Working Apple I signed by Steve Wozniak sold for an impressive $1.15M
One of the few surviving Apple I units, signed by Steve Wozniak and accompanied by a letter from Steve Jobs, just sold for a record-breaking $1.15 million.The famous "Hatfield" Apple I, signed by Steve Wozniak, just sold for well over a million dollars. Image Credit: Bonhams.The value of the Apple I as a collector's item has increased significantly over the past decade, with one example selling for nearly $500,000, more than the predicted $300,000. The famous "Hatfield" Apple I serves as an even better example of the model's appreciation over time.Decades after original owner Fred Hatfield bought his Apple I, which was priced at $666.60 at the time, the machine was sold at an online auction. In 2013, European auction house Breker sold the "Hatfield" Apple I for approximately $666,150. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple just closed the day above $5 trillion for the first time
Apple today became the second company ever to close with a market valuation north of $5 trillion, following NVIDIA’s landmark achievement in October 2025. Here are the details. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: October 14, 2026 – Apple Home Collection, iOS 27.2 beta 4
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily. more…

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Apple Invites update makes it easier to manage guests and track RSVPs
The Apple Invites app got updated yet again today, with new features including RSVP improvements and a larger Home Screen widget. Here are the details. more…

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Apple showcases iPad Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max’s role in ‘landmark fashion show’
Apple today shared a behind-the-scenes look at “From Earth to Sky,” a fashion show in Turkey that was designed with an iPad Pro and filmed using an iPhone 18 Pro Max. Here are the details. more…

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Same black box, totally different device: 2022 vs. 2026 Apple TV 4K
The 2022 Apple TV 4K (third generation) arrived as a more compact, fanless refresh that lowered the entry price while adding the A15 Bionic… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 27 adds brand new widgets for your iPhone’s Home Screen
iOS 27 expands the available options to customize your Home Screen with new extra-large widgets that will be especially useful on iPhone Duo. Here’s the full list of 15+ pre-installed widgets iOS 27 introduces. more…

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Apple Intelligence finally gets a release window for its debut in China
Apple will bring its 2024 Apple Intelligence features to China as soon as December if a new rumor is correct. It is expected as a part of the iOS 27.3 release.Apple's older version of Apple Intelligence will finally arrive in ChinaApple has been working to get Apple Intelligence ready for the Chinese market since it first announced the features in 2024. It was held back by strict regulatory requirements, including requiring a backend provided by a local company.According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple has finally cleared all of the regulatory concerns as recently as July. The launch is said to be set for December with iOS 27.3 according to people familiar with the matter. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Intelligence reportedly coming to China in December, but without Siri AI
Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to finally launch Apple Intelligence in China in December, although some important features could still be missing. Here are the details. more…

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Apple HomeView hands on: So many questions, but I like it
At Apple's NYC experience, I got an early look at HomeView, its new smart home display. I still have unanswered questions but my early take is that I like it. A lot.HomeView with the customizable home modular face that be outfitted with different widgets or home accessoriesMost of you have seen the general rundown on the hardware. It's a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, perched atop a speaker base or mounted to a wall that you can control with your voice or touch.It has Siri AI built-in to operate your smart home, answer questions, find your lost Apple TV 4K Siri Remote, or otherwise control it. There's a built-in camera that can recognize up to six distinct users to load personal information, such as message history or calendars. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 18 Pro demand takes Apple to a $5 trillion market valuation
Apple has briefly touched the $5 trillion valuation mark before, but its seemingly unstoppable rise has now taken it back up there again on the back of strong iPhone demand.Apple stocks closed at a new record highBack in October 2025, Apple closed at over $4 trillion for the first time, and then on July 28, 2026, it crossed the $5 trillion mark. It wasn't very long before it dipped back under that to be a paltry $4 trillion and change, but now it's back.At close of market, Apple's valuation once again passed $342.61, which means it has exceeded $5 trillion. It barely squeaked by, closing at $342.96 or $5.005T. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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ElevationLab pulls AirTag Silencer after backlash over stalking concerns
Following intense criticism over the obvious fact that its AirTag Silencer could facilitate stalking and other forms of misuse of Apple’s AirTag, ElevationLab has now pulled the accessory. Here are the details. more…

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Apple’s HomeView smart display pairs 15 built-in apps with CarPlay content and widgets
Apple’s newly announced HomeView is the company’s first dedicated smart display, a 7-inch Liquid Retina device intended to serve as a… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Original HomePod mini won’t get Siri AI
The original HomePod mini won't get Siri AI, leaving owners stuck with classic Siri. Here's what older Apple speakers can still do. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple TV just confirmed a new season for one of my favorite shows this year
Apple has announced that Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, the acclaimed thriller that premiered this spring, will return for season 2. more…

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How to get Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth, USB-C on your old iPod
The Sprout motherboard replacement for iPod fits inside an original case and uses its screen and click wheel for navigation. There's no soldering, and best of all, it uses a microSD card for storage, like most of the mods for iPods do. There are models coming for iPod 3rd gen, iPod mini, and iPod 4th gen.https://certainthin.gs/sprout Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Les Benjamins takes fashion to the sky with iPad-designed hot air balloons
A fashion designer used an iPad Pro to create flying hot-air balloons inspired by flowers, then made them part of his runway show.iPad Pro used to design balloons for Turkish fashion showLes Benjamins designer Bunyamin Aydin used an iPad Pro to develop a fashion show staged beneath custom hot-air balloons in Turkiye. Apple's latest creative profile follows the project from early sketches to a fashion show shot on iPhone 18 Pro Max. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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OpenAI alleges former employee took files on unreleased device to Apple
An OpenAI employee who left the ChatGPT maker for Apple sent more than 100 files about an unreleased product to a personal account… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Here’s how much iPhone Duo costs to repair out-of-warranty
iPhone Duo pre-orders kick off this Friday ahead of shipping next week. If you’re wondering whether to get AppleCare+ or not, here are the iPhone Duo’s out-of-warranty repair costs. more…

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No, Siri AI is not coming to the first-generation HomePod mini
You may have heard otherwise, but we have confirmed that the first generation HomePod mini is not getting Siri AI. Apple says that HomePod mini 2 and some older Apple TV 4K models will get Siri AI, but that first generation HomePod with the S5 chip will not. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Control your Apple TV from your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch
You can use your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch as an Apple TV remote, which comes in handy when you’ve lost the physical remote. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple confirms Siri AI is not coming to the original HomePod mini
Siri AI is a tentpole addition to HomePod mini 2, but a CNET report today originally claimed Siri AI was coming to older HomePod mini models too. However, the story has since been updated with a correction and 9to5Mac received a statement confirming Siri AI will be exclusive to HomePod mini 2. more…

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Save $299: Your old Apple TV 4K gets the best new features
Current Apple TV 4K owners can avoid spending $299 on the newest streaming box while still accessing headline new features. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Think of Apple’s HomeView as a large Apple Watch for your tabletop or wall
After years of half-measures , Apple is making a serious push into the smart home with the launch of HomeView.… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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New Echo III T5 gives new Macs three PCI-E slots across Thunderbolt 5
Sonnet's updated Thunderbolt 5 expansion lineup gives Mac mini, Mac Studio, and MacBook Pro users a way to connect up to three full-size PCIe cards with the newly updated Echo III T5.Sonnettech releases new productsThe Echo III T5 family brings PCIe expansion to Macs that don't have internal card slots. Audio engineers, video editors, and other professionals can connect specialized hardware for recording, video capture, networking, and storage without replacing their computers.The systems support up to three full-height, full-length single-width PCIe cards, or one double-width card alongside a single-width card. They're compatible with computers equipped with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports, although available bandwidth depends on the connection.Each system uses one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots. The systems support compatible non-GPU cards and are qualified by Avid for use with up to three Pro Tools HDX cards. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Skip the controller, the Apple TV 4K still isn't a good gaming platform
Despite the inclusion of the super-fast A19 chip and continued support for game controllers, the new 4th-gen Apple TV 4K is still far from a viable gaming device for anything beyond the most casual of audiences, thanks to missing features and mind-boggling design decisions.Apple TV gaming is still a thing, kinda.Every so often, the Apple TV 4K tries to be a game console, and Apple promotes a ton of games in the App Store to bolster that claim. With the first new Apple TV 4K release in four years, there was hope that the 4th-gen model would take things to a new level.But at a time when the gaming industry is readying itself for the biggest game release in a decade, and perhaps ever, in the form of Grand Theft Auto 6, the Apple TV 4K just doesn't cut it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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HomePod mini 2 can double as speakers for your Mac, if you have the right one
Macworld If you bought a Mac within the past three years, Apple offers a new feature with the HomePod mini 2 that you can take advantage of: the ability to set up the speakers as the default audio output device. However, Apple says this works only on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later, which Apple began incorporating into Macs in 2023. To be more specific, the HomePod mini 2 can be used as default Mac speakers with: M2/M2 Pro or later Mac mini M2 Pro/M2 Max or later Mac MacBook Pro M2 Max/M2 Ultra or later Mac Studio M2 Ultra Mac Pro M3 or later iMac M3 or later MacBook Air A single HomePod mini 2 can connect to the Mac, or a pair can be connected for stereo output. The mini 2’s four speaker surround soud setup works only with the new 4th generation Apple TV 4K. Learn more about the HomePod mini 2. The HomePod mini 2, as well as older mini models and the larger HomePod can also connect to the Mac (and iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple TV 4K) via AirPlay, but this type of connection can’t be set as default, so you need to reconnect anytime you restart the device or log out. There’s also a slight lag when syncing up the audio, so it’s not the most ideal setup. Interestingly, a footnote on the HomePod mini 2 tech specs website says the following in regards to the new Mac connectivity: 7. Compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later. That indicates that this connection method also works with the HomePod (2nd generation) as well, which was released in 2023 and is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11n, not Wi-Fi 6E. Also the HomePod product page does not offer any details on Mac connectivity. We’ve reached out to Apple for clarification and will update this article should we get a response. HomePod mini 2 Price When Reviewed: $149 Best Prices Today: $149 at Apple Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) Price When Reviewed: $349 (was $299) Best Prices Today: $347.01 at Walmart$349 at Apple$349 at Apple United States Read our full Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) review

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Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac review: Still the best way to run Windows
Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating Pros Polished interface and straightforward Windows setup Useful integration between Windows and Mac apps Good performance on capable Apple silicon Macs Version upgrades included during an active subscription Cons Most editions require an annual subscription Windows licensing can add to the cost Demanding workloads need plenty of memory and processor power Limited suitability for modern Windows games Our Verdict Parallels Desktop remains our leading choice for Mac users who need a full Windows environment for work or development. Its easy setup and close integration with macOS make it approachable, while its advanced controls cater to more demanding users. Version 27 expands graphics capabilities, but the cost of Parallels and any required Windows license can be hard to justify for occasional use. Gaming compatibility remains a reason to try before buying. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Price When ReviewedStandard – $99.99 annual subscription or $219.99 perpetual license; Pro – $119.99 annual subscription; Business – $149.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Who should buy Parallels Desktop for Mac: Mac users who depend on Windows business software and developers who need multiple operating systems. Who should skip Parallels Desktop for Mac: Skip Parallels if you only need occasional Windows access, mainly play modern Windows games, or have a tight budget. The Mac is no longer dismissed as an insignificant niche market that struggles to compete with Microsoft Windows. But, even so, there are still times when many Mac users need to run apps and software that are only available for Windows PCs. Perhaps your employer uses particular business software that’s only available for Windows, or you may need to use a website that relies on some Windows-only technologies. Many developers need to test their apps and services on both Macs and PCs and, of course, there are all those AAA games that only run on Windows as well. It used to be easy to install Windows on Macs, thanks to Apple’s Boot Camp software and the fact that from 2006 to 2020 all Macs used the same Intel processors as Windows PCs. However, with the advent of M-series Macs, Boot Camp is no more, so if you want to run Windows on a Mac you need to consider one of the various virtualization options that we feature in our roundup of the Best Virtual Machine software for Mac. The advent of Apple’s own chips, aka Apple silicon, also means that the standard version of Windows, designed for X86 processors, won’t run on Arm-based chips like Apple’s M-series. If you want to run Windows on an M-series Mac you need the Arm version of Windows.  Our top solution for running Windows on a Mac is Parallels Desktop. Read on to find out why in our full review of Parallels Desktop for Mac.  What is Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows in a virtual machine on your Mac. Instead of restarting to switch operating systems, you can use Windows and Mac apps side by side. It is particularly useful if your employer relies on Windows-only software, your course requires a particular application, or you develop and test software on more than one platform. Windows is the main attraction, but you can also create Linux and macOS virtual machines. These provide separate environments for testing software without changing your Mac’s main operating system. We tested the Pro edition of Parallels Desktop 27. The core Windows setup and Mac integration are also relevant to Standard users; the edition comparison below explains which users should consider paying more. What’s new in Parallels Desktop 27? Foundry Version 27 concentrates on technical improvements rather than a long list of new interface features. It supports macOS 27 Golden Gate and requires Apple silicon; Intel Mac owners need to remain on an earlier version, such as Parallels Desktop 26. The most significant graphics change is support for OpenGL 4.3, which matters for professional Windows software such as GIS, engineering, and design applications. The new driver uses Apple’s Metal graphics technology. Parallels reports OpenGL gains of up to 2.6 times over the previous driver, but these are the company’s measurements, rather than results from our review tests. Parallels says full hardware acceleration for the new OpenGL driver requires an M3 or newer chip and macOS Sequoia 15 or later. Version 27 also exposes SME2 instructions to Windows and Linux VMs on M4 and newer Macs. The advertised sevenfold gain applies to matrix computations measured in an Ubuntu VM on an M4 Pro; neural-network inference improved by up to 1.75 times. Enterprise additions include more ways to report license-key versus single-sign-on activation, distribute approved VM images through corporate storage, and deploy preconfigured Windows environments. Parallels Desktop: Recent updates at a glance ReleaseTimingMain changesParallels Desktop 26Ahead of macOS 26 TahoeAdopted Apple’s version numbering; added Tahoe and Windows 11 25H2 compatibility, host-storage visibility in Windows, and expanded business management controls.Parallels Desktop 20.2Between versions 20 and 26Introduced support for running Intel-based Windows virtual machines on Apple silicon Macs through emulation.Parallels Desktop 20September 2024Added macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2 support, Apple Intelligence Writing Tools in Windows apps, Apple ID sign-in for supported macOS VMs, and faster file sharing.Parallels Desktop 19.3March 2024Fixed graphics issues affecting Windows games, including Dark Souls II and Genshin Impact.Parallels Desktop 19.2Between versions 19 and 19.3Added faster VM cloning, improved account sign-in, and fixed stability problems with virtual machines stored on external drives.Parallels Desktop 19August 2023Introduced a redesigned interface, OpenGL 4.1 graphics support, Touch ID sign-in for Windows, and updated printing support for macOS Sonoma. Should existing users upgrade? The graphics changes make version 27 most interesting to users of demanding professional software. If your current version already runs your everyday Windows apps well, the upgrade may make less difference to your work. For subscribers, new versions are included during the subscription term, so there is no separate upgrade fee. Owners of a one-time Standard license should weigh the new features and operating-system compatibility against the upgrade cost. Intel Mac owners cannot move to version 27. Setup and ease of use Parallels Control CenterFoundry One of Parallels’ strengths is its polished, Mac-like interface. Installation is much like installing any other Mac app, and the Control Center guides you through creating a virtual machine. It can download and install the Arm version of Windows 11 needed for the usual Windows VM setup on Apple silicon. This removes the need to find an installation image and manually configure everything before you can start work. You still need a suitable Windows license. Parallels is Microsoft-authorized to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Apple silicon, and the Parallels website says users can bring an existing Windows 11 key if it is eligible to activate their installation. Once Windows is installed, you install applications much as you would on a PC, subject to Windows on Arm compatibility. Configuration profiles help you choose settings for tasks such as productivity, development, or design work. You can then adjust the memory and processor allocation if necessary. The 14-day trial is useful here: test your essential applications and peripherals on your own Mac before committing to a purchase. Installing Windows using Parallels Desktop Foundry Parallels Desktop makes installing Windows straightforward, with an assistant that downloads Windows 11 and creates a virtual machine for you. On an Apple silicon Mac, it installs Windows 11 on Arm. Here’s how to get started: Download and install Parallels Desktop. Open the app and choose Install Windows when prompted. If you already use Parallels, create a new virtual machine. Open Control Center, click +, then choose Get Windows 11 from Microsoft > Continue > Install Windows. Follow the installation prompts. Parallels downloads Windows and handles the virtual machine setup. Activate Windows. Open Settings > System > Activation within Windows. Use an eligible existing license or follow the Microsoft Store option to buy one. Windows isn’t included in the price of Parallels Desktop. Install your Windows applications. Check that your essential software works before committing to a Parallels subscription. You don’t need a special Arm license: Windows 11 Pro product keys work with both Intel and Arm versions. However, each Windows installation needs its own license, and an existing license must be eligible for reuse or transfer. Read our guide to How to use Parallels Desktop to run Windows on a Mac for more information.  Performance and Windows app compatibility Parallels is best judged by how well it runs the software you actually need. Everyday productivity applications are a less demanding proposition than large 3D projects or multiple development environments, and both Windows and macOS need a share of your Mac’s resources. Parallels lists 8GB of Mac memory as the minimum for version 27 and recommends 16GB or more for best performance. It recommends M3 or newer graphics for demanding workloads. A Mac with 8GB can meet the minimum without being an ideal choice for running Windows alongside memory-hungry Mac apps. The trial is particularly important if you are using a lower-specification Mac. Windows on Arm can run many applications originally written for Intel PCs, but compatibility is not universal. The ability to install Windows does not guarantee that every application, plug-in, or peripheral will work correctly. There are some limits relevant to developers noted by Parallels: nested virtualization, Hyper-V, and WSL2 are unavailable in its Windows environment on Apple silicon. It suggests WSL1 as an alternative. Business users may wish to run Windows-only applications such as Access, Visio, Project, and Power BI, as well as Windows-specific Office add-ons. Can you play Windows games? A Windows game running alongside Safari.Foundry Gaming is more variable. Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11.1, while many modern Windows games need DirectX 12. In our tests on an M4 Pro Mac mini, Skyrim ran without problems at a smoothly playable 50fps at 1920×1080 using its default graphics settings. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 suffered graphics glitches. If gaming is your main reason for buying, compare Parallels with a more games-focused option such as CrossOver and check support for the particular titles you want to play. Paying for Pro does not guarantee that an incompatible game will work. Read our roundup of the Best Games to play on Mac. How well does Windows integrate with macOS? Parallels Coherence mode with Edge and Safari.Foundry Integration is where Parallels makes its strongest impression. A Windows VM can sit in its own window, expand to full screen, or use Coherence mode to hide the Windows desktop and leave individual Windows apps alongside your Mac apps. You can switch between applications with Command-Tab and keep Windows applications in the Mac’s Dock. Coherence is especially useful if you need one Windows app while spending the rest of your day in macOS. Copying and pasting between applications, dragging files between environments, and sharing folders reduce the friction of using two operating systems. You can share your Desktop and Downloads folders or choose specific working folders, rather than maintain duplicate copies of everything. Parallels also lets the Windows VM use your keyboard and mouse, camera, and microphone. When you connect a USB storage device, it asks whether to attach it to your Mac or the VM. For more sensitive work, you can isolate the VM instead of sharing Mac files and data. That is an important control: convenience and separation serve different purposes, and the sharing settings deserve attention when you first configure Windows. Virtual machines and developer tools Parallels 20 brought AI to Windows on a Mac.Foundry Parallels lets you create multiple virtual machines, making it useful for developers who need different operating systems or test configurations. The Configuration window provides control over CPU and memory allocation. Snapshots preserve a VM’s state so you can return to it after experimenting with a beta application or changing a test environment. They make it easier to recover from an unsuccessful change without rebuilding the machine. Pro also includes a command-line tool, prlctl, for managing VMs from scripts, and advanced networking controls for development and testing. Standard vs. Pro, Business, and Enterprise Foundry Choose the edition according to the work you need to do: EditionWho should consider it?Main distinctionStandardHome users, students, and people running everyday Windows softwareUp to 4 virtual CPU cores and 8GB of memory per VM; annual or one-time purchase optionsProDevelopers and people with demanding workloadsHigher resource limits, development tools, and advanced configuration; subscription onlyBusinessTeams and organizationsCentralized licensing and administration, with Jamf and Intune deployment integrationEnterpriseIT-managed deploymentsA management portal, policy controls, and organizational sign-on and provisioning capabilities The limits refer to resources assigned to a VM, not extra hardware supplied by Parallels. Your Mac still needs enough capacity for macOS and your other applications. Price and value for money Standard is available as an annual subscription or a one-time purchase. Pro, Business, and Enterprise require subscriptions. Updates are included during an active subscription; a one-time license does not include upgrades to future major versions. EditionAnnual subscriptionOne-time purchaseStandard$99.99 / £89.99 (currently $59.49 / £49.49)$219.99 / £154.99Pro$119.99 / £99.99 (currently $64.99 / £54.99)Not availableBusiness$149.99 / £119.99Not availableEnterpriseContact ParallelsNot available Windows licensing is separate. The one-time option may appeal if you only need a stable Windows setup occasionally, but it should not be treated as a promise of indefinite compatibility with future versions of macOS. Subscriptions also include Parallels Toolbox and round-the-clock support. Eligible students and educators can receive discounts of up to 50%. The overall cost depends on whether you also need to buy Windows. If you already have an eligible license, that changes the calculation. If you need a new one, include it in your budget rather than comparing Parallels’ price in isolation. For occasional use, compare the cost with the alternatives in our best virtual machine software guide. CrossOver is another option for supported Windows applications and games, and does not require a Windows license. Should you buy Parallels Desktop? Parallels Desktop is a strong choice if Windows is an essential part of your work and you want it to fit comfortably into a Mac workflow. Straightforward setup, Coherence mode, and flexible VM controls make it useful both to people who need a single Windows application and to developers maintaining several environments. Standard should be the starting point for everyday applications. Pro makes more sense when you need its development tools or additional resources. Business and Enterprise are aimed at organizations that need deployment and management controls. Its weaknesses are cost and compatibility at the demanding end of Windows software, especially games. Version 27’s graphics improvements broaden its appeal to professional users, but they do not make it a universal replacement for a Windows PC. Use the trial to check your essential software on your own Mac. If it runs well and Windows is something you rely on regularly, Parallels remains our leading virtualization recommendation. FAQ 1. Can you use Parallels for Mac for free? The Parallels website offers a 14-day free trial so that you can see how Parallels Desktop works before buying the full version. Just remember that, if you don’t already have a valid license, you do still need to buy a license for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, which starts at a rather hefty $199.99/£219.99. 2. Can you use Parallels Desktop on more than one Mac?  No, you cannot use a single Parallels Desktop license on more than one Mac at the same time. According to Parallels’ licensing terms, each installation requires its own license. If you are just moving to a new Mac, you can uninstall the software on the first Mac and install it on the new Mac. 3. Does Parallels Desktop include a Windows license? No, Parallels Desktop does not include a Windows license. You need to purchase a Windows license separately to use it. You need a Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise license. The less expensive Home edition of Windows 11 isn’t supported on Apple silicon Macs. A Windows 11 Pro license starts at around $199.99/£219.99. Parallels makes the process straightforward. Since version 18, it has allowed you to download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within the software. When you create a new virtual machine, you simply click a button labeled “Get Windows 11 from Microsoft,” and Parallels handles the download. You can then purchase a license through the Microsoft Store within the virtual machine, or use an existing Windows 11 license if you have one. This is a significant advantage, as the ARM version of Windows isn’t normally sold directly to individual consumers – Parallels’ partnership with Microsoft is what makes this possible. 4. Can you run Windows and macOS at the same time? Yes, absolutely. Parallels Desktop is specifically designed to let you run Windows and macOS simultaneously, side by side, without needing to reboot your Mac. Here’s how it works in practice: Side-by-side windows: You can have your Windows desktop running in a window on your Mac desktop, alongside your normal Mac apps. Coherence mode: For even deeper integration, Parallels offers a feature called Coherence mode. This mode lets Windows apps run alongside Mac apps as if they were native. You can even pin Windows apps to your Mac’s Dock. Seamless interaction: Shared folders, drag-and-drop, and copy-and-paste between the two operating systems work effortlessly. The only real trade-off is that your Mac is effectively running two operating systems at once, so it benefits from having plenty of RAM – Parallels recommends 16GB or more for the best experience. 5. Can you buy Parallels Desktop without a subscription? Yes, you can buy Parallels Desktop without a subscription. The Standard Edition is available as a perpetual license for a one-time fee, though the price has increased significantly in recent years. As of the latest edition, the perpetual license for the Standard Edition costs $219.99/£154.99. This one-time fee allows you to use the software indefinitely without any recurring subscription, but upgrades to future major versions will cost extra.

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OpenAI cries foul, says Apple stole secrets from it in 2026
In a new filing, OpenAI claims that it too was victimized by confidential information theft, and implies that Apple's HomeView was somehow influenced by that theft.Apple will get some of the OpenAI documents it requested in court.Without much detail, OpenAI says that during the forensic investigation that is required by Apple's trade secret theft lawsuit, it discovered trade theft by Apple. In a filing on Wednesday, the company vaguely says that the thief joined OpenAI from Apple, worked at OpenAI for six months, then returned to Apple.When the alleged thief returned to Apple, they brought with them details of one OpenAI hardware device stashed away in personal accounts. Furthermore, the documents include specific images, engineering info, supplier information, manufacturing data, and standards for cosmetic finishes and sealants. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple's $1,499 iPhone Duo repair cost is a strong argument for AppleCare
After viewing the repair costs on Apple's first foldable, we've got a bit of advice for you: go ahead and add AppleCare to your cart right now.iPhone Duo repair costs: prices with and without AppleCareApple has released the uninsured repair costs for the iPhone Duo, and they aren't for the faint of heart. Depending on what damage your phone takes, you could pay 75% of the retail value to get it fixed.Here's what it costs to repair an iPhone Duo, assuming you don't have insurance through your carrier or AppleCare. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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U.K. Sanctions Cryptomus for RU Money Laundering
The United Kingdom has issued economic sanctions against Cryptomus, a chameleonic cryptocurrency platform that experts say serves as a major conduit for payments related to ransomware, narcotics, darknet markets, fraud and cybercrime services that are helping Russia circumvent existing financial restrictions.

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Microsoft Patches More Than 1,400 Security Flaws
Microsoft today issued updates to fix more than 1,400 security vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and other software. Today's epic patch batch dwarfs September's record of nearly 1,000 fixes, which was already about ten times the normal monthly patch load from Redmond.

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FBI Arrests Founder of Ransomware Negotiation Firm
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday arrested the co-founder of a Canadian cybersecurity firm in connection with an investigation into the ShinyHunters hacking group that recently relieved the FBI of sensitive data on thousands of agents, multiple sources tell KrebsOnSecurity.

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ShinyHunters Extorted Boeing Spin-off Prior to Arrests
A teenager from Amman, Jordan suspected of leading the prolific data theft and extortion group ShinyHunters has been detained and is reportedly cooperating with the FBI to identify other members of the hacking gang. KrebsOnSecurity has learned that the suspect, who uses the hacker handle "Rey," was detained as ShinyHunters was in the process of extorting a business unit recently divested by the global aerospace company Boeing, which manufactures the fleet of planes used by the employer of Rey's father -- Royal Jordanian Airlines.

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Is your old iPad still safe to use? Security updates and support explained
When Apple stops issuing security updates for older iPads, they become unsafe to use. But exactly how long can you safely keep using an old iPad? The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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What is SMS? What SMS text messages mean and how they work
SMS text messaging is ubiquitous and here to stay. But given its lack of encryption, is it safe to rely on SMS for two-factor authentication? Here are the key things to know about SMS, MMS, and more modern texting standards. The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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What’s the difference between malware, a virus, a Trojan, and a worm?
Viruses, worms, and Trojans are all types of malware, but the names describe different ways malicious software operates. A virus relies on an infected file or program, a worm can reproduce and spread on its own once active, and a Trojan relies on disguise to persuade you to open or install it. This guide defines […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Dutch Police Arrest ‘Reformed’ Hacker in Shiny Hunters Investigation
Authorities in the Netherlands have arrested a 23-year-old convicted cybercriminal on suspicion of aiding in data thefts and extortions by the prolific hacker group ShinyHunters. In the days immediately following the suspect's arrest, remaining ShinyHunters members dramatically escalated their attacks, stealing highly sensitive data from the FBI and extorting the Russian ransomware group Cl0p.

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U.S. Soldier Gets 70 Months in Prison for AT&T, Verizon Extortions
A U.S. Army soldier who pleaded guilty to hacking into multiple telecommunications companies and stealing mobile call and text metadata for more than 100 million AT&T customers in 2024 was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison today and ordered to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution to victims.

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How to hide notes on your iPhone
When you hand your phone to someone else for a quick repair or a phone call, it’s natural to feel uneasy about them stumbling across your personal notes. There’s no hidden-notes folder on iPhone. What you can do instead is lock a note using your device passcode or a separate Notes password, then use Face […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Are “corrupt my file” sites safe? What to know before uploading a file
File corruption sites claim they can make any file unreadable, so you can get extra time to submit a project. Ethics aside, is it safe to submit documents to such services? The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Amazon Drops 16″ M5 Pro MacBook Pro to $2499, Save $500
Amazon is offering a substantial post-Prime Day discount on Apple's 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro, with the 24GB/1TB Space Black configuration now available for $2499, a $500 savings off Apple's $2999 MSRP. This is considerably better than the $2749 price we reported during last week's Prime Day event. The current offer knocks another $250 off that sale price. The discounted MacBook Pro features Apple's M5 Pro chip with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and a 1TB SSD. Amazon's October 13 listing shows new offers starting at $2499 with free shipping. Seller availability and delivery estimates may vary. Get the 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro for $2499 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H Takes Up to $120 Off 13″ and 15″ M5 MacBook Airs, Sale Ends October 17
B&H has launched new discounts on select 13-inch and 15-inch M5 MacBook Airs, with savings reaching $120 on upgraded configurations. Shop B&H's MacBook Air deals. The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air in Midnight with a 70W USB-C power adapter is now $1899, down from B&H's regular $2019 price. Additional 15-inch configurations are $100 off, including models reduced to $1599 and $2099. B&H is also taking $100 off two upgraded 13-inch M5 MacBook Air configurations in Midnight, with sale prices of $1899 and $2399. These offers are scheduled to expire October 17. For the latest prices and deals, see our 13-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated regularly.

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B&H Discounts 14″ M5 and M5 Pro MacBook Pros by Up to $200, Prices Start at $1839
B&H has launched new discounts on Apple's 14-inch M5 and M5 Pro MacBook Pros, with savings reaching $200 and prices starting at $1839. The 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro in Silver is now $2299, down from $2499. Standard M5 models are also on sale, including the Space Black configuration regularly priced at $1989 for $1839 and the Silver model regularly priced at $2199 for $2039. Additional M5 and M5 Pro configurations are discounted by $50-$150, including models with upgraded memory and storage. These B&H promotions are scheduled to expire October 17. For the latest prices and deals, see our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated regularly.

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B&H Takes Up to $500 Off 16″ M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, Sale Ends October 17
B&H has launched a new round of discounts on Apple's 16-inch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, with savings reaching $500 and sale prices starting at $2749. The biggest discount is on the 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro in Space Black, now $3899, down from $4399. The 16-inch M5 Pro is also on sale, with the $2999 configuration reduced to $2749 and the $3599 configuration available for $3299. Both Silver and Space Black are included in the M5 Pro offers. B&H is also offering smaller discounts on several higher-end configurations. These promotions are scheduled to expire October 17, although availability and pricing may change before then. For the latest prices, see our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated regularly.

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B&H Takes Up to $500 Off 16″ M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, Sale Ends October 17
B&H has launched a new round of discounts on Apple's 16-inch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, with savings reaching $500 and sale prices starting at $2749. The biggest discount is on the 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro in Space Black, now $3899, down from $4399. The 16-inch M5 Pro is also on sale, with the $2999 configuration reduced to $2749 and the $3599 configuration available for $3299. Both Silver and Space Black are included in the M5 Pro offers. B&H is also offering smaller discounts on several higher-end configurations. These promotions are scheduled to expire October 17, although availability and pricing may change before then. For the latest prices, see our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated regularly.

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B&H Takes $150 Off New M5 Pro Mac mini, Now $1549
B&H has dropped the price of Apple's new M5 Pro Mac mini with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD to just $1549, saving $150 off Apple's $1699 MSRP. This is a substantial improvement over the modest $30 discounts we saw when the new Mac minis first went on sale last month. The M5 Pro model features a 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and a 512GB SSD. The $150 discount remains available following Amazon's October Prime Day event. B&H currently lists the Mac mini in stock with free two-day shipping to most US addresses. Get the M5 Pro Mac mini for $1549 at B&H. For the latest sales and deals, see our Mac mini Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Prime Day Deal: Amazon Takes Up to $150 Off M5 iPad Pros
Amazon has launched a fresh Prime Day sale on Apple’s M5 iPad Pro lineup, taking as much as $150 off select 11-inch and 13-inch models. The 11-inch M5 iPad Pro with 256GB of storage is now $1099.99 in Space Black, down from Apple’s $1199 price. The 512GB model is also on sale for as little as $1299, while the 1TB model has dropped as low as $1649.99. Amazon’s discounts extend to the larger 13-inch models as well. The 13-inch 256GB M5 iPad Pro is $1399.99, $100 off Apple’s $1499 price, while the 512GB Silver model is $1549.99, saving $149 off MSRP. These are freshly activated Prime Big Deal Days prices on Apple’s current M5 iPad Pro lineup, and our latest price check shows discounts available on both Space Black and Silver configurations. Get the 11-inch 256GB M5 iPad Pro for $1099.99 at Amazon. For the latest sales and deals, see our iPad Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Prime Day Deal: Amazon Takes $100 Off M4 iPad Airs, Prices Start at $649
Amazon has launched a broad Prime Day sale on Apple’s M4 iPad Air lineup, taking $100 off numerous 11-inch and 13-inch models. The 11-inch M4 iPad Air with 128GB of storage is now $649, down from Apple’s current $749 price, while the larger 13-inch 128GB model is $849, down from $949. We’ve seen these prices before, but Amazon has now reactivated and expanded the discounts as part of its official Prime Big Deal Days event. All four colors of the 11-inch 128GB Wi-Fi model are currently available for $649, and several upgraded Wi-Fi and cellular configurations are also $100 off or more. Get the 11-inch 128GB M4 iPad Air for $649 at Amazon. For the latest sales and deals, see our iPad Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Prime Day Deal: Apple Watch Series 12 Drops to Record-Low $349.99
Amazon has launched its best sale yet on the new Apple Watch Series 12, dropping 42mm GPS models to just $349.99 for Prime Day. Apple charges $399 for the 42mm Series 12, so Amazon’s new price takes about $50 off MSRP and sets a new all-time low less than a month after the watch was released. The larger 46mm GPS model is also about $50 off at $399.99. Even better, the sale has expanded to include all four 42mm aluminum colors — Black, Space Gray, Light Gold, and Dark Bronze — at the $349.99 price. Select cellular models are also about $50 off. Get the 42mm Apple Watch Series 12 for $349.99 at Amazon. For the latest sales and deals, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Prime Day Deal: Amazon Takes Up to $160 Off 14″ M5 MacBook Pros, Prices Start at $1839
Amazon's Prime Day MacBook Pro sale also includes Apple's standard 14-inch M5 models, with discounts available across the 16GB, 24GB and 32GB configurations. The 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro is down to $1839, $160 below Apple's $1999 MSRP. The 24GB/1TB model is available for as little as $2039, while the 32GB/1TB model drops to $2249. Amazon's lowest prices vary somewhat by color, so buyers should check both Space Black and Silver before ordering. All three models include a 1TB SSD, making the $1839 base configuration an especially attractive entry point into Apple's current 14-inch MacBook Pro lineup. For the latest sales and deals, see our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Prime Day Deal: Amazon Takes Up to $600 Off 14″ M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros
Amazon has launched some of its best Prime Day discounts on Apple's 14-inch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, with savings reaching $600 and several higher-end configurations at particularly aggressive prices. The 15-Core M5 Pro model with 24GB RAM and a 2TB SSD is $2699, $300 below Apple's $2999 MSRP. Even better, the faster 18-Core M5 Pro with 24GB/2TB is also just $2699, a full $500 off Apple's $3199 MSRP. For buyers who need M5 Max performance, Amazon has dropped the 36GB/2TB model from $4099 to $3499, a $600 Prime Day savings. Both Space Black and Silver models are available at these sale prices. For the latest sales and deals, see our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Prime Day Deal: Amazon Takes Up to $500 Off 16″ M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros
Amazon has launched its Prime Day sale on Apple's 16-inch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, with savings of up to $500 and sale prices starting at $2749. The 24GB/1TB M5 Pro model is $200 off at $2799, while the upgraded 48GB/1TB model drops $300 to $3299.99. M5 Max models see the biggest discounts, with the 36GB/2TB configuration down $500 to $3899 and the 48GB/2TB model also $500 off at $4499. Both Space Black and Silver models are available at the sale prices, giving buyers a good selection across Apple's current 16-inch MacBook Pro lineup. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale runs October 6-7, so these prices may be short-lived. For the latest sales and deals, see our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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