Amazon just took over iPhone satellite service
Macworld Amazon on Tuesday announced that it has acquired Globalstar, a telecom satellite service provider. That means that the satellite coverage that Globalstar provided to iPhones and Apple Watches will now fall under Amazon Leo, Amazon’s satellite internet network. Apple started adding satellite access to the iPhone in 2022 with the iPhone 14 series. It’s not used as a primary method for connectivity; it was introduced as a safety feature for users to contact emergency services when out of cellular range. With satellite connectivity, users can text emergency services as well as family and friends, request roadside assistance, and share their location. Amazon Senior VP Panos Panay posted on X, stating that, “Apple customers are already connected out of cell range, and they’ll do that with @Amazonleo satellites in the future.” We’ve also signed an agreement with @Apple to become their primary satellite service provider for iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple customers are already connected out of cell range, and they’ll do that with @Amazonleo satellites in the future. pic.twitter.com/qLaiX71diO— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) April 14, 2026 Will Amazon provide satellite coverage for free? Free satellite coverage is included with iPhones bought after 2022. When it was introduced, Apple stated that it was a two-year trial run, but then added another year of coverage when the iPhone 15 was introduced in 2023. Then, in September 2025, Apple announced another extension of coverage so that iPhone 14/15 owner will have satellite until September 9, 2026. The iPhone 16 and later and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 have free satellite coverage until September 2028. Included with Tuesday’s announcement is a statement indicating that Amazon has an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity “for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features.” However, no details are offered on whether the service will continue to be offered for free, or if it will become a subscription service once the free coverage expires. Amazon also states that later this year, it will deploy its own next-generation direct-to-device satellite system, that “will offer substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems, which translates into faster speeds and better performance for customers.”

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New 10-port hub brings 8K video and high-speed networking to MacBooks
The Plugable USBC-10IN1E is a versatile 10-in-1 USB-C hub with high-wattage charging, advanced display support and faster networking. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple releases second betas of iOS 26.5 and macOS Tahoe 26.5
Apple has rolled out the second developer betas for iOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, and the full suite of companion operating systems on… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Wallet keeps getting better, here’s what’s new and coming next
Apple Wallet supports car keys, home keys, digital IDs, credit cards, boarding passes, order tracking, and more. Here are the new ways the Wallet app has gotten better recently, and what’s coming next. more…

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Mac user base could double over the next decade – Horace Dediu
Horace Dediu argues that Apple’s rumored low-cost MacBook Neo could be the catalyst that finally expands the Mac platform beyond… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Slim MagSafe iPhone power bank is made for wireless charging haters [Review] ★★★★☆
The Clutch Pro slim power bank is perfect for users who prefer USB-C charging to wireless charging. We did hands-on testing for our review. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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The best USB-C charger for your MacBook Pro, Air or Neo
Macworld Up until the release of its M5 MacBooks Apple shipped standard USB-C power adapters with all its MacBooks, Air and Pro. MacBook owners now get a choice of power adapter shipped with their new laptop (the new MacBook Neo gets just a 20W charger). All should instead seriously consider these superior USB-C chargers. Apple is now shipping its latest laptops without any charger in the E.U and U.K. There are various types of power adapter (a.k.a charger), which we’ll go into more detail later. It’s important to note that there are risks with buying a cheap charger and we don’t recommend you choose on price alone. That bargain MacBook charger might just fry your laptop or get dangerously hot. However, there are some great premium chargers from trusted brands that sell for less than Apple pricey chargers. All the chargers listed here have been tested and are trusted by Macworld. What to look for in a MacBook charger PD charging What you need is a Power Delivery (PD) charger that can connect to your MacBook via USB-C. The most common congregate around the standard laptop power requirements: 30W, 45W, 65W, 100W and 140W. All the USB-C chargers tested here are PD chargers and can also fast-charge an iPhone or even your Watch and AirPods. PD version 3.0 supports up to 100W. PD 3.1 can charge at 140W, which is what you need to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Note that most Thunderbolt 4 ports are rated at PD 3.0—only newer Thunderbolt 5 and the MacBook’s MagSafe port are PD 3.1 so you must use the Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to fast-charge the models of the 140W 16-inch MacBook Pro older than the M4 versions. You can still power those non-M4 laptops via USB-C or Thunderbolt cable but 100W is the maximum power via that method. Wattage A laptop is designed to draw up to a certain amount of watts when running at full power; that is when you are stretching it by using lots of apps or pushing the graphics and video rendering functions—not when you’re just browsing the web. Apple considers this level of max power when it decides on the wattage of the charger it includes with the MacBook. When the laptop is idle or doing mundane jobs, it will draw only a small amount of power from the charger so can get by on a lower-wattage charger. You can use a higher wattage charger on any MacBook—or even iPhone—as the device itself regulates the power input. We recommend a 65W or faster charger for all but the MacBook Neo, which is fine with a 45W power adapter that will be faster than the supplied 20W Apple charger. That said, a tiny 45W charger is fine for a MacBook Air, too, if size is the most important factor for you. Go for 100W for the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 140W for the 16-inch Pro for the very fastest speeds. Fast Charging   Apple supports fast charging on all its latest MacBook models, except the Neo. When connected with the right charger and cable, you can charge a MacBook Air or Pro battery up to 50 per cent in 30 minutes. While Apple doesn’t mention fast charging in relation to the MacBook Neo, we suspect that the 20W charger is a bare minimum and you should get faster charging using a 30W or faster charger. We will test this when we have a Neo in our hands. The Neo is the only modern MacBook that lacks a MagSafe 3 charging port. The MacBook Air models require a 70W charger, which effectively pushes you to 100W for a non-Apple charger. On the 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can fast-charge with a 96W or higher USB-C charger and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or USB-C charge cable. On the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you can fast-charge only with an 140W USB-C Power Adapter (PD 3.1) paired with the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (or a Thunderbolt 5 cable for the M4 and M5 models). Look for a power adapter that supports the latest PD 3.1 standard; other USB chargers have a practical maximum of 100W—fine for a 16-inch Pro but not as fast a charge. Power ports More power ports on a charger make sense as we all have more than one device that needs charging. Look for the total power output if you want to charge more than one device at the same time. When you’re using your MacBook at full power, your charger might not have enough spare power for charging other devices unless you buy a charger with a higher wattage where the excess power can be channeled to your iPhone or AirPods at the same time as you power your laptop. Foundry Portability When travelling with your MacBook or just fiting the charger into tricky power socket placements, the size of the power adapter is important. Dimensions given in our reviews below are for the U.S. models (U.K. chargers are often larger due to their sturdy three-pin Type G plug), which are also pictured for each product, but U.K. and E.U. models are mostly also available. Our recommended USB-C chargers Best USB-C wall chargers Best USB-C desktop chargers Best USB-C travel chargers Best USB-C power strips Most of the PD chargers we review here are wall chargers that plug straight into the power socket. You could also consider a desktop charger, which differs from a straight-to-socket wall charger by connecting to power via a longer plugged cable, so offering greater range. This is sometimes a neater and more versatile desk solution, but isn’t as pocketable for travel as a wall charger that requires just the charger-to-device cable. Another option is a power strip or extender, which has a longer cord and includes AC power sockets you can plug larger devices into. If you need true portability away from a power socket, look for a laptop power bank. We have tested the best portable power banks for MacBook. After our list of recommended chargers we give more specific tips on buying the right charger for your specific model of MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Best USB-C wall chargers for MacBook Here are our reviews of our favorite MacBook wall chargers. Wall charger plug directly into a power socket and are usually compact enough to fit in your pocket. Some are so small you might lose them in there. Anker Nano Charger 45W – Best single-port 45W wall charger Pros Ultra compact 45W Foldable plug (U.S. and U.K.) Cons Single port 45W max Price When Reviewed: $34.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $20.09 View Deal $23.99 View Deal $24.97 View Deal $34.99 View Deal Anker $34.99 View Deal $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.26 x 1.45 inches (33 x 32 x 37mm) Weight: 2.11oz (60g) Ports: 1x USB-C (45W PD) Total power output: 45W Colors: Black, White Best for: MacBook Neo; MacBook Air The single-port Anker Nano 45W Charger is a much better option than the supplied charger for MacBook Neo owners as we believe that the in-the-box Apple 20W Power Adapter is underpowered for the laptop’s potential maximum needs. It is also tiny in size in comparison to the Apple-supplied charger (56% smaller in volume than Apple’s non-GaN 30W Power Adapter, and 20% smaller than the 35W charger), and significantly cheaper while being a safe, trusted brand. Apple’s 20W USB-C Power Adapter is pretty small at 1.63 x 1.67 x 1.06 inches (42 x 43 x 27mm) and light at 2.06oz (59g). The more compact Anker Nano 45W is comparable but offers more than twice the power output. Like the other Anker wall chargers, this model features foldable (U.S.) plug pins; the Apple 20W charger has less portable fixed prongs. The U.K. model is larger due to the ultra-safe Type G format but the plug pins are still foldable. Anker For a little more money you can buy the newer Anker Nano Charger (45W, 180° Foldable) pictured above, which features even more flexible plug prongs that are better at fitting tricky power socket placements due to its more foldable pins. It also features a smart display that will give you real-time charging info. It’s a little large than the standard 45W Nano at 1.3 x 1.4 x 1.6 inches (34 x 35 x 40m). and weighing 2.65oz (75g) but comes in four colors including a Cosmic Orange-matching hue. Sadly it’s for only North American power sockets. You might find it discounted at Amazon. Because the Air can be fast-charged using a higher power adapter, the 65W Rolling Square Supertiny (reviewed below) is a better option for power and around the same size but noticebaly higher in price. It’s not Apple’s prescribed 70W but we’d expect it to charge faster than at 45W. Or you should consider a multiport 65W charger, such as the Ugreen Nexode 65W 3-Port Charger or the Anker Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger—both of which are super-compact and will charge other devices at the same time as you are charging a laptop; see their reviews below.

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Amazon's $11 billion Globalstar deal has implications for future iPhone satellite features
Amazon has agreed to buy Globalstar in a deal worth over $11 billion. It has the potential to add more satellite services to Apple's iPhone in the future.Messages via Satellite - Image Credit: Pixabay/Terry McGrawThe iPhone's satellite features, including Emergency SOS via Satellite, rely on connectivity from satellite service operator Globalstar. That company is now being bought by another tech giant, Amazon.Fulfilling rumors from early April, Amazon confirmed on Tuesday that it has agreed to acquire Globalstar. The deal, which will require the usual regulatory approval for closure, will see Globalstar shareholders receiving either $90 in cash or 0.321 shares of Amazon common stock in exchange for their shares. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple-Amazon deal keeps iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features alive
With the world's biggest retailer buying Globalstar, a new Apple deal with Amazon keeps satellite features going on iPhone and Apple Watch. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Long-awaited Zurich Apple Store upgrade stops short of flagship scale
Apple has filed plans to relocate its Zurich retail store to Lintheschergasse 7, with construction scheduled in May 2027 and an opening expected that summer.Apple Store in Wallisellen, SwitzerlandThe company submitted a building application to the city of Zurich in February 2026 outlining the project. The scheduled plan is to begin construction in November 2026 and finish by May 2027.Apple's plan includes a redesigned storefront, an updated facade, and a reconfigured interior layout located near Zurich's main shopping corridor.. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Improve your workspace with Microsoft Office 2024 and Windows 11 Pro for $104.99
Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business and Windows 11 Pro together for just $104.99, a 76% savings off the $448.99 combined value. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Turn your phone into a multi-model AI workspace
Get 5 years of ChatOn AI for $97.99 and access multiple top AI models, image tools and real-time search in one app—no juggling required. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to hide all the menu bar icons in macOS Tahoe
The macOS Tahoe menu bar icons are one of the more universally panned changes. Luckily, there’s a quick way to disable the icons. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Amazon to acquire Globalstar for $11.57 billion in attempt to challenge Starlink; Apple owns approximately 20% of Globalstar
Amazon.com announced on Tuesday it has agreed to acquire satellite communications company Globalstar in an $11.57 billion… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Amazon buying Globalstar; Apple satellite services to use Amazon Leo
Amazon has today announced that it’s buying satellite giant GlobalStar to allow its Amazon Leo service to offer direct connectivity to consumer devices. Apple owned 20% of the company. The deal will see Apple buy its satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch from Amazon Leo, with the acquisition promising to accelerate innovation and connectivity … more…

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Analysts believe Apple taking a highly unusual step, may double Mac user base
Analysts believe Apple may be adopting a very uncharacteristic policy in pursuit of accelerated growth. The company has traditionally protected its industry-leading profit margins, but now appears to be willing to sacrifice these to some degree in order to prioritize increased market share. Analysts believe this is creating enormous opportunities for increasing the Mac user base in particular, with a big name suggesting that a doubling within the next decade is “certainly achievable” … more…

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MacBook Neo vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Inexpensive Mac vs Windows toe-to-toe
Apple's MacBook Neo is a warning shot at the budget Windows notebook industry. Here's how it compares against the similarly-priced and popular Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x.MacBook Neo [left], Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x [right]The introduction of the MacBook Neo was a big event for Apple. Not only was it a new model for its MacBook catalog, but it was also a shift to cover the value end of the market.This is a price category that Apple has no real prior experience in, considering its premium-focused history. However, while the market is already full of extremely good examples of low-cost notebooks, the MacBook Neo still caused a stir with reviewers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AI Data Center Boom Drives Inland Expansion Across US
Hyperscale data center development is shifting inland as AI demand surges, with Texas and Midwestern states gaining ground due to power availability, lower costs, and faster permitting. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Microsoft Surface price hikes the latest reason to buy a MacBook Neo
Even Windows fans saw the MacBook Neo as a stunning buy, with many saying that Microsoft and other brands were going to be forced to respond. Microsoft has now done so – but in completely the wrong way. Yesterday saw the announcement of some very steep Microsoft Surface price hikes across the full range of models. The 13-inch version matching the MacBook Neo display size has seen a staggering 50% increase from $999 to $1,499 … more…

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CarPlay ruined every other vehicle for me
Macworld From air-vent phone mounts to AUX cables and Bluetooth connections, drivers have long relied on a bewildering array of tech solutions in order to access navigation apps, stream music, and take calls on the road. Apple decided this was all too complicated. CarPlay, which was introduced back in 2014, streamlined the in-car experience by projecting a familiar iOS interface on to compatible displays. It’s taken me a while, but I’ve finally joined the party. Earlier this month, I bought my first CarPlay-enabled vehicle: a 2026 Kia Picanto. Within hours, I realised that I’ll never be able to go back. Much like an Apple TV 4K, CarPlay transforms unintuitive infotainment systems into fluid extensions of the iPhone, presenting your apps and data through a UI you already know. Switching to anything else would be a downgrade. Firing up CarPlay Like most Apple setup flows, getting started with CarPlay requires just a few taps. Once I confirmed the pairing, my compatible iPhone apps instantly appeared on the Picanto’s display, automatically logging me into all of my accounts. From this point on, CarPlay launches whenever I start my car and disconnects in a similar fashion. It’s convenient and doesn’t require me to manually initiate anything before each ride. CarPlay offers the right balance between simplicity and functionality. For instance, I can reorder my apps and widgets, but I’m limited to a few first-party wallpaper options—presumably to minimize distractions. Likewise, the Settings app on CarPlay offers some basic customizations but doesn’t give me full control over the look or experience. In general, built-in and third-party CarPlay apps revolve around driving-related tools and leave out the rest of their feature sets. Beyond touchscreen controls, CarPlay primarily relies on Siri commands and speech-to-text input to help drivers stay focused on the road. The software keyboard deactivates when my car is moving, limiting me to the Dictation feature. CarPlay setup is a breeze, and the system doesn’t need to be initiated before each car journey.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Native navigation As a road trip enthusiast, I often depend on navigation apps to reach areas I haven’t been to before. This can mean mounting my iPhone precariously on the dashboard or windscreen, and awkwardly trying to follow maps on its small screen. CarPlay offers a far better approach, displaying real-time routes on my Picanto’s larger screen. It also audibly alerts me about upcoming turns I need to make, and other important updates. While many cars come with built-in maps, CarPlay is a step above because it has access to my personal Apple and Google Maps data, such as the location of my home. This spares me from having to adapt to a new navigation app or feed it relevant information about my commute habits and frequent destinations. Besides, I like the way both Apple and Google Maps automatically drop a pin when I park, making it easy to find my car using my iPhone later on. The iPhone is a wonderful navigation tool, but CarPlay makes it more convenient to use.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Dashboard DJ Apple Music is my second most used CarPlay app, letting me stream my favorite playlists when driving. While you could always connect your iPhone to a car’s audio system via Bluetooth or AUX, the native Music app comes with exclusive perks. Most notably, it allows other passengers to initiate a SharePlay session by scanning a QR code. This enables them to take over the queue using their own smartphones instead of having to be handed the driver’s unlocked iPhone. Those who prefer to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or narrated news articles will also appreciate the dedicated CarPlay apps from Apple, which include all of their bookmarks and relevant data. Everyone knows that the driver gets to pick the tunes. That’s just how it works.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Dial and drive Texting and driving is illegal in most countries for obvious reasons. CarPlay takes laws and users’ safety into account, while still offering a comprehensive communication experience. Instant messaging apps like Apple Messages and Meta’s WhatsApp, for example, are designed to read texts out loud instead of displaying the actual messages. I can then optionally reply by dictating my response. Similarly, users won’t be able to check their emails using CarPlay, as Apple’s guidelines ban developers from displaying long-form text or distracting elements. Besides IM apps, CarPlay supports regular phone calls, in addition to audio calls via FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other third-party VoIP apps. This allows me to easily call any of my contacts using a specific app in a hands-free manner. While Siri generally struggles to execute complex tasks on iOS, it’s typically reliable for basic CarPlay commands, such as sending texts and calling contacts. CarPlay helps you stay in touch while remaining safe.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry More under the hood Now that Apple’s car project has reportedly been axed, the company has been working to improve the CarPlay experience in third-party vehicles. CarPlay now supports AI chatbot apps, such as ChatGPT. It’s safe to assume that Apple will require app developers to implement a voice-first interface and limit the use of text. This would help us get urgent answers on the road without needing to park and take our iPhones out. Additionally, Apple will seemingly bring the Apple TV app to CarPlay, as well as AirPlay casting support, which began testing during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle but has yet to appear. Once active, these perks will let users watch videos on the built-in screens when their vehicles are parked. It’s a neat addition that would help to kill time when we’re waiting for someone.

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