Create custom emoji in Messages using Genmoji
You can create custom emoji for all those times where you can’t find the right one. Genmoji generates emoji on the fly. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Create custom emoji in Messages using Genmoji
You can create custom emoji for all those times where you can’t find the right one. Genmoji generates emoji on the fly. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple, Google to face UK probe over mobile browsers
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concerns that Apple and Google's dominance in the mobile ecosystem… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: Most popular podcasts, Apple One, and iPhones thieves
Apple has released its list of the most popular podcasts of 2024Dave and I go over the highlights from the different categories. Apple One is a bundle of Apple serives that you pay for monthly. Dave thinks that Apple is missing one service that they, and consumers, could benefit from. Be careful this holiday season, iPhone thieves are tracking deliveries of the device. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Did you know every week, nearly 40 million job seekers visit LinkedIn? Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/DALRYMPLE. Terms and conditions apply. Show Notes: Apple shares the most popular podcasts of 2024 Apple One is missing a key service that could really use some help Apple Devices May Learn to Ignore ‘Hey Siri’ Command From TV Ads Beware Thieves Tracking iPhone Gifts This Holiday Season Shows and movies we're watching The Diplomat, Netflix “For the Record” Podcast hosted by Amy Lively Lincoln Lawyer, Netflix

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iPhone 16 ban: Apple offers $100M investment in Indonesia, govt wants more [U]
Apple has responded to an iPhone 16 ban in Indonesia by offering a ten-fold boost to its manufacturing investments in the country – from $10M to $100M. Update: The Indonesian government has said that it expects more – see the end of the piece. The Indonesian government responded aggressively when Cupertino company fell a little way short of its promised spend in the country, and Apple seems extremely keen to resolve the matter … more…

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New emoji, app store banning drama, and a new Mac mini hub, on the AppleInsider Podcast
The first major M4 Mac mini hub accessory has just been announced, plus we now know what emoji are coming next — and developers are wondering why Apple has removed controversial apps.When it's released, the new Satechi Mac mini hub will let you store up to 4TB of emojisThe buzz around the new, tiny M4 Mac mini is such that doubtlessly there are going to be very many accessories made for it, from sleeves and mounts, to docks and hubs. But Satechi has got in first with a revision to its famous hub that used to fit so neatly under the old model.That could be good news for one of the AppleInsider podcast hosts who has already bought a new M4 Mac mini, and maybe also for the other one, who is wondering what Santa will bring. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple ebooks antitrust investigation closed, likely because it was irrelevant
An Apple ebooks antitrust investigation being carried out by the European Union has been closed without reaching a conclusion. The EU says the probe ended is because the complaint against the company has been withdrawn, but that’s likely because it had become irrelevant … more…

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Apple's browser rules deemed anticompetitive, says UK competition body
Apple's rules about what developers can do within browsers is limiting innovation, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority has determined, as part of its provisional findings from its browser investigation.Safari, Apple's browserIn 2021, the CMA launched its Mobile Ecosystems Market Study, determining that Apple and Google had a duopoly in the realm of mobile ecosystems. While it was found that Apple and Google were in a position to determine how browsers work on iOS and Android, the CMA now says that Apple does restrict competition because of its rules.The provisional findings, released on Friday, say that Apple'd rules "restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers." It also refers to the concerns of other browser producers who are "unable to offer a full range of browser features, such as faster webpage loading on iPhone." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AirPods Pro 2 hit record low price of $159 on Amazon
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have hit an all-time low price of $159, a significant 36% discount off the regular price of $249… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone Diary: Focus and exposure lock is great in principle, but it’s for sure a beta feature
The Camera Control feature I was most looking forward to was half-press to lock focus and exposure – a key feature of traditional cameras. While I’m very happy to have this in the latest beta, testing it in real-life use definitely confirms its status as the first attempt at a beta feature … more…

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LLM Siri: The wait is frustrating, but the privacy payoff will be worth it
Bloomberg yesterday reported that Apple is currently testing an “LLM Siri” within the company, with the intention of announcing it as an iOS 19 feature. That will likely see it previewed in June at WWDC 2025, but the report says that it won’t actually go live before the spring of 2026 … more…

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EU drops four-year Apple audiobook probe after complaint is withdrawn
The European Union has announced that it has ceased its investigation into how Apple treats rival audiobook developers on the App Store, saying the original complainant has withdrawn.Apple BooksThe EU's probe began in 2020, alongside other antitrust investigations into Apple Pay and the App Store. At that time, an unnamed ebook and audiobook distributor filed a complaint claiming that Apple prevents developers getting important customer data.According to the Wall Street Journal, the European Commission has now closed its investigation. The EU says that the closure is specifically because the complaint was withdrawn, and is not to be taken as a ruling that Apple is correct. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Indonesia rejects Apple's $100 million bid to lift the iPhone 16 ban
Indonesia's government has considered Apple's increased offer of $100 million of investment in the country, but reportedly wants more before it will lift its ban on the iPhone 16 range.Jakarta - Image credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels"Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita held an internal meeting to discuss the proposal," government spokesperson, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, told local news agency Antara News. "From the government's perspective, of course, we want this investment to be larger."The issue concerns Indonesia's law that smartphones must contain at least 40% of locally manufactured components. This Domestic Content Level law can be assuaged by various methods including innovation development schemes, which Apple has previously preferred. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Rumor: iPhone SE 4 to launch in March 2025
If you’re hankering for the next-gen iPhone SE, it may arrive in March 2025. Per predictions from analysts at Barclays Bank, as well as word from the supply chain, the forthcoming handset is “confirmed” for the March time frame. There does not, though, appear to be any specific basis for the claim other than that […] Source

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If you haven’t already, go update your Apple devices ASAP
Macworld Your mind may be on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but before you start cooking and shopping, you need to update your Apple device. Apple this week released iOS and iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS 15.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1 to patch a pair of critical vulnerabilities that have already been exploited in the wild. The update appears to include only two security patches, but they’re extremely important. Both patches fix zero-day vulnerabilities that are known to have been exploited in attacks against Intel-based Macs. That doesn’t mean they haven’t been used to hack Apple silicon devices as well, just that Apple isn’t aware of any such attacks. Both flaws were discovered by Clément Lecigne and Benoît Sevens of Google’s Threat Analysis Group and impact the JavaScriptCore and WebKit components of Apple’s operating systems. Both bugs allow hackers to exploit “maliciously crafted web content” to attack the system. The JavaScript bug allows “arbitrary code execution,” while the WebKit flaw opens the system to a cross-site scripting attack. In the Javascript patch (CVE-2024-44308), Apple fixed the issue with improved checks, while the WebKit fix (CVE-2024-44309) applies improved state management. For older devices, Apple also released iOS 17.7.2 for iPhones X and earlier, as well as iPadOS 17.7.2. Additionally, it rolled out Safari 18.1.2 for macOS Ventura and Sonoma. They all fix the same flaws. To update your iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro, head over to the Settings app, then General and Software Update. On a Mac, open System Settings, then General and Software Update. And if you’ve read this far, go do it right now.

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Satechi announces M4 Mac mini stand and hub peripheral
This could come in handy. Accessory maker Satechi has announced its new M4 Mac mini stand and hub, which offers owners of the desktop up to 4TB of fast SSD storage, together with an SD card slot and three USB-A ports. The upcoming device will be similar to the model already available for the previous […] Source

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Best Mac monitors and displays 2024-2025
Macworld The monitor might be the most important part of your Mac’s setup–after all, you can’t use any desktop computer without one and even the 16-inch MacBook screen can be extended to an external display twice that size. Because you’ll spend a lot of time looking at it, you’ll want to invest wisely. Not only will you want a monitor that provides a pleasing experience, but the quality of the images on the screen can also affect your work. However, picking a new monitor can be daunting. Not only are there many manufacturers to choose from, but there are also lots of sizes, resolutions, and features to consider–and when we say lots, we mean lots. We’re here to help guide you while you shop, and we have some tips on what to look for in a monitor. Below our recommendations for best desktop Mac monitor we test and review the best portable displays for Mac. Apple sells displays for its Macs, and you could go with its offerings, but its displays are a quite bit more expensive than what third parties have. Buying from a different company may mean you may not get a feature that Apple offers, but it may also be a feature that you don’t need, depending on how you use the monitor. Note there are compatibility issues for plain M1, M2 and M3 Macs, which, unlike M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro/Max/Ultra MacBooks, can’t natively connect to more than one external display. Fortunately, we can show you how to connect multiple monitors to M1, M2 and M3 Macs. There are plenty of companies that have great monitors that you can use with your Mac, without having to take out a second mortgage. Our sister publications Tech Advisor and PCWorld have tested several displays, and we list their top-rated ones that we have been able to confirm work with Macs, alongside the monitors we have reviewed below. Here are our recommendations in order, starting with Apple’s most expensive. Best Mac monitors: Desktop recommendations Apple Pro Display XDR: Apple's top-end professional 6K display Pros Phenomenally well-specced Peak brightness of 1,600 nits, stunning picture quality Cons Seriously expensive (but this isn’t a consumer display) Stand not included Price When Reviewed: $4,999 (standard), $5,999 (nano-texture glass) Best Prices Today: $4999 at Adorama$4,999 at Amazon$4999 at Apple Size: 32-inchResolution: 6K (6016×3384 pixels)Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-CWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, Rotation stand extra $999/£949Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with stand Apple’s highly specced Pro Display XDR is a stunning piece of engineering, and we found it hard to find fault with the picture quality and colour output, but at that price and with these features this is a display for a very specific audience.  The XDR is phenomenally well-specced: it’s 32in and 6K, offering 40 percent more screen space than Apple’s 5K displays, and offers a peak brightness of 1,600 nits (or 1,000 sustained). But it comes with a seriously eye-watering price tag, especially if you want to include the Pro Stand for adjustability and pivoting. While this is an expensive monitor by consumer standards, but it really isn’t a consumer monitor. It’s intended for a professional audience. Picture quality is maintained at ultrawide viewing angles, thanks to industry-leading polariser technology. This is so that a creative team can gather round a single monitor and evaluate a photo, video or design project without suffering a loss of consistency. Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W.–Neil Bennett Read our full Apple Pro Display XDR review Apple Studio Display: Apple's 'affordable' 5K production monitor Pros Handsome design Good image quality Impressive spatial audio 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage Cons High starting price and costly upgrades No HDR or ProMotion Changing stand after purchase requires a service call Price When Reviewed: $1,599 Best Prices Today: $1,299.99 at Amazon$1299.99 at Best Buy$1499 at B&H Size: 27-inchResolution: 5K (5120×2880 pixels)Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-CWebcam: 12-megapixelStand: Tilt. Height-adjustable stand extra $400/£400Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with $1,599/£1,499 VESA mount adapter As a production display, the Studio Display is still expensive but is an affordable alternative to the Pro Display XDR. Buyers will enjoy its handsome design, good image quality, and impressive spatial audio, but you can save a lot of money by going with a non-Apple display. Apple displays have always produced very good image quality, and the Studio Display continues that tradition. Colors are rich, contrast is good, and the brightness is suitable for most tasks. The Studio Display has a tilt-adjustable stand, but it does not pivot between landscape and portrait modes, like the Pro Display XDR, although a very expensive WESA mount does add a portrait option. You can get a stand that provides about four inches of height adjustment but it doesn’t come cheap. The price tag for the tilt- and height-adjustable stand is a whopping $400/£400 more. The Studio Display has six speakers (four force-canceling woofers, and two high-performance tweeters) that sound better than any display we’ve used. Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W.–Roman Loyola Read our full Apple Studio Display review Samsung M8 Smart Monitor (2024): Great value for money display Pros Competitive price 32-inch display with 4K resolution Built-in Wi-Fi with support for AirPlayAdjustable stand (height, tilt, pivot) Cons No Ethernet Some features require a Samsung account No support for DCI-P3 Price When Reviewed: $549.99 (originally $999.98) Best Prices Today: $399.99 at B&H$399.99 at Best Buy$549.99 at Saumsung Size: 32-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: Micro-HDMI (with HDMI adaptor), 1x USB-C (video), 1x USB-C peripherals, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, ThreadWebcam: HDStand: Tilt and height adjustable (included)Orientation: Landscape Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor has been a popular choice for home users since its launch in 2022, offering a 32-inch monitor with 4K resolution at a lower price than Apple’s expensive 27-inch Studio Display. The M80D model, also known as the fourth-generation update, offers several features that make it an excellent value for money at just $699.99/£549. The glass panel on the M8 still provides 4K resolution with 400 nits brightness, but the M80D model updates several other features to ensure excellent value for money. The monitor comes in three parts that need to be assembled by hand, and the plastic casing used for the display and the detachable 1080p webcam feels flimsy. However, the M8 is not a mobile device, making it suitable for general day-to-day use when sitting on your desk at home. The M8 supports HDR content and 99% of the sRGB color standard, which is accurate enough for basic graphics work, photo-editing, and presentations. Professional photographers or video-editors who require the more precise DCI-P3 standard will need to look at more expensive alternatives. The M80D model has a different set of connectors, with one USB-C port, one HDMI, and two USB-A ports, whereas previous models had two USB-C and one HDMI ports. However, it still supports Bluetooth for connecting additional peripherals, wi-fi, and AirPlay for Apple devices. This allows users to stream audio to the M8’s speakers or mirror the display from their Mac or iPad to the M8 without using a cable. The M8 can be used as more than just a basic computer monitor. It has a built-in ‘entertainment hub’, which includes apps for Netflix, YouTube, Xbox gaming service, and a web browser. Some functions are not available to Mac users, such as the ability to pair the display with a Samsung Galaxy watch for fitness data monitoring, and there’s an Easy Settings app only available for Windows users. Samsung could improve the on-screen menus and controls for the M8 to make them more straightforward. Despite the build quality not up to Apple standards and the untidy on-screen menu system, the M8 remains an affordable and attractive 4K display for home users, outperforming Apple’s more expensive Studio display–Cliff Joseph. Read our full Samsung M8 (M80D, 2024) review BenQ GW2790QT: Good looking display at a great price Pros Thin frame Sharp and stress-free image quality Cons USB ports difficult to access No high-speed USB ports Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: $249.99 at Amazon$249.99 at B&H$279.99 at BenQ Size: 27-inchResolution: 2K (2560×1440 pixels)Connections: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2, USB-C, and the integrated hub offers three USB 3.2 ports and one USB-C portWebcam: NoStand: Height, TiltOrientation: Landscape The GW2790QT monitor from BenQ is a 27-inch IPS monitor with a maximum resolution of 2K and a brightness of 350 nits. It offers a color gamut of 99 percent of sRGB and can be selected for gaming, M-Book, or film. The monitor’s color gamut is good, but homogeneity decreases towards the edges. The monitor features Low Blue Light Plus technology, which filters out blue-violet radiation harmful to the eyes, and automatic adjustment of screen brightness. A display coating is designed to reduce glare. The monitor can be rotated 20 degrees in any direction, tilted 5 degrees downwards and upwards, and the entire screen can be rotated 90 degrees into portrait format. In addition to HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2, the USB-C port provides 65 watts of power delivery for the MacBook, while another DisplayPort is available for connecting a second monitor. The integrated hub offers three USB 3.2 ports and one USB-C port with 5 gigabits per second speed. The monitor has built-in speakers and a microphone optimized for video conferencing, equipped with noise filter and noise cancellation. A USB-C connection to the Mac is required for use. The monitor has a series of buttons for operation, including the integrated microphone, noise filter, Low Blue Light Plus, menu control, and on/off button. For an additional $20, the display comes with a practical Yogi Pad set, which serves as an iPhone holder, universal shelf, and studs for stacking building blocks. While not the fastest monitor, it is suitable for general office use and does not require professional editing.–Thomas Bergbold. Read our full BenQ GW2790QT review BenQ PD2725U: Mac-friendly features Pros Very good image quality Supports 100% sRGB Stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel and rotation 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports Cons Supports 95% DCI-P3 400 nits max brightness No webcam Price When Reviewed: 899.99 Best Prices Today: $699.99 at Adorama$699.99 at Amazon$699.99 at B&H Size: 27-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: 2x Thunderbolt 3 (1x 65W PD), 2x USB-AWebcam: NoStand: Tilt and height-adjustable standOrientation: Landscape and portrait Most monitors that use standard HDMI, USB-C or DisplayPort interfaces are compatible with Macs, but BenQ has a number of displays that also include Thunderbolt 3 and are specifically designed for Macs. There’s a special section on its website to provide help for Mac users, and even Help files for owners of Macs with M1 and M2 chips as well. The PD2725U is the first of its Mac monitors, offering a 27-inch screen with 4K resolution (3,840×2,160) for a competitive $899.99/£859.99, and there are 32-inch and 34-inch versions as well. BenQ quite rightly emphasizes the versatility and ergonomic design of the PD2725U, as the sturdy metal stand allows you to tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the screen without paying extra (as you have to do with Apple’s Studio Display). You can even rotate the screen into the upright (portrait) position as well. It’s well connected too, with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort interface, plus two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which allow you to connect the PD2725U to your Mac and also to daisy-chain a second 4K display for a twin-monitor setup. There’s also a built in hub that provides two USB-A (3.1) ports, and the ability to share your keyboard and mouse with two computers so that you can use the monitor with two computers and switch between them as required. There’s a small set of built-in speakers, which aren’t particularly powerful, but the display also includes a 3.5mm audio socket for connecting headphones or external speakers as well. The display doesn’t have a built-in webcam, but BenQ includes a small puck–a kind of dial control that lets you quickly adjust the various display settings for different tasks and applications. The image quality is very good–clear and detailed, with bold colors, and the display supports 100% of the sRGB color space, so it’ll be suitable for basic graphics and design work. However, it only supports 95% of the DCI-P3 color space used for high-end video work, and its 400 nits brightness isn’t quite as vibrant as the 500 nits of my MacBook Pro’s built-in display. Professional users who need a high-end display for video editing may prefer to pay a bit more for a display with full P3 support, but the PD2725U provides an excellent and affordable 4K display for most Mac users to use at home or for general office work.–Cliff Joseph Alogic Clarity Pro Touch Display: Bring a touchscreen display to your Mac Pros Impressive 4K 60Hz touchscreen Fantastic adjustable stand Cons Fiddly Mac touchscreen software install Hub doesn’t daisy-chain extra displays Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: $959 at Amazon$1199 at Alogic Size: 27-inch or 32-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: USB-C (65W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPortWebcam: 8-megapixel (retractable)Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, RotationOrientation: Landscape and portrait The Alogic Clarity Pro Touch offers Mac users a large, premium touchscreen on a monitor that boasts one of the best height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stands that we’ve tested. It’s a precision, 10-point multitouch, One Glass Solution (OGS) touchscreen that combines the monitor’s protective layer with its input layer via a conductive medium keeps the Clarity Pro Touch’s screen as thin as the other Clarity monitors, while maintaining the monitor’s bright picture. Touchscreens are useful for artists and video professionals, with many pro tools having accurate touch functionality that beats using a mouse. It’s a more intuitive way to fine-tune levels and effects in photo-editing or music mixing, in applications such as Adobe Lightroom and Audition, and Apple Pro Logic. Alogic has an optional accessory, the $199 Clarity Fold Stand, to better facilitate comfortable drawing or interacting onscreen—the articulating stand securely holds the monitor raised at an angle like a drafting board. It can rotate 360° so that you can share work with colleagues. We did find the touchscreen setup a little fiddly as you have to install drivers for Mac, but once up and running, the operation was smooth. The height-adjustable stand offers a versatile swivel and tilt experience, and the screen can be used in either landscape or portrait modes. Its retractable webcam automatically raises itself from within the monitor when an app requires it, and then auto-retracts when it’s no longer needed. The 27-inch Pro Touch and new 32-inch Max Touch are the top-end of Alogic’s Clarity range of monitors: the entry-level Clarity (reviewed below) boasts the same premium screen but isn’t a touchscreen and lacks the webcam; the Clarity Pro is also non-touch, but does come with the smart webcam.–Simon Jary Read our Alogic Clarity Max Touch review for a closer look at the larger touchscreen model. BenQ PD3225U: Less costly alternative to the Apple Studio Display Pros Very large screen Colorfast and bright Thunderbolt connection Cons Only 60Hz Rather meager speakers No webcam Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99 Best Prices Today: $999.99 at Adorama$999.99 at Amazon$999.99 at B&H Size: 31.5-inchResolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels Connections: Thunderbolt 3 On, Thunderbolt 3 Off, 3 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 USB-B port, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, audio jack Webcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, SwivelOrientation: Landscape The BenQ PD3225U 4K display offers high display quality and many practical functions. It’s ideal for design, desktop publishing, and photo and video editing–it’s a good all-around display. Thanks to the Thunderbolt connection, it is ideal as a Mac docking station. Using Thunderbolt, the display offers four USB ports and an additional Thunderbolt socket into a practical docking station. The second Thunderbolt port also serves as a daisy-chain connection, which can be used to connect a second monitor. The rest of the ports are located on the rear of the display. The PD3225U also offers two HDMI 2.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.4. Content on the PD3225U is always clearly recognizable thanks to a peak brightness of 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The PD3225Q is also an exceptionally evenly illuminated panel with no halos or similar display problems. The matte screen is coated with an anti-glare coating that largely prevents reflections from light sources. The PD3225U also supports BenQ’s own Display Pilot software. This tool allows you to conveniently control the PD3225U from the Mac via the menu bar.–Christian Rentrop Read our full BenQ PD3225U review BenQ PD2706UA: Great ergonomic display Pros Competitive price Includes flexible ergonomic arm Supports 100% sRGB Good connectivity Cons Only supports 95% DCI-P3 400 nits max brightness (with HDR) Weak speakers Price When Reviewed: $629.99 Best Prices Today: $479.99 at Amazon$479.99 at B&H$479.99 at Walmart Electronics Size: 27-inchResolution: HD (2560×1440 pixels)Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2Webcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Joint (Rotation)Orientation: Landscape It’s a common criticism of Apple’s own displays that they don’t allow you to adjust the height of the screen unless you pay a ridiculous amount for an optional adjustable stand. Most rival displays do allow you to adjust the height, of course, but BenQ’s 27-inch PD2706UA goes even further. Rather than having a conventional stand, the PD2706UA includes an ergonomic arm that attaches to your desk and allows you to freely adjust the height, tilt and swivel, and even rotate it into the upright portrait mode with just a tap of your finger. You don’t have to pay a fortune for this flexibility either, as the PD2706UA provides an attractive 4K display for just $629.99/£549.99. The ergonomic arm is designed to either clamp onto the edge of a desk or table, or attach to the circular grommets found on many pieces of office furniture. It does require a little patience to assemble properly, but the free movement of the screen will be a blessing for people who may have problems with their neck or shoulders, or simply for quickly swiveling the display into position to show your work to clients or colleagues. The display provides 4K resolution with support for HDR10, which is good value at this price. Connectivity is good too, with HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces, along with one USB-C connector that handles video and provides 90W output for charging a laptop. It also includes a built-in USB hub that provides three USB-A ports and one USB-C (for data transfer only), as well as BenQ’s ‘hotkey puck’, which sits on your desk and provides a quick dial control for selecting display settings without using the traditional on-screen menus. As always, BenQ keeps Mac users in mind by providing a Mac version of its DisplayPilot app, which provides features such as an ‘M-book’ mode that is designed to match the color settings on a Mac. The display also supports 100% of the sRGB color space, and 95% of DCI-P3, so it can handle a wide range of graphics and design tasks. Our only real complaint is that the display only provides modest levels of brightness – 350nits or 400nits with HDR – compared to 500nits for my office iMac. The built-in speakers are pretty feeble too, but the PD2706UA does have a 3.5mm audio connector so you can use headphones or external speakers if you want to. Some professional users might prefer a more expensive display that supports 100% of DCI-P3, but the PD2706UA will be a good, affordable option if you just need a 4K display for use at home or in the office, with the added bonus of the versatile ergonomic arm thrown in for good measure.–Cliff Joseph Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor: More affordable 4K display Pros Impressive 4K 60Hz screen Fantastic adjustable stand USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons No webcam Hub doesn’t daisy-chain extra displays Price When Reviewed: $799.99 Best Prices Today: $629 at Amazon$799.99 at Alogic Size: 27-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: USB-C (90W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPortWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, RotationOrientation: Landscape and portrait The Alogic Clarity is a stunning 27-inch display with built-in hub and a fantastic height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stand. It will appeal to Mac users with its Apple looks and is even, in some ways, a superior monitor to Apple’s own Studio Display, although its 4K resolution isn’t as sharp as Apple’s 5K screen. The stand is one of the best we’ve seen, and easily beats Apple’s standard monitor stand. It features multiple display connections and can power your MacBook at up to 90W via either USB-C or USB-B. There is also a Clarity Pro model that features a built-in retractable webcam, although we prefer a standalone webcam (check out our favorite Mac webcams), as well as a touchscreen version reviewed above.–Simon Jary Read our full Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor review Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: Display with docking station Pros Manager software Good price-performance ratio Many connections Wide range of setting options Cons Plasticky design Ports difficult to access Price When Reviewed: $549.99 Best Prices Today: $550 at Dell Size: 27-inchResolution: 3840 x 2160 pixelsConnections: 2x USB-C PD, 5x USB-A, gigabit ethernet DP-in/DP-out, 1x HDMI, USB-C upstream (for daisy chain)Webcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, SwivelOrientation: Landscape Dell advertises the U2723QE with “exceptional contrast.” This is made possible by the panel’s IPS Black technology. Indeed, the screen offers an unusually high contrast ratio of 2000:1: black looks like black, and colors are very clearly distinguishable. Thanks to its wide color space support (100 percent Rec.709, 100 percent sRGB, and 98 percent DCI-P3) it is on a par with modern Apple LCDs. The screen settings can be adjusted using the joystick on the back, or directly from the Mac desktop using the Dell Display and Peripheral Manager software. Here you can quickly adjust the brightness and contrast. There is also the option of defining a schedule for changing the brightness or contrast. If required, users can also define hotkeys for brightness and contrast control. However, the software works on the MacBook, Mac mini, and Mac Pro, but not on the iMac. The ports on the back are hard to reach and not entirely in logical positions. The two connections at the front are also arranged at the bottom, which makes plugging them in from the bottom a gymnastics exercise every time. A side or rear-facing solution like Apple’s would be better here. But this display does offer a lot of ports, and it’s a complete USB-C docking station for MacBooks and a good extension for the Mac mini or Mac Studio.–Christian Rentrop Read our full Dell UltraSharp U2723QE review Samsung ViewFinity S65TC: Giving widescreen a new meaning Pros Affordable 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports Good contrast Plenty of screen space 100Hz screen frequency Cons Pale colors Low brightness No webcam Price When Reviewed: $449.99 Best Prices Today: $439.99 at Amazon$439.99 at B&H$439.99 at Best Buy Size: 34-inchResolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels (WQHD resolution)Connections: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.0, 2 USB-A ports (and a USB service port for servicing), a DisplayPort (version 1.2), an ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.Webcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, SwivelOrientation: Curved landscape The Samsung VIewFinity S65TC is a 34-inch display but it’s more wide than tall, so it’s like working on two displays side by side. The S65TC also offers a high refresh rate, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and easy-to-use controls. It’s a nice display at a reasonable price. The ViewFinity S65TC supports Thunderbolt 4 and you can use it to connect to a Mac. One of the Thunderbolt 4 ports delivers 90 watts of power (it’s labeled with a laptop and Thunderbolt icons), so you’ll want to use that port to connect to a MacBook so it can charge the laptop while connected. If you prefer, you can connect it via the HDMI 2.0 port. The display also has 2 USB-A ports (and a USB service port for servicing the display), a DisplayPort (version 1.2), an ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The S65TC’s contrast is quite good, but the color reproduction feels watered down, especially if you put it next to an iMac, for example. Brightness is also in the lower spectrum at 350 nits–the Apple Studio Display’s brightness is 600 nits. Even a MacBook Air has more screen brightness at 500 nits.–Petter Ahrnstedt Read our full Samsung ViewFinity S65TC review Spectrum One 4K Gorilla Glass: Affordable Studio Display alternative Pros Good image quality HDR support Variable refresh rate up to 144Hz Elegant design Cons Stand sold separately for $99 Blacks aren’t as deep as Apple Studio Display No built-in speakers, microphone, or webcam Price When Reviewed: $799 without stand Best Prices Today: $799 at Dough Size: 27-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: USB-C (100W PD), 2x HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x 10Gbps USB-A, USB-B, audio mini-jack, Gigabit EthernetWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, RotationOrientation: Landscape and portrait The Spectrum One with Gorilla Glass is worth a look if you’re in the market for a display and cringe at the $1,599 starting price of the Apple Studio Display. There are a few trade-offs: it’s 4K resolution rather than 5K, and it lacks speakers, a microphone, and a webcam. The height-adjustable stand costs an extra $99. Its overall image quality isn’t as good as the Studio Display, but it’s still very good for even professional-level image work. A Mac can also use one of the two HDMI 2.1 ports, but by connecting through USB-C you’ll also be able to use the display as a hub and its other USB-C port (15 watts), the two USB-A ports, and the 3.5 mm audio jack. It has a few advantages over the Studio Display, such as a variable refresh rate to a maximum of 144Hz, a higher maximum brightness, and it can connect to game consoles at 120Hz. Overall, it’s a display that’s worth the investment. This model is sold on Amazon in the U.K. but with a delivery estimation of more than three months and the European sales are in Euros, so not really one for the U.K. market.–Roman Loyola Read our full Spectrum One 4K Gorilla Glass review Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor: Vertically stacked dual-screen option Pros Two vertically stacked monitors Ergonomic screen layout Adjustable height and viewing angles 65W USB-C passthrough charging Cons HD not 4K Webcam is too high when both screens are flat Price When Reviewed: $699 Best Prices Today: $699 at Mobile Pixels Size: 2x 24-inchResolution: HD 1080p (1920-x-1080 pixels)Connections: 2x HDMI, 2x USB-C (65W PD), 2x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio In/OutWebcam: YesStand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, RotationOrientation: Stacked landscape The Mobile Pixels Geminos is a monitor curiosity that might take your fancy. Instead of having two screens side by side, the Geminos stacks two on top of each other, with the ability to fold the whole thing down flat if you want to. Having two screens stacked on top of each other will save your neck from frequent twisting plus a bunch of freed-up desk space too. The two joined 24-inch screens are HD rather than 4K so won’t suit those who want the deepest, richest colors, but as a productivity option, we applaud Mobile Pixels for the idea and comfortable dual-screen alternative. Setup is a little complicated, and you can buy two separate monitors cheaper, although not stacked vertically, for which you would need a special mount. There’s even a version, Geminos T, with a touchscreen for the lower monitor.–Simon Jary Read our full Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor review Dell Ultrasharp U2421E: Stylish USB-C 24-inch HD screen Pros USB docking station Versatile design Good quality display USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons Limited brightness Weedy speakers No webcam Price When Reviewed: $389.99 Best Prices Today: $389.99 at Dell$391 at Walmart$399.99 at Amazon Size: 24.1-inchResolution: HD (1920×1200 pixels)Connections: 2x USB-C (1x 90W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, 3x USB-A, audio mini-jack, Gigabit EthernetWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, RotationOrientation: Landscape and portrait The stylish Dell Ultrasharp U2421E is a slick design perfect for those with a USB-C/Thunderbolt charged MacBook, as the docking station features are handy. The color range is also good, and while the price is high for this resolution and size, there are cheaper prices available online—check the latest prices above. It’s big enough for general office work and a nice option for those who use a laptop as their daily workhorse. It looks professional and almost Apple-ish, and the support arm allows it to pivot and tilt extensively. It’s also got decent color representation with close to 100% sRGB coverage and 83% of the P3 color space. There’s also a decent range of ports at the back and underneath. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 90W.–Mark Pickavance Asus ProArt PA279CV: 4K for the budget-conscious Pros Accurate image High maximum brightness Menu settings allow calibration USB-C hub with 65 watts of power  Competitive price Cons Unimpressive design Luminance uniformity could be better HDR is bright but otherwise falls short No webcam Price When Reviewed: $499 Best Prices Today: $359 at Adorama$359 at Amazon$359 at Walmart Electronics Size: 27-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: USB-C (65W PD), 2x HDMI, DisplayPortWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, SwivelOrientation: Landscape The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a 4K monitor that offers accurate color and important “pro” features such as accurate gamma presets. It even has USB-C connectivity, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to upgrade from their laptop display. It’s not a great-looking monitor, with larger than average display bevels on the plasticky chassis. It’s not luxurious but it’s fine for an office or workstation. Asus’ ProArt PA279CV is a sensible choice for content creators who want a color accurate 4K monitor but don’t want to clean out their savings account. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 65W—enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro.–Matthew S.Smith Read a full Asus ProArt PA279CV review. Dell U3223QE: Large-screen with 4K resolution Pros IPS Black panel fulfils its promise  Accurate color with wide gamut  High brightness in SDR   USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons Edges of display are noticeably bright  HDR performance disappoints  No webcam Price When Reviewed: $1,149.99 Best Prices Today: $548.95 at B&H$609 at Walmart Electronics$609.99 at Amazon Size: 31.5inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)Connections: USB-C (90W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit EthernetWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, RotationOrientation: Landscape and portrait The Dell U3223QE uses LG’s IPS Black tech to deliver a top-notch, professional-level, 31.5-inch 4K display with a built-in USB-C hub.  It retains the great color performance high-end IPS panel monitors are known for, and, to sweeten the deal, provides crisp 4K resolution. But there’s more to the U3223QE than the panel. It’s also a fantastic business, productivity, and professional monitor loaded with image-quality options and a king’s buffet of connectivity. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel—features that shoppers expect at this price. However, it throws in a bonus: It can pivot 90 degrees for use in portrait mode. This is rare for a 32-inch monitor, as most stands lack the height to allow it. The USB-C hub is crammed to the gills with connectivity. This includes multiple USB-C ports, one of which can handle up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, five USB-A ports, and ethernet. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 90W.–Matthew S.Smith Read a full Dell U3223QE review. HP E27u G4: Affordable 27-inch HD monitor Pros Affordable 27-inch display Attractive image with 2560×1440 resolution HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C inputs 4-port USB hub Cons No webcam No speakers Price When Reviewed: $424 Best Prices Today: $329 at Amazon$354.99 at WalmartNot Available at HP Size: 27-inchResolution: HD (2560×1440 pixels)Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2Webcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Floor, Joint (Rotation)Orientation: Landscape Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display are seriously expensive, and they’re very much designed for professional and creative users who need 5K or 6K displays for graphics and video work. Not everyone needs such a high-res display though, and I’ve always found that a QHD (quad-HD) display with 2,560×1,440 resolution is the affordable sweet spot that works well for both general office work and off-duty entertainment. HP’s somewhat clumsily named E27u G4 is a good option here, providing an attractive QHD display with a variety of connectivity features for just $424/£286.80. You’re not going to get a top-of-the-range display for that price, and the E27u does lack a few added extras, such as a built-in webcam or speakers. It gets all the basics right, though, with good image quality, multiple video inputs, and a useful built-in USB hub. The display’s 250 nits brightness may be relatively modest, but we found that the E27u looks bright and sharp enough for working with productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and also for streaming video from the BBC iPlayer and Apple TV+. And while Apple charges an extra £400 for an upgrade that allows you to adjust the height of its Studio Display—which is more than the entire cost of the E27u—you can tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the E27u, and even rotate it into upright (portrait) mode at no extra cost. The E27u includes HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C interfaces for connecting to your Mac, with the USB-C port also providing 65W power to charge a MacBook or other laptop if required. When using the USB-C connection you can also use four USB-A ports to connect devices such a keyboard, mouse or hard drive, and there’s also a second DisplayPort interface that will allow you to daisy-chain a second monitor if required. Our only complaint is that there’s no audio connector that would allow you to connect headphones or a set of external speakers to the display – although HP does sell a special ‘speaker bar’ that bolts onto the bottom of the screen if you want to add audio ($43.00/£40.00).–Cliff Joseph Best portable monitors for Mac Most monitors sit on a desk and don’t move any more than their stand or arm allows. But sometimes a more portable solution makes sense when the MacBook’s own screen simply isn’t large enough. There are two main types of portable display: travel monitors that can be slipped into a backpack; or moveable monitors that can be carried from one room to another or quickly hidden from sight when not in use. Here are our picks for the best portable displays to match with your Mac. 1. Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Lightweight portable USB-C 15.6-inch HD screen Pros Full HD (1920×1080 at 60Hz) IPS display Lightweight   Integrated folding travel cover and stand 85W pass-through charging 2x downstream 10Gbps USB-C ports Cons HD not 4K Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: $159.96 at Amazon Prime$199.95 at Amazon$199.95 at Walmart Electronics Size: 15.6-inchResolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels)Connections: 3x USB-CWebcam: NoStand: FoldableOrientation: Landscape This 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display doubles most laptops’ screen space and is simple to setup and connect, and then disconnect and lightweight enough to carry away when you’re done. Weighing just 1.85lb (840g) with its cover/stand or 1.35lb (615g) without, it is barely noticeable alongside your laptop in your backpack or briefcase On the back of the display is a detachable PU vinyl cover that can protect the screen in transit or storage and doubles up as a foldable stand that is easy to setup.–Simon Jary Read our full Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display review 2. Asus ZenScreen MB249C: Large but portable 24-inch HD screen Pros Large screen area Sturdy built-in and foldable kickstand Offers USB-C for easy single-cable connections Good image quality Cons Too large for a backpack HD not 4K Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: $322.74 at Amazon$322.74 at B&H$349 at Asus Size: 24-inchResolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels)Connections: USB-C or HDMI to hostWebcam: NoStand: FoldableOrientation: Landscape Portable monitors are usually associated with travel but, in reality, most never leave the home or office they’re shipped to. Many purchase portable monitors not for their portability but instead their versatility and ease of use—so it can be moved across a home or corporate office. At home, it could let you have two home office setups without two monitors, or simply be stored out of sight in a cupboard when not in use. In an office, it could be carried to meetings if you need to lead a presentation or study a large spreadsheet. The Asus ZenScreen MB249C pairs a 24-inch screen with several stand options including a kickstand/handle that makes it easy to tote around a house or corporate office. It provides excellent image quality for its intended purpose. It’s bright enough and scores well in contrast, color gamut, and color accuracy, all while avoiding notable problems or pitfalls. The MB249C is a great choice for a second decent-sized monitor, too, as it offers multiple ways to mount and orient it alongside your primary monitor.–Matthew S. Smith Read a full Asus ZenScreen MB249C review on PCWorld. 3. Limink LK14 Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor: Best screen extender for portability Pros Adds two 14-inch screens Portable Easy setup Cons HD, not 4K Price When Reviewed: $699.99 Best Prices Today: $349.99 at Amazon$369.99 at Amazon Prime Size: 14-inchResolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels)Connections: USB-C or HDMI to hostWebcam: NoStand: ConnectedOrientation: Landscape If you need a bigger screen you can plug a display into your Mac laptop, but if you want multiple screens without the giant extra monitors, a better option is to buy a portable external display. These displays tend to not be much larger than the display on your laptop, but they don’t add a much more weight and can more than double your screen space. The Limink LK14 portable Tri-screen Monitor is a screen extender that your MacBook fits into and adds a 14-inch screen either side of the laptop’s own. It is compatible with 13-16-inch MacBooks, and connects via either USB-C or HDMI cables (included). Setup is easy and you can attach and detach this extender to your MacBook in about a minute. It’s HD rather than 4K and so is not as sharp and clear as the MacBook’s own. But it’s fine for spreadsheets, browsers and other mainstream applications. It’s great for adding supplementary screen estate when you’re on a video call, or for presentations. At $699, it is expensive, but you are paying for portability and two decent screens. The whole package, which comes with a leather protective cover, can be folded up and placed in a drawer when not in use, and is light enough (3.3lbs; 1.5kg) to take with you on your travels.–Simon Jary Read our full Limink LK14 Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor review How to choose a Mac monitor Display technology is a bit of a movable feast, with a lot of confusing jargon and technical features to wade through, as well as a variety of different interfaces and cables that are used by Apple itself and the various monitor manufacturers. So it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the factors that you need to think about when buying a monitor for your Mac. Screen size Size isn’t everything, as the saying goes, but it’s a good place to start. Your decision will be influenced by how much desk space you have, and how comfortable you are while using the display. Some people think that a big screen is best, but then when they start to use it daily, they find that it’s too big. And the same goes for customers who think a small screen is best. If you’re looking for a size to start with for your own personal research, we recommend 24 inches—just like with Apple’s iMac. That seems like a good size for most people, and it’s easy to go up or down from that point. Most people tend to go between 24 and 27 inches for home use. For professionals—graphics, video, audio, even spreadsheets—a large screen will help you be more productive. Think 27 inches and higher. You’ll be able to fit more elements on the screen and not waste your time scrolling. If on-screen real estate is valuable to you, consider a multi-display setup. A smaller screen can be used for things like chat, email, web, and more, while the bigger screen is your main workspace. Or get screens of the same size and maximize the space. Screen resolution Screen resolution can go hand-in-hand with screen size. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create what you see on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see. Larger displays tend to have more resolution options, as well as the ability to support higher resolutions. Often, when you find two displays that are the same size but have a wide price difference, it’s mostly because of the screen resolution. Monitors with high resolutions are more expensive. For example, Apple’s $1,599 Studio Display is 27 inches, and it has a high screen resolution of 5120×2880 (5K resolution). On the other hand, LG sells the 27-inch 27UK650-W, but it’s a 3840×2160 (4K) resolution display for content creators, and it’s $350–lower resolution, but $1,249 cheaper. (There actually aren’t other 27-inch 5K monitors available, except for the $1,449 LG UltraFine 27MD5KL-B.) So what screen resolution should you get? Here are some suggestions; these are guidelines that you can adjust based on your preferences. For general purpose use, such as web browsing, email, media viewing, small photo and video projects and viewing: 1920×1080 or 2560×1440 (HD) For more-involved content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 3840×2160 (4K) For pro-level content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 4K or higher Want to use an 8K monitor? Read How to connect an 8K display to your Mac. Connecting to a Mac How a monitor connects to a Mac can be confusing. The traditional HDMI and DisplayPort connectors used by many monitors are being replaced–or complemented–by USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. And though USB-C and Thunderbolt cables may look the same, there are actually some important technical differences between them, so it’s important to check which ports your new monitor uses and make sure you buy the correct cables and adapters. Most recent Mac models have Thunderbolt ports, so if you buy a monitor that has HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces only, then you’ll need an adapter to connect to the Mac. This can get a bit confusing, but Apple does provide a list of the ports included on most recent Mac models so that you can figure out what you need. Apple also provides a guide to HDMI and DisplayPort technology, which covers Mac models going right back to 2008, so that should provide all the info you need for all the Macs you use at home or at work. Less expensive monitors still tend to use HDMI and DisplayPort, and while it’s not too costly to buy adapters that will allow you to connect your Mac, we reckon it’s worth future-proofing your new monitor by getting one that includes at least one USB-C or Thunderbolt port. If a display uses Thunderbolt to connect to the Mac, it may have additional USB-C or Thunderbolt ports so the display can act as a hub. In this case, If you have a device you want to connect to your Mac, you can connect it to one of the ports on the monitor, which is already connected to the Mac and probably in an easier location for access. Look for a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection with power delivery (PD) that can charge your MacBook. A 65W PD will be enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro, but you’ll need at least 90W for a 15-inch or 16-inch Pro. Read our article on how to connect a second screen to a Mac which explains everything you need to know about how to identify which ports you have, the adapters you will require, and how to set things up. Ergonomics If you’re going to spend a lot of time sitting at a desk looking at your lovely new display then you need to keep ergonomics in mind. The ability to tilt the angle of the monitor back and forth, swivel it around for easy viewing, and adjust the height of the monitor in order to avoid an aching back or neck. Some monitors can pivot or rotate in either landscape or portrait mode. As a rough guide, there is a point at about 2 to 3 inches from the top of the screen that should be at eye level. Obviously, eye level varies from one person to another, so it’s important that you can adjust the screen for your own personal comfort. You may also prefer a monitor that doesn’t suffer from glare, or you will be forever repositioning the monitor (or your head) to compensate for that. Other considerations There are other considerations you’ll want to make when shopping for a monitor. A lot of these come down to personal preference or what you need for the work you do. They include: Color space (gamut): The number of colors a monitor can show. Professionals need specific color spaces. Refresh rate: The frequency when a screen is refreshed. Higher rates produce smoother animations. Webcam: Some displays have a built-in camera you can use for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps, or to record yourself. Speakers: If you plan on frequently viewing or listening to media, a good set of speakers makes for a better experience.

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How to restore Reminders
Macworld Since the introduction of the Reminders app in iOS/iPadOS and macOS long ago, deleting a reminder or item within the app meant it was gone for good. Sure, you could use undo (shake your iPhone or iPad or press Command-Z on a Mac). But you could easily break the sequence of undos through other actions, rendering the reminder permanently deleted. That included quitting the app, restarting your device, or making additional changes you don’t want to undo. While undo still works, with iOS 18/iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia, Apple has finally brought Reminds in line with its several other apps that handle items, like Notes and Photos. The company added a Recently Deleted special list to Reminders that holds deleted tasks and other items for 30 days. Apple hasn’t quite worked out the kinks, so let’s walk through it. Delete an item When you delete a task or item in Reminders in iOS/iPadOS or macOS, you’re prompted the first time that items will be retained temporarily in the Recently Deleted list instead of previously when Reminders warned you about permanent removal. After that, deleted items are simply moved to appear in that special list. Recover an item Apple provides two paths to recovering deleted reminders despite claiming there’s just one. Both start in the Recently Deleted list at the bottom of the Reminders lists (the main view in iOS and the sidebar in iPadOS and macOS). In macOS, you can restore an item back to its original location, but only for a single item or the first item in a selection of multiple items: Hover over the item. Tap the More (…) icon. Choose Recover or click the completed circle on the item. Click Recover in the dialog that appears. In macOS, you can choose Recover and restore the item to its original location.Foundry The item is returned to its original location despite the dialog stating that it will be returned to the default list (set in Reminders > Settings). If you choose multiple items in Recently Deleted to recover, Control-click/right-click anywhere on the selection and choose Move To or choose Edit > Move To, and choose a destination list. In iOS/iPadOS, single items can’t be restored to their original location. Here’s the two methods to recover items: Touch and hold an item, choose Move, and choose a destination list. Tap the More (…) icon in the main Recently Deleted list, choose Select Reminders, and select items by tapping them–which confusingly checks a circle, as the task isn’t being completed. Tap Move and then choose a destination list. You can also click or tap the completed circle in any deleted item, and you will see a prompt to recover it. This dialog appears whether you’ve chosen Recover in macOS or tapped or clicked the completed circle.Foundry Permanently delete Deleting items in the Recently Deleted list removes them immediately and forever. From any of the above locations, when working with deleted items, you can choose delete. You can also: Control-click/right-click Recently Deleted in the macOS list sidebar and choose Delete All. Tap the More (…) icon for the Recently Deleted list, and choose Delete All in iOS/iPadOS. 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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Mac processor comparison: Apple silicon vs Intel
Macworld If you’re choosing between two different types of Macs or two generations of the same Mac, you may wonder just how much of a difference the processor will make. Since November 2020, all new Macs have featured one of Apple’s own system-on-chips based on the ARM architecture, sometimes referred to as Apple Silicon. Several Apple chips have joined the line-up, including the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra; M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max and M2 Ultra; M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max; and M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The final Mac to move from Intel to Apple Silicon was the Mac Pro in June 2023. Now that the transition from Intel to Apple’s silicon is long complete, and it has been a while since Apple sold any new Macs powered by an Intel chip, you might think that there is no point in comparing Intel and Apple. However, some stores are still selling Intel-powered Macs and may users still have them. Those wishing to upgrade from an Intel-powered Mac to an M-series Mac may also be curious about how much of a difference to expect. With such variety on offer, there is also a question of which Apple processor is best, or at least sufficient for your needs. The current M4 series represents the fourth generation of Apple Silicon, but the M4 is still less powerful than the M1 Ultra, for example. It’s also worth noting that the difference between a Pro and Max version of Apple’s ships is all in the GPUs and memory support: the CPU is essentially the same. Here we will compare all the Mac and MacBook CPUs, GPUs, and other specs, such as RAM (a.k.a. unified memory), to demonstrate how the M1-, M2-, M3-, and M4-series chips compare to each other and their Intel predecessors. For more help choosing which Mac to buy read our buying guides where we assess the Best Mac and Best MacBook. You might also like to take a look at the article where we compare all of Apple’s chips. M1 to M3 timeline November 2020: Apple introduced its first Mac system-on-chip, the M1 with three models, the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. You can still buy the M1 MacBook Air at Walmart for $649. April 2021: Apple launched an iMac with a M1 chip. October 2021: The M1 formed the basis for powerful variants, the M1 Pro and M1 Max that arrived in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro in October 2021. March 2022: The final M1-series chip, the M1 Ultra, arrived with the Mac Studio in March 2022. June 2022: The next generation of Apple Silicon arrived in June 2022 with the introduction of the M2 chip. January 2023: The M2 Pro and M2 Max arrived in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. The Mac mini also gained an M2 and M2 Pro chip. June 2023: The M2 Ultra arrived in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. The Mac Studio also ships with the M2 Max. October 2023: The M3 series arrives with the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max landing at the same time. So far only the MacBook Pro ships with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, while the iMac offers the M3. October 2024: The M4 series arrives on the Mac with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The iMac has an M4. The Mac mini has an M4 or M4 Pro. The MacBook Pro has an M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max. Which processor should you choose for your Mac and does it really matter? Read on to find out. Mac and MacBook processors compared The M1 arrived with the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini at the end of 2020. The processor inside a Mac makes a big difference to how powerful the Mac is. However, it can actually be quite confusing if you aren’t familiar with the terminology. The processor is sometimes referred to as the CPU (central processing unit), which is different from the GPU (graphics processing unit). Sometimes people will refer to the processor when they actually mean the SoC (system on a chip) that contains both the CPU and GPU. You may even hear it referred to as a SiP (system in package). We often refer to Apple Silicon as chips because they are system-on-chips that combine the CPU and GPU (and for that matter RAM, which Apple refers to as Unified Memory). The various M-series chips offer a variety of CPU and GPU cores. Similarly, there are many different Intel chips that combine several CPU cores with integrated or discrete graphics options, all of which we will discuss below. We also offer advice about how much storage, RAM and cores in How much MacBook GPU, CPU, RAM and SSD do you really need? Mac processors from Apple M1 Apple MacBook Air (2020) M1 Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $999 Best Prices Today: $631.99 at Best Buy | $739 at Amazon | $779 at Adorama In June 2020 Apple announced that it would transition Mac from Intel to its “world-class custom silicon.” This process began with Apple’s M1 processor, which was introduced in November 2020. The M1 was in these Macs: 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) MacBook Air (2020) Mac mini (2020) iMac (2021) The M1 specs are as follows: 8-core CPU (4 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 7- or 8-core graphics processor (GPU) 16-core Neural Engine 8GB or 16GB of RAM 68.25GBps memory bandwidth 16 billion transistors The M1 was Apple’s first chip designed by Apple specifically for the Mac and it made shockwaves in the industry with giant leaps in performance. However, some people criticized the RAM limitations, with the M1 Macs only able to support up to 16GB of Unified Memory. M1 Pro Apple introduced the M1 Pro in October 2021.  It is no longer available in any new Macs, but you may get one in Apple’s refurbished store or elsewhere. The M1 Pro was in these Macs: 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021) 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) The M1 Pro specs were as follows: 8- or 10-core CPU (6 or 8 performance cores/2 efficiency cores) 14- or 16-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 16GB or 32GB of RAM 200GBps memory bandwidth 33.7 billion transistors The M1 Pro offers a 14-core GPU or a 16-core GPU. At launch, Apple claimed the GPU in the M1 Pro to be 2x faster than the M1. Apple also claimed that the GPU was up to 7x faster than the integrated graphics on the latest 8-core PC laptop chip. The M1 Pro also added a ProRes accelerator in the media engine to speed up video processing. Apple claimed that the M1 Pro could deliver up to 200GBps of memory bandwidth, which is nearly 3x of the bandwidth of the M1. The M1 Pro supports up to 32GB RAM (compared to a maximum of 16GB for the M1). M1 Max The M1 Max was also introduced in October 2021 as a standard option for the 16-inch MacBook Pro and a build-to-order option for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Then in March 2022, the M1 Max became one of the options for the Mac Studio. The M1 Max is no longer available in any new Macs, but you may get one in Apple’s refurbished store or elsewhere. The M1 Max was in these Macs: 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021) 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) Mac Studio (2022) The M1 Max specs are as follows: 10-core CPU (8 performance cores/2 efficiency cores) 24- or 32-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 32GB or 64GB of RAM 400GBps memory bandwidth 57 billion The M1 Max has the same 10-core CPU as the M1 Pro, but everything else is significantly enhanced. The GPU is probably the most important difference between the M1 Pro and M1 Max. The M1 Max GPU goes all the way up to 32 cores (there is also a build-to-order 24-core option.) At launch, Apple claimed the graphics performance of the 32GB GPU to be up to 4x faster than the M1. M1 Max also has two ProRes accelerators that help it deliver up to 2x faster video encoding than M1 Pro. Apple claimed the M1 Max-powered MacBook Pros can edit up to 30 streams of 4K ProRes video or up to seven streams of 8K ProRes video in Final Cut Pro. That’s more streams than on a 28-core Mac Pro with Afterburner. At launch, Apple stated that the performance of the M1 Max is “similar to that of the highest-end GPU in the largest PC laptops while using up to 100 watts less power.” M1 Max also offers up to 400GBps of memory bandwidth. That is 2x that of M1 Pro and nearly 6x that of M1. As a result, a maximum of 64GB RAM is possible with the Max. M1 Ultra The M1 Ultra was also introduced in March 2022 as an option for the Mac Studio. You may still find a 2022 Mac Studio available, potentially at a good discount. The M1 Ultra was in the: Mac Studio (2022) The M1 Ultra specs were as follows: 20-core CPU (16 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 48- or 64-core GPU 32-core Neural Engine 64GB or 128GB of RAM 800GBps memory bandwidth 114 billion transistors The M1 Ultra is essentially two M1 Mac chips, so it can offer a 20-core CPU and up to 64-core GPU. Apple achieves this using UltraFusion architecture to connect the two M1 Max chips to avoid trade-offs such as increased latency, reduced bandwidth, and increased power consumption. Apple also explained that the M1 Ultra behaves like, and is recognized by software, as one chip. At launch Apple claimed to offer “4x the bandwidth of the leading multi-chip interconnect technology” and that the M1 Ultra “delivers 90 percent higher multi-threaded performance than the fastest available 16-core PC desktop chip in the same power envelope.” Apple also claimed that the 64-core GPU delivers faster performance than the highest-end PC GPU available – all while using 200 fewer watts of power. The M1 Ultra can be configured with up to 128GB unified memory; according to Apple the most powerful PC graphics cards maxed out at 48GB. The ‌M1‌ Ultra also offers twice the media engine capabilities of the ‌M1 Max‌, for accelerated video encoding and decoding. M2 Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $999 – Discontinued (was $1,119 then $1,099) Best Prices Today: $749 at Amazon | $749 at Best Buy | $799 at Adorama The M2 was introduced in June 2022 with the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple later added the M2 as an option for the Mac mini in January 2023, and a new 15-inch MacBook Air in June 2023. The M3 is featured in: 13-inch MacBook Air (2022) (buy from Apple here) Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $1,299 Best Prices Today: $999 at Best Buy | $1,199 at Amazon | $1244 at Walmart The M2 was in these Macs: Mac mini (2023) 15-inch MacBook Air (2023) 13-inch MacBook Pro (2022) The M2 specs are as follows: 8-core CPU (4 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 8- or 10-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 8GB, 16GB or 24GB of RAM 100GBps memory bandwidth 20 billion transistors Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $599 Best Prices Today: $469 at B&H | $499 at Adorama | $499 at Amazon At launch, Apple claimed: “Compared with the latest 10-core PC laptop chip, the CPU in M2 provides nearly twice the performance at the same power level.” Apple also stated that the “M2 provides nearly 90 percent of the peak performance of the 12-core chip while using just one-fourth the power.” Apple also claimed the 10-core GPU delivers “up to 25 percent higher graphics performance than M1 at the same power level”, thanks to the larger cache and higher memory bandwidth. At maximum power this is 35 percent better, claimed Apple. Thanks to the additional GPU cores, 10 cores rather than the 8-core limit of the M1, the M2 performs better than the M1, but it’s still below the M1 Pro with 14 cores. M2 Pro Apple Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,299 Best Prices Today: $999 at Best Buy | $1099 at B&H | $1199 at Adorama The M2 Pro was introduced in January 2023 with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the M2 Pro Mac mini. The M2 Pro was in these Macs: 14-inch MacBook Pro (early 2023) 16-inch MacBook Pro (early 2023) Mac mini (2023) The M2 Pro specs are as follows: 10-core or 12-core CPU (6 or 8 performance cores/2 efficiency cores) 14- or 16-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 16GB or 32GB of RAM 200GBps memory bandwidth 40 billion transistors Like the M1 Pro, the M2 Pro has a built-in media engine that accelerates H.264, HEVC, and ProRes video encoding and decoding. Better power efficiency during playback of multiple streams of 4K and 8K ProRes video can also be expected. At launch Apple claimed that the M2 Pro is 40 percent faster in Adobe Photoshop image processing, and 25 percent faster in Xcode code compiling when compared to the M1 Pro. Apple claimed that, when compared to the Core i9 16-inch MacBook Pro, the M2 Pro is 2.5 times faster in Photoshop and 80 percent faster in Xcode. M2 Max The M2 Max was also introduced in January 2023 with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. The M2 Max features in this Mac: Mac Studio (2023) (buy from Apple here) The M2 Max was in these Macs: 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023) 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) The M2 Max specs are as follows: 12-core CPU (8 performance cores/4 efficiency core) 30- or 38-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 32GB, 64GB or 96GB of RAM 400GBps memory bandwidth 67 billion transistors Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: £1,999 Best Prices Today: $1799 at B&H | $1889 at Adorama | $1949 at Walmart Electronics Like the M1 Max, the M2 Max offers two video-encode engines and ProRes engines. At launch, Apple claimed the M2 Max would see a 30 percent improvement over the M1 Max when using color grading in DaVinci Resolve, while it would be 2 times faster than the Intel Core i9 MacBook Pro in the same test. For effects rendering in Cinema 4D, Apple claimed that the M2 Max is 30 percent faster than the M1 Max, and 6 times faster than the Core i9 MacBook Pro. M2 Ultra The M2 Ultra arrived in June 2023. It is an option for both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro. Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023) Price When Reviewed: $3,999 Best Prices Today: $3699 at B&H | $3849.99 at Adorama | $3849.99 at Walmart Electronics Apple Mac Pro (M2 Ultra, 2023) Price When Reviewed: From $6,999 Best Prices Today: $6999 at Apple The M2 Ultra features in these Macs: Mac Studio (2023) (buy from Apple here) Mac Pro (2023) (buy from Apple here) The M2 Ultra’s specs are as follows: 24-core CPU (16 performance cores/8 efficiency core) 60- or 76-core GPU 32-core Neural Engine 64GB, 128GB or 192GB of RAM 800GBps memory bandwidth 134 billion transistors M3 The M3 arrived at the end of October 2023. It was an option for both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iMac. The M3 is featured in: MacBook Air (2023) (buy from Apple here) Apple 24-inch iMac (M3, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,299 base model Best Prices Today: $1,099 at Amazon | $1119 at Walmart Electronics | $1149 at Adorama Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 256GB/16GB RAM, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 Best Prices Today: $1,044 at Amazon | $1044 at Best Buy | $1199 at B&H The M3 was in these Macs: iMac (2023) 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023) The M3 specs are as follows: 8-core CPU (4 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 8- or 10-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 8GB, 16GB or 24GB of RAM 100GBps memory bandwidth 25 billion transistors M3 Pro The M3 Pro also arrived at the end of October 2023. It was an option for both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The M3 Pro was in these Macs: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,999 – discontinued Best Prices Today: $1649 at Adorama | $1699 at B&H | $1699 at Best Buy 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023) 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023) Price When Reviewed: $2,499 – discontinued Best Prices Today: $1999 at B&H | $1999 at Best Buy | $2,396.99 at Amazon The M3 Pro specs are as follows:: 11- or 12-core CPU (5 or 6 performance cores/6 efficiency cores) 14- or 18-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 18GB or 36GB of RAM 150GBps memory bandwidth 37 billion transistors M3 Max Like the other M3 chips, the M3 Max arrived at the end of October 2023. It was an option for both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023) Price When Reviewed: $3,199 – discontinued Best Prices Today: $2799 at B&H | $2799 at Best Buy | $2999 at Adorama Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $3,499 – discontinued Best Prices Today: $3244 at Adorama | $3,244 at Amazon | $3399 at B&H The M3 Max was in these Macs: 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023) 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) The M3 Max specs are as follows: 14- or 16-core CPU (10 or 12 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 14- or 18-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 36GB, 48GB, 128GB of RAM 300GBps or 400GBps memory bandwidth 92 billion transistors M4 The M4 was introduced in October 2024. It is available in the iMac, Mac mini, and 14-inch MacBook Pro. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,599 | $1,799 | $1,999 Best Prices Today: $1,399 at Amazon | $1399 at Best Buy | $1449 at B&H Apple Mac mini (M4) Price When Reviewed: $599 | $799 | $999 Best Prices Today: $549 at B&H | $559 at Amazon | $574 at Walmart Electronics The M4 is featured in these Macs: iMac (2024) (buy from Apple here) Mac mini (2024) (buy from Apple here) 14-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple here) The M4 specs are as follows: 8- or 10-core CPU (4 performance cores/4 or 6 efficiency cores) 8- core 10-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 16GB, 24GB, 32GB of RAM 120GBps memory bandwidth 28 billion transistors M4 Pro The M4 Pro was introduced in October 2024. It is available in the Mac mini, and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) Price When Reviewed: $1,999 | $2,399 Best Prices Today: $1,749 at Amazon | $1749 at B&H | $1799 at Best Buy Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,399 Best Prices Today: $1,379.94 at Amazon | $1399 at Apple | $1399 at B&H The M4 Pro is featured in these Macs: Mac mini (2024) (buy from Apple) 14-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple) 16-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple) The M4 Pro specs are as follows: 12- or 14-core CPU (8 or 10 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 16- or 20-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 24GB, 48GB of RAM 273GBps memory bandwidth M4 Max The M4 Max was introduced in October 2024. It is available in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max) Price When Reviewed: $3,499 | $3,999 Best Prices Today: $2599 at B&H | $2599 at Best Buy | $2664 at Walmart Electronics Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max) Price When Reviewed: $3,199 Best Prices Today: $2,899 at Amazon | $2899 at Best Buy | $2929 at Walmart Electronics The M4 Max is featured in these Macs: 14-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple) 16-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple) The M4 Max specs are as follows: 14- or 16-core CPU (10 or 12 performance cores/4 efficiency cores) 32- or 40-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, 128GB of RAM 410GBps or 546GBps memory bandwidth Mac Processor Benchmarks The benchmarks below include the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max which were released in the latter part of 2024. The M4 Ultra has not been released, and Apple never released an M3 Ultra, so the Mac Studio and Mac Pro still use the M2 Ultra, which as you can see, is not the fastest anymore, but still among the top performers.

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Forget iCloud Drive, this 2TB lifetime cloud storage pays for itself
Macworld What’s worse than iCloud fees? Hitting your storage limit and having to consider upgrading. Here’s a better option: lifetime cloud storage. Yeah, that’s a thing now. Imagine paying $69.97 once instead of $10 every month. That’s FileJump. You get the same amount of storage as iCloud’s 2TB plan, but only during this early Black Friday sale—and only while codes last. Save 85% on cloud storage that pays for itself in only seven months. The biggest difference between iCloud and FileJump is that the latter won’t seamlessly integrate with your iOS devices. But with $10 extra in your pocket every month…who cares? Upload images, videos, and files under 15GB in size with a simple drag-and-drop, and they’re stored for life with AES encryption. Unlike other lifetime cloud storage plans, FileJump even has mobile and desktop apps to complete the experience. Conveniently see file previews for images, videos, and spreadsheets. Get cloud storage without fees during this early Black Friday sale: $69.97 (reg. $467) for FileJump’s 2TB lifetime subscription while codes last.   FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription – $89 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. 

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