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- Saturday February 07
- 10:28 pmThese are the best new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals in February
If you’re looking to kick off the new year with a new MacBook, now’s a fantastic time to buy. In recent years, Macs have become more and more affordable – largely in part because of Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon. These MacBooks are also more capable than ever. Apple’s latest macOS Tahoe update also dropped support for practically all Intel Macs (with some small exceptions). If you’d like to stay on the latest and greatest Apple software, nows a fitting time to upgrade. Keep up with all of the latest MacBook deals on 9to5Toys. more…09:52 pmVariable aperture camera will give iPhone 18 Pro users more photo options
The iPhone 18 Pro's camera system will be more flexible for photographers, with claims of a variable aperture main camera and a larger-aperture telephoto camera undergoing testing and expected to arrive later in 2026.iPhone 17 Pro has a new wider camera plateau, which could feasibly contain a variable aperture mechanism.The camera is one of the key marketable elements of the iPhone, and the rumor mill frequently tries to guess about the next changes to arrive. If current rumors are to be believed, that should include variable apertures.According to Weibo leaker "Digital Chat Station," Apple is currently testing a version of the iPhone with a variable aperture fitted. This is a feature that could be introduced as part of the iPhone 18 Pro range in September. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:30 pmIndie App Spotlight: ‘WatchFit’ lets you make custom workouts for your Apple Watch
Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact. If you’re an avid Apple Watch user, you might find yourself wanting more workout choices than what the Workout app can offer you. WatchFit bridges that gap, allowing you to build custom, structured workouts to your choosing. more…05:34 pmApple Plans to Allow Outside Voice-Controlled AI Chatbots in CarPlay
Apple "is preparing to allow voice-controlled AI apps from other companies in CarPlay," reports Bloomberg, citing "people familiar with the matter." Bloomberg calls it "a move that will let users query AI chatbots through its vehicle interface for the first time." The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan hasn't been announced. The change marks a strategic shift for Apple, which until now has only allowed its own Siri assistant as a voice-control option within its popular vehicle infotainment software. With the move, AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic PBC and Alphabet Inc.'s Google will be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode... The company also has launched a higher-end version of the platform, CarPlay Ultra, that lets drivers control functions like seat adjustments and climate settings directly through Apple's software. But that system is rolling out slowly and must be customized for each automaker. That means it's likely to be a niche offering. The article notes that Tesla is now working to support Apple's CarPlay. Read more of this story at Slashdot.05:15 pmBrowser interoperability drive made Safari work more like the others
Safari now works a lot like other major browsers when it comes to displaying web content on an iPhone or Mac, after a year-long joint effort to make the online experience similar across the industry.Safari is Apple's web browser found in iOS, iPadOS, and macOSAs people who grew up with Internet Explorer and Netscape can attest, there can be a lot of difference between what one browser displays and what another shows. Thanks to an effort between multiple browser makers, including Apple, the web navigation tools now work a lot more predictably.As explained in a Friday WebKit blog post, Interop 2025 was the fourth year when browser developers worked to improve the interoperability of browsers. The group, made up of Apple, Bocoup, Google, Igalia, Microsoft, and Mozilla, determined areas where interoperability matters for web developers, and then focused work on those features. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:22 pmApple will introduce these key Messages app upgrades very soon, here’s what they are
Last year, Apple confirmed that it’d be supporting end-to-end encryption with RCS in a future software update. At the time, iOS 18 was still the latest version of iOS – thus implying that the upgrade would come as part of the next round of software – iOS 26. So far, end-to-end encryption is yet to ship. That’s not the only thing though. The upgrade to end-to-end encryption would’ve also necessitated other major upgrades to the RCS protocol, and as of iOS 26.3 RC, it’s all still missing. more…02:55 pmKeychron K8 mechanical keyboard is hot-swappable, customizable and on sale for $80
The Keychron K8 is a customizable, no-nonsense mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches, wireless flexibility and a premium build. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:15 pmToday in Apple history: Steve Wozniak survives a plane crash
On February 7, 1981, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was involved in a serious plane crash, resulting in his first lengthy leave of absence. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:00 pmEvery Apple Music icon explained: Your complete guide to mastering the app
A bunch of the Apple Music buttons on the playback screen aren’t labeled, and don’t have a very obvious meaning. Here’s a quick guide. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:00 pmHands-on: This charger makes fast Qi2.2 25W wireless charging more affordable for your iPhone | 9 to 5 MacHands-on: This charger makes fast Qi2.2 25W wireless charging more affordable for your iPhone
I few months back, I reviewed Kuxiu’s X40 Turbo. It was one of the first chargers to bring us the new Qi2.2 25W charging speeds. It came in an awesome cosmic orange color to match the new iPhone 17 Pro, was super compact, and also charged my Apple Watch and AirPods. That charger became a mainstay in my travel pack. But now Kuxiu has introduced its new X55 Turbo charger, a more budget-focused option that delivers nearly the same core experience at a more competitive price point. The biggest change comes down to the design and materials, but performance stays the same, which is the most important aspect. Here is what you should know. more…02:00 pmApple @ Work: Platform SSO is the single most important technology Apple has introduced for the enterprise | 9 to 5 MacApple @ Work: Platform SSO is the single most important technology Apple has introduced for the enterprise
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage and protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. For the last fifteen years, Mac admins have been chasing a ghost: the “Single Glass Pane” of identity. We spent years trying to bind Macs to Active Directory, only to realize it was a nightmare to manage. Then we moved to other tools to sync local passwords with the cloud. These were great tools, but they were band-aids. They were third-party software trying to connect two different worlds (local and cloud). With Platform SSO, Apple has built that glue directly into the foundation of macOS. I will go on record: this is the most critical enterprise technology Apple has shipped since the foundation of device management. It marked the moment where the Mac became a direct extension of your cloud identity. more…12:00 pmThis week’s top stories: iPhone Fold specs, MacBook Pro rumors, more
Welcome to 9to5Mac’s top stories of the week, where we recap the biggest news in the Apple world every Saturday. This week, we have new iPhone Fold rumors, CarPlay expectations, and an Apple all-hands meeting. Plus, our usual slate of new podcast episodes, opinion pieces, and much more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories. more…08:00 amThe 10TB lifetime cloud storage deal that pays for itself ends tomorrow
Macworld TL;DR: Grab a 10TB lifetime cloud storage plan at $269.97 before the price goes back up after tomorrow, February 8 (MSRP $2,900). Most cloud storage plans quietly charge you over and over again for the same space. This one flips that model on its head, offering enough storage for years of photos, projects, and backups with a one-time commitment that’s only available for a little longer. The 10TB plan is perfect for most users who never want to run out of space, and it’s 90% off right now. (2TB-100TB plans are also available on the same sales page!) For Apple users who care about privacy as much as convenience, Internxt checks all the boxes. It’s built around end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge storage, and 100% open-source transparency, meaning your files stay yours—not scanned, not analyzed, not viewed. And because the cloud storage works on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and any browser, you can keep your files synced across every device you rely on. Upload photos, back up projects, move documents between your Mac and iPhone, or share files securely with just a few clicks. Internxt even includes post-quantum encryption to protect against future-proof hacking. Get this 10TB Internxt lifetime cloud storage plan on sale for $269.97 until February 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT (MSRP $2,900). No coupon is needed. Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB PlanSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.08:00 amThe mini smartphone minimalists have been waiting for is $100
Macworld TL;DR: A tiny but powerful 4G Android smartphone that fits anywhere, works everywhere, and costs way less than you’d expect. Smartphones keep getting bigger, heavier, and harder to ignore—until now. The NanoPhone Pro flips the script by packing full smartphone functionality into a device that’s about the size of a credit card. Yes, it’s real. And yes, it actually works (and it’s on sale). Despite its ultra-small footprint, NanoPhone Pro covers the essentials: crystal-clear 4G calls, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS navigation, Face ID security, and an edge-to-edge display that somehow makes the most of every inch. It runs Android with certified access to the Google Play Store, so apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, Instagram, Gmail, and more work just like you’d expect. This is the kind of phone that makes sense in a lot of real-world scenarios. Traveling light? Perfect. Going for a run, bike ride, or day at the beach? Easy carry. Want a phone for an evening out that doesn’t bulk out your bag? This checks that box too. Dual-SIM support makes it especially useful for international travel or for separating work and personal numbers. Battery life is optimized for efficiency, the build is durable enough for everyday use, and global LTE band support means it works with U.S. and international carriers (just pop in a SIM). Big phones are nice—but sometimes, smaller really is smarter. Get this NanoPhone Pro Mini Smartphone while it’s on sale for $99.99 (MSRP $199.99) for a limited time. NanoPhone Pro Advanced Mini 4G SmartphoneSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.12:27 am9to5Mac Overtime 058: Give me your phone
Apple releases iOS 26.3 RC, Jeff plays with Moltbot on his Mac mini, Fernando gets his iPhone’s screen fixed, Jeff laments what it’s like to use Apple Pay at drive thrus, why Apple should add native screen sharing from the iPad back to the Mac, and Fernando gets a new MacBook Pro and considers switching to Final Cut Pro. 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…12:25 amPages, Keynote, and Numbers 15 Go Freemium
Apple has folded Pages, Keynote, and Numbers into its Creator Studio subscription bundle, but the upgrade process has been confusing and the App Store ratings have cratered. Here’s what happened, what’s actually behind the paywall, and what you should do.Friday February 0611:52 pm9to5Mac Daily: February 6, 2026 – Tim Cook’s all-hands meeting, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Stuff: Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. Use code 9TO5 at checkout for 50% off your first year. more…10:44 pmApple dinged over low-quality, scammy-looking ads on Apple News
Apple’s controversial partnership with Taboola to serve ads on Apple News seems to be going exactly as expected. Here’s why. more…09:48 pmApple highlights cross-browser compatibility progress in 2025
Apple’s WebKit blog published a post today highlighting the results of Interop 2025, an industry-wide effort to improve cross-browser interoperability. Here are the details. more…08:57 pmiOS 26’s new Phone app has a feature I don’t ever want to go without
Apple overhauled the Phone app in iOS 26 with a new design and added several powerful features, including a new call screening option that I don’t ever want to go without. more…