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- Friday April 03
- 08:02 pmAirPods Max 2 teardown reveals nothing has changed beyond the H2 chip
Though the AirPods Max 2 offer new features, a teardown of the headphones shows they're still plagued by the same flaws of the original 2020 model.Apple's AirPods Max 2 gained the H2 chip, but not much else.Apple's AirPods Max 2 debuted on March 16, with their core feature being the H2 chip. With it, Apple's high-end headphones gained capabilities like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and gesture controls, among others. Active Noise Cancellation was improved as well.However, as explained in our review, the AirPods Max 2 are an iterative upgrade, that ultimately leaves something to be desired. New features and ANC enhancements aside, Apple effectively delivered more of the same with its AirPods Max 2. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums07:05 pmMicrosoft's LinkedIn is scanning installed browser extensions without user permission | AppleInsiderMicrosoft's LinkedIn is scanning installed browser extensions without user permission
Researchers have determined that Microsoft's LinkedIn is scanning browser plug-ins and other information without permission, building user profiles using data that the company did not get permission to take.SafariA European advocacy group claims LinkedIn is probing browser extensions through its website code. Fairlinked e.V. published its "BrowserGate" report alleging LinkedIn detects installed browser extensions by probing for known identifiers through JavaScript. The group says the technique reveals personally identifiable information.Safari users are less likely to be affected by this specific mechanism, based on how extension detection typically works across browsers. Apple's browser model limits fingerprinting surfaces, which reduces how much information sites can infer from installed extensions. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums07:02 pmNew AirPods Pro are coming this year: Here are three rumored upgrades
AirPods Pro 3 just arrived last fall, but reporting indicates Apple has another new AirPods Pro model coming this year. Here are three rumored new features. more…06:45 pmDiscounted iPad Pro hits Apple refurb store with last-gen specs
Apple has added newer iPad Pro models to its refurbished store for a discounted price. However, there are key spec differences between the newest refurb iPad Pro models and new hardware. more…06:43 pmiOS 26.5 developer beta 1 gets revised release, for reasons unknown
A new version of the first iOS 26.5 beta has now made its way to developers, but what's been changed is not clear.The first developer beta of iOS 26.5 has received a revised release.Following the full public release of iOS 26.4 on March 24, Apple started beta testing of the next major operating system, iOS 26.5. Monday saw the debut of iOS 26.5 beta 1, which inadvertently enabled Apple Intelligence for some iOS users in China.Apple has now deployed an updated variant of the first iOS 26.5 developer beta, which increases the build number to 23F5043k, up from the initial 23F5043g. The relatively similar build numbers suggest that the revised developer beta doesn't include new features or additional changes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:27 pmGet organized with advanced features in Notes and Reminders
I have a bunch of pro tips to help you organize the Notes and Reminders piling up in your iPhone. Apple has added tons of powerful features. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:57 pmApple releases new iOS 26.5 beta 1 build for iPhone
iOS 26.5 beta 1 arrived earlier this week for developers, but Apple has just shipped an updated beta 1 build for testing. more…05:36 pmmacOS 26.4 adds three new battery features on Mac, here’s how to use them
macOS 26.4 is the latest Mac software update, and alongside new emoji and a Compact Tab Bar option in Safari, the new release also adds three battery-related features. Here’s how to use them. more…05:27 pmThe Weather Channel’s Storm Radar app lets you build your own AI weather presenter
This week, The Weather Channel released a new version of its Storm Radar app, introducing a customizable AI weather presenter and much more. more…05:18 pmThis $500 8BitDo keyboard is the perfect Apple 50th anniversary gift
Macworld Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week. So, what do you get for such an occasion (other than giving Apple your hard-earned cash every time it releases something new)? If you’ve been a devoted Apple user for many of those 50 years–or maybe all of them–why not give yourself something nice for the occasion? 8BitDo’s Retro 68 Keyboard is designed as a replica of the classic Apple II keyboard that was released in June 1977 (so not quite 50 years ago). But the Apple II was the first computer for a lot of longtime Apple users, so this is the perfect item to pay tribute to those memories. Inside the retro design are a few modern touches. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and has a 6,500 mAh battery that offers 300 hours of runtime before you need to charge it. It has an RGB backlit and uses Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches for the keys. It weighs in at a hefty 4.85 pounds (2,200 grams), but you probably won’t be moving it very far. It also comes with a special edition of 8BitDo’s Wireless Super Buttons, which can be programmed to perform frequent functions. The Retro 68 Keyboard is $500–8BitDo does label it a “Limited Edition” keyboard, but doesn’t say how limited the inventory will be. The company does include a special anniversary certificate with the keyboard. The keyboard starts shipping in June and is available for preorder now. 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard – AP50th Limited Edition Price When Reviewed: $499.99 Best Prices Today: $500 at 8BitDo04:54 pmtvOS 26 recently added two Apple TV 4K features I’ve been loving
The wait continues for a new Apple TV 4K, but Apple has steadily added new features to tvOS 26 via recent updates, including two changes I’ve been especially enjoying. more…04:43 pmSnag an iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $130 off right now
Macworld Apple Magic Keyboard Compatible with the 11-inch iPad Pro M4 and M5 View Deal An iPad experience is so much better when you have the Magic Keyboard, too, especially when you’re working on an iPad Pro. The only downside is that they can get pretty expensive. Well, instead of paying nearly $299 on one, you can grab the Magic Keyboard Case for the 11-inch iPad Pro M4 and M5 for $170 at Amazon’s Woot, a savings of $130 and the best price we’ve seen by a large margin. While technically new, Woot cautions that this keyboard will arrive in an open box. According to Woot, that means it was either used for a photo sample, a customer return, or a product with damaged packaging. It’s not refurbished and has all been tested to be new, but the box isn’t sealed, and it’s not eligible for Apple’s 1-year warranty (though you will get a 90-day Woot warranty). If you don’t mind that one catch, the Magic Keyboard Case is a model that works with the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro, but it will work just fine with the new M5 model, which has the same dimensions. It’s a fantastic accessory that magnetically attaches to your iPad and comes with backlit keys and a versatile hinge design that lets you adjust the viewing angle smoothly. It’s designed to fold up and protect your iPad when traveling, and is great for watching videos or working on the go. So go ahead and take advantage of this deal and get the Apple Magic Keyboard for $170 at Woot. Since this is an Amazon company, your Prime perks cross over.04:37 pmThis charger gives you real-time charging diagnostics, temperature data, and more
Over the years, as battery tech has progressed, chargers have gotten faster, smaller, and more efficient. Do you remember those small 5W chargers Apple used to give us? That same size can now fit 60 watts of power output. But now all of these chargers look and behave the same. Cuktech’s new 100W GaN charger adds a beautiful real-time diagnostics display that gives you all the information you would ever need and want. Having visibility into exactly how fast something is charging is something I have always wanted. And it does even more than just that. Here is what you need to know. more…04:19 pmViewer beware: Worst-rated Apple TV shows and movies
Despite its reputation for quality hits, Apple TV swings and misses sometimes. Here are the worst-rated Apple TV shows and movies. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:06 pmApple Watch Ultra 4: Four rumored new features coming this fall
Apple has had a big year for product launches already, but later this year Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming, with four rumored new features expected so far. more…04:00 pmHey Siri, give us weather reports that work outside California
Some of my feature requests are more ambitious than others, but my latest one is extremely unassuming. I would simply like Apple to appreciate that there are places other than California when it comes to Siri’s weather reports. While I’m sure that the standard reports given by Apple’s voice assistant work just fine for Cupertino, they are lacking a vital ingredient for places like London … more…03:43 pmAre new Macs on the way? Here’s what Apple is releasing in April
Macworld The biggest Apple event in April is definitely the company’s 50th anniversary. We have a lot of features related to the event, which took place on April 1. Other than the possibility of some M5 Mac refreshes, there’s not much else expected in April. The OS 26.5 updates will continue their beta tests, with a small chance of going into wide release late in the month. But we no longer expect any sort of Siri overhaul until the OS 27 releases later this year, leaving precious little in the OS 26 updates. There will be new Apple TV shows and Apple Arcade games, of course. But when it comes to new hardware, again, all eyes are now on WWDC in June rather than April or May. New hardware releases Though they were announced in March, the AirPods Max 2 only started to ship at the start of April. The new model takes the existing AirPods Max hardware (including the same colors) and upgrades the audio processor from the H1 to the H2, bringing with it some new features and improvements to noise cancellation. However, there’s a lot of other hardware still rumored to arrive in the first half of 2026, any of which could arrive this month: M5 Mac mini: Apple updated its M4 laptops to M5 processors, but its desktops still run M4 chips. The Mac mini is already low on stock or sold out everywhere, so it’s probably first in line to get an update. M5 Ultra Mac Studio: Now that the Mac Pro is retired, the Mac Studio takes the crown as Apple’s fastest and most powerful desktop Mac. Apple is expected to update the current model with an M5 Ultra chip, which will bring a significant performance boost over the M3 Ultra. That might not arrive until WWDC, though. M5 iMac: Like the other desktop Macs, the iMac also still has an M4 processor. However, Apple has skipped iMac generations before, most recently with the M2, so it’s possible it doesn’t get an update until the M6. Other products are seemingly close to release, but are waiting on the new Siri: a new Apple TV 4K, new HomePod mini, and a smart home hub many are calling “HomePad.” All of these products are dependent on new Siri capabilities that are nearly two years late, and with all the new Siri features now seemingly bumped back to the OS 27 releases this fall, these products might sit on the back burner until the fall. Apps and software updates The beta testing period for iOS 26.5 (and other 26.5 releases) has begun, and still no sign of the new Siri, even in a limited capacity. There are very few new features in the OS 26.5 releases so far—more RCS encryption testing and support for ads in Maps—and we don’t have big expectations for the final release. It will most likely arrive in early May, though it could arrive in late April. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in April. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content. Your Friends and Neighbors (season 2): Jon Hamm is back to rob his rich neighbors in season 2. April 3 Outcome: A dark comedy starring Keanu Reeves as a hated celebrity trying to make amends for being so awful. April 10 Margo’s Got Money Troubles: A college dropout turns to camming when she needs money for her new baby. April 15 Criminal Record: A character-driven drama set in the heart of contemporary London. April 22 My Brother the Minotaur: When a minotaur raised by humans starts dreaming of his mythical past, he sets out on a wild adventure. April 29 Widow’s Bay: A horror-comedy about a sleepy island fishing town full of superstition and curses. April 29 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Dredge+: An absolutely fantastic Lovecraftian horror fishing game. April 2 HYKE: Northern Light(s): Top-down 2D pixel are RPG. April 2 My Very Hungry Caterpiller+: A colorful early education game for kids. Date Unpacking+: A simple cozy game in which you unpack boxes to set up and decorate rooms. April 203:33 pmDeals: M5 Pro MacBook Pro up to $284 off, Apple Sport Bands for $15, Powerbeats Fit, Nomad iPhone 17 cases, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: M5 Pro MacBook Pro up to $284 off, Apple Sport Bands for $15, Powerbeats Fit, Nomad iPhone 17 cases, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by the most affordable new 2026 M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $149 off (Amazon all-time low, or $284 off open-box) alongside another shot at $300 clearance price drops on M4 MacBook Air. We also have official Apple Watch Sport Bands at just $15 Prime shipped today, Amazon all-time lows on Apple iPhone 17e Cases, the Beats Powerbeats Fit at up to a massive $127 off, and Nomad leather iPhone 17 Pro/Max cases at 20% off with a FREE screen protector. Head below for a closer look. more…03:24 pmSave $400 on 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 20C GPU, 1TB SSD this weekend
Amazon is blowing out M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro inventory this weekend, with a staggering $400 discount on the upgraded spec with a 20-core GPU and 1TB SSD.Save $400 on a blowout 14-inch MacBook Pro with 20-core GPU - Image credit: AppleShoppers on the hunt for the greatest MacBook Pro savings can snap up a $400 discount with a closeout deal on the last-gen M4 Pro 14-inch model with multiple upgrades.Buy 14" M4 Pro/24GB/1TB for $1,999 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:55 pmApple cheaped out on the iPad charger: Best options
Here's why Apple's iPad charger is bit rubbish — way underpowered for the job. There are much better options. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)