Apple a ‘gangster’ company which finds crime pays, says Epic Games CEO
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has turned up the dial to 11 on his anti-Apple rhetoric, calling the iPhone maker a “gangster-style business” which has concluded that “crime pays.” He said that both Apple and Google are guilty of the same practices, including using scare tactics to make iPhone and Android users afraid to install the Epic Games Store … more…

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Has your Apple Account been hacked? Here’s how to know–and fix it
Macworld Your Apple Account (previously known as your Apple ID) is a vital part of the Apple ecosystem. It does so many things, but because you have to log into it on so many devices, there’s always a risk of your account being compromised, even if you are careful. How can you tell if your Apple Account has been hacked? And if so, what can you do to get back control? Here are a few things you should know in case your Apple Account has been compromised. Warnings that your Apple Account has been compromised Apple may alert you to any suspicious activity with your Apple Account, but depending on how it has been compromised, here are some warning signs that someone is making an unauthorized attempt to access your Apple Account: Notifications. Apple sends a notification or an email when an attempt to log on from an unrecognized device, or when an attempt to change your password is made. Unsolicited two-factor authentication code. You get a code that you did not request, or you did not perform an action that triggers a code. Password failure. Your password stops working and messages appear that you need to input your password. Unusual activity. You notice things are happening that you didn’t do, such as deleted files or sent emails or texts, or you may see an unfamiliar device in the Devices section of your Apple Account in Settings. How to check if someone is using your Apple Account Aside from the above warnings, one surefire way to see if someone has accessed your Apple Account is to check the devices associated with your account. When signing into your Apple Account on the web, you’ll see a Devices tab in the left column. Check it and you’ll see all devices that are connected to your Apple ID so you can check it for any unrecognizable ones. If you see any, you can click a device and click the “Remove from account button” to delete it. It’s a good practice to remove older devices as well in case you want to sell them or give them to a friend. Your Apple Account information on the web at account.apple.com.Foundry How to regain control of your Apple Account If you can’t log into your Apple Account and think someone else has control of it, here is what you can do to take back the keys. Reset your Apple Account password. If someone else is trying to access your account, you’ll want to immediately change your password. You can do that on your device in Settings or by visiting https://iforgot.apple.com. If you suspect a hacker has already changed your password and you can’t change it back, you can take steps to recover your account at the same address. Check your Apple Account information. On the web, go to account.apple.com, login, and examine the information. Change anything that may have been changed. You can check the devices associated with your account on the iCloud website.Foundry Check your Mail and Messages apps: Make sure you still have control of the services that are associated with your Apple Account. How to secure your Apple Account If suspect any suspicious activity, you can take a few steps to make sure you are back in control of your Apple Account. These are good to implement even of your account hasn’t been compromised. Setting up two-factor authentication can be done in Settings > Apple Account > Sign-in & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.Foundry Check your user info. In Settings, your Apple Account info is at the very top. It should display your name, and when you tap it, you should see your name and the email address associated with the account.  In your Apple Account settings, check the Sign-In & Security info and make sure the email and phone numbers match your info. Set up two-factor authentication. In your Apple Account Settings > Sign-in & Security, you can activate two-factor authentication. When you log into your account, a notification on your trusted devices appears to alert you of the login. You’ll need to enter a six-digit code to authorize the action. Use a security key. For extra protection, you can use a security key that either plugs into the USB-C port on your iPhone or Mac or connects wirelessly via NFC. A security key is a keychain-sized hardware device that stores the credentials of your online accounts and connects to your device when you need to log into your Apple Account or other online account. Here are more guides to help you with your Apple Account (Apple ID). How to reset an Apple ID password How to change your Apple Account primary email address How to unlock an Apple ID that’s locked or disabled

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iPhone buying guide: Best iPhone to buy in 2025
Macworld Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky and no doubt you have many questions. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone? Which iPhone is the best compromise between specs and value for money? In this article we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss iPhone prices, specs and features, paying particular attention to the cameras, screens and durability, and how the design of each handset differs, so you should leave feeling much more confident about which iPhone you should get. For more help with your choice see our full reviews of the latest iPhones (linked below) and our Best iPhone comparison chart where we compare all the new iPhone with the ones still on sale. Best iPhone 2025 The best iPhone isn’t necessarily the best iPhone for you due to its high price tag. Luckily there is a perfect iPhone for everyone, with each model offering the perfect compromise of features to price. Here is a quick-at-a-glance comparison of all the iPhones Apple currently sells, from the ultimate iPhone to the cheapest iPhone you can buy right now. 1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max – The ultimate iPhone Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $1199 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB – Desert Titanium – Unlocked – eSIM $1119 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB – Natural Titanium – Unlocked – eSIM $1145 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB – Black Titanium – Unlocked – eSIM $1155.61 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $1199 at Apple$1199.99 at Best Buy Just as the iPhone 16 Plus is simply a larger version of the iPhone 16, so too is the iPhone 16 Pro Max just a larger iPhone 16 Pro. In past years, the Pro Max version would have some distinguishing feature (like better telephoto camera) but that isn’t the case this year. The iPhone 16 Pro Max does get a big boost in battery life from its larger battery, and an even bigger screen than the previous generation, up from 6.7-inches to 6.9-inches. Read our fulliPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max review 2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro – The iPhone for photography fans Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $999 View Deal Apple $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Pro 128GB – Natural Titanium – Unlocked – eSIM $879 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro 128GB – Desert Titanium – Unlocked – eSIM $909 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro 128GB – Black Titanium – Unlocked – eSIM $939.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $999 at Apple$999 at Apple $999.99 at Best Buy The Pro version of the iPhone 16 comes in a titanium shell (like it’s predecessor) and offers slightly better performance and battery life than the standard iPhone 16. The photo and video capabilities are where the Pro models stand out. They include a 5x telephoto camera, a sharper 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, and support for high-end formats like ProRAW, HLG video, and video recording at up to 4K and 120fps. And yes, it includes the new Camera Control button. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Pro review 3. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Big screen, better battery Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $929 View Deal $929.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – White – Unlocked – eSIM $799 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Black – Unlocked – eSIM $840.43 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Teal – Unlocked – eSIM $888 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $929 at Apple$929.99 at Best Buy A larger version of the iPhone 16, with the same specs and features, outside of the obviously larger display. The only place the iPhone 16 Plus differs in performance from the iPhone 16 is in its significantly longer battery life. After all, if the phone is bigger, it can fit a larger battery inside. Read our full iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review 4. Apple iPhone 16 – The iPhone for everyone Price When Reviewed: 128GB $799, 256GB $899, 512GB $1,099 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB – Black – Unlocked – eSIM $717 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked – eSIM $749 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Pink – Unlocked – eSIM $750 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 is similar to the iPhone 15, but the A18 processor supports Apple Intelligence, while the iPhone 15 doesn’t. It also delivers much longer battery life than the iPhone 15, and includes a new Camera Control button to make it faster and easier to launch your favorite photo app and take pictures. To find out how the iPhone 16 compares to other iPhones in the line up read: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review 5. Apple iPhone 16e – The cheapest iPhone Price When Reviewed: From $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $599 at Apple The iPhone 16e arrived in February 2025 and pushed the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 out of the line up. The iPhone 16e brings the Apple Intelligence AI-powered features at a slightly more budget friendly price. Unlike the iPhone 14, the 16e has only one camera on the rear, but its a lot better than the single camera on the iPhone SE was. It also offers better battery life than the iPhone 16. You may want to read our comparisons of the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16e vs the iPhone 15 to see if it’s worth saving money or spending more. We also discuss whether to upgrade from iPhone 14 to the iPhone 16e. Read our full Apple iPhone 16e review 6. Apple iPhone 15 Plus – The cheapest large iPhone Price When Reviewed: $799 (was $899) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy Introduced in 2023, this iPhone is identical to the iPhone 15 except for one big difference: it’s bigger. If you prefer a larger iPhone, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the iPhone for you. Like the iPhone 15, this phone doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. If you need a big phone you are probably better off with the iPhone 16 Plus. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Plus review 7. Apple iPhone 15 – Too much of a compromise Price When Reviewed: From $699 (Was $799) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $729 at Apple$729.99 at Best Buy The standard iPhone 15 model, introduced in 2023, offered some great new features in comparison to 2022’s iPhone 14, including the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 15 camera was significantly better than the iPhone 14 camera at 48MP and with Smart HDR 5. You also get USB-C instead of Lightning. But, now that the iPhone 16e has taken the place of the iPhone 14 in the line up the question is what the iPhone 15 offers that the iPhone 16e doesn’t. Should you pay $100 more for the iPhone 15 and get the two rear cameras, or save $100 and get a more advanced chip capable of supporting Apple Intelligence. We anticipate that over the next few years you might end up regretting it if you don’t jump on the AI bandwagon now. How much do iPhones cost? Each year when Apple introduces a new set of iPhones it reduces the price of the older models it continues to sell. Below you will find pricing for U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia (scroll across to see pricing in your region). In the U.S., prices are subsidised by which ever carrier you sign up with and you pay more for an unlocked iPhone. In the U.K. and other countries an iPhone can be bought from Apple off contract and unlocked, so you can use it with an existing contract or switch networks to get a better deal. ModelRelease dateStorage optionsU.S. Price U.K. PriceCanada PriceAustralia PriceiPhone 16 Pro MaxSeptember 2024256GB512GB1TB$1,199$1,399$1,599£1,199£1,399£1,599$1,749$2,049$2,349$2,199$2,549$2,899iPhone 16 ProSeptember 2024128GB256GB512GB1TB$999$1,099 $1,299$1,499 £999£1,099£1,299£1,499$1,449$1,599$1,899$2,199$1,849$2,049$2,399$2,749iPhone 16 PlusSeptember 2024128GB256GB512GB$899 $999$1,199£899£999£1,199$1,279$1,429$1,729$1,649$1,849$2,199iPhone 16September 2024128GB256GB512GB$799$899$1,099£799£899£1,099$1,129$1,279$1,579$1,399$1,599$1,949iPhone 15 PlusSeptember 2023128GB256GB512GB$799 $899$1,099£799£899£1,099$1,149$1,299$1,599$1,599$1,799$2,149iPhone 15September 2023128GB256GB512GB$699$799$999£699£799£999$999$1,149$1,449$1,249$1,449$1,799iPhone 16eFebruary 2025128GB256GB512GB$599$699$899£599£699£899$899$1,049$1,349$999$1,199$1,549iPhone prices February 2025. You don’t have to pay full price for a new iPhone though. Read our iPhone deals roundup for more advice on getting the lowest possible price from various different resellers and the best contract deals. We have also collected the best deals for the iPhone 16-series in the U.K. and the best deals for the iPhone 16-series in the U.S. in separate articles. You can also find the best iPhone 15 deals in the U.S. and best iPhone 15 deals in the U.K. Design: How do the iPhones compare? All the iPhones as of spring 2025.Foundry One easy way to distinguish the iPhone 16 line up from the previous generation is the Camera Control button on the side of the iPhone. The Camera Control button is a physical button that can be used to open the camera app, take photos and control things like the zoom. The iPhone 16e, which joined the line up in February 2025, doesn’t feature the Camera Control button and nor do the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. There’s a second button on the side of the iPhone 16 line up (which also features on the iPhone 16e this time). The Action Button (which was previously only found on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max) is a customisable button that can perform certain actions, such as turning on the flashlight or silent mode. The Action Button is above the volume controls in the same position as the mute button on older iPhones. From the front the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are visually similar to the iPhone 16, but turn them over and the camera lenses are positioned differently (diagonally on the 15, and in parallel on the 16). The 16e only has a single camera lens on the back. From the front the iPhone 16e is the only iPhone to feature a notch, all the other current iPhones have the Dynamic Island, a little pill-shaped cutout for the front camera and sensors. Apple and app developers use the Dynamic Island to display all sorts of live information. The iPhone 16e is the lightest iPhone on sale currently and is fractionally shorter than the iPhones 15 and 16. In fact, the screen size is slightly larger on the iPhone 15 and 16. The iPhone 16e has the least inspiring color palette on offer with only black or white to choose from. No Ultramarine or Teal options here, those are reserved for the ‘fun’ iPhone 16, while the iPhone 16 Pro gets more business like metallic finishes. Here’s how the dimensions and colors compare: iPhoneDimensionsWeightColorsiPhone 16 Pro Max6.42 inches (163 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.6 mm) x 0.32 inch (8.25 mm)7.99 ounces (227 grams)Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium, Black TitaniumiPhone 16 Pro5.89 inches (149.6 mm) x 2.81 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.32 inches (8.25 mm)7.03 ounces (199 grams)Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium, Black TitaniumiPhone 16 Plus6.33 inches (160.9 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.03 ounces (199 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 165.81 inches (147.6 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)6.00 ounces (170 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 15 Plus6.33 inches (160.9 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.09 ounces (201 grams)Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, BlackiPhone 155.81 inches (147.6mm) x 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) x 0.31 inches (7.80 mm)6.02 ounces (171 grams)Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, BlackiPhone 16e5.78 inches (146.7 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)5.88 ounces (167 grams)Black, WhiteHow Apple’s spring 2025 iPhone lineup compares. Software: Which iPhones get Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence, the a suite of AI features that include writing tools, image generation, image recognition, “Genmoji” emoji generation, and new capabilities for Siri is only available on the iPhones that have a 16 in their name. That’s the iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus miss out (even though the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max were Apple Intelligence ready). While there is nothing drastically important that you might miss out on if you don’t have Apple Intelligence right now, it’s likely that in time not having Apple Intelligence will be more of a hinderance than it is currently. With the arrival of iOS 19 we anticipate that there will be even more attractive Apple Intelligence features, so if you don’t want to be suffering from FOMO then get on the AI bandwagon now with an Apple Intelligence capable phone. Apple has been releasing new Apple Intelligence updates in stages, with more due in iOS 18.4. Find out about what Apple Intelligence is by reading our guide: Apple Intelligence FAQ, what it is, what it does. Screen: How are the iPhone displays different? The Pro and Pro Max iPhones have the best screens available on an iPhone. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max offer ProMotion, which allows for an adaptive refresh rate. The refresh rate goes as high as 120Hz for really smooth scrolling and as low as 1Hz. ProMotion has been a staple of the “Pro” iPhones for years, but new to all the 2024 iPhone 16 models is the ability for the screen to get very very dim (down to 1 nit) while still remaining usable. It’s great for dark rooms. (The iPhone 16e has a less bright screen and lacks this dimming feature.) Thanks to the Always-On screen on the iPhone 16 Pro models you will always be able to see elements such as the time and date, notifications and Lock Screen widgets without waking the iPhone. The screen dims to minimize onscreen power usage to preserve battery life and it will turn off should you place it face down or walk away while wearing an Apple Watch. Like ProMotion, always-on displays are a feature of Pro iPhones. Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus also offer a few more pixels than their predecessors, matching the pixels of the Pro and Pro Max handsets this time round. The screen size may be the most important factor in your decision. If you prefer a larger screen, you’ll want the “Plus” or “Pro Max” version. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.9 inches diagonally, up from 6.7 inches in prior years and with the other Plus-size iPhones. It’s a small difference, but one you can notice. The iPhone 16 Pro is larger than the iPhone 16, too: 6.3 inches compared to 6.1 inches. As we mentioned above, the iPhone 16e is fractionally shorter than the iPhones 15 and 16. While Apple the iPhone 16e, 16 and 15 as having a 6.1-inch display, actually the screen on the iPhone 16 and 15 is 6.12-inches, while the 16e screen is 6.06-inches. This allows for a few more pixels than the iPhone 16e: 2,556-by-1,179-pixel vs 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi. Camera: How do the iPhone cameras compare? Jason Snell / Foundry For many it’s the capabilities of the cameras that sell the iPhones, so it’s no wonder that every year Apple improves the camera on its iPhones, sometimes improving the tech, sometimes the software. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus still feature a dual-camera array with wide and ultra-wide lenses, while only the Pro and Pro Max offer the additional 5x telephoto lens. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have a 48 megapixel Ultra Wide camera, while the 15 and 15 Plus have a 12 megapixel Ultra Wide. However, the 16 and 16 Plus can now shoot macro photos, a feature that used to be reserved for the Pro models. There are also new video recording features for the pro models, including ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps, LOG video recording and Academy Color Encoding. In 2022 the TrueDepth (FaceTime and Face ID) camera was upgraded on the front of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, gaining autofocus and improved low-light performance thanks to the wider aperture. It hasn’t changed since then. All models on sale currently offer Portrait Mode and the Portrait Lighting effects on the rear cameras for images with depth of field. The only camera that doesn’t offer Night Mode is the iPhone SE 3. The iPhone SE 3 also only has one camera on the rear. Also read: Which iPhone has the best camera? iPhoneCamerasVideoPhoto & video featuresiPhone 16 Pro and Pro MaxThree rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.78 aperture), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture) and 12MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8 aperture), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 5x, 1x, 2x, 0.5x optical zoom, Adaptive True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12 MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: ProRes video recording up to 4K at up to 120 fps (with external recording), 4K video recording at up to 120 fps, 1080p HD video recording at up to 120 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsLOG video recording, Academy Color Encoding System, Photonic Engine, Night mode portraits, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Macro photos, ProRaw, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Macro video recording, Action Mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 16 and 16 PlusTwo rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 1x, 0.5x zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 15 and 15 PlusTwo rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 1x and 0.5x optical zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for videoPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoomiPhone 16eOne rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), optical image stabilization, 1x, 2x, zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, optical image stabilization for videoPhotonic Engine, Night mode, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5, wind noise reductionThe camera features of the spring 2025 iPhone lineup. Safety features: Emergency protection Apple introduced some safety features with the iPhone 14 series and these are available on all the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. These features include a Crash Detection feature and Satellite Connectivity for emergency phone calls. Crash detection uses the gyroscope and accelerometer in the iPhones to recognize if the vehicle you are in has crashed. If the iPhone thinks you’ve been involved in a crash, it will call emergency services and notify your preferred contacts (unless you tell it not to). All phones offer the ability to send an Emergency SOS, but the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 can do so via satellite, which would be useful if you were in an area with no signal. You just need to be able to establish a clear view of the sky, and be in a country that supports the feature (many do now). Thanks to the feature your iPhone can alert the emergency services to your location in an emergency, the iPhone will also contact your emergency contact. Durability: Which iPhone is the toughest? Another factor in the choice of which iPhone to choose is how durable the model is. How likely are you to damage the iPhone? All iPhones on sale right now offer a Ceramic Shield front, which should mean that the glass on the front is less likely to smash if you drop it. Only the Pro and Pro Max are constructed from titanium (previous generations were stainless steel), which is more durable than aluminum, which all other iPhones are encased in. All iPhones have a glass back (which is necessary for MagSafe wireless charging). This does mean that if you drop your iPhone with no case on then you are pretty much guaranteed to break the glass on the back. So be sure to pop your new iPhone in a case. For our recommendations see our round-up of the Best iPhone 16 cases. The other way people damage their iPhones is by dropping them in water. All current iPhones are rated as water resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes (IP68). We still wouldn’t recommend getting your iPhone wet though because Apple will know if it’s gotten wet and it could void your warranty should anything go wrong. Which iPhone would be worse off if you dropped it? Apple Specs: Storage and processor options The A18 in the iPhone 16, 16 Plus and iPhone 16e is considerably faster than the A16 found in the iPhone 15, especially when it comes to graphics or AI tasks. There is one fewer GPU core in the iPhone 16e (4-core GPU, compared to 5-core GPU in the 16 and 16 Plus). The A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is distinguished primarily by an extra GPU core (6-core GPU), though it also has super video hardware to support the Pro video features. As mentioned above the A18 is able to support Apple Intelligence. The A16 in the iPhone 15 cannot. Each iPhone is available in between three and four capacity options. It’s important to consider how much you need before buying because iPhones don’t have a microSD card slot that will allow you to add additional storage at a later date. For the typical iPhone user, 128GB is probably sufficient. One reason you may not need more storage is if you choose to sync your data to the cloud. If you pay a monthly fee for iCloud storage all your data will be available on any of your devices, and crucially your photos will be stored in the cloud rather than on your device, freeing up many gigabytes of space. iCloud starts at $0.99/£0.99 for 50GB. See How much does iCloud cost for more information, including Australian and Canadian prices. Before you decide how much storage you need have a look at your current phone’s usage (go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage) and think about how much space you really need. Read How much storage do you need on an iPhone? for more advice. iPhoneProcessorStorageBattery lifeiPhone 16 Pro MaxA18 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU128GB256GB512GB1TBUp to 33 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16 ProA18 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU128GB256GB512GB1TBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16 PlusA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 24 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 15 PlusA16 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 26 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 15A16 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 20 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16eA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 26 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher Battery: Battery life and charging The iPhone 16 models offer a big boost in battery life over the iPhone 15 and even further over the iPhone 14. In our testing, the difference in battery life was even more pronounced than Apple’s spec sheets indicate—we saw battery life improvements of around 20 percent for the regular models and 30 percent for the Pro models. As for how you charge the iPhone, fast charging requires a 20W adapter or higher that plugs into either the USB-C on 2023 iPhones, or the Lightning port on older iPhones. All but the iPhone SE 3 can also be charged wirelessly via MagSafe. The iPhone 16 models support faster MagSafe charging when used with a 30W power adapter. Apple’s official battery life and charging times can be seen in the table above. In our testing, the iPhone 16 line offered a big boost in battery life over prior models, too. Apple claims the iPhone 16e has even better battery life than the iPhone 16. However, in our tests the 16e managed 13 hours and 38 minutes, which is lower than any other 16-series iPhone. We compare battery life, capacity, mah and watt hours for every iPhone separately. Which iPhone should I buy? The best iPhone you can buy right now is the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, depending on whether you want a larger display or not. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are probably a better value, though. They support Apple Intelligence and have the Camera Control button and have fantastic battery life and performance, so all you’re really giving up is the 5x telephoto camera (you still get a 2x optical crop-zoom mode) and some high-end video features. You could save money and opt instead for an iPhone 15, which might appeal if you are upgrading from a particularly old iPhone, but we think a much better option is the iPhone 16e, which will be future-proofed for upcoming Apple Intelligence features. Unless you really want the additional ultra-wide camera, which is missing from this phone. Once you have chosen your new iPhone be sure to read our iPhone setup guide. Buying an iPhone on contract The two most common ways to buy an iPhone are SIM-free from Apple itself or a third-party reseller (which is where the pricing information throughout this information fits in, because you’ll be paying upfront for the phone, you will own it, and you will then need to pay for a SIM-only contract for minutes, texts and data), or buying an iPhone on contract. A contract usually starts with an upfront payment that will vary depending on the iPhone model you go for and also how much you’ll be paying each month. That upfront payment is followed by monthly payments, normally for a total of 24 months, after which you own the phone (in most cases). Those monthly payments also cover data, minutes and texts. The following networks are worth checking for their contract offers: AT&T Sprint T-Mobile Verizon Optimum Mobile Boost Infinite U.K. readers can find iPhone contracts from the following networks: O2 EE Vodafone Three Tesco Mobile Sky Mobile Virgin Mobile And from the following third-party resellers: Carphone Warehouse Mobiles.co.uk E2save Mobile Phones Direct Using the iPhone Upgrade Program Apple offers a scheme called the iPhone Upgrade Program, which works with your carrier and starts at $39.50/£42.95 per month. You can then upgrade to the new iPhone each time one is announced, staying on the same or a very similar plan. You should be cautious about the value this offers, but in some circumstances, it may be the right approach for you. The scheme works slightly differently in the U.K., where this is for a SIM-free iPhone. You will also need to get a SIM-only contract for your data, minutes and texts. You do get AppleCare+ included in the Upgrade Program, though, which is a two-year insurance for your iPhone that will cover you for two incidents of accidental damage. You’ll still have to pay an excess fee should you need to use it, but it’ll be much cheaper than having to cough up the full price of a repair. Buying a second-hand and refurbished iPhone You’ll have noticed that buying an iPhone doesn’t come cheap. However, if you’re strapped for cash you don’t have to dismiss the idea of buying an iPhone completely. You may be able to get a good deal on one of the older handsets if someone is looking to sell their current handset. Here are or recommendations of the best place to buy a used iPhone.

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I can’t wait to make an appointment with Apple’s AI doctor
Macworld With Apple having delayed its most ambitious Apple Intelligence features, you might find yourself thinking: it’s probably best if the company just focuses on other endeavors for the time being, like a rumored iOS redesign or even pushing forward its Vision Pro platform. Nope, not so much. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is embarking on future AI-based features, including most prominently an “AI-based doctor” dubbed Project Mulberry. Yep: Just when you think you’re done talking about AI, they pull you back in. It ain’t called ‘hardware’ because it’s easy On the face of it, this venture is no surprise. Apple’s been heavily invested in health technology for years—I’ve argued in the past that it’s a signature endeavor of Tim Cook’s tenure as Apple CEO. From the Apple Watch to the Health app, Apple has made it clear that it considers health features part of the core functionality of its platform. Apple seems to have hit a wall when it comes to developing more health features in its hardware. So software and AI seem like a natural transition.Foundry But the company has found itself stymied on the hardware front in recent years. Reported attempts to develop both non-invasive glucose tracking and blood pressure monitoring have proved to be difficult nuts to crack, and will probably take a few more years before they are practical. Fundamentally, those are just very difficult problems to solve when you’re limited to products like a watch on the wrist or headphones in people’s ears. Given those limitations, it makes sense that Apple would turn to software solutions to fill in the gaps in the health arena. And on the face of it, some of what AI technology offers provides a reasonable option: the ability to synthesize and summarize disparate data and turn that into helpful advice. But, surprise, surprise, it’s not without its potential pitfalls. Doctor, doctor, Mr. MD According to Gurman’s report, Apple is working on training this AI doctor on information from in-house physicians. Which, while positive, doesn’t necessarily eliminate the risks of relying on AI technology—specifically, its tendency to make up information. Even in cases where large language models are trained on specific data, it still demonstrates those kinds of problems. Obviously, health is an extremely sensitive area: one would have to be extremely careful not to give incorrect advice that might inadvertently lead to harm. Image Playground’s results aren’t very impressive. Can an Apple Intelligence health advisor do better?Foundry One option would be to carefully control and monitor inputs and outputs as Apple does with some of its other AI-based products, such as Image Playground. But as Image Playground’s mediocre output demonstrates, that’s not without its own problems—a health agent that is carefully controlled could result in offering anodyne, common-sensical advice: sleep more, eat better, exercise more. One hardly needs any technology feature, much less an AI-based one, to provide those kinds of “insights.” But the risk is that no matter how well Apple trains its model, it can’t avoid the possibility of bad advice. The non-deterministic nature of an AI language model means you can’t predict exactly what output it will give. And if it’s untrustworthy, just like in the case of a feature that tells you when to leave to pick your mom up at the airport, people simply won’t use it. Health is a place where people don’t want to mess around, and even a one-percent chance of bad advice will likely be too much for a lot of people. Health and human services All of that said, it is worth noting Apple’s excellent track record with health and fitness. Features like AirPods Pro’s Hearing Aid and the Apple Watch’s A-Fib detection have had meaningful impacts on people’s lives, and many of those features themselves rely on machine learning in one form or another. The devil is always in the details, and reports like these only give us part of the picture. People—myself included—are, I think, rightly skeptical whenever a new feature purports to be based on AI, given the contentious nature of the technology. It’s entirely possible that what we envision this feature to be is not exactly what Apple will eventually roll out—if it even ends up bringing it all the way to fruition, hardly a guarantee given its recent track record. Still, a move like this is classic Apple, not necessarily just about selling more products—even services, for which the company is notably hungry for revenue—but about enhancing its platform and making it more attractive to consumers. And I even believe, if I may be permitted a non-cynical moment, because the company is truly passionate about helping its customers live happy and healthy lives.

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Weird iOS 18.4 bug reportedly installs apps you don’t want
Macworld Apple’s latest mid-size iPhone software update, iOS 18.4, brings dozens of improvements. But as is often the case when an operating system changes in a significant way, it brings problems too. Including a newly reported and annoying-sounding bug that reinstalls users’ deleted apps. In a thread posted Tuesday on the Apple Community discussion site (via 9to5Mac), a user complains about an unwanted app reappearing inexplicably on their phone. There seems to be no possible cause for this other than the iOS 18.4 update. “After upgrading to iOS 18.4, my iPhone randomly installed Last War: Survival,” the user writes. (This looks to be one of those dubious free games heavily advertised online.) “This app was previously installed on my iPhone a few months ago but uninstalled after a few hours. Now it appeared back on my Home Screen.” Given that the author of the thread uses the alias “Someandroiduser” one might suspect the veracity of this account, despite their reassurances that the iPhone in question was never jailbroken, had never run any alternative app stores, and did not have automated app installs or syncs enabled. But for corroboration they post links to four separate Reddit threads in which other users complain of the same issue. I haven’t noticed the problem myself, but it would be folly to dismiss this as a false alarm. In fact, many of the Reddit posters hint at a worse problem than the already annoying issue of reinstalling deleted apps. Several, including a respondent to Someandroiduser’s Apple Community post (“I had NBA 2k25 randomly download, and yet I’m certain that I’ve never installed the app previously”), complain that apps they had never installed have been added to their devices. That has the potential to cause far more trouble, because you wouldn’t have had the chance to vet such apps before they appeared. One would hope there wouldn’t be many out-and-out scam apps on Apple’s store, but they do crop up from time to time. And simply having your child’s iPhone install something with aggressive advertising or in-app purchases could lead to other problems down the line. To give an impression of the scale of the problem, I’ve cherry-picked a few comments from across the threads: “Same here. Different game though. I didn’t recognize the game.” “Same–not one but three!” “When I updated, the game Infinite Lagrange was reinstalled even though I had uninstalled it.” “I left the phone updating then when I came back I had 5 apps randomly installed, and the phone was oddly hot.” “I know for a fact I’ve never downloaded it before because I always hated the fake ads from that game.” “Never even heard of the game before, just appeared after updating to 18.4. It’s not even in my list of downloaded apps.” “My phone automatically started installing Squid Game.” “My [iPhone] started installing PUBG Mbile when I remember that is the last app I searched before 18.4 installation I believe.” “Okay so after updating to iOS 18.4 successfully, I went to the App Store to update apps. And to my surprise this Chinese game installed itself automatically. How is it possible?” “I got Warzone lol. Installed itself automatically.” This isn’t the first bug to hit iOS 18.4, which had previously been implicated in users’ AirPods Max headphones not gaining lossless audio over USB-C. But this is a potentially far more serious lapse, mainly because it has the potential to affect far more people. (9to5Mac insists that we’re not seeing enough reports “to indicate that it’s affecting more than a small minority of users,” and I suppose that is technically true–but the 53 complaints I counted across those four Reddit threads and one Apple Community post suggest a major problem to me.) It could also do major damage to Apple’s image: those who see apps reappearing after being deleting will be annoyed; those who see entirely new apps popping up randomly are liable to lose their faith in Apple’s security. A fix needs to be rolled out, and soon. For this reason we’d advise keeping an eye out for future updates and installing them in a timely fashion.

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Some iOS 18.4 users report bug wherein previously deleted apps resurface, random apps install for no reason
This is why some people wait a little while after a major version update. Following the release of Apple’s iOS 18.4 update, an unknown number of users have reported the appearance of apps on their iPhones that they either previously deleted or had never installed in the first place. Apple released its long-awaited iOS 18.4 […] Source

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AirPods Max owners report anticipated firmware update unavailable following recent iOS/iPadOS/macOS updates
Sometimes you don’t get everything you want with the most recent update. AIrPods Max users have reported that they’ve been unable to download Apple’s new firmware update bringing lossless and low-latency audio support to the headphones, given a software bug with iOS 18.4. Apple officially announced the new feature support for its AirPods Max units […] Source

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Satechi Mac mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure review: more ports and internal storage
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Three USB-A ports and SD card slot at the front Housing for NVMe SSD Fits perfectly with the Mac mini M4 Eases access to the mini’s power button Fair price Cons No Thunderbolt speed SSD not included or available in a bundle Our Verdict It’s hard to imagine a more elegant solution for getting more interfaces on the Mac mini M4. The price is reasonable at the price of a compromise in terms of connectivity speed, using 10Gbps USB-C rather than Thunderbolt 4. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$99.99 Best Prices Today: Satechi Stand & Hub Mac Mini M4 Retailer Price Satechi $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket It is probably the most inconspicuous feature of the Satechi Stand & Hub for the Mac mini M4, but perhaps the most useful: the square stand, which exactly matches the new Mac mini M4, has a small recess at the back left, which provides much-needed easy access to the Mac mini M4’s on/off switch. Apple’s redesign of its small desktop seems to be based on the assumption that it will run permanently and will hardly be switched on manually after the initial setup. Since I started using it at the turn of the year, I’ve occasionally had to switch it off—and each time I’ve been annoyed by having to lift the computer up to switch it on. But now the M4 Mac mini’s power button is much easier to access. If that were the only improvement, 100 bucks would hardly be justified—but the Satechi Stand & Hub can do much more and, with an additional investment, unfolds even greater potential. Like its predecessor, which Satechi offered for the Mac mini M1, M2 and M2 Pro, the Stand & Hub brings additional connections to the desktop without a lot of cable clutter. The hub is simply placed under the M4 Mac mini and connected to one of the rear Thunderbolt sockets using the short USB-C cable (USB 3.2 Gen2 with 10Gbps). One less socket—but four more The Thunderbolt socket used in this way cannot be returned in the hub, not even as a downgrade to USB 3.2 Gen2, but there are two more ports for USB-C plugs on the front of the Mac mini—which is usually sufficient. These also offer data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps, while the Thunderbolt 4 on the mini’s rear is four times as fast and Thunderbolt 5 on the Pro model even offers up to 120Gbps. With the Stand & Hub, Satechi primarily wants to enable Mac mini buyers to connect old peripherals with USB-A. Three sockets are available for this—as well as an SD card slot. Two of the USB-A sockets are also designed for 10Gbps speeds, while the third gets by with USB 2’s slow 480Mbps data connection. Satechi thus solves a problem that Mac mini users in particular have when switching from earlier series, as these still had USB-A ports. Many Mac users have not upgraded every peripheral to USB-C since Apple jumped on the USB-C bandwagon with the MacBook 12-inch in spring 2015. The speeds offered by USB-C and Thunderbolt are not necessary for every type of peripheral. Typical use case for USB peripherals. But here you can see that ports on the front have their place.Macwelt I, for example, have an audio interface from M-Audio, for which a USB-A connection is completely sufficient to bring instruments and voices to the Mac. If you want to charge your keyboard, trackpad and mouse on the computer (or even use cable variants), you don’t need a fast cable either. And if you don’t just take photos with your iPhone, you’ll welcome the SD card slot, which is missing on the Mac mini M4, especially as it is located at the front like the one on the Mac Studio. What I’m not missing: Another audio socket on the back or one or two with USB-A. That’s because I took my active speakers over from the Mac mini (late 2018), which I still plug into the back of the computer—now with the USB-C to audio adapter from Apple. First world problems, I should think about a different setting. However, I prefer to connect the M-Audio interface to one of the rear sockets again; there are adapter plugs for USB-C to USB-A that are not bulky. The Satechi Stand & Hub offers another clever extra that will save you money from buying higher-capacity internal storage when buying the Mac mini: a slot for an NVMe SSD. This is discreetly concealed under a flap in the base. Inside, in addition to the PCIe connection, there is also a suitable thermal pad and a small screwdriver with two screws—everything you need for installation. With tool and spare screwdriver installation is fine.Macwelt I got myself a 1TB SSD from Kingston, which according to the manufacturer reads up to 6,000 megabytes per second and writes 4,000MBps. In the Satechi case, the speeds are lower: I measure 966MBps read and 847MBps write with Black Magic Speed Test, the results from Aja System Test Lite are consistent at 933MBps and 845MBps. The reason: The host cable can only handle USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, i.e. 10Gbps, which is 1,250MBps. The data transfer from and to the SSD customized in the housing is therefore close to the theoretical limit, but below it. Macwelt According to our tests, the internal SSD of the Mac mini is more than three times as fast. So if you chose an expensive storage upgrade when you bought it, you don’t have to worry. But for those who want or need to save money, the Satechi Stand & Hub offers an elegant alternative. For the price that Apple charges for the upgrade from 512GB to 1TB alone, you not only get the hub, but also a separate 2TB SSD—which, however, has to be purchased separately. Satechi only supplies the housing, not the storage medium. The slot fitted with an SSD is therefore suitable for storing rarely used data, such as projects for the archive. This solution is also ideal for the music library or films. Using the solution for the Time Machine backup would certainly have the advantage of having even fewer cables on the desk. However, as backups should be redundant and it is never wrong to use two external drives in constant rotation, this only helps to a certain extent. There is possibly one more thing to criticize about the Stand & Hub: If one of the rear sockets is already occupied and you want to operate three external displays on the Mac mini M4, the interfaces will be tight. However, Thunderbolt displays themselves have additional ports, so there is no real disadvantage here. The Satechi Stand & Hub is primarily intended for USB-A peripherals and is ideally suited for this purpose. Price The price of $100 is more than reasonable, if only for the internal SSD enclosure. Should you buy the Satechi Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure? The Mac mini M4 is a wonderful device. However, if you still use older peripherals or rely on memory cards for photography, you won’t get by without adapters. These tend to clutter up the desk, whereas the Satechi Hub & Stand blends in as harmoniously as Apple users prefer. It cleverly solves the problem of Apple’s crazily positioned power button and even offers the option of storage expansion. Although this is not as fast as the internal SSD, it is fine for most purposes.

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iOS 18.5 beta 1: All the new features and changes
iOS 18.5 beta 1 arrives with minor changes, primarily focusing on bug fixes and stability as Apple prepares for iOS 19's unveiling at WWDC25. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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This MacBook Air now costs less than an Apple Watch
Macworld TL;DR: This Grade A refurbished MacBook Air can be yours for just $199.97. If you’re rocking a brand new Apple Watch but still waiting 30 seconds for your computer from college to open a single tab, this is your sign to upgrade. This refurbished MacBook Air is on sale for $199.97 and comes with the same powerful features you know and love. This MacBook Air is Grade A, meaning that aside from light scratches or dents, it’s in perfect working condition, and more than 80% off the suggested retail price of $999.00. At less than 3 pounds, this computer is perfect for those who travel for business and don’t want to drag along their entire tech stack. With a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, you can search the web and accomplish tasks off your to-do list with ease. Plus, you get access to favorite Apple features like FaceTime and Bluetooth connection capabilities. Aside from the powerful processing and advanced features, this MacBook Air also comes with a Magsafe Wall Charger that retails for $80 on its own. Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)See Deal Whether you’re needing a software upgrade or just want to experience MacOS without an expensive commitment, at $199.97, this computer is the perfect solution. StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Harber London TotePack backpack review: Space miracle for everyday life with small flaws
Macworld At a glance Pros High-quality workmanship Large volume Good organisation inside Elegant design Cons Little stability No back padding Our Verdict If you’re looking for a stylish, high-quality backpack for everyday use that can also hold a lot, then the Harber London TotePack is the perfect choice. It has a few weaknesses in terms of comfort if you’re travelling with it for several hours, and it’s also not designed for hiking tours. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$304 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Harber London $304 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket In addition to laptop sleeves and other small accessories, Harber London also produces backpacks and other bags. If you take a look at the manufacturer’s website, you’ll notice that their high-quality full-leather backpacks cost a few hundred dollars. But there are also cheaper options, such as the TotePack. Its price is still a very pretty penny, but it also offers a good deal. Design & workmanship The TotePack is available in three colors: black, mocha (brown tone with black leather elements), and olive (green tone with black leather elements and shown here in the article). “TotePack” is a portmanteau of “tote bag” and “backpack.” The only difference from an ordinary backpack is that there are two leather straps at the top so that you can carry the TotePack like a shopping bag. Whether this mishmash is so necessary or even revolutionary that it needs its own name is rather questionable, but so is the practical use of the handles. At least in everyday life, I haven’t had the embarrassment of carrying the TotePack by it for any length of time; at most to move it from A to B in my flat when it was in the way. The two handles are most likely to be seen as a design feature. Eugen Wegmann A large piece of leather is sewn onto the front, which serves as a pocket. It can’t be closed, which is why I was initially worried that it would fill up with water in heavy rain. Fortunately, this didn’t happen, and no water leaked inside. However, I haven’t yet travelled with it in really heavy rain either. The rest of the TotePack is made from a canvas-like fabric which, according to Harber London, is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles–in other words, plastic. A rubberized material is used on the underside for greater durability. Eugen Wegmann Two additional leather straps are sewn vertically onto the back. The lower one is loose and is used to attach the TotePack to the handle of a trolley case. The shoulder straps are relatively thinly padded on the inside, and the metal parts for adjusting the length are made of aluminium and therefore look incredibly high-quality. Overall, the workmanship is first-class and the materials are of high quality. Eugen Wegmann The main compartment is closed with a metal zip and folded down once, similar to a roll-top backpack. The two handles are buttoned up for safety. The inside does not really revolutionise the concept of the rucksack. In contrast to sports rucksacks, there is only one large compartment, which is divided into smaller compartments. There is a double compartment on the back for a small and a large device – i.e. iPad and Macbook – the first of which can be closed with a leather strap. The two compartments have a false bottom, which means that there is still a little space between them and the bottom of the TotePack. If you put TotePack down a little more forcefully, you have a larger crumple zone that better protects your electronics from damage. Next to it is a small slot for a pen (Apple Pencil, etc.) and a short strap on which you can hang your bunch of keys, for example. There are two more compartments on the left and right, which are intended for bottles, but where I usually keep charging accessories for travelling. There is a fifth compartment on the front, which can be closed with a zip. Once the TotePack is half full, the contents hang where they should.Eugen Wegmann The TotePack holds 22 litres. I always find litre figures a bit difficult to comprehend, so I’ll try to rephrase. At one point, I had three days’ worth of clothes, three days’ worth of shopping, a MacBook in a sleeve with charger, an iPad with matching charger, a Nintendo Switch with sleeve, a water bottle, and a small first-aid kit in the TotePac–and still a bit of air. I’m always amazed at how much space there actually is in this backpack and how little it looks like. Don’t get me wrong: with a size of 54 by 30 by 14 centimetres, the TotePack is by no means small, but it doesn’t look that big. This is mainly because the rucksack is high and wide, but not particularly thick. If there is little in the TotePack apart from an iPad, it simply collapses.Eugen Wegmann But not everything about the TotePack is sunshine and roses. As the walls are only made of fabric, it lacks any stability. When it is empty, you can easily fold it up and even roll it up. This is certainly good for storing it somewhere, but bad for everyday use. For example, if there is only an iPad in the small back compartment, the compartment sags and covers everything underneath. You then need one hand to hold it open, a second to push the iPad out of the way and a third to get something out or put something in. Or you have to get creative in other ways. Comfort is incredibly important in a backpack, and unfortunately, the TotePack falls a little short in this regard. It is again the problem of stability: if you fill it to the top, the back bulges as it is only made of fabric. As a result, it only rests in the center of the back, which does not result in a particularly ergonomic weight distribution. If you have a MacBook with you, it can provide the necessary stability, but is then exposed to the forces that would otherwise cause the rucksack to bulge. That can’t be the point. You also have to do without back padding, which is familiar from sports and hiking backpacks and ensures better weight distribution and ventilation on the back. The shoulder straps are lightly padded on the inside, but only lightly. The TotePack is not intended for long hiking tours or other excursions where you carry it on your back for hours on end. Rather, it’s for shopping or commuting to the office–in style. I’ve been using the TotePack in this size for quite a while now, with the odd longer trip, and have rarely had any problems (despite my scoliosis).

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Macworld Podcast: Your hot takes on WWDC25, iPhone ports, and the new iPad
Macworld On this week’s episode of the Macworld Podcast it’s all about your hot takes! You have thoughts about  WWDC25, iPhones without ports, iPads without Apple Intelligence, and more, and we talk about them on the show! This is episode 928 with Karen Haslam, David Price, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 928 on YouTube Listen to episode 928 on Apple Podcasts

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Trump hits Apple’s global supply chain with reciprocal tariffs
President Donald Trump has hit Apple's major manufacturing hubs, like India and Taiwan, with heavy reciprocal tariffs. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How to customize the log window in Console for macOS
You can customize the macOS Console's log window to change the way it behaves. Here's how to adjust it for your needs.Customizing 's Console log window.macOS's Console app is a utility that allows you to view system-wide logs, crash reports, diagnostics, and more. By using Console, you can view what has been going on with your Mac in-depth.One thing Console lets you view are logs. Logs are simply text files that software writes messages to, usually with a timestamp and process name, so you can later go back and see what happened on your computer. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 17 Pro may have another camera surprise
Apple has big plans for the iPhone 17 lineup. In addition to the rumored iPhone 17 Air, the Pro models are also expected to receive significant hardware upgrades, especially when it comes to cameras. And in addition to everything that’s been leaked so far, it looks like the iPhone 17 Pro will have another camera surprise. more…

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Apple security chief found not guilty of bribery charges over firearm permits
Apple security chief Thomas Moyer was accused of bribery after allegedly attempting to donate iPads in return for concealed firearm permits, but has been found not guilty.Apple security chief Thomas Moyer. Image source: LinkedInIt's been an incredibly long few years for the head of global security at Apple, Thomas Moyer, as he was accused of bribing officials in exchange for firearm permits in 2020. The case was dismissed in 2021, but then reopened in 2023 when the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office appealed.The case has run its course, and according to information provided by Moyer's attorneys to AppleInsider, Moyer was found not guilty of bribery charges. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Epic Games head Tim Sweeney criticizes Apple, calls it a 'gangster-style' business
The hostility of Epic Games CEO towards Apple continues, with Tim Sweeney calling the company a "gangster-style" business that gains revenue from an "illegal practice."Tim Sweeney has called Apple a "gangster-style business."The excruciatingly long legal battles between Epic Games and Apple over In-App Purchasing and the App Store prompted a lot of outcry over how Apple conducts business with developers. Epic Games ultimately lost the fight, but an injunction meant that Apple was forced into enabling external purchase mechanisms for iOS apps.After Epic filed a court order in March 2024 and complained to the court again a year later, Tim Sweeney decided to criticize Apple's practices once more. As was reported by TechCrunch, Sweeney spoke at an event on Wednesday, where he largely echoed the language from Epic Games' March 2025 complaint. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple re-launches AirPods Max firmware with lossless audio support
AirPods Max. more…

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Apple CEO Tim Cook makes a cool $24 million in serendipitous stock sale
The remainder of Apple CEO Tim Cook's Restricted Stock Units couldn't have vested at a better time, with 108,136 shares sold just before tariffs were announced.Apple's stock is on the way down after the tariff announcementIt's not hard to figure out when Apple CEO Tim Cook is about to make a bunch of money, as his Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) sales take place at the same time every year. He made $16 million selling stocks in April 2024 and $50 million later that October.Wednesday's sale was shared via an SEC filing, which shows 108,136 shares were sold. That netted Cook $24 million just as President Donald Trump stepped out on stage to announce tariffs. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs hit Apple stock in after hours trading
President Trump unveiled reciprocal tariffs at a White House event, set to hit 34% on China, the administration announced Wednesday… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Trump tariffs attack key parts of the Apple supply chain, Apple stock drops 7% in after-hours trading
The full extent of the U.S. government’s impeding tariffs were revealed by the Trump administration today in a press conference. The hefty tariffs threaten economic trade on a massive scale with implications on almost all big US companies, including Apple. The Apple supply chain relies on manufacturing and assembly of its devices in countries like China, India, Malaysia and Vietnam. All of these regions are now facing huge tariffs, which ultimately increases the cost of production and undermines Apple’s margins and potential profitability. more…

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Blowout deal: Snag an M3 Pro MacBook Pro for $1,499 while supplies last
Closeout deals on last-gen MacBook Pro models are available as April starts strong, with M3 Pro models falling to as low as $1,499.Save up to $1,700 on MacBook Pros.Save $600 on the standard M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro at B&H and Best Buy today. This $1,499 special is available in both the Space Black and Silver finish, with free expedited delivery within the contiguous U.S. Select stores have models available for store pickup, but inventory is extremely limited.The base M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro with 18GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD isn't the only configuration that's marked down heavily. Apple resellers are clearing inventory out like mad, with discounts of up to $1,100 off upgraded models. We've highlighted our favorite deals below, but you can find a full list of the offers in our Mac Price Guide. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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President Trump imposes reciprocal tariffs to match duties put on American goods by other countries
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would impose reciprocal tariffs to match duties put on American goods… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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PSA: You can’t use Apple Intelligence on devices purchased in China
With the release of iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence now supports eight additional languages besides English. However, a small number of users have been complaining that they don’t see Apple Intelligence in the settings even after updating an eligible iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest software – and this may be related to having a device purchased in China. more…

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Trump's solution to the TikTok predicament is 'TikTok America'
After delaying a US-imposed ban on TikTok earlier this year, the Trump Administration has a new plan to keep the wildly popular short-form video platform in the US.TikTok on a smartphoneThe yet-unannounced plan would be to create a new company, called "TikTok America" and divvy ownership up in a way that favors US investors. TikTok America would be 50% owned by new US investors, 30% by existing investors, and 19.9% by ByteDance, the company that created TikTok.As The Information points out, it's not clear whether or not the Chinese government has agreed to this plan. It's also unclear what Bytedance thinks of the idea. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Three reasons iOS 19 redesign could be bigger than iOS 7
I started using OS X full-time when I was 18 and the Mac was 25. Booting up my first Apple computer, a 2009 MacBook Pro running OS X 10.5 Leopard, was like getting behind the wheel of a Porsche for the first time after being raised on pedestrian PCs. Now it’s the iPhone and its software that are 18. In Macintosh terms, the iPhone and iOS are in the iMac G4 “iLamp” running OS X 10.2 Jaguar era — maturing products and platforms that still have room to grow up. For this reason, I am still one to welcome changes to the way things look with open arms. ‘It looks different’ is a great feature if the way it looks is cool. “Does it look cooler” is a different question than “does it look better.” The former has more to do with trends while the latter is a matter of longevity. If a change can be both stylish and practical such that it can last for years, then that’s a design change success. iOS 7 was too polarizing and required too many iterations before reaching stability to really hit that mark. iOS 19 has the potential to meet both metrics. It could also be a bigger deal than iOS 7 for three reasons. more…

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New in iOS 18.5: Show and hide contact photos directly from the Mail app
The first developer beta of iOS 18.5 introduces a new option for the Mail app, along with a few other quality-of-life improvements.iOS 18.5 features changes to the Mail app.On Tuesday, following the public release of iOS 18.4, Apple rolled out the first developer beta of iOS 18.5, with the build number 22F5042g. The software update is compatible with devices as old as the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, all the way up to the iPhone 16 range.While the iOS 18.4 update delivered an all-new Apple Vision Pro app, along with some Apple Intelligence improvements, it appears as though iOS 18.5 only features minor changes and enhancements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs hit every one of Apple's international manufacturing partners
Donald Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" has become a potentially expensive event for Apple, as tariffs are applied against imports from every foreign country in the Apple supply chain.Tim Cook [left] with President Donald Trump at a Mac Pro facility during Trump's first presidencyPresident Donald Trump said that tariffs would be a major part of his administration long before his reelection. On Wednesday, his campaign promise became a reality.As part of what Trump refers to as "Liberation Day," the U.S. is applying "reciprocal" tariffs on imports from around the world. The levies, which will come into force immediately and will impact practically all imported goods entering the United States. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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‘TikTok America’ is Trump’s new proposal for saving TikTok, per report
TikTok was temporarily saved from a US ban earlier this year, but a key deadline is coming up that could see the ban reinstated. According to a new report, President Trump’s plan to stop that from happening is a new company called “TikTok America.” more…

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Amazon submits bid for TikTok with American sale deadline approaching
Amazon.com Inc. has reportedly offered to buy the social video app TikTok from its Chinese owners, submitting a bid to the White House… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How Each Pillar of the 1st Amendment is Under Attack
In an address to Congress this month, President Trump claimed he had "brought free speech back to America." But barely two months into his second term, the president has waged an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment rights of journalists, students, universities, government workers, lawyers and judges. This story explores a slew of recent actions by the Trump administration that threaten to undermine all five pillars of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, religion, the media, the right to assembly, and the right to petition the government and seek redress for wrongs.

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When Getting Phished Puts You in Mortal Danger
Many successful phishing attacks result in a financial loss or malware infection. But falling for some phishing scams, like those currently targeting Russians searching online for organizations that are fighting the Kremlin war machine, can cost you your freedom or your life.

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Arrests in Tap-to-Pay Scheme Powered by Phishing
Authorities in at least two U.S. states last week independently announced arrests of Chinese nationals accused of perpetrating a novel form of tap-to-pay fraud using mobile devices. Details released by authorities so far indicate the mobile wallets being used by the scammers were created through online phishing scams, and that the accused were relying on a custom Android app to relay tap-to-pay transactions from mobile devices located in China.

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DOGE to Fired CISA Staff: Email Us Your Personal Data
A message posted on Monday to the homepage of the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the latest exhibit in the Trump administration's continued disregard for basic cybersecurity protections. The message instructed recently-fired CISA employees to get in touch so they can be rehired and then immediately placed on leave, asking employees to send their Social Security number or date of birth in a password-protected email attachment -- presumably with the password needed to view the file included in the body of the email.

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ClickFix: How to Infect Your PC in Three Easy Steps
A clever malware deployment scheme first spotted in targeted attacks last year has now gone mainstream. In this scam, dubbed "ClickFix," the visitor to a hacked or malicious website is asked to distinguish themselves from bots by pressing a combination of keyboard keys that causes Microsoft Windows to download password-stealing malware.

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Microsoft: 6 Zero-Days in March 2025 Patch Tuesday
Microsoft today issued more than 50 security updates for its various Windows operating systems, including fixes for a whopping six zero-day vulnerabilities that are already seeing active exploitation.

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Alleged Co-Founder of Garantex Arrested in India
Authorities in India today arrested the alleged co-founder of Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022 for facilitating tens of billions of dollars in money laundering by transnational criminal and cybercriminal organizations. Sources close to the investigation told KrebsOnSecurity the Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, 46, was apprehended while vacationing on the coast of India with his family.

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Feds Link $150M Cyberheist to 2022 LastPass Hacks
In September 2023, KrebsOnSecurity published findings from security researchers who concluded that a series of six-figure cyberheists across dozens of victims resulted from thieves cracking master passwords stolen from the password manager service LastPass in 2022. In a court filing this week, U.S. federal agents investigating a spectacular $150 million cryptocurrency heist said they had reached the same conclusion.

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Who is the DOGE and X Technician Branden Spikes?
At 49, Branden Spikes isn't just one of the oldest technologists who has been involved in Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As the current director of information technology at X/Twitter and an early hire at PayPal, Zip2, Tesla and SpaceX, Spikes is also among Musk's most loyal employees. Here's a closer look at this trusted Musk lieutenant, whose Russian ex-wife was once married to Elon's cousin.

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