Apple CEO Ternus adjusts iOS 28, macOS 28 development timelines to give engineers more time for feature exploration
Apple has shifted the early development schedule for iOS 28, macOS 28, and related operating systems, lengthening the coding phase… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Tablet as smart display, Cliq VS Bilresa buttons, & how to speed up your devices on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, your host talks about using a tablet as a smart display, compares two popular buttons, and provides tips on how to speed up slow devices.Smart Home Insider PodcastIn a light news week, there was more uncovered in the recent release of tvOS 27.2. It appears that Siri AI now has access to your watchlist and Watch Next queue.This will become beneficial as Apple enables Siri AI on the last-generation Apple TV 4K boxes. The new Apple TV 4K will be launching on November 13 and ship with a beta of Siri AI. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Leak reveals details for more iPhone 18 models launching early 2027
Apple is rumored to have three new iPhone models launching in early 2027: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2. Here’s what to expect from the iPhone 18 models per the latest leak. more…

Read more »

9to5Mac Overtime 089: Live Rewind, Siri Recap, and Apple Watch privacy
On this episode of Overtime, we answer your comments on the touchscreen MacBook Pro and the iPad mini’s missing 120Hz display, then dive into the iOS 27.3 beta. Safari adopts adaptive dark mode and vertical tabs, StandBy is redesigned, and the new Health app returns. We also debate Apple Watch’s controversial Siri Recap and Live Rewind features. Is your watch always listening, and should you be worried? Sponsored by Rokform: Get your iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo cases today for 20% off when using code MAC2026. Sponsored by Memoket: Memoket Gem is an AI wearable that slots beside your Apple Watch. One press captures a conversation, and KITE memory connects it to what you said weeks ago. Save 10% with code LL86MDO6 on Amazon and Memoket’s website. more…

Read more »

How a Mac mini powers a staggeringly capable robot without human training
Apple researchers have revealed how they use a Mac mini to control a Unitree humanoid robot to navigate rooms it has never seen before. It's really quite remarkable.The robot can see the table and realize it needs to crouch to get under it - image credit: Apple.Leakers claiming that a future HomeView will have a robot arm didn't envisage anything like this. A team of researchers from Apple has published a paper detailing how they trained a Unitree G1 "humanoid" robot using an M4 Pro Mac mini with 64GB RAM.Apple's "Perceptive Humanoid Motion from Simulation" paper describes a system called "Humanoid Autonomy, Learned in Simulation, running Onboard," or HALO. The paper and its accompanying video show the Unitree G1 able to analyze rooms. It can follow someone if instructed, it can navigate obstacles, and when told to sit, determine where a chair is. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple pushing faster on agentic Siri would carry three big risks
Yesterday saw two reports about Apple software development. The first said that the company was aiming to give Siri more agentic capabilities “as soon as next year,” while the second said that CEO John Ternus is pushing Craig Federighi to speed up software development. If accurate, it seems near-certain the two reports are connected. But if Ternus really is pushing for an acceleration in Siri’s ability to act as an AI agent, that comes with three potentially huge risks … more…

Read more »

Apple explores agentic AI for Siri so it can finish tasks on its own in iOS 28
Apple is exploring how to turn Siri into agentic AI —an assistant that can take on ongoing jobs, remember what you want accomplished… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

This iPhone Wii remote app lets you aim your Mac’s cursor
This free iPhone app lets you point your phone at your Mac to move the cursor. Or turn the iPhone into a Mac trackpad. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

iPhone 18e will have the same larger battery as the iPhone 18
A leaker with a mixed track record has released a diagram that purports to show the internal structures of the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, revealing that they have the same battery.The iPhone 18e and iPhone 18 may have the same battery.The most recent rumors about the iPhone 18 have claimed that it will have a larger battery, although it's possible this is just speculation. Now leaker Fixed Focus Digital has shown a diagram comparing the internal design of it to what is claimed to be the iPhone 18e.While there are differences, such as with the cameras, a key part is a claim that the battery. The leaker emphasizes this, and also repeats a claim that many of the components of the two devices will be interchangeable. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD review: Fast, rugged, and expensive
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros  Good performance for pro users  Slim, lightweight design  Rugged, with IP65 rating  Cons No support for Thunderbolt 5  Expensive (thanks to the AI apocalypse) Our Verdict The SanDisk Extreme Pro delivers fast USB4 performance in a slim, lightweight design, with IP65 protection for life on the move. Strong write speeds suit demanding video and graphics work, although tested read speeds trail SanDisk’s claims. Its high price and lack of Thunderbolt 5 limit its appeal, but professionals prioritizing portability and durability will still find plenty to like. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$687.99 (currently $549.99) Best Prices Today: SanDisk Extreme Pro V3 Retailer Price $549.99 View Deal $549.99 View Deal SanDisk $687.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? A slim, rugged portable USB4 SSD with fast performance for storing and working with large files. Who’s it for? Professionals working with large video and graphics files who need fast, durable storage that’s easy to carry. Who’s it not for? Budget-conscious buyers or professionals seeking the faster performance available from a Thunderbolt 5 SSD. SanDisk has updated its entire range of portable solid-state drives, including this third-generation update for the Extreme Pro, which, as the name suggests, is aimed at professional users who need high-end performance when working with large video and graphics files. Sadly, like most forms of memory and storage, the Extreme Pro has rocketed in price since our review of the previous version, now starting at $549.99/£489.99 for a model with 2TB storage, or a whopping $1,099.99/£980.99 with 4TB. There’s also an 8TB model planned for next year, although SanDisk hasn’t given any indication of pricing for that model. You should also be aware that older versions of the drive are still widely available online, so make sure you select the correct model before buying. Alternatively, you could save some money by buying an older version of the drive – although, of course, it won’t be quite as fast as the latest model. Design The Extreme Pro is still an attractive option for professional users looking for a USB4 SSD to use with a Mac, though, with a more compact design than its predecessor, measuring just 110mm long, 58mm wide and 10mm thick, and weighing a mere 65.2g. It’s easy to slip it into a bag or jacket pocket if you’re travelling with your laptop, and there’s a clip for a lanyard (not included) on one corner of the drive to help keep it safe. It boasts a sturdy IP65 rating for weather-resistance, and Sandisk also states that it can survive being dropped from a height of three metres. Performance Performance is good too, with Sandisk quoting read and write speeds of 4GB/s and 3.8GB/s, respectively. The drive did fall a little short on read performance in our tests, using the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, hitting around 3.5GB/s, but it outperformed on write performance, consistently reaching 4.2GB/s. The Extreme Pro will certainly be fast enough for pro users working with large video files, although it’s a shame that such an expensive drive is only using a USB4 interface, with no support for the even faster Thunderbolt 5 that is now available on several high-end Mac models. Should you buy the SanDisk Extreme Pro? The SanDisk Extreme Pro combines fast USB4 performance with a slim, lightweight design that’s easy to carry alongside your MacBook. Strong write speeds make it appealing for professionals working with large video and graphics files, while IP65 protection and claimed three-meter drop resistance add reassurance when traveling. However, read speeds fell short of SanDisk’s claims in our tests, and the lack of Thunderbolt 5 feels disappointing at this price. Starting at $549.99/£489.99 for 2TB, it’s a costly investment. It’s worth considering if portability, durability, and speed are priorities, but the steep price makes it harder to recommend without some reservations.

Read more »

Gridlock and Gigawatts: The Post-Midterm Reckoning for the AI Buildout
Cloud giants are buying up memory. Communities are pushing back on server farms. Both pressures lead to a question: How much AI really needs to run in the cloud? The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

Read more »

You don't need Terminal to turn off the lit-up Apple logo
I promised in the forums that it would take the weekend for there to be an app to control the MacBook Pro Apple logo light, and true enough, here it is. According to the developer, Backglow allows you to "set how bright it glows, turn it off, or give it a mode: Steady, Breathe, Battery, Music or Agents." There's a free demo, with a $9 "Pro" one-time purchase.https://backglow.app Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

iPhone Duo hinge issue down to bad parts, not bad design
The spate of iPhone Duo screen issues has allegedly been traced to a material problem at a hinge component supplier, rather than there being a design flaw with the hinge itself.A sheared-off part of an iPhone Duo hinge mechanism - Image Credit: CuriousHagi/YouTubeApple put a lot of work into designing the ideal hinge for the iPhone Duo, only to deal with reports of the hinge repeatedly failing in one specific place. It now seems that the problem was due to the components Apple used.According to Chinese leaker Kang, reposted by Ice Universe, the hinge issues are due to the materials used for a specific component in the hinge. This is a component sourced from two suppliers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Teens and parents can expect Instagram notifications about AI age estimation
Meta says it’s expanding its AI age estimation globally to automatically extend Instagram account protections to millions more teenagers. It says parents in the US can also expect to receive notifications later this month … more…

Read more »

iPad mini eighth generation review: Still the best e-reader, not an iPad Pro mini
The OLED screen in the eighth generation iPad mini is a good reason to get the new model, but on the high end, for iPad Pro prices, it doesn't hit iPad Pro heights.iPad mini 8 review: Apple's mini tablet is lighter, more powerful, and has a gorgeous new displayThe iPad mini didn't start premium. At launch, it was a less expensive iPad, with a smaller form factor than the main line.It's evolved into the pocket-sized powerhouse model, and it's had a pretty good existence so far. It is the best and most flexible e-reader anybody has ever made, for instance. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple Stores ordered to stop signing up unwitting customers to services
Staff at Apple Stores have been pressured into signing up customers to services such as Apple TV, but the practice has reportedly been stopped after it was uncovered.No specific Apple Stores have been identified over this subscription practice, but reportedly all stores have been directed to stop. This is Tysons Corner Apple Store in 2023.Apple has previously cracked down on other firms pushing subscriptions on unwitting users, but now it has been doing something similar. Whether Apple expressly sanctioned it or just created the pressure on its employees, staff at Apple Stores have reportedly been signing up users to free trials without telling them.The practice was uncovered by Louis Rossmann, previously best known as a critic of Apple's repair policies. In the latest of a series of YouTube videos, he has explained how the practice worked. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

16-inch MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display review: Simply irresistible
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Amazing tandem OLED display Excellent performance Smaller and lighter Touch input Cons Some Touch UI quirks Our Verdict The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display raises the bar of Apple excellence. It’s a landmark addition to the Mac lineup, and it’s a reminder of what makes users devoted to the Mac. It’s a good time to be a Mac user. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today With its newest MacBook, Apple takes the idea of a Pro laptop to another level. The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display is the most expensive model in the lineup. It’s made to appeal to the most demanding professionals, especially those who take content creation seriously and are willing to pay a premium. The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display isn’t for everyone, but even if you don’t fit into its intended audience, you will want this laptop. All it takes is one look. It is glorious, it is profound, and it is effing awesome–pardon my thinly-veiled language, but that’s just how I feel about this laptop. This, dear reader, is Apple’s finest MacBook to date and probably the best laptop ever made. Our model’s specifications This review looks at a model that’s been customized from Apple’s standard offerings. It has some hefty add-ons that increase the price significantly. Here are the specifications of the laptop in this review: CPU: M5 Max with an 18-core CPU (6 super cores, 12 performance cores); 16-core Neural Engine GPU: 40 cores Memory: 128GB unified memory Storage: 2TB SSD Display: 16.3-inch tandem OLED; 3472-by-2266 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch; 1000 nits sustained XDR brightness, 2000 nits peak (HDR content only); 1000 nits SDR brightness, 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 billion colors; P3 + Adobe RGB wide color gamut; True Tone; standard glass Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 5/USB-C; MagSafe 3; SDXC Card slot; HDMI; 3.5mm audio Networking: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 6; Thread Input devices: Touchscreen; Magic Keyboard with Touch ID; Magic Trackpad Weight: 4.1 pounds (1.84 kg) Dimensions: 0.63 x 14.0 x 9.62 inches (1.60 x 35.55 x 24.42 cm) Price (as tested): $7,399/£7,399 The touchscreen MacBook Pro’s OLED display offers new highs in brightness and great color fidelityRoman Loyola/Foundry PROLED MacBook Pro: Display As the name implies, the tandem OLED display is the key feature of the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display. This is the main reason to spend the extra $400 over the MacBook Pro with a mini-LED backlit display. When I unpacked the laptop, opened it for the first time, and the display lit up, I instantly knew I was in for a special experience. The brightness of the tandem OLED makes an immediate impression. With the right wallpaper, such as the macOS Golden Gate default photo, the brightness gives the image an aura that feels magical. It’s an admirable feat to outdo the mini-LED backlit displays that Apple replaced, because they’re excellent displays in their own right. The tandem OLED is more than up to the task. Color saturation and evenness are more pleasing, and the contrast and blacks are deeper. At the Macworld office, my desk is set up with a first-generation Apple Studio Display and a Dell UltraSharp 32 4K QD-OLED Monitor U3226Q, which is made for production work. Yet I prefer looking at the PROLED XDR Display. You will want to work on photos, video, and graphics on this MacBook Pro. If that work takes you outside, well, don’t worry. I’m currently writing this display section of the review in my backyard, because it’s a perfect San Francisco day, a bright and sunny 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C). It’s early afternoon, and the sun is bearing down directly on the display and me. Yet the screen shines through like a champ. Glare and reflections? No problem, thanks to the OLED’s brightness working with the antireflective coating on the glass. Don’t hesitate to go outside or take this MacBook Pro on location. I’d actually stay outside longer if it wasn’t for the fact that the sun is starting to cook me, which makes me a little concerned about the laptop heating up, too. MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display with standard glass (left) is much more visbile in direct sunlight than the MacBook Pro with a mini-LED backlit Nano-texture glass display (right).Roman Loyola/Foundry Since this is the first time OLED is on the Mac, you might be concerned about burn-in–if you’re going to spend the extra $400, it better last. Only time will tell with the new MacBook Pro, but Apple updated the display engine for OLED, and it monitors the OLED’s condition to maintain optimal performance and minimize the burn-in risk. Apple uses OLED displays in its iPhones, and it introduced a tandem OLED in the iPad Pro in 2024. We haven’t heard of widespread burn-in problems with those devices. PROLED MacBook Pro: Touch UI There’s been a lot of anticipation about this being Apple’s first touchscreen Mac. Touchscreen Windows laptops have long been available, and Apple has repeatedly said that touchscreen input on the Mac wasn’t going to happen. Times change. Generations of people have grown up with touch interfaces, and the lack of touch on the Mac is something that prevented some from switching from Windows. There’s a demand for touch. Touch on the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display is responsive, and macOS’s main elements have been adjusted to accommodate fingers.Roman Loyola/Foundry I wrote a separate article that details the Touch experience, but here’s the TL;DR version. Apple’s Touch implementation is so good, it can replace the trackpad as your regular input device. Apple didn’t half-ass it here. The company made thoughtful decisions about how the interface should respond to touch, and the result is responsive and reliable. There are a few quirks, but nothing that stops you in your tracks, and you can always retreat to the trackpad. Touch worked with all the Apple apps and third-party software I tried, but it didn’t work on some games. For example, Resident Evil Village and Total War: Warhammer III do not let you use Touch, and I suspect this is the case for a lot of games that originated on Windows and implement their own maps for input. You probably wouldn’t want to use Touch during gameplay, but it would be convenient when starting a game and navigating its setup screens and settings. Unfortunately, Touch doesn’t work in those situations, either. The touchscreen supports Multi-Touch gestures, which can be modified in a new Touch Display section of System Settings.Apple While Apple has done a good job with its first Touch implementation, it’s not a spotlight feature–Touch isn’t even in the name of this new MacBook. I’d go so far as to say that the laptop just happens to have Touch. Apple hasn’t done anything here that requires Touch, so you can buy it, never use Touch, and you won’t miss out on anything. But if Touch is the main reason why you’re considering this laptop, you’ll find it a satisfying implementation, and Apple has gone on record saying it is committed to its development. PROLED MacBook Pro: Design Apple took this opportunity to make the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display lighter and a little smaller. Below is a comparison of the dimensions for the 16-inch MacBook Pro models in Apple’s current lineup. Dimension16″ MacBook Prowith PROLED XDR DisplayM5 Max16″ MacBook ProM5 MaxHeight0.63 in (1.60 cm)0.66 in (1.68 cm)Width14.0 in (35.55 cm)14.01 in (35.57 cm)Depth9.62 in (24.42 cm)9.77 in (24.81 cm)Weight4.1 lb (1.86 kg)4.7 lb (2.15 kg) The size difference between the two laptops is inconsequential overall. The feet are slightly recessed as well, so it rests closer to the table and a smidge lower than the standard model, so you’ll get a bit more wiggle room in tight spaces. The mini-LED backlit MacBook Pro with an aluminum logo is a bit taller than the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display.Roman Loyola/Foundry On the other hand, the weight difference is huge. The PROLED XDR Display laptop is 12 percent lighter than the standard MacBook Pro, and that’s noticeable when carrying it around on a bus commute. The laptop’s shell retains the same general design as before, in the same two colors Space Black and Silver. However, the corners of the display are a bit more rounded than before and now the bottom of the display is rounded as well. Also the hinge has been adjusted to better accommodate taps and swipes. However, since you’ll want people to know you’re using one of these laptops, Apple added a bit of flourish to the back by replacing the shiny aluminum Apple logo with one that glows. It’s a callback to the era when the Mac laptops had the glowing Apple logo from 1999 to 2015. No other MacBook has it, and with its placement on Apple’s most expensive and extravagant laptop, the glowing Apple is now a status symbol. As with the older implementations, the logo’s brightness is tied to the screen’s brightness. Turn up the screen, and the logo brightens; turn down the screen, and the logo dims. If you want to turn it off completely, you need to use a Terminal command, as detailed in an Apple support document–odd that it’s not an option in System Settings. The glowing Apple logo on the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display (right) used to be on older laptops, such as the 2010 MacBook Pro (left).Roman Loyola/Foundry PROLED MacBook Pro: Dynamic Island Did you hate the notch at the top of Apple’s MacBook displays? It’s gone! Rejoice! But it’s not forgotten, because there’s still a camera hole at the top of the display. Apple opted to cut an opening for the FaceTime camera rather than place it under the display as it does with the iPhone Duo‘s inside display. Considering how poor we found the Duo camera’s image quality is, sticking with a cutout (and a smaller one at that) is the right choice. One small side effect: The new camera cutout is slightly lower than the notch was, so it means the menu bar is a little deeper. Instead of simply replacing the notch with a static pill-shaped cutout, Apple has brought the Dynamic Island to macOS, displaying notifications, Spotlight search, Siri AI, Live Activities, and more. It works as it does on the iPhone. I’m glad it’s on the Mac, but it did take some adjustment, because these elements are now at the top center of the display, whereas before they either popped up in the middle of the display or off to the right. The notch is gone on the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display. A less distracting, iPhone-like pillbox replaces it.Roman Loyola/Foundry An important thing to know is that Live Activities isn’t a feature that’s only for Dynamic Island. In the macOS 27.3 beta, the feature works on other Macs, appearing as a small oval in the menu bar. But it’s much more elegant here. The FaceTime camera has CenterStage, like the standard MacBook Pro. But it also has advanced video stabilization, which you won’t find on any other MacBook. I’m not sure how crucial this feature is, since I don’t typically move my laptop around while using the camera. But since this laptop is targeted at content creation, it’s a feature Apple felt was necessary. PROLED MacBook Pro: Performance New laptop, new chip, right? Nope. Apple is using the M5 Pro or M5 Max for the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display, the same chips that were released in the MacBook Pro earlier this year. This decision stems from changes to Apple’s chip development plans in response to growing demand for AI processing. However, the chip series Apple decided to fast-track, the M7, isn’t ready, so M5 chips it is. The M5 Max is impressive, and fortunately, the major new component of the laptop, the OLED, doesn’t affect chip performance. So, across the board, the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display and the standard model offer the same speed.

Read more »

Apple staff accused of signing up customers to subscriptions without consent; company responds
Repair technician turned consumer rights advocate Louis Rossmann recently accused Apple store staff of signing up customers to the company’s services subscriptions without their consent. Apple has not yet commented, but has taken two steps indicating that the company takes the accusations seriously … more…

Read more »

'Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars' gets a third season
Right after the finale, Apple TV announced an eight-part third season for award-winning docuseries. If you haven't been watching, the show "explores the high-stakes world of international fine dining." A debut date for Gordon Ramsey's vehicle hasn't been announced.https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/11/apple-tv-announces-season-three-for-acclaimed-award-winning-docuseries-knife-edge-chasing-michelin-stars/ Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Zens 4-in-1 Wireless Charger review: An Apple charging station with room for iPad
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros 4-in-1 charging solution iPad on view while charging Fast Watch Charger 60W USB-C port Cons 15W not 25W for iPhone USB-C drops to 18W during wireless charging Our Verdict The Zens 4-in-1 Wireless Charger is a tidy charging stand that will clear your desk from straggling cables, wirelessly for the iPhone, Watch, and AirPods, plus an iPad or even MacBook via a wired connection. You can buy cheaper and faster charging stands, but the neat iPad support helps this one stand out. Just remember that the USB-C output drops to 18W when wireless charging is also in use. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$159.99 Best Prices Today: Zens 4-in-1 Modular Wireless Charger Retailer Price $149.95 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Zens $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? A charging stand that wirelessly charges iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch, and hosts a charging port for an iPad or MacBook. Who is it best for? iPad users who want to charge all their Apple devices at the same time. Who should skip it? If you don’t have an iPad, you’ll be better off with a 3-in-1 or even 2-in-1 (if you don’t have an Apple Watch) wireless charger. There are many 2-in-1 wireless charging stands (iPhone and AirPods) and 3-in-1 (iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch) magnetic multi marvels, and we’ve tested a large selection of them in our best wireless iPhone charger roundup. If you want to charge your iPad at the same time as all the above Apple devices, you’ll generally need a second cable from the wall or even two chargers. 3-in-1 magnetic wireless chargers can hoist even the iPhone Pro Max aloft but most would buckle and fall over if you introduced even an iPad mini into the action. The iPad requires a different charging connection, so we’ll stop a moment to explain the options. How do you wirelessly charge an iPad? As it doesn’t come with built-in MagSafe charging coils, you can’t simply place an iPad on wireless chargers like you do with an iPhone. The closest you’ll get is the Kuxiu M30 magnetic smart connector charger that brings a MagSafe-like charging experience to compatible iPads by snapping magnetically to the back of the tablet and drawing power through a 3-pogo-pin Smart Connector. Because iPads with these pins have them in different configurations, you need a size-specific charger for select iPad Pro and iPad Air models—it’s a neat solution but nowhere near as convenient as MagSafe/Qi2. There are several reasons why iPads don’t do MagSafe. iPads have larger batteries than iPhones (19-40Wh vs 12-20Wh), and these generate too much heat to be safe if charged wirelessly. Also, most iPads use aluminum on their back shells compared to iPhone’s glass, and this interferes with the magnetic fields used in wireless charging. The Zens 4-in-1 is a neat stand with charging points for iPhone (raised and ready for StandBy Mode), Apple Watch (supporting Nightstand Mode), AirPods (on the other side to the Watch charger), and a bar to rest your iPad when charging via the side USB-C port.Simon Jary Zens offers a simple 4-in-1 solution The Zens 4-1 Wireless Charger looks like a standard sleek 3-in-1 iPhone charging stand made from zinc alloy but has a bar at the back to prop up an iPad, with a powerful USB-C port on one side to connect it. It’s a good-looking stand, with Apple’s badge of approval as it is one of few available at the Apple Store. At the front there’s an elevated iPhone charging pad that’s tilt-adjustable up and down, but not side to side. This is a Qi2 charger and so maxes power output to the iPhone at 15W rather than the latest and greatest 25W Qi2.2. The difference is about 15 minutes (45 vs 30 minutes) in the time it takes to wirelessly charge an iPhone from 0-50%. Compatible newer iPhones can charge faster with a suitable higher-powered wireless charger, but if you charge your devices overnight, the Zens stand’s 15W limit shouldn’t bother you. You can flatten the Watch charger when not in use.Simon Jary The pop-up Apple Watch module on the Zens 4-1 Wireless Charger can be charged at a rapid 7.5W, faster than most 5W Watch chargers that are able to claim Apple’s official “Fast Charge” status. The AirPods charge at up to 5W, which is as much power as they can take on board, so you won’t get faster. The Zens 4-in-1 ships with a 12-inch cable to connect the iPad. It will serve a MacBook too, but you can’t squeeze the laptop into the same space as the iPad slips into.Simon Jary At the side is the USB-C port for attaching your iPad, or a second iPhone or any USB-C charged device via the included 12-inch (300mm) cable. It’s rated at up to 60W when used alone, which is enough to charge an iPad or a compatible MacBook. Indeed, it’s enough to fast-charge an iPad—if you’re not charging anything else at the same time. Everyone’s in a hurry sometimes, and if you want to power-up your iPhone as fast as possible use the port and cable for faster wired charging when the wireless charging modules aren’t in use. You’ll need a Lightning cable if your phone is older than an iPhone 15. If you want to connect your MacBook further away, look for a longer USB-C cable. The Zens 4-in-1 ships with a 65W wall charger (and 5ft/1.5m cable), so you’ll need to share that amount of power around the devices when charging several at the same time. It’s not a USB-C wall charger so is proprietary to the Zens charger. Note that, as with most multi-device chargers, power output is reduced when charging several devices simultaneously. The USB-C port’s maximum output drops from 60W to 18W when wireless charging is also in use—enough to charge an iPad, although more slowly than when the port is used alone. For a MacBook, whether it can maintain the battery level will depend on the model and workload. Handily, the Zens 4-in-1 also comes with interchangeable plugs for US (Type A), UK (Type G), and EU (Type C). That doesn’t make it a convenient travel charger, mind you—it’s relatively compact at 6.9 x 5.9 x 4.3 inches (175 x 150 x 110mm) but not one you’ll likely slip into your backpack. It also weighs 23 oz (650g). In comparison, the more travel-friendly Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger weighs 85g, although it’s painfully slow at 7.5W. Simon Jary How much does the Zens 4-in-1 Wireless Charger cost? The Zens 4-in-1 Wireless Charger is priced at $159.99 / £159.99, although you’ll find it a little cheaper on the Apple Store ($149.95 / £149.95) and maybe Amazon depending on your timing. You can certainly buy cheaper charging stations but few with the ability to charge a fourth device at the same time. One alternative is Mophie’s 4-in-1 StealthCharge Wireless Charge Stand ($179.95 / £139.95), which has a smaller footprint and 25W iPhone charging—although while it can charge a fourth device via its integrated retractable cable, it lacks the Zens charger’s neat iPad stand bar. Should you buy the Zens 4-in-1 Wireless Charger? The Zens 4-in-1 Wireless Charger is a tidy white/silver charging stand that will reduce cable clutter on your desk for up to four of your devices, wirelessly for the iPhone, Watch and AirPods, plus an iPad or even MacBook via a wired connection. You can buy cheaper and faster charging stands, but the neat iPad support helps this one stand out. Just remember that the USB-C output drops to 18W when wireless charging is also in use.

Read more »

Pro-privacy Apple could end up as a Trojan Horse for surveillance tech
Macworld Two of the things I dislike most about modern life are AI and surveillance. So naturally, I was pretty jazzed in September when Apple announced Siri Recap and Live Rewind, two new AI-powered surveillance features coming to the Apple Watch Series 12. Ain’t that just a kick in the head, I thought. But I was wrong. Or, at least, overreacting a little. As sinister listening technologies go, the Audio Intelligence features are pretty harmless. Live Rewind, for example, has very clearly been designed from the ground up with privacy in mind, to the extent that its usefulness is frequently and clearly limited by such considerations. The tiny 15-second listening window, the limited physical range, the lack of speaker attribution, the inability to screenshot transcripts: all mildly annoying for good-faith users, and devastating for bad actors and eavesdroppers. Yes, these features listen in on you and the people around you. But they do so in the most privacy-friendly way you can imagine. Apple has long marketed itself as the pro-privacy tech company, but the privacy measures in Audio Intelligence are hardcore even by its standards. (Live Rewind would be a lot more useful if its maker embraced the creepy tech vibe. I’m not saying Apple should have done that; I’m just pointing it out.) And there’s a good reason for Apple’s overabundance of caution: as a general rule, normal people despise listening tech, and the company doesn’t want that kind of controversy. We’ve been here before, you see. Any technology that’s perceived as listening in on us without informed consent is liable to stir up a passionate response. Take Google Glass. Google launched its range of smart glasses back in 2012, and their ability to semi-covertly record audio and video of passers-by made them so unpopular that wearers were called “Glassholes” and, in a few cases, were physically assaulted. Then in 2013 the launch of the Xbox One was overshadowed by privacy concerns after it emerged that the device’s Kinect peripheral could monitor users’ conversations; Microsoft was obliged to reverse a previously announced policy that the Kinect had to be plugged in at all times. Paranoid or not, many tech users suspect that the digital voice assistants in our phones and smart speakers record what we say at all times, despite makers’ insistence that this only happens when the trigger phrase is uttered. Fairly obviously, some form of listening is necessary for the trigger phrase to be recognised, but the theory is that any other audio that’s heard is promptly discarded. Except when it’s not. “I felt invaded,” said one Alexa user whose private conversation was recorded and sent to a random number in her address book. “A total privacy invasion.” Perhaps we’d expect that kind of thing from Amazon, whose business model relies on extensive data about potential customers. But even Apple has been caught with its hand in the data jar. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 alleged that Siri had listened in on users’ conversations and then shared the results with advertisers. Apple denied any wrongdoing but last year settled for $95m. Considering public distrust of surveillance technology and anger against private individuals who enable it, we can hardly be surprised that Apple is treading so lightly in the execution of its Audio Intelligence features. It doesn’t want to be perceived as spying on its users, and it doesn’t want Apple Watch owners to be attacked. (I don’t want that either, to be clear.) The privacy measures in Audio Intelligence are as thoughtful as they are predictable, and I think they will be accepted in good faith. But here’s my worry. Apple is very good at leading cultural shifts, either through marketing clout or its ability to absorb the hits and keep fighting. It dropped the headphone port from the iPhone in 2016, a time when such a move seemed unthinkable. Everyone complained, then it became the new normal and other companies followed suit. Apple performed a similar trick by removing the bundled earbuds and charger from iPhone boxes in 2020, which too became accepted in time. Apple led to the popularity of MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds simply by entering those markets, and the launch of the iPhone Duo is widely expected to send foldables into the mainstream. So what happens if Apple does something similar with eavesdropping tech? Can the company launder the reputation of this singularly hated branch of technology? Can it get people to accept the idea that the things they say are constantly being recorded and fed into AI models? Other companies will be watching the progress of Live Rewind and Siri Recap with great interest. The execution of these features strikes me as intentional, considered, and ethical. But the fundamental idea is still an unpalatable one: They listen in without explicit consent, and they record in some way what they hear. That remains, for the time being, an idea that would struggle to gain mainstream acceptance. But Apple may be about to help it achieve that. And that’s when it becomes a lot easier for other applications to build a user base. Applications that care a lot less about privacy, and a lot more about grabbing data. Ain’t that just a kick in the head. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Everyone is struggling, says Jason Cross. Everyone, that is, except Apple. Sure, you can touch it (and it’s a delight), but you’ll really just want to stare at it. The MacBook Pro’s OLED display is nuts. Hot take incoming! The touchscreen MacBook Pro only makes Filipe Esposito miss the Touch Bar. “Best fiscal year ever.” Apple posts record revenue on strong iPhone, Mac sales. These Finder tips will make you a Mac pro. Microscopic teardown reveals secret of iPhone Duo’s surprisingly sharp nano-texture screen. Reviews corner iPhone Duo: The best and worst iPhone in ages. iPad mini (A20 Pro): Growing in leaps and bounds. Best AirPlay speakers for iPhones and Apple Music. The rumor mill If you think MacBooks and iPhones are expensive now, just wait. Don’t worry, full-sized iPad fans, the model you want is getting an update soon. High-end robotic ‘HomeView Ultra’ could land in 2028 for $1,000. Apple’s probably done announcing new hardware, but November is still pretty jammed. Software updates, bugs, and problems iOS 27.3 beta is out now with a wealth of new features: a new Health app, Siri AI expansion, vertical tabs in Safari, and more. With iOS 27.3, the Siri AI floodgates are about to open. Apple is now offering iPhone Duo replacements after widespread hinge issues. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

Read more »

Security Bite Podcast: Mac malware likely helped pull off the record $6.3B Binance hack
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. This week, Christopher Lopez (@L0Psec) returns to the Security Bite Podcast. Chris is a longtime macOS security researcher and reverse engineer, and was last on the show to break down the rise of ClickFix. In this episode, we dig into the new details surrounding the record $6.3 billion Binance hack, from a malicious Homebrew clone to a fake job interview that led attackers inside an engineer’s Mac. more…

Read more »

Apple HomeView: Everything you need to know about Apple’s smart-home display
Macworld Apple HomeView is Apple’s first dedicated smart-home display, combining a 7-inch touchscreen, powerful speakers, a camera, and Siri AI in a device designed to sit at the center of the connected home. Announced on October 13, 2026 and on sale from November 13, it brings together smart-home controls, entertainment, video calling, calendars, reminders, and other everyday information. Powered by Apple’s A18 chip and Apple Intelligence, HomeView offers a much more capable version of Siri that can answer questions conversationally, help with everyday tasks, and access personal information from a compatible iPhone or iPad. It can also recognize up to six members of a household, providing a personalized experience while keeping individual information private. HomeView is designed to work alongside Apple’s existing HomePod speakers, Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. It integrates with the Apple Home app, supporting compatible HomeKit and Matter accessories, including lights, locks, thermostats, and security cameras. It can also serve as a central smart-home hub, making it easier to manage devices and automations throughout the house. Unlike a HomePod with a screen added, HomeView is designed around visual interaction as well as voice control. Its touchscreen, customizable widgets, FaceTime camera, personalized Home Screens, and dedicated smart-home dashboards make it more like a shared household computer than a conventional smart speaker. It comes in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, with prices starting at $299/£299. What can Apple HomeView do? HomeView introduces a range of capabilities that aren’t available on Apple’s traditional HomePod speakers. While HomePod focuses primarily on music, Siri, and voice-controlled smart-home functions, HomeView adds a touchscreen, camera, personalized interface, and much deeper integration with Apple apps and services. FeatureWhat HomeView offers compared to HomePosSmart-home dashboardTouchscreen controls for lights, locks, heating, scenes, and automationsSiri AIHomeView launches with Siri AI in beta, while HomePod mini 2’s support requires a later update. Siri Ai brings: natural conversations, broader knowledge, and personalized assistance with a compatible paired devicePersonalized Home ScreenRecognizes up to six users by face and provides individual apps, widgets, and contentFaceTime video callsBuilt-in 12MP Center Stage camera for hands-free video callingCalendar and remindersView appointments, manage tasks, set timers, and access personal informationSecurity camerasDisplay up to nine live camera feeds and access intelligent video descriptionsMusic and videoView album artwork, lyrics, videos, and supported streaming content on the built-in displayPhotos and customizable facesDisplay shared albums, photo collections, clocks, weather, and animated facesMessages and communicationRead and respond to messages, make calls, and use IntercomRecipes and household activitiesFollow step-by-step cooking instructions, manage timers, and access helpful information HomeView also supports Handoff from iPhone, Live Activities, Find My, and multiroom audio with compatible AirPlay speakers. How does HomeView compare with HomePod and iPad? The biggest difference between HomeView and HomePod is the display. While a HomePod can control smart-home devices and play music using Siri, HomeView provides an interactive dashboard and visual feedback, making it more useful for managing a busy household. HomeView also offers capabilities that make it a potential alternative to an iPad in certain situations. It can display recipes, calendars, photos, and video calls without needing someone to pick it up or unlock it. Its ability to recognize different household members and switch automatically between personalized experiences is particularly useful in a shared space. However, HomeView isn’t intended to replace an iPad. The iPad remains the better choice for portable computing, productivity, games, and the broad selection of apps available from the App Store. HomeView is designed to stay in one place and provide convenient access to household information, entertainment, and smart-home controls. Apple HomeView release date: When will it go on sale? Announced: October 13, 2026 Pre-orders: October 13, 2026 In Store: November 13, 2026 Apple announced HomeView on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as part of its “Welcome home” launch. Pre-orders opened the same day, with both the tabletop and wall-mounted models scheduled to go on sale on Friday, November 13. HomeView is initially available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa. Singapore pre-orders open on October 15, while customers in South Africa can order through authorized resellers. The device won’t initially be sold in the European Union because Siri AI isn’t currently available in iOS in the EU. Apple says it is working toward resolving the situation, but hasn’t announced a European release date. HomeView can be ordered from the Apple website, Apple Store app, and selected retailers. It will also be displayed in Apple Stores. Apple hasn’t announced any general shipping delays beyond the roughly one-month gap between its announcement and retail availability, although individual delivery estimates may vary. The November 13 date confirms the mid-November launch timeframe reported before the announcement. Earlier speculation about an October 30 launch is now superseded by Apple’s official schedule. We recommend: Apple HomeView Price When Reviewed: $299 Best Prices Today: $299 at Apple Pre-order HomeView from Apple U.S. Pre-order HomeView from Apple U.K. Apple HomeView design: What does it look like? The HomeView from behindFoundry HomeView has a compact, square display mounted above a rounded aluminum speaker base, with a design that recalls Apple’s classic iMac G4. A stainless steel hinge allows the screen to tilt, making it easy to adjust the viewing angle when HomeView is positioned on a kitchen counter, desk, or bedside table. The tabletop model is available in four colors: Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink, and Space Gray. The base incorporates the speakers, including a downward-firing woofer, while the display contains two additional full-range drivers. Apple uses 100 percent recycled aluminum in the base and includes a color-matched USB-C power cable. The wall-mounted HomeView has a different design, with a slim square enclosure that’s just 0.39 inch thick. It is available in Silver and Space Gray and is designed for locations such as hallways and entrances. Unlike the tabletop model, it doesn’t include a separate woofer and requires a compatible wall mount, sold separately. Both versions feature a touchscreen, built-in camera, four microphones, and USB-C power. Apple hasn’t listed conventional volume or power buttons in the published specifications, with touch and Siri providing the primary controls. HomeView dimensions and weight SpecificationTabletop HomeViewHomeView (Wall Mounted)Width5.73 inches (14.55 cm)5.73 inches (14.55 cm)Height5.38–6.82 inches (13.67–17.32 cm)5.73 inches (14.55 cm)Depth3.78–5.13 inches (9.60–13.02 cm)0.39 inch (0.98 cm)Weight2.1 pounds (952 g)0.63 pound (286 g)ColorsSilver, Starlight, Rose Pink, Space GraySilver, Space Gray The tabletop dimensions vary depending on the display’s tilt angle. Does Apple HomeView have a camera? Foundry Yes. Both HomeView models feature a built-in 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The camera supports FaceTime video calling, with Center Stage automatically adjusting the framing to keep people visible as they move around or when additional participants join the conversation. Four beamforming microphones help pick up voices from across the room while reducing background noise. The built-in camera cannot double as a security camera or provide an Echo Show-style video Drop In feature. HomeView can display feeds from compatible external security cameras, but that is a separate capability. The camera also plays an important role in HomeView’s personalized features. It can recognize registered household members by face, automatically switching to their individual Home Screen and making their personal information available when the required security conditions are met. Apple uses a protected processing environment called Secure Exclaves to isolate facial and voice recognition data from the operating system and apps. The system is designed so that the sensitive camera and microphone information used for recognition isn’t exposed to other users or Apple. Apple hasn’t published more detailed video recording specifications, such as maximum capture resolution or frame rate. What screen does Apple HomeView have? HomeViewFoundry HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen with a resolution of 1088 by 1088 pixels, giving it a pixel density of 220 pixels per inch. It uses an LED-backlit IPS panel with Multi-Touch support, True Tone, and a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. Maximum brightness reaches 500 nits, while minimum brightness drops to just 0.3 nits, making it suitable for a bedside table without lighting up the room at night. The interface also adapts to proximity, showing simpler information when viewed from across the room and revealing more detail as someone approaches. Customizable faces include Photos, Calendar, Weather, Flow, and Snoopy. The display is the same on the tabletop and wall-mounted models. Apple hasn’t specified a refresh rate, and there’s no OLED option. HomeView audio: Speakers, Dolby Atmos and AirPlay HomeView combines built-in speakers, Spatial Audio and AirPlay multiroom playback, with additional entertainment and personal features available through a paired iPhone or iPad. Speakers and sound quality Both models support Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for music and video. Each has two full-range drivers in the display, while the tabletop model adds a down-firing woofer and two force-canceling passive radiators in its base. The wall-mounted version omits this speaker base, with Apple tuning its computational audio specifically for placement against a wall. Our initial hands-on impressions placed the tabletop model between the HomePod mini and full-size HomePod for sound: it offered more weight and impact than the mini, while the larger HomePod delivered a bigger sound. These are early impressions; a full review will establish how both HomeView models perform. Music, apps and multiroom playback AirPlay lets HomeView join HomePod, HomePod mini and compatible speakers for music playback throughout your home. HomeView also supports FaceTime with Center Stage, Intercom broadcasts, and reading and replying to messages. Compatible third-party audio and video apps run through your paired device, without requiring installation on HomeView. As our colleague Jason Cross explains, this uses a system based on CarPlay. Support depends on app compatibility, so check your preferred services before buying. Siri AI and personal features HomeView’s Siri AI supports conversational questions and music discovery without an Apple Intelligence-capable paired device. Personal-context requests, such as finding information in Messages or Calendar, require a paired Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad with Siri AI enabled in a supported language. To display personal information, HomeView must recognize your face, and your paired device generally needs to be nearby and recently unlocked. This makes your iPhone or iPad an essential part of HomeView’s personalized experience. music throughout your home using HomeView, HomePod, HomePod mini and compatible AirPlay speakers. What processor does Apple HomeView use? HomeView is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the same generation of processor introduced with the iPhone 16 in 2024. This is considerably more powerful than the Apple Watch-derived processors used in older HomePod models and gives HomeView the processing capabilities needed for Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. The A18 is manufactured using a second-generation 3-nanometer process. In its original iPhone implementation, it features a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Apple hasn’t confirmed whether the HomeView uses exactly the same CPU and GPU configuration, or whether the chip has been adapted for the new device. The Neural Engine is particularly important because HomeView uses AI to support conversational Siri interactions, recognize household members, process camera and microphone information, and provide personalized responses. Apple’s Secure Exclaves also isolate sensitive recognition data from the operating system and applications. Apple hasn’t revealed any performance comparisons between HomeView and previous HomePod processors, or disclosed any HomeView-specific improvements to chip packaging or manufacturing. However, the A18’s efficient 3nm architecture should help Apple deliver substantial processing power in a compact device that’s designed to operate continuously. The A18 was one of the key specifications correctly predicted in our earlier HomeView rumors. Apple HomeView connectivity and compatibility HomeView supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, and Thread networking, giving it the wireless connectivity needed to communicate with Apple devices and compatible smart-home accessories. ConnectivityHomeView specificationWi-FiWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with MIMOWi-Fi bandsSimultaneous dual-band operationBluetoothBluetooth 6.0ThreadSupportedMatterCompatible accessories supportedHomeKit / Apple HomeSupportedAirPlayMultiroom audio supportedUltra WidebandNot listed in Apple’s specificationsCellular modemNo cellular connectivity announcedSatellite connectivityNot supported or advertisedWired connectionUSB-C for power HomeView integrates directly with Apple’s Home app and can control compatible smart lights, door locks, thermostats, blinds, and security cameras. It also supports Matter accessories, expanding compatibility beyond devices specifically designed for HomeKit. Importantly, HomeView can act as a home hub itself. You don’t need to buy a separate HomePod or Apple TV simply to use HomeView as your smart-home hub. However, some advanced features depend on compatible accessories, an iCloud+ subscription, or an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. Apple has also announced the Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of cameras, thermostats, and a smart lock developed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The first accessories will arrive in December 2026, with additional products following in early 2027. Which iPhones and iPads work with HomeView? Apple lists an iPhone running iOS 27.2 or later or an iPad running iPadOS 27.2 or later as a system requirement, alongside Wi-Fi internet access. To use HomeView’s more personalized Siri AI features, you’ll need a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. Basic Siri AI functions, including general questions and conversational interactions, remain available without an Apple Intelligence-enabled companion device. Siri AI must be enabled on the paired device and set to a supported language, though. HomeView also requires an Apple Account and compatible paired device for each household member who wants access to their personal information. Does Apple HomeView have a battery or MagSafe charging? Foundry Neither HomeView model has a built-in battery. Both are designed to remain connected to a power supply, so you can’t pick one up and use it around the house like an iPad. The standard tabletop model includes a 1.5-meter USB-C cable and a 30W power adapter. Its USB-C connection supplies power rather than functioning as a conventional charging port. The wall-mounted HomeView also requires continuous power, but Apple doesn’t include the wall mount, USB-C cable, or power adapter. These must be purchased separately, with a minimum 20W power adapter required when using a compatible USB-C power arrangement. Apple offers three mounting solutions through Schneider Home, including a plug-in USB-C option, an AC-wired installation, and a Power over Ethernet (PoE) version coming in early 2027. What software does Apple HomeView use? Like a big Apple WatchApple HomeView runs dedicated home-focused software built around Siri AI, Apple’s Home app, widgets, and a selection of familiar Apple applications. Apple identifies the initial Siri AI software as HomeView software version 27.2. Rather than providing a conventional iPad interface, HomeView is designed to show useful information at a glance and respond to touch, voice, and proximity. Users can customize their Home Screen with apps and widgets, while special faces display photos, clocks, weather, calendar information, and animated artwork. What can Siri AI do on HomeView? Siri AI is one of HomeView’s biggest selling points. Powered by Apple Intelligence, it can answer open-ended questions, understand follow-up requests, draw on broad world knowledge, and support natural conversations. For example, users can ask Siri to find a recipe, explain something they’re interested in, recommend music, control their smart-home accessories, or help organize everyday tasks. When HomeView is paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, Siri becomes more personal. It can draw on information from Calendar, Messages, and other apps, helping users locate an invitation, check an appointment, or find relevant information without manually searching their devices. Siri conversations can also continue across Apple devices using the Siri app, with conversation history privately synced through iCloud. There are some limitations. Siri AI initially supports English, with Canadian French coming later. Certain AI features that use server-side models have daily usage limits, and Apple says expanded access will eventually be available for a fee. Siri AI launches in beta on HomeView software 27.2. Which apps are available on HomeView? Apple includes a selection of built-in apps and provides access to additional entertainment services through compatible iPhones. Built-in appsAdditional apps and contentCalendar, Reminders, MessagesApple TVFaceTime, Find My, IntercomApple NewsMusic, PodcastsAudiobooksHome, SafariApple Music ClassicalWeather, World ClockCompatible third-party audio and video appsAlarms, Timers, SettingsSupported content and services from iPhone HomeView supports third-party audio and video apps from compatible iPhones, but Apple hasn’t announced a dedicated HomeView App Store or general installation of iPad apps. That means it shouldn’t be regarded as a replacement for an iPad’s broader software capabilities. How does HomeView work for different family members? HomeView can recognize up to six users by their faces, automatically switching between personalized Home Screens and keeping each person’s content separate. For example, one family member could approach HomeView and see their own calendar and reminders, while another would be shown different information. Shared photo albums, music, and general smart-home controls can still be enjoyed by everyone. Access to personal information is more tightly controlled. The user’s paired iPhone or iPad must be on the same Wi-Fi network, must have been recently unlocked, and HomeView must recognize the person’s face. Guests and unrecognized users can still ask Siri questions, play music, check the weather, set timers, and control eligible smart-home accessories, without gaining access to anyone’s private messages or calendars. Is Apple HomeView secure? Apple has designed HomeView with a particular emphasis on privacy, given that it includes an always-available camera and microphones in a shared household space. There is no physical camera/microphone privacy switch, but you can disable them via software controls. The A18 chip uses Secure Exclaves to process camera and microphone data used for recognizing faces and voices. This information is isolated from the operating system and apps, so sensitive recognition data isn’t exposed to other software or Apple. For Siri requests, HomeView can process information locally or use Private Cloud Compute, which Apple says handles cloud requests without storing the data or making it accessible to Apple. HomeView also supports HomeKit Secure Video, including intelligent recognition of people, pets, packages, and vehicles with a compatible iCloud+ subscription. It can provide AI-generated descriptions of recorded activity, although these advanced features require setup with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. How much does Apple HomeView cost? Apple HomeView $299/£299 Apple HomeView (Wall Mounted) $299/£299 Apple HomeView starts at $299 in the U.S. and £299 in the U.K., with the tabletop and wall-mounted models carrying the same base price. This positions HomeView below the $349 full-size HomePod price, although HomeView isn’t necessarily a direct replacement for that audio-focused speaker. Do HomeView wall mounts cost extra? Yes. While the tabletop HomeView includes the accessories needed for power, the wall-mounted version requires additional purchases. Schneider Home mounting accessoryU.S. priceAvailabilityPower Mount USB-C Wall ConnectorFrom $59.95/£54.95Order nowPower Mount AC WiredFrom $79.95/£69.95Order nowPower Mount PoE Wired$129.95/£119.95Early 2027 For U.S. customers, this brings the minimum hardware cost of the wall-mounted HomeView and listed USB-C mount to $358.95/£353.95, before any additional installation or power accessories. Is a larger HomeView coming? Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is developing a higher-end HomeView, codenamed J595, for a possible 2027 or 2028 release. It could feature a 9-inch display and a motorized arm offering 360-degree movement, allowing the screen to turn toward the speaker. Apple has not confirmed the product or its name; “Max” and “Ultra” are speculative. These rumored features are not part of the 7-inch HomeView scheduled to go on sale on November 13, 2026. Should you buy Apple HomeView? Apple HomeView looks particularly appealing for households already invested in Apple’s ecosystem. It brings together smart-home controls, a capable Siri assistant, video calling, entertainment, and personalized information in a single device that can be shared by everyone at home. For families, its biggest advantage could be convenience. Being able to see calendars, reminders, weather, timers, and security cameras in a central location, while automatically switching between household members, makes HomeView more useful than a conventional smart speaker. It’s also attractive for people with extensive HomeKit or Matter smart-home setups. Rather than relying on an iPhone whenever they want to adjust the heating, check a security camera, or activate a scene, users get a dedicated interface that’s always available. However, HomeView won’t be essential for everyone. If you mainly use Siri to play music, set timers, and control a handful of smart lights, a HomePod mini is a considerably cheaper option. And if you already use an iPad on a stand in the kitchen, you may find that it handles many of the same tasks while offering much greater flexibility. At $299/£299, HomeView is a premium alternative to smart displays from Amazon and Google. Its strongest selling points are its integration with Apple products, privacy-focused recognition of individual users, and the more powerful Siri AI experience. However, it’s worth remembering that some of those personalized AI features require a recent Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. Which HomeView model should you buy? For most people, the standard tabletop HomeView is the more sensible choice. It costs the same as the wallmounted version but includes a more substantial speaker system, an adjustable display, and the power accessories needed to get started. The wallmounted version makes more sense if you want a permanent smarthome control panel in a hallway, entrance, or other shared area. Its slim design is more discreet, although the additional cost of mounting accessories and potentially professional installation makes it less affordable. We’d recommend waiting for independent reviews before deciding whether HomeView’s sound quality, Siri performance, and personalized features justify its price. But for Apple households looking for a central smart-home display, HomeView already offers a combination of features that no existing HomePod can match.

Read more »

Apple shakes up iOS 28 and macOS 28 development cycle
Apple is giving engineers two extra weeks to explore ideas and build features in the first development milestone for iOS 28 and macOS 28. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

Sunday Reboot: Curses and a spotty reminder of times past
In this week's Sunday Reboot, an exploration of Apple's expletives and transcriptions that are a step towards one 'Black Mirror' episode.Live Rewind on an Apple WatchSunday Reboot is a weekly column covering some of the lighter stories within the Apple reality distortion field from the past seven days. All to get next week underway with a good first step. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple saves $2.7B in taxes by funnelling finances through Singapore
Apple has saved $2.7 billion in taxes in 2026 thanks to funneling its finances through Singapore, better than its usual move involving Ireland.Apple Marina Bay Sands, SingaporeAs a massive multinational, Apple knows a thing or two about taxation and how to minimize its exposure to it. However, while Ireland has been seen as one of its main destinations to cut how much tax it pays, it did even better by using a different territory.In an annual Apple disclosure in line with U.S. reporting rules, the Financial Times says Apple took advantage of the tax incentives in Singapore to a great effect. It funneled about $50 billion in profits through the Asian hub in 2026 alone. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

macOS 27.3 could change how you grant AI agents Full Disk Access, here’s how
Last month, Apple announced it’d be tightening privacy controls in a future macOS update, in response to AI agents requesting Full Disk Access then going rogue with users data without them being fully aware. Now, we have an idea of how the changes might look. more…

Read more »

Apple's iOS 28 schedule shift helps engineers get more creative
Apple has experimented with how it develops its operating system updates, with early schedule changes in making the 28-gen updates, letting engineers become more creative earlier in the process.Apple ParkLike any major project, Apple's annual operating system updates like iOS 27 require some intense scheduling. However, the way you schedule work can have a big impact on the final result.According to Mark Gurman in Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg on Sunday, Apple has made a tweak to how it works on its operating system updates. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Want to Rent an Internet Address at the White House?
Several staffers at the White House are using computers or mobile devices equipped with residential proxy services that render their internet address available for others to rent, security experts warned today. One of the proxy services is a Russian company whose founder's web hosting business was ground zero for cyberattacks against election systems in Arizona and Illinois in 2016.

Read more »

Tech Firms Dismantle Botnet That Turned 1.3M TV Boxes Into Proxies
Google said today it worked with industry partners to dismantle a botnet made up of more than 1.3 million Android TV set-top boxes that ship with malicious software which secretly rents the user's Internet connection out to strangers and conducts advertising fraud. Experts involved in the takedown say the action is likely to sever the botnet's access to more than 10 million additional compromised systems, including other Internet of Things (IoT) products such as Android-based healthcare devices and karaoke machines.

Read more »

Widespread PHP Flaw May Cause Many Site Outages Today
Expect to see quite a few websites serving "404" or "Page Not Found" errors today: Nearly 70 percent of websites need to update their core software to fix a pair of vulnerabilities that allow an attacker to seize full control over affected servers. Experts say there are working exploits for the flaws, and that these critical bugs are already being exploited in the wild.

Read more »

Feds Suspect Ransom Negotiator Ran ShinyHunters Extortion Site
U.S. federal investigators pursuing the ShinyHunters hacking group that recently stole highly sensitive data from the FBI have identified executives at two different ransomware negotiation firms who maintained unusually close relations with the extortion group, KrebsOnSecurity has learned. Sources close to the investigation say one of the executives in the United States even helped ShinyHunters operate a website that pressured victims into paying a ransom.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

Week’s Best iPad Deals, Save Up to $100
This week's best iPad deals save up to $100. The 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB) is down to $1,399 at B&H, $100 off its $1,499 MSRP, and Amazon has the 11-inch iPad (A16) 512GB WiFi+Cell in Blue at $799.99, $99 off.The 11-inch M4 iPad Air (256GB) is $749.99 at Amazon, $99 off, in Gray, Starlight, and Purple. The 13-inch M4 iPad Air (512GB) in Blue is $1,179 at B&H, $70 off, and the 11-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB) is $1,139 at B&H, $60 off — both fresh cuts this week.The Pro models suit video editing, design, and heavy multitasking; the Air is the best value for most students and professionals; and the standard iPad is the budget pick.Get the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB) for $1,399 at B&H.For the latest prices and sales, see our 11-inch iPad Price Tracker, iPad Air Price Tracker, and iPad Pro Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

Walmart Restores $100 Off AirPods Max 2, Now $449
Walmart has restored its $100 discount on Apple's AirPods Max 2, dropping the price back to just $449 from its $549 MSRP.This is the same $449 price Walmart offered on October 30. The discount then disappeared and the price rose to $499 — now it is back to $449, matching the lowest Walmart price on the current model.The AirPods Max 2 offer active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, with up to 20 hours of listening on a single charge over USB-C.Get the AirPods Max 2 for $449 at Walmart.For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple AirPods Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

B&H Drops 24GB M5 MacBook Airs to $1,599, Save Up to $200
B&H has cut prices on Apple's 24GB M5 MacBook Airs, with the 13-inch model down to $1,599 — $200 off its $1,799 MSRP — and the 15-inch model down to $1,799, $100 off its $1,899 MSRP.These are fresh cuts: the 13-inch 24GB / 1TB models were still at their full $1,799 price on November 6, and the 15-inch Blue model was $1,899. The 13-inch model in Blue and Silver is also on sale at $1,649, down $150.Both sizes run Apple's M5 chip with 24GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD, a Liquid Retina display, and up to 18 hours of battery life — the configuration to pick for heavy multitasking, photo and video work, and longevity.Get the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB / 1TB) for $1,599 at B&H.For the latest prices and sales, see our 13-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

B&H Drops M5 Max MacBook Pros to $3,799, Save Up to $600
B&H has cut prices on Apple's M5 Max MacBook Pros, with the 14-inch model down to $3,799 — $300 off its $4,099 MSRP — and the 16-inch model down to $4,399, $600 off its $4,999 MSRP.These are fresh cuts at B&H: the 14-inch M5 Max was still at its full $4,099 price yesterday, and the 16-inch Silver model was $4,499 — now $600 off. The 14-inch model in Black is also on sale at $3,849, down $250.Both are the current M5 Max generation, with 36GB or 48GB of unified memory and a 2TB SSD — built for 4K and 8K video work, large photo libraries, and software development.Get the 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro for $3,799 at B&H.For the latest prices and sales, see our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker and 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

Amazon Drops M4 iPad Air 256GB Models to $749.99, Save $99
Amazon has dropped the 256GB M4 iPad Air to $749.99 for the 11-inch model — $99 off its $849 MSRP — and to $949.99 for the 13-inch model, $99 off its $1,049 MSRP.The 256GB tier is the fresh cut today: the 11-inch model in Blue was still at its full $849 price yesterday, and the 13-inch model in Starlight was $1,029. The 11-inch price applies in Starlight, Blue, and Purple; the 13-inch price applies in all four colors.Both sizes run Apple's M4 chip with 12GB of memory, a Liquid Retina display, and Apple Pencil Pro support — the 256GB models are the sweet spot of the iPad Air line for most buyers.Get the 11-inch M4 iPad Air (256GB) for $749.99 at Amazon.For the latest prices and sales, see our iPad Air Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

🔥 B&H Offers Free $150 Gift Card with New PROLED XDR MacBook Pros
B&H has launched a new promotion on Apple's latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with PROLED XDR touchscreen displays, offering a free $150 B&H Gift Card with qualifying preorders. The offer covers select M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations, including models with standard and nano-texture displays. The new MacBook Pros feature OLED touchscreen technology, Dynamic Island, and Apple's latest professional processors. Shop 14-inch PROLED XDR MacBook Pros at B&H or shop 16-inch models. The $150 gift card is included with qualifying orders. For additional prices and deals, visit our Touchscreen MacBook Pro Price Tracker.

Read more »

🔥 Amazon Takes $250 Off 13″ and 15″ M5 MacBook Airs with 1TB SSDs
Amazon has increased its early Black Friday discounts on Apple's M5 MacBook Air, taking $250 off the 13-inch and 15-inch models with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSDs. The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is now $1349, down from Apple's $1599 MSRP, while the larger 15-inch model is $1549, down from $1799. Both are an additional $50 below Amazon's previous sale prices. These are the lowest reported prices for these configurations since Apple's June price increases, making them particularly attractive for buyers who want the extra storage without upgrading to a MacBook Pro. See our 13-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker for current Amazon offers and additional deals.

Read more »

Week’s Best Mac Desktop Deals, Save Up to $200
Amazon has this week's best Mac desktop deals, headlined by the M5 Max Mac Studio down to $2,299 — $200 off its $2,499 MSRP — and M6 Mac minis from $779, up to $150 off.B&H had these same prices in its early Black Friday sale, but most have since returned to full price there; the exception is the 24GB Mac mini, still $1,149 at B&H. Amazon still has all five configurations at the sale prices: the Mac Studio at $2,299, the base M6 mini at $779, the 16GB/512GB mini at $949, the 24GB/512GB mini at $1,149, and the M5 Pro mini at $1,549.The Mac mini is the smallest, most affordable way into a desktop Mac, while the Mac Studio is the step up for pro workflows that need the M5 Max's extra cores and memory.Get the M5 Max Mac Studio for $2,299 at Amazon.For the latest prices and sales, see our Mac mini Price Tracker and Mac Studio Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

🔥 B&H Launches Early Black Friday MacBook Pro Sale, Save Up to $550
B&H has announced a new round of early Black Friday and Holiday specials on Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, with savings of up to $550 on select M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max models. The biggest discount is on a 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro with a nano-texture display, reduced from $5549 to $4999, saving $550. B&H is also taking $310 off select 16-inch M5 Pro models, including one reduced to $3289. On the 14-inch side, B&H has select M5 MacBook Pros in Silver and Space Black for $1799, saving $200, while a 14-inch M5 Pro model in Space Black is available for $2289, saving $200. These are limited-time holiday offers, with most listed through November 15. The $2289 M5 Pro promotion is scheduled to end November 6. See our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker and 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker for additional retailer prices and deals.

Read more »

Week’s Best MacBook Air Deals, Save Up to $200
Amazon and B&H are both offering $200 off Apple's M5 MacBook Air this week, with the 13-inch model down to $1,099 and the 15-inch model down to $1,299.The 13-inch M5 Air with 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD is $1,099 at both retailers, and the 1TB version is $1,399 — both $200 off. The 15-inch M5 Air with 16GB and 512GB is $1,299 at both retailers, also $200 off, while the 1TB version is $1,599.99 at Amazon, down $199.01.Both sizes run Apple's M5 chip with 16GB of unified memory, a Liquid Retina display, MagSafe charging, and up to 18 hours of battery life in a thin, fanless design — the 13-inch for portability, the 15-inch for a bigger screen at the same saving.Get the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air for $1,099 at Amazon or B&H.For the latest prices and sales, see our 13-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »

Amazon Drops Magic Keyboard for 10″ iPad to $199, Save $50
Amazon has dropped Apple's Magic Keyboard for the 10.9-inch iPad to just $199, down $50 from its $249 list price — a 20% saving.The Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically and adds a full-size backlit keyboard with a trackpad, a floating cantilever design with an adjustable viewing angle, USB-C pass-through charging, and a Smart Connector connection with no pairing or charging needed.At $199 it is a sensible add-on for anyone who types on a 10.9-inch iPad every day — students, office workers, and anyone who wants a laptop-style setup without a second device. Check compatibility before ordering, as it fits 10.9-inch iPad models only.Get the Magic Keyboard for 10″ iPad for $199 at Amazon.For the latest prices and sales, see our iPad Magic Keyboards Price Tracker, updated regularly.

Read more »