Apple Preview review: A near-perfect PDF reader with limited editing tools
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Pre-installed on all Macs, iPhones, and iPads for free Automatically launches when viewing supported files Minimalistic user interface that won’t overwhelm Wide range of handy tools for image and document manipulation Cons Doesn’t support text editing in PDF files Limited functionality on iOS and iPadOS Image crop button requires an unintuitive workaround on macOS Our Verdict While Apple Preview isn’t designed to replace your image or PDF editor, it still offers some power-user features, including image export. We wonder if Apple will eventually introduce advanced document editing tools. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When ReviewedFree Best Prices Today: Preview Retailer Price Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket When you buy an Apple product, you’re not only investing in its premium hardware and long lifespan, but also the slew of exclusive apps it bundles for free. The Apple Preview app is the default document and image viewer on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, and its full potential often goes unnoticed. While Apple Preview may appear as a basic file viewer, it actually packs a ton of useful features—beyond just viewing photos and PDFs. Find out how Apple Preview compares to the alternatives in our Best PDF Editor for Mac round-up. Apple Preview: Mac features Much like some other Apple apps (such as the iWork suite), launching Preview on macOS opens the Finder. Through it, you can browse through your folders to locate the file you would like to view. It’s a pretty straightforward approach. Alternatively, you could just open a compatible file directly from Finder and avoid launching the Preview app altogether. Considering that it’s the default image and PDF viewer on macOS, supported files should automatically populate in it whenever you double-click on them. Foundry Whether you’re viewing an image or a PDF document, you will find a toolbar towards the screen’s top. It lets you view the file’s details, zoom in or out, share the file, fill an included form, or mark up the file. Clicking the Markup button reveals yet another toolbar with a wide range of relevant features. These include tools for selection, doodling, inserting shapes or sticky notes, signing, and typing text. Expectedly, the Markup tools are easily customizable, allowing you to control the color and size of a shape or text box. Similarly, you get to pick between multiple fonts when typing. There is an autofill helper too, read about that here: How to take advantage of Preview’s form-filling helper. So, Apple Preview isn’t just a vanilla file viewer. It enables users to easily annotate images and documents, making it an excellent college companion. Perhaps the biggest drawback here is the lack of an advanced editor that can tweak the content’s fundamentals. With the Preview app, you’re mostly limited to adding new elements on top of the existing ones. Consequently, you can’t edit the text of a PDF file. The software doesn’t offer a full-fledged photo editor, either (we have the best photo editors here). Foundry While Apple Preview isn’t designed to replace your image or PDF editor, it still offers some power-user features. So, for example, through the menubar’s Tools button, you can reveal some more advanced image controls, such as granular resizing, color adjustments, automatic background removal, and more. Meanwhile, the File menu includes a useful Export button that enables you to choose the output’s quality and file format. This allows you to convert the image to HEIC, JPEG, PDF, PNG, TIFF, and more. Similarly, when viewing a PDF file in Apple Preview, you can easily reorder or delete its pages using the sidebar. Through this feature, those receiving large documents can easily get rid of irrelevant fluff and limit the file to the important bits they actually need. And if you choose to export the PDF using Preview, then you can optionally add a password, a Quartz filter, or file restrictions. Find out more here: How to save a page from a PDF as a separate file, How to easily redact text in a PDF on your Mac. We also cover How to edit a PDF on Mac. Annoyances on macOS While my experience using Apple Preview on my Mac has been positive for the most part, there are certain annoyances that I hope the company would patch down the road. For starters, I find the basic PDF editor too restrictive at times. Sure, I can insert shapes and text on top of the document. However, I can’t actually integrate these into it and move the PDF’s content to accommodate the new additions. Similarly, there’s seemingly no way to selectively remove content from a PDF, and I’m bound to delete entire pages. Foundry Otherwise, when viewing an image in Preview, you likely won’t find the Crop button in the Markup toolbar by default. To force it to surface, you have to locate the image in Finder, right-click on it, and hit the Markup button under the Quick Actions menu. This will launch a Preview instance with a toolbar that actually features a Crop button. Regularly opening an image in Finder simply won’t do it. It’s a basic feature that no basic user will ever find on their own. Preview on iOS and iPadOS iPhones and iPads have long offered similar viewing and annotation features for images and PDFs via the Files app. With iOS and iPadOS 26, Apple introduced a dedicated Preview app to streamline its platforms. Similar to the Mac, opening a compatible file using the Files app now loads it in Preview automatically. You could also use the Preview app itself to browse and open supported images and documents. Foundry Most of the Preview app’s tools are available on older iOS and iPadOS versions using the File app’s Quick Look feature. For PDFs, you’ve always been able to annotate documents, rearrange their pages, sign or autofill them, scan new ones, and more. Likewise, the Remove Background option for images isn’t new, and neither is the ability to insert text, shapes, and doodles. A noteworthy introduction that was seemingly absent prior to the Preview app’s mobile debut is support for resizing images down to the pixel. You also get to tweak the pixel resolution via the same menu. However, while the Preview app lets you pick between half a dozen file formats when exporting an image or PDF, advanced Mac features like password protection, Quartz filters, and color adjustment curves still appear to be missing from the mobile client. Should you use Apple Preview on Mac, iPad and iPhone? As its name suggests, Apple Preview is designed for viewing certain file types on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. As a viewer, it’s an excellent software that loads swiftly and offers a sleek user interface. While the editing functionality is limited, one could argue that the app isn’t an editor in the first place. So the basic editing features are only there to complement a file viewing app. Since the Preview app is preinstalled on all of the latest Macs, iPhones, and iPads, I can’t find a reason why you may want to avoid it. It is right there, costs nothing, and works reliably—what’s not to like? If you’re seeking a proper image or PDF editor, then Apple Preview isn’t the app to opt for. Beyond annotation, form-filling, signing, and the other similar features we’ve mentioned above, the app is designed to display images and documents. As a result, it doesn’t cater to those who need advanced editing software. Find out how Apple Preview compares to Adobe Acrobat: Apple Preview vs Adobe Acrobat DC. Just want to turn something into a PDF? Read: How to make a PDF on Mac

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FileMaker Pro — the massive hit no one realises is Apple's
FileMaker Pro is the biggest Windows app that Apple makes, it and its Mac version are a crucial part of small and enterprises businesses, and it was nearly owned by Microsoft. Here's the story of the huge Apple hit you might never have used.FIleMaker Pro — a home and a livelihood for so many peopleIt's also possible that you've used FileMaker Pro without actually realising it. Not because you didn't look up to see the app's name in the menubar, but because it is a tool for making other tools.FileMaker Pro is used to make database apps, many of which just run inside this one, but many others are sold separately. If you develop FileMaker Pro databases, you could roll them out across your company, or your customers, you can have it power websites and iPad data-collecting apps. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Epic Games signals it won't agree to percentage App Store fees
As the court directs Apple and Epic Games to discuss appropriate App Store fees, CEO Tim Sweeney has made it clear that he'll never back any profit sharing.Tim Sweeney — image credit: Epic GamesDespite mostly losing its appeal against previous court rulings, Apple has won the argument that it should be paid a commission when apps are sold through a third-party app store. However, the court has told Epic Games and Apple to agree a reasonable rate between them.Speaking after the court ruling, however, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney was blunt about how such negotiations would go. In an interview with The Verge, Sweeney said that this must be the end of what he called Apple's "junk fees." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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This test shows how bad Apple Intelligence is—and how much better it’s going to get
Macworld It’s no secret that Apple Intelligence lags behind the likes of Google Gemini and ChatGPT when it comes to things like image creation and conversational chatting. Apple’s suite of AI tools has been underwhelming to say the least, and even seemingly rudimentary features pale in comparison to other engines. So while we’re still waiting for Apple to launch its new Siri, its competitors are perfecting their own AI tools and running circles around Apple Intelligence. Take this test by custom_adventurist on Instagram. It test three photo editing tools—Clean Up in Apple intelligence, Galaxy AI’s Generative Edit, and Google Gemini. And the results aren’t just one-sided; they’re completely embarrassing for Apple Intelligence. View this post on Instagram The video above uses the same photo of Nick Fury in The Avengers movie to use each phone’s built-in AI to remove his trademark eyepatch. Apple did the worst of the trio, creating a crudely edited image that made it very obvious that something had been removed without even attempting to understand the context of an eyepatch. Samsung AI was much better, cleanly removing the eye patch and generating an eye to match the other one. But  Google Gemini truly takes it to the next level. Not only does it seamlessly remove the patch with nary a trace that it was ever there, it also understands that Fury is wearing the patch for a reason and gave him a glass eye. But while Apple got completely schooled here, there’s reason to be optimistic. For one, Apple Intelligence is set to get a significant upgrade in 2026, starting with the new Siri and continuing with iOS 27. For another, Apple is partnering with Google to supply a custom version of the Gemini LLM (large language model) as the foundation for the new Siri. If it’s anywhere near as good as this test is, Apple Intelligence is set to get a massive upgrade in just a few months.

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How Matter has finally given Apple a path out of the HomeKit mess
Macworld Apple users know the feeling: with most products, everything runs like clockwork. The iPhone? Close to perfect. The Mac? Has been running for years. AirPods? Magical. But with Apple’s HomeKit smart home system, things turned out differently. What Apple announced in 2014 as a revolution in the connected home developed over the years into a story of missed opportunities and technical challenges. Craig Federighi’s presentation at WWDC 2014 sounded promising: A unified system, deeply integrated into the iPhone, secure and private. “Hey Siri, I’m home,” and the lights would come on, the heating would turn on, and your favorite music would play. The reality was more complicated. While Amazon quickly gained market share with Alexa and Google with the Assistant, HomeKit and Siri struggled with teething troubles. The list of compatible devices grew slowly, prices were often significantly higher than the competition, and reliability fluctuated depending on the setup. The structural challenges Right from the start, HomeKit struggled with structural problems. Apple’s high security standards—normally a selling point—suddenly became a hurdle. Each manufacturer had to install a special “Made for iPhone” chip in their devices to handle authentication. These chips not only made the products more expensive, they also made development more complex. While a manufacturer could launch a new product for Alexa on the market within weeks, HomeKit certification took much longer. The result was understandable: Many manufacturers were hesitant to support HomeKit, and prices were higher. A smart socket with HomeKit support typically cost 30 to 40 dollars, while comparable models without HomeKit were available for 15 to 20 dollars. The difference wasn’t always extreme, but noticeable enough to deter many potential buyers. Apple introduced software authentication in 2017. Manufacturers were now able to dispense with the MFi chip and deliver HomeKit support via a software update. However, many promised updates were delayed or did not work optimally. “No response” became a frequent, albeit not universal, error message in the Home app. A particularly difficult moment came in 2022 with iOS 16: Apple promised a new architecture with better performance. However, the migration was problematic for many users. Devices had to be reconnected, and some automations no longer worked. In households with several users, everyone had to update at the same time—anyone who missed this no longer had access. Apple withdrew the update and revised it. For some users, this was the reason to look for alternatives, even if the majority stayed with HomeKit. Foundry Matter: The common new beginning The solution to many problems comes from a common standard in which Apple itself is involved. Matter is the name of the protocol that Apple has developed together with Google, Amazon, Samsung, and over 200 other companies. The new standard addresses the core problem of the smart home market: fragmentation. Instead of developing separate protocols for each company’s ecosystem, a single implementation will work across all systems. For users, this means more choice and flexibility. A Matter lamp can be controlled with Siri as well as with Alexa or Google Home products. Matter also relies on radio chips that understand the Thread protocol. This combines the advantages of different standards: energy-efficient like Zigbee, but IP-based and open. Thread automatically sets up a local mesh network—the more devices, the more stable the connection. Instead of a dedicated bridge, a “border router” can be used: Apple has already integrated Thread into the HomePod Mini and Apple TV 4K for this purpose. Many users, therefore, already have the necessary infrastructure. Thread devices respond quickly and reliably as they communicate locally. Battery life is impressive: sensors often run for over a year on a single button cell. And best of all, the prices are competitive. Matter devices usually cost no more than their proprietary counterparts. When buying, make sure that your new smart home devices are compatible with Matter—software updates to add Matter support are sporadic. The new openness makes it possible to combine different systems. Use Apple’s Home app for daily control, access manufacturer apps for special functions or switch ecosystems if necessary. The smart home market is changing. This is good news for users. We can finally choose devices based primarily on quality and price. Meross The future is now After years of promises, Matter has actually arrived. And it works. The days when you needed a separate app for each device and had to choose between ecosystems are over. Today, you buy a Matter device, scan a QR code and it works in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings. In practice, it turns out that setting up is really as easy as promised. The devices respond faster because they communicate locally. And best of all, your investment is future-proof. If you want to change the ecosystem in two years’ time, no problem, your devices will simply move with you. Of course, not everything is perfect. The range of devices is constantly growing, but they’re still adding entire categories of devices. Robot vacuums and water heaters were just added recently. Some manufacturers continue to hide their best features in proprietary apps. These teething troubles will eventually disappear. Building an Apple smart home Start small and targeted. A Philips Hue Bridge with a few lights, plus an Eve Weather for room climate monitoring, and you have a solid base. From there, you can expand as required, adding plugs, a thermostat, locks, or other devices as needed. The biggest benefit of Matter is its independence. Their devices also work without the internet, without the cloud, without manufacturer servers. In times when companies are cancelling services or suddenly charging fees, this is worth its weight in gold. Thread as a wireless standard makes the system robust and self-healing – the more devices, the more stable the network. Matter is developing rapidly. Version 1.5 will add support for cameras and extend the closures category. Major manufacturers have announced support. Prices will fall, the choice will grow. What is still premium today will become standard tomorrow. Smart home with Matter is no longer witchcraft. It is a tool that improves your everyday life, be it the light that adjusts automatically, the heating that thinks for you or the door that recognizes you. Technology finally takes a back seat. You don’t need to know how Thread works. You just need to know what you want: Comfort, convenience, energy savings, security.

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Head into the new year with a decluttered iPhone for just $20
Macworld TL;DR: Cleaner Kit gives your iPhone an AI-powered deep clean for life—duplicate removal, video compression, inbox cleanup, secure storage—all for just $19.97 with CLEAN10. If your iPhone has been begging you for storage space all year, this is your sign to start fresh. The Cleaner Kit for iOS Premium Plan lifetime subscription, now at its lowest price ever—just $19.97 (MSRP $104.97)—is an easy, smart way to declutter your phone heading into the new year. And it even makes a surprisingly great last-minute gift for anyone who always seems to run out of space. Cleaner Kit uses built-in AI to scan your phone efficiently and safely. Nothing leaves your device, but everything unnecessary gets spotted instantly: duplicate photos, blurry portraits, giant videos, outdated screenshots, and random bursts you forgot were still there. You can even swipe through grouped images to decide what stays and what goes—kind of like speed-dating, but for your camera roll. Beyond your gallery, Cleaner Kit helps you merge contacts, tidy your calendar, and give your Gmail inbox a fresh start by grouping messages from individual senders. A secure vault protects sensitive files, and video compression helps you save space without sacrificing quality. For iPhone users (iOS 15+), this small one-time purchase may make your device feel faster and more manageable. Get lifetime access to the Cleaner Kit for iOS while it’s just $19.97 (MSRP $104.97) with code CLEAN10. Cleaner Kit for iOS Premium Plan: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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F1: The Movie is now streaming for free on Apple TV, starring Brad Pitt
After a long run in movie theaters and digital buy/rent windows, the blockbuster F1: The Movie is finally available to stream for free on Apple TV. If you aren’t an Apple TV subscriber yet, you can get a seven day free trial here for new accounts. F1 stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, an elder racing driver who comes out of retirement to try help a fictional F1 racing team called APX GP win a race to secure their future in the sport. Damson Idris plays the plucky young teammate, Joshua Pearce. more…

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Frieda McFadden's psychological thriller 'The Teacher' comes to Apple TV
The bestselling thriller "The Teacher" is headed to Apple TV, with a team known for horror taking on Frieda McFadden's tale of trust and betrayal.The new Apple TV logoApple Original Films has scooped up another book-to-movie adaptation, this time for Frieda McFadden's psychological thriller "The Teacher." The novel was released in February 2024 and quickly rocketed to bestseller status.The story focuses on a high school math teacher, Eve, who becomes suspicious of one of her students, Addie. Addie, known for being manipulative, develops a bond with Eve's husband, Nate, in a gripping tale of revenge. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple lands pitch to adapt bestselling psychological thriller ‘The Teacher’
Deadline reports that Apple has acquired the pitch for a feature adaptation of the 2024 bestseller “The Teacher”. Here are the details. more…

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How iPhone’s best travel companion will save you money on your next trip abroad [Sponsored]
Planning holiday travel or a winter getaway? Your iPhone already has everything you need for reliable, flexible, instant, and global connectivity wherever you travel. You just need the right travel companion to unlock it. Nomad eSIM is your best travel companion for seamless connectivity in over 190 countries. 9to5Mac readers can save 30% with promo code MAC30. The offer is valid only until December 16, so be sure to act quick! more…

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Ahead of move to Apple TV, Formula 1’s 2025 season breaks U.S. viewership record on ESPN
ESPN wrapped up its final Formula 1 season on a high note, shattering U.S. television records with an average of 1.3 million viewers per… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Appeals court amends order to let Apple resume third-party commissions
A federal appeals court has reopened the door for Apple to collect commissions on outside payments again, but the company won't see any money until Epic signs off on it.Epic Games viral '1984' ad campaign against AppleIn April, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction that required the company to remove anti-steering barriers for third-party payments. As a result, the company was no longer allowed to charge any commission, not just its previous 27%.On Thursday, a court upheld the spirit of the law, saying that Apple had, in fact, violated the anti-steering injunction with its steep commission fees. But it also partially sided with Apple, claiming that the ban on all commissions went too far. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Appeals court amends order to let Apple resume third-party commissions
A federal appeals court has reopened the door for Apple to collect commissions on outside payments again, but the company won't see any money until Epic signs off on it.Epic Games viral '1984' ad campaign against AppleIn April, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction that required the company to remove anti-steering barriers for third-party payments. As a result, the company was no longer allowed to charge any commission, not just its previous 27%.On Thursday, a court upheld the spirit of the law, saying that Apple had, in fact, violated the anti-steering injunction with its steep commission fees. But it also partially sided with Apple, claiming that the ban on all commissions went too far. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.1 makes alarms use a slider, here’s how to get ‘Stop’ button back
iOS 26.1 recently introduced a big change for how you turn off alarms and timers, replacing the ‘Stop’ button with a new ‘Slide to stop’ action. Here’s how to get the button back. more…

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Hackers posed as law enforcement to gain private Apple Account data
Malicious actors are using increasingly sophisticated methods to get users' account data from many companies, including Apple, with a new report detailing the use of fake law enforcement emails for doxxing.Hackers are sending fake information requests while posing as law enforcement.While scams have existed long before the dawn of email, the internet opened up a whole new avenue for attacks via email. We've all heard of scammers pretending to be royalty, or those saying you've won the lottery, neither of which is a particularly effective approach these days.More recently, however, scammers have taken up impersonating law enforcement officials as a means of obtaining someone's personal information. To no one's surprise, individuals and groups with ill intent often use email addresses that closely resemble those of legitimate law enforcement agencies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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VSCO AI Lab can now upscale images up to 4 times
VSCO is rolling out an AI-powered upscaling tool as part of its recently announced AI Lab set of features. Here’s how to try it for free. more…

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Apple executive tumult continues, Apple Studio Display leaks, Fitness+ AI dubbing
Benjamin and Chance talk about two more Apple executive departures since last week’s episode, and a rumored third that appears to be staying for now. There’s also exciting details about the next Apple Studio Display, Apple might be able to enlist Intel to manufacture Apple Silicon chips, Fitness+ is using AI for language dubbing, and more.  And in Happy Hour Plus, the duo talk about Netflix’s attempt to acquire Warner Bros, and why Apple would never interested in a deal like this. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.  Sponsored by Framer: The only free design tool that brings your ideas to the web. Visit framer.com/design and use code HAPPYHOUR for a free month. Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by 1Password: Take the first step to better security for your team by securing credentials and protecting every application at 1password.com/happyhour. more…

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Every new Apple product coming in 2026 (and beyond)
Macworld Over the past five years, Apple has overhauled its entire product range, including transitioning the Mac from Intel to its own processors, introducing the tough Apple Watch Ultra, adding a new Plus model to the iPhone lineup and then dropping it to introduced the iPhone Air. It also introduced a brand-new product category – the Vision Pro headset.  In 2025 so far we’ve seen the introduction of the iPhone 16e, and the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and the brand new, super slim, iPhone Air. Is more change coming before the end of 2025? It looks like it: the M5 chip is said to be coming to the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, a new HomePod, Apple TV and the mysterious HomeHub could launch, and we may see the long overdue Mac Pro update. In this article, we take a look at what new products we expect Apple to launch in the remainder of 2025 and beyond. We have investigated every rumor and trend we could find to bring you our predictions. Read on to find out what could be in store. Apple’s 2025 launches Before we begin with the predictions of what’s coming in 2026, here’s a quick look at what Apple released in 2025: February 2025: iPhone 16E – the replacement for the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 brought Apple Intelligence support to the entry-level iPhone. March 2025: iPad Air M3 and A16 iPad launched on March 4 and MacBook Air M4 and M4 Max Mac Studio on March 5. September 2025: Apple introduced four new iPhones: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Mac, and the iPhone Air. We also saw the new AirPods Pro 3 and three new Apple Watches: the Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3. October 2025: Apple announced a new M5 processor and released the M5 MacBook Pro, M5 iPad Pro, and Vision Pro featuring the new chip. Some of Apple’s 2025 new products.Foundry Every New Apple Product Coming in 2026 In the sections below we’ve split the upcoming new products into categories including Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, Home, AirPods, and some new product categories. Read on to find out what to expect at Apple’s next event and throughout 2026. iPad updates coming in 2026 The iPad Air could get a update soon.Britta O’Boyle Apple doesn’t update the iPads every 12 months, but aside from the iPad Pro, which gained an M5 chip in October 2024, all the remaining iPads could see an update in 2026. Here’s what to expect: iPad Air The current iPad Air runs on an M3 chip and was released in March 2025. While that model is still relatively new, reports suggest its successor is already in development and that an iPad Air with an M4 chip could arrive in 2026. One report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the new iPad Air with an M4 chip could arrive as soon as the first few months of 2026. iPad mini The current iPad mini (A17 Pro) was released in October 2024, and Apple’s update cycle for this model is generally infrequent. Based on current reports and analysis, the next significant update to the iPad mini is not expected until mid-to-late 2026 at the earliest, with some speculation pointing toward 2027. One rumored upgrade for the 2026 iPad mini is the transition to an OLED display, which could reduce manufacturing costs and improve battery life. There is also the possibility of a slightly larger screen, with a move from the current 8.3- to 8.7-inches suggested. There is also speculation that a future foldable Apple device could potentially replace the iPad mini line entirely, though this remains uncertain. Internal code leaks suggest the future iPad mini could be upgraded to an A19 Pro chip, which would provide a significant performance boost over the current A17 Pro. A A18 Pro chip upgrade is also possible. iPad When the new iPad arrived in March 11, 2025, the biggest disappointment was that it featured a A16 chip and therefore didn’t support Apple Intelligence. Apple looks set to rectify that in 2026 with an upgrade to the A18 chip, which is the same processor found in the iPhone 16. The release timeline for an iPad with an A18 chip is anticipated for sometime in 2026, in fact, Apple code suggest the company may be planning an update sooner-than-later. Macs updates coming in 2026 The first few months of 2026 are expected to be busy as Apple focuses on updating Macs with the next generation of M5 chips. The M5 arrived with the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro in October 2025, so now the wait is on for the M5 Pro and M5 Max, which will lend themselves to the MacBook Pro, Mac mini and Mac Studio. Hopefully Apple will also get around to upgrading the Mac Pro, which is long overdue an update. Here’s what to expect: MacBook Pro M5 Pro & M5 Max Foundry Following the entry-level M5 MacBook Pro launch in October 2025, the higher-end models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to arrive in spring 2026. In October 2025 it was reported that the M5 Pro and Max chips were delayed until early 2026 due to a new design. The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to be significant upgrades over the M4 series, continuing Apple’s trend of scaling performance by adding more cores and wider memory interfaces. While the base M5 chip already shows impressive gains, particularly in graphics and AI, the Pro and Max versions are anticipated to push performance even further. According to one report, Apple may have designed the M5 Pro and Max with separate CPU and GPU blocks. This could allow for greater user customization at the time of purchase, such as configuring a chip with a base CPU but a maxed-out GPU to better handle parallel processing for tasks like AI. Read more here: MacBook Pro M5 Pro & Max rumors. MacBook Air M5 The MacBook Air is also slated for an update to the M5 chip in the spring of 2026, which would be one year after the M4 MacBook Air arrived in March 2025. The M5 chip itself is expected to be an incremental but significant update over the M4, with a primary focus on boosting AI and graphics performance. The MacBook Pro with the same M5 chip will likely outperform the MacBook Air due to the Pro’s inclusion of a fan for active cooling, which the fanless Air lacks. Rumors suggest the M5 update for the MacBook Air will primarily be a “chip upgrade,” with no major design changes expected. The current design, which was introduced in the summer of 2022, features a MagSafe charging port and thinner bezels. Read more here: MacBook Air M5 rumors. Mac mini The next update for the Mac mini is expected to feature the M5 and M5 Pro chips, with a possible release in June 2026. Regarding features, there isn’t much specific information about the M5 Mac mini itself, but it’s not expected to be a major departure from the current model, which was released in October 2024, and introduced a significant redesign, shrinking the case to just 5 by 5 inches and upgrading the base RAM to 16GB. Read more here: Mac mini M5 rumors. Simon Jary / Foundry iMac The current M4 iMac was released in October 2024, so an M5 update might seems timely and could be released in June 2026, alongside other potential M5 Mac updates. The current iMac design was introduced in 2021 and is not expected to change soon. It is still considered fresh, and its components are not outdated. However, there are calls for Apple to introduce a larger screened iMac, something that has been missed since Apple discontinued the 27-inch model. Many feel that the 24-inch screen is too small. Read about the larger iMac rumors. Mac Studio The current Mac Studio comes in two flavors: the Mac Studio M4 Max and the Mac Studio M3 Ultra. The M3 Ultra is a faster chip than the M4 Max, but just how much faster would an M4 Ultra, or even an M5 Ultra be. Hopefully we won’t have to wait long to find out. Based on current information, Apple is expected to release a new Mac Studio with an M5-series chip, likely in mid-2026. Read more here: M5 Mac Studio rumors. Mac Pro The Mac Pro is long overdue an update (it’s getting embarrassing now!) Apple / Foundry / André Martin While we’re talking about the M5, there is one Mac still waiting for an M4: the Mac Pro. In fact, the Mac Pro is still stuck with the M2 generation chipset which it gained in June 2023. Apple’s lack of attention for the Mac Pro, and the fact that it introduced an update to the Mac Studio that makes that Mac more powerful than the Mac Pro, has lead to questions of whether there is a future for the Mac Pro, with some reports suggesting Apple may discontinue the high-end desktop. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in November 2025, Apple has reportedly “largely written off” its desktop tower, believing that the target audience is now adequately served by the powerful Mac Studio. See Mac Pro rumors for more. iPhone updates coming in 2026 There’s new iPhones coming.Foundry Based on current industry analysis and supply chain information, Apple has a significant year planned for 2026, with updates centered around the iPhone 18 series, the introduction of a foldable iPhone, and the release of iOS 27. But, it looks like we won’t have to wait until September 2026 for the first iPhone update… iPhone 17e The iPhone 17e will replace the 16e as the entry-level, value product and it looks like it will arrive in the spring, a year after the launch of the 16e (which arrived in February 2025). A redesign that moves to the Dynamic Island is possible. Read more here: iPhone 17e rumors. iPhone 18 Pro The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch in September 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be the first to use Apple’s own C1 modem instead of Qualcomm’s. The base model may see a RAM increase to 12GB to better support on-device AI functions. A major redesign is expected, which could include under-display Face ID and a completely hidden notch. Read about the iPhone 18 Pro here: iPhone 18 Pro rumors. iPhone 18 Apple could delay the iPhone 18 and release that handset alongside the iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, according to some reports. Foldable iPhone This is a wild card! After years of rumors, Apple’s first foldable phone, potentially named the iPhone Fold, is projected to debut in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. It is expected to be a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch inner display. Read more here: Apple’s folding iPhone rumors. Apple Watch updates coming in 2026 Like clockwork, expect a new Apple Watch in September.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Apple updated all the Apple Watches in September 2025. Launching the Apple Watch Series 11 a new Apple Watch Ultra and a new Apple Watch SE. In 2026 the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected. Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring has been a long-rumored feature for the Apple Watch, but it is still considered to be a few years away. It is unclear if this technology will be ready for a 2026 release. Apple Watch Ultra 4 Rumors indicate that the Ultra 4 could have a fingerprint scanner. There may be new sensors coming, but details are sparse.  Apple Watch Series 12 A chip update is likely, but beyond that little is known. AirPods updates in 2026 Apple introduced the AirPods 4 in Septemebr 2024 and the AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025. Five years on from the launch of the AirPods Max they have only had minor updates. Will they get a full update in 2026? AirPods Max 2 Foundry The most recent update to the AirPods Max occurred in September 2024. This was a minor refresh that introduced a USB-C port for charging, replacing the previous Lightning connector, and offered a new range of colors: blue, purple, Midnight, Starlight, and orange. Then, in early 2025, Apple released a firmware update (7E101) for the USB-C AirPods Max that enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio through a wired USB-C connection. When they arrive, the new models could offer a new lighter design. better noise cancellation, an H3 chip and Adaptive Audio. We could have a long wait though. According to often accurate analyst Ming Chi Kuo, tweeting back in May 2025, the new AirPods Max won’t enter production until 2027, so we could be in for a long wait. Read more here: AirPods Max 2 rumors. Apple Smart Home products coming in 2026 Apple is planning a major push into the smart home market, starting around March or April 2026. This initiative will be heavily reliant on a significantly improved Siri, powered by a new large language model, reportedly based on Google’s Gemini AI. New and updated products are said to include: New Smart Hub Multiple reports have suggested Apple will launch a smart home hub. Apple is said to be working on a number of HomeHub related products including a device said to mount a camera on a robot arm that can follow you around! New Smart Display Also rumored is an iPad like smart display that allow you to control your home devices via HomeOS software. This may come with both a speaker base and a wall mount. HomePod A new HomePod smart speaker with a screen and new HomePod mini are said to be on the way. Read more here: New HomePod rumors. Foundry Apple TV Apple TV leaks indicate a rumoured Apple TV is on Apple’s roadmap and that the update will bring Apple Intelligence to the set top box. AirTag AirTag 2 with improved range and tracking safeguards is said to be in the works. Other new products coming from Apple (or not)… Cheaper Vision Pro Apple is said to be at work on two updated models: a cheaper Vision Pro, and another high-end model. There may be as many as four new AR/VR products coming. At any rate an M5 powered Vision Pro is said to be launching soon. Other new products coming from Apple Apple Car If you were hoping for a physical Apple Car prepare to be disappointed, but there may be an update to CarPlay that could takes things beyond maps and music, giving users complete control over things like climate control. Read: The Apple Car is dead. Where does that leave Apple’s auto ambitions? New Apple products that launched in 2024 (and before) Here’s a quick look at what Apple released in 2024: The Vision Pro headset arrived in the U.S. on February 2. The M3 MacBook Air launched on March 4. The M2 iPad Air, the M4 iPad Pro, and the Apple Pencil Pro all launched on May 7. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus launched on September 9. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max launched on September 9. Apple Watch Series 10 launched on September 9. AirPods 4 launched on September 9 and new colors (and USB-C) for the AirPods Max were introduced. iPad mini A17 Pro launched on October 15. Apple launched the M4 iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro the week of October 28. What Apple released in 2023 Apple hit the ground running in 2023 and closed the year with the Vision Pro, although it didn’t arrive until 2024: M2 Mac mini Mac mini with M2 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip New full size HomePod (bit of a surprise this one!) A larger 15-inch MacBook Air A new Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra A new Mac Studio, also with M2 Ultra and M2 Max. iPhone 15, Plus, Pro and Pro Max 2023 Apple Watch Series 9 And Ultra 2 M3 iMac M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) And of course, the brand-new Vision Pro headset was unveiled What Apple released in 2022 12.9-inch and 11-inch M2 iPad Pro 10.9-inch iPad, 10th generation iPhone 14 and 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Apple Watch Ultra Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) AirPods Pro (2nd generation) iPhone SE (3rd generation) iPad Air (5th generation) Mac Studio (1st generation) Studio Display M2 MacBook Air M2 13in MacBook Pro What Apple released in 2021 HomePod mini in new colors MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max AirPods (3rd generation) Apple Watch Series 7 iPhone 13-series iPad mini (6th generation) iPad (9th generation) iMac M1 iPad Pro M1(3rd and 5th generation) Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) AirTag What Apple released in 2020 AirPods Max MacBook Air M1 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 Mac mini M1 iPhone 12-series HomePod mini iPad Air (4th generation) Apple Watch SE iPad (8th generation) Apple Watch Series 6 27-inch iMac (Intel) 13-inch MacBook Pro (Intel) iPhone SE MacBook Air (Intel) iPad Pro (2nd and 4th generation) For information about what Apple launched in the decade before that read: Best Apple products of the decade (2010-2019)

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Apple defeats ban on charging commission on linked-out purchases from iOS apps
Apple has defeated the total ban on charging a commission on web-based purchases that originate from links inside iOS apps. However, a fair rate will need to be established or agreed upon before Apple can resume charging a commission on linked-out purchases. more…

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AirPods Pro 2 and 3 firmware update now available
Macworld Apple on Thursday released a firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2 and 3. As it typically does with AirPods updates, the company has not announced what the new firmware does. The release notes will be available here. The new AirPods Pro 2 firmware is labelled as 8828. The new AirPods  Pro 3 firmware is 8830. Users cannot manually trigger the firmware update. The installation involves storing the earbuds in the charging case, plugging in the case, and having the case in range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The case must be closed for at least 30 minutes when the installation starts. We have more details on how AirPods updates work. Learn more about the AirPods  Pro 3 and the differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and 3.

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