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- Friday January 03
- 03:53 pmGrab the iPad 10th Gen for just $279 at Amazon this weekend
Snag today's lowest iPad 10th Generation price at Amazon, with a $70 discount in effect heading into the weekend.Save $70 with this iPad 10th Gen markdownTake advantage of a fresh price drop on Apple's iPad 10th Generation, with the standard 64GB Wi-Fi model falling to $279 at Amazon and Best Buy.Get the $279 deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:44 pmSamsung is already working on its iPhone 17 Air copycat
Apple is expected to release an all-new “iPhone 17 Air” model this year, prioritizing form over function. A new supply chain report today reiterates what to expect from the iPhone 17 Air size and pricing, but it also says Samsung is already hard at work on its copycat… more…03:34 pmApple to open flagship stores in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Apple announced its plan to expand its presence in the Saudi Arabian market, starting with the opening of its online store in 2025. It will mark a new beginning for customers to shop and get support for Apple products in the region. The move will also be the first time the company will provide service […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:34 pmApple to open flagship stores in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Apple announced its plan to expand its presence in the Saudi Arabian market, starting with the opening of its online store in 2025. It will mark a new beginning for customers to shop and get support for Apple products in the region. The move will also be the first time the company will provide service […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:34 pmApple to open flagship stores in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Apple announced its plan to expand its presence in the Saudi Arabian market, starting with the opening of its online store in 2025. It will mark a new beginning for customers to shop and get support for Apple products in the region. The move will also be the first time the company will provide service […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:30 pmApple Watch health tips to kick off the new year
Going into the new year, here are our best tips to maximize your health with the help of any Apple Watch.Apple Watch is a great health companionLike its predecessors, the latest Apple Watch Series 10 is an incredible fitness tool that is packed with sensors that give you immediate health and fitness information. Whether your goal is to lose weight, live healthier, or something else — any Apple Watch can help.That's always true, but right now at the start of the year, many users are opening new Apple Watches from the holidays. Plus many of those, and existing users, will be starting off their new year resolutions which always include getting fitter. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:00 pmCancel unwanted subscriptions and save money
Find and cancel subscriptions you don’t want or need any more in Apple’s App Store. It’s easy: Just follow this guide. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)02:54 pmIf you owned an Apple device in the past decade, a check is headed your way
Macworld If you’ve always suspected that Siri is listening to you even though you haven’t called upon it, a new class-action lawsuit may give you some peace of mind. Apple has agreed to pay our nearly $100 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit over Siri’s ability to “listen to, record, and share their conversations” without consent. According to the Lopez v. Apple suit, which was filed in 2019, the plaintiffs allege that Apple’s Siri-enabled devices both listened to conversations due to “accidental activations” and shared the contents with advertisers. Examples in the suit include Air Jordan sneakers, Pit Viper sunglasses, and a specific surgical treatment, all of which allegedly resulted in targeted ads on their devices. The lawsuit covers a decade of devices, from September 2014 to December 2024 and seemingly includes iPhones, Apple Watches, and any other device with “Hey Siri” capabilities. As it the case with class-action settlements, Apple has denied any wrongdoing in agreeing to the terms of the settlement. The $95 million figure is relatively low, especially since it also includes legal fees, while likely top $30 million. For example, the class-action suit over the iPhone 6 battery issue, resulted in a $500 million settlement, which resulted in an average payout of $65 per person across 3 million claims. At any rate, Reuters reports class members may receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, but that will be dependent on the terms of the settlement, which haven’t been disclosed.02:30 pmTop up your Apple Watch anywhere with a wireless keychain charger
Never risk a low battery again with this Apple Watch wireless charger keychain, just $18.99 for a limited time! (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)02:16 pmHow to use a VPN on a Mac
Macworld Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) might sound complicated–they are–but setting one up and using it on your Mac is very easy. Here, we’ll show you through the entire process of setting up a VPN, step by step, from signing up for a service to installing the software and connecting to a server. A VPN encrypts the connection between your Mac and the internet and also makes it appear as though you are located where the server is. If you connect to a server in New York, for example, websites and streaming services will behave as though you were in that region, rather than your true location, which could be anywhere in the world. This is a handy thing to have on your Mac (and iPhone and iPad) if you want to be able to access content that isn’t usually available in your country – e.g. BBC iPlayer if you are in the U.S., or HBO Max which has very little coverage outside the U.S. Plus, if you are concerned about privacy the VPN will encrypt your data and hide your IP address. See: Should I use a VPN on my Mac/iPhone? and for more information on the legalities and whether it is safe to use a VPN read: Is a VPN safe for Mac? NordVPN Read our review Price When Reviewed: Basic plan from $2.99 a month for two years + 3 free months. Usually $12.99. Best Prices Today: $2.99 at NordVPN (Monthly) Before you can start using a VPN, you must choose a VPN service to use. NordVPN is our top VPN recommendation, but you’ll find a whole range of alternatives–including many that may be more affordable–in our round-up of the best VPN services for Mac. For the best value VPN right now see our Best Mac VPN deals round-up. How to set up a VPN on a Mac 1. Choose a VPN plan Foundry Once you’ve decided which VPN service to get, head to its website and choose the pricing plan that suits you best. NordVPN, which we’re using here, currently offers two-year, one-year, and one-month subscriptions. In the image above the first option is the cheapest, costing $5.29/£4.39 per month for the two years. There might be options that look cheaper, but, after the first year, you could be paying a lot more at which point you might want to cancel and look for a new deal. You can find the best deal right now on NordVPN’s website. (Nord, as well as other VPNs, often offer deals that offer a lower price per month.) Create an account and use your preferred method of payment to activate your subscription. Be sure to keep your password and username safe as you will need these. 2. Download the VPN app Foundry With your account details ready, download the app for your chosen VPN. On your Mac, you should be able to download via the App Store, which is usually faster and safe, but some VPNs might offer download links from their websites for newer or better-featured versions. With Nord, the best deals are here. You can download NordVPN from Nord’s website, as well as from the Mac App Store. 3. Sign in to the VPN app Foundry If you choose to download your VPN from the App Store, you may be asked to sign in using your Apple ID after clicking Install App. Once installed, open the app. You’ll need to sign in using the email address and password from when you created your account earlier (step 1). 4. Allow the VPN to add configurations Foundry Once logged in, you’ll see a popup that asks you for permission to allow your VPN to add VPN configurations on your machine. You’ll need to press Allow and may be asked to enter the password you use to log in to your Mac. Below, we explain how to set up a VPN that requires you to go into your Mac’s settings, but like most services, Nord’s app does all the configuration for you when you click Allow here. As long as you have downloaded a trusted VPN app from a trusted source, this should be safe. 5. Choose the location of your server Foundry To begin using the VPN, you’ll be asked to choose a server. This could be within the country you are located if you are looking to protect your privacy and aren’t trying to access blocked content. If, however, you are trying to access a service, such as U.S. Netflix from inside the U.K., or BBC iPlayer from outside the U.K., or you want to check a website, you need to choose the relevant server location. If you are using Nord, you can pick a server using the search bar in the top left corner, or scroll around the world map, or through the country list. Other VPNs will have a similar process for selecting the location of the server you will be routed via. You may encounter some alerts when you try to connect to a new server for the first time. For example, you may see a message like the one above: “neagent wants to use your confidential information stored in NordVPN in your keychain.” This will only appear if IKEv2 is set as the protocol to use, but you’re better off using OpenVPN or NordLynx (based on WireGuard) if you want a faster connection. You can type in your Mac administrator password and click Always Allow, which means NordVPN will remember the login password within your keychain for future use, and won’t ask you for it again unless you change the password. 6. Choose your VPN settings and preferences Foundry Your VPN will offer various settings. For example, with Nord you can access settings in Preferences. Click on NordVPN in the top menu and then click on Settings (Preferences in older versions of macOS). Here you will find options like “Launch the app on computer startup” and an option to auto-connect to a particular country (see: Settings > Auto-connect). That way the VPN connects to a server of your choice from the moment you launch the application. You can also access an advanced version of Nord’s Kill Switch here. Kill Switch should stop data leaks if your connection drops; the advanced settings give an additional layer of security. Other VPNs may have a similar feature you can find in the app’s preferences. You’ll be able to access the VPN settings and server lists at any time by launching the app itself or using the icon in the navigation bar at the top of your computer where you’d usually find the date and time. Once connected, you can use your Mac as normal, but in the knowledge that no one can spy on your web browsing, and you should be able to access previously blocked content. 7. Now switch on your VPN and you will be encrypted and appear to be in another country Foundry Whenever you want to surf the internet as if you are in another country, or just ensure that your data is encrypted you can turn on your VPN, select the country server you want to use, and use facilities that might not be available to you otherwise. To use a streaming service from another country you will need to be signed up for that service. Enjoy your vacation! How to set up a VPN that doesn’t have an app In some scenarios, the VPN service does not use its own app. Instead, you will need to go into the System Settings of your Mac and configure the Network settings. It can sound a little daunting but it’s simple once you know how. Hidden24 Price When Reviewed: From $4.99 a month for one year. Usually $5.99 a month. Best Prices Today: $4.99 at Hidden24 Your VPN provider should be able to offer help installing and setting up, but this example using Hidden24 should give you some idea of what to expect. As with any service, you’ll first need to sign up and create an account. Once you have a username (usually your email address) and password associated with your account, you can begin the process of setting it up. First go to System Settings (or System Preferences) on your Mac and choose Network. Press the down arrow (or small + symbol) in the bottom left corner to bring up a drop-down menu. Click on Add VPN configuration and choose the VPN type and service name specified by your VPN provider from the options. (In older versions of macOS you need to click on Interface and then choose VPN). In this instance, it’s L2TP over IPSec and the service name is Hidden24. Enter the settings for the VPN you are using. In the Server Address field, enter the server specified by your provider. Here it’s connect.hidden24.co.uk. The account name is the username you were given when you signed up, so will be unique to everyone. There are Advanced options you might want to use. For example, you can choose Send all traffic over VPN connection, to ensure all apps are routed via the VPN connection – unless you specifically don’t want this to happen. Click Create. You will be prompted to enter your password, as well as a Shared Secret which you should also have been given by your provider. Next go to System Settings > Control Centre. Scroll down to Menu Bar Only and find VPN, click on the pop-up menu beside it and choose ‘Show VPN status in menu bar’. Then click OK and Apply. You’ll see a new icon appear in your menu bar, which represents your VPN. Foundry02:07 pmForeign smartphone sales sink in China for 4th straight month
November shipments of foreign-branded smartphones, including Apple's iPhones, to China dropped 47.4% year-on-year, marking the… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:51 pmNew Year update to Apple Fitness+ adds Strava integration
In its now annual launch of new features, Apple Fitness+ has highlighted its collaboration with fitness app Strava, as well as adding strength, yoga, pickelball, and breath meditation sessions.Apple Fitness+ has welcomed in the New Year with a raft of extra workoutsIn January 2023, Apple Fitness+ added kickboxing, though the service was still being criticized for its lack of range. In January 2024, it added more workouts and meditation.Now starting on January 6, 2025, Apple Fitness+ is starting what it claims is its biggest lineup of programming, "bringing users more ways to stay active and mindful." There's now a progressive strength training program, a conditioning program using pickleball, plus more celebrities in its Artist Spotlight and Time to Walk series. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:31 pmChinese smartphone market continues to be tough for Apple and other foreign brands
A drop in foreign-branded smartphone sales in China continues to hit the iPhone, with the year-on-year dip continuing for the fourth month in a row.Apple Intelligence's Siri animation on an iPhoneChina is a major market for Apple, but the company has had trouble maintaining its position in recent years. A government-affiliated report now indicates the market is even tougher for Apple to compete in.Data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) indicates that shipments of foreign-branded smartphones in China reached 3.04 million in November. Reuters reports this is a 47.4% drop from the 5.77 million units reported for November 2023. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:02 pmiPhone sales in China fell for the 4th month in a row
iPhone sales in China fell for the fourth successive month, amidst a sharp decline across all non-Chinese brands. Official data revealed that shipments of foreign-branded smartphones were down 47% year-on-year, explaining Apple’s rare decision to discount the cost of current iPhone models in the country … more…12:34 pmNet neutrality protections again lost as federal court overrules the FCC
The right to net neutrality has again been lost after a federal court ruled that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not have the power to ban a two-tier internet. The FCC had acted in response to calls from Apple and more than 40 other tech companies to safeguard equal treatment for all. This means that internet service providers (ISPs) and mobile carriers will again be free to accept payments from large websites and services to prioritize their traffic over the rest of the internet … more…12:25 pmApple published a new Press Release
Apple just published a new Press Release:Apple Fitness+ unveils an exciting lineup of new ways to stay active in 202512:25 pmWeak iPad Pro sales prompt OLED supplier to switch to making more iPhone screens
Lower than expected sales of the latest iPad Pro have reportedly left production lines under-used, with LG Display planning to repurpose them for the iPhone.Apple's ultra-thin OLED iPad Pro fails to spark sales surgeAs well-received as the 2024 iPad Pro and its OLED screen was, it failed to spark as many buyers to upgrade as expected. Now a new report says that the low demand, and little prospect of it increasing, has prompted LG Display to change from iPad Pro to iPhone screens.According to The Elec, despite switching from one size OLED screen to another, the repurposing of the production line is a major endeavor. The work will cost an estimated $1.4 billion. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:15 pmApple Fitness+ announces integration with Strava, new strength training program
Apple Fitness+ today announced a slew of new content to kick off the year, as well as a new integration with the popular social fitness app Strava. Fitness+ users will now be able to easily share their completed workout sessions to Strava, with rich details like episode image, music genre, and metrics. Strava subscribers will also be able to redeem a free trial of Fitness+. more…12:06 pmNew Apple TV (2025) to be faster, cheaper, feature-rich, according to rumors
The Apple TV 4K has started to show its age, having been released more than two years ago. The streaming box is due for an hardware upgrade and rumours suggest a 2025 refresh release. The upgrade will reportedly be minor and not major design changes. For years, Apple has been working on designing its own […] The post appeared first on iLounge.12:00 pmDockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure review: Storage puck for the iPhone
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Expandable memory External power supply SSD health monitoring Robust housing Cons Relatively large enclosure You must provide your own 2230/2242 NVMe M.2 SSD module Our Verdict The Dockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure offers crucial professional features, thanks to its external power connection, flexible storage expansion, and integrated SSD health monitoring. These features make the enclosure slightly larger than necessary, but the Dockcase is highly recommended for professional users. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$79.99 Best Prices Today: Dockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Retailer Price Dockcase $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Slip in an SSD module into the Dockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD case, then attach it magnetically to an iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro, connect it with a USB-C cable, and the video fun can begin. The Dockcase SSD enclosure enables 4K60Hz ProRes recording directly to the SSD, an ideal solution to conserve internal storage. You can then simply connect the SSD to your Mac or iPad Pro for editing. The enclosure supports compact NVMe M.2 SSDs in 2230 and 2242 formats that you must buy separately. You can get a maximum capacity of 2TB, enough for up to three hours of recording in 4K ProRes. A 1.54-inch 240-by-240 pixel IPS LC display shows real-time details on SSD health and transfer rate. The integrated display may appear playful at first glance, but it offers a wealth of information, especially on SSD health, which is particularly relevant for professionals. A side button can be used to rotate the display by 90 degrees or switch to another display to call up information on the performance and settings of the SSD. The round aluminum housing is compact with a diameter of 59 millimeters and a height of 14.5 millimeters, and weighs just 53 grams. Ventilation slots are integrated around the housing to dissipate heat. Silicon pads on the Magsafe side protect the iPhone and ensure optimized airflow. An integrated power loss protection (PLP) protects the data even in the event of unexpected power failures and backs up the files for up to 3 seconds. In addition, a write-protected mode ensures that important files are not accidentally changed or deleted. The USB 3.2 interface offers a transfer speed of 10Gbps. On the Mac, we measured a respectable 741MBps when writing and 781MBps when reading. Mind you, this was with our very small 128GB SSD. Larger SSDs should be faster. In addition to the USB-C data port, the Dockcase SSD enclosure has an additional USB-C port for the power supply, which supports up to 100 watts. With an external power supply, the USB-C output of the enclosure delivers up to 15 watts, while an alternative version of the device even offers up to 90 watts of output power. Dockcase includes a short USB-C cable, a screwdriver, a Magsafe sticker, and a wrist strap. Should you buy the Dockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure? iPhone filmmakers will love the little puck. The Dockcase Smart MagSafe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure may not be the most compact iPhone SSD storage, but it scores with upgradeability and an external power connection–a real advantage for long shoots, as iPhone runtime can be extended with a power bank.