Today in Apple history: Microsoft gets sued for ripping off Mac OS
On March 17, 1988, Apple sued Microsoft for allegedly stealing 189 elements of its Macintosh operating system to create Windows 2.0. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

Tim Cook names Apple’s greatest contributions, talks tariff refunds and retirement rumors
Apple CEO Tim Cook continues the company’s 50th anniversary celebration with a press stop at Good Morning America on ABC News. The latest interview with Michael Strahan touches on a wide range of topics, including Apple’s greatest contribution, potential tariff refunds, Cook’s future as CEO, and more. more…

Read more »

9to5Mac Overtime 063: The new standard
Fernando and Jeff talk MacBook Neo impressions. The conclusion? The MacBook Neo isn’t necessarily about raw power or specs, it’s all about redefining what the new standard for a budget laptop should be. 9to5Mac Overtime is a weekly video-first podcast exploring fun and interesting observations in the Apple ecosystem, featuring 9to5Mac’s Fernando Silva & Jeff Benjamin. Subscribe to Overtime via Apple Podcasts and our YouTube channel for more. more…

Read more »

App Store fees drop in China & Beijing immediately asks for more
China is escalating pressure on Apple's App Store just days after a fee cut, signaling the fight is shifting from commissions to the rules that govern payments and app distribution.China is escalating pressure on AppleChina's ruling party newspaper, the People's Daily, said on March 17 that Apple should ease what it called "monopolistic" policies. The editorial followed Apple's move to cut its App Store commission in mainland China from 30% to 25%.Chinese officials framed the move as a result of regulatory pressure, with the change following communication with regulators. The timing shows regulators are pushing beyond pricing and into how Apple controls iOS. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Beats and Nike team up on special edition Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats and Nike are teaming up for their first-ever hardware collaboration. The new “Powerbeats Pro 2 – Nike Special Edition” blend Beats and Nike design as part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration for Apple’s Beats subsidiary. more…

Read more »

Apple's next 50th anniversary concert is probably in China
New York had Alicia Keys, now China is celebrating Apple's 50th birthday with a score of dancers now seen rehearsing ahead of what looks to be a spectacular light show and concert.Dancers rehearsing ahead of a performance outside Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu — image credit: Chengdu City CDCApple promised a series of events celebrating the company's half century, and those began in New York City with a concert by Alicia Keys at Apple Grand Central. Now Chinese social media is starting to show what may be the next event, a dance and probably music concert in China.Images seen so far appear to show that Apple has created a stage in front of its Apple Chengdu Taikoo Li store. Surrounded by thick walls, the stage contains an large elevated section draped in black, and with what look to be floodlights and speakers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

The Oppo Find N6 gives us a preview of the iPhone Fold, with a 600k fold life
It’s taken Apple a long time to advance work on the iPhone Fold, and the reason for that was said to be that the company was unhappy with the visible crease in earlier iterations of the display technology. By late last year, around 100 iPhone fold models were said to have been made for testing purposes. These will of course be closely guarded, but a competing Android phone has given us a reasonable idea of what we might expect … more…

Read more »

By missing AI, Apple is winning AI
In an era when tech giants are burning hundreds of billions on massive AI data centers and infrastructure bets, Apple is conspicuously… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Get a 10th-gen iPad for just $239.99
This 10th-gen iPad (2022) packs a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and all-day battery life. Get a near-mint refurbished iPad 10 for less. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

Apple TV’s new Keanu Reeves comedy looks hilarious, here’s the trailer
Apple TV has just released the trailer for its new comedy film, Outcome, starring Keanu Reeves and a stacked supporting roster. And based on this early look, it has all the makings of a hit. more…

Read more »

Why every Mac user should be thrilled MacBook Neo packs 8GB of RAM
MacBook Neo needs just 8GB of RAM, and that's great news for all Mac users, even users of high-end computers. Here's why. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations move from New York to China
Apple began its 50th anniversary celebrations at New York’s Grand Central Station on Friday and is reportedly continuing them in China tomorrow. We’re again expecting a live performance by a popular singer, and Apple retail head Deirdre O’Brien has been spotted in the country … more…

Read more »

11 tech giants – but not Apple – have signed up to an anti-scam initiative
Eleven tech giants and major retailers have signed up to a new anti-scam initiative ahead of a United Nations global fraud summit. The Industry Accord Against Online Scams & Fraud recognizes the growing use of AI by criminal gangs to create more convincing scams, and pledges cooperation between the companies to combat this … more…

Read more »

BenQ MA270S review: Studio Display specs for a whole lot less
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Great image and text quality Height-adjustable stand is standard Several connectivity options Cons No built-in webcam 70Hz max refresh rate may not be high enough for gamers Our Verdict If you’ve been holding out for a 5K 27-inch display, take a look at the BenQ MA270S. It’s a good alternative to the Apple Studio Display with excellent image quality and more diverse connection options. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$999 Best Prices Today: MA270S Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BenQ has been doing a great job with its displays geared towards Mac users. I’ve reviewed the MA270U and the MA270UP and recommend them. But those 27-inch displays do have one specific feature that may be a no-go for some customers: They are 4K displays, not 5K like the Apple Studio Display. Most people will be fine with 4K, but for others, that’s a deal breaker. Good news: BenQ now has a 5K offering, the new MA270S. It basically looks the same as the others, except it’s now a direct competitor to the high-resolution Studio Display. More good news: the MA270S lives up to the standard set by its two predecessors, with a great combination of image quality, features, and price. Specifications Size27 inchesGlass frontNano Gloss PanelAspect ratio16:9Native resolution5120 by 2880Panel type/BacklightIPS/LED backlightResponse time5 msContrast ratio2000:1Refresh rate70HzColor depth10-bitBrightness450 nitsDimensions with stand (horizontal)Highest height: 22.1 by 24.2 by 8.7 inches (560.1 by 613.8 by 220.2mm) Lowest height: 17 by 24.2 by 8.7 inches (430 by 613.8 by 220.2mm)Weight with stand19.05 lbs (8.64 kg) BenQ MA270S: Design and build The MA270S takes its design cues from its 4K brethren. It’s almost exactly like those two displays, with a plastic case and bezels that are less than 1mm. The one major difference is that BenQ moved the Visual Optimizer Sensor to the lower left of the front of the display. While it disrupts the previously clean line, it doesn’t stand out. You see it, but it’s not distracting. The MA270S’s base has a protective pad for resting an iPhone, AirPods, etc.Foundry The Visual Optimizer Sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on the room’s lighting. Placing it on the front allows the brightness to be closer in tune with what the user perceives. It’s a thoughtful change. A few months ago, BenQ released the MA270UP, which implements the company’s Nano Gloss Panel. The MA270S also uses the same panel, so it’s a glossy display and not available in matte. Apple’s Studio Display is also glossy, but it has a Nano-texture glass (matte) option that increases the price by $300. I didn’t experience any glare or eye fatigue while using the MA270S, issues that can occur while using a glossy display. Glossy is preferred by users who want colors that are vivid and black reproduction that is deep–some may say a matte screen, by comparison, has a washed-out appearance. BenQ MA270S: Ports The MA270S has the following ports: Two HDMI 2.0 ports One 35W PowerDelivery USB-C port One 96W PowerDelivery Thunderbolt 4 port One 15W PowerDelivery Thunderbolt 4 port Two USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 7.5W) One USB-C downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 15W) 3.5mm headphone jack Macs can connect via HDMI, USC-C, or Thunderbolt.Foundry MacBooks can connect to the display via HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt, and I used all three types without any issues. However, if you connect via HDMI, your MacBook does not charge while connected–HDMI connections don’t provide power. If you want to use the display as a hub, you need to connect the MacBook to USB-C or Thunderbolt. BenQ MA270S: Image quality The MA270S produces pleasing images of great quality, and the text looks sharp. In the Macworld office, I usually use a 4.5K iMac to produce the Macworld Podcast in the studio, and when I switched to a MacBook Pro connected to the BenQ display, I could easily see the upgrade in quality. The blacks are richer, colors are rich, and text looks crisp. This display, like the other MA270 displays, is impressive. One small upgrade that the MA270S offers over the other BenQ displays is a 70Hz refresh rate, slightly higher than the standard 60Hz (which Studio Display uses). I didn’t notice a difference in general everyday use, but those with a more discerning eye might notice the difference over other monitors when scrolling or watching videos. The MA270S’s refresh rate is fixed at 70Hz, so if you want a faster rate (90Hz or 120Hz), you’ll need to look elsewhere. BenQ MA270S: Price The MA270S is priced at $999, and the company is offering a special deal where if you buy two displays, the second display is 20 percent off. This offer is good during the March pre-order period. At $999, it’s significantly cheaper than the Apple Studio Display. Keep in mind that if you want a height-adjustable stand with Apple’s display, you have to pay an extra $400–a feature that’s standard on BenQ’s display–which doubles the price. The MA270S tilts, swivels, and pivots 90 degrees, though you won’t get a webcam or Spatial Audio speakers. USB and a headphone jack are located on the bottom of the display for easy access.Foundry Should you buy the BenQ MA270S? If you’ve been holding out for a 5K 27-inch display, take a look at the BenQ MA270S. It’s a good alternative to the Apple Studio Display; the MA270S matches its image quality, while offering more options as a connection hub. One clear advantage the Studio Display has is a built-in webcam, which is missing from the MA270S, but the Studio Display is prohibitively more expensive if you need a height-adjustable stand. Apple released the 2nd-gen Studio Display in March 2026, and it’s not all that different than the previous model. It still costs $1,599, and the upgrades are minor: Thunderbolt 5 and a better camera. It uses the same 5K, 60Hz panel as before, so unless you want a built-in webcam or Thunderbolt 5, there’s no reason to choose it over the MA270S. Now read: Best Mac monitors: The Mac compatible displays we recommend

Read more »

AI Apps Generate Revenue but Struggle With Retention
AI-powered apps are driving higher conversions and revenue, but retention remains weak. High churn, shorter trials, and rising costs expose a gap between early excitement and lasting value. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

Read more »

How a MacBook Neo bought for a high school student is worth $50k to Apple
One of the biggest mysteries ahead of the MacBook Neo launch was the price. We’d seen various estimates in the $599 to $799 range, and while we’d certainly hoped for that lower-end figure, experienced Apple watchers weren’t necessarily expecting it. Reaction to the price was universally positive, all the more so as it breaks the $500 barrier for education users. School and college students can buy the machine for just $499 … more…

Read more »

How Apple secures MacBook Neo's camera indicator without a hardware light
Instead of a secure, dedicated indicator light, MacBook Neo just shows a green icon when the camera is in use. Yet years of software engineering effort means the camera "exclave" still can't be hacked.MacBook Neo secures its camera in softwareFor the right audience, the MacBook Neo is a superb buy, plus you can repair it, you can even modify it a little. But reportedly, what you can't do is hijack the camera even though the MacBook Neo lacks the usual hardware indicator light.John Gruber reports in his Daring Fireball blog that the MacBook Neo's on-screen green icon indicator turns out to be pretty much as secure. He quotes developer Guilherme Rambo saying that "the software-based camera indicator light... runs in the secure exclave part" of the processor. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

AirPods Max 2 may look old, but these big upgrades are inside
Macworld It’s been a long time since Apple was able to release something without the whole internet knowing about it beforehand. But we were surprised by the announcement of AirPods Max 2, a product we weren’t really expecting anytime soon. AirPods Max were released in December of 2020, and received a minor USB-C update with new colors in 2024. AirPods Max 2 changes very little from a design standpoint. It’s the same headphones, with the same speakers and microphones. But Apple has replaced the H1 chip with the H2, and that brings with it a lot of improvements and new capabilities. Here’s how the AirPods Max models stack up AirPods Max vs. AirPods Max USB-C vs. AirPods Max 2 AirPods Max got a minor update to USB-C in 2024, but the new H2 version adds a lot on top of that. Here’s a look at everything that’s different bettern the three versions: AirPods Max (Lightning)AirPods Max (USB-C)AirPods Max 2ReleasedDecember 2020September 2024April 2026Price$549$549$549ColorsSpace Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, PinkMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeSize7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inchesWeight13.6 ounces13.6 ounces13.6 ouncesProcessorH1H1H2ConnectionLightningUSB-CUSB-CWired AudioLightning-to-3.5mmUSB-to-3.5mm, USB-C (with software update)USB-to-3.5mm, USB-CLow-latency audioNoYes (USB-C only)Yes (USB-C only)Lossless audioNo24-bit, 48 kHz (USB-C only)24-bit, 48 kHz (USB-C only)Noise CancellationYesYesYes (1.5x better)TransparencyYesYesYes (More natural)Adaptive AudioNoNoYesConversation AwarenessNoNoYesSiri support“Hey Siri”“Hey Siri”“Hey Siri” and just “Siri”Live TranslationNoNoYesVoice IsolationNoNoYesPersonalized VolumeNoNoYesCamera remoteNoNoYesBattery LifeUp to 20 hours w/ANC enabledUp to 20 hours w/ANC enabledUp to 20 hours w/ANC enabledSmart CaseYesYesYes Three years after their introduction, Apple updated AirPods Max to swap out the Lightning port for USB-C and refresh the colors. It only impacted charging, though, and was hardly worth mentioning. Then, in the iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 update (along with a firmware update), Apple added USB-C audio with enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with “ultra-low latency” when plugged in via USB-C. AirPods Max 2 appear to be identical to the USB-C updated version, but by swapping out the H1 chip for the newer H2, you get a lot of benefits. Apple says noise cancellation is up to 1.5x better, transparency mode sounds more natural, and you get all the other features common to H2-enabled AirPods: Adaptive Audio, the ability to say just “Siri” instead of “Hey, Siri,” Voice Isolation, Live Translation, and so on. They also come in the same five colors with the same magnetic Smart Case. The price has remained $549 throughout, but they’re almost always on sale from third-party retailers, with sites like Amazon usually selling them for $449 or less, and we’ve seen as low as $399 during sales events. Apple AirPods Max 2 Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $549 at Apple

Read more »

Apple’s real intelligence? Winning the waiting game
Macworld Apple is behind on AI! We all know it! It was in all the papers. But Horace Dediu wonders if Apple didn’t pull off the most brilliant move in corporate history. That move? Not dumping hundreds of billions into AI. Just tens of billions. The Macalope has been suggesting much the same thing for a while now and Dediu questions the spend Apple’s competitors are making on AI. Amazon is spending $200 billion this year on AI data centers. Google, $185 billion. Microsoft, $114 billion. Meta, $135 billion. Combined: $650 billion. Well, surely it’s all going swimmingly, though: “Meta planning sweeping layoffs as AI costs mount” We’ve gone from “AI does everything so we can now lay off all our staff!” to “We have to lay off all our staff because AI is sucking all our resources.” It’s almost as if AI is being as an excuse for layoffs. Ha-ha! That would be silly! Because, in reality, we know that there really is no problem that cannot be solved by laying off vast swaths of the people who have devoted their careers to you. It’s just math. Speaking of math, it seems Apple’s spreadsheets are coming up with different numbers than everyone else’s. Dediu notes: …Apple’s capital budget is still a modest $14 billion… It’s not nothing, but it’s not close to the vast sums these other companies are throwing at it. And who is the big beneficiary of all this spending? Nvidia. Apple is refusing to transfer its cash flow to Nvidia. Curiously, it believes that its cash flow belongs to its shareholders, not to Nvidia’s. It’s weird how many recent tech trends have relied on Nvidia’s chips: crypto, NFTs, the blockchain, and now AI. Two years ago, the Macalope joked: The Macalope doesn’t consider himself someone prone to conspiracy theories, but he would not be surprised to find out years from now that Nvidia has been running a powerful psychological ops campaign that dreams up technologies that require its boards to run and then convince venture capital firms to invest in them. Was it a joke? He’s not even sure anymore. Dediu notes: The hyperscalers are now spending 94 percent of their operating cash flows on AI infrastructure. Eeeyow. There are places where AI is reaping some real gains in productivity and utility, such as programming, data analysis, and accessibility. And then there are all the other places where these companies are trying to jam it like a slippery herring into a carburetor. If you’d like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast, David Price’s weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors.Foundry Why are you trying to put it in there, Phil?! It doesn’t belong in there! You’re a terrible mechanic! The Macalope doesn’t know why he brings his car to you! Examples: Customer support? Customers don’t want it. Virtual assistants? Enhanced Siri may be late but enhanced Alexa is out there stumbling around looking for someone to hold its beer. A study showed that in the workplace, far from helping, AI is causing “brain fry”. The Macalope doesn’t really know what that is but it doesn’t sound good. And then there’s generative AI. At least that’s all fun and games, right—oh nooo… “Teens sue Elon Musk’s xAI over Grok’s AI-generated CSAM” (Grok and X, by the way? Still on the App Store, in case you were wondering.) Ultimately, however, Apple seems to be mostly taking the same stance with AI that it took with Dropbox. “You’re a feature, not a product.” So far, that seems 100 percent correct. Every attempt to make AI a product has failed or is having a lot of trouble getting off the runway. “OpenAI, Jony Ive AI hardware faces reported delays” “Uh, so far every prototype we’ve made has exploded inside the hangar. One of them exploded before we had even made the device. The artist’s rendering exploded. I don’t even know how that happens.” The one thing Apple definitely did do wrong was promising Apple Intelligence features it could not deliver and may not be able to any time soon. If Apple had simply said “Our devices are ready to fully support on-device models from whatever vendors want to work with us to retain privacy. Our software will also hook into cloud-based AI for customers who want more.” it might have saved itself some trouble. Apple didn’t miss the AI revolution. It just bet that the winners won’t be the ones who build the infrastructure. All this spending is predicated on big demand for AI products in the future and right now that’s a real uncertainty. On the plus side, can you imagine the first Spirit Halloween that sets up shop in a former AI data center? Just epic.

Read more »

HomeKit Weekly: Aqara releases its first Matter camera alongside a new Apple Home enabled wired doorbell
Aqara just announced two major additions to its smart home security lineup today. They have released the Camera Hub G350, which is the company’s first Matter-certified camera, along with the Doorbell Camera G400. I always look forward to seeing what Aqara does next, as they have been a great way to build out a low-cost smart home for years. These two devices bring so many needed features to the Apple Home ecosystem. more…

Read more »