Thinking about buying an iPhone? Don’t
Macworld This might seem like a good time to buy a new iPhone. Apple’s got boosted trade-in values for the next couple of weeks, and there are plenty of spring carrier deals still going on. Plus rumors about the iPhone 16 coming this fall make it sound like a relatively minor upgrade, while the iPhone 17 late in 2025 seems more like a big overhaul (perhaps even a seismic shift, iPhone X-style). But if you want our advice, we think you should still wait. WWDC is less than 2 weeks away and it’s almost certain to provide critical information that informs your iPhone buying decision. iOS 18 may change more than usual Every year when Apple takes the wraps off its new iOS at WWDC, we learn of a lot of cool new features coming to our iPhones in the fall. But when you read the fine print, you’ll see some of the cool new features don’t work with older iPhones. With iOS 16, for example, you needed a phone with an A12 Bionic processor or newer to use features like lifting subjects from photos, selecting text in images, and most of the locally-processed Siri features. iOS 16 required an iPhone XS or later to use some of its best features. iOS 16 required an iPhone XS or later to use some of its best features.Foundry iOS 16 required an iPhone XS or later to use some of its best features.Foundry Foundry We expect a lot of big changes in iOS 18, including interface improvements and several impressive new features, but the big focus is going to be on AI. Typically, any iPhone made in the last few years will get all the new iOS features, with only the oldest phones missing out. But the push to more AI may change all that, as AI features can have some pretty steep hardware requirements. It’s likely that Apple limits some features to very new models—and possible that the best features will only work on the iPhone 16. And that’s a great reason to wait to buy an iPhone until we know which cool new AI features coming to iOS 18 will work on which iPhones. You don’t want to buy an iPhone 14 or SE only to learn that some really cool feature requires an A16 processor. AI hardware requirements are steep Apple has been shipping AI hardware in its iPhones for years. The Neural Engine first appeared in the A11 Bionic chip, way back in 2017 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X), even though it could “only” perform 600 billion operations per second and didn’t really do much. But it’s gotten a lot more powerful and necessary over the years. It took a big leap to 5 trillion operations per second (TOPS) in the A12. The next big leap was to 11 TOPS in the A14, then over 15 TOPS in A15, and now 35 TOPS in the A17 Pro. But the A17 Pro is only found in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 15 has the A16, whose Neural Engine is only half as fast, according to Apple. The A17 Pro is only in the iPhone 15 Pro models, which means some AI features might not be available on phones less than a year old. The A17 Pro is only in the iPhone 15 Pro models, which means some AI features might not be available on phones less than a year old.Apple The A17 Pro is only in the iPhone 15 Pro models, which means some AI features might not be available on phones less than a year old.Apple Apple Then there’s the matter of RAM. Generative AI models like large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models are notoriously huge and use a lot of RAM. Most iPhones don’t have a lot of RAM to begin with, and you need to have enough left over for applications even when an AI model is being used. Every iPhone that will support iOS 18 up to and including the iPhone 13, has only 4GB of RAM. The iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 (regular and Pro), and iPhone 15 have 6GB of RAM. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have 8GB of RAM. So, it’s quite possible that there will be some iOS 18 features that only work on iPhones with a faster Neural Engine or 6GB of RAM, and there may be some that require the iPhone 15 Pro just because it’s got 8GB of RAM and a much faster Neural Engine. If you’re looking to get a new iPhone that will last you a few years, that’s a huge consideration. You may not wish to spend hundreds more on the latest Pro model, but buy a less expensive model today and there’s a good chance you’ll be shut out of the cool new AI features coming this fall. So it’s best to wait until at least WWDC on June 10 when Apple takes the wraps off iOS 18 and all its new features. Then we can dive into the fine print that tells us which iPhones support which features, and you can make an informed choice about how much you need to spend to get the features you want. iPhone

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Dell UltraSharp U2723QE review: Monitor plus dock goes well with your Mac
Macworld At a glance ProsManager softwareGood price-performance ratioMany connectionsWide range of setting optionsConsPlasticky designPorts difficult to accessOur VerdictIf you are looking for a screen for your MacBook or Mac mini, the overall package of the Dell U2723QE is well put together. This monitor is well-equipped, has an excellent picture, and is very bright. Its highlight is the built-in hub that not only brings a total of six USB ports but also an ethernet port. Thanks to the 90-watt charging power, the screen becomes a docking station–and it’s at a nice price. Price When Reviewed$549.99 Best Prices Today: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Retailer Price $549.97 View Deal $550 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you don’t want to spend the money on an Apple Studio Display, be prepared to search for an alternative. Monitors that are well suited to the Mac and come with the appropriate software are few and far between. However, Dell recognized the need and released the Dell Display and Peripheral Manager for the Mac software. This makes many newer Dell displays viable Mac solutions. One particularly interesting model is the U2723QE: a 27-inch display with a 4K panel, powerful charging function, and plenty of connections. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: Specifications Size27 inch IPSResolution3840 x 2160 pixelsBrightness/HDR400 nitsResponse time8 msRefresh rate60 HertzColor ranges100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3Ports2x USB-C PD5x USB-Agigabit ethernetDP-in/DP-out1x HDMIUSB-C upstream (for daisy chain)Power deliveryYes (90 watts) USB-C + (15 watts) USB-CUSB hubYes (5x USB-A, 1x USB-C)AudioLine-outWebcamNoPriceUS$550/UK£506/CA$730/AU$791 Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: Setup Out of the box, the U2723QE requires some assembly. The base that houses a practical cable guide and stand must first be screwed together and then attached to the Vesa connection of the display, which is rounded at the back, reminiscent of older iMacs. This can be done in a minute without tools. With the U2723QE, Dell uses a lot of plastic and the narrow stand doesn’t initially inspire much confidence. However, once assembled, set up, and plugged in, the U2723QE stands very reliably. Nothing wobbles, instead the monitor stands solidly and elegantly on the desk. The stand allows tilting (-5 degrees or +21 degrees), swiveling (±30 degrees), height adjustment by around 16 centimeters (6.3 inches), and pivoting. The height adjustment isn’t particularly smooth, however. It is interesting to note that the screen can be set very low–but be careful, the cables can get in the way here, as they can get caught in the narrow guidehole when adjusting the monitor. They should be pushed in manually when adjusting. The U2723QE connects to the Mac with a USB-C cable. When connected, the monitor charges MacBooks and other laptops with up to 90 watts, enough even for a MacBook Pro. In addition to the charging function and, of course, the transmission of the video signal, the single USB-C cable also connects the display’s hub with six USB ports and gigabit ethernet. This makes the display a complete USB-C docking station for MacBooks and a good extension for the Mac mini or Mac Studio. Two of the USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C) are located on the bottom edge of the display and are easily accessible. That USB-C port also has a charging function, but at 15 watts it is only suitable for smartphones or other small devices. Another USB-C upstream port on the back is used to connect a second U2723QE in a daisy chain. Connectivity: The Dell U2723QE comes with many ports, including Ethernet. Connectivity: The Dell U2723QE comes with many ports, including Ethernet. Connectivity: The Dell U2723QE comes with many ports, including Ethernet. The ports on the back are hard to reach and not entirely in logical positions. The two connections at the front are also arranged at the bottom, which makes plugging them in from the bottom a gymnastics exercise every time. A side or rear-facing solution like Apple’s would be better here. Also good: The monitor has an internal power supply unit, and the power plug is attached directly to the device. This display does not have speakers. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: Image quality Dell advertises the U2723QE with “exceptional contrast.” This is made possible by the panel’s IPS Black technology. Indeed, the screen offers an unusually high contrast ratio of 2000:1: black looks like black, and colors are very clearly distinguishable. Thanks to its wide color space support (100 percent Rec.709, 100 percent sRGB, and 98 percent DCI-P3) it is on par with modern Apple LCDs. The maximum brightness of 400 nits, which is lower than the Apple Studio Display’s 600 nits, but it’s sufficient for most people. There were no visible shadows or halos on our test unit. The display offers various pre-calibrated modes, such as for DCI-P3. However, manual calibration is recommended for the optimum setting when editing images. The resolution of the U2723QE is 3840 by 2160 pixels. For full Retina operation (pixel quadrupling like the iMac or MacBook Pro) the display would have to run with a virtual resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, which in practice leads to a “too large” display. It is better to use the QHD equivalent of 2560 by 1440 pixels, which the monitor displays very well, albeit with minimal blurring. This is relativized by the normal viewing distance. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: Dell Display Manager controls The screen settings can be adjusted using the joystick on the back, or directly from the Mac desktop using the Dell Display and Peripheral Manager software. Here you can quickly adjust the brightness and contrast. There is also the option of defining a schedule for changing the brightness or contrast. If required, users can also define hotkeys for brightness and contrast control. Unfortunately, there is no synchronized control with the MacBook’s internal display, as is possible with Lunar. However, the Dell Display Manager also includes control of the KVM function. If required, software can be installed for this purpose, which means that in addition to the monitor, wired keyboards and mice can also be quickly switched between two connected end devices such as a MacBook and a desktop PC. The screen allows application windows to be quickly arranged in any grid using Easy Arrange. There is also a PowerNap mode, which saves power when a screen saver is active by dimming the monitor or switching it off while the saver is running. Dell webcams can also be controlled via the software, and firmware updates also find their way to the monitor with the Display Manager. In short, the Display Manager makes life with Dell monitors much easier and is a good argument in favor of monitors from this manufacturer. One major issue that was confounding is that the software works on the MacBook, Mac mini, and Mac Pro, but not on the iMac–this is specifically called out by Dell. The iMac already has a large 24-inch display, but you can still use the U2723QE with it, but you can’t use the Dell Display Manager software with the Dell display. The software only supports devices running macOS 11 or later, and 2018 Mac or later; users with such devices should check whether the software can be installed before purchasing. Should you buy the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE? If you are looking for a screen for your MacBook or Mac mini, the overall package of the Dell U2723QE is well put together. This monitor is well-equipped, has an excellent picture, and is very bright. Its highlight is the built-in hub that not only brings a total of six USB ports but also an ethernet port. Thanks to the 90-watt charging power, the screen becomes a docking station–and the price is right, especially when compared to Apple’s offerings This article originally appeared on Macwelt and was translated by Roman Loyola. Mac, Monitors

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First alternative to Apple Wallet is ready to launch in EU
The UK firm Curve claims it will be the first complete Apple Wallet alternative once Apple fully complies with the EU's requirement to allow rivals use of its iPhone NFC technology.Apple could have to make additional changes to its NFC APIsAlongside the law changes that meant Apple had to allow rival iPhone App Stores in the EU, the region's Digital Markets Act also saw the company forced to support rival contactless payment systems. Apple is in the process or adding APIs to allow rivals to utilize NFC in their banking and wallet apps.According to The Times, Apple is still finalizing technical details. Once that's done, UK-based firm Curve says it will be able to immediately launch its rival Wallet. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Code references hint at increased smart home device, Matter support in iOS 17.6 update
If you love controlling home accessories via your iPhone, you’re going to like Apple’s upcoming iOS 17.6 update. After examining a recent public code repository, the discovery of implementation source code for Matter, an Apple-backed smart home standard has been found. Matter is also open source, hence its public-facing code repository. The changes reference new […] Source

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Details begin to surface as to Apple’s AI approach and confidential computing techniques
Apple may have found a way to process AI data while retaining a measure of user privacy. While the company will use WWDC to unveil its AI strategy within its operating systems, The Information has cited a method that Apple intends to employ confidential computing techniques, which will enable “black box processing”. Typically, cloud services […] Source

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How to recover deleted notes in the Notes app
Macworld You may use the Notes app as a catchall for all kinds of scraps of thoughts, lists, long entries, shared financial details with family members, and much more. Apple lets you sync note entries across all your iCloud-linked devices to give you the broadest access to them. However, having access in more places can also make it easier to delete a note accidentally or not consider that it will be deleted everywhere. Or, you may have removed an entry and want to recover it. Here’s how to find recently deleted notes, and make a last-ditch effort using Time Machine for older lost ones. How to recover a deleted note As in most of Apple’s library-based apps, Notes offers a Recently Deleted folder that acts as a “you may change your mind” holding area for about 30 days. When you delete an item, it winds up in this folder. You may not use folders in Notes routinely. Here’s how to find them: In macOS, click the sidebar icon on the far left of the toolbar of choose View > Show Folders. In iOS or iPadOS, tap in the upper-left corner of Notes until you see Folders. At iCloud.com, the folders list always shows at less. The Recently Deleted folder holds removed items for 30 days or so. The Recently Deleted folder holds removed items for 30 days or so.Foundry The Recently Deleted folder holds removed items for 30 days or so.Foundry Foundry (I found a bug in testing: deleting a note from my Mac resulted in showing up in Recently Deleted on that Mac and at iCloud.com, but not in Notes for iOS. Deleting an entry in iOS revealed the Recently Deleted folder, which shows the note I had removed in macOS.) Apple has never fully sorted out the interface for Notes, particularly across its platforms, so there’s no single way to recover a deleted note in all versions. Here’s how you can recover a note: In macOS, iOS, or iPadOS, the easiest way is to try to edit the note, at which point you’re prompted to Cancel or Recover. Click or tap Recover. You can also Control-click/right-click a note in macOS and choose Move or swipe left in iOS/iPadOS and tap the folder icon to move it to another location in Notes. At iCloud.com, select the note and click Recover. Whichever method you choose recovers the note across all your iCloud-linked devices. How to delete a note permanently Conversely, if you want the entry to go away forever: In macOS, select the note and press Delete, select the note and click the trash can icon, or Control-click/right-click the entry. In iOS/iPadOS, swipe left and tap the trash can icon, or select the note and tap the trash can icon at the bottom-left corner of the view. At iCloud.com, select the note and click the trash can icon in the upper-right corner of the window. You can intentionally delete a note permanently, but it requires extra steps, which include this warning. You can intentionally delete a note permanently, but it requires extra steps, which include this warning.Foundry You can intentionally delete a note permanently, but it requires extra steps, which include this warning.Foundry Foundry You’re prompted when you try to delete a note from Recently Deleted with a warning about that erasure becoming permanent. Recover a note via Time Machine Notes are backed up by Time Machine, and if you are trying to retrieve a note after 30 days or so and it’s no longer in the Recently Deleted folder, you can try to roll back to an early set of entries on your Mac. This is dangerous in that it will be trivial to overwrite all your current notes, and Notes offers no export library option that you can use to re-import current notes. Please proceed only if you’re trying to recover critical data and have no other recourse. I’d recommend reading this Make Use Of advice on creating backups of Notes before proceeding in case these steps fail for you. Follow these steps carefully: Quit Notes. In the Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder. Enter ~/Library/Group Containers/ and press return. In the resulting folder, you’ll find group.com.apple.notes. Select it and Option-drag it to the Desktop to make a backup copy. Via the Time Machine menu, choose Browse Time Machine Backups. This will reveal backups for that Group Containers folder. Scroll back in time to find a point before which you believe you deleted the note. Select group.com.apple.notes and click Restore. When the process is complete, launch Notes. If you’re lucky, the note will be restored. Copy it elsewhere, then: Quit Notes. Delete the group.com.apple.notes folder you restored into Group Containers. Drag back in group.com.apple.notes from the Desktop. Launch Notes. You should be back at the previous Notes state. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Carol. Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. Mac, MacOS

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Macworld Podcast: Why are you excited about Apple WWDC24?
Macworld Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off with a keynote on June 10. We’ve heard rumors and reports about what Apple may do at its event, and we were wondering, what do you, the readers of Macworld and the listeners of this podcast, think? For this week’s show, we went to social media and asked for your thoughts on WWDC, and we talked about your hot takes on the show. This is episode 886 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola. Click to go to the Macworld podcast episode 886 on Apple Podcasts Listen to episode 886 on Spotify Your hot WWDC24 hot takes mentioned in episode 886 AI is supposed to be at the forefront of the WWDC keynote on June 10 and throughout WWDC in general. So we could see a lot of AI-based features, but perhaps we should temper our expectations.  Foundry Foundry Foundry I wish Apple would concentrate on having Siri understanding simple English language commands. Phil via email Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Foundry Get info  From more information about WWDC, click on the links below.  WWDC 2024: Everything you need to know  iOS 18 Guide  macOS 15: Everything you need to know about the next big Mac update  Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcast—or leave us a review!—right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworld’s podcast page or our home on MegaPhone. Apple Apple Apple Apple Inc, iOS, MacOS

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Take a step back in time with this retro-inspired Atari gaming console, now half off
Macworld Even with all the gaming innovations available, sometimes classic games are more fun. If you want to relive your childhood gaming nostalgia, you can do it with the My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro Video Game Console. This Atari console comes packed with over 200 fully licensed Atari titles, including favorites like Centipedes®, Asteroids®, and more. In fact, this is the first game station to merge the best of the Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, and Arcade into one system. Simply plug it directly into your TV’s HDMI port, and you’re in business. The My Arcade station even makes a few advancements and takes inspiration from past systems, arriving with a pair of 2.4GHz wireless joysticks that not only look and feel like vintage Atari controllers, but also include built-in paddle controls for games Breakout®. While this Atari console is open-box, that doesn’t mean it’s used. It was likely excess store inventory or exposed to customer contact. Fortunately, it’s verified to be in new condition, though its packaging has signs of handling, which allows gaming lovers to score it for half off. For a limited time, grab the My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro Console for just $49.99. No coupon needed.   My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro Only $49.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Gaming

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How to connect just about any vintage Mac to a modern monitor
HDMI is the de facto standard for connecting a monitor to a Mac and has been for many years, but there are many older Macs out there that can't be easily connected to that modern connector. Here's how to connect your vintage Mac to your new monitor.A PowerMac 8100 and Apple Pro XDR Display.For longer than it hasn't, Apple has gone its own way on monitor connections. There's been Apple's version of DA-15, HDI-45, ADC, mini DisplayPort, and a few others. The rest of the industry, larger for most of Apple's history, decided VGA was the way to go, then DVI, and DisplayPort.Fortunately, it's all mostly settled on HDMI. Here's how to connect your vintage gear to modern monitors, and what you need to do it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Tap to Pay on iPhone now available in Italy following launch in Canada and Japan
Just a few days ago, Apple released Tap to Pay on iPhone for users in Canada and Japan. And the company seems to be really committed to pushing the feature around the world, as it has just been launched in Italy. more…

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Apple and OpenAI allegedly reach deal to bring ChatGPT functionality to iOS 18
Perhaps against the wishes of Apple's AI chief John Gianndrea, Apple and OpenAI have reportedly reached a deal that will bring ChatGPT to iOS 18 and other operating systems in 2024.Apple and OpenAI could bring ChatGPT functionality to SiriApple wants to bring AI to its platforms, but it has focused on privacy-preserving on-device models and not the Large Language Models (LLMs) used by its competitors. So, the company has been seeking a partnership with Google or Microsoft to bring their LLMs to iPhone.According to a report, a deal has finally been struck between OpenAI and Apple. The details of the deal aren't known, but it likely means technologies used for ChatGPT could be accessible by Apple users, namely through Siri. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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OpenAI is helping Apple fix Siri, and that has Microsoft worried
We’ve been hearing a lot of rumors about Apple negotiating with OpenAI to use its GPT technology in iOS 18. Now a report from The Information has revealed that discussions have been going on since mid-2023, and Microsoft is worried about this deal between the two companies since it also relies on OpenAI. more…

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Every M3 iMac 24-inch is up to $200 off, plus get AppleCare savings with coupon
Apple's latest all-in-one desktop — the M3 iMac 24-inch — is up to $200 off with a special coupon. On top of the triple-digit iMac discounts, AppleCare is on sale as well.To unlock the savings, enter promo code APINSIDER at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama. Every 24-inch iMac with an M3 chip is up to $200 off with the coupon, dropping the iMac prices down to as low as $1,195.Use code APINSIDERAlong with the triple-digit savings on the computers themselves, AppleCare is $30 off with the same APINSIDER coupon. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Apple asks India to rethink proposed digital markets regulation
Apple, Amazon, and Google are asking the Indian government to reconsider its proposed Digital Competition Bill, citing concerns over… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Pack 10 Apple accessories into this bento-style organizer
If space is at a premium and you can't compromise safety, try Function101's BentoStack to organize your tech accessories. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple Music launches special playlist to promote WWDC 2024, hints at new icon
We’re less than two weeks away from WWDC 2024, another edition of Apple’s annual conference for developers. And although the main focus of the event is software, Apple has just launched a special playlist on Apple Music to promote WWDC 2024 with summer songs. more…

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Apple approves LG and Samsung to supply OLED panels for iPhone 16 Pro
Alongside rival Samsung Display, LG Display has secured Apple's approval to supply OLED panels for the iPhone 16 Pro… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Did hell freeze over? Apple looks to build TV and sports app for Android.
A report says Apple seeks a senior engineer to build a TV and sports app for Android -- Android! -- in its quest for streaming market share. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Job listing suggests Apple is moving forward with plans for Apple TV on Android
After years of rumors, Apple TV+ could finally launch on Android platforms, but a job listing is the only evidence of progress.Apple TV could be coming to Android smartphonesThe Apple TV app is necessary to watch Apple TV+ and purchased iTunes content, but it has never been released on Google Play for Android smartphones. Despite being a competitor to Google's platform, Apple has brought services like Apple Music to Android, and Apple TV is already on smart TVs, so smartphones aren't a big leap.A job listing first discovered by Bloomberg is looking for a "senior android engineer" to "help build an application used by millions to watch and discover tv and sports." The job listing went live on May 25. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Why Apple should make an OLED TV
Gene Munster's ears just pricked up; welling up in his eyes, a misty look of longing. It's been suggested that Apple should make an OLED TV… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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