First M4 Max benchmark tears apart the M2 Ultra Mac Studio
The M4 Max is the most powerful chip in Apple's collection, with an early benchmark showing the MacBook Pro leaving the Mac Studio or Mac Pro with M2 Ultra in its dust.The MacBook Pro line now includes M4 Max chipsLate on Thursday, supposed benchmarks for the M4 Pro surfaced on Geekbench, seemingly showing that the M4 Pro is an extremely powerful chip. On Friday, benchmarks for the M4 Max have practically cemented the M4 range's status as the most powerful chips Apple's ever made.The benchmark for the Mac16,5, a 16-inch MacBook Pro, appeared in the Geekbench results browser early on Friday morning. The listing states it uses an M4 Max chip with 16 cores, divided into 12 performance cores and four efficiency cores, and a clock speed of 1.5GHz. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple underwhelms Wall Street with all-time record fourth quarter earnings
Following Apple's fiscal fourth quarter earnings report in which the company posted all-time record revenue of $94.9 billion… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple makes $1.1 billion commitment to expand satellite messaging
Apple is committing over a billion dollars more to its existing satellite provider GlobalStar in order to have it expand its ground bases and add more satellites for iPhone messaging.Image Credit: AppleTwo years after it first launched Emergency SOS via Satellite with the iPhone 14, Apple is now working to greatly expand the facility. It's already added features such as Roadside Assistance via satellite, and expanded to non-emergency messaging.Now its satellite provider GlobalStar has announced a new expansion of its Apple deal, which comes in two parts. The first has Apple paying up to $1.1 billion in upfront payments specifically so GlobalStar can add what it describes as a new satellite constellation. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New Macs, Apple Intelligence, and more money for Apple, on the AppleInsider Podcast
In a week, Apple announced three new Macs, shipped Apple Intelligence, and made its quarterly earnings report. There's so much to examine on this episode of the AppleInsider Podcast, including the future of the iMac.An Image Playground-generated image of Tim Cook (right) next to the logo for the new Mac announcementsThe iMac was the first of Apple's truncated week of announcements, and it just might be the sweet spot in the Mac range for its combination of price, features, and its gorgeous display. Yet it is still one device, so if that screen goes wrong, your whole Mac is out of action.Whereas the Mac mini plugs into just about any display, with just about any keyboard, mouse, or trackpad. It's new smaller size is obviously a boon, but it also raises the possibility of a battery-powered Mac mini being the ultimate portable Mac. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Charge your Apple gear on the go with these discounted Anker power banks
Macworld Charging your iPhone on the go is no longer going to be an issue if you have one of these Anker power banks. The Anker 633 Magnetic Battery is down to $40, a 31% discount from the $55 MSRP, while the MagGo Power Bank that also allows users to charge their Apple Watch is available for $65 with Prime, a savings of $15 on its usual $80 MSRP. Now, the first one is a tiny gadget that you can magnetically attach to your iPhone and wirelessly charge your device. Alternatively, you can plug in a USB-C cable and enjoy 20W charging. The coolest part about it is that it also comes with a kickstand, so you can prop your phone up while it’s charging to watch videos. The newer Anker MagGo power bank comes with a flippable charger for your Apple Watch. You can either leave that down if you’re on the go or flip it open if you’re at your desk. It also comes with a built-in cable that you can plug into your phone for 30W charging. That same cable goes into a wall plug when the power bank needs a recharge. Both battery packs feature a 10,000mAh capacity, while the prices aren’t all that different either. Ultimately, it depends on whether or not you need to charge both your iPhone and your smartwatch at the same time or not. But whichever you choose, don’t miss out on getting the Anker 633 MagGo power bank for $40 or the model with the Apple Watch charging capabilities for $65 at Amazon. Buy the Anker 633 now at Amazon Buy the Anker power bank for Apple Watch at Amazon

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Apple expands iPhone satellite services deal, commits $1.1bn to expand capacity
Satellite services provider GlobalStar today disclosed an expansion of its deal with Apple. Apple will commit an additional $1.1 billion for upfront infrastructure prepayments, to increase the capacity of satellite services. Additionally, Apple will take 20% ownership of GlobalStar, in an equity deal worth about $400 million. The news has sent GlobalStar stock soaring, and it hints towards Apple’s growing plans for iPhone satellite features. With iOS 18, for instance, iPhone users are now able to send text messages to friends and family over satellite, when outside of cellular or WiFi range. more…

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iPhone 16 Pro one month review: an Apple Intelligence intro
One month using the iPhone 16 Pro proves that the company's first foray into generative AI is rudimentary but useful — but don't upgrade just for Apple Intelligence.iPhone 16 Pro one month review: Holding Apple's newest smartphoneIn the initial AppleInsider review of iPhone 16 Pro, Mike called it the sweet spot for performance, price, and device size. One month in with the addition of Apple Intelligence, and that holds true.Apple Intelligence didn't officially launch until the end of October, but I've been using the beta without any real issues in order to test the features for this follow-up review. To sum it up, Apple Intelligence is a useful feature set depending on individual needs, but it's not life-changing — not that any so-called "AI" truly is. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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M4 Mac mini vs 2018 Intel Mac mini compared: It's time to move to Apple Silicon
The new M4 Mac mini is an incredible opportunity for Intel Mac owners to finally move to Apple Silicon. Here's what has changed in the six years since the last Intel Mac mini's release.M4 Mac mini [left], 2018 Intel Mac mini [right]Apple has managed to reach its fourth generation of Apple Silicon Mac sales, with its self-designed chip proving to be very popular with consumers.It marks four years since Apple started its transition away from Intel chips over to its own designs. That migration was at least in part prompted by Intel's failure to keep up with Apple's demands. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Here’s everything coming from Apple in November
Macworld November is usually a pretty quiet month for Apple releases, and we expect this 2024 to be no different. The new M4 Macs, announced at the end of October, will be available in stores on November 8. If you’re planning to pick up that new Mac mini, MacBook Pro, or iMac, November could be an exciting month for you. Those have been announced already, though, and we don’t think there’s a lot else going on outside of the usual Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade releases. The next OS betas—iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS 15.2, and so on—have already begun and will continue through November, but their release is expected in December. New hardware releases Apple just announced a trio of new Macs sporting the M4 processor line (M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max) at the end of October. All of them ship on Friday, November 8. M4 iMac: In addition to the upgrade to an M4 processor and 16GB of RAM minimum, the iMac gets an improved 12 megapixel camera that supports Center Stage and Desk View. M4 MacBook Pro: The M4 MacBook Pro is much like the prior model, but with the upgraded 12 megapixel camera that supports Center Stage and Desk View, and 16 GB of RAM at minimum. There are three processors available—M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. M4 Pro and M4 Max models also sport Thunderbolt 5 ports. M4 Mac mini: Apple’s smallest Mac gets its first redesign in years, and is now much smaller (5 inches x 5 inches), and a little taller. You can get it with the M4 or M4 Pro, prices still start at $599, and it comes with 16GB of RAM minimum. Apps and software updates The iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 updates are with us, bringing the first set of Apple Intelligence features. Apple has already begun the beta-testing cycle for iOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2. That will continue throughout November with several updates, but the wide release isn’t scheduled until December. The big new features in the x.2 release are the image-generation-related features of Apple Intelligence: Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16, and Image Wand in notes. ChatGPT integration is another big improvement. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content. Bad Sisters (season 2): Two years after the “accidental death” of Grace’s abusive husband, the close-knit Garvey sisters may have moved on, but when past truths resurface, the ladies are thrust back into the spotlight, suspicions are at an all-time high, lies are told, secrets revealed and the sisters are forced to work out who they can trust. November 13 Silo (season 2): A sci-fi series of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and any who try to find out face fatal consequences.  November 15 Blitz: Follows the epic journey of George, a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son. November 22 Bread & Roses: The film follows three women in real-time as they fight to recover their autonomy after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021. November 22 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Drive Ahead! Carcade: A crazy, side-scrolling, arcade car battle game where you win by knocking your opponents on the head with your car. November 7 Texas Hold’em Poker: Pokerist+: Play live poker with real players from around the world (but not for real money). November 7 Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+: A fusion of these two classic arcade games. November 7 Wheel of Fortune Daily: A simple, short, daily Wheel of Fortune puzzle. November 7

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New Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard don't work with older versions of macOS
Apple's new USB-C peripherals for the Mac are failing to work with either versions of macOS before macOS Sequoia 15.1, or with the current beta of 15.2.Apple's updated Magic Keyboard - Image Credit: AppleDespite Apple saying that its new USB-C Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse will work with devices that are years old, they won't without a specific update. Apple lists compatible Macs as old as 2018, but does not say that users have to update to macOS Sequoia 15.1.On macOS Sequoia 15 or earlier, Touch ID and function keys fail to work on the new Magic Keyboard. While there don't appear to be reports of the Magic Trackpad failing, the Magic Mouse is unable to scroll. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Forget AI. Here’s the one reason why you should upgrade to the iPhone 16
Macworld iPhones, in my opinion, aren’t really designed to be upgraded every year. Obviously, Apple is happy for hardcore fans and the uber-wealthy (and my friend Lewis) to splash the cash whenever a new model is announced, but the rate of spec bumps and new features lends itself to a noticeable improvement in the user experience only if you wait two or three generations between upgrades. And so, when I upgraded from the iPhone 15 Plus to the 16 Plus last month, I wasn’t expecting any huge changes. And for the most part, I was right. As I explained in my upgrade thoughts article, the design is slightly nicer but basically the same; the Action button hasn’t made much of a difference so far; Camera Control doesn’t feel like much of an upgrade; and the extra processing power isn’t noticeable in real-world use. As for Apple Intelligence, it’s finally arrived, but it’s missing features and still needs a ton of time before it can be a serious competitor to Gemini and other rival AIs. But there is one really significant upgrade I’ve noticed, and it has to do with the camera. Not Camera Control or Visual Intelligence— the actual camera. Things that have stayed the same Now, most of the time, and in most contexts and shooting conditions, your photos will look the same. That makes sense since the main lens remains 48MP and f/1.6. (The ultra-wide lens has been bumped from f/2.4 to f/2.2 so we might expect slightly better performance there, but it’s still 12MP.) As you can see in this shot, color reproduction, and vibrancy are basically identical across the two devices. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) Here’s a shot of a less colorful object so you can focus on the clarity and level of detail. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) What about more challenging shooting conditions? Again, we should expect the two devices to handle complex or difficult lighting with roughly the same aplomb since they both feature Smart HDR 5. The 16 Plus has a faster processor which could in theory mean more computational power being applied to this process, but I couldn’t see any difference when shooting trees silhouetted against the sun: Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) And what about the front-facing camera? Is that any different? Not really. In both cases, we’re working with a 12MP, f/1.9 lens. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) Macro perspective Here’s where photography has changed dramatically: macro performance is miles ahead. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) Get up close and the iPhone 16 Plus flips to a macro photography mode (you can tell this has been engaged because a small flower icon appears in the bottom corner), bringing the subject into sharp focus. It’s incredibly impressive. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) It’s good for nature photography. It’s also very handy if you paint little models and take photos of them for social media. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) Honestly, it’s rare to get such satisfyingly different test photos when comparing two phones. And to see this across a single generation is almost unheard of. Taken with iPhone 15 Plus (left) and 16 Plus (right) So there you go. The upgrade from iPhone 15 (or in my case 15 Plus) to iPhone 16 (or 16 Plus) is in the main an experience defined by lots of small tweaks and minor iterative improvements. But the new macro mode has an enormous impact on close-up photography, and if that’s a priority for you this is a purchase well worth making. And if you’re interested in iPhonography, you might be interested in our guide to the best iPhone cameras. Apple iPhone 16 Plus Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: $899 at Apple | $929.99 at Best Buy

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The new Mac mini will be Apple’s fastest desktop Mac, as shown by M4 Pro Geekbench scores
The new will be Apple’s fastest desktop Mac, ever, eclipsing the M2 Ultra performance of Mac Studio and Mac Pro. The base M4 Mac mini will be blazing fast too, but for single core and multi-core, the M4 Pro is the new desktop king (We expect the high-end M4 Max MacBook Pro to handily beat it, of course). As shown by Geekbench scores appearing overnight, the Mac mini with M4 Pro is reporting single-scores in the 3,700 range and multi-core scores around 22,000. This means the Mac mini will beat the previous multi-core champ, M2 Ultra, on raw CPU performance. more…

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Nintendo Music app launches on the App Store, offers access to music from the company’s game library
If you live and breathe Nintendo soundtracks, you might like this. Nintendo on Thursday released Nintendo Music a new music streaming app that gives Nintendo Switch Online subscribers access to soundtracks from the company’s game library. The app offers music from franchises such as Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon, and songs […] Source

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What to do when a browser page loaded from a Mac app won’t work
Macworld Many websites that offer financial services (such as banks and investing companies) let you connect your accounts to other software, such as Quicken. However, it’s often unwise to let any third party see your login credentials. The workaround is that you can start at the app, which switches to a browser in which you log in directly to the site in question and authorize the conduit, and then the site provides a token directly to your app to allow data to flow. I’ve found lately that this process fails as often as it succeeds when I use Safari. Apple has added more privacy protections with each successive release of Safari, and version 18 for macOS (released as part of macOS 15 Sequoia and to previous versions of macOS, like 14 Sonoma) seems to break some banking sites authorization loops. The trouble is that the app-to-browser authorization process doesn’t reveal a URL you could copy and paste in another location: the app opens a web page in the browser. The solution is to change the default browser on your Mac to another one that is built differently, like Google Chrome or Firefox. Here’s how to change your default browser in macOS: Go to   > System Settings. Navigate to Desktop & Dock. From the “Default web browser” pop-up menu, choose a different browser. In the accounting or other app, start and complete the browser-based authentication process. Return Desktop & Dock and change the default browser back to Safari. Sometimes changing your default browser solves an app-to-website authorization problem that Safari stalls.Foundry Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

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Apple quietly boosts MacBook Air Unified Memory to 16GB for all models
Beyond the nifty M4 product announcements from this week, Apple quietly updated its current M2 and M3 model MacBook Air to feature 16GB of Unified Memory for all tiers of the product line. The notebooks previously arrived with 8GB onboard, and even with the boost to 16GB, the entry-level prices continue to start from $999. […] Source

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iPhone 17 could use Apple’s new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
A reputed Apple analyst claims Apple will switch to its in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips with the iPhone 17 in H2, 2025. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Early Geekbench scores show M4 Pro may outpace Mac Pro with M2 Ultra
Supposed scores for the M4 Pro chipset have shown up on Geekbench, and it easily outperforms the Mac Pro with M2 Ultra in single- and multi-core scores.M4 Pro benchmarks show it may be a powerhouseThe M4 Pro is an option for the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro. While these products don't launch for the public until November 8, early testers are running benchmarks.According to a score for Mac16,7 on Geekbench, the M4 Pro is a powerful chipset capable of outperforming the M2 Ultra found in Mac Pro. It received a single-core score of 3,925 and a multi-core score of 22,669. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Snag a free $45 gift card with this early Black Friday Costco membership deal
An early Black Friday deal on the Costco Gold Star or Executive membership offers new members a free $45 Shop Card just in time for holiday shopping.Get a $45 Costco Shop card with this membership deal.Whether you're looking to pick up a new monitor for the 2024 M4 Mac mini or are eager to finally commit to an OLED TV to pair with your Apple TV 4K, this Costco membership deal has you covered.Get the Costco deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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PSA: Update your Mac before buying a USB-C Magic Mouse, Trackpad, or Keyboard
Apple this week launched the new USB-C Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard along with the M4 Macs. While the new Macs won’t arrive until November 8, customers can already buy the new Magic accessories in stores. However, you may need to update macOS before you can pair them with your Mac. more…

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Tim Cook bids farewell to Luca Maestri on his last earnings call
Apple CFO Luca Maestri has been with Apple since 2013, and his last, incredibly uneventful, earnings call was Thursday's.Apple CFO Luca Maestri is stepping downWe've been hearing Maestri's voice on quarterly earnings calls for over a decade, but he is stepping down from the role. Kevan Parekh is taking over as CFO and will be present at the next quarterly earnings call.Maestri may not be a keynote presenter or a known personality like other Apple leadership members. In fact, he's effectively spent his entire career at Apple as a relatively unknown entity besides his voice and name — yep, we only have that one photo of him. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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