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- Thursday April 30
- 03:49 pmiOS 26.4 improved Apple’s Health app, and bigger upgrades are coming soon
Apple’s Health app got a pair of welcome improvements in iOS 26.4, and rumors indicate Apple has major upgrades coming soon in iOS 27. more…03:30 pmDeals: M5 MacBook Air up to $219 off, iPad Air $300 off, 24GB M5 MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Series 11 $160 off, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: M5 MacBook Air up to $219 off, iPad Air $300 off, 24GB M5 MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Series 11 $160 off, more
The AirPods Pro 3 deals are flying alongside AirPods 4 from $99, but today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by some seriously notable M5 MacBook Air deals – Midnight 24GB 15-inch up to $219 off and this new low on the base 15-inch M5 MacBook Air at $170 off. We also have the best clearance prices yet on the M3 iPad Air lineup up to $300 off, Apple’s 24GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro dropping back to its best Amazon price ever ($250 off launch), and the Titanium Apple Watch Series 11 hitting the Amazon all-time low at up to $160 off today (plus deals from $299). Head below for a closer look at the details. more…03:22 pmThis clever $15 USB-C hub clamps to your monitor to reclaim your desk
Macworld Orico USB-C Clamp Hub View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); If there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure of, it’s that every one of us needs a few extra ports for extra drives and accessories, but even the smallest hubs will take up desk space that no one has to spare. That’s where this clever USB-C Clamp Hub comes in, and it’s on sale for just $15.46 right now. This tiny little thing is so cool because, thanks to the C-clamp, you can mount it up to the underside of your monitor, for instance. You can, of course, also mount it to the very edge of your desk so it takes up very little of that precious space. This tiny little thing only needs an edge measuring between 0.19 and 1.1 inches and features three USB-A ports and one USB-C port, so you won’t have to worry about taking out a tiny dongle just to be able to use a flash drive. You won’t even have to worry about setting it up close to your desktop or laptop. This hub doesn’t have a built-in cable like some other models (though it does include a 2-in-1 cable in the box). The USB-C port on the back gives you flexibility to use whatever cable you want, and it also has an optional 5V USB-C port that can keep your connected devices charged. Go ahead and grab the Orico USB-C Clamp hub for just $15.46 off while this deal’s still live.03:04 pmCNBC: President Trump’s pro-growth policies could fuel strong summertime stock-market gains | Mac Daily NewsCNBC: President Trump’s pro-growth policies could fuel strong summertime stock-market gains
CNBC is out with a timely take that could have major implications for investors heading into the traditionally weaker summer months… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.03:00 pmTime is running out on your Intel Mac — here’s why
macOS 27 won't support any Intel Mac. Learn about the impact on the security of older computers, and what you can do to prevent problems. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:45 pmToday in Apple history: First iPad 3G tablets land in customers’ hands
On April 30, 2010, the first Wi-Fi + 3G iPads arrived in the hands of U.S. customers. The tablet became Apple's fastest-selling new product. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:21 pmTimeline of Artemis II photos shows how astronauts captured life inside Orion
NASA released Artemis II images from Orion's Moon-bound leg, and this interactive timeline organizing them shows how an iPhone 17 Pro Max and other onboard cameras were used throughout the mission.Reid Wiseman looks back at Earth through Orion's cabin window during Artemis II. Credit: NASAAstronauts aboard Orion captured images throughout the Artemis II mission, including selfies, eclipse shots, and views of Earth through the spacecraft's forward windows, with some images taken on an iPhone 17 Pro Max. One image titled "Thinking of You, Earth" shows a crew member silhouetted against the planet as Orion moved deeper into cislunar space.The timeline, recently published, shows life inside the cabin, including floating group shots, strapped-in seating positions, and handheld images in microgravity. It spans multiple points in the flight alongside imagery from dedicated cameras, including Nikon systems and GoPros mounted on Orion.Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Koch take a selfie inside Orion during Artemis II. Credit: NASA Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:17 pmNew iPads will launch later this year, here’s what rumors say is coming
We’re heading into a summer of software unveilings, but Apple has 15+ new hardware products rumored to launch later in the year—including multiple iPads. Here’s the latest on new iPads to expect. more…02:16 pm'Tetris' falls into place on Retrocade for the Apple Vision Pro
Relive the magic of the 1980s by stepping inside a classic Japanese arcade and playing "Tetris" on the Apple Vision Pro.'Tetris' in a new Japanese arcade setting | Image credit: Resolution GamesTetris may not be the first video game, but it's hard to think of any other franchise that is as iconic. In fact, Tetris ranks number two on the best-selling video game franchise list, seconded only to everyone's favorite plumber, Mario.And now you can relive the magic of classic Tetris on the Apple Vision Pro, thanks to Retrocade. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:15 pmApple TV overdrive: F1 Miami Grand Prix packs live streams, new shows and events
The F1 Miami Grand Prix on Apple TV this weekend brings loads of new content, from live feeds and multiview to new shows and live events. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:00 pmApple has given up on Tim Cook’s flop Apple Vision Pro
Apple has essentially abandoned the Apple Vision Pro after the M5 refresh failed to spark renewed interest in the device… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:00 pmThis smart telescope changed the way I look at the stars [Review] ★★★★☆
Our hands-on review reveals that DwarfLab's Dwarf Mini smart telescope works with your iPhone to take amazing pictures of the stars. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:34 pmDrop MagSafe from the iPhone? No, Apple’s smarter than that
Macworld Apple has made some dubious design decisions over the past 15 years, from FineWoven to the AirPods Max Smart Case. We hope that trend is about to change, under the company’s new perfectionist CEO, but even the current management is too smart to drop MagSafe from the iPhone line, as claimed by a new report. The Weibo leaker Instant Digital, who posts a lot but doesn’t have an especially strong track record of accurate predictions, claimed earlier this week that Apple has been debating whether to maintain MagSafe as a standard feature on the iPhone. “When MagSafe was first introduced, the internal stance was very aggressive,” the leaker adds. “There were even plans to include it as a standard feature on iPads, which I mentioned before, but ultimately didn’t happen. Now they’re starting to waver.” The rationale behind this debate, Instant Digital claims, is the “sacrifice” involved in building MagSafe into each device. And it’s undoubtedly the case that MagSafe imposes a burden on phone designers: it requires the inclusion of a ring of magnets as well as the necessary inductive charging coils. Apple could make its iPhone thinner and lighter if it were able to drop MagSafe, and early prototypes suggest that the foldable iPhone Ultra may not get the feature. It’s notable, however, that the super-thin iPhone Air did get MagSafe, so it’s not like this is an insurmountable problem. The iPhone 17e gained MagSafe this year.David Price / Foundry If true, however, the iPhone Ultra won’t be the first model in recent years to miss out on MagSafe. The iPhone 16e suffered from the same omission, although it isn’t clear whether this decision was made in order to cut costs, help with design/manufacturing processes, encourage upsell to costlier alternatives, or (the official reasoning) because target buyers simply didn’t want it. It’s worth pointing out that the iPhone 17e gained MagSafe, albeit a slower version than that seen on other contemporary iPhones, and this upgrade was a major factor in that device getting a higher review score than its predecessor. As I’ve explained elsewhere, MagSafe is a transformative feature. Before it came along, the options for iPhone owners were using a cable (fiddly, particularly when the cable inevitably slips down behind the nightstand) or non-magnetic wireless charging (also fiddly, and prone to leaving you with a dead phone in the morning because it got nudged off the sweet spot). We still have wired charging for moments where speed is the priority, but for all other times, MagSafe is the most convenient and frictionless way to perform a much-repeated task. Going back to the pre-MagSafe world while reviewing the iPhone 16e was far more annoying and inconvenient than I ever would have expected. With this in mind, I’d be very surprised if Apple’s supposed debate about the future of MagSafe led to terminal action. Apple (as well as the rest of the smartphone world) knows MagSafe is a winner, and as Instant Digital acknowledges, the ecosystem of licensed MagSafe-ready accessories is itself a non-trivial source of revenue. That doesn’t mean there won’t be exceptions to the rule: the company tried to live without the tech on the 16e, for example, and it seems likely we’ll see something similar on the first-gen iPhone Ultra. But the standard, surely, will be to include MagSafe, because it’s too good to die and too important to limit to the Pro models only.01:31 pmFacebook and Instagram losing users, with signs pointing to low-quality feeds
Anecdotally, I’ve been hearing for a very long time that Facebook and Instagram users are growing ever more dissatisfied with their social media feeds, and there now appears to be some hard data to support this. Meta has admitted that its daily active users declined by 20 million this quarter, and the company is taking steps to try to improve the quality of both Facebook and Instagram feeds … more…01:27 pmNetflix launches iPhone app redesign, here’s what’s new
Netflix is rolling out an overhaul of its iPhone app today, as previously announced, with a redesign centered around a vertical video feed called ‘Clips.’ Here’s what’s new. more…01:15 pmWith this affordable Philips touchscreen lock, just tap in your PIN and you’re in
With this Philips 1000 series touchscreen deadbolt lock, you replace keys with easy PIN access. And it’s on sale for $67.99 (MSRP $129.99). (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:06 pmApple Q2 earnings preview: Analysts forecast robust growth with iPhone and Greater China leading the charge | Mac Daily NewsApple Q2 earnings preview: Analysts forecast robust growth with iPhone and Greater China leading the charge
Apple is set to report its fiscal second-quarter financial results after market close today, and Wall Street analysts are projecting… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.11:52 amMotorola Razr Fold price and availability announced ahead of iPhone Ultra
The book-style folding smartphone market continues to grow ahead of the expected launch of the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra later this year. We’ve so far seen models from Oppo, Huawei and Samsung, with a new Motorola device available soon. We already knew a lot of details about the Motorola Razr Fold, but this now includes the price and launch date in the US … more…11:24 amiOS 27 will offer a range of AI features that can still be ignored
Apple will reveal more Apple Intelligence features than ever before during WWDC, but they will continue to stay out of the user's way. Those that don't want AI can just ignore it or turn it off.Siri's AI revamp is only a part of Apple's strategy with iOS 27We're only a few weeks away from WWDC 2026, so the internal leaks have begun in earnest. While I'm sure Apple Intelligence and AI will play a major role at the event, I also expect Apple to respect its user base.Unless something dramatic has changed at Apple, and no, I'm not talking about a CEO transition, I doubt Apple's stance on AI has shifted. Ever since its first big AI event at WWDC 2024, Apple has made it clear that it views AI as a tool that should be in the background and on device. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:15 amI dumped Adobe for Apple and got everything I need for less
Macworld For years, Adobe Creative Cloud has been an essential part of my workflow. While I’m always writing as a journalist, I’m also constantly editing photos and videos, and Photoshop, Premiere, Lightroom, and other apps have been essential to my work. But like many freelance creators, I started to wonder if paying such a high price for Adobe apps was really worth it. Even before Apple Creator Studio became a reality, I had already decided to switch from Adobe to Apple and Pixelmator apps (which now belong to Apple). If you’re also wondering whether the switch is worth it, read on as I detail how this decision impacted my workflow and which suite is better. Adobe made sense, until it didn’t I’m not here to disparage Adobe apps. There’s a reason why Adobe dominates the industry when it comes to creativity apps. Creative Cloud offers powerful tools that work seamlessly with each other and are widely used in professional environments. Few things are easier than starting to edit a photo in Lightroom and retouching it in Photoshop with just a few clicks. Plus, if you work in a team, at an agency, or in a corporate environment, Adobe is usually the standard. It’s hard to be the only one using different software when you need to collaborate with others. But as a solo creator, I started to realize that I wasn’t actually using most of what I was paying for. Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps are incredibly powerful, but are also very expensive. Foundry I’ve been an independent journalist for years, and I also work from home. And as a Mac user, I started to notice that Adobe apps aren’t really optimized to take advantage of all the newer features in Apple hardware and software. All of Adobe’s apps run natively on Apple silicon, of course, but Adobe doesn’t keep up with the latest advancements in hardware or software as Apple does. And yet, I was locked into a subscription that kept getting more expensive and harder to cancel. Annual plans, cancellation fees, and constant subscription renewals created a sense that I was renting my tools indefinitely, whether I wanted them or not. Pixelmator Pro replaced Photoshop more easily than expected There’s no denying that Photoshop is the most powerful image editor on the market. There’s no denying that. But I also realized that I didn’t need all that power most days. My main use for Photoshop was to create artwork and crop images for my articles, or make templates for social media posts. I’m not a novice user, but I also didn’t really need all of Photoshop’s advanced tools. Pixelmator Pro is a worthy alternative to Photoshop.Foundry I gave other apps such as Affinity Photo a try and ended up choosing Pixelmator Pro as my new image editor. At the time, Apple hadn’t yet acquired the app, and it was only available for Mac, which wasn’t a problem since I prefer working on my Mac anyway. With Pixelmator Pro, you can work with multiple layers, add shapes, text, and masks, remove backgrounds, adjust colors, apply effects, and more. But one of my favorite features is Super Resolution, which uses AI to restore low-resolution images. Pixelmator Pro doesn’t have as many tools as Photoshop, but it gets the job done and covers everything I need for retouching, compositing, cropping, and easy exporting to the web and social media. The interface is much cleaner and easier to use than Photoshop’s, which is great for beginners. And Pixelmator Pro is a great Mac app. It’s built with the latest technologies and runs extremely smoothly on Apple silicon Macs. It became clear to me that I no longer needed Photoshop in my life. It started to feel like overkill. Photomator is the perfect Lightroom alternative In order to dump Adobe, I also needed a replacement for Lightroom. Since I was already using Pixelmator Pro, Photomator felt like the best and most natural choice. From the same developers as Pixelmator Pro and now also owned by Apple, Photomator is the perfect app for batch editing photos. Photomator is an underrated tool for touching up photos.Foundry It has all the essential tools for editing photos with color and texture correction, LUT support, automatic subject and background selection, and compatibility with multiple RAW formats. It’s also super easy to use and integrates with the iCloud Photos library, which is a huge plus for me. Like Pixelmator Pro, Photomator also has some interesting AI-based features, such as Super Resolution, Smart Deband to remove color banding artifacts, Denoise to remove camera noise, and Repair to remove imperfections or entire objects from a photo. I also find that Photomator runs noticeably faster and smoother on my Mac than Lightroom. Plus, Photomator is available on iPhone and iPad, so I can edit photos right from my phone or retouch them with Apple Pencil on my iPad. Final Cut Pro is a real upgrade over Premiere When it comes to video editing, both Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro offer advanced tools and are widely used in the industry. But for me, Final Cut is much easier to use. Despite having professional tools for color grading, LUTs, transitions, and effects, Apple designed Final Cut Pro with an interface that makes it look like iMovie. Even if you’ve never edited a video before, you’ll learn how to use it in no time. Final Cut Pro is superior in many ways to Premiere.Foundry Of course, if you’re coming from Adobe Premiere, there’s definitely a learning curve. You have to relearn the interface, menus, keyboard shortcuts, and adjust your workflow. But once you do, you’ll master Final Cut and enjoy some excellent new tools. My favorite thing about Final Cut Pro over Premiere is the magnetic timeline. You can easily drag and drop videos, images, and audio files onto the timeline to rearrange them as you like, while Premiere is still track-based and much more complex to compose your videos. Once again, performance is also a key aspect of Final Cut Pro. It runs infinitely better than Adobe Premiere on macOS, and rendering time is also much faster. This really helps speed up my workflow. How the iPad fits I switched from Adobe to Apple because I’m more of a Mac person. Still, I have an iPad Pro that helps me work on the go. Both Apple Creator Studio and Adobe Creative Cloud offer versions of their apps for the iPad, but there are a few things to keep in mind. iPad apps, whether from Apple or Adobe, lack some of the features found in their desktop versions. With my Adobe subscription, I had access to iPad versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, and even Premiere. They were far from being desktop apps, but still quite useful when my Mac wasn’t around. Apple Creator Studio is just a few months old and already has some excellent features for the price.Apple When it comes to Creator Studio, you’ll find both Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro on the iPad. However, while I love Final Cut Pro on the Mac, the iPad version still feels too basic. The mobile version of Premiere offers more tools (such as using AI to enhance audio) and is even available on the iPhone. I miss that, and it feels like a missed opportunity for Apple. Pixelmator Pro on iPad has pretty much the same tools available on the Mac, but with some limitations. You can’t open files with a huge number of layers, for example. Meanwhile, Photomator for iPad is also an excellent app, but here’s the thing: It’s not part of Creator Studio, which means you have to buy it separately ($119 or $30/year). Even worse, buying the Mac version doesn’t give you access to the iPad version, so you essentially need to buy it twice. So if you want to focus on creating on the iPad, Adobe is probably still be the best option. As I previously wrote here on Macworld, Apple hasn’t fully figured out Pro apps for the iPad yet. The price difference is a no-brainer Adobe Creative Cloud is powerful, but it’s expensive, especially if you need more than one app. Even the Photography plan with Photoshop and Lightroom adds up over time, and the full Creative Cloud subscription can feel heavy if you’re working independently. Apple, on the other hand, has a much more appealing deal with Creator Studio. For $12.99 per month or $129 per year, you get access to Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Logic Pro, and many other apps. The only downside is that Photomator is not included in the bundle (a lifetime license costs $119). Adobe, on the other hand, charges $19.99 per month for its Photography plan with only two apps. If you want the full suite, it will cost you $69.99 per month if you commit to a full year or $104.99 on a per-month basis, and canceling incurs hefty fees. For independent creators, the price difference matters a lot—especially when you consider that two months is more than a full year of Creator Studio. Foundry Why I don’t regret switching When I first switched over to Creator Studio, I was afraid of losing important features by ditching Adobe apps. But in reality, Apple apps offer pretty much everything I need and are much more affordable. Final Cut Pro feels faster and more enjoyable to use on a Mac. Pixelmator Pro and Photomator cover everything I need for images without overwhelming me with features I’ll never touch. Are Adobe apps more advanced in many areas? Absolutely. But for an independent creator working primarily within the Apple ecosystem, they’re not always necessary. I can still do my job, and I no longer pay a fortune for tools I wasn’t fully using. If that’s the case for you (especially if you have a Mac), you should definitely give switching from Adobe to Apple apps a try.