iPhone Fold unboxing video is a fake, not the real thing
There’s an iPhone Fold unboxing video doing the rounds, and at first glance it does look rather convincing, with none of the usual signs immediately pointing to an AI-generated fake. However, there’s one rather large giveaway that it’s not the real thing, and that provides a clue as to how it was produced … more…

Read more »

Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook is coming. I don’t want it
Macworld Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup has remained resolutely familiar for several years now. We’ve grown accustomed to getting a new chip here, slightly more storage there, and being happy with it. Really, there hasn’t been a seismic shift since the last redesign back in 2021. That’s all set to change in a big way later this year. That’s when Apple is anticipated to unveil a new MacBook Pro bearing an OLED display with touchscreen functionality. If it comes to pass, it could be the largest shake-up of Apple’s flagship laptop in half a decade. Given those expectations, there’s every reason to believe that this could be the best MacBook Pro in years, and it’ll undoubtedly be an attractive option for many Apple fans. Yet, despite all that, I’ll be steering clear. I do not doubt that this MacBook Pro will be an excellent device, but whether it’s right for me–and, potentially, for you–is open to question. The new MacBook Pro could be great For years, Apple has employed mini-LED technology in its MacBook Pro screens, and this has served the company well. Yet over that time, it’s been hard to ignore the OLED-shaped elephant in the room. Apple’s rivals have almost all outfitted their laptops with OLED panels, and it’s one way that Apple could noticeably improve the visual experience of its laptops. That’s set to finally become a reality with the revamped MacBook Pro. The other change of note is the arrival of touchscreen tech, something that’s been mooted for years now. Apple has long opposed the idea of creating a touchscreen MacBook, but for one reason or another, it seems to have finally acquiesced. According to recent reports, macOS adapts to your input, whether that’s a mouse or your finger. I hope that means that the operating system will act as it always has if you don’t want to use the touch controls. The Dynamic Island is a good iPhone feature. How can Apple make it Mac-relevant?Foundry A report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claims that Apple will add the Dynamic Island to the new MacBook Pro. I know I’ve been pretty critical of Alan Dye’s stint as Apple’s chief design guru, but the Dynamic Island is actually one feature of his that I think works really well. It takes something that is, for now, unavoidable (a visible front-facing camera and sensor array) and makes it useful. Running on the new MacBook Pro, it could certainly be much more functional than the dumb notch that Apple’s laptop roster is currently stuck with. We shouldn’t forget the next-generation M6 chips that will be in this device. The M6 Pro and M6 Max chips will be made with a new 2nm process, which should help improve their power and efficiency, making for a more generous performance improvement than we’ve seen for some time. Overall, then, there’s a huge amount to look forward to in the touchscreen MacBook Pro. So why don’t I want to buy one? Why I’ll be staying away To start, I’m concerned about the potential for higher prices. As I’ve already written about, the global RAM crisis means that component prices are currently through the roof, and even Apple has admitted that it might not be able to insulate itself against that forever. Computer component prices have skyrocketed, which could affect the sales price of the new MacBook Pro.Foundry Couple that with the pricey new touchscreen OLED display, and rising MacBook costs feel like an inevitability. If you want to avoid that and need a MacBook as soon as possible, the current M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros should be on your list. But it’s not all about the financial outlay. I happen to agree with Steve Jobs’ longstanding opposition to touchscreen laptops. I find them uncomfortable to use, particularly for long stretches at a time, and I also don’t think that the MacBook Pro will be especially improved by the addition of a touchscreen. It’s heartening to hear that macOS won’t be compromised by the introduction of touchscreen functionality–you can go without it if you wish, by the sound of it–but I don’t want to pay extra for a MacBook with features I don’t need. And despite the inclusion of the Dynamic Island, Gurman’s report made no mention of Face ID, a feature that I’ve been hoping would grace the MacBook Pro for years. While the Dynamic Island could improve the experience, without Face ID, I’m less excited for it. While I’ve no doubt that the touchscreen MacBook Pro will be a groundbreaking device, the combination of its likely price and notable holes in its feature set means it’ll be a classic early adopter device—and I won’t be one of them.

Read more »

iOS 26.4.1 fixes major iPhone bug and adds a quiet security upgrade
Apple’s iOS 26.4.1 update quietly fixes a frustrating iCloud syncing bug while bringing stronger security to enterprise iPhones. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

DIYer proves MacBook Neo can support a 1TB SSD
Macworld The MacBook Neo has taken the world by storm, offering premium Mac quality that exceeds its price point. But the Neo isn’t without its shortcomings, most notably its SSD. Not only are its 256GB and 512GB capacities not enough for a lot of users, but it’s also incredibly slow compared to other Macs. But if you’re handy with a soldering iron, you might be able to fix that problem. In his latest video, YouTuber dosdude1 was able to upgrade a MacBook Neo with a 1TB NAND NVMe SSD that’s both more spacious and faster than the one Apple offers. In a post on X, dosdude1 wrote, “It ended up working without a hitch!” The module they bought is “commonly used” in the iPhone 16 Pro, though the module was “a good 35% of the cost” of the MacBook Neo. (In case you don’t want to do the math, that’s $210 if we’re talking about a $599 Neo.) In case you’re gung-ho to do this on your own MacBook Neo, you’d better be prepared, because it’s not as simple as popping out RAM sticks and popping in new ones. It involves disassembling the MacBook Neo, preparing the new SSD for soldering, removing the Neo’s existing drive, preparing the new SSD for soldering, soldering it in, and testing for integrity. I generalized for the sake of this article, but it’s quite complex, though doable. If you’re wondering if a similar hack can be done for the MacBook Neo’s memory, it can’t. The RAM is not a separate component like the SSD, so you can’t just use an off-the-shelf memory module due to Apple’s proprietary chips. The memory part of the main chip, along with the CPU and GPU, so you basically need to replace the Neo’s A18 Pro chip with an A19 Pro, which has 12GB of RAM. But if you wait a little while, it might just be on the way. Apple MacBook Neo Read our review Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $599 at Amazon | $599 at Apple | $599 at B&H

Read more »

AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station review: Compact multi-device power pal
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Multiple power outputs Fast 25W iPhone wireless charging Adjustable iPhone stand Built-in retractable USB-C cable 100W max output Compact Cons 25W only for iPhone 16 and later Apple Watch charge not fast Our Verdict This is a good-looking, super-compact and affordable multi-device charger that will wirelessly charge your iPhone as fast as anything can, as well as simultaneously charge your Apple Watch (a little slowly) and AirPods case. On top of all that, it’s an able 100W desktop charger with its own built-in 60W retractable USB-C cable for your MacBook, and two further ports. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$79.99 Best Prices Today: AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station Retailer Price $65.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Could this compact near-cuboid charger have everything an Apple user needs for charging? It certainly comes close to achieving that goal. The AceFast Z9 Pro can wirelessly charge your iPhone at up to 25W at the same time as your Apple Watch, an AirPods case, a MacBook at up to 65W, and two other devices using the USB ports. Charging potential iPhone wireless charging: 25W Apple Watch wireless charging: 2.5W AirPods wireless charging: 5W USB-C cable: 60W USB-C port: 100W USB-A port: 30W The AceFast Z9 Pro has a maximum power output of 100W to share between the six potential ports, cable and wireless pads. The wireless charging pad at the top is rated at the very top Qi2.2 spec, so allowing the fastest-possible wireless speed of 25W for iPhone of the 16 or 17 series or 15W for iPhones 12-15. That fastest 25W wireless charging should get an iPhone up to 50% power in just over 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes at 15W. Behind the raised iPhone charger is a 5W Qi pad that will charge all but the oldest AirPods cases. The pop-out Apple Watch charger is a nice-to-have for Watch wearers, but is a little slow on the power front.Simon Jary Hidden on one side is a wireless charging module for Apple Watch. Just press it to reveal the Watch pad and push it in when you’re done to return the charger to its compact shape. This pop-out 2.5W charging pad isn’t powerful enough to fast-charge the Watch—for that you need at least 5W; see our roundup of the best Apple Watch chargers for faster Watch refills. That said, it doesn’t take an age to fill the Watch’s tiny battery so unless you’re in a great hurry, 2.5W will get you there in the end. On the other side is a long 2.3-foot (700mm) retractable USB-C cable, capable of 60W charging. Having a built-in cable is incredibly useful, saving time hunting for your own USB-C charging cable or pleading with someone else for the loan of theirs. Simon Jary That 60W will keep any connected MacBook going but 60W is not enough for the fastest MacBook charging. MacBooks fast-charge at 70W (MacBook Air), 100W (14-inch MacBook Pro) and 140W (16-inch MacBook Pro), but 60W will certainly keep your laptop going and charge to full pretty quickly. Below that are two USB ports. Thankfully, the USB-C port is capable of 100W so can—with the right cable—fast-charge all but the 16-inch MacBook. The legacy 30W USB-A can be used for those devices still demanding the old rectangular connector. Check our reviews of the best MacBook charging cables for a suitable USB-C cable. With a maximum power output of 100W, you could charge a MacBook at 60W, your iPhone at 25W and your AirPods plus another small device. Using the USB-C cable and port and can achieve 60W plus 30W—enough to slowly refill two laptops. using all three (but no wireless) you can get 60W from the cable, and share 15W between the two ports. There’s no fan-based active cooling technology as found on some 25W wireless chargers, which means it will always run silently but might limit power to the iPhone if your device gets too warm. The integrated 60W USB-C cable is handy but you’ll get more juice using the 100W USB-C port below it.Simon Jary Compact design The uniformly dark gray AceFast Z9 Pro is a near 3-inch cube, measuring 3.3 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches (82 x 72.5 x 72.5mm) and weighing 1.3lbs (590g). That’s pretty small for a charger with six outputs. It can sit pretty much unnoticed on your desk, and features a non-slip silicone base to keeps the charging station stable when being used with multiple devices. Simon Jary Many 3-in-1 charging docks use a wide tree-shaped design or low-profile stand. The Z9 Pro is more of a block with a raisable iPhone charging pad and push-out Watch pad. It still works like a stand, carrying the iPhone in either portrait or landscape orientation—meaning it can display the time when charging in StandBy Mode. The iPhone charging pad is highly adjustable— up to 65 degrees—so it can be angled as you desire. Simon Jary Price The AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station is priced at $79.99, and at the moment is available in North America and not the U.K. For a 25W wireless iPhone charger and 60W MacBook desktop charger with integrated cable, that’s good value for money. The company also makes a non-Pro Z9 Charging Station, which has a smaller maximum 80W output and much slower 7.5W wireless iPhone charger but otherwise the same specs in an identical form for ten bucks less ($59.99). The Pro makes more sense at only a little higher cost. Ugreen’s 100W GaN Mini MagSafe Power Station ($99 or £79) is a similarly shaped stubby desktop charger with raised MagSafe charger on top (although only to 15W) and has two USB-C ports and one USB-A but no built-in cable. The AceFast Z9 Pro looks better value with its faster wireless charging, Watch module and built-in cable. For more solutions read our reviews of the best USB-C chargers and best iPhone wireless chargers. Simon Jary Should you buy the AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station? This is a good-looking, super-compact and affordable multi-device charger that will wirelessly charge your iPhone as fast as anything can, as well as simultaneously charge your Apple Watch (a little slowly) and AirPods case. On top of all that, it’s an able 100W desktop charger with its own built-in 60W retractable USB-C cable for your MacBook, and two further ports.

Read more »

Macworld Podcast: Requiem for the Mac Pro
Macworld Apple has finally discontinued the Mac Pro. On this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about Apple’s tower workstation: its history, its purpose, and what it means for the Mac lineup going forward.  This is episode 978 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross,  and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 978 on YouTube Listen to episode 978 on Apple Podcasts

Read more »

This $26 iOS scanner app could make tax filing less hellish
Macworld TL;DR: Get an iScanner lifetime subscription for iOS or iPadOS on sale for $25.97 (MSRP $199.90). You already carry the best scanner there is—your iPhone! But by scanner, we mean photo taker, and by photo taker, we mean a ton of shadows and crooked edges that actually look like doodoo. During tax season, you need real scans, and the good apps aren’t free, but iScanner is currently 87% off, and it’s completely capable. You can scan multipage tax documents, receipts, or whatever you need with automatic edge detection and perspective correction, so everything comes out clean and readable. It also uses OCR to recognize text in 20+ languages, making your scans searchable and editable. Once scanned, you’re not stuck with static files. You can sign documents, fill in forms, annotate, or even blur sensitive information before sharing. Files can be exported as PDFs, Word docs, images, and more, so they’re ready for whatever. There’s also built-in file organization with folders and drag-and-drop, plus PIN protection to keep sensitive documents secure—useful if you’re handling financial or personal records on your device. Get iScanner for iOS (also works on Android) while it’s on sale for $25.97 for a limited time (MSRP $199.90). No coupon is needed. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Read more »

Best laptop power banks for Apple MacBook 2026
Macworld Many of us are quite used to carrying around a handy power bank to top up our iPhone batteries during a long day away from a power socket, but these pocketable battery packs are usually not powerful enough to keep an unplugged and energy-hungry MacBook going all day. We’ve rounded up the best portable laptop power banks with battery capacities high enough to recharge a fading Apple MacBook if you won’t be able to plug it into an electrical outlet for some time. Despite new laptops boasting improved battery life duration, it’s easy for your trusty MacBook to lose power after a day of intense meetings and PowerPoint presentations. No one wants to see the Mac’s “Your battery is running low” warning, especially when halfway through watching a downloaded Netflix series on a long-haul flight. We looked at seven main factors for recommending laptop power banks: battery capacity, charging speed, total power output, power input, USB ports, portability and safety. For more details on each see below this list of the best MacBook power banks. Power vs portability As a rule, the higher the battery capacity, the larger and heavier the power bank. We have included size and weight so you can determine if each power bank suits your traveling needs. Some laptop power banks are built to last in the great outdoors so will feature more rugged IP-rated shells; read on for our reviews below. There are much smaller, lighter and more portable power banks for phones—check out our recommendations of the best power banks for iPhone. You could use some of these to recharge a laptop but we recommend the power banks tested and reviewed here for the best results when powering up a laptop. There are some giant power banks, usually called portable power stations, that can keep a family going all weekend, but they are way too large to carry with you on your travels. We have tested the most MacBook-friendly models in our roundup of the best portable power stations. Macworld Test Score We test each power bank’s real-world charging prowess by recharging a spent 14-inch MacBook Pro from 0% to 100% (or as far as it gets) and then repeat, adding the two percentages together to create a comparable Test Score. Which power bank is best for your MacBook in 2026? We have indicated which models of MacBook we think each power bank is best suited to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pair any with different MacBooks. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W so owners of that model should look for a PD 3.1 power bank. But even a 13-inch MacBook Air will work well with the higher-capacity power banks. They might not charge any faster, but they will be recharged more times if you pick a high-capacity battery pack. Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) – Best overall MacBook power bank Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 300W total output Super-fast 250W input Dedicated app Cons No built-in cable Price When Reviewed: $229.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $171.48 View Deal $199.99 View Deal Anker $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 26250mAh (99.75Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 300WPower Input: 250WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (160 x 64 x 38mm)Weight: 21.1oz (599g)Airline compatible: Yes Macworld Test Score: 125% The Anker Prime 26K Power Bank (300W) is one of the most powerful laptop power banks that you can match with your MacBook. It is a great fit with the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has a battery rated at around the same watt hours (99.6WH) as this power bank (99.75Wh). There are three USB ports. Each of the two USB-C ports can be used to power at 140W. Attach Apple’s USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or the included 240W USB-C cable to the power back and you can utilize one of the 140W PD 3.1 ports to fast-charge the 16-inch Pro. Indeed, with its 300W total output at your disposal you could fast-charge two of the top-end MacBooks at the same time and still have enough juice to fast-charge your iPhone! Anker claims that you can fast-charge that top-end MacBook Pro up to 50% in 27 minutes. In our tests, we charged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to full power with enough left over to power it back to 25% on the second recharge. You can recharge the power bank itself to 50% in under 15 minutes using the two USB-C ports at the same time at an impressive 250W. This is a sophisticated power bank with some tricks of its own. It can be controlled by an app, which gives real-time charging stats (Remaining Charging Time and Input and Output power indicators) and can be optimized to help extend the battery life of the devices being charged as well as its own. You can even use the app’s Find Device feature to activate a sound alert from the power bank when you need to locate it. Anker also sells a 27K Prime Power Bank, available in either black or gold colors. We prefer the 26K model as it’s a little smaller, performed better in our tests, and out guns the 27K model in total output (300W vs 250W) and input (250W vs 170W). Who should buy the Anker Prime 26K 300W Power Bank? Powerful enough to charge two 16-inch MacBooks at the same time, this power bank is a great travelling companion for any of Apple’s laptops. Both its 300W total output and 250W input are top-end for a truly portable power bank. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Read our full Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) review

Read more »

Apple's Foldable iPhone Is 'On Track' To Launch In September
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple's foldable iPhone is still "on track" for a September unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. 9to5Mac reports: The report notes that Apple's stock took a hit earlier today after Nikkei Asia indicated the iPhone Fold was having serious production issues. Clearly, sources within Apple were motivated to share positive news via Gurman. Not long ago, Gurman himself said that he was expecting an iPhone Fold release date that was a little bit later than iPhone 18 Pro. That's still very possible, but it sounds like Apple is internally feeling optimistic about its targeted September launch. The report continues: "While the complexity of the new display and materials may limit initial supply for several weeks, Apple is currently operating with a plan to put the device on sale around the same time -- or very soon after -- the new non-foldable models, the people said." Gurman adds an important qualifier: "Still, the release is six months away and production has yet to ramp up. That means the timing isn't final." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Read more »

Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: Fast, portable, & smart
The Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is a fantastic portable charger that is MagSafe-compatible, delivering up to 25W of power to your iPhone, while simultaneously charging your AirPods and Apple Watch.Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: The perfect travel accessoryWith the launch of Qi2.2, we've started to see a trickle of chargers that have embraced the latest standard. Anker, which already launched a highly-praised Qi2.2 desktop charger, is now out with a foldable version.If you have a recent iPhone that supports the faster Qi2.2 standard, like the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17 series, or iPhone Air, this may be the companion device you're looking for to hit the road with. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

DOJ antitrust case goes to South Korea in latest evidence request from Apple
Samsung America has refused to submit evidence owned by its South Korean parent company, so Apple has turned to the Hague Conventions to force the matter.Apple requests Samsung provide evidence even if it's in South KoreaIn March 2024, Apple was sued by the United States Department of Justice for allegedly stifling competition through proprietary hardware and software. After months of appeals and requests for dismissal, the case finally moved forward.The discovery process hasn't been an easy one, with both Apple and Samsung fighting lawyers every step of the way. The latest filing from Apple, shared by 9to5Mac, shows Apple is having to take legal measures to force evidence from Samsung. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple seeks internal data from Samsung in South Korea in ongoing antitrust case
Apple has moved to obtain internal Samsung data from South Korea in its ongoing antitrust fight with the U.S. government over alleged monopoly practices. Here are the details. more…

Read more »

Stolen Device Protection now enabled by default for enterprise devices in iOS 26.4.1
Apple confirms that Stolen Device Protection will be enabled by default for enterprise devices updating from iOS 26.4 to iOS 26.4.1, and from iPadOS 26.4 to iPadOS 26.4.1. Here are the details. more…

Read more »

Europe’s largest Apple museum opens to the public in the Netherlands
The Apple Museum, in Utrecht, opened a few days ago, just in time for Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Here’s what visitors can find there. more…

Read more »

MacBook Neo & iPhone 17e parts now offered via Apple's repair program
Apple's latest products can now be fixed via the Self Service Repair Program, with parts for the iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, Apple Studio Display XDR, and more.MacBook Neo parts are now available from the Apple Self Service Repair Store.On Wednesday, Apple updated its Self Service Repair Store with replacement parts for the various products the company announced in March 2026.This includes the iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, M4 iPad Air, updated Apple Studio Display, and the Apple Studio Display XDR. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

iOS and iPadOS 26.4.1 is out to fix iCloud syncing bug
Macworld Apple has just released iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1. Apple says this only included bug fixes and no security updates, with simple patch notes: “This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone.” According to users on Apple’s developer forums, it actually fixes a pretty significant iCloud sync bug introduced in iOS 26.4. According to this thread on the Apple Developer Forums, the bug prevented devices running iOS/iPadOS 26.4 from receiving notifications that iCloud data had changed, so they weren’t getting data that was updated from other devices. This impacted all first and third-party apps that use CloudKit, including even Apple’s own Passwords app. This bug appears to be resolved in the 26.4.1 updates. If you’re running the iOS 26.5 beta, you should be fine, as the bug doesn’t appear there. To update your device, open Settings and tap General, then Software Updates and follow the on-screen instructions.

Read more »

Apple Passwords syncing bug corrected by iOS 26.4.1 update
Apple's iOS 26.4.1 update resolves a CloudKit framework issue that prevented iCloud passwords and other data from syncing.iOS 26.4.1 includes a fix related to iCloud data syncing.Following the public release of iOS 26.4 on March 24, Apple issued a new bug fix update on Wednesday. iOS 26.4, which bears the build number 23E254, delivers an important fix for apps that rely on the CloudKit framework.To be more specific, devices running the preceding iOS 26.4 update were unable to receive iCloud notifications regarding changes, causing problems for iCloud data syncing. In certain apps, changes made on one iPad or iPhone would not be visible on another. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

You can now buy official repair parts for MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, Studio Display XDR, more
Apple’s Self Service Repair Store was updated today to offer several standalone repair parts for recently released products, including the repair-friendly MacBook Neo. Here are the details. more…

Read more »

Apple shares rise on strong Mac demand, bullish Wedbush commentary
Apple shares climbed more than 2% on Wednesday, boosted by optimistic commentary from Wedbush Securities regarding strong Mac demand… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

iOS 26.4.1 fixes iPhone bug that stopped iCloud data from syncing, including Apple Passwords
iOS 26.4.1 is available today. While the official release notes were vague, a thread on the developer forums indicates it actually fixes a significant bug related to iCloud data syncing. Developers had noticed that iPhones running 26.4 would stop receiving iCloud change notifications, which impacted cloud data sync for apps that use CloudKit framework, including Apple’s own Passwords app. Apple has now addressed this regression with the just-released iOS 26.4.1 version. more…

Read more »