Apple Defends Mac Mini Power Button Relocation
Apple executives have defended the relocation of the power button to the bottom of its new M4 Mac mini, citing the computer's significantly reduced size as the driving factor behind the design change. In a Bilibili video interview, Apple's Greg Joswiak and John Ternus explained that the Mac mini's form factor, now half the size of its predecessor, necessitated finding a new position for the power button. The executives said that the bottom placement allows for convenient access despite initial user criticism. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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These bone-conduction headphones might be comfier, and safer, than AirPods
A healthier audio option that'll keep the beat going is the Mezzo+ bone-conduction headphones, now only $49.99 (reg. $69). (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iOS 18.2 Music Recognition will tell you where you heard a song
Shazam was once so ubiquitous that it was a verb, but since Apple’s acquisition and rebranding of the feature as Music Recognition, you don’t even need to have the Shazam app installed any more. Apple has continued to improve the feature, and as of the iOS 18.2 beta, it can now tell you where you were when you heard a song … more…

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Citi reaffirms Apple as top stock pick
Citigroup this week reaffirmed its bullish stance on Apple, maintaining a "Buy" rating and naming it as their top pick. Despite concerns… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Mac mini with M4 Pro is mightier and mini-er than ever [Review] ★★★★★
M4 Pro Mac mini review: Incredible power in a truly unbelievable value — and it’s super tiny. What’s not to love? (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Carrier gaffe appears to reveal crucial iOS 18.2 launch date
Macworld The all-important iOS 18.2 software update for iPhone is set to launch on December 9, based on an apparent gaffe by a U.K. carrier. Officially, Apple has announced only that iOS 18.2 will roll out in the month of December. But an additional clue was provided earlier this month when EE sent a notice to customers that its shared number service would no longer be available on MacBooks and iPads from December 9. As MacRumors notes, that’s a change expected to take effect with the launch of iOS 18.2, because the second developer beta of the update contains a new EE carrier settings version which removes the toggle related to that feature. This in itself might not seem entirely conclusive, but the date makes sense in other respects too. It’s a Monday, which is when iOS updates are often released, and it gets the update out ahead of the holiday season. And the previous Monday is Cyber Monday, which is unlikely to feature such a major release. So, unless Apple reacts to the “leak” by altering its plans, the chances are that this is the correct date. And the launch of iOS 18.2 is a reasonably big deal. One of the criticisms of Apple’s fall 2024 launch cycle has been that important features weren’t available when the new iPhones went on sale. Apple Intelligence didn’t appear at all until iOS 18.1, while many of its features have been held back until iOS 18.2. The update is expected to add Visual Intelligence, Genmoji and other AI-based image generation, ChatGPT integration, support for localized English in the U.K., Canada, and Australia, and much more. Read our guide to the Apple Intelligence rollout for more details of the imminent new features.

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Apple's M4 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro is on sale for $2,999 & in stock
This popular M4 Max configuration packs a 32-core GPU and 1TB storage, making it a well-equipped model that's $200 off and in stock now.Pick up this M4 Max MacBook Pro at a discount - Image credit: AppleTo grab the $200 discount, head over to Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama and enter promo code APINSIDER during Step 4 of checkout (step-by-step instructions can be found further down this page). This high-end retail spec features Apple's M4 Max chip with a 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU. It also has 36GB unified memory and a 1TB SSD to help future-proof the laptop.Use code APINSIDER Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Surgical complications really brought home the value of Apple’s Health Records feature
Apple first launched its Health Records feature way back in 2018, to provide a unified view of our own health records. Recent complications following surgery really showed how valuable this could be if universally adopted, not just for us as patients, but also to assist healthcare providers in delivering the best standard of care … more…

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I effectively previewed Apple’s wall-mounted smart display in 2019, and I think it’ll be a winner
A Bloomberg report yesterday suggested that Apple is working on a wall-mounted smart display panel to act as “a command center for the home” – and that it could launch as early as March of next year. I effectively trialled this concept back in 2019, wall-mounting an old iPad Air to serve as a dedicated smart home control panel, and reactions to that were enough to convince me that the upcoming new product is likely to be a winner … more…

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There will never be an Apple Ring, says rival with crossed fingers
The CEO of smart ring firm Oura has detailed the reasons there shouldn't be an Apple Ring, but sounds like he's hoping Apple is listening.Render of a possible Apple RingOh, just bring out a ring already. Apple Ring has been rumored for years, but in the last few months we have had absolutely certain claim that the project is dead. But that claim was followed only hours later by another one saying that Apple's smart ring would be out in 2026.Now Tom Hale, CEO of the Oura Ring company, has told CNBC that it won't happen. For one thing, an Apple Ring would undercut the Apple Watch, and for another, making smart rings is so hard that Apple can't just walk in and do it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best iPhone deals before Black Friday begins
Macworld Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, and it’s often the best time to get a good deal on a new iPhone, accessories, or other Apple gear. While Black Friday is really just the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, it has grown into an entire season unto itself, with sales extending several days after and well into December. Officially, Black Friday is Friday November 29 in 2024, while Cyber Monday is Monday December 2. But you’ll find deals that start earlier and end later. We check prices on iPhone models all year round, so at any point you can check out our best iPhone deals article for up-to-date info on the top deals. If you want one of the latest iPhone 16 models, we have separate advice for readers in the U.S. and in the U.K., and don’t forget our round-up of the best Apple deals that we also update all year round. That said, Black Friday is generally expected to bring the best deals of the year. Below you can get an idea of what to expect in 2024, based on what we saw in 2023. We’ll be updating this page imminently, as the discounts start to come in and as Apple announces it own Black Friday 2024 sale. Black Friday: Apple’s shopping event Every year Apple holds a shopping event from Black Friday (November 29) to Cyber Monday (December 2). However, since Apple rarely discounts its products, the event consists of gift card offers rather than actual savings. In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following amounts with the following iPhones purchased from Apple’s site. This year, the deals will likely apply to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, but not the iPhone 16. iPhone 14$75£60iPhone 13$50£40 iPhone deals from U.S. carriers These are the deals that were available from the three major U.S. carriers. Conditions always apply here–you may need to have a specific plan, open a new line, or trade in a device. Most U.S. carrier deals require you to buy the phone on an installment plan, and then you get the discount as bill credits toward your monthly payment. In the U.S., the only big iPhone deals you can find come from carriers, and have a lot of strings attached. Typically, you have to buy a phone on a multi-year installment plan and get your discount in the form of monthly bill credits. AT&T: Get up to $1,000 in bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max and trade in your old phone, with a qualifying unlimited plan. T-Mobile: Get up to $830 in bill credits toward the purchase of any iPhone 16 model when you trade in your old phone and join the Go5G plan. Verizon: Get up to $100 in bill credits toward any iPhone 16 Pro model with trade-in and the activation of a new line on Ultimate Unlimited plan. Amazon: Amazon has partnered with Boost Infinite, a new carrier owned by Dish that primarily uses T-Mobile and AT&T towers for now. $65/mo gets you a free iPhone 16 Pro and unlimited talk, text, and data. Restrictions apply. iPhone deals in the U.K. This is our pick of the best U.K. iPhone deals in November 2024. For the latest deals on specific models, check the automated price comparison tables below. John Lewis, iPhone 15 (128GB): £681 (£18 off, RRP £699) plus two-year guarantee John Lewis, iPhone 15 Plus (128GB): £793.61 (£5.39 off, RRP £799) Argos, iPhone 15 Pro (128GB): £899 (RRP was £999, DISCONTINUED) Amazon, iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB): £1,099 (RRP was £1,199, DISCONTINUED) Amazon, iPhone 14: £499 (£100 off, RRP £599) KRCS, iPhone SE (64GB): £375.21 (£53.79 off, RRP £429) KRCS, iPhone SE (128GB): £424.71 (£54.29 off, RRP £479) Amazon, iPhone 13 (128GB): £449 (RRP was £499, DISCONTINUED) Argos, iPhone 13 mini (128GB): £499 (£150 off, RRP was £649, DISCONTINUED) iPhone accessories are on sale this Black Friday Many of the best deals are going to be on iPhone accessories–cases, chargers, cables, and the like. There are way too many such products to keep track of, and many small discounts come and go throughout the Black Friday sale. We highlight only the most interesting bargains; products that are rarely discounted or exceptionally good prices on accessories we recommend. U.S. Amazon, MagSafe charger (2M): $34 ($15 off, MSRP $49) Amazon, AirTag: $19 ($10 off, MSRP $29) Amazon, AirTag (4-pack): $69 ($30 off, MSRP $99) Amazon, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank: $49 ($10 off) Amazon, UGreen 2-in-1 magnetic charging station: $29 ($10 off) U.K. Amazon U.K., Apple MagSafe Charger: £39 (£6 off) Amazon U.K., AirTag 4-pack: £95 (£24 off) Currys, single AirTag for £28.99 (£6.01 off) See more Apple accesssory Black Friday deals here. iPhone 15 deals MSRP: $799/£799 Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Plus deals MSRP: $899/£899 Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Pro deals MSRP: $999/£999 Retailer Price $899.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Pro Max deals MSRP: $1,199/£1,199 Retailer Price $1099.99 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 14 Pro Max deals MSRP was: $1,099/£1,149 New Refurbished Retailer Price $607.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $597.68 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 14 Pro deals MSRP was: $999/£1049 New Refurbished Retailer Price $609.98 View Deal $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Space Black – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $492.48 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $498.20 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Silver – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $500.92 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro 128GB – Gold – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $536.91 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Space Black – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $594.90 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $597.68 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Silver – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $604.04 View Deal iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB – Gold – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $618.65 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices iPhone 14 deals MSRP: $699/£699 New Refurbished Retailer Price $629 View Deal $829 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 14 128GB – Blue – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $402.15 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Midnight – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $406.46 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Purple – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $408.27 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Starlight – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $409.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone SE (third-generation) deals MSRP: $429/£429 New Refurbished Retailer Price $313.17 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone SE (2022) 64GB – Midnight – Unlocked $148.59 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Amazon Lightning Deals Check out these time-limited tech deals before they go. (Prices subject to change.) TP-Link 48 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch …$199.99 ( 42% off, was $349.99 ) Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor$119.99 ( 33% off, was $179.99 ) Google Nest WiFi Pro – Wi-Fi 6E – Reliab…$199.99 ( 33% off, was $299.99 ) Google Nest Cam with Floodlight – Outdoo…$189.99 ( 32% off, was $279.99 ) Tripp Lite AC/USB Charging Clip for Disp…$18.60 ( 55% off, was $41.60 ) Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet$59.99 ( 50% off, was $119.99 ) Amazon Fire 10 HD Kids tablet- 2023$109.99 ( 42% off, was $189.99 ) Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro w/ Thunder…$134.99 ( 32% off, was $199.99 ) Amazon Fire 10 Kids tablet- 2023$109.99 ( 42% off, was $189.99 ) New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet$69.99 ( 50% off, was $139.99 ) Certified Refurbished Amazon Fire HD 10 …$74.99 ( 53% off, was $159.99 ) JBL Bar 300: 5.0-Channel Compact All-in-…$249.99 ( 37% off, was $399.95 ) Lexar 128GB Professional 2000x SDXC Memo…$98.98 ( 41% off, was $169.99 ) eufy by Anker$24.99 ( 44% off, was $44.99 ) ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” 1080P Wireless Po…$299.00 ( 33% off, was $449.00 ) Targus USB C Universal Docking Station w…$303.23 ( 37% off, was $482.99 ) Kensington Single Monitor Desk Mount$38.06 ( 33% off, was $56.99 ) Monster Boomerang Neckband Bluetooth Spe…$59.99 ( 33% off, was $89.99 ) Norton 360 Platinum 2024$39.99 ( 69% off, was $129.99 ) Beats Studio Buds – True Wireless Noise …$99.99 ( 33% off, was $149.95 ) Beats Studio Buds – True Wireless Noise …$99.95 ( 33% off, was $149.95 ) Beats Studio Buds – True Wireless Noise …$99.99 ( 33% off, was $149.95 ) Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT Wireless Gam…$91.00 ( 43% off, was $159.99 ) BOSCH GPB18V-5CN 18V Jobsite Radio with …$150.54 ( 34% off, was $229.00 ) SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class QLED 4K QN90D Seri…$897.99 ( 40% off, was $1497.99 ) SAMSUNG 98-Inch Class QLED 4K Q80C Serie…$3997.99 ( 50% off, was $7997.99 ) SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class OLED 4K S85D Serie…$1297.99 ( 38% off, was $2097.99 ) SAMSUNG 75-Inch Class QLED 4K QN90D Seri…$1797.99 ( 45% off, was $3297.99 ) Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) + Battery Exte…$49.99 ( 58% off, was $119.99 ) SAMSUNG 85-Inch Class QLED 4K QN90D Seri…$2297.99 ( 52% off, was $4797.99 ) Hisense 100-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LE…$2997.99 ( 40% off, was $4997.99 ) SAMSUNG 50-Inch Class QLED 4K QN90D Seri…$997.99 ( 37% off, was $1597.99 ) Introducing Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam | S…$49.99 ( 37% off, was $79.99 ) Hisense 100-Inch Class U7 Series ULED 4K…$1798.00 ( 40% off, was $2997.95 ) Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4…$299.99 ( 40% off, was $499.99 ) All New, Made for Amazon$14.99 ( 46% off, was $27.99 ) Made for Amazon$14.99 ( 40% off, was $24.99 ) Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple products Check out these roundups for the best Apple deals: Apple Black Friday 2024 sale Best Black Friday 2024 Apple deals Best Black Friday 2024 MacBook deals Best Black Friday 2024 Mac Deals Best Black Friday 2024 AirPods deals Best Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch deals Best Black Friday 2024 iPad deals Best Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor deals Best Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive deals Best Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals

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Why the iPhone 17 will succeed where the iPhone 16 failed
Macworld Analysts speculated earlier this year that the iPhone 16 and its AI capabilities would trigger a new upgrade super cycle. Fired up by the innovative functions of Apple Intelligence, customers were expected to buy new handsets in record numbers, even if their current iPhone was still in perfect working order. A few weeks after the launch, however, much of that enthusiasm appeared to have fizzled out. In Germany, for example, we found it easy to get hold of the new phones, either from an Apple Store or on Amazon, with the latter able to deliver the device as early as the following week. In the U.K. right now, the cheapest configuration of the iPhone 16 Pro is available for next-day delivery. This is all a far cry from the stock shortages we usually encounter when an iPhone is a spectacular success. One possible reason why the iPhone 16 has not triggered a super cycle is the slow introduction of Apple Intelligence. The first features weren’t available until several weeks after launch in the U.S. and Canada, while European users may have to wait as much as a year. If AI was the key to success, delaying AI could have been a critical error. A cycle of innovation Another issue could be the psychology of consumerism: to a lot of buyers it’s not what’s inside that counts, but the external design. An abstract upgrade such as a 40 percent increase in performance is less appealing than new colors, shapes, and materials. And this is confirmed by sales data: the biggest leaps were made by the iPhone generations that brought noticeable changes in shape or dimensions.

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How much MacBook do you really need?
Macworld With the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Apple offers standard configurations to make it easy to pick a laptop. They seem straightforward, but if you start to think about all the things you do on a Mac–whether you’re a student or a professional–you can start to wonder if you might need more RAM or a bigger SSD, or if extra GPU cores might be useful. Choosing the right model isn’t as straightforward as choosing a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air–you also need to decide just how much MacBook you really need. It’s a decision you don’t want to take lightly. You’re investing a considerable amount of money, and you don’t want to end up with a Mac that isn’t up to the task or a Mac that has more than you need. This guide was created to help shoppers figure out what to look for when buying a MacBook. We’ll cover the main components you need to consider: the CPU, the GPU, the amount of unified memory (RAM), the SSD, the display, the battery, and the ports. We’ll go over what your use case may be, and which component configurations would work best to help you get the most bang for your buck. In this article we are considering the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, but the advice will also apply if you are buying a Mac desktop. For more help read our Which Mac buying guide. What is the Apple M chip? Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3, 256GB/16GB RAM, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,099 Best Prices Today: $899 at Amazon | $899 at Best Buy | $1024 at Walmart Electronics Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 256GB/16GB RAM, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 Best Prices Today: $1,099 at Amazon | $1099 at Best Buy | $1209 at Walmart Electronics Let’s start with a brief overview of the heart of every Mac: the M System on a Chip. It’s called a System on a Chip (SoC, or just “chip”) because, unlike past chips, it includes more than just a CPU that does the main job of processing work. It also houses the graphics processors (GPUs), the unified memory (a combination of CPU and GPU RAM), and the SSD for file storage. In the past, these were all separate components. A benefit of having all these components under one unified part is that it helps with performance and power efficiency. A drawback is that the user cannot upgrade the components after purchase. So, it’s even more important than before to carefully consider the specifications you need for what you do. Also read: How to check the specs of your Mac: find out processor and RAM, our Mac Processor Comparison and our comparison of every Apple processor. CPU: How many processing cores do I need? The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main data processing component and is divided into processing cores. There are two types of cores, which Apple divides into performance and efficiency cores. Generally, the more cores in a CPU, the faster the processing speed. Apple currently offers five CPU models in its MacBooks: the M2, M3, M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The M2 and M3 has the lowest CPU core count, while the M4 Max has the highest. Which one is right for you? Let’s break it down based on tasks. M2 (8-core CPU with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores): a good chip for everyday usage and can handle tasks in media editing apps. M3 (8-core CPU with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores): you do the usual everyday tasks and work, which includes web browsing, light productivity apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Microsoft Office), media streaming, light gaming, easy media production (iMovie, GarageBand). M4 (10-core CPU with 4 performance and 6 efficiency cores): a lot like the M3, but a bit faster. M4 Pro (12- or 14-core CPU with 8 or 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores): you are regularly performing work that’s a bit more in-depth, such as complex Excel spreadsheets, multi-layer image editing, and creation in Photoshop or other graphics apps, production of video and audio shorts, databases, serious gaming. M4 Max (14- or 16-core CPU with 10 or 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores): you make a living as a media producer (Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Autodesk Maya, etc.), software developer, or any other work that requires multitasking and long hours with heavy work. Keep in mind that the base M4 is robust enough to handle the tasks that the M4 Max is designed for–it just takes longer to finish. If you only occasionally need to do those high-end jobs or you’re learning how to do them, you can live with the M4. The M3 and M4 chips offer different CPU, GPU, memory, and SSD configurations.Macworld.se GPU: How many graphics cores do I need? The GPU (graphics processing unit) is primarily used for rendering graphics and video on the screen. However, because GPUs offer parallel processing, a GPU can be used for other jobs, including AI, though the NPU (which is the same across all MacBooks) handles much of that workload. As with the CPU, the GPU has processing cores, and the more cores, the better the performance. Apple partners the increase of CPU cores along with the increase of GPU cores, so you don’t have to worry about, say, getting a M3 Pro chip with not enough CPU cores. Which one is right for you? Let’s break it down based on tasks. M2 (8-core CPU): capable of everyday tasks and casual games. M3 (8- or 10-core GPU): general tasks and everyday work, media streaming, easy media production, light gaming. M4 (10-core GPU): like the M3, general tasks and everyday work, media streaming, easy media production, light gaming. M4 Pro (16- or 20-core GPU): moderate to serious media production and gaming. M4 Max (32- or 40-core GPU): professional-level media production and hard-core gaming. RAM: How much unified memory do I need in a Mac? Apple’s M chips use unified memory, which is where the chip reads and writes the data it is working on. It’s called “unified memory” because it’s used by both the CPU and GPU. It’s often referred to as RAM (random access memory). (Traditionally, “RAM” referred to the memory used by the CPU only, and the GPU used video RAM or VRAM). Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) Price When Reviewed: $1,999 | $2,399 Best Prices Today: $1849 at Walmart Electronics | $1,938.39 at Amazon | $1999 at Apple Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max) Price When Reviewed: $3,199 Best Prices Today: $3,102 at Amazon | $3199 at Apple | $3199 at B&H When Apple originally introduced the MacBook Air in March 2024, the standard configurations came with 8GB of RAM. When Apple introduced the M4 series of MacBook Pro in October 2024, it increased the base standard configuration fro 8GB to 16GB unified memory. At the same time, the MacBook Air M3 and M2 got the boost to 16GB RAM without a price increase. So, now all MacBooks sold by Apple have a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and some standard configurations have more. Each M-series chip comes with a standard configuration of unified memory. Here are the standard memory configurations Apple offers and where you may want to upgrade. 16GB: Good enough if you’re doing general productivity work, internet access media streaming, and easy media production. 24GB or 32GB: Nice amount for moderate media production, graphic work, podcasting, and gaming. Even for people who don’t do processor-intensive work, this is a better fit. Above 32GB: Professional-level graphics and media production, software development, hardcore gaming.  Remember, you can’t add RAM later, so make sure you consider spending a little more to customize your Mac at purchase. For example, the M4’s standard configuration is 16GB, but an option for 24GB is available for $200. It’s not cheap, but we recommend getting as much memory as you can afford. You can’t go wrong with opting for more memory than the standard configuration–it helps with performance. Also read: How much RAM is in my Mac and do I need more? and How to clear RAM on a Mac: tips to free up memory. SSD: How much space for file storage do I need? The Mac uses a solid-state drive (SSD) to store your files, apps, and other data. But in addition to data storage, the SSD can play a role in a Mac’s performance. The larger the capacity, the better the performance, mostly in instances that involve very large files. The higher the SSD capacity, the more NAND chips Apple uses. The more chips in use, the faster the performance, because the data can be accessed in parallel. For example, a 10GB file saved over four SSD chips is faster than the same file saved over two SSD chips. For smaller files used by most people, the difference is still there but isn’t noticeable. So there are two considerations for the SSD size: How much room you need, and how big are the files you create. With that in mind, here are some recommendations. 256GB: General productivity work, internet access media streaming, and easy media production. 512GB: Frequent work in iMovie, GarageBand, and other consumer-level media production apps. 1TB or more: Professional media production in apps such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Compressor, etc., software development, graphics. These considerations don’t involve photos that can accumulate quickly and take up a lot of space or the Photos app. If you like having local access to your photos, consider an external storage device. This also doesn’t consider cloud storage, such as iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and other services. You don’t want to work directly on files in cloud storage because it’s not an efficient way to work. But cloud storage is a viable way to manage the space on an SSD–you can move files you won’t need immediately to the cloud. The MacBook Air (left) has an LED display, while the MacBook Pro (right) has a Mini LED screen.Foundry Apple Displays: How the MacBook Air and Pro screens are different Apple uses different display technology for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The Air uses a tech that’s more affordable to implement, and it looks good, but it doesn’t look as good as the tech used for the MacBook Pro. Of course, you’ll pay more for the better Pro quality. Here are the two display technologies and who they are suited for. LED (MacBook Air): General-purpose use, but it can also handle consumer-level video and photo editing that you would do in apps such as Photos, Adobe Photoshop Elements, iMovie, etc. Also good for steaming videos from YouTube, Apple TV+, Netflix, etc., and moderate gaming. Mini LED (MacBook Pro): Serious video and photo editing and graphics work in pro-level apps (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, etc.) where color and detail are important. Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $2,499 | $2,899 Best Prices Today: $2314 at Walmart Electronics | $2,441.09 at Amazon | $2499 at Apple Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max) Price When Reviewed: $3,499 | $3,999 Best Prices Today: $3,381.19 at Amazon | $3499 at Apple | $3499 at B&H Battery: How long does a MacBook battery last? The MacBooks offer excellent battery life that will last all day long. However, the different chips affect the duration because a chip that offers more processing prowess requires more battery power. There are also lots of considerations to think about regarding your specific use case. Here’s a look at how the different MacBooks compare and our recommendations. M3 MacBook Air: Apple cites the same battery life numbers for both the 13- and 15-inch models since both laptops have a 52.6-watt-hour battery (up to 18 hours), though you’ll probably get a little more battery with the 13-inch model due to the smaller screen. Either way, that’s the battery is long enough to last a whole day doing general-purpose work, access the internet, and work in Pages, Keynote, or Microsoft Office. You can even do light media work in iMovie or GarageBand, but heavier jobs will tax the battery. M4, M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: The 14-inch MacBook Pro has a 72.4-watt-hour battery; the M4 can last up to 24 hours, while the M4 Pro/Max lasts up to 22/18 hours. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is rated at 100-watt-hours, and the M4 Pro can last up to 24 hours, while the M4 Max lasts 21 hours. Since the Pro laptops are bigger than the Air, the battery is bigger. If you’re doing production-type work while on location and you can’t plug in, the Pro is the one to get, even if it’s bigger/heavier than the Air. Ports: What ports do MacBook’s have? All of Apple’s MacBooks have Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a MagSafe port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. But that’s where the commonality ends. Here’s what you need to know. MacBook Air: Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. That’s because the Air is meant to serve primarily as a travel buddy in situations when you aren’t connecting too many devices–maybe an external Thunderbolt/USB-C display for presentations, or a drive to save/transfer files. The Thunderbolt ports conform to the Thunderbolt 3 specification, and while its fast, it is the slowest of the MacBooks. MacBook Pro: As a mobile desktop device, the MacBook Pros have an HDMI port for connecting an external display and an SDXC Card slot for file transfers from a camera or other device. All MacBook Pro models have three Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. However, laptops with the M4 chip have the Thunderbolt 4 implementation, while the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips support Thunderbolt 5, which is the fastest specification. The MacBook Pro has an SDXC Card slot (far left) and HDMI port (far right), which are not on the MacBook Air.Foundry For more information, check out the following guides: Best MacBook 2024: Which MacBook should you buy? MacBook Air vs Pro: Differences between MacBook Air and Pro MacBook Pro comparison: 14- vs 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 MacBook Air: Everything you need to know M3 MacBook Pro: Everything you need to know

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iFixit posts teardown of 2024 M4 Mac mini
True to form, the super cool cats at repair outfit iFixit have compiled and published a teardown of the 2024 M4 Mac mini, offering additional details as to Apple’s most compact Mac ever. From the start, iFixit praises how easy the Mac mini is to disassemble despite having a much more compact design. The bottom […] Source

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Rumor: LG Innotek to begin mass production of iPhone SE 4 camera modules next month
Apple’s next-gen iPhone SE is rumored to be around the corner and per economic newspaper Ajunews, LG Innotek is set to begin mass production of the front camera model for the handset. Final tests are now said to be underway, with mass production of the module following next month. It’s been reported that LG Innotek […] Source

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Apple Watch Gold Link Bracelet now available for sale
Apple's online store now quietly lists the Gold Link Bracelet for sell for $349, compatible with all Apple Watch models. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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M4 Mac mini offers user-upgradable storage — with a catch!
Apple's new M4 Mac mini features a removable and upgradeable SSD, though the non-standard SSD will make replacements difficult. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How advanced content caching settings on the Mac works
Advanced configuration parameters control how your Mac stores cached content. Here's how to change the settings.Content cache settings in macOS Sequoia.Content caching controls what internet content gets stored locally in macOS when you visit websites and other online servers.When you visit a site, some of the data (content) gets downloaded and stored locally on your Mac. This is so that if you access that content later, it can be loaded more quickly from the cache - instead of having to make more trips to the internet to fetch it again. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Bluetti's new Elite 200 portable power station provides 17 years of charging
Check out the latest from Bluetti with an exclusive discount on the Elite 200 V2 portable power station capable of generating reliable 2 kWh power for 17 years.Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is rated for 17-years of use - Image credit: BluettiBluetti is an innovator in the home battery backup space that's been pushing the limits of consumer backup power solutions. The company offers some of the best portable power station units that serve you everywhere from the campground to your home during a power outage.Tuesday, Bluetti has unveiled the latest in its lineup — the Elite 200 V2. It is a 2 kWh portable power station that is rated for 6,000 life cycles, which equates to over 17 years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Apple Vision Pro proves best home theater as 2024 top grossing films arrive in 3D
For many, Apple’s new ultrawide Mac Virtual Display feature in visionOS 2.2 beta is the killer app on Apple Vision Pro. But you don’t need to be a Mac user to appreciate Apple Vision Pro and its role as an incredible mobile movie theater. I’ve been splitting my time for the last two months between my home and my family’s place four hours away. At home, I have an attached to my wall-mounted 65-inch Micro LED 4K TV. At my family’s place, the largest TV is about 19-inches. It’s a charming place along a river in the woods and away from the city, but it’s not my living room. Still, in both locations I’ve been using Apple Vision Pro and AirPods Pro 2 to watch movies and weekly TV shows that I’ve been following. more…

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