Here are the 2025 App Store Awards finalists
As we approach the end of 2025, Apple is gearing up to unveil the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards. As part of that process, Apple today announced the 45 finalists for the App Store Awards. The nominations span a wide range of categories. Head below for the full list. more…

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PSA for Apple fans: It’s time to update your keyboard and trackpad
Macworld If you’ve got an Apple keyboard or trackpad, the company may have a surprise in store for you. Yes, it’s time for another batch of mysterious firmware updates. As reported by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris, Apple this week released four updates for various peripherals and accessories: Firmware version 1.4.84 for the 140W USB-C Power Adapter Version 3.1.9 for the Magic Keyboard (USB-C; both with and without numeric keypad) Version 3.1.9 for the Magic Trackpad (USB-C) Version 3.1.8 for the Magic Trackpad 2 Perris refers to the updates as “major,” even putting this word in capitals, but you can take that with a healthy dose of sarcasm. Partly because software updates for keyboards and trackpads (let alone a power adapter) can hardly be thrilling, and partly because, as is usually the case with Apple’s firmware updates, the company itself hasn’t said what they contain. That isn’t to say that these updates aren’t worth having. Accessory firmware rarely gets new versions, so these could contain as much as a year’s worth of important fixes, security updates, and performance tweaks. Unlike operating system updates, such as iOS 26, accessory firmware updates don’t need to be actively installed by the user. The next time your keyboard, trackpad, or power adapter is connected to a device running one of Apple’s operating systems, it should update automatically.

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Cook controversially dines with Saudi Crown Prince at White House
Apple CEO Tim Cook had dinner with President Donald Trump and a world leader who allegedly ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Tim Cook [bottom left] seated at the Trump-hosted dinner for Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. As the head of a major tech company, Tim Cook is frequently in the presence of world leaders at major functions. Sometimes, those world leaders have a controversial connection to the company, as is the case with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.On Tuesday's visit to the White House, a dinner was held to mark the occasion, with many dignitaries also in attendance. That list includes Cook, alongside X's Elon Musk, Dell's Michael Dell, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and AMD's Lisa Su in the Big Tech contingent. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Cook controversially dines with Saudi Crown Prince at White House
Apple CEO Tim Cook had dinner with President Donald Trump and a world leader who allegedly ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Tim Cook [bottom left] seated at the Trump-hosted dinner for Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. As the head of a major tech company, Tim Cook is frequently in the presence of world leaders at major functions. Sometimes, those world leaders have a controversial connection to the company, as is the case with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.On Tuesday's visit to the White House, a dinner was held to mark the occasion, with many dignitaries also in attendance. That list includes Cook, alongside X's Elon Musk, Dell's Michael Dell, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and AMD's Lisa Su in the Big Tech contingent. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Washington Warned Tariffs on Robotics Could Derail Manufacturing Revival
Opponents of tariffs argue that the levies on foreign robotics would not only undermine national security but also hobble efforts to revive the U.S. manufacturing sector. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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TikTok says badges are the solution to teenage app addiction
With a growing number of legislators wanting to set limits on the use of social media apps by teenagers and children, TikTok is hitting back. The company argues – with an apparently straight face – that new features like an affirmation journal, background sound generator, and app badges are likely to be more effective … more…

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Cosmic Orange gift guide: 30 gifts to match the ultra-bright iPhone 17 Pro
Macworld Apple stunned the world with its bold new Cosmic Orange color for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. I can’t even name the other colors they are available in… Dark Blue? Sort of White? Who cares? It has to be orange! Decision made, now comes the real challenge: accessorizing. If you’re going to walk around with a phone that looks like a tiny glowing sunset, you can’t just pair it with any random case, cable, or charger. This is a color that demands commitment. There are plenty of orange things out these but which of them most closely matches the new iPhone? Known to others as Papaya with the Pantone specification 15-1243, Apple’s Cosmic Orange is a vivid, slightly lighter orange with a bit more yellow than a traditional copper tone. It’s special, just like your iPhone. We’ve rounded up the best orange accessories to turn your phone into a fully coordinated citrus masterpiece. Even if you don’t yet own a Cosmic Orange iPhone, you have a grotto of gaudy goodies to gift to your friends who do. Kuxiu X40 Turbo 25W 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand Kuxiu First on any iPhone user’s list should be a fast charger and this up-to-the-minute Qi 2.2-certified gadget is as fast a wireless iPhone charger as you can get: 25W of raw power, which is perfect for the iPhone 17 family. Even if it was 5W it wouldn’t really matter, would it? It’s a glorious orange! It folds right down to a pocketable 2.5-inch square and 0.7-inch deep 5oz tiny slab. But of course it’s finest attribute isn’t the premium build or tiny form factor, but its glowing Cosmic Orange color. Find the Cosmic Orange X40 Turbo in the U.S. through Kuxiu ($79), while U.K. orangeers can get it on Amazon (£66). Journey MOTION Apple Watch Sport Band Journey There are a bunch of orange Apple Watch bands to choose from, in orangy colors such as “Terracotta” and “Turmeric”, but we think the closest match to the iPhone 17 Pro is the orange MOTION Sport Band from Aussie brand Journey. At $59/£49, it’s also more affordable (at Journey) than the selection of pricey bands on offer at the Apple Store. Match your wrist to your iPhone and you’ll bring brightness to your day as soon as you wake up. UAG Civilian Case UAG If the Cosmic Orange iPhone is so gorgeous, why cover it up in a dull case? Sacrilege, surely. Think again… the iPhone Pro is too lovely to risk dents and dings or a shattered screen, but you still want the world to know you’re hip to be orange. Just like the army of orange Watch straps, there are many orange iPhone cases, but our fave is the ultra-thin UAG Civilian ($65) that isn’t as fancy as some but offers great defensive strength, including 20-foot (6m) drop protection. UAG doesn’t limit its orange to the Civilian; it has juicy versions of its Monarch Pro and Pathfinder cases, too. If you must have an Apple case, skip the iPhone 17 Pro clear case that’s more white than clear. Instead, opt for the Orange iPhone 17 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe ($49) or Sierra Orange Beats iPhone 17 Pro Rugged Case ($79), both pictured below—you can even buy the Beats case for a humble iPhone 17—we won’t tell anyone if you don’t. Apple dbrand Cosmic Orange Skins dbrand We love the dbrand iPhone cases, too, but here we highlight their shameless and self-confessed “flawless colormatched knock-off” skins that can transform a ton of other products into Cosmic Orange beauty. Whether your MacBook, iPad, AirPods, or one of hundreds of even non-Apple products (even Android phones) can now cosplay as an iPhone 17 Pro Max. The skins are precisely cut vinyl wraps that adhere to a device for the custom Cosmic look, offering scratch protection without adding any bulk. Take a look at all the tempting things to wrap in dbrand orange here with prices starting below $40. Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad Belkin Why put your iPhone on a black or white charging pad when you can power up your cheery Cosmic Orange iPhone and sad white AirPods on the beautifully orange Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Charging Pad ($75/£74). Certified by Apple with its MagSafe badge, this flat charging pad can hit 15W of power—not as fast as the 25W Kuxiu X40 Turbo but speedy enough on your nightstand while you doze from orange sunset to sunrise. Bellroy Butterscotch backpacks, bags and slings Bellroy Bellroy doesn’t label the boldest color available in its range of laptop backpacks as orange or cosmic, but this “Butterscotch” backpack will go great with your iPhone 17 Pro. In Butterscotch, Bellroy has a Classic Daypack or larger Classic Backpack (16L or 20L), both with a protective 16-inch laptop sleeve. If that weren’t enough, you can pick up a Classic Tote, Getaway Bag, and even a Sling with padded iPhone protection. Prices start at $99. Orbitkey Travel Sling Orbitkey Sometimes you need top do something else other than gaze at your beautiful orange iPhone. Really. Keep your iPhone and all its accessories (orange of course) in the weather-resistant $89 Orbitkey Travel Sling, which hosts a surprisingly generous 3L capacity and can be worn as a crossbody or carried as a compact pouch. There’s a quick access front zip pocket, a wide opening for effortless access to all compartments, and inside you’ll find integrated mesh pockets. Hidden RFID-blocking pockets and an anti-theft zipper locking system keep digital theft and pickpockets at bay – without impairing your access. Torras Cosmic Orange Special Set Torras Best known for its iPhone cases, Torras has gone all-in on orange with its Cosmic Orange Special Set ($165/£128) that includes a color-matched case, screen protector, charger, and crossfit strap. To be fair, the screen protector is helpfully clear rather than orange but the application tray makes up for it. You can buy the charger separately (see below) and choose between the Cosmic Orange LoopGo Flex Crossbody Phone Lanyard and Apple’s plain Orange Crossbody Strap. Torras Icenano FoldPro Fast Charger Block 45W Orange Torras If you don’t need the full set, you’ll be happy with the tiny orange charger. Built with a Gallium Nitride (GaN) chip, Torras’s Icenano FoldPro USB-C wall charger ($35) is cooler in temperature (and therefore smaller and lighter) but much hotter in attitude. At 45W, it’s got plenty to spare when fast-charging your iPhone 17 Pro Max, and can even power up your MacBook Air. Case Logic Reflect Laptop Sleeve Case Logic Your MacBook will thank you for the 6mm of dense memory foam that provides a protective cushion and the plush interior lining that defends the laptop from scratches, but forget all that stuff because the outside of the Case Logic Reflect Laptop Sleeve ($45) is a very Cosmic Orange, so you can hide that Silver or Space Gray monstrosity. Antler Heritage Leather AirPods Case, plus luggage tags and straps in Coral Antler Looking for a little class with your iPhone 17 Pro on your next trip? Then look no further than Antler’s lovely Coral range of travel accessories (from $20 / £14), including luggage tags and straps, packing cubes and even a cute orange AirPods case ($75 / £55). You’re not fooling anyone, Antler… your accessories are orange, not coral… unless they are actually made of coral, of course. Weatherman umbellas Weatherman It doesn’t rain but it pours Cosmic Orange gear on us, and we have just the thing for it—the Rusty Orange Weatherman Travel Umbrella ($69/£60). You’ll be delighted to see clouds in the sky when it means you can hoist our orange one proudly through the deluge without fear of getting our other Cosmic Orange goodies drenched. However… Rusty Orange? Surely, an umbrella this colorful won’t let your IP68-rated iPhone actually corrode. Logitech POP Icon Orange Keyboard Logitech Back at your desk, sometimes you have to use an old-school computer rather than your Cosmic Orange iPhone, even if it is a 17 Pro Max. Apple does make an orange version of its Magic Keyboard, but unless you can find a used one, you’ll need to buy an orange iMac to get it (see below). So rest your eyes on this orange-accented keyboard from Logitech. The POP Icon Keyboard ($49/£49) in Off White & Orange isn’t completely orange, but all the letters and funny symbols are. As it connects via Bluetooth, you can even pair it with your iPhone and ditch the desktop altogether. Orange Apple iMac Apple One of Apple’s first G3 iMacs was orange—or “Tangerine” as Steve Jobs called it. In those days, however, orange wasn’t as hip as it is today, and the Tangerine iMac was a bit of a failure, at least compared to Blueberry and Strawberry. (Fun orange fact: the iMac’s designer, Jony Ive, used to work at a design agency called Tangerine.) Fortunately, Tim Cook has forgotten the Tangerine Nightmare, and you can buy a colorful iMac again (from $1,299/£1,299) and this time in Orange—not Cosmic but very close, at least on the back. The iMac even comes with a keyboard and mouse with orange accents. Other orange Apple stuff Apple In fact, Apple makes quite a few things under its orange umbrella, even if they aren’t as cosmic as the iPhone. You can buy an AirTag Key Ring and MagSafe Wallet both in “Fox Orange”, Crossbody Strap for your iPhone, and an orange HomePod mini, Electric Orange PowerBeats Pro 2, and some faded orange AirPods Max. Jan Gruber (Foundry) Issey Miyake iPhone Pocket Apple Ok, so this is a long shot, but you might even be tempted by one of the craziest accessories on the Apple Store: the $149/£139 iPhone Pocket by Issey Miyake—available in “Mandarin”. Mandarin? Orange, ok? It’s not technically an Apple product, even if it is clearly inspired by the legendary and no doubt highly successful (I’ve forgotten) iPod Socks—also available in orange but long gone by now. Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K, Slim) – Coral Apple Consulting the electronic brain of AI, I learned that Coral is either “a pinkish-orange or an orange-pink”. While the Antler luggage accessories in Coral avoided any sort of pinkness in favor of a very Cosmic Orange, Anker’s MagGo Power Bank in Coral (£49; not available in the U.S. for some reason) is decidedly un-orange pink, which actually might be useful if reports are true that the orange iPhone turns pink when scrubbed too hard with cleaning agents.

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ESR Apple Accessories Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals
Macworld Apple accessory maker ESR has a range of attractive deals and discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025. Here we have rounded up the best ESR discounts for your iPhone 17 series, iPad and AirPods. These great deals are available on Amazon from November 20 and direct from ESR from November 28; both run until December 1 while stocks last. iPhone Protection Deals ESR ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case (Camera Control, Stash Stand): Powerful Protection, Reveals True Color Protect your iPhone while showcasing its style. Only 1.5mm thin and transparent to show off the iPhone’s true color, the ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case delivers 3× military-grade protection with 11-ft drop resistance, reinforced Air Guard corners, and dual-layer camera protection. The built-in Camera Control cover and adjustable Stash Stand add functionality, while 2× stronger magnets ensure flawless MagSafe performance and secure charging every time. Buy at Amazon: $22.48 (extra 10% discount with the code IPI7ESRBF) Buy at ESR: $24.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) ESR ESR Cyber Tough Magnetic Case: Ultimate All-Around Protection Conquer every drop with ESR’s Cyber Tough Magnetic Case—engineered for extreme durability. With 7× military-grade protection and 23-ft drop resistance, it shields your iPhone from the harshest impacts. Its triple-layer design combines PC, TPE, and PORON® materials, while dual-layer camera protection and raised edges safeguard your screen and lenses from scratches and shocks. Buy at Amazon: $24.99 (extra 10% discount with the code 10ESRBFCMM) Buy at ESR: $27.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) ESR ESR UltraFit Armorite® Pro Screen Protector: Premium Clarity, Pro-Level Protection Crafted with Accessory Glass by Corning™, the UltraFit Armorite® Pro delivers 10× more impact absorption and 2× the scratch resistance of generic protectors. Its anti-reflective coating reduces glare by 50% and enhances light transmission for vivid, true-to-life viewing. With SGS-certified protection and a dust-free, bubble-free tray that installs with just one pull, it’s your screen’s strongest, clearest defense. Buy at Amazon: $28.79 (extra 10% discount with the code 10ESRBFCMM) Buy at ESR: $29.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) AirPods Protection ESR ESR Cyber FlickLock Magnetic Case Drop-proof and effortless MagSafe, this AirPods Pro case is designed for adventurous lifestyles. It uses FlickLock™, ESR’s innovative magnetic locking system for AirPods cases. Featuring an internal latch and 750g magnetic lock, this tough but sleek design secures your AirPods Pro 3 while allowing easy one-handed access. Buy at Amazon: $18.39 Buy at ESR: $22.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) ESR ESR Orbit Hybrid Magnetic Case This AirPods Pro case provides essential protection for your AirPods Pro 3, offering a sleek, functional design that fits effortlessly into your daily routine with a magnetic lock lid. It features powerful drop protection with its ultra-hard shell and shock-absorbing core. Buy at Amazon: $11.19 Buy at ESR: $16.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) iPad Protection ESR ESR Flip Magnetic Case (Pencil Holder): Flip, Create, and Play More Unlock 5 ways to work and play with the ESR Flip Magnetic Case—perfect for reading, writing, viewing, FaceTime, and even fridge mounting. Its ultra-stable magnetic stand ensures steady support on any surface, while the built-in pencil holder provides secure storage, quick access, and instant charging for seamless creativity and convenience. Buy at Amazon: $29.59 for iPad Pro 13 Buy at Amazon: $23.19 for iPad Pro 11 ESR ESR Shift Magnetic Case: Transform and Do It All The ESR Shift Magnetic Case redefines iPad versatility with 5 unique modes for viewing, gaming, browsing, or writing or fridge magnet. Its magnetic attachment and ultra-stable stand ensure reliable balance anywhere—desk, sofa, or lap. A detachable back case offers complete flexibility, letting you switch from productivity to play instantly while keeping your iPad fully protected. Buy at Amazon: $42.39 for iPad Pro 13 Buy at Amazon: $34.39 for iPad Pro 11 Buy at ESR: $46.49 for iPad Air 11 & Air 10.9″ (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) ESR ESR UltraFit Classic Screen Protector: Clear, Tough, Effortless Protection Experience 2× the impact absorption of generic protectors with ESR’s Armorite UltraFit Classic. Crafted from 9H tempered glass, it resists scratches and cracks while maintaining perfect clarity and touch response. The UltraFit tray makes installation dust- and bubble-free in seconds. At just 0.33 mm thin, it ensures flawless visuals, Pencil precision, and crystal-clear FaceTime quality. Buy at Amazon: $17.59 for iPad Pro 13 Buy at Amazon: $15.99 for iPad Pro 11 ESR ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector (Tempered Glass) This screen protector offers a paper-like texture that helps you enjoy a natural writing and smooth drawing experience, just like on real paper. Use the UltraFit tray for an instantly dust- and bubble-free application. With its ultra-strong, high-alumina tempered glass Armorite offers 5× the impact absorption of generic protectors. Buy at Amazon: $28.99 for iPad Pro 13 Buy at Amazon: $25.99 for iPad Pro 11 iPad Productivity ESR ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable) Also based on ESR’s magnetic detachable design, the Shift Keyboard Case lets you attach or remove the 7.2mm-thin keyboard for typing or a streamlined tablet experience. For a third of the price of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, the Shift offers more functionality and flexibility. You can choose your angles for work and play: 20°–75° landscape mode for flexible work and entertainment; 70° portrait mode for browsing inspiration; 20° drawing mode for sketching and editing. The 65% larger trackpad features smoother and more precise. The durable form-fit cover has reinforced Air Guard corners and magnets keeps your iPad safe from scratches, drops, and dust. A stylus holder prevents your pencil from falling off. Buy at Amazon: $63.99 for iPad Air 11 & Air 10.9″ (extra 10% discount with the code IPI7ESRBF) Buy at Amazon: $99.99 for iPad Pro 13 ESR ESR Flex Keyboard Case (Detachable) Built with ESR’s magnetic detachable design, the lightweight Flex Keyboard Case offers the freedom to type wirelessly or lift your screen to eye level for focused productivity while offering all-around protection. It features a magnetic triangular stand that offers stability with two usage modes: 65° is perfect for typing, reading, and video calls; and 20° is ideal for writing, drawing, and note-taking. The trackpad is 65% bigger for smoother, more precise multi-touch gestures. Buy at Amazon: $47.99 for iPad 11/10 (extra 10% discount with the code IPI7ESRBF) Buy at Amazon: $47.99 for iPad Air 11 (extra 10% discount with the code IPI7ESRBF) ESR Geo Digital iPad Pencil This fast-charging iPad pencil has a unique Find My function that allows you to locate your iPad Pencil anytime and anywhere. Buy at Amazon: $26.39 (extra 10% discount with the code IPI7ESRBF) MagSafe Wallet All iPhones 12 and later, except iPhone 12/13 mini. ESR ESR Geo Magnetic Wallet Stand (Grip) This is the world’s first MagSafe wallet stand designed with both full Apple-certified Find My AirTag functionality and RFID blocking, so you can track its real-time location, find by playing a sound, and receive left-behind notifications. It holds 5 cards, and the premium hinge offers stable 15°-170° adjustment in portrait/landscape for hands-free FaceTime, videos, and browsing. Buy at Amazon: $41.99 Buy at ESR: $39.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) ESR ESR Aura Magnetic Wallet (Pink) Get a great deal on a wallet that adds clutch elegance and versatility, holding 1–5 cards (with RFID blocking) plus cash, with a clear ID window. Crafted from premium vegan leather with a secure clasp, with case held by powerful 3,200g magnets. The slim yet spacious ESR Aura Magnetic Wallet quickly transforms into a 50° stand for hands-free viewing—perfect for videos. Buy at Amazon: $25.99 (extra 10% discount with the code 10ESRBFCMM) Qi2 MagSafe Chargers (25W) All iPhones 12 and later, except iPhone 12/13 mini. ESR Qi2.2 CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station (25W) Buy at Amazon: $99.99 ESR Qi2.2 CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station (25W) Buy at Amazon: $99.99 Buy at ESR: $119.99 (extra 25% off with code CYBER25) ESR OmniLock Car Charger (Qi2.2 25W) Buy at Amazon: $56.99 (extra 10% discount with the code IPI7ESRBF)

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Option key secrets: Get more from your Mac with these hidden shortcuts
Macworld Scratch beneath the surface of macOS and you’ll find all manner of clever little tricks that aren’t apparent on first look. The Option key demonstrates this perfectly: it brings a host of extra functionality to your Mac every time you press it, whether you’re perusing an app’s menu or are typing in a document. Here, we’ve put together 10 of our favorite ways to use the Option key to bring more power to your Mac. But you shouldn’t stop here–there are far more things that the Option key can do than what we’ve listed in this article. Often, the best course is to simply experiment by pressing Option in your app of choice and seeing what it does. No doubt Apple has hidden all manner of useful tools and shortcuts that are just waiting to be discovered. Manage files and folders The Option key can come in handy when you want to get a better hold on files and folders on your Mac, and many of these extra features can be found in the Finder. For example, hold Option and press the up or down arrow key inside a Finder folder to move to the first or last item. Normally, clicking the triangular arrow icon next to a folder in Finder will open it. If you hold Option while doing so, Finder will open that folder and any sub-folders inside it, saving you a little bit of time if you want to dive deep into some nested locations. To save a file in a different format in the Preview app, hold down the Option key while clicking on the File menu. This will make the Save As option appear.Foundry There are also things you can do with files. In the Preview app, if you click the File menu while pressing Option, the Duplicate function turns into Save As, in case you want to change the file format. And in the Finder, if you want to move a file rather than copying it, first copy it, then press Command-Option-V in its destination folder (rather than simply Command-V). The reverse is also true: hold Option while dragging and dropping a file to copy it instead of moving it. Typing tricks Want to type out some special characters? You could look them up and copy them online, or you could use the Option key. Hold it while typing any symbol or alphanumeric character to get a special one instead: Option-A gives you å, while Option-3 produces £. There are many more possibilities. And just like how the Option key can send you to the top and bottom items in a Finder folder, it can also be used to swiftly move through text. Hold Option and press the left or right arrow keys to move along one word at a time in any text or word processing app. This is much faster than holding the arrow key and moving just one character at a time. In a word-processing app, try holding Option and Shift, then moving the arrow keys left or right; this will highlight whole words at a time. You can also press Option and Delete to remove words rather than individual letters. Hold Option and double-click any of its four corners of a window to make an app fill your screen without going into fullscreen mode,Foundry Window management The Option key comes in handy when you want to resize an app window. Instead of resizing it from one edge and then another, you can shift multiple edges at once. Just hold the Option key and grab a side or corner of the window and start resizing. When you do this with a vertical or horizontal edge, the opposite side will mirror the movement of the edge you’re holding. When you do it with a corner, you can resize all four sides at once. If you want to make an app window fill your screen without going into fullscreen mode, just hold Option and double-click any of its four corners–this will make it expand to your maximum screen dimensions. Do this on a side instead of a corner and both corresponding edges will stretch to the edges of your screen. For example, double-click a vertical window edge while holding Option and both the left and right sides will expand to the full width of your display. Doing any of these actions without holding Option will just stretch the side or corner you click on and no others. Dock items Got an app that’s frozen and not responding? Instead of waiting for it to resume normal service, right-click its icon in your Mac’s Dock, hold Option, then select Force Quit to close it down right away. This menu item is normally hidden, but Option reveals it. When an app is open, right-click its Dock icon and hold Option to see other menu choices. The Hide menu item changes to Hide Others, for example, allowing you to make other windows disappear but keep the one that’s currently in the foreground (you won’t see this choice if the app in question is not open). Hold down the Option key while clicking on a Dock icon to see more menu choices.Foundry And if you want to relaunch the Finder, there’s a quick trick to doing so: hold Option and left-click its Dock icon to refresh it. Do Not Disturb The Option key can help you banish notifications by enabling Do Not Disturb mode. It lets you silence the distractions with a single click, with no need to rummage around in System Settings menus. Just hold Option and click the time and date in the top-right corner of your Mac’s display to enable Do Not Disturb; hold Option and click it again to disable it. If you let Focus modes show their statuses in the menu bar, you’ll see the Do Not Disturb icon appear when you switch it on. Hidden menu bar info While we’re dealing with the top edge of your screen, the Option key adds a bunch of extra functionality to icons housed in the menu bar. For instance, Option-click the volume icon and you can change your input devices without opening System Settings (normally, you can only adjust output devices from the menu bar). Hold down Option while clicking on the Sound menu bar to see your input devices.Foundry Do the same with the Wi-Fi icon and you’ll see extra data like your IP address, MAC address, country code, and more. Similarly, Option-click the Bluetooth icon to see addresses and firmware versions of your connected Bluetooth devices. And if the Stage Manager icon is in your menu bar, Option-clicking it will instantly enable and disable it. Some of these icons won’t appear in your menu bar by default, and you’ll need to enable them by opening System Settings and finding the Control Center section in the sidebar. Here, select either Show in Menu Bar or Show When Active from the dropdown menu next to each item. Menu magic Each Mac app has its own set of menus that live, unsurprisingly, in the menu bar. When these menus are open, you can hold the Option key to see new tools and choices. To take one example, open Finder and click the Go menu, then hold Option. You’ll see Library appear, which is normally hidden from view. In other apps, clicking the File menu and holding Option might change Duplicate to Save As, Close Window to Close All, and more. What you see will vary from app to app, so try different ones to see what happens. Hold down Option while clicking on the Apple menu to make System Information appear.Foundry Click the Apple logo in your screen’s top-left corner, then hold Option to change About This Mac to System Information. The System Information app gives you more in-depth data on your computer, such as its battery cycle count, technical firewall settings, and more. The additional menu options apply to the right-click menu, too. Try right-clicking a file and holding the Option key; Open With changes to Always Open With, for example, letting you set your default apps in a few quick seconds. Toolbars and right-click menus We’ve talked about menu bars that live outside an app’s main window, but what about the buttons and menus inside an app? Well, there’s a lot the Option key can do here, too. Look at the toolbar in Preview. There, holding the Option key will change the direction of the rotate button, so you can rotate an image clockwise instead of counterclockwise. In the Preview app, holding down the Option key changes the rotation function to the opposite direction.Foundry Sticking with Preview, right-clicking and dragging on an image will draw a selection box. Hold Option while you’re doing this and each edge of the selection box will move in sync; dragging the box to the right will also move its left edge outwards, for example. Switch scroll bar settings If you open the System Settings app and go to Appearance in the sidebar, you can change how app scroll bars work. You can choose to have the scroll bar jump to the next page when you click an empty portion of it, or for the page to move down to where you clicked. But there’s no need to adjust this in the System Settings app. You can do it directly in any app you’re currently using. Just hold Option and click the scroll bar to flip between these two settings. For example, if clicking an empty part of the scroll bar normally jumps to the next page, holding Option when you do it will move to where you clicked. This works if your settings are the other way around, too. System Settings The System Settings app is a one-stop shop for configuring your Mac, but it’s not the only way to tweak things to your liking. If your Mac has a row of function keys, you can combine the Option key with your function/media keys to get a fast way to access Mac settings without needing to root around in System Settings first. Holding down the Option key while pressing a display brightness button on the keyboard opens the Display settings.Foundry To change your Mac’s brightness settings, hold Option and press the brightness up or brightness down button in the function row to go straight to the Displays section in System Settings. Likewise, holding Option and pressing the volume keys will open System Settings at the Sound page. Note that all of these options work whether or not System Settings is already open. Now that you’ve mastered the Option key, learn more about the Mac keyboard combinations that can help you.

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Cloudflare explains the mistake that took down large chunks of the internet yesterday
Huge chunks of the internet were completely unavailable yesterday, with many other websites and services experiencing slow performance. It was immediately clear that the problem was with the Cloudflare network, but it took some time for the company to establish the true cause. Cloudflare says that it initially believed it was experiencing a massive cyber-attack, but subsequently realized the problems were caused by a “painful” error with a software update … more…

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Gentler Streak rolls out Weekly Activity Recaps
Following a brief beta period, Gentler Streak was updated today with a new Weekly Activity Recap feature. Here’s what it looks like. more…

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I finally switched from a MacBook to an iPad Pro, and I’m not going back
Macworld As a minimalist, I’ve long wanted to replace the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 I use for work with a slimmer and more portable iPad. Until this year, the rational voice in my head warned me that the tablet’s various limitations made this a bad investment, but everything changed with the launch of iPadOS 26. Its more advanced multitasking system brings the mobile OS closer to macOS, and me one step closer to my dream work setup. Following the iPad Pro M5’s debut, I came across a heavily discounted M4 model. Given that the two generations share most of the same tech specs, I decided to opt for a 13-inch iPad Pro M4, paired with a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. To test the practicality of using iPadOS for work, I put my MacBook away and relied solely on the iPad Pro M4 for a week. Here’s how it went. Aesthetic vs practical design The most noticeable difference between the iPad Pro M4 and MacBook Air M2 lies in their form factors. The former device is lighter, thinner, and more portable. It genuinely blows my mind how slim the iPad has become, despite packing a desktop-class chip. I also appreciate the switch to Face ID, which is infinitely more reliable and convenient for me than Touch ID. Thin different: The iPad Pro’s svelte design, viewed from the bottom edge.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Perhaps the best part of this versatile setup is the ability to easily detach the iPad from the Magic Keyboard whenever needed, further reducing its size and weight. Those who rely on wired earbuds, however, will miss the MacBook’s headphone jack. Other iPad compromises include its physical stability. Balancing it on surfaces that aren’t straight or solid, such as your lap or bed, can sometimes be challenging. Interacting with the Magic Keyboard’s hinge also doesn’t feel as natural when compared to a MacBook. More input methods One of the main reasons behind my switch is the iPad Pro’s superior OLED screen. Not only is it sharper and more vibrant, but it also supports touch and Apple Pencil input. Admittedly, I miss the wider, pressure-sensitive trackpad offered by the MacBook Air. Nonetheless, the one embedded into the Magic Keyboard has a comparable feel and supports haptic feedback. The keyboard is similarly backlit and comfortable for long typing sessions. The Apple Pencil Pro has many uses, such as writing “Macworld” in a lovely blue.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Inferior multitasking While the upgraded windowing system introduced with iPadOS 26 makes the iPad more practical for work, there’s more to multitasking than just opening multiple app windows. For example, certain keyboard shortcuts I’m used to don’t work in third-party iPad apps. Likewise, iPadOS hasn’t yet adopted the reimagined Spotlight Search with clipboard history brought by macOS Tahoe. Other omissions include the iPhone Mirroring app, which I used to depend on, and support for using Apple TV 4K as a wireless second monitor (not just vanilla mirroring). In general, I find myself spending more time getting the same tasks done, as certain flows are different—or completely nonexistent—on iPadOS. My muscle memory will adapt with time, I suppose. But overall, multitasking on the iPad is definitely inferior to that offered by the MacBook. The iPad Pro’s multitasking system is impressive, but it still can’t match that of macOS.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Better apps One thing I dislike about using macOS is the more limited availability of native applications. Many developers, such as Google, avoid releasing dedicated desktop apps, forcing users to opt for their websites instead. Meanwhile, the software library on iPadOS is seemingly more comprehensive, and apps tend to be more polished. This has elevated my computing experience, as I no longer need to use wonky web apps as often. Shorter battery life Arguably, the biggest drawback of this setup is the iPad Pro’s shorter battery life—which, in a way, makes it less portable. Despite my 3-year-old MacBook Air M2’s battery health dropping to 82%, the laptop still lasts me longer on a single charge than the brand-new iPad Pro M4. And the iPad’s battery life will only get worse with time, which has discouraged me from connecting it to a cellular plan. Another consequence of the slim design is the more frequent overheating when running intensive tasks. While for obvious reasons the iPad Pro M4’s performance is miles ahead, its body tends to get warm faster than the M2 MacBook Air. This could be why Apple reportedly plans to implement a vapor chamber to improve the thermal management on the upcoming iPad Pro M6. A MacBook replacement (terms apply) My everyday computing needs revolve around researching, typing, and photo-editing, and the iPad Pro excels at all of them. As such, I will continue to use it as my main work machine for the foreseeable future. It has essentially replaced my MacBook Air M2. Nevertheless, I will also keep my MacBook around for activities that remain macOS exclusives, such as HomePod mini OS recovery. My world has flipped: My iPad Pro is now a functional laptop replacement… and I only need to keep my Mac around for specific, uncommon use cases.

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Cancelled 'Time Bandits' tops Children's Emmy nominations
Apple TV has earned 23 nominations for the forthcoming Children's and Family Emmy Awards, with "Time Bandits" leading the list.Lisa Kudrow in "Time Bandits"The TV series adaptation of the 1981 "Time Bandits" movie lasted only a single season on Apple TV before being cancelled. But the show, which had been in the works since 2018, has been recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences."Time Bandits" has been nominated in seven categories: Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power charger offers support for new battery charging specs, quick voltage changes on the fly
This is honestly pretty nifty. A quick rundown by the very cool cats at AppleInsider dives into Apple’s recently-released 40W Dynamic Power charger, which appears to be a fairly typical USB-C power adapter, but supports up to 60W, and is able to charge an iPhone 17 to 50 percent battery capacity, something no other charger […] Source

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Apple Wallet support added for the state of Illinois as of today
The Apple Wallet application now supports an expanded number of state IDs and driver’s licenses as of today. The state of Illinois has officially announced that beginning today, iPhone users will be able to add their driver’s license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app for digital access. With the addition of Illinois, support […] Source

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Unlock every major AI model forever for just one $75 payment
Macworld TL;DR: Skip the AI chaos and get lifetime access to all the top models—GPT-4o, Claude 3, Gemini, Llama, and more with 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan—for just $74.97, the lowest price ever. AI can make life easier… unless you’re juggling six tabs, three subscriptions, and two different passwords you forgot to save. That’s why 1min.AI is such a breath of fresh air—and right now, you can get lifetime access to the Advanced Business Plan for just $74.97 (MSRP $540), the lowest price it’s ever hit. Instead of bouncing between apps, 1min.AI puts all the major models—GPT-4o, Claude 3, Gemini, Llama, Mistral, Cohere—into one clean, simple dashboard. Whether you’re brainstorming content, generating images, editing PDFs, writing emails, analyzing data, or cleaning up audio, everything happens in one place. It’s like giving your workflow a personal assistant who never needs coffee. Writers get article generators and keyword tools. Designers get image editors and background removers. Teams get chatbots and brand voice tools. And everyone gets weekly updates that keep the platform feeling fresh. Even better: you can literally ask different assistants anything—from business strategy to creative ideas to technical breakdowns. No juggling subscriptions. No chaos. No drama. Get lifetime 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan access for just $74.97 (MSRP $540) for a limited time. 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Don’t miss Microsoft Office licenses on sale for $40
Macworld TL;DR: Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac just dropped to $39.97, including access to all the staple apps for a one-time price (MSRP $229). Monthly Microsoft 365 fees add up fast, but you don’t have to keep paying them just to use your favorite tools. For a very limited time, there’s a small batch of Microsoft Office 2019 lifetime licenses available for $39.97, and they’re going quickly (MSRP $229). Act fast if you want to secure a lifetime download for your Mac! What’s included with Office 2019 This lifetime license comes with Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Teams OneNote While these are slightly older versions than what’s available in Microsoft 365, they still get the job done. And because they’re a little older, they may also play nicely with older machines. The hardware requirements are minimal, and you can go as far back as macOS 14 and still run your software just fine. Download Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac at $39.97 while you still can (MSRP $229). No coupon is needed. Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for MacSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple's M5 MacBook Pro is on sale for record low $1,447, plus save up to $500
A new low price is available on Apple's M5 MacBook Pro, plus save up to $500 on M4 Pro and M4 Max models, as Amazon competes for your business this holiday season.Save up to $500 on Apple's MacBook Pro with holiday deals - Image credit: AppleA steeper price drop is in effect at Amazon as Black Friday approaches, with Apple's new M5 MacBook Pro dropping to $1,447 — a $152 discount off MSRP. This is the lowest price we've seen on the standard configuration since the 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple's M5 chip debuted in October. The Silver version is priced at $1,447, while the Space Black finish is $2 more at $1,449.Buy M5 MacBook Pro for $1,447 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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LibrePods finally brings real AirPods support to Android
An open-source Android app brings true AirPods functionality on Android, adding native-style controls, battery info, and smarter integration. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPadOS 26: How to use Quick Notes or take a screenshot with a swipe
If you're a long-time iPad owner, you might wonder why you can't swipe to access Quick Notes or take a screenshot on iPadOS 26. The good news is that you can, and we'll show you how.Quickly take notes by swiping on an iPadSwiping from the corner of your iPad to quickly take a note or a screenshot has been a feature for years. But with iPadOS 26, gaining a new multitasking system, Apple has repurposed the swipe, causing confusion among upgraders.With iPadOS 26's new windowed multitasking enabled, swiping from the corner of an iPad resizes the current app. But don't worry, there are a couple of ways to get the old functionality back. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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