Journey ARIA 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: Chic, lightweight magnetic travel charger
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros 3-in-1 Apple charging Tall travel stand Apple Watch fast charging Folds flat Cons Requires a 30W or higher wall charger Our Verdict Even without speedy 25W charging, we love the adjustable pad, premium looks and soft silicone feel of this next-gen iPhone/Watch/AirPods charging dock. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$129.99 Best Prices Today: Journey ARIA 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station Retailer Price Journey $129.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There are smaller multi-device travel chargers than the Journey ARIA 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, but few stand so tall and elegantly as this. In cool Corian-like white with a muted gray kickstand, the ARIA looks as stylish as the boutique hotel you might take it to. The ARIA can charge your three favorite Apple devices at the same time, unless your particular love is the Vision Pro. At the front, the iPhone charges at a speedy 15W. This Qi2 speed was the fastest a charging stand could offer just a few months ago, but if you are in a real hurry look for a Qi2 25W solution in our reviews of the best magnetic wireless chargers. 15W should power up an iPhone from 0-50% in around 45 minutes, while 25W does the job in just over 30 mins. One advantage that 15W has over 25W is that it doesn’t require active cooling to maintain efficiency, so there’s no noisy fan to keep you up at night. To be fair, most cooled 25W chargers allow you to turn the fan off when you want absolute peace. Round the back of the charging stand are a Qi charging pad for an AirPods case and a pull-out 5W fast-charging pad for any Apple Watch. Travel friendly The ARIA 3-in-1 folds flat for travel and can also charge iPhone and AirPods (or two iPhones) flat on a desk rather than folded out in stand mode. Either way, it’s an elegant and minimalist design. Journey Folded, it measures 6.3 x 2.76 x 0.75 inches (16 x 7 x 1.9cm). Unfolded it’s stands a handsome 6 inches (15.3cm) tall, with a space-saving small footprint. At half a pound (230g) it’s super-lightweight for portability and travel. There’s a touch-controlled night light that creates a soft illumination, which might appeal on a nightstand. Simon Jary Price The Journey ARIA 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is priced at $129.99 or £109.99. That’s in line with Belkin’s other 3-in-1 chargers, but there are many cheaper—although often less elegant—3-in-1 magnetic wireless chargers, which we’ve reviewed in both our best MagSafe charger and best Apple Watch charger roundups. Journey’s $139 NOVA 3-in-1 Charging Stand is another less-portable but rather lovely desktop option, and there’s a flat non-stand foldable 3-in-1 travel solution in the Journey SWIV. Like the Apple iPhone itself, the ARIA doesn’t ship with a wall charger, so you’ll need to use one you already own or check our reviews of the best wall chargers to buy one separately. It will need to be at least 30W in power. Simon Jary Should you buy the Journey ARIA 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station? Even without the speediest 25W charging, we love this minimalist foldable travel stand for its good looks and flat or stand options for charging your iPhone, Watch and AirPods.

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Apple’s own argument against App Store age verification shows why it is wrong
Apple CEO Tim Cook was yesterday spotted in Washington, D.C. during a visit to lobby against a proposed App Store age verification policy. But the very argument the company uses to oppose the proposal is in fact the strongest argument in favour of it … more…

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AI creative suite Creatiyo lets you do it all (for one low price)
Get lifetime access to Creatiyo for $79 and streamline everything from writing and coding to audio, video and image creation. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple TV unveils return of high-stakes thriller coming next month
One of Apple TV’s best thriller series, Hijack, is coming back for a highly anticipated season 2 next month, and the newly released trailer reveals what to expect. more…

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Internal Apple code hints improved Siri will land next spring with ‘HomePad’ hub
Macworld Apple first unveiled Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024 with the promise of transforming Siri into a far more capable, contextual assistant. But as 2025 comes to an end, those headline features are still nowhere to be seen. The new contextual Siri is one of the most anticipated features of Apple Intelligence, and it has yet to be released. Now, Macworld has found new evidence suggesting that the long-delayed Siri overhaul is set to arrive next spring. Internal Apple code from a leaked build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld references components tied directly to the revamped Siri experience, confirming that development is ongoing and advancing. According to the code, Apple has long been targeting spring 2026, likely coinciding with the release iOS 26.4, as the window for rolling out the contextual version of Siri promised nearly two years ago. ‘HomePad’ at last This upgraded Siri is expected to behave very differently from the assistant we know today. Instead of relying solely on predefined voice commands, the new Siri will reportedly be able to understand what the user is doing on their device. This includes things like what’s on the screen and which apps are open. Interestingly, the leaked iOS 26 code also points to something else: the new Siri won’t be exclusive to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Macworld identified references indicating that Apple is bringing the new Siri experience to at least one smart home device, with the most likely candidate being the long-rumored “HomePad.” According to references in the code, users should be able to have natural conversations with Siri and even access features such as contextual reminders right from Apple’s new smart home hub. This aligns with our earlier report about the HomePad (codenamed J490) having the A18 chip inside, which is capable of running Apple Intelligence features. Of course, as this information is based on internal code from an early build of iOS 26, Apple’s plans could still change. For now, the company is gearing up to release iOS 26.2 to the public within the coming days. While the update doesn’t have any new Apple Intelligence features, it does come with some improvements, such as a new slider to adjust Liquid Glass on the Lock Screen and automatic chapters in the Podcasts app.

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OpenAI and Disney reach ‘landmark agreement’ to license characters on Sora
Disney characters are coming to OpenAI’s Sora video generation app — this time, with permission. OpenAI and Disney just announced a “landmark agreement” that will see some Sora content appear on Disney+. more…

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Porsche is bringing Apple Car Key support to two 2026 EVs
German carmaker Porsche has announced that it will bring Apple Car Key support to two new EVs in 2026. Apple fans will be able to unlock both vehicles using just their iPhone or Apple Watch.Porsche is bringing Digital Key support to two new vehicles.While Porsche was always listed as one of the carmakers set to offer Digital Key support, we now know when and which vehicles. A Porsche press release confirmed that the all-electric Cayenne and Macan models.The move, first spotted by MacRumors, will offer new ways for drivers to interact with their vehicles. Porsche notes that Cayenne and Macan owners won't even need to remove their iPhone from their pocket for their Digital Keys to work. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best Apple Watch deals now: Save big on Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3 & more
Macworld Best Apple Watch deals available now These recommendations are based on the best prices for Apple Watches we are seeing right now at top resellers in the U.S. and U.K. Today’s best Apple Watch deals: U.S. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm): $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm): $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm): $199 ($50 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm): $229 ($50 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3: $780 ($20 off, MSRP $799) See more U.S. Apple Watch deals below… Today’s best Apple Watch deals: U.K. AO, Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm): £349 (£20 off, RRP £369) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm): £329 (£70 off, RRP £399) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3: £719 (£30 off, RRP £749) Argos, Apple Watch Ultra 2: £599 (£150 less than Ultra 3 at £749) Currys, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) GPS: £279 (£90 less than Series 11 at £369) Currys, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) GPS: £299 (£100 less than Series 11 at £399) See more U.K. Apple Watch deals below… Last updated December 11, 2025 The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you can buy, but it’s not cheap. Luckily, you don’t have to pay full price for an Apple Watch. Resellers frequently offer fantastic deals on all models, and in this article we are tracking deals for the new Apple Watch 11, SE 3 and Ultra 3 as well as the older Apple Watch 10, SE 2 and Ultra 2. Apple overhauled its entire watch lineup in September 2025, so be on the lookout for ultra-low prices on previous-generation models as resellers clear out stock. We have seen some good deals on the older Series 10 and Ultra 2 – just bear in mind that in the U.K. Apple dropped the price on the Series 11 and Ultra 3, so we indicate the discount to reflect that. How we find the best Apple Watch deals To find the best Apple Watch deals we continuously monitor the market to spot the most worthwhile bargains, but, ultimately, our recommendations are based on our own in-experience with the full range of Apple Watches, which we have reviewed and use daily. Our editors’ selections are guided by a simple principle: we won’t recommend buying something that we wouldn’t buy ourselves. We focus on products at prices we believe are fair, ensuring our recommendations steer you toward genuine savings. Price is just one factor we consider. A significant part of our methodology is evaluating the overall value of a deal, especially when comparing different generations of the Apple Watch. When Apple launches new models, such as the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, we see resellers clear out stock of previous-generation models at lower prices. We highlight these opportunities, as older models like the Series 10 or Ultra 2 can become excellent alternatives to the latest releases. It isn’t always the case that an older Watch is a good option though: we’ve previously advised readers to avoid what seemed like an all-time-low price on an older Apple Watch SE 2 because the newer Apple Watch SE 3, available for just $40 more, offered a vastly superior feature set, including an always-on display, a faster chip, and better battery life. We also recommend checking the Apple Refurbished Store as a source for year-round discounts. Products from this store are revamped by Apple and include a one-year warranty, often providing substantial savings on recent models like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2. Is now a good time to buy a new Apple Watch? David Price / Foundry Now is an excellent time to buy a new Apple Watch. The latest models, the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, were released in September 2025, so the product line is fresh, and you won’t have to worry about a new model arriving just weeks after your purchase. Additionally, despite Black Friday having passed, holiday deals are still abundant, offering significant savings on both the newest and previous-generation watches. That said, the best time to buy is during the major sales events: Amazon’s Prime Day in July and October, or Black Friday in November. There may also be deals during Amazon’s spring sale. The worst time to buy is in the summer, just before Apple’s usual September hardware update, as you risk purchasing a device that will soon be outdated. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including MacBook Air deals, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPhone and iPad. Which Apple Watch to buy David Price / Foundry When choosing which Apple Watch to buy you should consider various factors. If you need advanced health sensors, like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, then you need to choose the Series 11 and Ultra 3 (or the Series 10 and Ultra 2) because the SE doesn’t offer those options. But if you are on a budget the Apple Watch SE 3 offers importtant features like Fall Detection and heart rate monitoring, and comes at an affordable price. The best battery life is offered by the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but the SEries 11 offers a solid 24 hours, and even the 18 hour SE 3 will be sufficient for most people, plus charging can be done in less than an hour. Apple Watch Series 11: This model features a 24-hour battery life, 5G connectivity on cellular models, and a more scratch-resistant display. While it shares the same S10 chip and many health features with the Series 10, its improved battery is a key advantage. Deals have been spotted offering up to $100 off, bringing the price down to as low as $299. Apple Watch SE 3: This Apple Watch is the best value option for most people. The SE 3 received a major upgrade, including an always-on display, a faster chip, temperature sensing, fast charging, and 5G on cellular models. It offers most of the essential features of the Series 11 at a much lower price, starting at $249. It has been on sale for as low as $199. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Designed for adventurers and sports enthusiasts, the Ultra 3 boasts a 42-hour battery life, a larger and brighter screen, satellite connectivity for emergencies, and a rugged design. It’s the most expensive model, but we have seen discounts of up to $100. Apple Watch Series 10: You can find significant clearance deals on last-generation models. The Series 10 is very similar to the 11, with the main difference being its 18-hour battery life. It has been seen for as low as $279, a $150 discount. Apple Watch Ultra 2: This is also a great option, with deals dropping its price by as much as $200. Apple Watch SE 2: We advise to avoid the Apple Watch SE 2 unless the price is exceptionally low (around $100), as the SE 3 is a far superior and more future-proof device. If you’re still not sure which Apple Watch is right for your needs, take a look at our Best Apple Watch buying guide. Best Apple Watch deals right now Below you will find price comparison tables that show the best prices right now for each Apple Watch model from various stockists. You will also find deals on Apple Watch models that Apple has now discontinued, as long as stockists still have them available. Best Apple Watch Series 11 deals The Apple Watch 11 (2025 model) starts at $399/£369 (that’s a price drop in the U.K.) for the aluminum 41mm version and $429/£399 for the 44mm model. It’s an extra $100/£100 for cellular. It costs the same as the Series 9 did. Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm, from $399/£369 Retailer Price $299.99 View Deal $396.46 View Deal $431 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Series 11, 46mm, from $429/£399 Retailer Price $329 View Deal $329 View Deal $329.99 View Deal $462 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025 model) starts at $799/£749. It comes with cellular. The original Ultra previously sold for $799/£849, so the U.K. then was reduced to $799 in 2025, and is now even cheaper at $749. Apple Watch Ultra 3, from $799/£749 Retailer Price $779.99 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch SE 3, 40mm, from $249/£219 Retailer Price $199 View Deal $199 View Deal $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch SE 3, 44mm, from $279/£249 Retailer Price $229 View Deal $229 View Deal $229 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Clearance Apple Watch discounts and deals – discontinued models Apple Watch Series 10, 42mm, was $399/£399 Retailer Price $249 View Deal $329 View Deal $348.61 View Deal $361.49 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm, was $429/£429 New Refurbished Retailer Price $279 View Deal $329 View Deal $359 View Deal $364.99 View Deal $429 View Deal $429.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 1 (2020) GPS + Cellular 44 mm – Aluminium Gold – Sport loop Red $146.84 View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 42 mm – Aluminium Rose Gold – Sport band Starlight $300 View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 46 mm – Aluminium Rose Gold – Sport band Starlight $307.49 View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 46 mm – Aluminium Rose Gold – Sport loop Red $413.06 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Ultra 2, was $799/£799 New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal $923.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Ocean band Blue $470 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Alpine loop Blue $670 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Black – Alpine loop Green $720.61 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch SE 2, 40mm, was $249/£219 New Refurbished Retailer Price $129 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $119.30 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $130.49 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Midnight – Sport band Black $131.67 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White $131.67 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band White $138 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White $147.73 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport loop Starlight $238.14 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Apple Watch SE 2, 44mm, was $279/£249 New Refurbished Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm – Aluminium Midnight – Sport band Black $128.97 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White $139.09 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 44 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $169 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight $399 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Where to buy an Apple Watch If you’re simply looking to pick up an Apple Watch regardless of price, there are plenty of stores that sell not only the latest Apple Watch Series, but older variants of the Apple Watch that aren’t available from Apple any more—some at significant savings, too. Apple Watch buyers in the U.S. can check out the following stores: Apple Amazon Best Buy Costco Target Walmart If you’re based in the U.K., you can pick up an Apple Watch from the following retailers: Apple Amazon Argos Carphone Warehouse Currys John Lewis KRCS Very Where to buy an Apple Watch with Cellular You’ve also got the option of picking up an Apple Watch with a cellular contract, allowing it to function as a standalone device that doesn’t need to be tethered to your phone to make calls and send texts. Amazon and other retailers sell the Apple Watch with cellular and you can usually find discounts on most models, though not as deep as the GPS versions. Here are the sales we’re tracking this month: All of the major U.S. carriers sell the Apple Watch and offer trade-in deals: T-Mobile Verizon AT&T Carriers in the UK that stock the Apple Watch include: EE O2 Vodafone 3 Best refurbished Apple Watch deals One of the best places to look for Apple Watch deals all year round is the Apple Refurbished Store. There, you’ll find huge Apple Watch discounts, sometimes even on the latest models. These Apple Watches have been returned to Apple for various reasons, and then completely revamped for resale. One of the major benefits of buying a refurbished Watch from Apple is that it will come with a one-year warranty so Apple may fix or replace it for free should anything happen to it in that first year. In the U.S. you can get an Apple Watch Series 10, 9, 1st and 2nd generation Ultra, or the SE for less than full price. You can, for example, get a refurbished 1st-gen Apple Watch Ultra for $499. Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K. you can save money on an Apple Watch Series 8, 9 and 10, 2nd generation Ultra, or the original Apple Watch SE. For instance, you can get a refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 for £559. Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) For more information on this topic, read Should I buy a refurbished Apple Watch? See our roundup of the best Apple Watch bands, as well as our roundup of the best stands and charging docks. Read: Which plug do I need for my Apple Watch? If this is your first time buying and using an Apple Watch, we’ve also got helpful tips on how to use the Apple Watch.

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Jony Ive-designed OpenAI device aims to be always present, always sensing and listening to your life
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple design icon Jony Ive are collaborating on one of the most eagerly awaited AI innovations… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Cuktech’s 10,000mAh magnetic power bank keeps charging simple, reliable and cheap [Review] ★★★★☆
The Cuktech 10,000mAh is a compact power bank with magnetic charging support that delivers fast, no-nonsense charging on the go. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Latest macOS malware uses trusted search & AI to dupe users
A new Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) attack vector weaponizes Google searches and a user's trust in AI chatbots, researchers have found. Once infected, the AMOS can collect data, passwords, and more from the infected Mac with alarming ease.Atomic Stealer infects macOS, sometimes via novel vectorsWhile AMOS attacks have been around since 2023, they normally involve people accidentally downloading a malicious file. But this new approach is different. Instead, it simply requires them to copy and paste a single command into the Terminal app.Researchers at security outfit Huntress identified the new AMOS approach in early December 2025 after a victim reported the incident. Huntress found that the user had searched "Clear disk space on macOS" before choosing one of the two sponsored results. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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More leaked code suggests 120Hz ProMotion for Studio Display 2
The expected second-generation Apple Studio Display is once more predicted to feature an updated 120Hz ProMotion display, with new code leaks backing up previous claims.Apple Studio DisplayBack in February 2025, screen analyst Ross Young claimed that Apple would release its first-ever update to the Studio Display in late 2025. Young was specific that there would be a backlighting improvement, but also said ProMotion might be coming.Then in August 2025, a new claim based on leaked code backed up the claim that a revised Studio Display is coming. That leak, though, also included references to what might be a different display altogether. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Spotify joins potential new trend of giving us more control over the algorithms
Spotify has announced a new AI-powered feature, Prompted Playlists, under the heading “You’re in control: Spotify lets you steer the algorithm” … more…

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Startup wants to relaunch Twitter, as Reddit launches verification checkmarks
Deciding to abandon one of the world’s best-known brands was one of a number of imaginative decisions made by Elon Musk when he purchased Twitter and renamed it X. Now a startup wants to revive the name, arguing that X corporation no longer has any use for the trademark. The legal arguments could get interesting, especially given that one of those involved in the venture is Stephen Coates – Twitter’s former general counsel … more…

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6 innovations in 2025 that prove Apple still has what it takes
Macworld 2025 was a solid year for Apple. The company refreshed a wide range of its devices, delivering faster processors, slimmer designs, and improved reliability across its entire product lineup. It also rolled out Liquid Glass—one of its most dramatic UI overhauls yet—across all operating systems. With 2025 drawing to a close, I revisited Apple’s recent launches—both iterative and ambitious—to highlight the year’s six most creative and innovative announcements. Edge Light Now that many businesses have switched to the remote or hybrid format, online meetings have become the new norm for lots of people. This shift has enabled certain employees to embrace the digital nomad life and work on the go. Not all environments, however, are suitable or well-prepared for virtual conferences. For years, macOS and third-party video calling services have supported subject isolation and custom backgrounds to conceal messy setups. macOS Tahoe 26.2 elevates the experience by introducing Edge Light, a virtual ring light built into your screen. If you’re taking a call in a dim room, you can enable the option with the click of a button. Your Mac’s screen will display an intense light beam that borders its edges to illuminate your face. You can control the temperature and intensity or turn it off altogether. The feature may be minor, but its underlying mechanism is undeniably genius. Edge Light is a nifty new feature that turns your Mac’s screen into a virtual ring light.Apple Square selfie sensor macOS 26.2’s ring light isn’t Apple’s sole 2025 camera-related innovation. Traditionally, iPhones and smartphones in general pack rectangular front camera sensors that are positioned vertically. That’s why you need to hold your phone sideways to take a landscape selfie. With the iPhone Air and 17 series, the company retired the rectangular sensor in favor of a square one. This enables you to choose to snap a portrait or landscape selfie without needing to rotate your phone. The Camera app is smart enough to pick an orientation automatically—based on whether others are posing next to you and other factors. And don’t worry, Apple lets you still take widescreen selfies the old-fashioned way if you really want. iPhone Air Speaking of the iPhone, Apple introduced its first truly new design in 2025, and the iPhone Air deserves some recognition—not just for being the slimmest iPhone ever, but for the internal innovations that helped bring this iPhone Air’s vision to life. The rear camera bump—or Plateau in marketing lingo—manages to house the iPhone Air’s processor and most of its essential components. The rest of the device is predominantly occupied by the battery. Another design innovation that helped achieve this breakthrough is the USB-C port. Apple 3D printed it using titanium powder to produce a connector that is slimmer and tougher than a regular port. While the Air certainly has its limitations, we can’t help but admire how remarkable a technical achievement it is. M5 neural accelerators The M5 chip delivered an impressive graphics boost, but far more interesting are the neural accelerators that Apple embedded inside the GPU cores. While the M-series chips have always bundled a Neural Engine to power on-device AI tasks, the new technology brings further enhancements. Specifically, the accelerators speed up graphics-centric AI features, such as image generation in compatible apps. With first- and third-party developers continuously baking new artificial intelligence perks into their software, the M5 chip’s neural accelerators are bound to positively impact those users who really need to squeeze as much power from their GPU. Foundry Foundation Models framework Another AI-related 2025 innovation is Apple’s Foundation Models framework. With the new model, developers can now leverage the company’s LLMs to power in-app features. Not only can compatible tools work offline and privately, but the approach also spares devs and users from paying recurring fees for third-party cloud solutions. If your favorite app hasn’t adopted the API yet, you can experiment with the Foundation Models on your own by tying them to actions in the built-in Shortcuts app. Apple Music AutoMix Apple’s creative use of AI this year also extends to its music streaming service. Apple Music introduced a new subscriber-exclusive feature dubbed AutoMix, which replaces the classic crossfade function, bringing DJ-style transitions to the Music app. It works by analyzing the tracks you’re playing and applying advanced techniques, such as beat matching and time stretching. This blends the songs more naturally, and it honestly still impresses me every time it occurs.

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Attackers using ChatGPT to trick Mac users into installing MacStealer
Security researchers have found that attackers are using ChatGPT to trick Mac users into pasting a command line into Terminal which installs malware. Specifically, it installs MacStealer, which allows the attacker to obtain iCloud passwords, files, and credit card details. The attack targeted people who were searching Google for instructions on how to free up some disk space on a Mac … more…

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Leaked code spills details of mystery Apple smart home accessory
Macworld We’ve been tracking rumors about Apple’s push into the smart home market for years, but we’ve yet to see anything come to fruition beyond a new Home app architecture. That may be about to change very soon. Corroborating previous rumors, leaked internal Apple code seen by Macworld provides further evidence that the company is developing a smart home hub (which some are calling the “HomePad”) along with another mysterious accessory. Apple’s long-rumored ‘HomePad’ could be imminent Rumors about Apple’s smart home hub are nothing new. In fact, multiple sources have already pointed out that the product will have a square-shaped display and a built-in speaker, something of a mix between an iPad and a HomePod. To corroborate the existence of this product inside the labs in Cupertino, legitimate Apple code for an internal pre-release build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld also references “J490,” the same code number previously attached to the rumored “HomePad” device. The hub is said to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip and includes a front-facing ultra-wide camera with Center Stage. Users will likely be able to make FaceTime calls right from the device without needing an iPhone or iPad nearby. The ultra-wide front camera seems to be limited to 1080p video, just like the camera on most iPads and Macs. Apple’s so-called “HomePad” will be a rival to devices like Amazon’s Echo Hub.Michael Brown/Foundry More interestingly, the built-in camera doesn’t appear to be designed solely for video calls. The device will reportedly also have Face ID and will use facial biometrics not only for authentication but also to identify who is in the room. This should enable a true multi-user experience in shared homes, with HomePad automatically switching between different profiles depending on who is interacting with the device. Macworld also saw an app used by engineers to test the accuracy of this system on the HomePad. In addition, thanks to the A18 chip, the device has flags that indicate support for Apple Intelligence, including the long-awaited, more advanced Siri with natural conversation. The “J490” device is labeled as a 2026 device internally and has previously been rumored for a spring release. A new kind of Apple home accessory The HomePad might not be the only new smart home product from Apple coming next year. Also spotted in the internal code are references to a never-before-seen product identified as “J229.” Little is known about this product so far, but the build code suggests that it has multiple sensors. Interestingly, it can also detect alarm sounds (just like the HomePod), capture images (so it probably has a built-in camera), and is identified as an accessory, not a standalone device. Apple’s last standalone camera was the iSight for the Mac.Christopher Phin Based on recent rumors, there are two rumored products that could fit into this category: Apple’s home security camera or doorbell. According to Bloomberg, Apple has been actively developing both products, although the doorbell is reportedly still years away from launch, which makes the security camera the leading suspect for J229. It’s unclear what the device will look like, but imagine how cool it would be if this camera were inspired by the design of Apple’s classic iSight webcam. Internally, support for this device is being targeted for spring 2026 with iOS 26.4. There are also rumors that the HomePad will be announced around the same time, so it would make sense for Apple to combine the announcement of both its smart hub with this smart security camera. Macworld also reported on Apple’s plans for a next-generation Studio Display and new iPad models.

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Macworld Podcast: Apple’s management changes–good or bad?
Macworld The news has been filled with reports of changes in Apple’s executive staff. How does that affect the company? That’s in this episode of the Macworld Podcast. This is episode 962 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross,  and Roman Loyola.  Watch episode 962 on YouTube Listen to episode 962 on Apple Podcasts

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This $199.90 iOS scanner app is now only $28 for life
Macworld TL;DR: iScanner is an iOS scanner app with a lifetime subscription now available for $28 with code FLASH. Desktop scanners are expensive, take up a whole lot of space, and they don’t exactly last forever. If you want an alternative, iScanner just released a lifetime subscription on sale for $27.99 (reg. $199.90). What is iScanner? iScanner is an iOS app that makes quick work of scanning any document. You can point your camera at a contract, receipt, assignment, or page from a book, and the app automatically finds the borders, straightens everything, and fixes the lighting. It feels quick and painless, which is exactly what scanning should be. Exporting documents is easy too, whether you need a PDF for work, a JPG for school, or a DOC file you can edit. If you deal with forms, the built-in editor helps you sign, mark up, blur out private info, or fill things in without printing anything. It also stores your scans neatly, so receipts and IDs don’t vanish into the abyss of your camera roll. For anyone juggling small business paperwork or trying to keep school documents organized, this is the kind of tool that actually makes life simpler. Special modes like math solving, QR reading, and object counting sound extra, but they come in handy more often than you’d think. And since the app works on both iPhone and Android, you’re not tied to one device. Use code FLASH to get an iScanner Lifetime subscription on sale for only $27.99. Sale ends soon. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple’s next budget iPad refresh could deliver flagship-level power
Internal code in iOS 26 indicates Apple working on powerful upgrades for its entry-level iPad and iPad Air. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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