A new AI app turns you holiday photos into Instagrammable shots
Macworld TL;DR: Luminar Mobile uses AI to enhance skies, retouch portraits, fix lighting, and edit RAW files on iOS. A lifetime license is only $19.99 (MSRP $47.99). Snapping photos is easy. Making them look amazing usually isn’t. Luminar Mobile changes that by bringing advanced AI photo editing to your iPhone or iPad without the steep learning curve or desktop software costs. You can lock in lifetime use of this app for just $19.99 and keep all its editing tools forever. Luminar Mobile is built specifically for iOS devices, including support for Apple Pencil and even Vision Pro workflows. The app uses AI to handle edits that would normally require pro skills. Want a more dramatic sky? SkyAI swaps it out automatically. Need better lighting? EnhanceAI and RelightAI fine-tune exposure, contrast, and color in seconds. Portrait shooters get SkinAI and BodyAI for subtle, natural-looking touch-ups, while creative editors can use Curves, Crop, Details, and filters to refine the entire image. It also supports RAW files, giving you the kind of control normally reserved for desktop editing software. The interface is designed for touch, so adjusting sliders, masking areas, or applying effects feels straightforward. Whether you’re editing travel photos, portraits, product shots, or just trying to fix a tricky lighting situation, Luminar Mobile keeps everything fast and beginner-friendly. Get the Luminar Mobile Lifetime License for $19.99 (MSRP $47.99) while the deal is live. Luminar Mobile for iOS & Android: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple To Allow Alternative App Stores For iOS Users In Brazil
Apple will allow alternative iOS app stores and external payment systems in Brazil after settling an antitrust case with the country's competition authority, following a lawsuit brought by MercadoLibre back in 2022. Thurrott reports: Yesterday, Brazil's Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Economica (CADE) explained in its press release that it has approved a Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC) submitted by Apple. To settle the lawsuit, the iPhone maker has agreed to allow third-party iOS app stores in Brazil and to let developers use external payment systems. The company will also use neutral wording in the warning messages about third-party app stores and external payment systems that iOS users in Brazil will see. As part of the settlement, Apple has 105 days to implement these changes to avoid a fine of up to $27.1 million. A separate report from Brazilian blog Tecnoblog revealed that Apple will still take a 5% "Core Technology Commission" fee on transactions going through alternative app stores. Additionally, the company will take a 15% cut on in-app purchases for App Store apps when developers redirect users to their own payment systems. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Apple's App Course Runs $20,000 a Student. Is It Really Worth It?
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Wired: Two years ago, Lizmary Fernandez took a detour from studying to be an immigration attorney to join a free Apple course for making iPhone apps. The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit launched as part of the company's $200 million response to the Black Lives Matter protests and aims to expand opportunities for people of color in the country's poorest big city. But Fernandez found the program's cost-of-living stipend lacking -- "A lot of us got on food stamps," she says -- and the coursework insufficient for landing a coding job. "I didn't have the experience or portfolio," says the 25-year-old, who is now a flight attendant and preparing to apply to law school. "Coding is not something I got back to." Since 2021, the academy has welcomed over 1,700 students, a racially diverse mix with varying levels of tech literacy and financial flexibility. About 600 students, including Fernandez, have completed its 10-month course of half-days at Michigan State University, which cosponsors the Apple-branded and Apple-focused program. WIRED reviewed contracts and budgets and spoke with officials and graduates for the first in-depth examination of the nearly $30 million invested in the academy over the past four years -- almost 30 percent of which came from Michigan taxpayers and the university's regular students. As tech giants begin pouring billions of dollars into AI-related job training courses across the country, the Apple academy offers lessons on the challenges of uplifting diverse communities. [...] The program gives out iPhones and MacBooks and spends an estimated $20,000 per student, nearly twice as much as state and local governments budget for community colleges. [...] About 70 percent of students graduate, which [Sarah Gretter, the academy leader for Michigan State] describes as higher than typical for adult education. She says the goal is for them to take "a next step," whether a job or more courses. Roughly a third of participants are under 25, and virtually all of them pursue further schooling. [...] About 71 percent of graduates from the last two years went onto full-time jobs across a variety of industries, according to academy officials. Amy J. Ko, a University of Washington computer scientist who researches computing education, calls under 80 percent typical for the coding schools she has studied but notes that one of her department's own undergraduate programs has a 95 percent job placement rate. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Cult of Mac’s Christmas decorations put your favorite gadgets on the tree
It’s not too late to give your Christmas tree a holiday makeover any Apple fan would be proud of. Download Cult of Mac's free decorations. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to set up your new iPad the right way
Congratulations — you got a new iPad! No matter which model you got, you'll want to set up your iPad with the least amount of fuss. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to set up Apple Watch — and tips for getting the most out of it
New Apple Watch? Congratulations! Here's how to set up Apple Watch the right way, and get the most out of it. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Merry Christmas and happy holidays from AppleInsider
While we'll still be here looking for news and bringing you the best deals, we at AppleInsider would like to wish you a peaceful and happy holiday season. Thank you for being with us throughout 2025.Jony Ive helped design the decorations for this tree, displayed in London's Claridges store in 2018Enjoy the break, too, because it looks as if 2026 is going to be huge. As well as the expected new MacBook Pro models, we should have more iPads, maybe an iPhone 17e — and of course the long-awaited iPhone Fold later in the year.That said, it's not as if this break is ever entirely free of Apple news. So many Apple Watches, iPads, and especially iPhones will be given as presents, and as the technical one in your circle, you may be swamped with calls for help. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The best classic iPad board games to play with your family & friends
Apple's App Store hosts official iPad-optimized versions of classic board games that preserve traditional rules while adding modern multiplayer support.Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from PexelsThese apps are designed for the iPad's larger display rather than stretched iPhone layouts. Interfaces emphasize touch-first controls, readable boards, and shared-screen play that works naturally on a tablet.Multiplayer plays a central role, especially since iPads often function as living-room or travel devices. Online and local play generally work without extra hardware, controllers, or complex setup. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Twelve South PlugBug with Find My review: The ultimate travel charger
The Twelve South PlugBug with Find My is easily my favorite travel charger and boasts the title of the first charger to integrate with Apple's native device-tracking technology.Twelve South PlugBug with Find My review: My go-to travel chargerPersonally, I feel as if we're in this golden age of Find My devices. We've moved out of the stage of just keychain and wallet trackers — of which are now plentiful.Instead, Find My is being integrated directly into our gadgets. We've seen luggage tags, water bottles, wallets, headphones, and more with Find My built in. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from MacDailyNews!
Amidst the Christmas news slowdown, we can all look forward to 2026 which promises to bring more new Apple Silicon-powered Macs… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How to set up your new Mac like a pro
Every Mac today is a great buy. If you're one of the lucky people to get one this year, here’s how to set up your new Mac like a pro. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Leaker contradicts rumors, says iPhone Air 2 will be announced in 2026
There’s been no shortage of conflicting reports about the future of the iPhone Air 2. Between talk of indefinite delays and shifting schedules, leaks have been all over the map. Now, a fresh rumor is reviving speculation that the second-generation model may not be as far off as previously thought. more…

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Apple agrees to allow third-party app stores on iOS in Brazil following antitrust settlement
Apple has reached a settlement with Brazil regulators that will require the company to open its iOS ecosystem to third-party app stores and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How to set up your new iPhone the right way
The new iPhone setup process gets easier every year. Follow this guide (with pro tips) to set up your new iPhone the right way. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Tim Cook doubles Nike stake to $6M, Wall Street takes notice
Apple CEO Tim Cook is doubling down on his Nike stock ownership, with his purchase of close to $3 million in shares seen as an endorsement of the sports brand's turnaround strategy.Tim Cook's custom-made sneakers from May's iPad Pro launch - Image source: Apple via HypebeastTim Cook is well known for having a long-time relationship with Nike, and it's one that he recently deepened. Now, has almost doubled his personal holdings in the brand.In a Form 4 filing released by the company on Tuesday, Cook bought 50,000 shares in Nike on Monday, reports Yahoo Finance. At an average price of $58.97 per share, that is an investment of $2.95 million in Nike. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Leaker battle: iPhone Air 2 will ship in 2026, and not wait until 2027
As is typically the case about a year out, the 2026 iPhone lineup is in flux, as one leaker contradicts reports that the second-generation iPhone Air won't arrive until 2027.iPhone AirThe iPhone Air is viewed by analysts as a model that hasn't lived up to its potential in terms of sales. However, while some say that the second release in the iPhone Air line won't be arriving in 2026, one leaker is more optimistic.According to Weibo leaker "Fixed Focus Digital" on Wednesday, sources said that the successor to the iPhone Air will be unveiled at the 2026 fall iPhone event. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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As Santa Claus rally begins, S&P 500 hits record high
The S&P 500 reached a new intraday record high on Wednesday as what looks like a classic Santa Claus rally begins… The post As Santa Claus rally begins, S&P 500 hits record high appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Tim Cook just bought 50,000 Nike shares, and investors noticed
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who’s been on Nike’s board for 20 years, just doubled his stake in the company. The news helped ease a 13% drop after the company’s disappointing quarterly results last week. more…

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Today in Apple history: Apple’s new tablet is called … iSlate?
On December 24, 2009, as rumors of a possible Apple tablet neared their peak, a filing suggested the device would be called the iSlate. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Year-end Apple Watch Series 11 deals deliver prices as low as $299
Year-end price drops continue this week at Amazon, with the Apple Watch Series 11 now available for $299 after a $100 discount.Save $100 on the Apple Watch Series 11.Amazon's $299 deal matches the record-low price on the 2025 release, making it a great time to pick up the wearable ahead of embarking on a fitness journey in January.Buy Apple Watch S11 for $299 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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