Scanners
- Friday March 13
- 11:00 amApple MacBook Neo Beats Ever Single x86 PC CPU For Single-Core Performance
Early benchmarks show the A18 Pro-powered MacBook Neo beating every current x86 CPU in single-core Cinebench performance, including chips from Intel and AMD. Notebookcheck reports: We have performed a couple of benchmarks and were particularly impressed by the single-core performance. Not in the short Geekbench test, but in Cinebench 2024, where a single-core test takes about 10 minutes. The A18 Pro consumes between 3.5-4 Watts in this scenario and scores 147 points. This means it is faster than every other x86 processor in our database, including the two desktop processors Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This also means the MacBook Neo beats every modern mobile processor from AMD, Intel and also Qualcomm, even though the upcoming Snapdragon X2 chips should be a bit faster. The A18 Pro is also slightly faster than Apple's own M3 generation in this scenario. Further reading: ASUS Executive Says MacBook Neo is 'Shock' to PC Industry Read more of this story at Slashdot.11:00 amApple MacBook Neo Beats Every Single x86 PC CPU For Single-Core Performance
Early benchmarks show the A18 Pro-powered MacBook Neo beating every current x86 CPU in single-core Cinebench performance, including chips from Intel and AMD. Notebookcheck reports: We have performed a couple of benchmarks and were particularly impressed by the single-core performance. Not in the short Geekbench test, but in Cinebench 2024, where a single-core test takes about 10 minutes. The A18 Pro consumes between 3.5-4 Watts in this scenario and scores 147 points. This means it is faster than every other x86 processor in our database, including the two desktop processors Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This also means the MacBook Neo beats every modern mobile processor from AMD, Intel and also Qualcomm, even though the upcoming Snapdragon X2 chips should be a bit faster. The A18 Pro is also slightly faster than Apple's own M3 generation in this scenario. Further reading: ASUS Executive Says MacBook Neo is 'Shock' to PC Industry Read more of this story at Slashdot.10:51 amGrand Central Station Apple Store closes temporarily
Customers at Apple Grand Central are being directed to other stores while it's closed for March 12 and 13. There's no explanation, but it's likely to be to do with Apple's 50th anniversary celebrations.View of Apple Grand Central from across the station — image credit: AppleApple Grand Central is used to being used for promotional events — it was where the "Severance" pop-up was in January 2025. Given its size and how many people go by it in Grand Central Station, it would make sense for an anniversary event to be held there.As yet there is no indication, though, of whether it's an anniversary event, an unrelated promotion, or simply a refurbishment of the store. Buyers coming to the store on Thursday March 12, 2026, just saw a sign telling them it was closed. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:49 amSennheiser HD 400U Review: Great sound and Lossless Audio for under $100
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Great sound and competitive price Firm, strong bass Comfortable, lightweight design Built-in mic for voice calls Cons Wired only, with no Bluetooth No noise-cancellation Our Verdict There are no digital features such as noise-cancellation or Bluetooth, but the HD 400U provides very good sound quality at a competitive price. The lightweight design is comfortable to wear, and its USB-C connection supports lossless and high-res audio on Apple Music and other streaming services. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$99.95 Best Prices Today: Sennheiser HD 400U Retailer Price $99.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Sennheiser’s new HD 400U wired headphones show that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy high-quality sound. Priced at $99.95/£69.99, the over-ear headphones use a USB-C wired connection that delivers what Sennheiser calls “pure, uncompressed audio,” supporting lossless and high-resolution music up to 24-bit/96kHz on services such as Apple Music. Despite the modest price, the HD 400U delivers impressive sound quality, strong bass and a lightweight, comfortable design, making it an affordable option for listeners who want the best possible audio quality from modern streaming services. Wired headphones may feel like a throwback in the age of wireless earbuds, especially since Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016 — a move that helped accelerate the rise of Bluetooth devices such as AirPods. While wireless headphones have dominated ever since, Bluetooth audio still relies on data compression, which means it can’t deliver true lossless sound. As streaming services such as Apple Music increasingly offer lossless and high-resolution audio, wired headphones like the HD 400U are enjoying something of a comeback among listeners who want the best possible sound quality. USB-C and Lossless Audio Support The HD 400U includes a USB-C cable that works with recent Macs, iPhones and other USB-C devices, allowing listeners to enjoy lossless and high-resolution audio without spending hundreds of dollars on premium models such as Apple’s AirPods Max, which cost $549/£499. Instead, Sennheiser focuses on the essentials: a comfortable, lightweight design and strong sound quality at an affordable price. Padded earpieces and lightweight design ensure that the HD 400U is comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Sonova Consumer Hearing GmbH Design & Comfort Padded earpieces and the lightweight design ensure that the HD 400U is comfortable to wear for hours at a time. The headphones weigh just 217g — far lighter than the 386g AirPods Max — and the thick padding helps reduce pressure during long listening sessions. The design itself is straightforward and practical. The headphones are made from matte-black plastic, which doesn’t feel as premium as metal-clad rivals like the AirPods Max but should be durable enough to survive life in a backpack. The earcups fold flat for easier storage, and Sennheiser includes a fabric carrying pouch. Features and Limitations Of course, the low price does mean that the HD 400U lacks some features that certain users may want. There’s no Bluetooth option and no noise-cancellation, and the headphones don’t include a dedicated volume control, so you’ll need to adjust volume on your phone or other device. However, the cable does include simple inline controls, with a microphone for voice calls and a single button for Play/Pause and handling incoming calls. Sound Quality Most importantly, Sennheiser gets the basics right, with sound quality that’s impressive for headphones costing less than $100. Cheaper headphones often struggle with bass, but the HD 400U – with a frequency response of 18–20kHz – handles the bouncing bass that opens Bad Guy by Billie Eilish with a big, firm thud that immediately gets your body swaying. The deep, reverberating bass pulse later in the track adds a sinister edge as Billie whispers, “you said she’s scared of me?” The USB-C cable supports lossless and high-res audio, and includes inline controls for music and voice calls. Sonova Consumer Hearing GmbH Crucially, the bass doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the mix. The finger snaps cut crisply through the bass and drums, while Billie’s whispered vocals retain a smooth, velvety tone. Switching to the sonic chaos of Planetary Go! by My Chemical Romance presents no problems either. It’s a dense track, with heavy rock guitars colliding with electronic keyboards, yet the HD 400U keeps each element clear and distinct. The chopping guitar riffs have real punch, while the fizzing EDM keyboards burst with energy. Should You Buy The Sennheiser HD 400U? If you need noise-cancellation or the flexibility of Bluetooth, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you simply want an affordable pair of wired headphones that delivers high-quality sound, the HD 400U offers excellent value for money. The lightweight, comfortable design also makes it a good option for long journeys – especially since the wired connection means there’s no battery to worry about.10:30 amYou won’t believe how much better the new Studio Display’s camera is
Macworld You’d be right to criticize the new Studio Display for its lackluster improvements over the old model. It was overpriced for what it offered in 2022, and the new 2026 model keeps the same price without changing the actual display panel at all. Yes, the four USB-C ports in the back are upgraded, now including two Thunderbolt 5 ports. And yes, the speakers are a little better—and still great compared to most monitor speakers and terrible compared to almost any dedicated speakers. But that hardly takes the sting off paying $1,599 for what is demonstrably decade-old LCD panel technology. The webcam, though…that got a huge boost. Look at the difference in low light between the old and new cameras. Original Studio Display (left) vs. new Studio Display (right) While low light performance is the most dramatic improvement, there’s still a major quality difference even when very well lit with a big key light. Original Studio Display (left) vs. new Studio Display (right) Of course, the new display doesn’t quite match the quality of using your iPhone as a webcam or the best dedicated webcams. You can get a much better image out of the 4K 60fps cameras from Logitech or Elgato. But the new webcam is more than serviceable; it’s actually quite good. But the new camera really highlights how bad the original model’s camera was. The difference is all the more dramatic since the old model had a really bad webcam that produced grainy and blotchy images and couldn’t seem to figure out proper white balance. Apple tried to fix it through firmware updates, but the truth was, it just wasn’t a very good camera. Now the Studio Display has a good camera. Unfortunately, the microphone array is still just okay, but it’ll serve you fine for simple video calls. If you want better voice quality, using AirPods or a dedicated mic is suggested. I produced a quick video to give you an idea of how it all compares in motion. @macworld.com Studio Display old vs. new webcam quality. The new model looks a LOT better! #apple #mac #studiodisplay ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Note that the Studio Display XDR has the same camera, mics, and speakers as the new Studio Display, so you’ll get the same picture and sound out of the $3,299 model. As decent as the webcam is (finally), I’d like to see Apple take real leadership here, though. The next time Apple updates the Studio Display, it should use the same sensor as the iPhone selfie camera. The new square-sensor arrangement makes it easier to shoot landscape or vertical at full resolution (increasingly important for content creators), and it can handle 4K and 60fps with Dolby Vision while delivering superior detail, color, and contrast. The iPhone’s front camera is exactly what Apple should include in a monitor that costs $1,599 (or $3,299 for that matter)—and it’s certainly thick enough to handle it.08:16 amApple’s cheapest MacBook might also be the easiest to repair
The MacBook Neo is possibly Apple's most repairable MacBook ever, featuring easy-to-access internals and modular components. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)08:00 amFinally go paperless with a scanner that fits in your pocket for only $26
Macworld TL;DR: iScanner is a pro-grade scanning and PDF editing app for mobile devices. Lifetime access is just $25.97 until April 12 (MSRP $199.90). Imagine tossing your bulky scanner and filing cabinet out the metaphorical window — because your phone can do it all. With this lifetime subscription to iScanner, snapping a photo turns into a professional-quality scan in seconds for a one-time $25.97. Receipts, contracts, textbooks, ID cards — you name it, iScanner handles it. AI-powered tools automatically detect edges, straighten pages, remove distortions, and even recognize text in over 20 languages. But this isn’t just a scanner. iScanner is a full PDF editor and file manager. Add signatures, blur sensitive info, mark up documents, merge files, split pages, or lock folders with a PIN. There are even scanning modes for math problems, measuring objects, and reading QR codes. Students, remote workers, and small business owners alike will love how simple it is to stay organized on the go. This one-time purchase unlocks features including 200MB of cloud storage, updates, and full ad-free access on iOS or Android. Grab lifetime access to iScanner today for $25.97 through April 12 and turn your phone into the scanner, editor, and document powerhouse you’ve always wanted. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.05:43 amGoogle Maps navigation goes immersive with Gemini
Google Maps is becoming smarter with Gemini, with a new interactive and detailed Immersive Navigation view and Ask Maps features. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:25 amApple's App Store in China gets lower 25% commission to appease regulators
The controversial 30% App Store commission continues to be attacked by regulators worldwide. China is the latest region with a win, where Apple has pushed the rate down to 25%.Apple's new App Store commissions in China take effect on March 15Chinese regulators have been back and forth with Apple in recent years over the 30% App Store commission. The latest publicly known pressure occurred after President Trump slammed the country with seemingly random and outrageous tariffs in 2025.While nothing much else has happened in the public eye in the year since, Apple has announced a new commission rate via its developer blog. The new rates go into effect on March 15. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:44 amApple to cut App Store commission rates in China starting March 15
Apple announced tonight that due to regulatory discussions in China, developers will pay lower App Store commission rates starting March 15. Here are the details. more…01:00 amF1's debut race in the 2026 season beat everyone's expectations, even Apple's
Apple's senior VP of services, Eddy Cue, is happy to share that viewership of the Australian Grand Prix was higher on Apple TV versus ESPN in 2025, but that's as much detail as we can expect.The F1 streaming deal brings every race of the season to Apple TVIt's the first race of the 2026 season, but Apple is already out celebrating the turnout with F1. The ecosystem-wide push helped Apple in other areas too, like the Sports app seeing its biggest week ever.These revelations were shared by Services SVP Eddy Cue via Hollywood Reporter. The success can likely be attributed to Apple's significant marketing push and the popularity of the F1 movie. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our ForumsThursday March 1211:05 pmApple TV scores its first F1 victory over ESPN viewership
Apple TV just landed its first F1 victory over ESPN. Eddy Cue says that last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix race saw more viewership on Apple TV than the same race received on ESPN a year ago. more…11:00 pmGoogle Chrome Is Finally Coming To ARM64 Linux
BrianFagioli writes: Google says it will finally release Chrome for ARM64 Linux in the second quarter of 2026, bringing the company's full browser to a platform that has existed for years without official support. Until now, Linux users running Arm hardware have largely relied on Chromium builds or unofficial packages if they wanted something close to Chrome. Google says the new build will include the same features found on other platforms, including Google account syncing, Chrome Web Store extensions, built-in translation, Safe Browsing protections, and Google Password Manager. The timing reflects how ARM hardware is becoming more common across the Linux ecosystem, from developer laptops to AI systems. Google also pointed to NVIDIA's DGX Spark, a compact AI supercomputing device built on the Grace Blackwell architecture, which will support installing Chrome through NVIDIA's package management tools. For many Linux users, the announcement feels like a "finally" moment, as ARM64 Linux systems have been widespread for years despite the absence of an official Chrome build. Read more of this story at Slashdot.10:59 pmGrab Amazon's first material discounts on M5 Pro & M5 Max MacBook Pros
After discounting the new M5 MacBook Air, Amazon is back today with deals on the brand-new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro.Save on Apple's newest M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros - Image credit: AppleThe discounts can be found below, with units in stock and ready to ship. These are the brand-new configurations that were officially released yesterday, March 11.While the markdowns aren't extreme, they do reflect the lowest prices available on the retail models per our M5 Pro and M5 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide and M5 Pro and M5 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums09:46 pmFormer Microsoft lead reviews the MacBook Neo: ‘It just has to stay excellent’
Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft’s former President of the Windows Division, published an interesting review of the MacBook Neo, where he also explores what went wrong with Microsoft’s own early push toward lightweight ARM-based PCs. Here’s what he said. more…09:46 pmFormer Microsoft lead reviews the MacBook Neo: ‘It just has to stay excellent’
Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft’s former President of the Windows Division, published an interesting review of the MacBook Neo, where he also explores what went wrong with Microsoft’s own early push toward lightweight ARM-based PCs. Here’s what he said. more…09:33 pmThis app adds MacBook Neo and iMac accent colors to any Mac
macOS includes device-specific accent color options for iMac and MacBook Neo. Any Mac can unlock these special color options, it turns out, with an app. more…09:33 pmThis app adds MacBook Neo and iMac accent colors to any Mac
macOS includes device-specific accent color options for iMac and MacBook Neo. Any Mac can unlock these special color options, it turns out, with an app. more…09:26 pm50 Years of Thinking Different
Tim Cook’s public letter celebrating Apple's 50th anniversary invokes the Think Different campaign, but the company’s recent actions—from Tahoe's controversial icons to App Store battles—don’t necessarily align with those ideals.Read original article09:00 pmApple's MacBook Neo Makes Repairs Easier, Cheaper Than Other MacBooks
Apple's new MacBook Neo is "easier to repair than other modern MacBooks," according to Ars Technica's Andrew Cunningham. It introduces a more repairable internal design that makes components like the battery and keyboard easier and cheaper to replace. An anonymous reader quotes an excerpt from the report: Replacements for pretty much any component in the Neo are simpler and involve fewer steps and tools than in the M5 MacBook Air. That includes the battery, which in the MacBook Air is attached to the chassis with multiple screws and adhesive strips but which in the Neo comes out relatively easily after you get some shielding and flex cables out of the way. But the most significant change in the Neo is that the keyboard is its own separate component. For essentially all modern MacBooks, going back at least as far as the late-2000s unibody aluminum MacBook designs, the keyboard has been integrated into the top part of the laptop case and is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace independently. [...] Apple hasn't yet listed MacBook Neo components in its parts store, but based on the repair prices it has announced, Neo components should cost quite a bit less than those for higher-end MacBooks. An out-of-warranty battery replacement for the Neo will cost $149, down from $199 for current Airs and $229 for current MacBook Pros; fixing accidental screen or external enclosure damage will cost AppleCare+ subscribers $49 for a Neo, down from $99 for other MacBooks. Read more of this story at Slashdot.