Today in Apple history: The App Store hits 25 billion downloads
On March 5, 2012, Apple marked 25 billion apps downloaded from the iOS App Store. The 25 Billion App Countdown contest had a winner! (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Google announces ‘AI Mode’ as a new way to use Search, testing starts today 
Google today is announcing and beginning testing on an “AI Mode” for Search. This “early experiment” lets you ask more complex questions that will be answered by an AI-generated response that takes up the entire page. more…

Read more »

iOS 18.4 beta introduces AI-powered review summaries in the App Store
Macworld Earlier this week, Apple released iOS 18.4 beta 2, featuring a new pause/resume button for active downloads in the App Store. That, however, isn’t the only new change brought to the company’s digital storefront. With the latest iOS and iPadOS betas, users can view AI-generated summaries of reviews left by others on App Store listings. As discovered by Macworld, the latest betas of iOS and iPadOS 18.4 bring Apple Intelligence-powered review summaries to the App Store. The feature, initially referenced by an App Store Story last October, is currently rolling out to eligible app and game listings in the US. Some of the criteria include the language being English and the app having a sufficient number of user reviews to generate a fair summary. According to Apple, the feature will support more languages and regions “over the course of the year.” Screenshot Foundry The AI-generated summaries appear just before user reviews on the App Store, highlighting the most common thoughts and themes expressed by users. The processing seemingly takes place in the cloud, as my iPhone and iPad both display identical summaries for the same app listings. As such, it’s not clear whether these summaries will be available to everyone or only devices running Apple Intelligence. Given the unpredictable nature of AI-generated content, Apple has provided both developers and users with the option to report problematic review summaries. Apple will then presumably regenerate or hide them altogether. To keep the App Store summaries up to date, Apple states that it refreshes them at least once a week. This ensures that the latest user reviews are taken into account. Those interested in individual reviews can continue to read and sort through them based on recency, helpfulness, etc. Beyond AI-powered review summaries on the App Store, iOS 18.4 beta 2 introduces seven new emojis, Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro, new actions in the Shortcuts app, and a standalone Apple Vision Pro app. We expect the version to roll out to all users beginning next month.

Read more »

Deals: iPad A16 50% off or M3 iPad Air up to $650 off with trade, 48GB M4 Pro MacBook Pro over $300 off, more
Apple has just unveiled the M4 MacBook Air with a sweet new Sky Blue color no less, but we are now tracking some major savings opportunities on yesterday’s reveals – the M3 iPad Air and the new iPad (A16). Best Buy is now offering $50 off the new M3 Air for its members and trade-ins of an M2 can net you up to $650 off. The same goes for the iPad A16 – you can flip an iPad 10 to score the new model at 50% off. Those deals join Apple’s 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 48GB of RAM at over $300 off, nearly 25% off the Apple Pencil Pro, and more. All of that and more awaits below in today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break. more…

Read more »

Now’s the time to score big with M2 and M3 MacBook Air deals
With the new M4 MacBook Air available, right now on Amazon you can score great deals on M3 and M2 MacBook Air models. They're still great machines. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Now’s the time to score big with M2 and M3 MacBook Air deals
With the arrival of the M4 MacBook Air, right now you can score great deals on M3 and M2 MacBook Air models. They're still great. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Now’s the time to score big with M2 and M3 MacBook Air deals
With the arrival of the M4 MacBook Air, right now you can score great deals on M3 and M2 MacBook Air models. They're still great. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Best deals on Apple’s cheapest iPad
Macworld Apple sells four kinds of iPad: the iPad Pro; the iPad Air; the iPad mini; and the standard, cheapest iPad. In this roundup, we’ve got all the best deals on Apple’s cheapest iPad, which is currently the iPad A16 model introduced in March 2025. The 2025 iPad it the 11th generation model that replaces an 2022 iPad (10th generation) that ran on an A14 chip. The main selling point of the 2025 iPad is that it has double the storage at the entry-level, so it’s a better deal than ever. The processor has leapt from the A14 to A16, which might sound good, but this is also the main disadvantage of the 2025 iPad. The A16 is not compatible with Apple Intelligence, the new AI features Apple is making quite a fuss about. It will be a while before you can get money off the A16 iPad, which goes on sale on March 12, but you can save money on an older iPad, which isn’t all that different to the new one. Just beware that the older model had half the storage for the same price, so the deal will have to take that into account to be worth it. For that reason we will be clear about what the newer model would cost when listing the deals on the older model below. We’ve checked all the best places to pick up the iPad at the best price for you so that you can get a bargain. If you’d like to see the best prices for the standard iPad’s more expensive siblings, including iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad Pro, click those links for dedicated deals roundups. Also, have a look at our iPad buying buide if you’re not sure which model you want. You may also like to read our best iPad for kids, best iPad for students, and best iPad for seniors guides. You can also check out our roundup of the best Apple deals. How to buy an iPad A16 If you want to pre-order the iPad from Apple you can do so now. However, if you wait until March 12, when the iPad Air becomes available from other resellers including Amazon, you may find that there are slight discounts. For example, if you are shopping from the U.K. KRCS usually knocks a few pounds off Apple’s price at launch. Pre-order the iPad from Apple U.S. Pre-order the iPad from Apple U.K. Best standard iPad deals right now The main difference between the 2025 iPad and the 2022 iPad is that you will get more storage for your money with the newer models. The entry-level 2022 iPad had 64GB storage, while the 2025 iPad has double that storage for the same price. So is is crucial to keep that in mind if you are concidering buying a 10th-gen iPad, or you risk spending more on an older iPad. We will include any good deals on the older iPad models below. U.S. These U.S. deals are not recommended, we share them to demontrate what should be avoided. Amazon, 10th gen iPad (64GB): $319 – The 2025 iPad (128GB) costs $349 so spend $30 more to get the new iPad. Amazon, 10th-gen iPad (256GB): $429 – The 2025 iPad (256GB) costs $449 so spend $20 more to get the new iPad. U.K. Amazon, 10th-gen iPad (256GB): £379 – The 2025 iPad (256GB) now costs £429. Argos, 9th-gen iPad (2021, 64GB): £289 Check below to see other deals that are available, including the cellular models. Best deals for the iPad (2025, A16) Below you will find the the best prices at various resellers once the iPad goes on sale on March 12. iPad (A16, 128GB, Wi-Fi): $349/£329 Retailer Price $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Discontinued iPads You may find older iPads on sale, just make sure you compare the price to that of the 2025 iPad. The 10th-gen iPad, with its larger 10.9-inch display, launched in October 2022. 10th-gen iPad (A14, 64GB, Wi-Fi): $349/£329 New Refurbished Retailer Price $269 View Deal $299 View Deal $339 View Deal $349 View Deal $349.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad 10.9 (2022) 64GB – Blue – (Wi-Fi) $265 View Deal iPad 10.9 (2022) 64GB – Silver – (Wi-Fi) $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket 10th-gen iPad (A14, 256GB, Wi-Fi): $499/£479 New Refurbished Retailer Price $449 View Deal $449 View Deal $468 View Deal $479 View Deal $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad 10.9 (2022) 256GB – Yellow – (Wi-Fi) $394.57 View Deal iPad 10.9 (2022) 256GB – Silver – (Wi-Fi) $399 View Deal iPad 10.9 (2022) 256GB – Blue – (Wi-Fi) $429 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket 9th-gen iPad (A13, 64GB, Wi-Fi): MSRP was $329/£369 (now discontinued) New Refurbished Retailer Price $258 View Deal $274.99 View Deal $298.95 View Deal $329.99 View Deal $329.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad 10.2 (2021) 64GB – Space Gray – (Wi-Fi) $179 View Deal iPad 10.2 (2021) 64GB – Silver – (Wi-Fi) $204.84 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket 9th-gen iPad (A13, 256GB, Wi-Fi): MSRP was $479/£549 (now discontinued) New Refurbished Retailer Price $299 View Deal $399.99 View Deal $449 View Deal $459.99 View Deal $464 View Deal $479.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad 10.2 (2021) 64GB – Space Gray – (Wi-Fi + 4G) $178 View Deal iPad 10.2 (2021) 64GB – Silver – (Wi-Fi + 4G) $229 View Deal iPad 10.2 (2021) 256GB – Space Gray – (Wi-Fi) $264 View Deal iPad 10.2 (2021) 256GB – Silver – (Wi-Fi) $272.81 View Deal $319.99 View Deal $319.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Where to buy the iPad U.S. retailers Apple Amazon Best Buy Costco Target Walmart U.K. retailers Apple Amazon Argos Currys John Lewis KRCS Very Apple has a number of Apple Premium Resellers who stock iPads in the U.K., and also offer other services, try the following: KRCS, often the first to discount new products iStore Select Western Computer Where to buy the iPad on contract If you want to buy the iPad on contract you could try these networks: U.S. network carriers AT&T Verizon T-Mobile U.K. network carriers EE O2 Sky Vodafone Virgin Media Three Best refurbished iPad deals The deals you will see above are generally from Apple resellers rather than Apple itself, which very rarely drops the prices. Apple does, however, sell reconditioned iPads in its refurbished store. So you might be able to grab a bargain. The iPads in Apple’s refurbished store may be ex-display stock, or they may have been returned to Apple due to a fault, but they are fully reconditioned now and come with a full year’s warranty. It’s not like buying secondhand. The U.S. refurbished store has a selection that includes: Standard iPad (8th and 9th generation) iPad Air (4th generation) 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd and 3rd generation) 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th and 5th generation) iPad mini (5th and 6th generation) Compared to the original price, you can save as much as $320 on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Get a refurbished iPad at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K. you’ll find a similar selection of iPads available from Apple’s refurbished store. You’ll find the following: Standard iPad (9th generation) iPad Air (4th generation) 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd and 3rd generation) 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation) iPad mini (5th and 6th generation) There are savings of £480 on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, compared to the original price. Get a refurbished iPad at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) Another place to look is BackMarket US and BackMarket UK, which sells refurbished Macs and other Apple products. Amazon also has a certified refurbished store for Apple products, but we would advise against buying any products that are older than five years. Most of the products we see on the Amazon refurbished store are unfortunately very old. There is a large refurbished market for the iPad. We’d recommend taking a look at these refurbished resellers for iPad offers: Amazon AWD Big Phone Store eBay Envirofone Affordable Mac Tech Trade 4Gadgets Handtec Laptops Direct Music Magpie Preloved Smartfone Store

Read more »

M4 MacBook Air vs M3 MacBook Air: Five reasons to upgrade early
Apple just launched its M4 MacBook Air and it ships next week. If you already own an M3 MacBook Air, should you even consider the M4 model? Here’s what you should know about the key differences. more…

Read more »

What to know before buying a MacBook Air in 2025
Apple brought the MacBook Air starting price back to the magic $999 number with the introduction of the M4 MacBook Air. In recent years, Apple relied on selling an older version of the MacBook Air to stay below the $1,000 price tag. Having newer technology for a lower price is a double win for customers. It also means customers should seek even lower prices on previous generation MacBook Air models still being sold. Considering an now that the M4 MacBook Air has arrived? Keep these things in mind before making a buying decision. more…

Read more »

Gamer loves easily switching from MacBook Pro to PC [Setups]
Today's MacBook Pro rig can help you choose which setup KVM switch and Thunderbolt 3 dock to add to a dual-computer workstation. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever built
Apple on Wednesday announced the new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever made, featuring M4 Max and the new M3 Ultra chip… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Apple's extortionate upgrade prices can't stop the MacBook Air being a bargain
Apple will never sell a cheap upgrade to anything, but choices the firm has made about the MacBook Air mean even it can't wring all that much more cash out of buyers.Apple's Build to Order options for the MacBook Air start with a minor processor differenceApple would never say this publicly, but so often you know it has released a version of a device solely to hit a price point. It wants to be able to say you can get a MacBook Air for under a thousand bucks, for instance, so it makes that more or less true.Usually less. Usually the configuration you get for the lowest price of any Apple device is at the very best just about adequate, and usually not even that. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

MacBook Air, MacBook Pro buyer's guide: which to buy in early 2025
Apple's update to the MacBook Air line has changed part of the entire MacBook lineup, and what consumers should buy. Here's which model you should buy for any budget, in early 2025.MacBook Air and MacBook ProApple's ecosystem is constructed in a way that makes it extremely easy to find a product that fits your particular budget. Be it the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Air or a fully-loaded 16-inch MacBook Pro, it can cater to a wide array of price points and computing needs.With Apple's introduction of new MacBook Air models in early 2025, this has made a considerable change to the value end of the scale. Consumers are being provided more performance than ever before for Apple's budget-friendly options. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

3 reasons to watch Vietnam: The War That Changed America on Apple TV+
In our "Vietnam: The War That Changed America" review, we give you three compelling reasons to watch the six-part documentary series. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Apple Refreshes MacBook Air With M4 Chip, Lower Pricing
Apple has refreshed its MacBook Air lineup with the M4 processor, adding a new sky blue color option and reducing prices across the board. The 13-inch model now starts at $999, while the 15-inch begins at $1,199. Both models are available to order immediately and will ship on March 12. The updated MacBook Airs feature the same thin design as previous generations but now include the 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam found in current MacBook Pro models. Both variants come with the M4 chip, aligning them with Apple's recent Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro refreshes. Base configurations include an M4 with a 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and 256GB of storage. Customers can upgrade to a 10-core GPU (matching the base 14-inch MacBook Pro), 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. A significant technical improvement is the support for two external 6K displays while keeping the laptop's lid open, addressing a limitation of previous Air models. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Read more »

Hands-On: PolarPro’s new LiteChaser 16 Slim – Where minimalism meets professional filters
PolarPro has announced its new LiteChaser 16 Slim case for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. PolarPro was kind enough to send over both a case and a full set of their filters to check it out. While I’m normally a no-case kind of guy, the added filter attachments might just switch me over for when I’m around town and need to scratch my photography itch. more…

Read more »

iOS 18.4 brings RCS messaging to some of the last big carrier holdouts
iOS 18.4 is currently in beta testing, and with the recent beta 2 debut, it brought long-awaited RCS messaging support to not only Google Fi users, but also customers of some other big US carrier holdouts: Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, and more. Here are the details. more…

Read more »

Apple goes to new performance extremes with M3 Ultra chip
Apple unveils M3 Ultra chip along with two 2025 Mac Studio models. As Cupertino's top silicon chip ever, it smokes even the M4 Max chip. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Apple reveals M3 Ultra, the highest-performing chip it has ever created
Apple on Wednesday announced M3 Ultra, the highest-performing chip it has ever created, offering the most powerful CPU and GPU in a Mac… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »