Parts For Products Announced Last Month Now Available
Apple is now selling parts for the 7 new devices that they have announced during March via the Apple self-service repair program. The program enables customers to get their hands on real manuals, parts, and tools to DIY repair their device. The 7 devices are the iPad Air with M4 chip, Studio Display XDR, the […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Smartphone market down and worsening, but Apple’s tactic pays off – IDC
The global smartphone market fell more than 4% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, ending 2.5 years of consecutive growth, according to a new market intelligence report. Things are expected to get even worse as the memory shortage bites even harder, but the tactic adopted by Apple is paying off … more…

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Apple Watch hit by major bugs after watchOS 8.8.2 update
Macworld Around three weeks ago, Apple released watchOS 26.4 alongside iOS 26.4 and macOS 26.4. At the same time, the company quietly released updates for watchOS 5 and watchOS 8, two older versions of the Apple Watch’s operating system. These renewed security certificates and enabled iMessage and FaceTime to carry on working. Unfortunately, users are now reporting across various channels that the watchOS 8.8.2 update is causing problems with their Apple Watches. The most common issue appears to be an inability to install apps. Even Apple’s own apps, such as Maps and Weather, are not immune. Other users report random crashing and pairing errors. One affected Apple Watch shut down despite being almost fully charged; after a forced restart, it showed a battery level of 80%. A common tip for problems with the Apple Watch is to unpair it from the companion iPhone and then pair them again, but even during this step, affected users report that the connection sometimes fails. So far, there appears to be no permanent solution to either the crashes or the app installation problem. Several commenters on Reddit and Apple Community say they’ve already contacted Apple Support, but this hasn’t yet led to a fix, or even an explanation of what’s going on. To make matters worse, there is no easy way to revert to the previous version of watchOS. And while watchOS 8 might sound like an ancient OS, it’s compatible with some Apple Watch models which remain popular, such as the Series 6 and SE. If you’ve been affected by the issues with watchOS 8.8.2, please get in touch with us using the form below. The more user feedback Apple receives, the more likely it is that the developers in Cupertino will investigate the issue and (potentially) find a fix. Submit a form.

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The iPhone 4 and the scandals that rocked Apple
Macworld Quick–what’s the most important iPhone ever? Was it the original iPhone that started it all? The iPhone 6 Plus that offered larger sizes for the first time? The iPhone X that redefined the phone for a new decade? There’s a strong argument to be made that the iPhone 4 is bigger than them all. It debuted in spectacular and infamous fashion, generated one of Apple’s most remarkable controversies, and also ended up being one of the most influential iPhones in terms of design. Most important? Well, maybe. But there’s no doubt that the iPhone 4 is the most interesting iPhone ever. Found in a bar The iPhone 4 story starts with a bang exactly 16 years ago, as an Apple engineer accidentally left one in a German restaurant in Redwood City, California, where it was found by someone who sold it to the tech blog Gizmodo. It was less than two months before the new iPhone’s debut, which was scheduled for Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference in June. Gizmodo thoroughly documented every aspect of the device, spoiling what had traditionally been one of Steve Jobs’s greatest marketing tricks, the dramatic new-product reveal. It seems obvious now, but back in the day, the idea that a new product announcement could be theater was revolutionary. Technology product announcements were boring litanies of specs. Industry standard practice was to sow fear, uncertainty, and doubt by pre-announcing products long before they even existed. Jobs kept Apple’s stuff in a black box, under a dropcloth, to reveal when the time was right, like a magician. It made it feel like you were watching technology being invented in real-time. It was a brilliant bit of showmanship. The Gizmodo leak blew all of that up. There were police raids and criminal investigations, most of which went nowhere. But Apple lost its ability to publicize the iPhone 4–we all knew about it, in detail, way in advance. You’re holding it wrong Another milestone in the weird life of the iPhone 4 happened soon after the device was announced. All of a sudden, media reports began emerging that you could drop the phone’s cellular connection to no bars and end phone calls by placing your fingers on exactly the right spot on the device’s outside. Tim Cook and Steve Jobs do not want to be here. Jason Snell Antennagate wasn’t the first iPhone “gate,” but it might have been the biggest one. The storm of attention got so strong that Steve Jobs had to cut a family vacation short and fly back to Cupertino for a hastily-called press conference. After playing a viral music video by Jonathan Mann, Apple’s CEO appeared on stage and sure didn’t seem happy to be there. Jobs pointed out that lots of phones had places on them where, if you touched just the right spot, you could lose signal. He also admitted that Apple’s algorithm that displayed “cellular bars” was not really accurate and was misrepresenting weaker signals as stronger. He also seemed frustrated that a seemingly tiny number of user complaints were overshadowing the fact that more than 99 percent of iPhone 4 buyers seemed perfectly happy with their devices. But, admitting that a “bumper” case around the phone’s metal edges tended to mitigate the problem, Jobs offered a free bumper case to every iPhone 4 buyer. Jobs also famously gave every iPhone 4 user a little advice, if they found themselves holding the device in a way that reduced the cellular signal: “Just don’t hold it that way then.” There’s also a less-well-known scandal involving the iPhone 4, which Jobs referenced in the “Antennagate” press conference by apologizing for the fact that the white version of the iPhone 4 was late, but would be out later in July. That’s right–Apple sold the iPhone 4 in two colors, black and white, but the white one didn’t ship. Not in June, not in July, and not even in 2010. Apple’s white whale, er, iPhone didn’t ship until April 2011, a full 10 months after it was announced. Can you imagine? Steve Jobs offered iPhone 4 buyers a full refund if they held it wrong. Jason Snell Does it look familiar? But enough about the bad. Thanks to 16 years of hindsight, it’s also important to point out all the things about the iPhone 4 that make it a notable phone–in a good way. The iPhone 4 was the first model to break AT&T’s exclusivity deal in the United States. For the first 3 and 1/2 years of the iPhone’s existence, AT&T was Apple’s exclusive wireless partner. Then, in early 2011, Apple announced a special Verizon-only version of the iPhone4 that brought the phone to America’s biggest carrier. It was a huge step for both Verizon and Apple, bringing the iPhone to a huge new set of customers who just weren’t willing to switch carriers to get the phone they wanted. Perhaps most important, though, is the design of the iPhone 4. After the rounded original iPhone and the curvy plastic of the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4 was a real statement: Flat sides all around, clad in a band of silvery aluminum, with a flat front and back. The iPhone 4’s design persisted through the iPhone 5 and 5S, and then returned with a vengeance with the iPhone 12 series. Even today’s iPhone 17 Pro carries most of the shape with it, though it’s replaced the metal band with an entirely metal backshell. For my money, it’s this design that has stood the test of time and is the definitive iPhone look. Despite being unveiled accidentally in a German restaurant by an Apple engineer via a tech blog, then re-unveiled at WWDC, then apologized for, and with a white color variant that almost never appeared, the iPhone 4 is a huge part of iPhone history. Especially if you don’t hold it wrong.

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iPhone Ultra: Apple first folding iPhone design, display, and release rumors
Macworld We’ve been reporting on the supposedly imminent launch of a foldable iPhone for years. There have been strong and reliable rumors of a foldable iPhone being just two years away, dating as far back as 2018, at least. Back then, reliable reports from the likes of CNBC said Apple was going to have a folding iPhone on the market in 2020. That became 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025… and now it’s expected to land in 2026. So, while the rumors and reports from parts suppliers and analysts are heating up and we have more specifics than ever before, we would advise even more caution and skepticism than usual with Apple speculation. With that said, here’s what current rumors suggest about the release of a folding iPhone. Update April 14, 2026: We’ve updated this guide with the latest rumors, including more dummy models, pricing info, and another leak that “iPhone Ultra” will be the name. Foldable iPhone name: What will it be called? iPhone Ultra is the expected name Many fans and pundits have got into the habit of referring to the rumored device as the iPhone Fold, but this may not necessarily be the official name. The rumors and leaks from spring 2026 onwards suggest that Apple is looking to call it iPhone Ultra. In March, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg claimed that the folding iPhone will be one of several “Ultra” products coming this year—though not all will use “Ultra” branding, it’s certainly a possibility for the folding iPhone. Then, the Weibo account Digital Chat Station (which is hit-and-miss) said Apple is looking to use the iPhone Ultra name, too.

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Keep your brain active with this low-stakes learning app, now $70 for life (was $599.99)
Macworld TL;DR: Nibble is a new app that teaches you things like art, history, finance, and more, and a lifetime subscription is only $70. A lot of learning apps ask for more time and focus than most people actually have. Nibble takes the opposite approach, turning spare minutes into short lessons that feel manageable enough to keep using, even on days when a full course sounds exhausting. A lifetime subscription is also on sale now for only $69.99 (reg. $599.99). Nibble centers everything around 10-minute sessions, so you can pick up something new without feeling like you need to block out your whole evening. The app covers 16 broad topics, including history, art, AI, personal finance, music, and philosophy, and it mixes formats instead of forcing everything into the same lesson style. You can read, listen, watch, take quizzes, play learning games, or use AI chats that make the material feel a little more interactive. Some days, you may want a structured path that builds from one lesson to the next. Other days, you may just want to open the app, learn a few things about a topic that caught your attention, and move on. Nibble works both ways. The personalized recommendations and guided journeys help with direction, but the app still leaves room for curiosity. Another nice part of the setup is that it doesn’t pressure you to learn. There are no deadlines, no long assignments, and no sense that you are falling behind. New content gets added monthly, so the library keeps growing. The lifetime subscription unlocks the full library, plus all available formats, including lessons, videos, audio, games, and AI chats. If you want to keep yourself sharp and learn in your spare time, get a Nibble lifetime subscription for $69.99. Nibble All-Around Knowledge App (Lifetime Subscription)See Deal Buying this deal? Top off your cart to $100+, then add a Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license and use GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) to get it free through 4/19. Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. StackSocial prices subject to change.

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This $68 portable projector comes with a mic for backyard karaoke
Macworld TL;DR: The ION Portable HD Projector comes with built-in speakers and a wired Mic, and it’s on sale for $68. Some portable projectors require all sorts of separate accessories, which very quickly defeats the purpose of having a portable projector. The ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector keeps things simple by putting the projector, speaker, Bluetooth, and microphone support in one unit, so you can set it up for a movie, game, or karaoke night without dragging out a pile of extra gear. Right now, you can pick up one of these portable projectors for only $67.99 (reg. $84.99). This is not a cinema-quality movie projector, but it’s not supposed to be. You get 720p HD resolution, 100 ANSI lumens, and an adjustable image from 30 inches to 150 inches. That won’t replace a serious home theater setup, but it should work well for movies, games, and outdoor hangouts once the light drops. The bigger selling point is the sound. Most compact projectors sound thin and weak on their own, but this one has a built-in 70W stereo system with dual 3-inch drivers and 1.5-inch tweeters, so you can actually fill a room or patio without immediately reaching for another speaker. That’s especially useful for karaoke nights, which can also benefit from the included microphone. Connecting to your projector is easy. It has ports for HDMI, USB, and AUX, so it’s easy to hook up a laptop, console, or another media device. Bluetooth 5.3 is built in with a range of up to 100 feet, so it can pull double duty as a wireless speaker when you’re not using the projector. Get an ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector on sale for $67.99 while you can. ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, Speakers & MicrophoneSee Deal Buying this deal? Top off your cart to $100+, then add a Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license and use GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) to get it free through 4/19. Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. StackSocial prices subject to change.

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YouTube Music rolls out split-view Now Playing redesign on Android, iOS
The split-view Now Playing redesign that YouTube Music has been working on since last year is now widely rolling out.  more…

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Developers behind vibe coding app Anything detail next steps after months-long fight with Apple
Following a dispute that led to two removals from the App Store, the developers behind the vibe coding platform Anything are publicly accusing Apple of shutting out a new generation of app creators through outdated app review guidelines. Here are the details. more…

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Grok nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes almost led to an App Store ban
Apple reportedly threatened Grok owner xAI with an App Store ban if the deepfake nude generation issues weren't addressed. In spite of ongoing problems with the chatbot, the app was never removed.X and Grok faced backlash after deepfake problemFor several horrific days in January, social media platform X was flooded with AI-generated pornographic images involving non-consenting adults and minors. Many wondered why legal entities were slow to respond, but above all, why Apple was completely silent on the matter.According to a new report from CNBC, shared by 9to5Mac, Apple did threaten to remove Grok from the App Store. While Elon Musk did change moderation rules on X, even after monetizing the illegal porn, the Grok app didn't change much at all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Margo’s Got Money Troubles, starring Elle Fanning, premieres on Apple TV
Apple TV subscribers can now watch the first three episodes of comedic drama Margo’s Got Money Troubles, starring Elle Fanning (Predator: Badlands), Michelle Pfeiffer (Basic Instinct), and Nicole Kidman (The Hours). Here are the details. more…

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Apple reportedly threatened to remove Grok from the App Store over sexualized deepfakes
In a letter obtained exclusively by NBC News, Apple told U.S. senators how it worked behind the scenes to address the viral surge of sexualized deepfakes generated by Grok earlier this year. Here are the details. more…

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Journey Summit Ultra 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: sleek, speedy, and expensive
JourneyiPhone 17's 3-in-1 charging station, the Summit Ultra, keeps your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch topped off and ready to go at a moment's notice — but you'll pay for that convenience.Journey Summit Ultra 3-in-1 Wireless Charging StationIf you're in the Apple ecosystem, chances are you've got at least two — if not three, four, or five Apple devices that need to be charged at any given moment. Journey knows this, which is why it's created its own take on a convenient multi-charger.The Summit Ultra is a three-in-one charger, designed to charge your MagSafe-compatible iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. And, as a bonus, it does so without needing any sort of wires going to or from your devices — everything is grab-and-go. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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9to5Mac Daily: April 14, 2026 – MacBook Neo competition, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card. more…

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Farewell to Mac Writers John Martellaro and Chuck La Tournous
The Mac community has lost two longtime writers in recent weeks: John Martellaro and Chuck La Tournous. John wrote once for TidBITS in 1996 before settling at The Mac Observer, where Chuck was also a contributing editor.

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Apple pulls fake Ledger app and Freecash in rough day for App Store review
Just as CoinDesk reported that a fake Ledger app had drained millions from App Store users, TechCrunch revealed that another app had been harvesting sensitive user data. Apple pulled both today. Here are the details. more…

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Apple TV’s under-the-radar masterpiece ‘For All Mankind’ is still soaring – Empire
Season five of “For All Mankind” picks up in the years since the Goldilocks asteroid heist. Happy Valley has grown into a thriving colony… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple holds the line while rivals jack up prices
Rising Microsoft and Samsung prices are shifting the competitive landscape in the electronics market today. Here's how Apple benefits. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple says Jon Prosser has only partially complied with subpoenas in iOS 26 leak case
In a joint status report, attorneys for Apple and Michael Ramacciotti updated the court on the latest developments in the trade secrets lawsuit over the leak of iOS 26 design details. Here’s what’s new with the case. more…

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OpenAI unveils GPT‑5.4‑Cyber, an AI model for defensive cybersecurity
OpenAI has announced a new AI model called GPT-5.4-Cyber. Similar to Anthropic’s Claude Mythos, this new “cyber-permissive” variant of its GPT-5.4 is built for defensive cybersecurity and not public use. more…

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