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The latest M5 Macbook Air is down to the lowest price we've seen since Apple's price hike

Apple increased prices in its official store, but Amazon has the lowest prices on the new 13-inch M5 MacBook Air right now.

Your old Mac and iPhone are suddenly worth a lot more

Macworld When Apple hiked prices on dozens of devices in late June, we were left wondering what that meant for trade-ins. Since Apple was charging more for new devices, we naturally assumed Apple should give us more for our older devices, too. Now they are. As spotted by 9to5Mac , Apple has raised trade-in values for most devices, including Android phones. Presumably this is because Apple will get more from the used devices on the secondary market, whether through resale or reused parts, due to the surging price of RAM and other components. Most notably, iPhone trade-in values have mostly all increased, going all the way back to the iPhone 8, which will net you $5 more than before ($40 versus $35). The only iPhones that havent been affected are the 16e, 14 Plus, 2nd-gen SE, X, and 8 Plus. Apple doesnt offer trade-in estimates for its newest iPhones, including the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, MacBook Neo, and other current devices. Here are a few highlights for the models it does offer: iPhone 16 Pro: Up to $630 ($70 more) iPhone 14 Pro Max: Up to $405 ($30 more) iPad: Up to $260 ($25 more) iPad mini: Up to $300 ($35 more) MacBook Pro: Up to $855 ($160 more) Mac Studio: Up to $1,305 ($270 more) Of course, the maximum value depends on the condition, configuration, and age of the device, and you can almost certainly get more by selling your device through eBay or some other third-party site. But if youre buying through Apple, the process is easy and straightforwardand now youre getting a little more, too, just in time for new iPhones, Apple Watches, and Macs this fall. You can check the trade-in value for your device on the Apple Trade In site .

Last Day for Up to

Samsung's newest line of smartphones and smartwatches launches tomorrow, making today your last chance to get pre-order discounts on these devices. While you can find some offers on Samsung's website , we're tracking better savings on Amazon this week. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. If you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 or the Fold8 Ultra you can get a $350 Amazon gift card. The new Galaxy Z Flip8 comes with a $200 Amazon gift card. These offers are for unlocked models of each smartphone and don't require trade-ins, although you can deepen your savings if you do trade in an older phone. $200 GIFT CARD Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 on Amazon $350 GIFT CARD Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra on Amazon On Samsung.com , you'll get a $200 Samsung gift card with the pre-order of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, and a $150 gift card for the Galaxy Z Flip8. You can also increase savings with the addition of a smartphone trade-in. Amazon is also offering straight cash discounts on pre-orders for the new Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2. The 40mm Galaxy Watch9 is available for $379.99 with a $50 Amazon gift card, and the 44m model is available for $409.99 with a $50 gift card. $50 GIFT CARD Samsung Galaxy Watch9 on Amazon $100 GIFT CARD Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 on Amazon For the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 , Amazon has this model for $699.99 with a $100 Amazon gift card for pre-orders. Over on Samsung, you'll find the same smartwatch prices and Samsung gift card credits if you prefer shopping directly from the retailer. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, Last Day for Up to $350 Amazon Gift Card With Samsung Galaxy Pre-Orders first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Vision Pro may have found its reason to exist

Macworld When Vision Pro hit shelves in February 2024 with a $3,499 price tag, it was clear that it wasnt going to be Apples next big seller. Not only did it cost more than most MacBook Pros, but it also didnt really have a reason for people to spend that much on a headset. There were barely any games, a handful of immersive experiences, and no real killer app to lure people in. Over two years later, the Vision Pro costs even more now (starting at $3,699 after a recent price hike) and still doesnt have a compelling reason for most people to buy one. However, a recent report puts Apples headset in a different light. According to a study conducted at the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute , Apple Vision Pro is a remarkably effective tool for endoscopic lacrimal surgery. So effective, in fact, it actually saves time and money. Among the studys findings: 19 percent shorter operative times 100 percent functional success with no intraoperative or postoperative complications Significantly lower surgeon-reported workload Improved ergonomics As the study explains, this surgery is ideal for Vision Pros design and functionality: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endoDCR) has become a mainstay in the surgical management of nasolacrimal duct (tear duct) obstruction and is now common practice among lacrimal surgeons. Compared with the traditional external approach, the endonasal route avoids a cutaneous incision and provides direct visualization of the intranasal surgical field while achieving comparable success rates.Because the procedure is performed entirely under nasal endoscopy, with the operative image displayed on an external monitor, it is a natural setting in which to evaluate a wearable, head-anchored display. According to Horace Dediu at Asymco , who assessed the cost and space impacts of the Vision Pro for the study, within the context of the operating room, the Apple Vision Pro is notable for being very small and very cheap. It is less than 1% of the cost and smaller than almost any piece of equipment. So while you and I might not have $3,699 to spend on a new Vision Pro, hospitals would actually be saving money by investing in the headset over their current equipment. And with an M5 chip and Siri AI, the Vision Pro could just be the next big thing for surgeons. After all, how many endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy monitors let you kick back and watch a movie on the moon when youre done with surgery.

Apple Raises Trade-In Values for iPhone, Mac, and More

Apple today updated its U.S. trade-in estimates , raising values for most iPhone, iPad , Mac, and Apple Watch models and adding several Android phones to the list for the first time. As first noted by 9to5Mac , some devices gained nearly 30% in estimated value compared to the last update in May . The iPhone 16 Pro Max now tops Apple's iPhone estimates at up to $720, up from $695, and increases run all the way down the lineup to some of Apple's oldest supported models: iPhone 16 Pro Max : $695 to $720 iPhone 16 Pro : $560 to $630 iPhone 16 Plus : $465 to $485 iPhone 16 : $460 to $480 iPhone 15 Pro Max : $490 to $530 iPhone 15 Pro : $410 to $420 iPhone 15 Plus : $325 to $340 iPhone 15 : $320 to $335 iPhone 14 Pro Max : $375 to $405 iPhone 14 Pro : $320 to $335 iPhone 14 : $225 to $235 iPhone SE (3rd generation) : $80 to $85 iPhone 13 Pro Max : $320 to $340 iPhone 13 Pro : $260 to $285 iPhone 13 : $195 to $205 iPhone 13 mini : $150 to $155 iPhone 12 Pro Max : $220 to $240 iPhone 12 Pro : $180 to $195 iPhone 12 : $125 to $135 iPhone 12 mini : $85 to $90 iPhone 11 Pro Max : $150 to $160 iPhone 11 Pro : $135 to $145 iPhone 11 : $100 to $110 iPhone XS Max : $90 to $95 iPhone XS : $65 to $70 iPhone XR : $80 to $90 iPhone 8 : $35 to $40 Unchanged models include the iPhone 16e, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone X, and iPhone 8 Plus. Every current iPad also gained value: iPad Pro : $690 to $720 iPad Air : $460 to $490 iPad mini : $265 to $300 iPad : $235 to $260 The Mac saw some of the largest percentage increases in today's update, led by the Mac mini 's roughly 28% jump: MacBook Pro : $690 to $855 MacBook Air : $520 to $580 Mac mini : $375 to $480 iMac : $355 to $380 Mac Studio : $1,045 to $1,305 Mac Pro : $2,045 to $2,195 The iMac Pro remains unchanged. Apple Watch estimates rose across most of the lineup: Apple Watch Series 10 : $150 to $165 Apple Watch Series 9 : $130 to $135 Apple Watch Series 8 : $90 to $95 Apple Watch Series 7 : $65 to $70 Unchanged models include the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 6, and Apple Watch SE (1st generation). Android trade-in values were more mixed. Apple added several newer Samsung, Google, and OnePlus phones to the list for the first time, while some existing estimates fell: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G : $130 to $125 Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G : $80 to $85 Samsung Galaxy S22 5G : $80 to $85 Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G : $95 (new) Google Pixel 9 Pro XL : $315 (new) Google Pixel 9 Pro : $305 (new) Google Pixel 9 : $210 (new) Google Pixel 8 Pro : $165 to $155 Google Pixel 7 Pro : $95 to $90 Google Pixel 7 : $65 to $60 OnePlus 13 : $250 (new) OnePlus 13R : $165 (new) Unchanged models include the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8a, OnePlus 12, and OnePlus 12R. As always, Apple's listed values are estimates, with the company noting that final offers can vary based on a device's condition and configuration, and that not all devices are eligible for trade-in credit. Tag: Apple Trade-In This article, Apple Raises Trade-In Values for iPhone, Mac, and More first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Month With These 12 New Features

It is now August, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are just a month away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone Ultra in the first half of September , and the devices should be released in the second half of the month. The regular iPhone 18, a lower-end iPhone 18e, and a second-generation iPhone Air will reportedly be announced around March 2027 . It has been estimated that the U.S. starting prices of the iPhone 18 Pro models could be $200 to $300 more compared to the iPhone 17 Pro models. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of August: Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that Face ID's flood illuminator will be moved under the screen on the iPhone 18 Pro models, paving the way for a smaller Dynamic Island on the devices. LTPO+ Displays: The next Pro models are expected to have the same overall design as the iPhone 17 Pro models , including 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes and a plateau housing three rear cameras. However, the displays will reportedly use so-called LTPO+ display technology , which should contribute to longer battery life. Variable Aperture: The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models is rumored to have a variable aperture , which would allow users to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. This would provide greater control over depth of field. However, given that iPhones have smaller image sensors due to smartphone size constraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be. A20 Pro Chip: Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip is expected to use TSMC's first-generation 2nm process, whereas the A19 Pro chip is 3nm. With a 2nm architecture and a new packaging design , the A20 Pro chip should deliver solid year-over-year performance and power efficiency gains. C2 Modem: Apple's custom C1 cellular modem for 5G and LTE debuted in the iPhone 16e last year, and that was followed by a C1X chip in the iPhone Air. Apple says the C1X modem is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem, and the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone ever. The improvements should continue with Apple's third-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models. 5G via Satellite: With the C2 modem, the iPhone 18 Pro models will reportedly support 5G via satellite for web browsing without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. N2 Chip: Most of the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air are equipped with an Apple-designed N1 chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Apple says the N1 chip also improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to have Apple's next-generation N2 chip, but it is not yet known what improvements would come with this upgrade. Dark Cherry: The special color for the iPhone 18 Pro models will reportedly be Dark Cherry , alongside Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The existing Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colors are expected to be discontinued. Simplified Camera Control: Apple is expected to simplify the Camera Control button on the iPhone 18 Pro models, by removing touch sensitivity and haptic feedback. The redesigned button will only have pressure sensitivity. Redesigned Rear Ceramic Shield: The rear Ceramic Shield area for MagSafe is rumored to feature a more frosted and seamless appearance on the iPhone 18 Pro models compared to the current two-tone design. Larger Battery (iPhone 18 Pro Max): According to alleged Chinese regulatory database filings , the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have nearly a 10% larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Thicker Design (iPhone 18 Pro Max): It has been rumored that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro. Bookmark our iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro roundups to stay up to date with more rumors. Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro This article, iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Month With These 12 New Features first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Amazon Takes Up to

You can get up to $190 off multiple models of the M5 MacBook Air on Amazon this week, with deals focused mainly on 13-inch models this time around. These are the lowest prices we've seen on the notebooks in the wake of Apple's price hikes in June. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. In terms of 13-inch models, Amazon has the 16GB/1TB 13-inch MacBook Air for $1,419.00 , down from $1,599.00. This one is available in two colors on Amazon, and it's accompanied by a discount on the 24GB/1TB model. $180 OFF 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,419.00 $190 OFF 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,609.00 We aren't currently tracking any discounts on the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models this week. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, Amazon Takes Up to $190 Off M5 MacBook Air With Best Deals Since Price Hike first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Account Card in Wallet Now Available in Four More Countries

Apple has expanded support for the Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta. The Apple Account Card option for Wallet started rolling out in 2022, and Apple has been gradually expanding to more countries since then. The card displays the balance associated with a user's Apple Account and can be used to make purchases in the Apple Store , online, or for apps, subscriptions, and other Apple services. This article, Apple Account Card in Wallet Now Available in Four More Countries first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AirPods Pro 3 Drop to One of the Best Prices of the Year So Far at

Amazon today has the AirPods Pro 3 available for $189.99 , down from $249.00. This is now the best price we've seen on the AirPods Pro 3 since Prime Day, and one of the overall best prices we've tracked so far in 2026. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts. $59 OFF AirPods Pro 3 for $189.99 Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, AirPods Pro 3 Drop to One of the Best Prices of the Year So Far at $189.99 first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Google's new Ask Maps features may be more exciting than the upcoming Pixel drop

Google announced several upgrades to Ask Maps, allowing users to order food and find hotels with fewer clicks.

Official Apple and Beats iPhone 17 series cases now on sale starting from just $11

As we near the end of the week, the Apple deals are now flying with the one of the best prices of the year on AirPods Pro 3 landing this morning, joined by a wide-ranging Best Buy Apple Shopping Event , this Apple gift card promotion and more. And for folks not upgrading to iPhone 18 this year, Amazon is delivering a series of discounts across the official Apple iPhone 17 case lineup with several Silicon MagSafe models return to the best prices of 2026 or landing at the lowest we have tracked in several months, alongside some Beats models from just $11 Prime shipped.

Beats Pill speaker with Find My now up to $75 off in latest Apple Shopping Event

As part f its now live $50 off the latest Beats Pill portable speaker with Find My, and you can score one for as much as $75 off in excellent open-box condition too.

OpenAI Asks Judge to Dismiss Apple

OpenAI has asked a federal judge to dismiss Apple's lawsuit accusing the AI company of stealing trade secrets, calling the allegations meritless. Lawyers for OpenAI said Apple's suit twists the actions of its employees. Bloomberg reports that the filing defends Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan, who spent 24 years at Apple as VP of product design for iPhone and Apple Watch before leaving to co-found io Products with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. io merged with OpenAI in July 2025. OpenAI said Tan followed normal industry recruiting practices when interviewing Apple staff. OpenAI also defended senior systems engineer Chang Liu, one of two former Apple employees named in the suit. Apple claims Liu accessed confidential hardware files over several weeks after finding an authentication bug. OpenAI said Liu was simply helping a former Apple colleague find information for their own work, and published excerpts of text messages it says back up that account. Apple should not be permitted to use a baseless and pretextual lawsuit, OpenAI's lawyers wrote. OpenAI's motion argues Apple never properly identified what information actually counts as a protectable trade secret. The company said it has no interest in Apple's confidential material because it is uilding something entirely new and different from anything at Apple. Axios reported that OpenAI's filing also disputes how Apple built its case. According to OpenAI, Apple's own security practices, including letting staff use personal iCloud accounts for work and later reviewing personal messages left on company devices, are what gave former employees leftover system access in the first place, not evidence of a coordinated theft. The 31 page filing repeatedly frames the case as Apple trying to cover for its own struggles, with variations of the word fail appearing nearly 50 times. OpenAI's filing also revisited an earlier dispute over how the two sides first fell out of contact. Apple's suit had claimed OpenAI never responded to its outreach in February, and that the two sides discussed the matter with OpenAI's general counsel. OpenAI says neither is true, and that the breakdown traced back to Apple's own outside counsel confusing two OpenAI employees with similar surnames and sending a message to the wrong person. This week's motion follows the suit Apple filed against OpenAI in July, which accuses the company of running a scheme to pull confidential product information out of job candidates and new hires. Apple and OpenAI had spent about two years partnering to build ChatGPT integration into Siri , but the relationship soured as OpenAI moved into hardware, a shift accelerated by its acquisition of Ive's startup. Apple's suit claims more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. Apple escalated the case further this week, asking the same judge for a preliminary injunction to stop OpenAI from using any alleged trade secrets while the case continues, along with expedited discovery targeting Liu, Tan, OpenAI and its foundation, and io. Apple said its investigation has since turned up 11 more former employees who may have been witnesses or otherwise involved, beyond Liu, Tan, and previously named OpenAI employee Yu-Ting Peng. Apple claims one former employee met with Liu and Peng before Peng's OpenAI interview and discussed proprietary information about unannounced products, and that another took screenshots of confidential documents relating to an unannounced Apple product before their own interview. Apple also said that after it filed its complaint, several former staffers now at OpenAI reached out about returning Apple issued devices they had kept. OpenAI called that injunction request ased on false information and completely unnecessary in a public blog post responding to Apple's filing. OpenAI has a court ordered deadline of August 17 to formally respond to Apple's preliminary injunction request. The judge is set to hear arguments on October 1. Tags: Apple Lawsuits , OpenAI This article, OpenAI Asks Judge to Dismiss Apple's Trade Secrets Lawsuit first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

iPhone 18 Pro launch date: Apple reportedly gears up for September event

Apple's next iPhone event is reportedly scheduled for September 9, which could introduce the iPhone 18 Pro models. These new devices may see a significant price increase due to rising component costs. Pre-orders are anticipated to begin around September 12, with availability following shortly after.

Is the pro Mac dead?

Macworld After nearly 20 years, on a seemingly random Thursday, Apple finally pulled the plug on the Mac Pro. Apple later confirmed that it will no longer be selling its high-end Mac tower and has no plans to offer future Mac Pro hardware. The Mac Pro, once a symbol of Apples dominance in the PC workstation space, is well and truly dead. Yes, yes, I know what youre thinking: the Mac Studio exists and is aimed squarely at many of the same users that would have bought a Mac Pro. But while it matches or even exceeds the Mac Pro in processing power, the Mac Studio lacks the things that made the Mac Pro unique, namely the expansion and cooling capabilities of a tower computer. The Studio is a high-end performance machine, but not really a pro machine and more than a Mac mini with the same chip. And with Apple releasing the MacBook Neo earlier this year, it might seem like the company is turning its attention towards the budget end of the market at the expense of its professional customers. Without a clear ultra-high-end option, Apples most discerning and demanding users will have to either opt for the non-modular Mac Studio or look outside Apples ecosystem. Pro or no? Lets be honest, Apples pro users havent been particularly well-served by the Mac Pro for some time. The Mac Pros last update came in 2023 with the M2 Ultra chip, which has since been surpassed by the M3 Ultra present in the Mac Studio but never in the Mac Pro. Performance was therefore superior in a more affordable Mac. There were also memory and storage differences that were frankly embarrassing for the Mac Pro. While it peaked at 192GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, the Mac Studio surpassed that with 256GB of memory and 16TB of storage. You paid less and got more. In the years leading up to its discontinuation, the Mac Pro looked more powerful than it actuall was. Thiago Trevisan/Foundry Put together, that meant the reasons to get a Mac Pro were ever dwindling. All you were really left with as a reason to cough up $6,999 or more was the ability to expand the internal storage and add some extra I/O. And few users could really rationalize that. The fact that Apple updated the Mac Pro so infrequently, just three times in the last 14 years, tells you how low of a priority it was. The product almost certainly sold in such meager numbers as to make further revisions hard to support. This then fueled a vicious cycle: fewer people bought the Mac Pro due to its lack of updates, which then disincentivized Apple to continue working on it. In the end, the Mac Pro was too niche to justify its continued existence. Apple had a choice to either continue developing it (with all the costs associated with that) or quietly kill it off. We shouldnt be too surprised that it opted for the latter. Shifting priorities Of course, Apples high-end Mac offerings extend far beyond the Mac Pro. There are ample high-grade options around. So, where do true pro Mac users stand now that the Mac Pro is no more? Theres not really a clear answer. For example, Apple refreshed its professional desktop monitor in March with the Studio Display XDR . Before the new model dropped, the Pro Display XDR was a true pro display, starting at $4,999 and offering specs that only the most demanding users needed. Despite its price, it was universally praised despite not having been updated since 2019. The 27-inch 5K model that replaced it is smaller and isnt nearly as robust as its 32-inch 6K predecessor, but its a lot cheaper (starting at $2,899) and still has an array of high-end features, such as ProMotion and HDR. Its a flagship display for sure, but not quite as pro as it was before. The Studio Display XDR may be a technical downgrade from the Pro Display XDR, but it serves a wider audience. Michael Simon / Foundry Beyond that, the MacBook Pro is, of course, still going strong. Its one of the most popular laptops in the world and certainly one of the strongest. Power users who need portable performance are incredibly well served by its Apple silicon chips, beautiful display, fantastic speakers, and incredible battery life. And theres no sign that Apple is letting up there. If you need power, Apple will insist that the Mac Studio and either the Studio Display or Studio Display XDR are what you need, but for some longtime Mac Pro users, the loss of a tower will mean Apple is giving up on an important segment of the market. But this is a textbook example of Apple skating to where the puck is going. Pro users are shifting, and Apple is adjusting its own lineup in response. The rule of four Dropping the Mac Pro should not be read as Apple scaling back its commitments to premium products. Rather, the company is merely adjusting its lineup to more closely reflect what its customers are actually interested in buying. Were not back to Steve Jobs famously concise product quadrant yet, but were getting closer. The idea of the quadrant was to fastidiously focus on desktops and laptops for professionals and consumers. In that order, we have the Mac Studio, the MacBook Pro, the Mac mini/iMac, and the MacBook Air/MacBook Neo. The Mac Studio with an Ultra chip does a fine job replacing the Mac Pro at a more affordable price. Petter Ahrnstedt In a list like that, the Mac Pro was surplus to requirements. After all, when Jobs ditched a bunch of devices on his return to Apple in 1997, it wasnt because he was giving up on those product categories. Rather, the products he cut simply werent good enough, and in many cases, the company returned in later years with better efforts. Apples current pro-grade offerings still present an incredibly strong roster: Theres the Mac Studio, the MacBook Pro, and the Studio Display XDR, all products at the top of their game. Thats a hearty meal for any high-end user to dive into. But the days of ultra-high-end machines specced and priced for a specific group of users appear to be over. Ultra is the new Pro For a few years now, Apple has used the Ultra tag where the Pro signifier once sufficed. So far, weve gotten the Apple Watch Ultra , but rumors report Apple is planning to greatly expand that range later this year. First up, there will be the iPhone Ultra . Although the name might sound new, you know this product: for years its been talked about as the foldable iPhone . A device as advanced as that, coupled with Apples famous premium trappings, would easily justify its spot at the top of the iPhone hierarchy and a price tag to match. Theres even the possibility of an Ultra upgrade for the AirPods , complete with cameras and sensors that could feed directly into Siri. Of course, Apples non-Mac devices such as the iPhone and AirPods have always had a different definition of what pro means. But Ultra is coming to the Mac too. Theres the Mac Studio, which will soon get an M5 Ultra processor to make it the fastest Mac ever made. And the Ultra branding is expected to come to the MacBook, too, with the long-anticipated MacBook Pro with a touchscreen OLED panel. But is a touchscreen laptop really a pro machine? Do Apples highest-end users really want a touchscreen on their Mac, or would they rather have SSD slots and aftermarket graphics upgrades? Apples Ultra lineup is certainly going to be a high-end tier, with expensive price tags and cutting-edge features that live up to their flagship branding. But where does that leave Apples pro users? If Apple isshifting the definition of Pro from extreme high-end niche products built for demanding users to high-priced products that showcase the latest design and breakthroughs, where does that leave pro Mac users? Because once everyone is a pro, then no one will be.

Major 4-day Apple sale now live at Amazon and Best Buy! AirPods Pro 3 25% off, MacBook Neo, iPhone Air $150 off, more

In addition to a range of AirPods Pro 3 sitting down at nearly 25% off, joined by $150 off iPhone Air, a notable MacBook Neo offer by way of a FREE $25 Best Buy gift card , up to $130 off Apple Watch Ultra 3 , and much more.

OpenAI Seeks Dismissal of Apple's Trade Secrets Lawsuit

OpenAI argued that Apple also failed to demonstrate it owned a protectable trade secret or to plausibly allege misappropriation by any of the defendants

Vivo S2 with 7,050mAh Battery, MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo SoC, 120Hz Curved OLED Display Launched in India

Vivo has launched the Vivo S2 in India, marking the return of its S-series smartphones after nearly seven years. The handset features a MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, a 6.83-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 50MP rear camera, and a 7,050mAh battery with

Apple and Android users, skip the bulky trackers

Macworld TL;DR: This KeySmart SmartCard Gen 3 slips into your wallet, works with Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, and helps you track your valuables without the bulk of a traditional trackerand its on sale for just $31.99 (reg. $39.99). Weve all had that moment: youre ready to leave the house, but your wallet has mysteriously disappeared. Couch cushions get flipped, jacket pockets get searched, and somehow youre already running late. The KeySmart SmartCard Gen 3 is designed to make those moments a lot less stressful. For just $31.99 (reg. $39.99), this ultra-thin tracker slips into your wallet like a credit card and works with either Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, so you can locate it right from your phone. Unlike bulky trackers that create an awkward lump in your wallet, SmartCard measures just 1.8mm thick roughly the thickness of two credit cards. Its also rechargeable, so theres no need to keep buying replacement batteries. The upgraded Atlas Gen 3 chipset delivers faster processing and a stronger connection than previous versions, while separation alerts can notify you if you accidentally leave your wallet behind. Its also IPX8 waterproof, so rain, spills, and everyday mishaps wont slow it down. Whether youre prone to misplacing your wallet or just want a little extra peace of mind, SmartCard offers a simple upgrade thats easy to carry because youll barely notice its thereuntil you need it. Get the KeySmart SmartCard Gen 3 for just $31.99 (reg. $39.99) right now. KeySmart SmartCard Gen 3 Apple Find My and Android | Wireless Charging See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Need more iPhone storage? Try this $30 lifetime cleanup utility instead.

Macworld TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to Cleaner Kit for iPhone for $29.99 (reg. $104.97) and use AI to clean duplicate photos, compress videos, organize contacts, and reclaim valuable storage space. Running out of iPhone storage always seems to happen at the worst possible momentright before you want to take a photo, download an app, or install an update. Before you start deleting memories, Cleaner Kit is worth a look. For just $29.99 (reg. $104.97), you can get a lifetime Premium subscription and use AI to clean up your iPhone in minutes . Cleaner Kit automatically finds duplicate and similar photos, blurry images, and oversized videos so you can free up space without digging through your camera roll one file at a time. It also compresses videos while preserving quality, helping you keep more of what matters. Beyond your photo library, the app can merge duplicate contacts , organize your calendar, and even declutter your Gmail inbox by grouping emails from the same sender for faster cleanup. If you have private files or contacts youd rather keep out of sight, theres also a secure vault built in. If your phone feels cluttered, this lifetime deal offers a simple way to reclaim storage, stay organized, and avoid paying another recurring subscription. Get lifetime access to the Cleaner Kit for iOS Premium Plan for a one-time $29.99 (reg. $104.97). Cleaner Kit for iOS Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Macworld Podcast: Apple smart home rumors and Apple TV chat

Macworld With the all new Siri AI on the way, and massive improvements to Apple Intelligence across the board, Apple may finally be ready to release all those smart home products that rely on it. Also, with Ted Lasso returning, we talk about what were watching on Apple TV and how things are going with Apples streaming service. This is episode 994with Michael Simon , Jason Cross , andRoman Loyola is on vacation so filling in for him we have Brennan King. Watch episode 994 on YouTube Listen to episode 994 on Apple Podcasts Tune in to episode 994 on Spotify Get info Click on the links below for more info on what was discussed on the show. Apples big Siri AI-powered smart home hub is nearly here Siri woes reportedly push Apples smart home hub into 2026 Leaked code spills details of mystery Apple smart home accessory That time Jason dressed up as Ted Lasso for halloween Foundry Comment Corner Its for young people. Not us old foggies atpeaceatlast on TikTok yes, yes yes! Ive been rolling my own lease program for years now I buy a refurbished Mac use it for one or two years resell it for 50% of the original purchase price and purchase another referral for 15% off saving 65% so I paid 35% over two years thats 17 1/2% the price of an McIntosh Totally worth it drfrancintosh on YouTube stop calling it a subscription, this is just an installment plan RookBoi on YouTube Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review! right here in the Podcasts app . The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel . Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone . Apple

'Rotten to its core': OpenAI asks judge to throw out Apple's lawsuit

OpenAI has requested a federal judge to dismiss Apple's lawsuit claiming trade secret theft, arguing the allegations are baseless and misrepresent employee actions. 

Samsung pre-orders for latest foldables jump 30% from last year

Samsung is hyping its preorder performance just weeks before the company will have to contend with formidable competition from Apple Inc

Vivo is Bringing Back its Sleek S Series in India Today with the Vivo S2: Here

The Vivo S2 is set to make its debut in India later today, marking the return of the company's S series in India after a six year long hiatus. Ahead of the launch, Vivo has already teased several aspects of the

Redmi Note 17 5G India Launch Today: How to Watch the Livestream? Check Expected Price

The Redmi Note 17 5G is set to make its debut in India later today. To recall, the Redmi Note 17 5G was unveiled in China last month alongside the Note 17 Pro 5G, although only the former is arriving in

Study claims heavy metals found in Kashmirs water chestnuts

Srinagar, Aug 5:Water chestnuts harvested from Kashmir's lakes are accumulating heavy metals from polluted waters, a study has discovered. Dal Lake comes across as the most concerning, recording the highest overall contamination burden among the Valley's four major freshwater bodies.The significant research has been published in the journal Scientific Reports, part of the Nature portfolio. The researchers analysed water, lake sediments, and water chestnut (Trapanatans) plants from Dal Lake, Hokersar Wetland, Manasbal Lake, and Wular Lake. They examined eight heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), and chromium.The study found a clear pollution gradient, with urban-located Dal Lake showing the greatest overall heavy metal accumulation.This, interestingly was followed by Hokersar Wetland, also in a semi-urban location. Not just the waters, the study found heavy metals had entered the edible water chestnut fruits.This indicates that pollution in Kashmir's freshwater ecosystems has already begun moving into the foods consumed by people.Water chestnut acts as an efficient absorber of heavy metals from its surroundings, the study states.The contamination remains trapped in the plant's roots majorly, followed by the shoots and finally the edible fruits. Roots have the highest levels of heavy metals, and this strong root retention limits the movement of contaminants through the plant.However, it does not completely prevent them from reaching the edible portion.The presence of heavy metals in edible tissues indicates a potential pathway for contaminants to enter the food chain, the study notes. However, it is worth noting that not all metals pose the same risk.Iron and zinc made up the largest share of the total metal load in all plant tissues, as both are naturally abundant in the environment.These are also essential nutrients required for plant growth.The greater public health concern is the presence of much smaller amounts of toxic metals: cadmium and chromium. These were consistently detected in edible fruits. Unlike iron and zinc, these metals serve no biological function in humans.These can pose health risks due to their accumulation in human tissues over time and prolonged exposure.The researchers have emphasised the need for continued monitoring of heavy metal levels in water bodies. While the study measured contamination in the environment and the plant, it did not delve into the levels of these elements required to pose an anatomical risk in humans.Significantly, the study describes Dal Lake under the highest pollution pressure among the four water bodies studied.Resultantly, water chestnuts from Dal Lake accumulated the greatest overall heavy metal load in roots, shoots and fruits. Another major scientific finding from the study is regarding the water chestnut plants.These have been found to readily concentrate metals from water, thus having the potential to serve as an effective biological indicator of pollution.Ironically, the same ability that allows water chestnut to absorb pollutants, thus a possible phytoremediation specie.These plants allow the natural removal of contaminants from water bodies. Researchers are of the opinion that the plant could tbe useful both for monitoring pollution and helping in its bioremediation.However, as an edible plant, its metal levels need to be monitored by food safety authorities.The researchers are of the opinion that in view of the elevated cadmium levels in chestnuts from Dal Lake, their consumption must be limited. This, until pollution control and remediation measures are implemented.The study makes it amply clear that wastewater treatment in Kashmir is almost inexistent. Untreated sewage and agricultural runoff enters lakes and pollutes not just the waters but its flora and fauna as well.The findings also raise questions about lotus stem (nadru) harvested from Kashmirs lakes. Nadru forms an more popular part of Kashmirs menu. A separate study published last year had found that lotus plants grown in Dal Lake also accumulate heavy metals. Most metals were retained in underground tissues. However, these findings point to the need of monitoring heavy metal levels in plants and plant products harvested from water-bodies of Kashmir, where effluents and wastes enter water without any treatment.

Disney+ Could Get a Free Ad-Supported Tier

Disney could introduce an ad-supported Disney+ free tier in the future, according to comments Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro made during the company's latest earnings call (via The Wrap ). D'Amaro said Disney is considering a free tier that could allow it to reach people unwilling to pay for a subscription, but no launch plans were shared. First, we see it as a way to expand our reach to a customer segment that's more price-sensitive. Expanding our reach is, as we've talked about before, one of our strategic priorities. Second, unlike a lot of our AVOD competitors, we're fairly well sold, meaning more inventory would actually help us accelerate our ad revenue growth. And then finally, as you mentioned in your question, a free offering could help us drive top-of-funnel Disney+ subscriber growth. So nothing specific to announce today, but definitely something that we're considering. Disney+ competitors like Apple TV and Netflix don't have a completely free tier, but services like Tubi and The Roku Channel offer free content, as does YouTube. Disney+ has approximately 130 million global subscribers and is one of the most-watched streaming services in the United States. Disney also signed a deal with TikTok , which will see TikTok creators use characters and scenes from Disney movies and shows for short-form videos. The videos will be available on TikTok and on the Disney+ Verts section for vertical video. Tag: Disney Plus This article, Disney+ Could Get a Free Ad-Supported Tier first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

SpaceX Plans Starlink Mobile Service to Compete With Verizon, AT

SpaceX shared plans to create a cellular service during its first earnings call after its IPO, reports Reuters . SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said the company will uild out terrestrial with the spectrum that it acquired from EchoStar. She added that SpaceX intends to make Starlink a rue mobile service that will win quite a few customers from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Shotwell declined to discuss the costs involved in the endeavor and said SpaceX had great and new ideas on how to build a mobile service, such as a large number of lower-cost base stations paired with Starlink dishes instead of cell towers. SpaceX agreed to pay $19.6 billion to acquire 65 MHz of wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar in 2025. The spectrum will allow SpaceX to expand its direct-to-cell Starlink satellite service to include ground-based infrastructure. Analysts told Reuters that without an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) agreement with a major carrier, it would be extremely difficult for Starlink to compete with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 65 MHz is tiny compared to the spectrum owned by the big U.S. mobile operators, and they're unlikely to lease capacity to a competitor. SpaceX plans to launch its next-generation Starlink Mobile satellites in 2027, and upgraded service that's 100 times better than current direct-to-cell service is targeted for the end of that year. Shares of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon fell 2 to 4 percent following the SpaceX earnings call. SpaceX already has a partnership with T-Mobile to power T-Mobile's T-Satellite feature that offers direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to customers. Tag: Starlink This article, SpaceX Plans Starlink Mobile Service to Compete With Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Meta introduces Muse Code, its take on a coding agent

The terminal-based coding tool is powered by a new AI model, Muse Spark 1.2.

Ted Lasso Season 4 Now Streaming on Apple TV

Comedy series Ted Lasso is back, with the first episode of season 4 available to stream as of today. It's been three years since the season 3 finale aired, and many expected it to be the last. The show returns to its underdog roots in season 4, with titular character Ted Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis) moving back to Richmond to coach a second-division women's football team. Fan-favorite actors like Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift return, with new cast members Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, and Abbie Hern. Most of the actors who were on the men's AFC Richmond team will not be returning, including Phil Dunster's Jamie Tartt. Ted Lasso is one of Apple's most popular TV shows, and it won back-to-back Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series for the first two seasons. Season 4's initial episode can be streamed now, with a new episode set to be released each Wednesday through October 7. To celebrate the new season, Apple is hosting a Ted Lasso look-alike contest at its Fifth Avenue location tomorrow. Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month, and it can be watched across Apple devices, on popular smart TVs, on set-top boxes like Roku, on gaming consoles, and on the web. Apple TV is also included in Apple One subscription bundles. Related Roundup: Apple TV Tag: Apple TV Service Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater This article, Ted Lasso Season 4 Now Streaming on Apple TV first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Beam & concrete came unhinged as heat weakened Greater Noida factory metal structure, finds probe

Mumbai Court Orders Meta and X Corp to Disclose Uploaders in Nitin Gadkari Deepfake Video Case

Mumbai, August 6: A Mumbai court has requested information from social media platforms Meta and X Corp regarding the uploaders of deepfake videos related to Union Minister Nitin Gadkaris E20 ethanol blending policy. The court also directed the immediate removal of the objectionable content. Sandeep S. Ladda, the lawyer representing Gadkari, spoke to a news ... Read more Mumbai Court Orders Meta and X Corp to Disclose Uploaders in Nitin Gadkari Deepfake Video Case

Meta apps displayed ads that contained AI-generated CSAM

Researchers identified more than 50 ads on Meta properties that violated the company's policies on child sexual abuse material.

A 2025 Report Showed Meta Earned $7 Billion A Year From Scam Ads

The report noted that Meta failed to identify and halt ads that promoted fraudulent e-commerce and investment schemes, illegal online casinos, and the sale of banned products.

Meta apologises for temporarily removing PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 5: Meta apologised for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Facebook post as well as for failures ranging from child sexual abuse content to deepfakes and boosting certain content on being paid a lot of money, government sources said on Wednesday after executives of the US tech giant met Union [] The post Meta apologises for temporarily removing PM Modis Facebook post first appeared on Highland Post .

iCloud Private Relay might leak your IP address, even when you use Safari

Macworld A pair of security researchers found a critical problem with Apples iCloud Private Relay feature. Even when using Safari, a website can fairly easily get your real IP address. Researchers Talal Haj BakryandTommy Mysk just disclosed the issue . Apple is aware of it; according to a report form 404 Media , Mysk said, We have already informed them. They said the issue was dire, but they let us disclose the issue. They didnt provide any time when they will address this. Heres how it works, in basic terms: iCloud Private Relay is a nice security feature but it is not a VPN. It only works when you use Safari. Passkeys the helpful biometric alternative to remembering different passwords for every siteoperate outside the browser, using the WebAuthn framework on Apple devices. So if you set up a website to make a request for a Passkey credential origin, its not protected by iCloud Private Relay because the Passkey request is technically happening outside the browser. Of course, if youre an everyday user, you dont have any reason to know or suspect this. Youre using Safari, you have the paid iCloud+ Private Relay service turned on, you should be hidden, right? The issue also affects browsers that use WebKits proxy relay, including some Tor browsers. The researchers built a proof-of-concept site you can use to check if youre affected. We dont know when Apple is going to address the issue, but a vulnerability in Hide My Email that exposed real email addresses was fixed very quickly by Apple after the issue became public. That only required a back-end server fix, while this iCloud Private Relay issue might require a software update on devices. The fact that Apple let the researchers disclose the issue before the fix means Apple wants users to know about the problem and suggests it could take some time to fix. iCloud Private Relay is not a VPN This is a good time to remind everyone that iCloud Private Relay is not a VPN. A traditional VPN routes all the internet traffic for your entire device through other servers, sometimes providing other features as well at the core network level. iCloud Private Relay operates only in the Safari browser. Its a nice perk of iCloud+, but not a full VPN substitute. That difference is the root cause of this new issue. You can be browsing with Safari and a website can make a special kind of request that happens outside the usual browser stackby designand thus is not affected by iCloud Private Relay. Apple will obviously need to address this quickly. If youre interested in a real VPN, check out our list of the best VPNs .

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Apologises Over PM Modi Video Row, Admits Paid Content Boosting

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly apologised to the central government over issues related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content and operational lapses on the company's platforms. According to PTI sources, Meta admitted that it received payments to promote certain types of content to specific audiences. The development comes after senior Meta executives met government officials to discuss compliance with Indian laws, content moderation and AI-generated content safeguards. The government has sought details on the company's measures to tackle CSAM and monitor synthetic content. The discussions also followed concerns over the temporary removal of a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prompting the Parliamentary Standing Committee to warn Meta over its safe-harbour protections under the Information Technology Act.

Apple Vision Pro Speeds Up Surgery by Almost 20%

Surgeons who wore an Apple Vision Pro as their primary display during a tear duct procedure finished operations 19% faster than surgeons using a traditional monitor, according to a peer-reviewed study by UC San Diego. The study , published in the journal AJO International (via iPhone in Canada ), looked at 32 endoscopic surgeries to clear blocked tear ducts. In half the cases, surgeons wore Vision Pro headsets that streamed the endoscopic video feed directly into their field of view instead of looking at a monitor across the room, letting them keep a natural forward-facing posture throughout. Average operative time came in at 34.4 minutes with the Vision Pro, compared to 42.7 minutes with the traditional monitor. Every case in both groups succeeded with no complications, and all five surgeons involved said they preferred operating with the headset, reporting lower physical and mental workload. The researchers also found the Vision Pro was cheaper and far smaller than the monitor setup it replaced, though they caution the study is small and preliminary, and call for larger trials to confirm the results. Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral) Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro This article, Apple Vision Pro Speeds Up Surgery by Almost 20% first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Best earbuds for iPhone 2026: Top picks for sound, comfort

Macworld Wireless headphones or earbuds (whatever you call them) are essentially the standard now, with Bluetooth earbuds being convenient and the sound quality difference to wired not being that noticeable to typical people (we realize audiophiles know). The market is huge, but here are the best wireless earbuds weve tested for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Macs. If you do want a wired connection some of these do offer it in addition to Bluetooth, but we also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . We also have a comparison of all the AirPods . When testing these best earbuds we considered some of the important factors to consider when choosing headphones. Such as whether they support ANC, which is Apples codec, or the aptX codec that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, but isnt supported by Apple (although there are some earbuds, such as the B&W Pi8 below that include a transmitter for aptX support. We explain what to look for when choosing earbuds below. Best headphones and earbuds for iPhone 2026 PROMOTION Baseus MC2: All-Day Ease, $49.99 now! The best earbuds are the ones you forget youre wearing. MC2 stays easy on your ears with CloudComfort 2.0. Enjoy up to 55 hours of listening and IP67 protection for sweat, rain, and everyday plans. Use code MC2OWSPR at checkout. Unlock the Lowest Price Were comparing all the best earbuds with Apples own offerings: the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. Also included are various options from Apple-owned subsidiary Beats, which by association benefits from a lot of Apple-specific features. But just how well do they compete with headphones from the likes of Bose, Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins and Sony? 1. Apple AirPods Pro 3rd-generation (2025) Best earbuds for iPhone Pros Excellent comfort and secure fit Improved sound and bass Outstanding active noise cancellation Accurate workout heart-rate tracking Cons Few major new features Charging case stores less Limited upgrade over Pro 2 Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds from Apple. Released in September 2025, they add heart-rate monitoring, foam-infused eartips, stronger ANC, improved sound, longer battery life and IP57 water resistance. Why we like them The AirPods Pro 3 refine an already excellent formula with noticeably better comfort, stronger noise cancellation, richer sound and longer battery life while keeping the same launch price. Heart-rate tracking is a useful bonus, making them an easy recommendation for most Apple users. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for iPhone users wanting premium wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation, secure all-day comfort and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Theyre especially appealing for fitness enthusiasts who can benefit from the new built-in heart-rate monitoring. What are the biggest strengths More comfortable foam-infused eartips with five sizes Excellent fit that stays secure during exercise Improved sound with deeper bass and wider soundstage Significantly stronger ANC and better Transparency mode Accurate heart-rate monitoring during supported workouts Longer battery life without a price increase What are the compromises Few genuinely new audio innovations Uses the same H2 chip as before Charging case stores less reserve power Existing AirPods Pro 2 owners gain limited benefits New eartips arent compatible with older models Heart-rate tracking only works during workouts What is battery life like Battery life increases to around eight hours with ANC enabled, while the case provides roughly 16 additional hours. A five-minute charge delivers about one hour of listening time. How good is the ANC Active Noise Cancellation is substantially improved, thanks to new microphones, redesigned eartips and computational enhancements. Apple claims twice the ANC of the previous generation, with noticeably better Transparency mode too. Verdict The AirPods Pro 3 arent a revolutionary upgrade, but they successfully improve almost every aspect of Apples best earbuds. Better fit, stronger noise cancellation, richer sound, longer battery life and useful heart-rate tracking make them easy to recommend. AirPods Pro 2 owners may not need to upgrade immediately, but everyone else gets one of the best premium wireless earbuds available. Read our full Apple AirPodsPro 3 review 2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Best earbuds for noise cancellation Pros Class-leading noise cancellation Detailed, lively sound Secure, comfortable fit Excellent companion app Cons Wireless charging costs extra Spatial audio drains battery Premium price Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are premium true wireless earbuds from Bose, featuring class-leading active noise cancellation, immersive spatial audio, customisable ear tips and stability bands, plus app-based fit testing. Why we like them The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds combine outstanding active noise cancellation with detailed, engaging sound that reveals subtle musical details. Theyre comfortable thanks to multiple ear tip and stability band options, while the Bose app helps achieve the best possible fit for consistently excellent listening. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for frequent travellers, commuters and anyone who wants exceptional noise cancellation without sacrificing sound quality. They also suit listeners who value a secure fit and dont mind paying a premium for top-tier performance. What are the biggest strengths Industry-leading active noise cancellation dramatically reduces aircraft engines and other low-frequency sounds. Rich, detailed audio with impressive clarity across bass, vocals and instruments. Comfortable, secure fit with multiple ear tip and stability band combinations. Helpful Bose app includes a Seal Test for optimal fit. What are the compromises Premium pricing compared with many rivals, even with regular discounts. Wireless charging requires purchasing a separate optional charging case. Immersive Audio mode is only moderately convincing for spatial sound. Battery life falls noticeably when using spatial audio features. What is battery life like Battery life reaches around six hours with active noise cancellation enabled, dropping to roughly four hours when using Immersive Audio. The charging case supplies approximately three additional full charges. How good is the ANC The active noise cancellation is among the very best available, suppressing deep aircraft engine noise so effectively it can seem almost silent, making travel and commuting significantly more comfortable. Verdict The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds remain one of the strongest premium true wireless options thanks to exceptional active noise cancellation, detailed sound quality and a secure, comfortable fit. Theyre expensive and the optional wireless charging case feels unnecessary at this price, but frequent discounts make them easier to recommend, especially for travellers and regular commuters seeking best-in-class ANC. Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review 3. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Best earbuds for working out Pros Outstanding detailed sound Excellent sound customisation Future-ready Bluetooth features Improved battery protection Cons Bulky charging case ANC trails class leaders iPhone misses key features Price When Reviewed: $299.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Sennheiser $299.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are premium wireless in-ear earbuds from German audio specialist Sennheiser. They feature Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast support, IP54 protection, wireless charging and 7mm True Response drivers. Why we like them The Momentum True Wireless 4 deliver exceptionally balanced, detailed audio with rich bass, crisp highs and extensive sound customisation. Improved battery life, better durability and support for future Bluetooth technologies make them an excellent long-term choice, while strong noise cancellation and a secure fit add everyday versatility. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for music lovers who prioritise sound quality above everything else, especially Android users who can benefit from advanced Bluetooth features. Theyre also well suited to commuters, travellers and fitness users wanting premium audio and a secure fit. What are the biggest strengths Outstanding, highly detailed sound with rich bass and clear mids and highs. Extensive personalisation via 5-band EQ, Sound Check and custom controls. Bluetooth 5.4 adds Auracast, aptX Lossless and LC3 for future compatibility. Secure fit with multiple ear tips and fins plus durable IP54 dust and water resistance. What are the compromises Active noise cancellation is good but still behind Bose, Sony and AirPods Pro. iPhone users cannot currently benefit from most new Bluetooth 5.4 features. Charging case remains noticeably larger than many competitors. Design is virtually unchanged from the previous generation and may feel dated. What is battery life like Battery life reaches around seven hours with ANC enabled, extending to roughly 30 hours using the charging case. An eight-minute quick charge provides approximately one hour of playback. How good is the ANC Noise cancellation is effective for everyday commuting and travel, reducing most background noise well. However, it doesnt quite match class-leading rivals like Bose, Sony or Apples AirPods Pro, particularly in windy conditions. Verdict The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are among the best-sounding premium wireless earbuds available, combining superb audio quality with impressive customisation, improved durability and future-focused Bluetooth technology. Android users benefit most from the new features, while iPhone owners gain fewer advantages over the previous model. If sound quality is your top priority, theyre an outstanding choice despite slightly behind-the-pack ANC. Read our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 In-ear review 4. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Best for aptX sound Pros Exceptional sound quality Innovative smart charging case aptX Lossless support Comfortable redesigned fit Cons Premium price tag Average battery life Large earpieces Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal $489.99 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are premium true wireless earbuds from British audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins. Their standout smart charging case doubles as an aptX transmitter for wired devices and Apple products. Why we like them The Pi8 combine superb hi-fi sound with a genuinely innovative charging case that unlocks higher-quality aptX audio from Apple devices and wired sources. Their redesigned fit improves comfort, while powerful 12mm drivers deliver rich, detailed sound that stands out from most premium wireless earbuds. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for audiophiles and frequent travellers who prioritise outstanding sound quality over price. Apple users wanting better-than-AAC wireless audio and anyone regularly using in-flight entertainment systems will especially appreciate the versatile smart case. What are the biggest strengths Outstanding, detailed and dynamic sound quality Unique smart case retransmits wired audio wirelessly Supports AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless Comfortable redesigned shape with four ear-tip sizes Large 12mm drivers deliver powerful, refined performance Excellent low-frequency noise reduction for travel What are the compromises Significantly more expensive than many rivals Battery life is respectable rather than class-leading Earpieces remain relatively large ANC trails AirPods Pro for higher-frequency sounds Smart case benefits may be unnecessary for casual listeners Pi6 offers similar experience for less if aptX retransmission isnt needed What is battery life like? Battery life reaches up to 6.5 hours per charge with ANC enabled, while the smart charging case extends total listening time to around 20 hours between mains charging. How good is the ANC? Noise cancellation is very effective, especially against low-frequency sounds like aircraft engine rumble. However, it doesnt suppress higher-frequency background noise quite as effectively as Apples AirPods Pro. Verdict The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are premium earbuds aimed squarely at listeners who value sound quality above all else. Their excellent audio performance, comfortable redesign and genuinely innovative smart charging case justify much of the high asking price. Battery life and ANC are good rather than class-leading, but the Pi8 remain among the most compelling luxury true wireless earbuds available. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review 5. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-generation (2023) Best value AirPods Pros Excellent sound quality Outstanding noise cancellation Class-leading transparency mode Useful Apple ecosystem features Cons No lossless audio Premium purchase price Stem controls feel fiddly Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $92 View Deal $234 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $263.86 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods Pro 2 might have been officially discontinued by Apple when the AirPods Pro 3 arrived, but we still see them for sale offering outstanding value for most buyers. Thats why they are still on our list. Despite the arrival of the new AirPods Pro, these are still premium true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. They feature the H2 chip, USB-C charging case, hearing health features, swipe volume controls and seamless integration with Apple devices. Why we like them While the AirPods Pro 3 introduce improvements such as better ANC, longer battery life, heart-rate tracking and a more secure fit, many of the software features people use every day such as Hearing Aid, Live Translation, Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio are also available on the AirPods Pro 2 through software updates. Who are they best for They are best for iPhone, iPad and Mac users wanting premium everyday earbuds with strong ANC, comfortable all-day wear and effortless Apple ecosystem integration. Frequent travellers, commuters and users interested in hearing health features will benefit most. What are the biggest strengths Richer, clearer sound with significantly stronger bass Excellent Active Noise Cancellation for travel and commuting Best-in-class Transparency mode with Adaptive Transparency Comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes, including XS Handy swipe volume controls on each earbud Deep Apple ecosystem integration with useful smart features What are the compromises More expensive than many rivals Better pure sound quality available elsewhere No lossless, hi-res or LE Audio support Stem swipe controls can be awkward Most advanced features require Apple devices Six-hour battery trails some competitors What is battery life like Battery life is rated at up to six hours of listening from the earbuds on a charge, with around 24 hours total using the charging case. Apple Watch charging is also supported. How good is the ANC Active Noise Cancellation is excellent, blocking substantially more outside noise than the original AirPods Pro. Adaptive Transparency intelligently reduces sudden loud sounds while still allowing important environmental sounds to remain audible. Verdict The AirPods Pro 2 remain among the best premium wireless earbuds for Apple users. They combine impressive sound quality, highly effective ANC, exceptional transparency mode and excellent ecosystem integration in a comfortable, refined package. While audiophiles can find better-sounding alternatives and battery life isnt class-leading, the overall user experience is polished, reliable and difficult to beat within Apples ecosystem. As long as you can find them on sale. Read our full AirPods Pro 2 USB-C review 6. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Best AirPods for most people Pros Excellent overall sound quality Effective active noise cancellation Improved, more comfortable fit Useful wireless charging caser Cons Fit varies by user ANC limited by open design Close to Pro pricing Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $91 View Deal $148.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169 View Deal $171.5 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are open-fit true wireless earbuds. They include the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, Conversation Awareness, and a USB-C charging case with Find My speaker support. Why we like them The AirPods 4 with ANC deliver many premium features previously reserved for the AirPods Pro while keeping the familiar open-ear design. They sound excellent, offer genuinely useful noise cancellation, include smart conversation features, and have a more comfortable fit than earlier standard AirPods. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for Apple users who dislike silicone ear tips but still want active noise cancellation and premium features. Theyre also well suited to commuters, casual listeners, and anyone wanting excellent everyday wireless earbuds without stepping up to the AirPods Pro. What are the biggest strengths Clear, balanced sound with strong bass and crisp vocals Surprisingly effective ANC for an open-fit design Comfortable fit improves over previous AirPods Conversation Awareness works well during one-to-one chats Wireless charging case with Find My speaker adds convenience Excellent voice quality for calls and podcasts What are the compromises Open design limits maximum noise cancellation Fit depends heavily on individual ear shape AirPods Pro fit more securely with silicone tips No MagSafe charging support on the case ANC reduces battery life noticeably AirPods Pro can be similarly priced on sale What is battery life like With ANC enabled, Apple rates battery life at four hours plus 20 hours from the case. Disable ANC and it rises to five hours with 30 hours total. Testing slightly exceeded estimates. How good is the ANC The ANC is impressively effective for open-fit earbuds, reducing most everyday noise while preserving awareness. It cannot completely block sound, however, so the AirPods Pro remain the stronger choice for isolation. Verdict The AirPods 4 with ANC successfully bridge the gap between Apples standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro. They offer excellent sound, genuinely useful noise cancellation, a more comfortable fit, and several premium features at a lower price than the Pro model. Their biggest limitation is the open design, which affects both fit and ultimate noise isolation, but theyre an excellent all-round choice for many listeners. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review 7. Beats Powerbeats Fit Best for running and gym workouts Pros Secure flexible wingtip fit Strong workout stability Long total battery life Works well with Android Cons No wireless charging Older H1 chip ANC trails AirPods Pro 3 Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Powerbeats Fit are true wireless sports earbuds made by Beats, an Apple company. They feature flexible wingtips, Apples H1 chip, USB-C charging, Adaptive EQ, and up to 30 hours battery. Why we like them The Powerbeats Fit are designed for active lifestyles, offering a secure fit that stays comfortable through runs, gym sessions and workouts. They deliver dependable Apple ecosystem features, solid sound quality, good battery life and broad compatibility with Android devices, making them more versatile than many sports earbuds. Who are they best for? Theyre ideal for runners, gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts who need earbuds that stay firmly in place during exercise. Theyre also a smart choice for users who switch between Apple and Android devices and value stability over premium audio performance. What are the biggest strengths Flexible wingtips provide an exceptionally secure workout fit. Comfortable design remains stable during running and training. Up to 30 hours total battery life with charging case. Excellent Apple integration including Siri, Find My and automatic device switching. Better Android support than AirPods. What are the compromises No wireless charging; USB-C cable only. H1 chip limits audio and feature improvements. Noise cancellation is noticeably weaker than AirPods Pro 3. Missing XXS ear tip option. Sound quality isnt as detailed or immersive as Apples latest earbuds. What is battery life like Expect up to seven hours of listening from the earbuds alone, extending to around 30 hours with the charging case. Thats excellent for travel, commuting and multiple workout sessions. How good is the ANC? Noise cancellation is solid for everyday use, reducing background distractions effectively. However, it performs closer to the original AirPods Pro than AirPods Pro 3, whose ANC is significantly more powerful. Verdict The Powerbeats Fit are an excellent choice for anyone who prioritises comfort and stability during exercise. Their secure wingtip design, lengthy battery life and Apple-friendly features make them dependable workout companions. While sound quality and ANC fall behind the AirPods Pro 3, theyre more versatile across platforms and remain one of the strongest sports-focused true wireless earbuds available. Read our full Powerbeats Fit review 8. Beats Studio Buds+ Best alternative to AirPods Pros Fun transparent design Improved sound quality Effective active noise cancellation Strong battery life Cons No wireless charging Missing Apple ecosystem features AirPods Pro sound better Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $99.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $119.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Beats Studio Buds+ Earbud Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones Transparent $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Studio Buds + are true wireless earbuds made by Beats, an Apple subsidiary. Released in 2023, they feature a distinctive transparent design, USB-C charging and support for Apple and Android. Why we like them The Beats Studio Buds + combine stylish design, improved sound quality, capable active noise cancellation and long battery life at a price similar to standard AirPods. Physical buttons are easier to use than AirPods controls, while Android compatibility makes them a genuinely flexible choice across different devices. Who are they best for Theyre best for people who switch between Apple and Android devices, or anyone wanting effective ANC, comfortable earbuds and eye-catching styling without paying AirPods Pro prices. Theyre less suited to users deeply invested in Apples ecosystem. What are the biggest strengths Unique transparent design with alternative colours Better sound than previous Studio Buds Improved ANC and transparency performance Comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes Physical button controls are intuitive Strong battery life and competitive pricing What are the compromises No wireless charging support Lacks Apples H1 or H2 chip Misses automatic device switching No personalised spatial audio or Conversation Boost No in-ear detection for auto pause ANC and sound quality trail AirPods Pro What is battery life like Battery life is rated at up to six hours with active noise cancellation enabled or nine hours without it. The charging case provides roughly three additional full recharges. How good is the ANC Noise cancellation is noticeably improved over the original Studio Buds and performs well for the price. However, it still falls short of the more advanced and adaptive AirPods Pro system. Verdict The Beats Studio Buds + are an excellent alternative to standard AirPods, offering better sound, effective ANC, impressive battery life and standout styling at a competitive price. They also work well with both Apple and Android devices. However, users wanting the full Apple ecosystem experience and the very best sound should still choose AirPods Pro if their budget stretches further. Read our full Beats Studio Buds+ review 9. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Best for active lifestyles Pros Secure, comfortable earhook fit Excellent workout stability Heart rate monitoring Strong battery endurance Cons Missing AirPods Pro features Heart rate limitations Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $199.97 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $229.02 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are premium fitness-focused true wireless earbuds made by Beats, an Apple-owned company. They feature Apples H2 chip, secure earhooks, built-in heart rate monitoring, and USB-C charging. Why we like them The Powerbeats Pro 2 combine an exceptionally secure fit with improved sound, effective noise cancellation and class-leading workout comfort. Heart rate monitoring adds genuine fitness appeal, while Apples H2 chip delivers fast pairing, excellent transparency mode and seamless integration across Apple devices, making them superb exercise companions. Who are they best for Theyre best for runners, gym-goers and anyone wanting earbuds that stay securely in place during intense exercise. Apple users will benefit most, though Android owners also receive a stronger feature set than they would with AirPods. What are the biggest strengths Secure earhooks stay firmly in place during workouts. Smaller, lighter design improves comfort over long sessions. H2 chip enables excellent transparency mode and strong ANC. Built-in heart rate monitoring works with supported fitness apps. Long battery life and fast charging reduce downtime. Improved Android support with dedicated Beats features. What are the compromises Lacks several AirPods Pro software features, including Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Heart rate monitoring is limited to supported apps. Apple Watch overrides earbud heart rate readings. Sound is slightly brighter than AirPods Pro 2. Wireless charging supports Qi only, not MagSafe or Qi2. What is battery life like Battery life is excellent, with up to 10 hours of listening per charge, or around 8 hours using ANC or transparency mode. The charging case provides approximately 3.5 additional charges. How good is the ANC Active noise cancellation is a major improvement over the original model, delivering strong everyday performance. Transparency mode is particularly impressive, sounding natural and approaching the excellent standard set by AirPods Pro 2. Verdict The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are among the best fitness earbuds available, combining a secure fit, long battery life, heart rate monitoring and excellent Apple ecosystem integration. While they miss several AirPods Pro software features and their sound is slightly brighter than Apples flagship earbuds, theyre an outstanding choice for workouts and active lifestyles. Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review 10. Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Pros Rich, detailed sound quality Comfortable long-wearing fit Strong battery endurance Competitive premium pricing Cons ANC trails top rivals No wireless charging No spatial audio Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $147.99 View Deal $249 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are premium true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds from British audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins, featuring 12mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54 durability and multipoint connectivity. Why we like them The Pi6 deliver the refined, engaging sound quality Bowers & Wilkins is known for at a more accessible price than the flagship Pi8. Theyre comfortable for extended listening, offer useful app customisation, solid battery life and excellent overall value despite a few premium feature omissions. Who are they best for? Theyre ideal for listeners who prioritise sound quality over cutting-edge features. Frequent commuters, music lovers and anyone wanting premium wireless earbuds around AirPods Pro pricing will appreciate their balanced audio, comfortable fit and dependable battery performance. What are the biggest strengths? Detailed, dynamic sound with excellent balance Large 12mm drivers inspired by B&W headphones Comfortable fit with four ear-tip sizes Eight-hour battery life with ANC enabled Multipoint Bluetooth connection for two devices IP54 water and dust resistance for everyday use What are the compromises? ANC is good, not class-leading No Qi wireless charging support No Pi8 smart charging case No spatial audio functionality App lacks full EQ presets Higher-frequency sounds remain noticeable with ANC enabled What is battery life like? Battery life is impressive, offering up to eight hours of playback with active noise cancellation switched on. The USB-C charging case provides an additional 24 hours of listening time. How good is the ANC? Noise cancellation performs well against low-frequency sounds such as engine rumble but is less effective with voices and higher-frequency noise, leaving rivals from Bose, Sony and Apple with the advantage. Verdict The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are an excellent choice if your priority is premium sound quality without paying flagship prices. Their engaging audio, comfortable design and long battery life make them highly appealing, even if the ANC, wireless charging and feature set dont quite match the very best competitors. For music-first buyers, theyre easy to recommend. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review 11. Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Pros Excellent value for money Comfortable lightweight fit Impressive sound quality Effective everyday ANC Cons ANC not class-leading Average battery endurance Limited long-haul suitability Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Sennheiser $199.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Designed as a more affordable alternative to its Momentum earbuds (above), Sennheisers Accentum True Wireless are in-ear wireless earbuds made by German audio specialist Sennheiser. They feature 7mm drivers, IP54 water and dust resistance, AAC and aptX support, plus adjustable EQ. Why we like them The Accentum True Wireless deliver impressive sound quality and capable active noise cancellation at a much lower price than many premium rivals. Theyre comfortable enough for extended listening, include useful app customisation features, and provide a balanced combination of performance, practicality and affordability for everyday listening. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for listeners wanting premium audio features without paying flagship prices. Great for commuters, casual travellers and everyday users who value comfort, strong sound quality and reliable noise cancellation more than maximum battery life. What are the biggest strengths Outstanding value compared with premium rivals. Rich, detailed sound from the same 7mm drivers used in the Momentum range. Lightweight, comfortable design with four ear-tip sizes. IP54 water and dust resistance for everyday outdoor use. Handy companion app with five-band EQ and adjustable transparency mode. What are the compromises Active noise cancellation doesnt match the very best premium earbuds. Six-hour battery life is respectable rather than exceptional. Charging case provides only around 2.5 additional charges. Better suited to daily commuting than long-haul travel. Lacks the outright premium performance of Sennheisers Momentum earbuds. What is battery life like Battery life reaches around six hours with active noise cancellation enabled, while the charging case provides roughly two and a half extra charges, making it well suited to everyday use. How good is the ANC Active noise cancellation performs well for everyday commuting and reducing typical background noise, although it doesnt block sound as effectively as more expensive flagship competitors in particularly noisy environments. Verdict The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless strike an excellent balance between price and performance. They offer impressive sound quality, comfortable all-day wear, practical features and effective everyday noise cancellation without the premium price tag. While battery life and ANC arent class-leading, theyre more than good enough for most users, making these an easy recommendation for affordable everyday wireless earbuds. Read our full Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless review 12. Beats Solo Buds Pros Surprisingly clear, punchy sound Excellent 18-hour battery life Secure, comfortable ear fit Compact, pocket-friendly case Cons No active noise cancellation Charging case lacks battery Missing premium smart features Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $38 View Deal $49.99 View Deal $69.95 View Deal $69.95 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $78 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Solo Buds are affordable true wireless earbuds made by Beats, an Apple company. Released in mid-2024, they feature a tiny USB-C charging case, four ear tip sizes and 18-hour battery life. Why we like them The Beats Solo Buds deliver impressive value with punchy, enjoyable sound, an exceptionally long battery life for earbuds, and a secure fit thanks to four sizes of silicone ear tips. Theyre comfortable, easy to control using physical buttons, and outperform older standard AirPods in several key areas. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for budget-conscious listeners who want reliable everyday wireless earbuds with long battery life and comfortable fit. Theyre particularly well suited to Apple users, but also work well with Android devices, making them a versatile affordable option. What are the biggest strengths Clear, punchy sound that exceeds expectations for the price. Outstanding 18-hour battery life from the earbuds. Secure fit with four sizes of silicone ear tips. Compact, lightweight case thats easy to carry. Physical button controls are simple and reliable. Excellent value compared with similarly priced rivals. What are the compromises No active noise cancellation or transparency mode. Charging case has no built-in battery for top-ups. Lacks automatic device switching and multipoint Bluetooth. No in-ear detection for automatic play/pause. Call voice isolation isnt as strong as premium earbuds. No personalised Spatial Audio features. What is battery life like Battery life is excellent. The earbuds are rated for up to 18 hours on a single charge, outperforming many rivals, although the charging case must be plugged into USB-C to recharge them. How good is the ANC There isnt any active noise cancellation. Instead, the silicone ear tips provide passive noise isolation, reducing some outside sound, but they cant match dedicated ANC earbuds in noisy environments. Verdict The Beats Solo Buds prove you dont need to spend a fortune for enjoyable wireless earbuds. Their clear sound, secure fit and exceptional battery life make them an excellent value buy, especially for everyday listening. While youll miss premium features like ANC, multipoint Bluetooth and a battery-equipped charging case, theyre an easy recommendation for budget-conscious shoppers Read our full Beats Solo Buds review 13. Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Pros Comfortable redesigned fit Excellent sound quality H2 chip performance Great Apple ecosystem integration Cons No active noise cancellation No wireless charging Shorter earbud battery life Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59 View Deal $99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $119.95 View Deal $129 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple AirPods 4 are true wireless earbuds from Apple. They feature the H2 chip, redesigned open-ear fit, USB-C charging, Personalised Spatial Audio and improved sound, but omit ANC and wireless charging. Why we like them The standard AirPods 4 deliver many of the same upgrades as the pricier ANC model, including improved sound, a more secure fit and Apples H2 chip. They represent a significant step forward from the AirPods 2 while keeping the same affordable starting price, making them excellent everyday earbuds. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for Apple users wanting premium everyday wireless earbuds without paying extra for noise cancellation. Theyre especially suited to commuting, calls and casual listening where comfort, convenience and seamless Apple device integration matter more than advanced isolation. What are the biggest strengths Comfortable redesigned open fit H2 chip improves responsiveness Strong, balanced audio quality Personalised Spatial Audio support Excellent Apple ecosystem integration USB-C charging convenience Improved durability with IP54 rating Great value at entry price What are the compromises No Active Noise Cancellation No Transparency mode No Adaptive Audio features No Conversation Awareness USB-C charging only No wireless charging support No Find My case speaker Shorter battery than AirPods 3 What is battery life like Battery life is rated at up to five hours per charge, with the USB-C charging case extending total listening time to around 30 hours. A five-minute charge provides about one hours playback. How good is the ANC There isnt any Active Noise Cancellation. Users wanting ANC, Transparency mode or Adaptive Audio must choose the more expensive AirPods 4 with ANC, as these features arent included on the standard model. Verdict The standard AirPods 4 are an excellent upgrade over Apples older entry-level AirPods, offering noticeably improved comfort, sound quality and smarter features thanks to the H2 chip. While missing ANC and wireless charging limits their appeal for frequent travellers, they remain one of the best value options for Apple users wanting dependable everyday wireless earbuds. How to choose earbud headphones There are a few factors to consider before you hit that buy button. Type Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, typically fall into three main categories: Earbuds the type of headphones included with every iPhone and iPod and sit loosely in your outer ears. Although earbuds dont produce outstanding sound, theyre compact and relatively inexpensive. Apples stock buds are actually decent as earbuds go; youre not going to get a huge upgrade in sound quality by simply replacing them with a different model. Still, there are a few alternatives out there that provide modest improvements if youre looking for a new set. Recommendations: In-Ear-Canal Headphones : These headphones, also known as canalphones, use silicone or foam eartips that fit snuglyand fairly deepin your ear canals. Like earplugs, they block most external noise, so theyre great for travel and noisy environments. Theyre also capable of producing stunning audio quality. On the other hand, some people find canalphones to be uncomfortable, and the best ones come with an equally stunning price tag. If you decide to spend the big bucks on a set of high-end canalphones, we enthusiastically recommend going all-in and getting custom eartipstips custom-made for your particular ears. The process requires an audiologist visit to get impressions taken of your ears, but the benefits include substantially better comfort. (On some models, you may gain better noise isolation and better sound quality, as well.) A step above custom eartips are custom in-ear monitors, which place the actual headphone circuitry in larger, custom-made earpieces. Canalbuds : Canalbuds, which occupy a middle ground between earbuds and in-ear-canal models, have become quite popular. Compared to canalphones, canalbuds generally use smaller eartips that sit just inside the ends of your ear canals instead of deep inside them. Good canalbuds easily best earbuds in terms of audio performance and noise isolation, but fall short of good canalphones in those areas. On the other hand, canalbuds tend to be more comfortable than true canalphones because they dont sit so deep and dont fit so tightly; theyre also usually less expensive. (See our in-ear-canal-headphone primer, linked above, for more information on canalbuds.) Battery life This is crucial as many in-ear headphones have tiny batteries that help to keep the weight down but may only last for a few hours. That might be fine if you just want to listen to some music while youre working out, but wont be much use on a long journey by train or plane. However, some in-ear headphones, such as Apples AirPods, also include a charging case that can top up the battery, so thats something you should check on before buying any in-ear headphones. Noise canceling Some headphones are specifically designed for people who travel a lot or use headphones in noisy conditions and provide active noise-canceling (ANC) option that helps to block out background noise on trains and planes although this can add quite a lot to the overall price of the headphones. Note this isnt to be confused with passive noise isolation (or often referred to as canceling), which is just the way physically having headphones in/on blocks sound like putting earplugs or ear defenders on. Sound quality Wed always recommend trying out any new headphones in a store or showroom whenever possible, but we realise thats not always practical or hygenic. Compatibility Most wireless headphones support Apples preferred AAC Bluetooth codec, ensuring good compatibility with iPhones, iPads and Macs. Many also support additional codecs such as aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC or LC3/LE Audio, which can deliver higher bit rates, lower latency or improved efficiency when paired with compatible Android phones and other devices. Apple devices have never supported Qualcomms aptX family of codecs, instead relying on AAC for Bluetooth audio. While this has often been attributed to Apples preference for controlling its own audio ecosystem, it also means Apple users cant take advantage of newer Qualcomm codecs such as aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless when using third-party headphones. That isnt necessarily the drawback it once was. AAC remains a very capable codec, and Apples implementation is widely regarded as one of the best, delivering consistent sound quality and excellent battery efficiency. However, Android users with compatible devices may be able to enjoy higher-resolution or lower-latency wireless audio through codecs such as LDAC or aptX Lossless. For Apple users, the most important thing is that headphones support AAC, as this provides the best wireless experience across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. If a pair also supports codecs such as aptX Adaptive or LDAC, thats a useful bonus if you also own Android devices or other compatible hardware. There are a few exceptions. Some premium headphones and earbuds, such as the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, include a smart charging case that can act as a wireless audio transmitter. By connecting the case directly to a USB-C or 3.5mm audio source, it can stream audio to the earbuds using aptX Adaptive, bypassing the Bluetooth limitations of the source device and potentially improving sound quality and reducing latency. Its also worth noting that all of the Bluetooth headphones featured here work with Apple Watch, making them ideal for workouts, runs and listening on the go.

The gorgeous all-black Apple Watch Ultra 3 is $100 off right now

Macworld Apple WAtch Ultra 3 is $100 off today View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Even if youre not a fan of large watches, its hard not to be enthralled by the black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3. And today its hard not to be impressed by the price too: Amazon is selling the black Apple Watch Ultra 3 with the Black Ocean Band for $699, a savings of $100 and the best price weve ever seen for this model. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the king of smartwatches. It features a 49mm scratch-resistant crystal display built around arugged titanium case. On the right side, youll find a raised shelf for the Digital Crown, while the exclusive Action button is on the left side. It also has precision dual-frequency GPS, MIL-STD 810H shock resistance, and 100m water resistance for diving, as well as 5G and satellite communication built right in. Its all powered by Apples S10, with 64GB of storage and a display so bright it can be used as a flashlight. You also get 42 hours of battery life (72 hours in low-power mode), and a slew of health and fitness sensors and features, including sleep tracking, temperature sensing, ECG, blood-oxygen, and Heart Rate Power Zones. Keep in mind that Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its September iPhone event, but were not expecting any major changes other than a faster chip. And since this model is already compatible with watchOS 27 and Siri AI, you wont be missing out on much. Even if youre not an extreme athlete, the Apple Watch Ultra is one of the best smartwatches on the market and its even better at this pric e. So go grab one before its gone.

MacBook Pro, AirPods, and More Discounted in Best Buy Back to School Event

Best Buy is still hosting its big Back to School sale this week, with notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, headphones, monitors, and much more. This event is set to last for the rest of this week, and you don't need to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to see the deals. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. In terms of Apple devices , you can find solid deals on AirPods Pro 3, iPhone Air, Beats accessories, and MacBook Pro. You can get the AirPods Pro 3 for $199.99 ($50 off), as well as up to $500 off M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, starting at $2,499.00 for the 2TB 14-inch model. SITEWIDE SALE Best Buy Back to School Sale Apple AirPods 4 - $99.99 ($30 off) AirPods Pro 3 - $199.99 ($50 off) 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2TB) - $2,499.00 ($500 off) 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2TB) - $3,599.00 ($500 off) 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 36GB, 2TB) - $3,999.00 ($400 off) 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 48GB, 2TB) - $4,499.00 ($500 off) TVs 55-inch Toshiba C350 4K Smart Fire TV - $249.99 ($150 off) 65-inch Samsung U7900 4K Smart TV - $329.99 ($140 off) 65-inch LG UA7050 4K Smart TV - $329.99 ($160 off) 98-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart Google TV - $1,499.99 ($800 off) 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV (2025) - $1,299.99 ($300 off) 65-inch LG OLED 4K Smart TV - $1,399.99 ($1,300 off) Monitors 34-inch LG UltraWide 100Hz Monitor - $209.99 ($90 off) 34-inch Samsung ViewFinity S5 Monitor - $229.99 ($100 off) 34-inch LG UltraGear Curved Monitor - $399.99 ($100 off) 27-inch Alienware Gaming Monitor - $699.99 ($200 off) Audio Beats Pill - $99.99 ($50 off) Beats Solo 4 Headphones - $129.99 ($70 off) Beats Studio Pro Headphones - $169.99 ($180 off) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones - $329.99 ($45 off) Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 - $549.99 ($150 off) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, MacBook Pro, AirPods, and More Discounted in Best Buy Back to School Event first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Meta accepted mistake that a lot of illegal content was promoted, paid promotion carried out for specific audience: Sources

NEW DELHI: Facing a probe regarding alleged advertisements related to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) following a media report, Meta has accepted the mistake that a lot of illegal content was promoted and paid promotion was carried out for a specific audience, sources said on Wednesday. The sources said that Meta will be []

Are Apple

Macworld As we count the weeks until the iPhone event , a Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman caused a bit of a stir this week. It wasnt about features, design, or pricingrather, it was about staffing at the September event. According to a memo seen by Bloomberg News, Apple has instituted a lottery to give retail workers the opportunity to participate in the Event Support Experience Program. According to the memo, the event will take place the first two weeks of September, and winners will be selected by Aug. 17, per the memo. Winning employees will help organize lines, check in guests, greet attendees, offer directions and support the security teams. Gurman says that Apple has long used retail employees for events like these, but I cant remember a report like this previously. I searched for anything about a lottery or staffing opportunity and couldnt find anything about a similar program in prior years. So opening the opportunity to head to Apple Park to all U.S. workers appears to be a new thing. Heres where the plot thickens, so to speak. In a post on X promoting the story, Gurman wrote, NEW: Apple gears up for in-person iPhone event in the first half of September, asking retail employees to apply for a lottery to work the event. The story he links to doesnt mention anything about an in-person event, but obviously the employees will need to be on-site to work the event. The use of the phrase in-person is a loaded one. Apple hasnt held a live keynote since September 2019 when it unveiled the iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 5. Since then, it has presented prerecorded online keynote presentations, sometimes inviting members of the press to watch at Apple Park. However, there are signs that Apple could be returning. Back in March, Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo at events around the world to small crowds. It wasnt anything resembling a full keynote, but at the New York event, incoming CEO John Ternus (then VP of Hardware) was on hand to introduce the new machine and lead attendees to the hands-on area. And he just happens to be taking over as CEO on September 1, mere days before the iPhone event. If there was going to be a perfect time when Apple would return to in-person events, its this now. Not only is it John Ternus first event as CEO, but its also widely expected that Apple will introduce its first folding phone at the event as well. That easily makes it one of the most anticipated events of the past decade, so what better time to gather people for an old-fashioned live keynote? Whatever the format, Apple will likely hold its iPhone event on Wednesday, September 9, or Tuesday, September 15.Along with the folding iPhone, Apple is also expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max , Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and possibly Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini refreshes .

Nimble SharePower review: A power bank that splits in two to share

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros One 10K battery or two 5K sections Built-in USB-C connectors Charges four devices at once Faster than wireless Three cute colors Cons Not wireless Dont lose that shared section iPhone 15 and later Our Verdict The Nimble SharePower operates as one stacked 10K portable charger or two divided 5K battery packs. Its a neat idea, well doneletting you share a power bank without being tethered to your desperately unpowered friend by a cable when charging your own iPhone at the same time. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $79.95 Best Prices Today: Nimble SharePower Portable Battery Charger Retailer Price $79.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? A modular 10K power bank that splits into two separate 5K battery packs with built-in USB-C connectors. Who is it for? iPhone 15 or later owners who desire the flexibility of shareable power banks. Who shouldnt buy it? Owners of the iPhone 14 and older, or those looking for a magnetic power bank to wirelessly clamp to the back of their device. Instead, they should look to the best magnetic wireless portable chargers . The Nimble SharePower isnt magnetic in a charging capacity, so wont clamp onto the back of your iPhone to immediately begin charging, but it is clever in another way: its a sharable battery that will serve not just you but a very grateful friend, colleague or trustworthy stranger. SharePower is a 10,000mAh portable charger with a difference. Unlike a typical 10,000mAh power bank, the Nimble SharePower splits into two completely independent 5,000mAh chargers that can be shared between two people. Each half has its own built-in USB-C connection and extra USB-C port, allowing up to four devices to be charged simultaneously when separated. Its a genuinely useful twist on the standard portable charger, making it ideal for iPhone 15 and newer users who regularly share power with friends, family or colleagues without being tethered together by a charging cable. Magnetically modular Together the SharePower measures 3.1 x 2.8 x 1 inch (78 x 70 x 25mm) and weighs 7.6oz (216g). Divided, the two parts are roughly equal, with the cabled module being the slightly larger. The two parts come together magnetically and wont fall apart without a meaningful effort. Magnetically together in Stack Mode, divided into two modules, and showing the integrated USB-C connectors inside. Nimble The section with the built-in 29.5-inch (75mm) USB-C cable has a standard four-dot battery capacity display, while the otherfeaturing an integrated flip-up USB-C connectorfeatures a TFT LCD digital display showing the actual percentage remaining. The cable also works as a handy carry loop. How much charge does it actually provide? Many 10K power banks are made up of two 5K cells. Nimble has just separated them more cleanly so they can work independently. In Macworlds famous real-world recharging tests we used one of the modules to recharge an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 87% before the power bank half section ran dry. Thats not far off the highest 5K score weve recorded (90%), from the Ugreen MagFlow Air 5K . As the Ugreen is a wireless charger, some of its power would have been lost due to wireless chargings inherent inefficiency, and so the SharePowers test score is maybe as high as it is die to the stronger wired connection (we used the built-in cable). If both SharePower modules perform the same, thats a high 175% score combined, which should keep two iPhones charged for at least another days use. Which iPhones does SharePower work with? The fact that both battery sections have built-in USB-C connectors means its good only for iPhones 15 and later. iPhone of an older vintage (14 and earlier) use Apples old Lightning connector and so arent supported using the two integrated USB-C connectors. Time to buy a new phone or one of the best magnetic wireless power banks . Alternatively you could connect to an older iPhone with a USB-C to Lightning cableindeed in our tests we had two USB-C iPhones, a USB-C-cabled Apple Watch charger, and a USB-C to Lightning cable for our ageing AirPods case. Dont restrict this charger to just your iPhone. It can just as well charge your USB-C iPad, and as mentioned earlier, even a MacBook if you can leave it untouched during charging. Will it charge faster than wireless? Wired charging is always faster than wireless as its more efficient, with less power wasted in the connection between the charger and the phones coils. You dont have to divide SharePower into its two halves. You can use it stacked with a possible 35W USB-C PD total output to charge three devices: one via the short integrated USB-C cable, and two more via the side USB-C ports20W USB-C PD per module when split in Share Mode. When used as one unitStack Modeit can charge at 35W PD, which is just about enough to keep a MacBook Air or small Pro going, and certainly fine for a MacBook Neo. Wireless charging has a maximum of 25W, but thats difficult to maintain due to the heat produced at such an output via wireless. Charger makers introduce fans to cool the devices down to reduce the chance of the phone throttling the power in order to stay safely cool. You dont get as much chance of that with wired charging so charging speed stays faster for longer. Nimble How many devices can SharePower charge at the same time? Each half of the Nimble SharePower has one of the USB-C ports for a second device, so separated you can charge four drives in total. Section one has the USB-C cable and a USB-C port. Section two has the flip-up USB-C connector and a USB-C port. Its simple therefore when split to charge two iPhones plus, say, an Apple Watch and your AirPods case at the same time. In joined Stack Mode, three devices can be charged simultaneously as the foldaway USB-C connector is hidden when the two halves are magnetically joined. Both halves can be recharged themselves at the same time as they join up with tiny pogo pins. If you want a magnetic wireless portable charger to share, you could opt for a power bank such as the Kuxiu S3 that boasts a 25W magnetic wireless iPhone charging pad, a built-in USB-C cable, and a spare USB-C port. Its three device-charging prowess is one behind that of the SharePower when split and requires all the charging devices to be attached to the one unit, where the SharePower physically divides into two parts. Wireless charging is neater than the split SharePowers wired charging, but when sharing between people Nimbles approach is much more convenient. Sharing is caring, but remember to politely ask for the module back before you part ways. Nimble Sharing caveat Of course, you must remember to ask for the shared half to be returned or suddenly the Nimble SharePower becomes the once-shared power. This is where your generosity in the airport Departures lounge might come back to haunt you. How much does the Nimble SharePower cost? You can buy the Nimble SharePower at Apple and Apple UK or direct from Nimble . It costs $79.95 or 59.95. It is available in three colors: white, pink, or blue. If you get excited, buy two of different colors, and mix and match. Should you buy the Nimble SharePower? The Nimble SharePower operates as one stacked 10K portable charger or two divided 5K battery packs. Its a neat idea, well doneletting you share a power bank without being tethered to your desperately unpowered friend by a cable when charging your own iPhone at the same time.

One-time payment, years of project planning

Macworld TL;DR: Grab a lifetime Microsoft Project Professional 2024 license for $48.99 (reg. $1,129) with code AUG25 through Aug. 9 and simplify planning, scheduling, and resource management. Every project starts with good intentions. Then the deadlines shift, priorities change, and suddenly youre trying to manage an entire teams workload with a spreadsheet that stopped making sense three revisions ago. Theres no need to stress. Through Aug. 9, you can get a Microsoft Project Professional 2024 lifetime Windows license for just $48.99 (reg. $1,129) with the code AUG25. Designed for project managers, team leaders, consultants, and anyone juggling multiple moving pieces, Microsoft Project helps you build realistic schedules, assign resources, and keep projects on track from kickoff to completion. Pre-built templates help you get started quickly, while automatic scheduling adjusts task dates based on dependencies , saving you from constantly updating timelines by hand. As projects grow, built-in reports like Burndown and Resource Overview make it easier to see whats workingand what isnt. You can compare actual progress against your original plan, run what-if scenarios before making changes, and visualize task relationships with multiple timeline views. This is the kind of software that can save hours by making planning a whole lot smarter. Get Microsoft Project Pro 2024 lifetime license for just $48.99 with code AUG25 through Aug. 9. Microsoft Project Professional 2024: Lifetime License for Windows See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Samsung Introduces 30-Month No-Cost EMI Plan for Galaxy Z Fold 8, 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8: Prices Start at

Samsung India has launched an aggressive 30-month no-cost EMI programme for its newest foldable smartphones. This strategic consumer initiative targets buyers wanting premium technology without experiencing heavy budget constraints at checkout. By reducing payment pressure, Samsung makes high-end upgrades highly accessible

Telegram CEO Says Extortionist Manipulated Apple Into App Store Removal

Telegram was subject to a akedown extortionist who planted AI-modified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to get Apple to remove the app from the App Store , Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said today . Apple removed Telegram from the App Store for about 40 minutes on Monday night after discovering CSAM, but reinstated the app after Telegram removed the content. The attacker was a takedown extortionist: someone who demands ransom from group owners in exchange for not targeting their communities. These extortionists use automated accounts to plant illegal content in public groups and then report it directly to Apple, attempting to trigger the removal of legitimate communities whose owners refused to pay them. Durov said the attacker used a echnical trick to evade moderation tools, editing an old message in an active group chat to add illegal content. The attacker was able to bypass moderation because group members didn't see the message to report it. Durov said illegal pornographic content in public groups is not a systemic problem because Telegram has effective moderation, and this was an edge case where an attacker used ackdated, effectively invisible content. Apple pulled Telegram from the App Store before contacting the company, according to Durov. He said Apple was manipulated into overreacting, and he warned of a potential systemic risk for every mobile app that hosts user-generated content. After removing Telegram from the App Store, Apple said a content review found child sexual abuse material that violated the App Store guidelines. Apple further said Telegram promptly removed the content and banned the user, leading to the app's return to the App Store. Apple has not commented on Durov's extortionist claim. Tags: App Store , Telegram This article, Telegram CEO Says Extortionist Manipulated Apple Into App Store Removal first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Limits Bug Bounty Submissions After Flood of AI Slop

Apple limited the number of vulnerabilities security researchers can submit to its bug bounty program because of an uptick in reports about fake bugs hallucinated by AI, according to The Financial Times . Apple said its bug review system was seeing a high volume of poor-quality submissions from amateur bug hunters using AI to locate vulnerabilities. In some cases, there is no actual vulnerability, and real submissions are lost in the deluge. The Financial Times learned of the limit after cybersecurity startup Bynario used ChatGPT to locate more than 50 macOS bugs in three weeks. Bynario found a privilege escalation exploit that could let an attacker get unrestricted access to a Mac, but was unable to report it because Apple limited the number of bug reports Bynario could submit. Bynario sent eight reports to Apple in 2025, and another five in 2026 before hitting a restriction. Bynario's founder said it is a very difficult time in the industry because companies are being flooded by the sheer amount of bugs. Apple has since been in contact with Bynario and is reviewing the company's submissions. While Apple now has a cap on the number of open submissions a researcher can have, researchers can request an increase to make sure Apple's security team doesn't miss a critical vulnerability. AI has overwhelmed Apple because it primarily uses humans to check reports, but Apple too has turned to AI for parsing submissions. AI has also helped Apple find a huge number of bugs. Apple's recent iOS 26.6 update fixes almost 90 security vulnerabilities, some of which are credited to Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's Codex Security. Apple's bug bounty program offers rewards up to $2 million for exploit chains used for sophisticated, real-world attacks, plus bonuses that can increase rewards to over $5 million. Apple boosts reward totals for bugs found in betas and for bugs that bypass Lockdown Mode. Tags: Bug Bounty , Vulnerabiltiies This article, Apple Limits Bug Bounty Submissions After Flood of AI Slop first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple invites retail workers to pitch in with iPhone event support

Macworld As Apple prepares for what is rumored to be one of the biggest iPhone events of all time, its turning to retail employees for support. In a memo to U.S. retail stores seen by Bloomberg, Apple announced a lottery system to give workers the opportunity to participate in the Event Support Experience Program. Its not clear whether this is a new program, but Mark Gurman of Bloomberg notes that Apple has relied on retail employees to help staff major product launches for years. However, the report suggests that the lottery is new for 2026, so perhaps previous events were limited to California retail workers. In the memo, Apple says it is excited to offer U.S. retail workers this opportunity. The lottery doesnt mean this years event will be a return to the in-person keynotes that were common before the COVID pandemic. In fact, Gurman reports that they will simply help help organize lines, check in guests, greet attendees, offer directions and support the security teams, similar to WWDC in June. The memo says the event will take place in the first half of September, as is customary for iPhone events. Our best guess for a date is either Wednesday, September 9, or Tuesday, September 15. Apple is expected to launch several new products at this years iPhone event, including the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max , Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and the brand-new folding iPhone Ultra .

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware With iOS 27 Features

Apple today released a fourth version of the beta firmware it is testing for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 , AirPods 4 , and AirPods Max 2 . The firmware is available for developers and has a build number of 9A5336b. In iOS 27 , iPadOS 27 , and macOS Golden Gate , Apple is adding a new AirPods interface, a slider for Adaptive mode, and support for custom EQ, so the firmware adds support for those features. AirPods are also compatible with the new Siri AI. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad , or Mac running iOS 26 , iPadOS 26 , or macOS 26 or later, there is a beta firmware option that can be accessed in the AirPods settings interface. Toggling on beta updates allows users to install the beta firmware. Firmware updates can be downloaded by connecting the AirPods to an Apple device and connecting them to power. It can take a few hours for new firmware to be installed because there is no software update option like there is for other Apple devices. Related Roundups: AirPods 4 , iOS 27 , iPadOS 27 Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution) Related Forum: AirPods This article, Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware With iOS 27 Features first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Starts Preparing for September iPhone Event

Apple is getting ready for its big September iPhone event, which is expected to see the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro , iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new foldable iPhone. Ahead of the event, Apple is holding an Event Support Experience Program lottery for U.S. retail employees who want to travel to its Apple Park campus to staff the in-person media gathering. According to Bloomberg , Apple will bring in employees to organize lines, check in guests, offer directions, greet attendees, and support security teams. Employees were told the iPhone event will take place during the first half of September, but Apple declined to offer more specific information. It's likely Apple will hold its event on Tuesday, September 8 or Wednesday, September 9. September 7 is Labor Day and Apple often gives members of the media a day to travel, so September 9 could be the target date this year. Apple presumably pays for travel and lodging for employees who are invited to Apple Park to work the media event. Retail workers who were at the Worldwide Developers Conference or the iPhone launch in 2025 are not eligible to enter the lottery. Employees can enter the lottery until August 8, and Apple plans to notify winners on August 17. This article, Apple Starts Preparing for September iPhone Event first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

The Ninja Slushi makes vacation-worthy frozen drinks, and I highly recommend it (especially on sale)

The popular Ninja Slushi is on sale for under $300 once again. Here's where to find the deal.

The Ninja Slushi makes vacation-worthy frozen drinks, and I highly recommend it (especially on sale)

The popular Ninja Slushi is on sale for under $300 once again. Here's where to find the deal.

Might as well add five more nylon Apple Watch bands to your stash while they

Adorve Nylon Apple Watch Bands (5-pack) Buy for $10 (Reg. $19) Prime-exclusive discount. What we love While weve spotted this style for less before, it was most recently $8.50 and it was for different colorways. So whether you cashed in on those or not, here are five more bands you can snag for $2 each.

Best Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested

Macworld It wasnt long ago that Macs were considered secure enough on their own. But as Apple devices have grown in popularity, macOS has become an increasingly attractive target for attackers . Todays threats are less about traditional viruses and more about phishing, fake updates, malicious downloads, and scams designed to trick users into installing malware themselves. At the same time, AI tools are accelerating vulnerability discovery and exploit development, making rapid patching more important than ever. Apple includes built-in protections such as XProtect and Gatekeeper, and macOS security is stronger than ever. However, these defenses mainly target known threats and cant fully prevent social-engineering attacks or credential theft. Modern antivirus tools with features like anti-phishing protection, malicious site blocking, behavior monitoring, and password and identity safeguards therefore remain essential for Mac users. To see which ones actually defend against todays threats, weve tested the leading antivirus apps for Mac and you can see our recommendations below. Weve tested the top Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios, performance benchmarks, and independent lab results, alongside usability, performance and reliability checks. Use this guide to find the best antivirus for your needs. Below are our expert picks for 2026, including the best overall, best value, and best free options. Whats new this month : On June 29, Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 , delivering dozens of security fixes for vulnerabilities across the operating system. The update patches flaws in Safari and WebKit that could potentially leak sensitive information between websites, allow malicious web content to crash apps, or trigger memory corruption. Apple also said that several fixes originally planned for macOS 26.6 were brought forward into 26.5.2. Apple told Reuters it is accelerating security releases because AI is reducing the time it takes attackers to identify and weaponize vulnerabilities, despite there being no evidence that the patched flaws were being actively exploited. Security researchers also uncovered a new Mac malware campaign dubbed Reaper at the end of May. Distributed through convincing fake software installers, Reaper relies on social engineering to trick users into running malicious AppleScripts. Once installed, it can steal browser data and documents, search for cryptocurrency wallets, and collect financial information. Best Mac Antivirus in 2026: At a Glance The best antivirus for Mac in 2026 is Intego ONE, thanks to its Mac-specific design, strong protection, and low performance impact. Norton 360 and Bitdefender are also top alternatives. Scroll down for full reviews and testing results. How we test Mac Antivirus We test Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios and independent lab data from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Starting with a clean macOS system, we downloaded malware samples and visited malicious websites to measure protection against online and offline threats, including Windows-based malware. We also assessed system performance, ease of use and macOS integration, along with features like ransomware protection, VPNs and firewalls. Only products that deliver strong protection without slowing down your Mac make our top recommendations. Best Mac Antivirus: Benchmarks We compared independent lab results with our own real-world testing to identify the best Mac antivirus software for 2026. Antivirus AV-Test Protection AV-Comparatives Score Our Malware Detection Performance Impact (Our Tests) Scan Speed Overall Score Intego 6 / 6 Approved 99% Low Fastest 4.7 / 5 Norton 360 6 / 6 Approved 100% Medium Medium 4.7 / 5 Avast One 6 / 6 Approved 99% Medium Medium 4.5 / 5 Moonlock 5.5 / 6 Not available 100% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 Surfshark 6 / 6 Approved 100% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 Avira Free 5.5 / 6 Approved 97% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 AVG Internet Security 6 / 6 Approved 99% Low Medium 4.5 / 5 Bitdefender 6 / 6 Approved 100% Low Fast 4.8 / 5 ESET 6 / 6 Approved 95% Low Fast 4 / 5 Best Mac Antivirus: Our top picks tested and ranked Weve tested and reviewed the best Mac antivirus software below. Our summaries explain how each product performed, why it ranks where it does, and its key features with links to our full, in-depth reviews. Updated July 3, 2026. 1. Intego ONE Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Extremely fast malware scanning Excellent firewall control options Strong macOS-focused protection Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: Intego ONE Essential from $2.50 a month/one device/first year, then $3.33 a month or $29.99 for the first year and then $39.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (annual) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Intego ONE is a powerful Mac-focused security suite with excellent malware detection, extremely fast scan speeds, and strong firewall controls. Specifically designed for macOS, it works seamlessly with Apples XProtect and Gatekeeper tools. Why we picked it as our top choice Intego ONE stands out for its outstanding malware detection, very fast scan speeds, and powerful firewall controls, making it one of the most reliable security tools specifically tailored for macOS. Intego delivers reliable, no-fuss security that integrates seamlessly with Apples ecosystem. Key strengths include: Near-perfect malware detection rates. Industry-leading scan speeds. Firewall with excellent visibility and control over network activity. Clean interface with no aggressive upselling Designed specifically for macOS, not a ported PC app Intego delivers consistent, real-world protection with better usability for Mac users. Key features Antivirus : Full, quick, custom scans and scheduling (Intego ONE Essential) Firewall : With network monitoring and rule creation (Intego ONE Essential) VPN : With 51 global servers, Lightway protocols (Intego ONE Complete) SmartClean : Disk cleanup, app uninstaller, system optimisation (Intego ONE Advanced & Complete) Whos it for? Intego ONE has a user-friendly interface, making it well suited to Mac users who want easy security management while prioritising powerful malware protection, strong performance, and advanced network control. Intego is ideal if you: Use a single Mac or MacBook Want strong protection without complexity Prefer software designed specifically for Apple systems Considerations & drawbacks Mac-only (no cross-platform support) Fewer extras than some rivals (e.g. no password management) Verdict If you want the most Mac-native antivirus experience, Intego is the best choice. It may not have the longest feature list, but it focuses on what matters most: effective protection, ease of use, and seamless macOS integration. Read our full Intego ONE review 2. Avast One Best for malware and phishing protection Pros Excellent malware protection Outstanding Email Guard Capable VPN Comprehensive security suite Cons Excessive upselling and fragmentation Basic AI Assistant Occasional malware detection gaps Some interface limitations Price When Reviewed: Premium Security: $49.99 first year / renews at $77.99/yr, Ultimate: $49.99 first year / renews at $109.99/yr Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Avast One is a comprehensive security suite for Mac that combines antivirus protection with phishing defense, a VPN, and privacy tools in a single application. It helps protect against malware, malicious websites, and email threats while keeping system impact low, making it a strong all-round security solution for everyday users. Why we picked it Avast One impressed with excellent malware detection, outstanding phishing protection, and a capable VPN that has little impact on Mac performance. Features such as Email Guard, Web Guard, and Real Site provide effective real-world protection against spam, phishing, and fraudulent websites. Key strengths include: Excellent malware protection Outstanding phishing and spam filtering Effective VPN with low system impact Comprehensive security feature set Strong web and email protection Email Guard, Web Guard, and Real Site work particularly well together, providing some of the strongest real-world phishing and scam protection weve seen. Key features Real-time malware protection Email Guard for phishing and spam detection Web Guard and Real Site website protection Integrated VPN AI Assistant for security advice Whos it for? Best for Mac users who want a feature-rich security suite with particularly strong phishing protection. Avast is ideal if you: Want all-in-one security rather than a basic antivirus Need excellent phishing and email protection Want a built-in VPN Prefer security software with minimal performance impact Value comprehensive web protection Considerations & drawbacks Frequent upselling throughout the app Confusing, fragmented subscription options AI Assistant provides limited value Missed some malware installers during testing Some interface limitations Verdict Avast One is one of the strongest all-round security suites for Mac, combining excellent malware protection, first-rate phishing defenses, and a capable VPN. Its confusing subscriptions, constant upselling, and underwhelming AI Assistant prevent it from being an easy recommendation, but its core protection is excellent. Read our full Avast One review 3. Norton 360 Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Nortons VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton 360 is one of the most comprehensive security suites available for Mac, combining antivirus protection with a wide range of additional features, including a VPN, password manager and AI-powered scam detection. A well-known and trusted name in cybersecurity, Norton also offers its Virus Protection Promise, meaning youll get your money back if it cant remove a virus from your device. Why we picked it Norton stands out for its all-in-one feature set and excellent lab performance, making it ideal for users who want complete protection across multiple devices. Key strengths include: Top scores in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives (June 2025) All-in-one suite: antivirus, VPN, password manager and more AI-powered Genie Scam Protection for real-time threat advice Strong cross-platform support (Mac, iOS, Windows, Android) Good value considering the breadth of features The addition of Nortons Genie Scam Assistant is particularly impressive, offering real-time help with suspicious emails and messages a useful tool as phishing attacks become more sophisticated. Key features Real-time antivirus, anti-malware and ransomware protection Built-in VPN for secure browsing Password manager Genie Scam Protection (AI assistant) Dark web monitoring (on select plans) Multi-device support Whos it for? Best for users who want a full-featured security suite across multiple devices. Norton is ideal if you: Want an all-in-one security solution Use multiple devices (Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android) Value extra features like VPN and identity protection Want real-time help spotting scams Considerations & drawbacks macOS version feels less fully featured than Windows version Some features (e.g. cloud backup) are not available on Mac Interface and settings can feel complex for beginners In our testing, missed a small number of threats and struggled with some file types (e.g. ZIP files) Browser protection didnt block all suspicious links in testing Bottom line If you want a feature-rich, all-in-one security suite, Norton 360 is one of the best options available. While its not as Mac-focused as Intego, it offers excellent protection, powerful extras and strong cross-platform coverage, making it a great choice for households with multiple devices. Read our full Norton 360 review 4. MacPaw Moonlock Great antivirus protection for beginners Pros Excellent malware detection Fast scanning performance Useful built-in VPN Helpful security guidance Clean, focused interface Cons Leaves some support files behind No phishing website blocking No scan time estimates Trial requires payment information Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (annual) $45 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Moonlock is MacPaws dedicated antivirus and security app for Mac, combining malware protection with a VPN, system security checks and educational guidance. It aims to keep Macs protected from malware and online threats while helping users understand and improve their overall security without unnecessary complexity. Why we picked it Moonlock impressed with excellent malware detection, effective real-time Active Protection, a capable VPN and helpful educational resources. Rather than simply blocking threats, it also teaches users better security habits, making it particularly approachable for less technical Mac owners. Key strengths include: Excellent malware detection and removal Active Protection blocks threats before installation Built-in VPN with solid performance Helpful security education and guidance Flexible purchase options, including a one-time licence We particularly like how Moonlocks Security Advisor focuses on helping users develop better security habits through clear, practical guidance. Key features Quick, Balanced and Deep malware scanning Real-time Active Protection Built-in VPN Network Inspector for blocking traffic from selected regions System Protection and Security Advisor with security recommendations Whos it for? Best for Mac users who want strong malware protection with straightforward security tools and guidance rather than an overwhelming all-in-one suite. Moonlock is ideal if you: Want effective malware protection with minimal fuss Appreciate built-in security guidance and learning resources Prefer a clean, Mac-focused security app Want integrated VPN protection Like the option of a one-time purchase instead of only subscriptions Considerations & drawbacks Security Advisor is more informational than practical Menus and navigation can be confusing Scan scheduler only allows 15-minute intervals VPN defaults to the nearest server automatically Some features and options are buried in the interface Bottom line Moonlock delivers excellent malware protection backed by effective Active Protection, a capable VPN and useful security guidance. While its interface and menus need refinement, its a strong first standalone security suite from MacPaw and well worth considering for Mac users seeking straightforward protection. Read our full MacPaw Moonlock review 5. Surfshark One Best for privacy and multi-device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.49 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Surfshark One+ Antivirus is best suited to Mac users who want antivirus protection, a VPN, and privacy tools combined in one affordable package. It performs especially well for home users, remote workers, and small offices that prefer a simple all-in-one solution instead of managing several separate subscriptions. The software integrates smoothly with macOS and causes very little slowdown during everyday use. Why we picked it The best aspect of Surfshark One+ is the combination of strong malware protection and an excellent built-in VPN. During testing, the antivirus engine detected nearly all malware samples, while the VPN delivered stable connections and advanced privacy features normally found in standalone VPN services. Key strengths include: Excellent malware detection Powerful VPN with advanced features Low system impact on Macs Affordable introductory pricing Strong privacy and identity tools The biggest advantage of Surfshark One+ is its overall value. Users receive antivirus protection, VPN services, identity monitoring, and privacy features in one subscription, making it a convenient and cost-effective cybersecurity package. Key features Real-time malware protection Surfshark VPN with MultiHop and Dedicated IP Identity breach monitoring Alternative ID privacy feature Surfshark private search engine External drive scanning Whos it for? Surfshark One+ is best for users who want strong Mac protection alongside privacy-focused tools and VPN functionality. Surfshark One is ideal for: Remote workers and travelers Home users wanting simple security Privacy-conscious Mac users Considerations & drawbacks Weak phishing and scam-site browser protection Slow full-system scans Some beta tools feel unfinished Browser extensions can be unreliable Renewal prices rise significantly after discounts Verdict Surfshark One+ Antivirus is a strong choice for Mac users who want reliable malware protection, a feature-rich VPN, and privacy tools in one affordable package. While weak browser phishing protection prevents it from being among the very best security suites, it still offers excellent overall value for everyday users. Read our full Surfshark One review 6. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Customizable, user-friendly protection Pros Clean, customisable and easy to navigate Low system impact Cons Missed some threats in our testing Limited extras Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $49.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $69.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a malware protection app that combines real-time antivirus scanning with tools such as ransomware protection, a browser extension and a basic VPN. It helps protect your Mac from malicious software while offering a straightforward, customizable interface that integrates well with macOS. Why we picked it Bitdefender impressed with its clean, customizable interface, straightforward scanning options and the ability to quickly scan external drives. The generous trial period and good macOS integration also make it easy to try and use, particularly alongside Apples built-in Gatekeeper protection. Key strengths include: Clean, customizable and easy-to-use interface Simple scanning of external drives and removable media Works well alongside macOS Gatekeeper Generous free trial period Good range of core security tools One standout strength is how easy it is to scan external drives on demand, making it particularly useful for users who regularly connect USB drives or other removable storage. Key features Real-time malware protection with Bitdefender Shield On-demand and scheduled malware scanning External drive and removable media scanning Browser extension for web protection Included VPN (200MB daily limit) Whos it for Bitdefender is best for Mac users who want an easy-to-use antivirus with a customizable interface and straightforward malware scanning. Bitdefender is ideal if you: Prefer a simple, uncluttered security app Frequently scan external drives or USB devices Want security that complements macOS protections Like being able to customize the interface Want a generous trial before subscribing Considerations & drawbacks Malware can slip through if Bitdefender Shield is disabled Occasional freezes during full-system scans Safari anti-phishing protection is limited Included VPN is restricted to 200MB per day and frequently encourages upgrades Overall malware protection still has room for improvement under some circumstances Verdict Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers a polished interface, useful core features and convenient scanning tools, especially for external drives. However, inconsistent malware blocking under certain conditions, occasional scan freezes and limited web protection prevent it from being among the strongest Mac antivirus solutions. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review 7. AVG Internet Security for Mac Best for ease of use Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket AVG Internet Security for Mac is a reliable, feature-rich option that combines strong protection with a clean, easy-to-use interface. Best known for its free antivirus, AVGs premium suite builds on that foundation with broader security tools and consistently strong lab performance. In independent testing, AVG achieved top scores from AV-Test (Protection, Speed and Usability) and maximum ratings from AV-Comparatives across Mac malware, Windows malware and potentially unwanted applications confirming its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Why we picked it AVG stands out for its balanced mix of protection, usability and features, making it a strong choice for users who want dependable security without complexity. Key strengths include: Top scores in independent lab tests (AV-Test and AV-Comparatives) Strong malware and phishing protection Clean, intuitive interface Effective malware removal capabilities Generous 60-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee While it doesnt dramatically outperform rivals in any one area, AVG delivers consistently solid performance across the board. Key features Real-time malware and threat protection Web and phishing protection Email security tools Ransomware protection Scheduled and on-demand scans Whos it for? Best for cautious Mac users who want reliable, no-fuss protection with the option to try before they buy. AVG is ideal if you: Want strong protection without a steep learning curve Prefer a clean, easy-to-navigate interface Like the flexibility of a long free trial before committing Considerations & drawbacks Mac-only (separate products needed for other platforms) Scan activity could be communicated more clearly Missed some test scenarios (e.g. fake installer in our testing) Doesnt stand out as strongly as top competitors AVG uses the same core engine as Avast Verdict AVG Internet Security for Mac is a well-rounded and trustworthy antivirus solution. It may not lead the pack in any single category, but its strong lab results, ease of use and solid protection make it a dependable choice for most Mac users. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 8. ESET HOME Security Best for power users seeking control Price When Reviewed: Essential: $49.99 a year for one device; Premium: $79.99 a year for one device; Ultimate $179.99 a year for five devices Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ESET (first year, 1 device) $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket ESET Cyber Security is a Mac security suite that combines antivirus, anti-phishing, spam filtering, ransomware and identity protection with a powerful built-in VPN. It focuses on delivering strong malware protection and extensive customization for security-conscious Mac users who want deep control over their security software. Why we picked it ESET impressed us with its excellent malware protection, highly configurable VPN, and administrator-level customization. It runs lightly in the background while providing strong real-time protection, making it particularly appealing to experienced Mac users who value configurability over simplicity. Key strengths include: Excellent malware protection with over 95% of malware samples blocked or quarantined Feature-rich VPN with multiple protocols, router support and Kill Switch Extensive administrator-level customization and security controls Minimal impact on everyday Mac performance Strong real-time protection that quietly removes threats in the background Its standout strength is the combination of outstanding malware protection and one of the most configurable VPN implementations bundled with Mac antivirus software, giving advanced users an exceptional level of control. Key features Real-time antivirus and malware protection Anti-phishing and spam filtering Ransomware and identity protection Built-in VPN with WireGuard, IKEv2, UDP, TCP, Stealth and WStunnel support Advanced VPN features including router support, Kill Switch and automatic connection rules Whos it for? Best for advanced Mac users and administrators who want deep control over their security software alongside excellent malware protection and a capable VPN. ESET is ideal if you: Want administrator-level security customization Need excellent malware protection with minimal performance impact Value a powerful built-in VPN with advanced networking features Prefer security-focused software over all-in-one maintenance utilities Are comfortable configuring advanced security settings Considerations & drawbacks Discord compatibility issues caused update and launch failures during testing Scheduled scans failed to execute reliably Logging tools are limited and lack useful export options Scan progress indicators provide little feedback during long scans Interface and settings are aimed at experienced users rather than beginners Verdict ESET Cyber Security Ultimate delivers excellent malware protection, an outstanding bundled VPN and exceptional configurability while remaining light on system resources. Although software bugs and a few usability issues prevent it from feeling fully polished, its a compelling choice for experienced Mac users who prioritize security and control over simplicity. Read our full Eset Home Security review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top six doesnt mean a product isnt going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. Youll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldnt advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews . (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorlds guide to the best Windows antivirus .) Avira Prime We recommend: Avira Prime Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Avira Prime (first year, 5 devices) Why we recommend it : Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Whos it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Read our full Avira Prime review Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard plan $59.99; Plus plan $79.99; Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for three devices Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it : Malwarebytes for Mac is a user-friendly tool that delivers fast malware detection, external drive scanning, VPN and identity tools. Whos it for : Its best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our full Malwarebytes Premium Security review McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it : McAfee Total Protection covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Whos it for : Its a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Is free antivirus for Mac good enough? Free antivirus software can provide basic protection, but it often lacks advanced features such as ransomware protection, firewalls and real-time web security. Paid options offer more comprehensive, all-round protection. Apple includes built-in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper , which block known malware and unverified apps. However, in our testing, it was still possible to install Mac malware or suspicious software if warnings were ignored, showing that Apples protections alone are not foolproof. Free third-party antivirus tools offer an advantage in that they are updated more frequently and can protect against a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans and ransomware . The core antivirus engine is often the same in both free and paid versions. The difference lies in the extra features included in premium suites, such as web and phishing protection, VPNs, identity monitoring, parental controls and customer support. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. If security is a priority, a paid antivirus offers the most complete protection. However, if youre on a tight budget, a free antivirus is still better than relying solely on Apples built-in security tools. If youre on a really tight budget, a free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apples security tools. For some low-priced AV options, check out the best Mac antivirus deals for the best prices. Whats the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac Review | Download Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison Developer Product Name Malware Protection Ransomware Protection Adware Prevention Anti Phishing Protection Email Protection Firewall VPN iOS Version Parental Controls Support Trial /Free version Intego Intego ONE Excellent, Mac focused Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Email/Phone 30 day trial and free option Surfshark Surfshark One Strong Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Chat/Email 30-day money back guarantee AVG Internet Security for Mac Good Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Email 60 days Avast Premium Security Very good Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Email/Forum 60 days McAfee Total Protection Good Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Phone/Chat 30 days/money-back guarantee Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Email 30 days Norton Norton 360 Very strong Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Phone/Chat 30-day money-back Avira Avira Prime Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Email 30 days Bitdefender Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Email/Chat 30 days MacPaw Moonlock Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No Email 7 days Pocket Bits LLC BitMedic Pro Antivirus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Email/Support Form 7 days Sophos Sophos Home Premium for Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Chat/Email 30 days ESET ESET HOME Security Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Email/Phone 30 days Malwarebtyes Malwarebytes Premium Security No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Email/Forum 14 days Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since the launch of the Mac in 1984, giving us decades of experience and deep expertise in Apples ecosystem. We understand how Macs work and how best to protect them. While Apple includes built-in security tools to combat malware, todays threat landscape means additional protection is often worthwhile. Our antivirus reviewers have decades of industry experience, including hands-on work supporting users and solving real-world IT and security issues. Our recommendations are based on a combination of independent lab data, structured testing and real-world usage not just specifications or vendor claims. We regularly review and update our rankings to reflect the latest threats, software updates and performance improvements. How we test Mac antivirus software To identify the best antivirus software for Mac, we combine hands-on testing, real-world threat simulation and independent lab data. Our goal is to assess how effectively each product protects your Mac without compromising performance, usability or value. Real-world testing environment : We begin with a clean installation of macOS, which is then cloned for each antivirus product. Each app is installed and tested in isolation to ensure results are not affected by other software particularly important as antivirus tools can sometimes flag each other as threats. We simulate real-world attack scenarios by: Downloading known malware samples Visiting malicious and phishing websites Testing suspicious files and drive-by downloads Running malware in controlled conditions This allows us to evaluate how well each product detects and blocks both online and offline threats, including Mac-specific malware, adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). We also assess how effectively each tool detects and handles Windows-based malware, which can still pose a risk when sharing files. Independent lab validation: To support our findings, we reference results from leading independent testing organisations: AV-Test AV-Comparatives These labs evaluate antivirus software against large sets of known malware and potentially unwanted applications, measuring detection rates, false positives and overall protection. Where lab data is unavailable, we carry out more extensive in-house testing using real malware samples. Performance impact : Antivirus software should protect your Mac without slowing it down. We measure performance by assessing: System responsiveness during full and quick scans Impact of real-time protection on everyday tasks Background CPU and resource usage We prioritise solutions that deliver strong protection with minimal noticeable slowdown, since overly demanding software is more likely to be disabled by users. Features, usability and user experience : We spend time using each product to evaluate how intuitive and practical it is in daily use. This includes: Ease of installation and setup Interface design and macOS integration Clarity and relevance of alerts and notifications We also assess additional features, including: Ransomware protection Web and phishing protection Firewalls and network monitoring VPNs and privacy tools Password managers and parental controls Importantly, we consider whether these features are genuinely useful or simply added complexity. Value for money : We evaluate pricing and overall value, including: Subscription costs and renewal pricing Number of devices covered Features included at each tier Our focus is on products that offer a strong balance of protection, performance and features at a reasonable price. Should I get an antivirus for my Mac? Scenario Recommendation Low-risk user (App Store only, trusted devs, automatic updates on) Apples built-in tools are sufficient. High-risk user (downloads from various sites, torrents, handles sensitive data) Paid antivirus is strongly recommended. Business user (handles client data, shares files with Windows PCs) Paid antivirus is recommended for an extra safety layer. User wanting extra features (VPN, password manager, phishing protection) Paid antivirus is worthwhile for the bundled features. Best Mac Antivirus: FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Yes while Macs are generally more secure than Windows PCs and include built-in protections like XProtect and sandboxing, which helps limit how far malware can spread, these measures are not enough to defend against modern threats such as phishing, adware and ransomware. Adding a dedicated antivirus tool helps close those gaps, provides broader coverage against evolving threats and extra layer of security when browsing the web or downloading files. For more detail, see our guide to whether Macs need antivirus , along with our Mac security tips and advice on how to remove a virus from a Mac . Do iPhones need antivirus software? You may be considering a Mac Antivirus that also offers to protect your iPhone, but is that protection really necessary? Apples iOS is designed with strong built-in security, including app sandboxing, strict App Store review processes and system-level protections that prevent traditional viruses from infecting your device. This makes it very difficult for malware to spread in the same way it can on other platforms. So, no iPhones generally dont need antivirus software. However, iPhones are not completely risk-free. Threats like phishing attacks, malicious websites and data breaches can still affect users. Instead of installing an antivirus app the best advice is to keep iOS up to date, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and dont download anything unless you are sure it is safe. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? Mac antivirus software protects your device using a combination of on-demand scans and real-time (always-on) protection. On-demand scanning checks files when you run a manual or scheduled scan. This can take time, especially on systems with lots of data, and may temporarily use more system resources. For best results, scans are often scheduled to run at convenient times. See how to scan a Mac for malware Real-time protection works continuously in the background. If malware arrives for example via an email attachment or downloaded file the antivirus can detect and block it immediately. Suspicious files are typically quarantined , meaning they are moved to a secure location where they cant cause harm while you decide whether to delete or restore them. The effectiveness of these two layers of protection is the most important factor when choosing antivirus software, but additional features can also make a difference. Many Mac antivirus tools now include ransomware protection , which prevents unauthorised apps from accessing sensitive folders such as Documents or Photos. Only trusted apps are allowed access, and you can customise these permissions. Web protection is another key feature, often delivered via browser extensions. This helps block malicious websites, phishing attempts and unsafe downloads, reducing the risk of accidentally exposing personal information. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? Yes, a VPN can be a useful addition to Mac antivirus software. It encrypts your internet connection, helping protect your data especially on public Wi-Fi. However, built-in VPNs are often limited, so a dedicated VPN service usually offers better performance and features. Some Mac antivirus packages include a built-in VPN (virtual private network), although VPNs are also widely available as standalone products. For many users, VPNs are appealing because they can mask your location and allow access to region-restricted content, such as streaming services. More importantly, a VPN improves security by encrypting your internet connection, which is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. This helps protect your data from interception and reduces the risk of cyberattacks. While we generally recommend a dedicated Mac VPN service for the best performance and features, a VPN included with antivirus software can still be a useful extra. Just be aware that bundled VPNs often come with limitations, such as data caps or reduced functionality, and may prompt you to upgrade to a full subscription. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value means different things to different users. For some, its the best free option; for others, its a reasonably priced product with the most useful features. We define value as the best overall balance of protection, performance and features and for protecting a single Mac, we believe Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways to save money on even the top antivirus products. Most Mac antivirus apps are sold as annual subscriptions, often with significant discounts for the first year. When that period ends, you can switch providers to take advantage of new introductory offers, or opt for longer-term plans (such as two- or three-year subscriptions) to reduce the overall cost. Many antivirus suites also cover multiple devices, including Windows PCs and Android smartphones. If you have several devices in your household, a multi-device plan can offer excellent value. For the latest offers, see our guide to the Best Mac Antivirus deals , which includes the most affordable options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. Its important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, dont believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but its worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isnt a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we havent recommended it here, and thats simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper . 6. What cant Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing youre completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. Thats not quite the case. While theres no reason to panic, you should still practice caution and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means youll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computers hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer thats being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apples virus protection? Its actually very good, and there isnt much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what theyre doing. Still, the protection is present, its updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. We have tested Apples own solution against a range of malware samples . While it did a reasonable job overall, we found instances where questionable applications could be installed without any warning. A helpful analogy is to think of Apples built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Macs front door, while a paid antivirus solution acts more like an alarm system with security cameras. Third-party tools update their virus definitions including not just viruses, but also adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware several times a day, often more frequently than Apples protections, providing real-time defense against new and emerging threats. During our testing of Apples malware protections, recovery options were limited. In some cases, the only solution was to wipe the Mac and restore from a backup made before the risky behavior hoping nothing had already spread. Apple does not offer dedicated malware removal support or guarantees if an infection occurs, nor does it protect against cross-platform threats across multiple devices. Paid antivirus software typically includes these services, along with additional features such as web and phishing protection, vulnerability patching tools, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud backup, and dark web monitoring. That said, macOSs built-in security may be sufficient for low-risk users who install apps only from the App Store or trusted developers, keep automatic updates enabled, avoid pirated software, do not disable Gatekeeper, have limited exposure to risky email attachments, and do not handle sensitive client data. Ultimately, investing in a reputable security suite for Mac adds an extra layer of protection and for many users, its a case of being safe rather than sorry. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers, we have some recommendations above. 10. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac a key reason why we recommend Integos antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isnt the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you dont need all those extra features. 11. Whenare Applesbuilt-inprotections sufficient For many users, Apples layered security XProtect, Gatekeeper and Rapid Security Responses is more than adequate. If you fit into the low-risk category described below, you can probably rely on macOS alone. You only download apps from the Mac App Store or trusted developers . Gatekeeper ensures that only notarized software from identified developers can run, and XProtect scans these apps for known malware on launch. You keep automatic updates enabled . Apple regularly updates XProtects malware definitions in the background, and with macOS Tahoe, Background Security Improvements can now install critical patches silently without requiring a restart. You avoid pirated software, torrents, and cracks. These are common vectors for malware that can bypass Apples checks if a user overrides warnings. You do not handle sensitive client data or work in a high-risk environment . For casual home use, the built-in tools are generally enough to block the most obvious threats 12. When paid Antivirus is worthwhile Despite Apples strong foundation, there are clear gaps that third-party software fills. You frequently install software from various internet sources . In our hands-on testing, we have found that it is still possible to install malware by ignoring or bypassing Gatekeeper warnings. Our testers were able to install trojans, fake apps, and software that requested access to the microphone, webcam, and keystrokes. You want protection against phishing and malicious websites . Apples XProtect primarily focuses on known malware files. It does not offer the same level of real-time web and phishing protection that suites like Avast One or Bitdefender provide. You need more frequent updates and broader threat coverage . Third-party tools update their virus definitions several times a day, often more frequently than Apples updates. They also cover a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware. You want features like a firewall, VPN, password manager, or identity monitoring . Apple does not offer a dedicated, configurable firewall for macOS (it relies on the built-in one) and does not include a VPN, password manager, or dark web monitoring in its security suite. Paid suites bundle these features. You share files with Windows users. An unprotected Mac can unknowingly harbor Windows viruses that wont affect macOS but can be passed on to friends and colleagues. A good antivirus will detect and clean cross-platform threats.

Apple claims that even more ex-employees may have given trade secrets to OpenAI

Apple is requesting expedited discovery in an ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI.

ESET HOME Security Ultimate Review: Great VPN, strong Mac protection

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Excellent bundled VPN Extensive security customization Strong malware protection Minimal background impact Powerful administrator controls Cons Discord compatibility issues Weak scan progress indicators Limited logging tools Scheduler doesnt work Some UI rough edges Our Verdict ESET HOME Security Ultimate combines excellent malware protection with an outstanding built-in VPN and extensive customization for experienced Mac users. Bugs including a broken scheduler, limited logging and Discord compatibility issues dull an otherwise powerful security suite. Its worth downloading the trial. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price ESET (first year, 1 device) $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When Reviewed Essential: $49.99 a year for one device; Premium: $79.99 a year for one device; Ultimate $179.99 a year for five devices Best Prices Today: Eset Home Security Retailer Price ESET (first year, 1 device) $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 1 year, 1 Mac (Premium) $55.99 (usually $79.99) 1 year, 5 Mac (Premium) $125.99 (usually $179.99) 1 year, 1 Mac (Essential) $34.99 (usually $49.99) What it is: ESET HOME Security Ultimate is a Mac security suite combining ESETs Cyber Security antivirus app, anti-phishing, firewall, spam protection, and an advanced VPN with extensive customization for security-conscious users. Who is it best for? Power users and administrators who value deep configurability over simplicity, and want robust malware protection, an excellent VPN, and granular security controls. Who shouldnt buy it? Casual Mac users seeking a simple, set-and-forget antivirus, or anyone who needs flawless reliability, polished interfaces, and bug-free compatibility with every application. At a glance Protection: Performance: Features: Ease of use: Value: ESET takes a focused approach to Mac security. Rather than attempting to bundle every imaginable system utility into one package, it concentrates on antivirus protection, phishing prevention, spam filtering, ransomware protection, identity protection, and a surprisingly feature-rich VPN. For this review, I tested ESET Home Security Ultimate with the bundled ESET Cyber Security antivirus (at version 9.0.6700.0) on macOS Tahoe 26.6, evaluating malware detection, VPN performance, phishing protection, system performance and overall usability. While the software delivers excellent protection and impressive configurability, several software bugs prevent it from reaching its full potential. Find out how ESET compares to the best Mac Antivirus apps in our group test. Whats included with ESET HOME Security? The ESET HOME Security subscription is available in Essential, Premium and Ultimate tiers. Essential includes the core Mac security features: antivirus and anti-malware protection, anti-phishing protection and Wi-Fi security. Premium builds on Essential with additional security features, although the review focuses primarily on the Ultimate tier rather than detailing every Premium-exclusive capability. Ultimate adds ESET VPN with VPN for Router support, Identity Protection and Ransomware Remediation. How good is the ESET Cyber Security malware protection? An ESET Cyber Security scan in progress . Foundry Antiviral and anti-malware features have long been ESETs bread and butter, and there was plenty to be impressed with here, even if its presentation could have used some improvement. A full scan of a local SSD with more than 800GB of data was completed in roughly four hours. The scans ran well in the background, and the application quickly and quietly removed suspect files as they surfaced, disabling the vast majority of malware before it became executable. Throughout testing, ESET Cyber Security removed and/or quarantined more than 95% of the 130-plus malware samples tested. It quietly deleted suspect files in the background with little interruption to the user, helping to stop threats before they could cause damage. During testing it also allowed pseudo versions of popular applications such as Discord, Xcode and Transmission to be copied into the Applications folder, although macOS Gatekeeper and XProtect prevented them from launching. Not every threat was completely eliminated. ESET allowed parts of the Conduit, CrateDepression (decimal.rs), DevilRobber, FinSpy, Inqtana, JacksBot, KandyKorn, Rubilyn, ShaiHulud and XCodeSpy malware samples to remain or launch development files. However, its overall detection rate was strong, and its antivirus and anti-malware protection dovetailed well with macOS Gatekeeper and XProtect, proving as effective as anything I had tested. How good is the VPN? Choosing between protocols in ESET VPN . Foundry The VPN client , which comes with the ESET HOME Security Ultimate tier, came out swinging and didnt let up. The client came loaded with a healthy selection of VPN protocols that could be switched on the fly, including WireGuard, IKEv2, UDP, TCP, Stealth and WStunnel. During performance tests it streamed and downloaded well, offered easy geolocation switching, and delivered performance on par with many standalone VPN clients. An impressive set of proxy and LAN settings geared towards routers offered auto-connect and Kill Switch features, while VPN for Router support extended protection beyond the Mac itself. The VPN implementation is one of the suites strongest features, providing a wide range of protocols, extensive configuration options, and performance comparable to dedicated VPN software. How good is the phishing protection? ESET Cyber Securitys anti-spam and anti-phishing features werent perfect, but they were still impressive and helped prevent the worst elements of an emails spam folder from ruining the day. The filter caught most of the questionable links that were clicked, including casino links, purported Cash App payment scams, farm equipment discounts and other suspicious content. The filter still allowed access to purported solar refund sites and ED medication pages claiming to be endorsed by Bill Gates. Even so, its performance proved more reliable than some competing products, and the feature conveyed the feeling that it would stop the worst of the junk and phishing attempts from coming back to haunt you. Is ESET easy to use on a Mac? ESET Cyber Securitys copious Settings menus, which can be used to fine-tune the application . Foundry ESET Cyber Security was fairly easy to install. After downloading, the application requested Full Disk Access along with kernel and network extension permissions to complete its setup. Once installed, it focused on a simpler set of tools than many competing security suites, concentrating on antivirus and anti-malware protection, a VPN client, and phishing and spam protection rather than trying to include every possible system utility. The software proved straightforward to use day to day, with scans running well in the background and suspect files being quietly removed as they surfaced. However, its extensive array of settings made it particularly well suited to experienced users. The settings allowed control over almost every aspect of the software, including whitelists, malware tolerances, network functions and actions taken when questionable files were found. This administrator-level functionality offered exceptional flexibility, although it could feel unwieldy for casual or home users. ESET Cyber Securitys Help & Support section may not offer the hippest interface in the universe, but it worked well and generally got the job done. Quick links from the home screen to the companys help page, knowledge base and technical support sections addressed a good variety of general questions. One omission is worth noting. The software lacked a quick link to ESETs YouTube channel, which is full of useful tutorials. This seems like a quick fix waiting to happen, and offering handy links as needed could only make this section of the software stronger. How well did ESET perform in testing Setting up overall protections for the system . Foundry ESET Cyber Security performed smoothly and reliably and there was little noticeable impact on the Mac during testing. The software ran well in both the foreground and the background, and, with the exception of a Discord compatibility issue, played nicely with everything on the test Mac. The antivirus and anti-malware scans werent the fastest the Ive seen, but they were still quick, thorough and unobtrusive, and none of the background functions appeared to take a noticeable toll on system performance. The full scan of a local SSD containing more than 800GB of data took about four hours, during which time ESET Cyber Security removed and/or quarantined more than 95% of the 130-plus malware samples tested. It quietly removed suspect files in the background as they surfaced, disabling the vast majority of malware before it became executable while allowing normal day-to-day use of the Mac to continue uninterrupted. During performance tests the VPN streamed and downloaded well, offered easy geolocation switching, and supported a wide range of protocols including WireGuard, IKEv2, UDP, TCP, Stealth and WStunnel. The VPNs performance and feature set is on par with many standalone VPN clients. However, several bugs prevented it from feeling completely polished. The Scheduler function failed during multiple tests, the VPN required a macOS certificate to be reauthorized before it would work correctly, scan logs lacked useful detail and convenient export tools, and the software prevented Discord from updating and launching successfully, sending the application into an infinite loop that required the Mac to be rebooted to stop. How we tested Testing was performed on macOS Tahoe 26.6 using real-world malware detection, VPN evaluation, phishing protection, background performance analysis, and overall usability testing. More than 130 malware samples from the Objective-See archive were used to evaluate real-time detection and quarantine effectiveness. What holds ESET back While ESET Cyber Security performed well overall, there were some bugs to work out. The antivirus and anti-malware scan interface could have been more informative, lacking an elapsed timer, percentage complete readout and estimated time until completion. The scan logs were also limited, failing to clearly identify what malware had been detected or its potential effects, and there were no convenient import or export tools. A macOS certificate had to be reauthorized before the VPN would work correctly, and the Scheduler function failed during multiple tests. The most significant compatibility issue occurred with Discord, as ESET Cyber Security prevented the application from updating and launching successfully, sending the process into an infinite loop that required the Mac to be rebooted to stop. These bugs detracted from an otherwise powerful and highly configurable security suite. Clearly there is still some work to do. How much does it cost and which ESET HOME plan should you buy? The branding is a little confusing because, historically, you could purchase ESET Cyber Security as a standalone Mac antivirus application. Today, it is delivered through the ESET HOME Security subscription range. You buy an ESET HOME Security Essential, Premium or Ultimate subscription , then download and activate ESET Cyber Security on your Mac. Depending on your subscription tier, additional features such as the VPN, file encryption and identity protection are unlocked. There is usually an offer that reduces the price for the first year. ESET HOME Security Essential Includes: Antivirus, Anti-phishing, Wi-Fi protection Starts at $49.99 for 1 device for 1 year ESET HOME Security Essential is probably the sweet spot for most people, offering the antivirus and anti-phishing features along with a firewall, web and email scanning and more. ESET HOME Security Premium Adds ESET LiveGuard cloud threat analysis and premium protection features. Starts at $79.99 for 1 device for 1 year ESET HOME Premium isnt great value for Mac users because some of its features are Windows only. ESET HOME Security Ultimate Adds VPN, VPN for Router, Identity Protection and Ransomware Remediation, alongside the core antivirus and anti-phishing features Starts at $179.99 for 5 devices for 1 year HOME Security ultimate is a good option if you want a premium VPN with your antivirus and want to protect more than one device. Should you buy ESET HOME Security with ESET Cyber Security for Mac? ESET HOME Security rings all the right bells, offering antivirus and anti-malware protection that dovetailed well with macOS Gatekeeper and XProtect, and, if you opt for the Premium or Ultimate tier, an impressive VPN client. Its extensive settings and level of customization made it particularly well suited to advanced users and administrators who wanted granular control over their security environment. While several bugs prevented it from feeling completely polished, there was still plenty to like. Take advantage of the free 30-day trial , which requires no payment information, to see whether ESET Cyber Security is the right fit for your Mac.

Telegram returns to Apple App Store after hours-long disappearance; rollout still underway

Telegram removed the offending content, banned the user involved and strengthened moderation measures, after which Apple restored the app. Existing users were unaffected during the outage, while Android users continued to access Telegram via the Google Play Store.

Highly integrated phased-array wireless IC enables dual-polarized 6G communication

Wireless communication forms an integral part of emerging technologies. With ongoing demand, researchers are developing technologies that can handle enormous amounts of data for future digital services. To address this, sixth-generation (6G) mobile networks are expected to support applications such as extended reality (XR), which blends the physical and digital worlds, as well as remote health care and ultra-high-definition video streaming. These applications require compact wireless systems with data transfer speeds far beyond those of today

Official Apple Refurb Store now offering lowest prices on M5 MacBook Air at up to $300 off

Increased pricing on the latest MacBook lineup has taken hold at retail and, while we have surfaced a number of notable deals to be had at up to $500 off, the official Apple Certified Refurbished Store is delivering some of the best offers on select M5 MacBook Air configs. We already highlighted the base model at the lowest price from a reputable source, but you can also land the 24GB 15-inch model at $300 off the new list price there in Midnight , Silver , Starlight , and Sky Blue .

Apple's UK court battle centres on one question: Should police access encrypted iCloud data?

Apple has launched a fresh legal challenge against the UK government's demand for access to encrypted user data. The dispute centres on whether authorities can require Apple to create access to protected iCloud information. Privacy groups warn the outcome could have wider implications for digital security and user privacy. Apple has launched a fresh legal challenge against the UK government over its attempt to gain access to encrypted iCloud data, setting the stage for a court battle that could have significant implications for digital privacy and law enforcement. The case centres on the Home Office's request for access to data protected by Apple's Advanced Data Protection system, an optional security feature that uses end-to-end encryption. The technology means only the account owner or their trusted devices can read the stored information, with Apple itself unable to access the data. A fight over privacy and public safety The dispute is being heard by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which deals with complaints relating to surveillance powers under the Investigatory Powers Act, legislation often referred to by critics as the Snoopers' Charter. Under the Act, the government can issue secret technical capability notices requiring technology companies to help security agencies access customer data in certain circumstances. Officials argue these powers are needed to investigate terrorism, serious crime and child sexual abuse. The government has not commented directly on the latest legal proceedings but said the UK supports strong encryption and robust privacy protections while also ensuring law enforcement can access communications when it is necessary and proportionate to protect the public. Apple has not disclosed details of its latest complaint. However, the company referred to an earlier statement in which it said it had ever built a backdoor or master key into any of its products or services and ever will. The latest dispute follows an earlier confrontation between Apple and the Home Office in 2025. That request reportedly sought access to encrypted data belonging to users beyond the UK, triggering criticism from politicians in the US. The original notice was later withdrawn, but reports suggest the government has since issued a revised request limited to the data of British users. Privacy groups warn of wider impact Privacy campaigners have welcomed Apple's latest legal challenge, arguing that weakening end-to-end encryption could expose users to greater security risks. Privacy International reportedly said the case could be crucial in protecting the security of encrypted cloud storage if it relates to previously reported government requests. Liberty also backed Apple's challenge. Ruth Ehrlich, the organisation's director of external relations, reportedly said end-to-end encryption protects sensitive personal information including banking details, health records, private conversations and photographs, warning that creating a way to bypass those protections could put users' data at risk. Not everyone agrees with describing the government's request as creating a ackdoor. Sir Brian Leveson, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, has previously argued that such notices are issued only when considered necessary and proportionate, subject to approval by an independent Judicial Commissioner. He has also said any subsequent request for access to data would require separate legal authorisation and independent oversight. The legal dispute is expected to revive a broader debate over where governments should draw the line between protecting national security and preserving the privacy of encrypted communications.

Bigger Displays Rumored for Next Year

Apple is prototyping a second new iPhone display, this one measuring around 6.4 inches, that could be destined for the 20th anniversary iPhone, according to a Chinese leaker. In a recent post on Weibo , the leaker known as Digital Chat Station said Apple is currently sampling two new display panels. One measures roughly 6.4 inches and has a chance of being used in the iPhone 20 Pro, while the other is the approximately 7-inch panel previously reported for the larger iPhone 20 Pro Max. According to the leaker, physical screen sizes across the entire 20th anniversary lineup are set to increase while the aspect ratio stays the same as before, and the devices may adopt an all-new borderless design with curves on all four edges. That would line up with earlier claims that the lineup will feature an edge-to-edge display with curved glass on all sides for a nearly borderless visual effect. A 6.4-inch screen would be a modest step up from the 6.3-inch displays on the current iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro , which is not expected to change size this year. Apple last grew its premium iPhone displays with the iPhone 16 Pro lineup in 2024, when the iPhone 16 Pro increased from 6.1 to 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max grew from 6.7 to 6.9 inches. The claim follows a Bloomberg report from last month that said Apple had ramped up work on two sizes of the 20th-anniversary iPhone. In addition to the new design and larger displays, Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone models are expected to feature under-display Face ID technology, a custom Apple image sensor, haptic buttons, the A21 chip, higher bandwidth memory, and a pure silicon battery. Tags: 20th-Anniversary iPhone , Digital Chat Station This article, Bigger Displays Rumored for Next Year's iPhone Models first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Card Now Fast-Tracks Booking.com Perks With Just One Trip

Apple Card users now have a new benefit available to them at Booking.com , with users automatically being upgraded to Genius Level 2 after completing just one eligible stay or car rental rather than the usual standard of five bookings within a two-year period. Genius is Booking.com's free loyalty program, with Level 2 unlocking a number of benefits including discounts of 1015% on select stays and car rentals as well as free breakfast and/or room upgrades at select stays. Booking.com has been a premier Apple Card partner for some time now, with users receiving enhanced 3% Daily Cash when booking stays and car rentals using Apple Card with Apple Pay , and users also receiving 2% in Booking.com Travel Credits. Tags: Apple Card , Booking.com This article, Apple Card Now Fast-Tracks Booking.com Perks With Just One Trip first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple says more ex-employees may have taken confidential data to OpenAI

Apple says its trade secrets investigation into OpenAI has widened. In a new court filing, Apple claims additional former staff may have retained or accessed confidential information.

Amazon Discounts New M4 iPad Air Models by Up to

Amazon this week has brought back notable discounts on the M4 iPad Air, with a trio of markdowns on the tablet. This includes both 11-inch and 13-inch models of the brand new 2026 M4 iPad Air. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically, the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M4 iPad Air has dropped to $689.99 , down from $749.00. You'll also find low prices on the 128GB and 256GB Wi-Fi 13-inch tablet, both of which we're only tracking on Amazon. $59 OFF 11-inch M4 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) for $689.99 $69 OFF 13-inch M4 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) for $879.99 $69 OFF 13-inch M4 iPad Air (256GB Wi-Fi) for $979.99 The new iPad Air features the M4 chip, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, which brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. In terms of design, the 2026 models are identical to the 2025 iPad Air tablets, with an edge-to-edge display, slim bezels, and aluminum chassis. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, Amazon Discounts New M4 iPad Air Models by Up to $69 first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Did Apple Just Leak The iPhone 18 Pro Launch Date? What Keynote Update Reveals

Apple has typically announced its keynote date two weeks in advance since 2021, which would put the formal confirmation around August 26.

Apple briefly removes Telegram over guideline breach before restoring app

Telegram briefly disappeared from Apple App Store search results before being restored. Apple said the removal followed the discovery of child sexual abuse material that violated its guidelines. A viral Telegram post fuelled online speculation, but no evidence has linked it to the brief removal. Telegram briefly disappeared from Apple App Store search results worldwide, leaving users wondering whether the messaging platform had been removed altogether. Although the app was restored within hours, the interruption triggered widespread discussion online after Apple confirmed it had temporarily taken action over content that breached its safety guidelines. The incident also drew attention because it came shortly after a viral post from Telegram's official X account, prompting speculation on social media about whether the two events were connected. Neither Apple nor Telegram has suggested there was any link. According to Anadolu Agency, Telegram vanished from App Store search results worldwide before later reappearing. Some users also reported that search results remained inconsistent for a period even after the app's dedicated App Store page had returned. The timing attracted attention because Telegram had earlier posted on X, crazy that we're gonna get GTA 6 before the full Epstein files. The post quickly gained thousands of reactions, with several users suggesting the app's disappearance was linked to the message. One user claimed, This tweet got you removed from the Apple App Store, while others made similar comments, as quoted in news reports. However, neither Apple nor Telegram has provided any evidence to support those claims. Telegram founder Pavel Durov did not publicly comment on the brief disruption. The application remained available throughout on Google's Play Store, meaning Android users were unaffected. Apple points to guideline violation Apple later confirmed that Telegram had been temporarily removed after its review identified content that violated its policies prohibiting child sexual abuse material. An Apple spokesperson reportedly said the app was restored after Telegram promptly removed the content and banned the account responsible for posting it. The company did not provide further details about the content or explain why the app disappeared from search results globally. Telegram, which says it has more than one billion monthly active users, responded on X by highlighting its zero-tolerance policy towards child sexual abuse material. The company said it has blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels linked to such content this year. Responding to Apple's explanation, Telegram questioned whether the same standard would be applied consistently across all communication apps, according to posts shared on X. The incident has also reignited debate over how app stores should handle platforms hosting user-generated content. Tim Sweeney, chief executive of Epic Games, reportedly questioned whether temporarily removing an app used by more than a billion people because of content posted by an individual user could be applied consistently to other messaging services, including Apple's own iMessage. The latest episode is not Telegram's first run-in with Apple's App Store. In 2018, Apple temporarily removed the app after concerns over inappropriate content. Telegram said the issues were addressed before the application was restored. Telegram has also faced growing scrutiny from regulators over its moderation practices. In April, UK communications regulator Ofcom opened an investigation into evidence suggesting child sexual abuse material had been shared on the platform. Telegram denied the allegations and said it had virtually eliminated the public spread of such material using automated detection systems. Earlier this year, Australia's online safety regulator also fined the company for delaying responses to questions about measures taken to tackle child abuse material and violent extremist content.

Apple is finally making copy-paste work between iPhones and PCs

Macworld Universal Clipboard is one of the most underrated features in the Apple ecosystem. Copy a bit of text or a URL on your iPhone, and you can paste it with a nearby Mac, eliminating the need to jump through hoops just to get text from one device to another. Now that functionality is coming to PCs too. As spotted by Macrumors , Microsoft has taken advantage of Apples Interoperability Requests system in the EU to lobby for a basic level of cross-device productivity that users already expect when working across devices. Microsoft explains that its a highly requested feature by its users and requires explicit, repeated user action and cannot function as a continuous, system-level experience comparable to what is available between iOS and macOS. The feature was requested in March and approved on June 26. However, Apple explains that replicating Universal Clipboard across Windows will ultimately not be feasible or appropriate to provide an interoperability solution, including if providing effective interoperability would compromise the integrity of the operating system. Therefore, it plans to introduce a new solutionthat will follow similar patterns to the Accessory Notifications and Accessory Live Activities frameworks that were introduced on iOS26.5. It will enable you to create an extension to share and import pasteboard items with paired accessories. The system will notify your extension when items are copied into the clipboard; then your extension can use the Accessory Transport Extension framework to share the contents with your accessory as necessary using available transports. To adopt this solution, you will need to adopt AccessorySetupKit in order for the user to consent to the necessary permissions allowing the pasteboard to be shared with your accessory. This solution will require the user to perform a one-time consent to sharing the pasteboard with each paired accessory that will receive this functionality. Apple says the feature wont be available until fall 2027, presumably as part of iOS 28. Its not clear whether it has any plans to bring the feature to the rest of the world, but well be keeping our fingers crossed.

HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock review: Huge SSD, limited ports

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros 4x Thunderbolt 5 ports 140W Power Delivery 16TB-capable SSD slot Cons Only 10 ports Low device charging Screwdriver not included for SSD Our Verdict While this dock boasts the highest claimed capacity for its integrated SSD slot, 16TB SSDs are not a realistic proposition right now. Its basic set of ports may be all you need, but Consider alternatives if you want a broader expansion range. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $399.99 Best Prices Today: HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock Retailer Price $323.99 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Hyper $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? A Thunderbolt 5 dock with massive storage capacity but few other ports. Who is it for? MacBook users who need fast storage and multiple monitors. Who shouldnt buy it? People looking for extra USB-C and fast-charging ports. Docking stations with integrated SSD bays are becoming increasingly common, often paired with more expansion ports than most people will ever use. If you want a fast dock with a built-in SSD enclosure the bulk of your options are bristling with ports aplenty. The Sonnet Echo 21 SuperDock has 20 ports as well as an SSD slot, the Kensington EQ Pro Dock has 19, the Ugreen Maxidock provides a still generous 17. The HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock takes a different approach. The integrated SSD bay is the HyperDrive Nexts standout feature, supporting up to 16TB of ultra-fast Thunderbolt 5 storage. However, It includes just 10 ports, making it a simpler, more focused option that will suit users who prioritise storage over extensive connectivity. What ports does the HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock have? The HyperDrive Next includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-A ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet, an SD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack and 140W host charging. Missing are HDMI, DisplayPort, extra USB-C ports, microSD, and higher-power downstream charging for connected devices. One upstream Thunderbolt 5 port (80Gbps, 140W) Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 15W) 1x USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W) 3x USB-A (10Gbps, 4.5W) M.2 SSD Enclosure (up to 16TB capacity) Ethernet (2.5Gb) 3.5mm combo audio jack (front) 180W power supply Simon Jary There are no dedicated ports so all displays will need to be via the three downstream Thunderbolt ports, which is a flexible approach with the proviso that you may have to add adapter cables if your monitor demands either DisplayPort or HDMI. While a DisplayPort or HDMI port can be useful, leaving the choice up to the user means the Thunderbolt ports can be used for either video or other devices as required. An HDMI port when your display has a USB-C connection is probably a wasted one, and when there are only ten each port is going to count. There are no extra USB-C ports, with Thunderbolt again the supplied equivalent. Rather than including four legacy USB-A ports wed have much preferred dropping a couple for even one USB-C port rated at over 20W for fast iPhone or iPad charging. More on the docks power outputs later. USB-A can be useful, but surely four is overkill these days when USB-C is the standard and anyone with a Thunderbolt 5 computer will surely have jettisoned the old rectangular connector on their latest kit. Simon Jary Fast 2.5Gb Ethernet is becoming the norm on top-end docking stations, and its inclusion here is appreciated. Even if your network remains trusty Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE), it will work with faster standards such as 2.5GbW and future-proof your investment when/if you do upgrade networks. Likewise, the Thunderbolt 5 ports are fully backwards compatible even with the MacBook Neo as well as older Thunderbolt 3 or 4 MacBook Pro and Air models. Without the Ethernet wed class the HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock as more of a hub than a docking station. Ten is about the same number of ports as get on a high-end Thunderbolt hubthe CalDigit Element 5 has nine, including four TB5, two USB-C and three USB-A. The HyperDrive doesnt have either an SD or MicroSD card reader for easily accessible portable storage, although its air vents initially made me think it did. But it does have its integrated SSD slot. How much storage do you really need? Turn the HyperDrive Next Dock over and youll see a hatch that covers the built-in SSD enclosure. There was no little screwdriver in the box to open the hatch, but any PH1-type screwdriver will do the job. Every single other dock with SSD enclosure that weve tested came with a screwdriver, and if you dont have a mini crosshead to hand, youll be frustrated. The slot supports NVMe M.2 form factors 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 and can accommodate drives with a capacity of up to 16TB in total. The previous highest single-slot dock SSD weve seen supported is half that at 8TB. The reason is that 16TB SSDs are extremely rare and eye-wateringly expensiveyoull be looking at around $20,000 to snag one. The cost of the screwdriver may be incidental to this. While the dock supports up to a claimed 16TB SSD, drives that large remain prohibitively expensive for most buyers. A 2TB or 4TB SSD offers the best balance of price and capacity, while 8TB makes sense only for professionals with demanding storage requirements. If you can afford 8TB, thats a more palatable $1,500 , with 4TB ( $500 ), 2TB ( $300 ) and 1TB ( $195 ) options favoring most pockets. Note that storage is volatile to demand, and is at the expensive end at the time of writing. Theres no doubt that a dock with an SSD enclosure is a flexible way of adding fast storage, especially compared with buying it at the point of purchase from Apple. Hyper states that you can also use the M.2 slot to install a PCIe-based AI accelerator card, but to my knowledge none are compatible with Mac. (The same goes for the promised Thunderbolt Share software that enables direct PC-to-PC data transfers, screen sharing, and peripheral control using a single Thunderbolt cable, which is Windows only.) Simon Jary Connecting your monitors While storage slots are becoming standard on docks, the main reason for buying one is usually the ease of adding multiple displays without using up all your MacBooks available Thunderbolt ports. If connecting to USB-C or Thunderbolt or monitors you need just a decent data cable, but if your chosen display requires HDMI or DisplayPort youll need to add an adapter cable at an extra cost. Most of the best monitors for Mac allow for direct USB-C connection. What display setups can the Hyper Next handle? With so many downstream Thunderbolt ports, you can connect up to three displays if your Mac supports it. Macs with an M5 Pro or Max can handle up to three 4K displays at 60Hz with this dock. M1/M2/M3 Pro or Max, plus all M4/M5 variants, and MacBook Air M3 (with lid closed) support up to two 6K displays at 60Hz. Older MacBook Air models with a base M1/M2 chip support only a single6K display, and the MacBook Neo one 4K monitor. A single 8K display at 144Hz is also possible with the higher-end Macs. Windows PCs support up to three 4K@60Hz displays, depending on the connected computer. Simon Jary How much power can the ports output? The upstream Thunderbolt 5 port can supply up to 140W of power (PD 3.1) to your connected laptop, which is enough to fast-charge even the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro. The dock is less able, however, at outputting to other devices, which might be because of its now rather average 180W power supply. 180W was a decent total output when docks had to reach only 100W for maximum laptop power delivery but take that 140W out of the 180W total and theres not a whole lot left for other devices, especially as the dock will require some of that power itself, as will the SSD enclosure when in use. None of the Thunderbolt ports can deliver more than 15W of power, which is enough to charge a connected iPhone or iPad but not fast-charge them. Forget USB-A as its not up to fast-charging anyway. If Hyper had included a 20W or 30W USB-C port or allowed for one of the Thunderbolt ports at that power output, and then boosted the power supply to 240W, this dock would become a lot more helpful on the average Mac users desk. Simon Jary Design and build Despite having only 10 ports, the HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock is quite a chunky black slab, measuring 7.6 x 3.1 x 2.1 inches (194 x 78 x 52mm). Its also surprisingly heavy at 4.13lbs (1.88kg). Its not trying to call itself portable so this shouldnt matter, and having some bulk and heft is no bad thing when placed on a desk. Its darkness is more of an issue, with the port labelling difficult to read easily in even bright light. Again, once you know the layout, its less of a problem, and its easy to see which are USB-A and which are Thunderbolt. But it seems needlessly dark, in my view. Theres a power button, which I do appreciate, as it gives me reassurance that no power is being drawn by my MacBook when its not in use. Is the HyperDrive Next worth its $399 price? The HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock is priced at $399.99, either direct or via Amazon . As I write, it is not available outside of North America. Its true that you can buy Thunderbolt 5 docking stations for around $300, but if you add a Thunderbolt 5 SSD enclosure, that will add another $200, so the $399 price of the HyperDrive Next is not as pricey as it first seems. Comparing to docks with SSD slots, the Kensington EQ Pro Thunderbolt 5 Dock has an MSRP of $449 but comes packed with twice as many downstream ports as the HyperDrive, and the Ugreen Maxidock as 17 ports but costs $499although both can be found a little cheaper online (as can the HyperDrive). The Satechi CubeDock is priced at the same $399 as the HyperDrive Next and has 12 ports, including a 30W USB-C and card readers. If you own a Mac mini, this is an alternative you should consider as it will prettily sit on top of the Mac. Read our in-depth reviews for all your choices for best Thunderbolt dock . Should you buy the HyperDrive Next? The HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock boasts the highest-ever claimed capacity for its integrated SSD slot, although 16TB SSDs are not a realistic proposition right now. Its basic set of ports may be all you need but consider alternatives if you want a broader expansion range.

Apple issues new challenge against UK order for access to private user data

It is the latest development in the ongoing dispute between Apple and the Home Office over data privacy.

Protect 10 devices with AdGuard VPN while it

Macworld TL;DR: Get 5 years of AdGuard VPN for $39.97 (reg. $359.40) and secure up to 10 devices with unlimited data, fast global servers, and a strict no-logs policy. These days, your internet connection follows you everywherefrom your home office to airports, hotels, and coffee shops. A VPN is one of those tools you may not think about every day, but its nice knowing its there when you need it. Right now, you can get five years of AdGuard VPN for just $39.97 (reg. $359.40), making it an easy long-term upgrade for your online privacy. AdGuard VPN encrypts your internet connection to help keep your browsing more private while giving you access to 70+ server locations around the world. Whether youre working remotely, streaming content, or simply browsing on public Wi-Fi, it adds another layer of protection without getting in the way. One subscription also covers up to 10 devices , so your laptop, desktop, phone, and tablet can all stay protected under a single account. Youll also get unlimited data, fast servers for smooth browsing and streaming, and a strict no-logs policy, meaning your browsing activity isnt stored. Lock in years of coverage for one low payment. Get a 5-year AdGuard VPN subscription for a one-time $39.97 payment through Aug. 9. AdGuard VPN: 5-Yr Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

POCO M8 Power Launched in India with Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, 120Hz AMOLED Display, 8000mAh Battery

POCO has expanded its M-series smartphone lineup in India with the launch of the POCO M8 Power. The new mid-range smartphone is aimed at users looking for exceptional battery life, offering a massive 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and

No More Telegram on iPhones? Apple Briefly Removes It From the App Store in Several Countries

Apple restored Telegram within hours after the platform removed violating content and banned the responsible user.

Telegram Says Apple Suspension Followed Content Norms Violation By One User

The app was removed and restored on the same day, after Telegram took action

Apple Briefly Removes Telegram App For Child Abuse Content

The app was unavailable for some users in the US, India, Australia and Singapore but was later fully restored

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Design Teased in Official Video: Could Cost as Much as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Google has officially dropped the first teaser for its highly anticipated Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, marking the tech giant's third ambitious leap into the foldable market. Slated for a global launch on August 12, 2026, at a major New York

Motorola G Max Launch Date in India Tipped for August 15: Check Expected Price Range and Specifications

Motorola could soon expand its G-series smartphone lineup in India with the launch of the Motorola G Max. According to a recent leak, the company is expected to introduce the smartphone around August 15, targeting the competitive mid-range segment ahead of

Boltt Teases First Smartphone Launch in India: Flipkart Availability Confirmed

Fire-Boltt is officially entering India's smartphone market under its new Boltt brand. After confirming its plans to launch smartphones earlier this year, the company has now announced the debut date of its first handset. Ahead of the launch, a dedicated Flipkart

Apple Removes Telegram App From Its iOS App Store Globally

Telegram has been removed from the iOS App Store worldwide. Apple has not provided a reason for the removal, and neither Apple nor Telegram has issued an official statement at the time of writing. Existing installations appear to remain functional.

Win For Apple? Govt Moves To Extend Tax Sops For Contract Manufacturers Till 2041

In a major relief for iPhone maker Apple, the Centre has proposed extending tax exemptions till 2041 to foreign companies

Apple Plans iPhone-to-Windows Copy and Paste in EU After Microsoft Request

Apple is working on a new feature that will support cross-device copy and paste between iOS devices and Windows PCs. Microsoft asked for the feature using Apple's EU interoperability request system for developers, which Apple implemented to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Apple began evaluating the request in March, and on June 26, proposed a project plan. Microsoft described how the feature would be used: Copy text or other supported content on their iPhone and paste it directly on their Windows PC, and vice versa. Perform common productivity workflows without needing to foreground an app or take explicit repeated actions to initiate a transfer. Experience clipboard synchronization as a lightweight, continuous capability rather than a manual, app-driven operation. Apple proposed a solution that would let an iPhone share and import items from the pasteboard to a paired accessory, like a Windows PC. Apple plans to use a solution similar to the Accessory Notifications option it added for third-party wearables in the EU in iOS 26.5. Users would need to give a paired device one-time permission to paste content from an iPhone. To adopt this solution, you will need to adopt AccessorySetupKit in order for the user to consent to the necessary permissions allowing the pasteboard to be shared with your accessory. This solution will require the user to perform a one-time consent to sharing the pasteboard with each paired accessory that will receive this functionality. Right now, an app can only read an iPhone's clipboard if the app is actively running in the foreground and the user grants clipboard access with each copy/paste action. For its own devices, Apple has a Universal Clipboard feature with cross-device copy and paste between iOS and macOS. Microsoft complained that the clipboard restrictions imposed on apps prevent the continuous synchronization of clipboard content from an iPhone to a PC or other connected device in the background. Apple says introducing cross-device copy and paste is a significant engineering effort, with work expected to be complete by fall 2027. It will be shipped first in a developer beta for testing ahead of a public release. If the feature is added toward the end of fall 2027, it could be early 2028 before the public gets access. It is likely that cross-device copy and paste will be limited to iPhone and Windows users in the European Union, though it is possible Apple could implement it worldwide. Apple has brought some features it was required to support under the DMA to all countries, like eSIM transfers from iPhone to Android and simpler data transfers when switching between Android devices and iPhones. Other features, like AirPods-style pairing and notification forwarding for third-party wearables, have only rolled out in the EU. Tags: European Union , Microsoft This article, Apple Plans iPhone-to-Windows Copy and Paste in EU After Microsoft Request first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Will Judge Your Mustache Authenticity at Its Ted Lasso Look-Alike Contest

Ted Lasso season four is set to premiere Wednesday, and to celebrate the debut, Apple is hosting a Ted Lasso look-alike contest in New York. Think you have the stache to make fans believe? Join the fun this August 6 at Apple Fifth Avenue Plaza for a Ted Lasso Look-Alike contest, reads Apple's Facebook event page . Apple has a set of contest rules instructing participants to visit Apple Fifth Avenue to be judged on he degree to which they look and act like the character Ted Lasso. There will be a three-round contest with eliminations in each round. Ten semifinalists will be selected after round one, five finalists will make it past round two, and three finalists will be selected in round three. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time and runs until 7:00 p.m. Round One, Ted Energy - Contestants have to introduce themselves in character and have a two-minute dance break. Judging will be based on optimism, posture, and presence, along with costume commitment and participation level. Round Two, Head Coach - Semifinalists will participate in a trivia game and will be judged on the level to which each participant embraces the Ted Lasso character. The round will be judged on trivia results, costume commitment, mustache authenticity (Apple says 'stick-ons OK; real grows extra credit'), and The Believe Factor (something unique and special). Round Three, Ted Talk - Each remaining contestant will present a 30- to 45-second pep talk to the crowd. It will be judged on how moved the crowd is, costume commitment, and Ted Energy. A first-place winner will receive custom Beats headphones and a custom soccer scarf, while the two runners-up will get the scarf alone. Full rules are on Apple's site for the event . Season four of Ted Lasso will premiere on Wednesday, August 5, and it has 10 total episodes. One episode will be released every Wednesday through October 7. In the new season, Lasso returns to Richmond to coach a second-division women's soccer team. Ted Lasso favorites including Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift will star in the series. This article, Apple Will Judge Your Mustache Authenticity at Its Ted Lasso Look-Alike Contest first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Fitbit Data Can Finally Sync to Apple Health

The latest update to the Google Health app for iOS allows Google Health data to sync to Apple Health. Google's app is used to collect data from wearables like Fitbit trackers and the Pixel Watch. Sync to Apple Health. Share your data like your exercise records, sleep, vitals, steps, and more from Google Health to Apple Health. Google Health (previously the Fitbit app) collects fitness, sleep, and wellness data from a connected wearable device. Steps, distance traveled, heart rate, sleep, and more can now be added to Apple Health. As noted on Reddit , some data such as HRV doesn't transfer over. Syncing can be enabled after downloading the update by selecting Connections, choosing Apps and services, and then adding Apple Health. Apple Health data already synced to Google Health, so the new update adds two-way sync between the platforms. Fitbit devices have never had native sync to Apple Health, and users previously had to use a third-party syncing utility or a workaround to transfer data. Version 5.05 of the Google Health app is available from the App Store for free. The update also adds Smart Health Links for sharing medical records with providers or family members. Tags: Apple Health , Fitbit , Google This article, Fitbit Data Can Finally Sync to Apple Health first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Pay Launches in the Philippines

Apple Pay expanded to the Philippines today, which means iPhone and Apple Watch owners in the country can add supported debit and credit cards to the Wallet app for contactless payments. Credit and debit cards can be added by opening the Wallet app and tapping on the + button. According to users on Reddit , supported banks include UnionBank, GoTyme, Metrobank, and Chinabank. Cards are verified using SMS or phone call. Once an eligible card is added to the Wallet app, it can be used at retail locations that support Apple Pay. Reddit users have been able to add their cards to Apple Wallet and make Apple Pay purchases at stores like Starbucks and 7-Eleven. Apple Pay is available in a long list of countries around the world, with details on supported banks. The Philippines hasn't been added to Apple's site yet, but Apple should soon have a full list of participating banks . Related Roundup: Apple Pay Related Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+ This article, Apple Pay Launches in the Philippines first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple challenges UK government

Apple has appealed a new legal demand by the U.K. government, which critics say could threaten the privacy rights of users all over the world.

Apple finally fixed Siri. So why does it feel anticlimactic?

Apples long-awaited AI overhaul finally makes Siri the assistant it was always supposed to be. But after years of delays, the launch lands in an AI landscape where chatbots have evolved into agents that can code, reason, create media, and complete complex tasks. Siri AI is genuinely useful, yet it arrives at a moment when simply being a capable AI assistant no longer feels revolutionary.

Report: Apple aiming to launch camera-equipped AirPods this fall

Macworld Weve been reporting on Apples plan to stick cameras on AirPods Pro since summer 2024 , believe it or not. It was supposed to happen earlier, but setbacks in Apple Intelligence and Siri delayed them, just like Siri delayed Apples new HomePod mini and its push into the smart home market. Now, according to a brief update in Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter at Bloomberg, they could finally be on the way this fall alongside Apples other smart home products . Gurman says the original camera-equipped AirPods were developed under the codename B798. Apple frequently develops multiple competing versions of the same product, and in this case, one of the alternative designs was codenamed B790. This B790 version, Gurman reports, appears to be further along, with the code name already referenced in the OS 27 betas and a scheduled launch as early as this fall, barring any further delays. What are camera-equipped AirPods? The AirPods-with-cameras have been rumored long enough that we sort of expected them to be the AirPods Pro 3 . We got a heart rate sensor instead, along with some battery life and audio improvements. Supposedly, the AirPods with cameras are said to resemble AirPods Pro 3, and its not yet known if they will include a heart rate sensor or not. Its also not known what the name will be: AirPods Pro 4, AirPods Ultra, or something else entirely. The cameras are said to see both standard spectrum and infrared, but reportedly wont be used for taking photos and videosthe quality and placement would be poor for that. Instead, the cameras are meant to be used for AI-powered features. That could be recognizing your hands for gesture controls, adjusting audio based on the environment, or recognizing if someone is talking to you or just talking nearby. It could also be used to give Siri a set of eyes where the AI assistant can give you answers that are appropriate for the context of your current surroundings and activity as part of Visual Intelligence. There are lots of other possibilities for AirPods with cameras that would necessitate changes to other Apple software and services, too. Think of workout tracking that can count reps and sets when you lift weights, or nutrition tracking based on ingredient labels or analyzing whats on your plate. Currently, theres no information to suggest any specific use case for the camera-equipped AirPods, but there are lots of possibilities, now and in the future.

All-black Apple Watch Ultra 3 with matching Milanese Loop now nearly $100 off at Amazon

Joining ongoing price drops on $100 off the black Ultra 3 with that gorgeous all-black titanium Milanese Loop.

Apple launches legal challenge against UK government demand to access data

The pros and cons of using Apple AirTags

AirTags are great, but there are competing trackers that offer handy features and unique form factors.