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- Tuesday May 05
- 07:59 pmChatGPT’s Goblin Obsession Evades OpenAI’s Fixes
OpenAI has traced ChatGPT’s bizarre goblin fixation to training gone awry, but the creatures keep escaping—as Adam Engst discovered when goblins popped up in a conversation about a conference presentation.Read original article07:31 pmHow Apple will win the AI war
Apple's AI strategy might be summed up with "Don't beat 'em, join 'em." Here's how iPhone and Mac users will benefit. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)06:54 pmCanceled Apple TV show might have shot at revival as spinoff wins acclaim
Apple TV’s musical comedy Schmigadoon! earned a loyal following, but was canceled after two seasons. Now though, a Broadway spinoff has proven a hit and earned significant acclaim, as evidenced by today’s Tony nominations. And that could be good news for a prospective season 3 of Schmigadoon! on Apple TV. more…06:50 pmApple lashes out at ‘privacy-threatening’ Digital Markets Act
Macworld The Digital Markets Act, or DMA, is a piece of EU legislation created with the stated aim of fostering competition and user choice, principally by forcing larger companies to make their products and platforms more accommodating to and interoperable with those made by the smaller ones. Unsurprisingly, it proved unpopular with the tech giants, but despite significant pushback, it came into force in May 2023 and continues to operate to this day. Apple is particularly unhappy about the DMA, which makes it difficult to cultivate digital monopolies and “walled gardens,” such as the iOS app ecosystem. The legislation has consistently pushed Apple towards allowing “sideloading,” or the installation on the iPhone of apps from non-official sources, and thanks to the DMA, users in the EU can even delete the official App Store app. In March 2025, the EU cited the DMA in ordering Apple to open up iOS connectivity features, a decision Apple decried as “bad for our products and for our European users.” Then, in April of the same year, the company was fined roughly $570m after its contract terms concerning alternative app distribution were found to breach the DMA. All in all, the legislation has proved deeply inconvenient for Apple. European regulators, unsurprisingly, do not feel the same. And in the European Commission review of the DMA’s first two years, published at the end of April, it was praised in lavish terms: The DMA has already had a positive impact on the contestability and fairness of digital markets during the short period it has been in application. The DMA has significantly changed the conduct, technical design choices, and contractual arrangements of gatekeepers, which has begun to open up new opportunities for business users and competitors. The DMA has also strengthened end-user autonomy and agency in several key areas by empowering citizens to take back control over their data and make their own choices. All very complimentary. But Apple has now hit back. Speaking in an interview with German-language Handelsblatt, spotted by AppleInsider, Kyle Andeer, Apple’s chief compliance officer and VP of corporate law, accused the review of being “self-serving.” “We had hoped that the review would prompt some sober reflection for the EU,” he said (via Google Translate). But instead, what emerged was “a kind of self-serving defense… After all, they were evaluating their own work.” In the interview, Andeer insisted that the DMA has not yet caused any loss of revenue for Apple, with the key word being yet. But he repeatedly referred to the company’s frustration with the legislation and its fears that users are being put at risk. He pointed out, for example, that the DMA’s interoperability requirements could allow Meta or another social media company to access the Wi-Fi login details of an iOS user, and thereby build a highly tailored user profile without permission. “This is a vulnerability that threatens privacy,” Andeer said, adding that Apple had raised the issue with the EU, but that “they seem to be ignoring it.” Despite Apple’s displeasure, the EU currently appears highly unlikely to kill the DMA. The company has had better luck in its home country; however, only last week we reported on its success lobbying to death a similar bill in California in “little more than a month.”06:48 pmApple said to allow users to choose rival AI models across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 features | Mac Daily NewsApple said to allow users to choose rival AI models across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 features
Apple is taking a significant step toward making its AI platform more flexible and user-centric. Tthe company plans to let users select and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:34 pmApple’s most powerful Mac Studio loses its last remaining RAM upgrade option
Apple’s most powerful Mac Studio no longer includes RAM upgrade options. This comes after Apple has seemingly ran out of inventory for the two highest memory options supposed by the machine. more…06:30 pmTrump admin looks to ease memory chip crunch with supply chain bloc
The United States is partnering with allies in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to tackle the global memory chip shortage through… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:26 pmApple just released new AirPods Max 2 firmware
Last week Apple shipped new firmware for AirPods Pro 3, and now today AirPods Max 2 have gotten a fresh firmware update too. more…06:09 pmMaryland lawmakers stand with Apple Towson employees after store closure announcement | AppleInsiderMaryland lawmakers stand with Apple Towson employees after store closure announcement
Maryland lawmakers have penned a delegation letter to Apple, asking the tech giant to ask if there were any other paths forward other than closing Apple Towson.Apple Towson employees. Credit: IAMAWApple's battle with its Towson location continues, with Maryland lawmakers stepping in to "express serious concern" over Apple's choice to close the store. On May 4, lawmakers penned a congressional delegation to Apple, which reads:"We urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region," said the signing members in a letter to Apple. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:07 pmiPhone users will get to select a preferred AI model in iOS 27
Apple is rumored to be giving users the option to run various AI features in iOS 27 with third-party models as an alternative to Apple Intelligence.iPhone users will get more AI options in iOS 27Apple has been trying to catch up to the rest of the AI market, but it may not have to worry about doing so for iOS 27. If a report is true, Apple will be making it easier to use third-party alternates throughout the operating system.According to sources of Bloomberg on Tuesday, users will be able to select from multiple third-party AI models, which can be used for various tasks in the operating system. It's a change arriving in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:49 pmiOS 27 will let you choose between Gemini, Claude, and more for AI features: report
iOS 27 will give users a new way to integrate with third-party AI platforms, according to a new report. This will let iPhone users choose from multiple third-party models from companies like Google and Anthropic, including the ability to set custom voices in Siri depending on which external model is responding. more…05:27 pmApple TV 4K, released in 2022, is still the fastest streaming device on the market, bar none – Vice | Mac Daily NewsApple TV 4K, released in 2022, is still the fastest streaming device on the market, bar none – Vice
What you’re looking at is the third-generation Apple TV 4K. Apple launched it back in 2022, and it’s still going strong. Unlike the real… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:27 pmGPT-5.5 Instant makes ChatGPT more accurate while nixing ‘gratuitous emojis’
ChatGPT should feel “smarter and more accurate” starting today, according to OpenAI. That’s because the company is replacing the default model with an update called GPT-5.5 Instant. OpenAI also says the model upgrade cuts back on the “gratuitous emojis” in responses. more…05:15 pmiOS 26.5 makes Reminders app better by improving one of my top features
iOS 26.5 is expected to launch next week, and a newly discovered improvement makes one of my most-used Reminders features even better. more…04:40 pmApple may turn to longtime frenemies to make chips in the U.S.
Macworld A report released by Bloomberg on Tuesday states that Apple is in “exploratory talks” with Intel and Samsung to produce chips in the U.S. However, the talks have yet to result in an actual deal between the companies, and the possibility remains that Apple may decide to abandon the idea. Last December, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Intel could serve as a secondary chip supplier to Apple. Apple currently relies on TSMC for its chip manufacturing, but is interested in finding additional manufacturing options. However, Bloomberg states that Apple is concerned about using non-TSMC technology, which will affect the decision on whom to partner with. Intel has struggled in the past few years as it has been slow to adjust to the shift in chip demand from CPUs to GPUs, and its own CISC chip technology has proven to be outdated as RISC-based chips by competitors have proven to provide better performance and efficiency. Intel is exploring the possibility of being a chip foundry for other companies, such as Apple, to expand its revenue streams. Samsung is also interested in growing its foundry operations. The current supply chain problems have caused Apple to investigate options to alleviate the constraints. Finding another manufacturer is challenging, and Apple is concerned that Intel and Samsung “can’t reliably offer the type of production and scale” that TSMC provides, reports Bloomberg. Apple already sources several components, including displays and RAM, from Samsung. Bloomberg also states that an Apple/Intel deal could also provide political benefits, since the current presidential administration views Intel “as a national champion.” Apple is currently working with TSMC to establish a plant in Arizona, which could provide Apple with 100 million chips annually. During Apple’s Q2 2026 financial results announcement, CEO Tim Cook stated that “the primary constraint is the availability of the advanced nodes our SoCs are produced on, not memory,” which has resulted in short supply of devices, including the Mac mini. Cook stated that it could “take several months to reach supply/demand balance” and that the supply issues are not “going to end anytime soon.”04:33 pmHomePod of the future may only answer Siri queries if you look at it
HomePod owners may not necessarily have to even call out the word "Siri" in future, with Apple researching ways to use gaze detection for a device to know it's wanted.The patent's drawings show a HomePod with cameras, which might now become the expected Apple HomeHubIf you have multiple Apple devices, then you know that it's difficult to get Siri to respond on the one you want. When you are in a room that contains an iPhone, an iPad, and a HomePod mini, Apple has all sorts of systems to assess which device you want, but they routinely fail.Furthermore, not everyone feels comfortable with the "Siri" prompt, even if it is better than the original "Hey Siri" one. You can still say either version, and so can your TV set — it's common for something said on a show to be close enough to "Siri" that it prompts a query you didn't ask for. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:26 pmThe best signal yet that iPhone 18 won't ship until 2026 has arrived
A supply chain rumor claiming that Apple has made many more orders for the iPhone 17 to keep stock levels high through November 2026 is more indication of a 2027 non-pro iPhone 18 launch.iPhone 17A May 4 Weibo post from Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims Apple is extending iPhone 17 production, increasing output and preparing inventory through November 2026 for China's Double 11 shopping period.Normally, the iPhone Pro and non-pro lineups are expected to debut in September, with full availability of all models in China by November 11. Apple typically plans Double 11 inventory as part of initial production, not by adding orders later in the cycle.Increasing orders this late for the base model is unusual for Apple and points to the standard iPhone 18 arriving later than the usual fall window. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:05 pmHow to connect Apple Watch to a Planet Fitness treadmill
You can easily connect Apple Watch to a gym treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine and other gym equipment for more accurate health data. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:45 pmAmazon just redesigned its Photos app for iPhone, here’s what’s new
Prime members have access to unlimited photo back, and Amazon just redesigned its Photos app for iPhone users. more…03:39 pmRazer Viper V4 Pro review: Ultra-fast gaming mouse with 50,000 DPI, but is it worth $159? | MacworldRazer Viper V4 Pro review: Ultra-fast gaming mouse with 50,000 DPI, but is it worth $159?
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Fast, precise control for action games Comfortable, lightweight design Wired and wireless modes Programmable buttons Cons Expensive Charging cable uses USB-A Synapse app is complicated Right-handed only Our Verdict If you’re not a gamer then there are plenty of less expensive mice available. However, gamers will appreciate the speed and precision of the Viper V4 Pro, while its additional customisation and connectivity features may appeal to power users in other fields. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Razer Viper V4 Pro Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best for: Serious gamers (and some power users) who want ultra-fast response times, high precision, and deep customisation. Not for: Casual users or office workers who just need a simple, affordable mouse for everyday tasks. Trade-offs: You’re paying a premium for cutting-edge speed, precision, and features that most users simply won’t fully benefit from. Slowly but surely, Razer is bringing more of its high-end gaming gear to the Mac. The Pro Click V2 was a rare exception, designed for productivity rather than gaming, but the Viper V4 Pro marks a clear return to form. This lightweight, high-performance mouse is aimed squarely at serious gamers who demand speed and accuracy – and that focus comes at a cost, with a price of $159.99/£159.99, higher than comparable options from Apple or Logitech. Still, Razer’s Synapse app (currently in beta on Mac) adds versatility by allowing you to reprogram buttons for a wide range of software. Built for fast-paced gaming, the Viper V4 Pro prioritises speed and precision above all else. That makes it overkill for casual users who just need a basic mouse for everyday tasks, but its flexible connectivity, strong battery life, and extensive customisation options may also appeal to power users and creative professionals. The Viper V4 Pro can be used in wired mode with a USB cable, or using Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless dongle. Razer Inc. Main drawbacks The Viper V4 Pro’s biggest issue is its high price, which puts it well above mainstream alternatives from brands like Logitech or Apple. Practical annoyances add up too: the included charging cable uses USB-A, meaning many modern Mac users will need an adaptor, and there’s no Bluetooth option—only Razer’s proprietary dongle. The Synapse app, while powerful, is overly complex and still in beta on Mac, limiting ease of use and compatibility. Finally, the design is strictly right-handed, which excludes a chunk of potential users. Performance and design: how fast and precise is it? Latency: 0.204ms response time Sensor: 50,000 DPI optical sensor Polling rate: Up to 8,000Hz Weight: ~49–50g ultra-light design Durability: Up to 100 million clicks Scroll wheel: Optical sensor (claimed 3.3× more reliable) Battery life: ~45–180 hours depending on settings At first glance, the Viper V4 Pro looks fairly unassuming. Available in black or white – but only for right-handed users – it looks like most conventional mice, with left and right buttons, a clickable scroll wheel, and two thumb buttons on the side. Razer refers to it having a ‘symmetrical design’, but that ignores the thumb buttons on the left-hand side of the mouse, which are obviously only suitable for right-handed use. The lightweight plastic casing feels a little flimsy at first, but the Viper is designed to be as light as possible so that you can quickly move it around with just a gentle flick of your fingers (although, oddly, Razer says that the black version weighs 49g, while the white version is 50g). It’s sturdier than it seems though, and Razer states that the buttons are designed to last for ‘up to a 100 million click lifecycle’, while the scrolling wheel uses an optical sensor that it claims is 3.3 times more reliable than conventional mechanical wheels. And, of course, it’s precise too, with Razer claiming that the Viper V4 Pro provides a latency (response time) of just 0.204 milliseconds, while the 50,000 dpi optical sensor in the base of the mouse provides a degree of precision and accuracy that should satisfy even the most trigger-happy gamers. And, for those of us with slower reflexes, there’s a button underneath the mouse that allows you to cycle through a series of different speed settings so that you can find one that feels comfortable. You can also fine-tune these settings in more detail by using the Mac version of Synapse – and when we plugged the Viper in to our Mac Mini we were pleased to see that Synapse offered us a three-month free subscription to Apple Arcade, which is available until June 11th. The Viper V4 Pro is available in black or white – but both versions are right-handed only. Razer Inc. How does it connect (and what’s missing)? Most high-end mice can be connected to a Mac or PC in wired mode using a USB cable, as well as providing both a Bluetooth wireless connection and a separate USB adaptor – generally referred to as a ‘dongle’ – that provides a more reliable wireless connection using a 2.4GHz radio signal. The Viper V4 Pro does things a little differently, though. It has a USB-C port for charging, and the USB charging cable included in the box also allows you to use the mouse with a wired connection. Annoyingly, though, the cable uses USB-A to connect to a Mac or PC, so you’ll need a USB-C adaptor for Macs that only have USB-C. Thankfully, though, the USB port is on the front of the mouse, so you can easily continue to use it while the mouse is charging (unlike Apple’s Magic Mouse). Battery life is good too, lasting for around 45 hours when using the highest sensitivity settings, or up to 180 hours with lower settings. There’s no Bluetooth option though, as Razer prefers to use its own specialised HyperSpeed dongle to provide a high-speed wireless connection. Instead of a conventional dongle that plugs straight into a USB port, the HyperSpeed is a small hemispherical device that sits on your desk. It has its own USB-C port, and then uses the Viper’s charging cable for its power supply (although, as already mentioned, this cable has a USB-A interface for connecting to your Mac, so you’ll need a USB-C adaptor for most recent Macs). The HyperSpeed dongle has three status lights on the front, with the first two indicating the strength of the wireless connection, and the battery level of the mouse. The third light indicates the ‘polling rate’, which is the number of times per second that the mouse reports its movement and button presses to the dongle. This can be as high as 8,000Hz for maximum speed and precision but, again, you can adjust the polling rate and select different settings in the Synapse app. Razer’s Synapse app provides a wide range of customisation features – but it’s not easy to use. Razer Inc. How Well Does It Work With Macs? As mentioned, the Mac version of Razer’s Synapse app is still in its beta ‘preview’ stage. It works well though, with no obvious bugs evident during our testing, and its main limitation is simply that it currently only works with a handful of Razer’s latest products, such as the Viper V4 Pro and Pro Click mice. It also requires macOS 15 with Apple Silicon to run properly. Synapse allows you to customise the button controls on the Viper to perform a variety of different commands. Admittedly, Synapse is rather complicated, and isn’t as easy to use as the Options+ app that Logitech provides for its MX range of mice. However, it does provide a wide range of commands that you can assign to the various mouse buttons, and we were pleased to find that the Mac version of Synapse also includes a number of Mac-specific shortcuts and commands, such as using a button on the mouse for Copy/Paste, launching Spotlight, or even Force Quit. Should You Buy The Razer Viper V4 Pro? If you’re serious about gaming then the Viper V4 Pro is hard to beat, especially for Mac users who don’t have a lot of choice in the gaming arena. It’s too expensive for routine office work or casual use at home, but its good battery life and programmable buttons may appeal to some non-gamers as well.