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- Thursday April 02
- 02:30 pmThis power strip clamps onto your desk and won’t let go [Review] ★★★★☆
Anker Nano Power Strip (10-in-1, 70W, Clamp) review (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:27 pmInside 50 years of Apple with the only original employee still there
Apple has only had one person remain with the firm for its entire history. Still employee number 8, Chris Espinosa talks about staying there for half a century, and counting.Chris Espinosa, Apple Employee #8 — image credit: Chris EspinosaChris Espinosa has had very many roles at Apple, ranging from System 7 marketing manager to his position today on the tvOS team. But he was hired by Steve Jobs to write programs for the Apple II computer in 1976 — when he was just 14."It was really, really fun, because that was the time when people were starting the entire industry from scratch," Espinosa has now told The New York Times. "Whether computer stores or commercial software, he added, "all of these things had to be invented." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:15 pmApple reportedly has four new products ready to launch, pending one thing
Apple has had a busy year of new product launches already, but there are at least four additional products that reportedly are ready to launch, save for one key holdup: the new Siri. more…02:05 pmTim Cook’s Apple smart glasses answer is a subtle Steve Jobs callback
There’s a moment in yesterday’s WSJ video piece with Tim Cook that’s really delightful. Cook is asked about Apple’s plans for smart glasses, and his reply is a subtle callback to a classic Steve Jobs moment. more…02:00 pmApple Sports kicks off crucial updates for World Cup soccer fans
With new updates, Apple Sports gets you set to follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it descends on North America. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:00 pmApple releases rare iOS 18.7.7 security update to shield older iPhones and iPads from DarkSword hacking tool | Mac Daily NewsApple releases rare iOS 18.7.7 security update to shield older iPhones and iPads from DarkSword hacking tool
Apple has pushed out a critical security update for users still running iOS 18 (and iPadOS 18),to protect against the DarkSword exploit… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:00 pmApple Arcade’s April lineup adding two of the most acclaimed recent indie games
Update: Three more titles are now available on the service. Details below. Apple Arcade’s April lineup will introduce three new titles to the subscription gaming platform. These include a couple of the most acclaimed indie games of the last few years. more…01:45 pmApple’s next 50 years: Reshaping computing again
Look ahead into Apple's future for the next fifty years. Here's the technology advancements we'll see ... and the ones we won't. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:25 pmBest MacBook backpacks, bags, cases and sleeves
Macworld A good MacBook bag shares many qualities with Apple’s laptops. We want it to be tough, so it needs to be made from good materials. We want to use it for multiple tasks, so it needs to have plenty of pockets and compartments. Let’s admit it, with the diminishing number of ports on the MacBook, the bags often have the edge. And since we all admire good design here, we certainly don’t mind if the bag looks fantastic. Plus, whatever MacBook you’ve got, Air or Pro, you’ve probably spent enough on it that you don’t want to risk it breaking—and don’t mind spending just a little more to keep it safe. There’s no shortage of companies out there that make protective accessories for MacBooks, from laptop bags and rucksacks to sleeves, covers, and shells that clip on directly, and plenty of them do their best to be just as stylish as the Mac they’re protecting. We’ve rounded up a selection of our favorite cases, sleeves, backpacks, roll-tops, shells and totes for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, whether you have a 13-, 14-, 15- or 16-inch model, to keep your Mac safe. Some might seem expensive but remember you are entrusting the bag to protect your valuable MacBook and also relieving stress on your body when carrying it. Here’s where you don’t want to skimp and risk your laptop, back and neck. Keep reading for the full list or jump to your preferred type of laptop carrier below. A sleeve usually just protects the MacBook from scuffs and knocks when carried on its own or as further protection within a bag. Backpacks offer a lot more storage aside from your tech. Briefcases are somewhere in between and often look more business smart. We rounded up other bags such as duffles, messenger bags and totes, wheeled luggage, and finished with protective shells that encase the MacBook for all-day protection. Best MacBook sleeves Best MacBook backpacks Best MacBook briefcases Best MacBook bags Best MacBook luggage cases Best MacBook shells Best laptop sleeves for MacBook A simple or multi-function laptop sleeve keeps the MacBook protected during travel either tucked under your arm or not taking up too much space in a bag. Bellroy Laptop Sleeve – Best MacBook sleeve Pros Premium feel Magnetic closure Colors Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59 View Deal Belkin $59 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Fits: 13-14-inch and 15-16-inch versions Bellroy is a Australian accessory brand that makes premium bags, cases and wallets, and its laptop sleeves offer high-quality protection. The outside of the Bellroy laptop Sleeve is made from a woven, water-resistant material that is eco-friendly—made from 100% recycled PET bottles. Inside, the quilted microfiber lining features a soft ridge that holds your laptop in place. The sleeve snaps shut with a neat magnetic bumper. Available in Black, Slate, Navy, Bronze and a leather-free Saltbush. Bellroy Apple sells only one MacBook sleeve in its online store: the leather-free Bellroy Caddy for Mac Laptops, which is available in two sizes for 13-14-inch MacBooks and the 15- and 16-inch MacBooks. There’s fold-down, front-pocket access and a foam-padded laptop sleeve, as well as two stretch mesh pockets and mesh pen slips.01:17 pmApple employee #8 Chris Espinosa on working his whole life at one company
It used to be common in Japan for someone to spend their entire working life at a single company, but it’s almost unheard of in the US. However, Chris Espinosa, Apple employee number eight, has done just that – and says he has no plans to go anywhere else … more…01:13 pmEddy Cue just explained why Apple’s credit card charges feel so random
As part of Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations yesterday, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services and health, appeared on the TBPN, “Technology’s Daily Show”, podcast. Cue discussed a wide range of topics during the interview, including a fascinating look at how Apple managed to make money selling songs on iTunes for $0.99. more…01:00 pmMake an Apple Music playlist automatically with Playlist Playground
Making a custom Apple Music playlist is a great way to set the mood for a party, road trip or whatever. Playlist Playground makes it easy. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)12:58 pmAmazon in talks to buy $9 billion satellite group Globalstar, of which Apple owns 20 percent | Mac Daily NewsAmazon in talks to buy $9 billion satellite group Globalstar, of which Apple owns 20 percent
Globalstar has long been a smaller player in the satellite sector but gained prominence through its partnership with Apple. The tie-up… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.12:14 pmRussians lose services and apps subscriptions after Apple fined for breaking sanctions | AppleInsiderRussians lose services and apps subscriptions after Apple fined for breaking sanctions
Following Apple Ireland getting fined for paying out to Russian app developers, the company has ceased all payment processing for the country, meaning users are cut off from buying new apps, or continuing to subscribe to Apple Music.Moscow — image credit:WikimediaArguably, if a user in Russia subscribes to a Russian developer's app, that's between them. But since Apple hosts such apps and takes a cut before passing earnings on to the developer, this means Apple is dealing with Russian businesses.There's a sufficiently grey area here that Apple Ireland — which is responsible for all non-US Apple business — told regulators about it. And those regulators decided "on the balance of probability" that Apple had broken sanctions. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:10 pmThere may be no black iPhone 18 Pro, continuing a new trend for Apple
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will not be available in black, marking the second year in a row that buyers will have to choose a different color instead.Mockup of a deep red iPhone 18 Pro MaxApple ditched black for the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025, choosing to offer a new Cosmic Orange color alongside Silver and Deep Blue. Now, Weibo leaker Instant Digital has poured cold water on any hopes that the stealth option would return in 2026."It seems that the black of the iPhone 18 Pro has been cut again," the leaker said before saying that the move was "uncomfortable." It's unclear whether that last word was a quirk of machine translation, but it likely matches the mood of iPhone buyers who prefer their devices to blend into the background. Something nobody could accuse the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro of doing. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:48 amLeaker says there’s no back to black for the iPhone 18 Pro
Apple disappointed some when it launched the iPhone 17 Pro without the option to buy it in a black finish. The flagship iPhone is only available in blue, orange, or silver. A leaker with a decent track record says that anyone hoping this would change with the iPhone 18 Pro is going to be disappointed … more…11:31 amApple pulls the plug on all payments in Russia following government diktat
Apple has pulled the plug on all payment processing in Russia, meaning that it’s no longer possible for residents of the country to make app purchases or renew subscriptions. This includes subscriptions to Apple services like iCloud+ and Apple TV. The move was based in part on a diktat from the Russian government, but may also be a precautionary move after the company accidentally busted sanctions against the country … more…11:30 amApple updates AirTag 2 to tweak the unwanted tracking sound
Macworld Apple’s AirTags have a host of privacy and security features, including notifications when an AirTag that isn’t yours (or one you have permitted) is seen traveling with you. In such a case, you can locate the offending AirTag with Precision Finding and cause it to make a beeping noise. It’s an important security feature to help prevent people from placing an AirTag on you to track your whereabouts. A new firmware update, version 3.0.45, improves this feature by updating the sound to make it easier to locate. This only applies to the new 2nd-gen AirTags. Apple’s official release notes are as follows: Updates the unwanted tracking sound to more easily locate an unknown AirTag during Precision Finding. Bug fixes and other improvements. It’s not clear how Apple has changed the tracking sound, but it appears to be similar to the update Apple delivered to the original AirTag in 2022. Back then, Apple adjusted the tone sequence to make unknown AirTags easier to find. Like Apple’s other accessories, there is no way to force your AirTags to update. You just have to have them within Bluetooth range of your iPhone and wait for it to happen. If you want to see the firmware version of your AirTags, follow these steps: Open the Find My app. Tap the Items tab. Select your AirTag in the list of items. Tap the name of your AirTag, and the serial number and firmware version will appear.11:16 amApple Fitness+ chief to retire after no wrongdoing found in bullying accusation
Jay Blahnik is to retire from Apple in July 2026, following accusations of him turning Apple Fitness+ into a toxic mental health work environment.Jay Blahnik - image credit AppleBlahnik and Apple were both sued over the Apple Fitness+ work environment in 2024, although the suit was not reported until August 2025. It came to light then as part of a series of accusations against Blahnik which claimed that around 10% of his 100-strong team had taken extended medical or mental health leave since 2022.Now according to the New York Times, Blahnik is to retire from Apple in July 2026. Reportedly, Apple told employees that Blahnik is leaving "to spend more time with his family and make an exciting move to New York City." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:15 amA decade of hits: Most important Apple products from 2006-2015
Macworld Apple turns 50 years old this week, not a bad achievement for a scrappy startup formed in Steve Jobs’ family garage. The company has gone on to change the world many times over, but it was the years between 2006 and 2015 that perhaps left the biggest impact. The decade from 2006 to 2015 marked one of the most transformative periods in Apple’s history. In just 10 years, Apple evolved from a company known for the Mac and iPod into a global technology powerhouse with a tightly integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, and services designed to work seamlessly together. During this period, Apple made bold moves, launched revolutionary products, and tapped into new markets. By the end of 2015, Apple was no longer just a computer maker or even a phone company. It had become one of the most influential technology companies in the world, setting the stage for the next era of innovation. From Intel-based Macs to the ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook, here are Apple’s top highlights from 2006 to 2015. June 2006: Intel transition Foundry In 2006, Apple completed the transition of its Mac lineup from PowerPC processors to Intel chips, a move first announced by Steve Jobs a year before. By that time, Intel chips had become much more efficient and powerful than the PowerPC processors that had been used since 1995. The change not only allowed Apple to design thinner and lighter Macs, including the first MacBooks, but also led to cross-platform tools and compatibility such as Boot Camp, which enabled Mac users to run Windows natively for the first time. It was also remarkable how Apple transitioned its entire Mac lineup within a year. At the time, the move seemed radical, but it helped modernize the Mac and keep it competitive in the rapidly evolving PC landscape. January 2007: iPhone Apple It’s impossible to walk through Apple’s history without stopping at the first iPhone. When Steve Jobs announced the iPhone in 2007, Apple wasn’t just unveiling another new product. It was transforming the entire industry. The iPhone amazed everyone who watched its unveiling keynote. It was unlike any other smartphone on the market at the time. Physical plastic buttons gave way to a glass-covered multitouch screen. Poor mobile software was replaced by an operating system built on the foundation of macOS. The need for a stylus was eliminated by multitouch. The iPhone generated a ton of excitement, but it wasn’t exactly an instant hit, and it faced a lot of criticism at the time. The GSM Edge network could be painfully slow. Some found web apps underwhelming, others weren’t sold on the idea of a smartphone without a physical keyboard, and many felt it was too expensive. Still, the device showed tremendous promise. In just a year, Apple addressed most of the complaints about the iPhone. It doubled the storage capacity, launched a new model with 3G connectivity, and introduced the App Store, which proved to be a turning point not only for Apple, but for many businesses that exist today solely because of the iPhone. September 2007: iPod touch Foundry There’s another factor that has helped the iPhone ecosystem become such a success. Later that same year, Apple introduced the iPod touch, essentially an iPhone without the phone. Since the iPod touch was much cheaper than an iPhone and didn’t require a carrier contract, it served as a gateway for many people to try out what was then known as iPhone OS. The device gave users access to many of the iPhone’s marquee features—iTunes, Safari, YouTube—over Wi-Fi, without requiring a pricey cellular contract. For many younger users, the iPod touch became their first Apple device, helping expand Apple’s ecosystem and introducing a new generation to iOS. July 2008: App Store Apple The launch of the App Store in 2008 fundamentally changed the iPhone. While Steve Jobs was initially opposed to the idea of allowing the iPhone to run third-party software, Apple soon realized that it could become a significant source of interest—and revenue. Before the App Store, jailbreak tools for the iPhone were becoming widespread. Users wanted to install software other than what came pre-installed on the device or was available as a web app. The App Store represented a new business model not only for Apple but also for many independent developers. It quickly became a destination for apps, offering users entirely new categories of utilities and games, and spawned the ubiquitous phrase, “There’s an app for that.” It’s hard to imagine the world today without apps like Uber or Instagram, and the App Store is what made them possible. January 2008: MacBook Air Apple When Steve Jobs pulled the MacBook Air out of an inter-office envelope at Macworld San Francisco 2008, it was more than a dramatic presentation moment. The MacBook Air introduced a radically thin and lightweight laptop design that eliminated optical drives and prioritized portability. Although the first model had limitations and was a little pricey, the concept proved hugely influential. Thin-and-light laptops soon became the standard across the entire PC industry. Competitors rushed to build more portable and better-designed laptops to compete with the MacBook Air. Today’s Macs still incorporate many of the lessons Apple learned from the MacBook Air. And the brand has become so strong that it remains the go-to choice for many people who want a great laptop but don’t need a MacBook Pro. January 2010: iPad IDG Tablets existed before Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, but they had poor battery life and ran clunky PC software that wasn’t optimized for touchscreens. By bringing the iPhone’s multitouch interface to a larger screen, the iPad changed the game. The original iPad was a sleek sheet of aluminum and glass built on the iPhone’s software, which by then already had a vast ecosystem of optimized apps thanks to the App Store. Apple marketed it as neither a replacement for a MacBook nor an iPhone, but as something in between: A device that was more convenient for browsing the web, reading, and watching videos. It didn’t take long for the iPad to blow up. Starting at just $499, the device quickly dominated the tablet market and became one of Apple’s fastest-selling products. Perhaps as importantly, the iPad was Apple’s first device to feature a custom-designed Apple processor, the A4, paving the way for many other devices powered by what are now known as Apple Silicon chips. September 2015: Apple Watch IDG Apple expanded its product lineup again in 2014 with the introduction of the Apple Watch. It was the first entirely new product category launched under CEO Tim Cook and was largely shrouded in secrecy, so expectations were high. It lived up to them. Although Samsung and Pebble were already making smartwatches, none of them looked as sleek or were as easy to use as the Apple Watch. From the moment it arrived, the Apple Watch changed the game and turned the smartwatch from a niche gadget into an indispensable accessory. While the first version focused on notifications and apps and largely relied on an iPhone to do most of the work, Apple eventually repositioned its Watch as a standalone device focused on health and fitness features. Today, it has become one of the world’s best-selling watches (smart or otherwise) and a key part of the Apple ecosystem. March 2015: 12-inch MacBook Image: Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Not content with the ultra-portable MacBook Air, Apple pushed laptop design even further in 2015 with the introduction of the ultra-thin MacBook. The device introduced several controversial ideas, including a single USB-C port and a new butterfly keyboard mechanism. At the time, these decisions sparked debate among users. Even so, the 12-inch MacBook previewed several trends that would later shape Apple’s laptop lineup, including USB-C connectivity, Force Touch trackpad, and extremely thin designs. The design of the 12-inch MacBook later inspired redesigned versions of Apple’s other laptops. Although Apple eventually discontinued the 12-inch MacBook, its influence can still be seen on today’s MacBook Air and MacBook Neo. September 2015: Apple Pencil When Apple introduced the first iPad Pro, it marked a notable shift in the company’s philosophy. For the first time, Apple positioned its tablet as a creative and productivity platform, with a giant screen that was a legitimate tool for artists, designers, and students. But the real star was Apple Pencil. With pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and near-zero latency, Apple Pencil offered a level of precision that made the iPad far more capable for drawing, note-taking, and professional workflows. Years earlier, Steve Jobs had famously dismissed styluses as an input device for phones, but the Apple Pencil wasn’t meant to replace touch. It unlocked a new way to interact with the iPad and reinforced Apple’s long-term vision of the device as the future of PCs. This is part four of a five-part series exploring 50 years of Apple product releases. Catch up on what you missed (1976-1985; 1986-1995; 1996-2005), and stay tuned to Macworld tomorrow for the conclusion, 2016-2026.