, but impact performance and battery life.Foundry Since not everyone uses animated backgrounds in their chats, I ran another test with something that most people use: Control Center and Notification Center. And I set my widgets and icons to the “Clear” option. Here, the results were even more shocking. When I opened both Control Center and Notification Center on my Mac, it recorded a peak power consumption of 15W, with GPU usage reaching up to 40 percent to render the animations.

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Apple Store education purchase verification process expands to US
Education customers in the US will need to verify eligibility to make a discounted purchase, as Apple expands its verification process to the US and other countries.Apple is updating its education program with new verification and Apple Watch elligibilityStarting on Friday, May 8, Apple has started to more strictly enforce its education pricing. Previously, while Apple Stores would verify eligibility in person, anyone was able make discounted purchases by visiting the virtual education store.Apple has partnered with Unidays on a new verification system. Students will be able to verify their enrollment and faculty will be able provide the appropriate documentation with the new automated process. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple now requires verification for Education Store, adds Apple Watch with discounts
Apple is rolling out two changes to the Education Store in the United States and other countries. First, Apple now requires verification for all purchases made via the Education Store in the US … so it’s no longer on the “honor system.” Meanwhile, Apple has added Apple Watch to the Education Store for the first time … more…

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This $130 Office 2024 upgrade leaves free apps and MS 365 in the dust
Macworld TL;DR: A one-time $129.97 (reg. $249.99) gets you Microsoft Office 2024 for life—no subscription fees, just the apps you’ll actually use. There’s a point where monthly subscriptions stop feeling convenient and start feeling like a rip-off. If you’re still paying for Microsoft 365 just to use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, this deal is worth a look. Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is down to $129.97 (reg. $249.99) through May 17—and it’s a lifetime license. No recurring fees, no renewal reminders, no “oops, your subscription expired” moments. You’re getting the essentials: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. The difference this time around is how polished and modern everything feels. Performance is noticeably smoother (especially in Excel with large datasets), and the updated interface keeps things clean and consistent across apps. There are also plenty of genuinely useful upgrades. PowerPoint now lets you record presentations with voice and video. Outlook has better accessibility tools, and Excel leans into smarter data insights. You can still collaborate in real time, use AI-assisted suggestions, and work offline when needed—so you’re not giving up functionality, just the ongoing cost. If you’re going to use Office anyway, you might as well own it. Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for just $129.97 (reg. $249.99) through May 17. Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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5 free AI image-editing tools every creator should know
Macworld If you’re a creator, marketer, or active social media user, you’ve probably felt the pressure to produce polished visuals quickly. It’s not just a creativity challenge, it’s about time, tools, and technical skill. That’s exactly where Adobe Firefly stands out. It offers a suite of free, AI-powered tools that let you upload your images and walk through edits step by step—delivering fast, precise, and professional-quality results without requiring advanced design experience. What makes Firefly particularly powerful is its “quick action” approach. Instead of digging through complex menus, users are guided through pre-built prompts tailored to specific tasks. Even better, Firefly allows experimentation with variations using models from partners such as Google and OpenAI—all without switching platforms. The result is a streamlined editing experience that feels intuitive and efficient. Here are five of the most useful free image editing tools inside Adobe Firefly: 1. Remove objects instantly with Generative Remove Adobe Unwanted elements can ruin an otherwise perfect image—think stray tourists, messy signage, or distracting wires. Firefly’s Generative Remove tool makes cleanup effortless. Simply brush over the object you want gone, click “Generate,” and the AI replaces it with a natural-looking background. The real advantage here is precision. Instead of awkward patches or visible edits, Firefly intelligently fills in textures, lighting, and context so the final image looks untouched. Whether you’re refining a product shot or cleaning up a travel photo, the process takes seconds rather than hours. Remove an object from a photo now 2. Expand your image beyond its borders Adobe Sometimes the biggest limitation of a photo is its framing. With Generative Expand, Firefly allows you to extend your image outward while maintaining visual consistency. This tool is especially valuable for marketers and social media users who need multiple aspect ratios. A square image can quickly become a widescreen banner or vertical story format. Firefly automatically generates new content that matches the original image’s lighting, perspective, and style. It’s more than resizing, it’s about reimagining. You can even guide the expansion with text prompts, turning a simple background into a forest scene, a cityscape, or something more imaginative.  AI image expander: Extend images instantly 3. Upscale images without losing quality Adobe Low-resolution images are a common frustration, especially when working with older assets or user-generated content. Firefly’s AI-powered upscaling tool solves this by increasing image size while preserving sharpness and detail. Instead of stretching pixels, the AI reconstructs missing detail, making images look crisp even at 2x or 4x enlargement. This is particularly useful for marketers who need to repurpose customer photos or improve outdated brand assets without reshooting or redesigning. It also breathes new life into scanned or archival images, making them suitable for modern use across digital and print platforms.   AI image upscaler: Enhance your images 4. Remove people with precision Adobe Crowded backgrounds can distract from your subject. Firefly’s people removal feature—also powered by Generative Remove—lets you eliminate unwanted individuals just as easily as objects. Brush over the person, generate the edit, and the AI seamlessly fills the space. The result is a clean, distraction-free image that keeps focus exactly where you want it. For social media users, this means no more photobombers. For brands, it ensures visuals stay aligned with messaging and aesthetics. Remove a person from a photo 5. Generate and replace backgrounds effortlessly Adobe Backgrounds define mood, context, and brand identity. Firefly’s AI background generator makes it incredibly simple to swap or create entirely new environments. The tool automatically detects your subject, separates it from the background, and replaces it with a new scene based on your prompt. Whether you want a minimalist studio look, a vibrant outdoor setting, or something more imaginative, Firefly delivers realistic results with matching light and shadows. This is a game-changer for product photography and content creation. Instead of organizing expensive shoots, you can generate professional-grade visuals in minutes—perfectly tailored to your campaign or platform.  AI background generator: Transform photos in a click Why Firefly stands out The real strength of Adobe Firefly lies in its balance of simplicity and control. It doesn’t overwhelm users with technical complexity, yet it delivers highly precise edits that meet professional standards. Speed is another major advantage. Tasks that once required hours of manual work—masking, cloning, resizing—are now completed in a few clicks. And because the platform guides you through each step, even beginners can achieve results that look expertly crafted. For creators juggling deadlines, marketers scaling campaigns, or anyone looking to elevate their visuals, Firefly offers a practical, accessible solution. It turns image editing from a time-consuming chore into a fast, creative process—without sacrificing quality. Start using Adobe Firefly for free. In a world where visual content drives engagement, tools like Firefly aren’t just convenient—they’re essential. Additional Firefly plans with more premium features and higher level of generative credits are also available. Better still, there’s a special offer through May 20th that allows you unlimited generations in Firefly. Special Offer Get unlimited Firefly generations

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Apple pushes back against Canadian bill that could force companies to weaken encryption
Apple and Meta are publicly opposing a new Canadian bill that they say could force tech companies to break encryption or build backdoors into their products. Here are the details. more…

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How to pause Activity Rings in watchOS 26 when you need a break
While Activity Rings are a staple for fitness enthusiasts, there might be times when you need to pause them. Here's how you can do it in watchOS 26.How to pause Activity Rings in watchOS 26The Activity Rings on the Apple Watch are a great way to keep track of your daily movement, exercise, and standing goals. However, there are situations where keeping them active isn't practical.For instance, maintaining your usual activity level could interfere with the recovery process if you're recovering from an illness or injury. Pausing the rings allows you to prioritize healing without feeling pressured to meet daily goals. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Canadian encryption law could force Apple to take drastic action like in UK
Instead of complying with an encryption backdoor mandate in the UK, Apple pulled features like Advanced Data Protection. A similar result could occur in Canada if a new bill passes.Apple's stance on encryption remains unchangedApple won't weaken encryption for any government entity because doing so would allow good guys and bad guys better access to user data. As it argued with the FBI after the San Bernardino shooting, there is no such thing as a backdoor "just for the good guys."Canadian legislators believe that lawful access to encrypted data should be required, which is why Bill C-22 exists. According to a report from Reuters, Apple and Meta are pushing back. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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GameSir Pocket Taco review: an emulator-friendly retro controller with some tradeoffs
The GameSir Pocket Taco is an interesting, single-purpose game controller built for retro gaming on iPhone via emulation. Its low price makes its tradeoffs worth it for nostalgia seekers.GameSir Pocket Taco reviewSince Apple enabled the use of emulators on iPhone, the search for the perfect emulation controller began. We've seen many mounts, attachments, and standard controllers, but the Pocket Taco takes a different approach.Instead of simply being a capacitive set of buttons like Gamebaby, the GameSir Pocket Taco is a full Bluetooth game controller that slips onto your iPhone. Of the two options, I like GameSir's approach better since I don't always want my iPhone to have a controller attached. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV announces new docuseries on UConn women’s basketball team
Apple TV today announced ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,’ a three-part docuseries about the University of Connecticut women’s basketball program. Here are the details. more…

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Spotify’s AI-powered personal DJ adds support for more countries and languages
Spotify announced today that Premium users in more than 75 countries can now interact with the platform’s AI-powered DJ, in an expansion that also includes support for four new languages. Here are the details. more…

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Apple can't avoid $4.1 billion iCloud suit in UK
Apple has failed to reduce the scope of a UK class-action lawsuit, and all iCloud users in the country will be owed $95 if the company loses.Apple could be forced to pay $95 to all iCloud users in the UK, if a class-action lawsuit agains the company is successful.Apple has had its fair share of lawsuits in the United Kingdom, with ongoing cases regarding App Store fees, an alleged price-fixing scheme with retailers, and more.In November 2024, consumer rights group and publication Which? also sued Apple, alleging that the company had an anti-competitive way of locking users into paying for iCloud storage. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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More refunds possible for Apple as Trump's 10% global tariffs found illegal too
The nearly universal 10% tariffs enacted by Trump have been declared illegal, pending appeal, so Apple may get even more cost reduction across its supply chain and additional refunds.Liberation Day tariffs and their follow up are both illegalThe so-called "Liberation Day" on April 2, 2025 hit Apple's supply chain like a ton of bricks. A year later, those "reciprocal" tariffs were declared illegal and new global tariffs were put in place immediately.President Trump attempted to utilize a never-before-used provision to enact the 10% tariffs without congressional approval, but that has backfired. On Thursday, the Court of International Trade has found those new global tariffs were also illegal. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple expands environmental initiatives in India with new partnerships
Apple announced today an expansion of its environmental initiatives in India, with three projects focused on clean energy, plastic pollution, and green entrepreneurship. Here are the details. more…

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