TidBITS Readers Show Decades-Long Loyalty
A poll of 668 readers confirms what we’ve always suspected: TidBITS readers stick around. Fully 64% have been reading for over 30 years, 87% for more than 20 years, and 94% for at least a decade.

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iOS 26.4 gave your iPhone an alarm feature that’s long been missing
iOS 26.4 is packed with a bunch of new features for Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and more, plus new ways to customize your iPhone. Apple also added a new alarm feature in iOS 26.4 that’s built specifically for Apple Watch owners. more…

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Pedometer++ 8 brings friendly design refresh and Expedition Mode to Apple Watch
Pedometer++ has logged a lot of miles since first unlocking step tracking on the iPhone 5s in 2013. Nearly 13 years of updates later, version 8.0 arrives with a redesigned Apple Watch experience that includes an all-new Expedition Mode. Pedometer++ also touts a “highly-usable workout picker” for Apple Watch users frustrated by watchOS 26’s Workout app. more…

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Amazon slashes $200 off M5 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro with month-end deal
Pick up Apple's new 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max for $3,699 thanks to a triple-digit price cut at Amazon.Save $200 on Apple's M5 Max MacBook Pro 16-inch.Amazon's month-end 2026 MacBook Pro sale is in effect, with triple-digit savings on multiple models. This M5 Max 16-inch configuration is enticing at $200 off, bringing the price down to $3,699.Buy 16" MacBook Pro M5 Max for $3,699 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.5: New features, release date, more
Following last month’s release of iOS 26.4, Apple is now beta testing iOS 26.5. Here are all the details on new features and changes on the way for iPhone users with iOS 26.5, which will be released next month. more…

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Should you buy a refurbished Mac? Pros, cons, savings, and what to avoid
Macworld We love Macs, but they aren’t cheap. Even with the arrival of lower-cost options like the MacBook Neo, buying a new Mac that meets your requirements can be expensive. Luckily there are cost-effective options, if you don’t mind buying a used Mac. Not all used Macs are equal though. If budget is tight you might be tempted by a bargain on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or similar platforms. The price might look attractive, but buying a used Mac can introduce risks around security, longevity, and hardware reliability. Luckily there is a safe way to get a used Mac for less. You can buy a Mac that has been refurbished. In this article we’ll discuss what a refurbished Mac is, how to know whether it’s safe to buy a refurbished Mac, what protections you have if you buy a refurbished Mac, how much money you can save, and how old is too old when choosing a refurbished Mac. Buy refurbished if you…Don’t buy refurbished if you…Have a limited budget Are a power user needing cutting-edge performanceAre a student or casual userWant the latest specsAre upgrading from a very old MacNeed maximum reliabilityAre a first-time Mac buyer looking to try macOS at the lowest costNeeds a custom configurationWant to be eco-consciousPlan to keep the Mac for many years What is a refurbished Mac (and how is it different from used)? Unlike used or second-hand items, which are often sold as-is without testing, refurbished products are pre-owned items that have been professionally inspected, tested, and, if necessary, repaired and restored to full working condition. In the case of Macs, the refurbisher ensures the Mac or MacBook functions as intended – sometimes replacing parts or carrying out repairs – before it is resold. Because of this process, you can expect refurbished Macs to work properly, and they should come with a returns policy in case any issues arise. What do you actually gain by buying a refurbished Mac? Buying a refurbished Mac is a practical way to acquire a high-quality computer at a significantly lower price point than a brand-new model. The key advantages to buying a refurbished Mac, over a secondhand, used Mac, are: Rigorous Testing: Official refurbished units undergo a stringent process that includes full functional testing, thorough cleaning, and inspection to meet the same standards as new products. Warranty and Support: Many refurbishers, including Apple, will sell refurbished Macs with a one-year limited warranty, up to 90 days of technical support, and (in the case of Apple) eligibility for AppleCare. Like-New Condition: Devices are visually indistinguishable from new models and come repackaged in a brand-new box with all original accessories and cables. Reliability: Unlike buying a standard secondhand or used Mac from a private seller, a certified refurbished machine is guaranteed to be in full working order, with any previous faults rectified by professional engineers. Every refurbished Mac sold by Apple has been tested and repaired if necessary.Apple Why buy a refurbished Mac from Apple Apple Apple’s Refurbished Store is a section of its website where you can buy refurbished Macs and MacBooks, along with other products like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, HomePods, and Apple TV. Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) Buying a refurbished Mac from Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store is a smart way to save money while still getting a device that’s virtually indistinguishable from a brand-new model. Here are some of the reasons why you should shop at Apple’s Certified Refurbished store: Stringent checks: Unlike buying second-hand from a private seller, Apple puts every device through a rigorous refurbishment process. This includes full functional testing, thorough cleaning, and detailed inspection to ensure it meets the same performance standards as new products. Apple states that every Certified Refurbished product undergoes comprehensive testing to meet the same functional standards as new devices, meaning it should feel “like new.” Recent and current models: The Macs available may be from a previous year or part of the current lineup. Fault free returns: They could be ex-demonstration units, or devices returned by customers within Apple’s standard 14-day return window. In some cases, a Mac may have been returned due to a fault—but any issues are fixed by Apple engineers before resale. According to Apple, each Mac: Will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected Includes Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty Includes up to 90 days of complimentary technical support Comes with all accessories, cables, and operating systems Is packaged in a brand-new white box Is dispatched with free shipping and returns Can be purchased via financing options And can be delivered next day The key point is that Macs from Apple’s Refurbished Store are not noticeably different from new ones – they’re tested, certified, and restored to a like-new condition. Other places to buy refurbished Macs Apple isn’t the only place that sells refurbished Macs – we recommend some alternative Mac refurbishers in this article: Best place to buy a refurbished MacBook or Mac. We’d advise that you are a little more cautious if it isn’t Apple selling the refurbished Mac, and we recommend that you don’t buy a very old Mac, even if it has been refurbished. These Apple Resellers and Refurbishment specialists who will also sell you a secondhand Mac that has been thoroughly checked over: In the U.S.: Apple Amazon Back Market MacBooks Back Market Macs Best Buy Gainsaver OWC Mac Of All Trades Refurb.me In the U.K.: Apple Amazon BackMarket Hoxton Macs Laptops Direct MacFinder Mac 4 Sale Music Magpie 8 reasons to buy a refurbished Mac Here are eight reasons why choosing a refurbished model could be a good option: Refurbished Macs are as good as new – Buying from Apple’s Refurbished Store isn’t the same as typical secondhand. Any faults are identified and fixed by Apple, so these Macs should be just as reliable as new ones bought from an Apple Authorized Reseller or Apple’s online store. They’re nearly new – Most have only been briefly used, often returned within 14 days or used as display models. They’re unlikely to have seen heavy or intensive use. They pass rigorous checks – Every refurbished Mac undergoes full functional testing, genuine Apple part replacement if needed, and a thorough clean—often with more checks than brand-new models. Save on current models – You can buy current-generation Macs for less than their brand-new price by shopping in Apple’s Refurbished Store. You can get more for your money – Refurbished options let you choose higher-spec or more powerful models (like Pro chips) for the same budget as entry-level new devices. Greater choice of models – Unlike standard retail stores, the Refurbished Store offers Macs from recent months or years, giving you more variety at lower prices. Warranty and support included – You get a one-year warranty, 90 days of tech support, and the option to extend coverage with AppleCare for extra peace of mind. Extra buying benefits – Free delivery and returns, financing options, trade in credit, fast shipping or store pickup, and the reassurance of buying directly from Apple without dealing with previous owners. 8 reasons not to buy a refurbished Mac As you can see there are plenty of good reasons to buy a refurbished Mac. Are there any disadvantages? While refurbished Macs offer significant savings, there are several drawbacks to consider, ranging from limited availability to potential hardware obsolescence. Here are some of the disadvantages to look out for: Older models – Buying refurbished often means you won’t get the very latest technology. While current-generation Macs do appear on Apple’s Refurbished Store, they usually show up a few months after launch. Limited availability – You may not find the exact model, specs, or color you want. Stock depends on returns and trade-ins, so availability is unpredictable and can change quickly. Inconsistent stock – What’s available one day might be gone the next. You may need to check back regularly, and even then, there’s no guarantee your preferred configuration will appear. Varying refurbishment standards – Apple has strict testing processes, but third-party sellers may not. Buying outside Apple can mean fewer checks or older machines that aren’t great value. Discounts aren’t always best – Refurbished prices from Apple aren’t always the lowest available. However, cheaper deals elsewhere can come with added risk. The Intel trap – Many refurbished Macs, especially from marketplaces like Amazon, use older Intel processors. These lack Apple Silicon performance and will lose software support sooner. New models may offer better value – When Apple updates a Mac, it often improves specs like storage or RAM. A refurbished older model might offer significantly less for a similar price. New Macs can also be discounted – Retailers sometimes offer deals on new or recently discontinued Macs, so it’s worth comparing refurbished prices with new offers before buying. Have a look at our frequently updated best Mac deals picks for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini. Where do refurbished Macs come from? IDG Refurbished Macs are sourced from several different channels, ranging from customer returns to manufacturing surpluses. The origin of a specific unit often depends on whether you are purchasing directly from Apple or through a third-party reseller. Units sold through the Apple Certified Refurbished Store typically originate from the following sources: Customer Returns: Apple allows customers to return products within 14 days for a refund. These units are often in near-perfect condition but cannot be resold as “new” once the box has been opened. Defective Units: Some Macs are returned due to a specific technical fault. These units are sent to Apple engineers who rectify the issue before the device is cleared for resale. Ex-Demonstration Models: Units used in Apple teaching programs or as floor models in retail stores are also reconditioned for the refurbished market. Manufacturing Surplus: In some cases, what appears to be a refurbished deal is actually a surplus of new product. For instance, as noted in Save a whopping $1,300 on this M3 Max MacBook Pro blowout deal, some deeply discounted units sold by retailers like Woot “aren’t refurbished but rather are likely the result of a manufacturing surplus of product from Apple.” How much cheaper are refurbished Macs? The primary benefit of choosing a refurbished Mac is the cost savings, which typically range around 15% off the original retail price for recent models, though discounts can be much higher for older generations. Because Macs command high retail prices, this percentage often translates into significant discounts ranging from a few hundred to several hundred dollars or pounds. Typical Savings by Model The exact amount you save depends on the specific model, its configuration (such as RAM and storage), and its age. Deals on the Apple Refurbished Store have included: MacBook Pro: Savings of up to $590 in the U.S. and up to £750 in the U.K. MacBook Air: Savings of up to $170 in the U.S. iMac: Savings of up to $290 in the U.S. and up to £260 in the U.K. Mac Studio: Significant discounts are available, with some models seeing price cuts of up to $600. Specific high-end configurations can offer even deeper discounts. Factors Influencing Price Generation: While it is possible to find current-generation models on the refurbished store, they typically do not appear until at least six months after their initial launch. Retailer: Other third-party resellers such as Amazon, Back Market, or Best Buy may offer even lower prices for refurbished Macs than Apple. However, Apple’s own refurbished units include a full one-year warranty and genuine Apple part replacements. Processor Type: Older Intel-based Macs are often sold at very low prices (e.g., a 2018 MacBook Pro for $300/£300), but these are not recommended as they are nearing the end of their software support lifecycle. What are the risks of buying used vs refurbished Buying a used Mac from an individual seller on a site like eBay can seem like a bargain, but it often comes with technical and security risks. There’s an important distinction between used and refurbished. A refurbished Mac has been professionally inspected, tested, and repaired if needed – and is usually sold with a warranty and returns policy. By contrast, used or second-hand devices sold by individuals are typically offered “as-is,” with little to no protection if something goes wrong. Here’s why buying used can be risky: Uncertain History: A used Mac may have hidden faults, wear and tear, or performance issues that aren’t immediately obvious – and could be the reason it’s being sold. No guarantee or returns: Private sellers often don’t offer returns or warranties, so you may be stuck with a faulty device. Activation Lock issues: If the previous owner hasn’t removed the device from their Apple ID, you could be locked out and unable to use the Mac. In contrast, refurbished Macs offer far more peace of mind, thanks to professional checks, verified functionality, and buyer protections. 8 reasons not to buy a used, secondhand Mac If your Mac looks like this it has Intel inside.Foundry Here are eight reasons why it’s a bad idea to buy a secondhand Mac, and why you should consider refurbished or new instead: Older Macs can be insecure – Apple only supports the latest and two previous macOS versions. If a Mac can’t run a recent system like macOS Sonoma or later, it won’t receive security updates, leaving your data at risk. See How long does Apple support Macs to find out if the Mac is protected with security updates. Support is ending for older hardware – Even relatively recent Intel Macs are being phased out, with Apple expected to drop full support for them soon, limiting their lifespan. Repairs can be difficult and expensive – Apple classifies Macs as “Vintage” after seven years and “Obsolete” after ten. At that point, parts are hard to find or unavailable, making repairs costly or impossible. Limited software compatibility – Older Macs may not support the latest macOS features, and third-party apps may stop updating, increasing the risk of bugs and security vulnerabilities. Performance will lag behind – Even once-powerful Macs can struggle with modern tasks. Upgrading components is often limited or not worth the cost compared to buying a newer model. Reliability issues are more likely – Ageing hardware can lead to crashes, slowdowns, and unexpected shutdowns, making daily use frustrating. Intel models are outdated – Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) are significantly faster and more efficient. Intel Macs are becoming obsolete and will be harder to resell. Better alternatives exist – Instead of buying used, you can get affordable new or refurbished Macs with warranties, support, and better long-term value. Further reading If you want to know more about buying a refurbished Mac, read this: Where to buy a Refurbished Mac. We also have Best Place to buy a Mac and When is the best time to buy a Mac. For advice about which Mac to buy read out Best Mac Buying Guide And if you want a deal on a new Mac, read: Best MacBook Air deals Best MacBook Pro deals Best iMac deals Best Mac mini deals Thinking of a refurbished iPhone? Read Best places to buy a refurbished iPhone and where to get the best deals.

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Eye doctor uses Vision Pro in cataract surgery for the first time
In another medical first for the Vision Pro headset, it recently played a crucial role in cataract surgery. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Anthropic releases 9 Claude connectors for creative tools, including Blender and Adobe
Anthropic is targeting creative professionals with its latest Claude AI update. The company has released nine new Claude connectors that work with creative tools like Blender and more. more…

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Deals: M3 iPad Air up to $300 off, 24GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro $250 off, M5 MacBook Air, AirPods, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Amazon delivering MacBook Neo as early as tomorrow from $590 and the ongoing AirPods Pro 3 deal, but we also have some serious clearance deals live on M3 iPad Air – 1TB M3 iPad Air $300 off and the 11-inch 512GB at $250 off. We also have Apple’s 24GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro at best price of the year ($250 off) and the most affordable new M5 MacBook Air model back to one of the best prices ever (nearly $150 off). Head below for a closer look. more…

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Tim Cook attending White House event one week after announcing Apple CEO transition
Apple CEO Tim Cook is making the rounds in Washington D.C. this week, just days after Apple announced its CEO transition plan. This fall, John Ternus will become Apple CEO with Cook remaining active as Executive Chairman of the Board. more…

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Apple TV releases first trailer for ‘Ted Lasso’ season four, premiering August 5th
Apple TV on Tuesday revealed the premiere date for the highly anticipated fourth season of global hit series “Ted Lasso,” starring and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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'Ted Lasso' season 4 kicks off its return to Apple TV in August
Apple darling "Ted Lasso" is headed back to the small screen, with Apple TV officially setting a premiere date and sharing a new season 4 teaser.Image Credit: Apple TVIn season 4, Ted makes his way back to Richmond to coach a second-division women's football team. The task will challenge both Ted and his team, encouraging them to take chances they never thought they would.In preparation, Apple TV has shared a minute-long teaser, in addition to finally giving us a premiere date: August 5. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Today in Apple history: iTunes Music Store opens its doors
On April 28, 2003, Apple opened the iTunes Music Store, revolutionizing the music industry and digital distribution of content. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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‘AirPods Ultra’ launching later this year sounds more likely than ever
Apple has new AirPods launching later this year that we’ve been referring to as a high-end AirPods Pro model, but recent reporting now makes it seem more likely that they’ll be the first ‘AirPods Ultra.’ more…

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Apple paid $1.2M to privately hire police to protect its San Francisco stores – Wired
A new report says Apple paid more than $1.2 million in one year to privately hire police to protect three of its San Francisco retail stores. The payment was said to have been made through a private security company. San Francisco allows private companies to pay police officers to protect their shops and offices, and the report says that many tech companies take advantage of this … more…

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Waiting for the right M5 MacBook Air deal? It just hit a record-low $950
Macworld M5 MacBook Air 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; }); })(); ‘Tis the time to get the best affordable laptop out there! Stop wasting time and take advantage of the M5 MacBook Air for just $950 at Amazon, a savings of $150 off its MSRP, and the best price we’ve seen. And remember, the MacBook Air now starts at 512GB of storage, which would have previously cost $1,199, so it’s like you’re really saving $250. We love the M5 MacBook Air around here, and the 4.5-star rating we gave it when we reviewed the laptop is evidence enough. We even gave it our Editors’ Choice award, appreciating the fantastic performance, incredible SSD speeds, and the all-day battery life. The laptop features Apple’s advanced M5 chip that ensures swift multitasking across all sorts of apps, no matter how complicated. From productivity apps to creative tools and loads of AI features, the M5 can handle it all. Plus, the MacBook Air features a gorgeous 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that will deliver gorgeous graphics and crisp text at all times. If you’ve been eying a MacBook Neo but aren’t sure if it’s powerful enough for your needs, this is a great step-up model. So take advantage of this incredible M5 MacBook Air deal and grab yourself a new laptop while it’s still live at Amazon.

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Ted Lasso season 4 just got its Apple TV release date and first trailer
We believed, and now it’s finally happening: Ted Lasso returns for season 4 this summer, and Apple TV just announced the release date and debuted its first trailer. more…

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Apple to close first unionized U.S. Retail Store in Towson, citing crime and mall decline; union cries ‘union-busting’
Apple will permanently close its Towson Town Center store in June, marking the shutdown of the first Apple retail location in the U.S. to… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Hands-on: Satechi CubeDock packs Thunderbolt 5 and NVMe storage in a Mac mini-like design [Video]
Thunderbolt 5 debuted in September 2023. It was introduced as the new Thunderbolt standard that would slowly begin to replace Thunderbolt 4. It entered the scene, and we saw a big jump forward in bandwidth, display support, and overall capability. But what I noticed is that it was relatively slow to roll out, and the products we saw that did implement Thunderbolt 5 only did that. They just switched from Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 5 and shipped the same product otherwise. So when I saw Satechi announce some actual changes and improvements to their Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock, I had to check it out. I have used it for over two weeks, and this is what you should know. more…

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The OpenAI smartphone will fail, but it’ll be good for iPhone users
The past few days have seen conflicting views from AI companies about the future of smartphones. Perplexity thinks AI will only benefit iPhones, while OpenAI reportedly thinks its own smartphone can render them obsolete. I would bet very heavily that the OpenAI smartphone will either never materialize or will be a commercial failure, but I still think the attempt is good news for iPhone users … more…

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