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Apple

iPhone, Mac, software and everything from Cupertino.

MagSafe Monday: BLAVOR’s solar power bank is built for fall camping trips

BLAVOR's 20000mAh Solar Power Bank has four built-in cables and a solar panel for recharging, allowing users to charge six devices at once without carrying a standalone cable. The power bank has a wireless charging area on top that works with iPhone and Apple Watch, but it uses Qi and not MagSafe. The device is designed for camping and outdoor activities, with a flashlight, compass, and other accessories included.

Why it matters: This power bank is a practical option for outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep their devices charged in remote areas.

iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were announced with significant upgrades over the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, including larger displays, improved cameras, longer battery life, and faster charging. The new devices feature a titanium frame, Action button, and USB-C connectivity. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, both $200 more than their predecessors.

Why it matters: Upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max can improve battery life, camera capabilities, and overall performance for iPhone 14 Pro owners.

M4 iPad Air Now Starting at $649 on Amazon, Save Up to $149

Amazon is offering discounts on the M4 iPad Air, with prices starting at $649 for the 11-inch model and $849 for the 13-inch model, a savings of up to $149. The discounts are automatically applied and do not require a coupon code or membership. The deals are also available at Best Buy.

Why it matters: These discounts provide a significant price drop from the recent price hikes by Apple.

Ichiro, at 52, Throws 127-Pitch Shutout Against All-Star Girls Team in Japan

Ichiro Suzuki threw a 127-pitch shutout with 17 strikeouts in an All-Star Game against a team of high-school girls in Japan. The game took place at the Tokyo Dome in front of 25,000 fans. Ichiro also had two hits and participated in the event to test his limits and gain confidence.

Why it matters: This achievement highlights Ichiro's continued physical abilities and competitive spirit at the age of 52.

Glenn Fleishman on the Increasing Impracticality of Shipping From the U.S. to the E.U.

The European Union has introduced a new customs fee that makes it impractical for US businesses to ship low-value packages to EU customers, adding to existing VAT collection costs. This change affects small businesses, which may be forced to stop shipping to EU addresses. The fee is separate from existing customs charges and is intended to discourage imports.

Why it matters: This change may lead to reduced competition and limited access to EU markets for small US businesses.

Apple rolls out second Release Candidates for macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.8.1

Apple has released the second release candidates for macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.8.1, following the first release candidates last week. The second release candidates provide important security fixes and are recommended for all users. The release builds for the second release candidates are 25G313 for macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 and 24H212 for macOS Sequoia 15.8.1.

Why it matters: These release candidates are a step closer to the official release of macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.8.1, which will provide security fixes for users.

Second developer betas of iOS 27.2, macOS 27.2 are out now

Apple has released the second developer beta versions of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, and macOS 27.2. The updates include a redesigned Health app and dual capture support for FaceTime. The second beta builds are available for developers to test.

Why it matters: These updates are significant for developers who want to test and prepare for the upcoming releases of these operating systems.

Beta 2 now available for iPadOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, more

Apple has released beta 2 for iPadOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and other software updates, just five days after the debut of beta 1. The new beta versions are likely to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements. The updates are available for developers and beta testers.

Why it matters: This update may address issues and improve performance for users who have installed the previous beta version.

Neural Engine timeouts & Face ID panics hit Apple's newest devices

Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are experiencing Neural Engine timeouts and Face ID-related kernel panics, causing sudden restarts, while some iPhone 18 Pro owners are reporting Face ID-related crashes. The issues are thought to be related to a software bug, firmware problem, or hardware defect. The problems have been reported by a small group of users, and Apple has not publicly acknowledged the issues or provided a confirmed fix.

Why it matters: Users experiencing repeated kernel panics should install available software updates and contact Apple Support for diagnostics and service options.

Apple Seeds Second macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers

Apple has released the second macOS Golden Gate 27.2 beta for developers, available for download through the System Settings app. The update comes a week after the first beta was released. macOS Golden Gate 27.2 introduces Siri AI in new languages.

Why it matters: Developers can test and provide feedback on the new features and languages before the public release.

macOS 27.2 Golden Gate beta 2 now available, here’s what to expect

Apple has released macOS 27.2 Golden Gate beta 2 for developers, with a build number of 26B5091g. The update includes support for Siri AI in five additional languages: French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. The release comes ahead of the official macOS 27.2 Golden Gate release in a few weeks.

Why it matters: This update provides users with expanded language support for Siri AI, enabling them to interact with the virtual assistant in more languages.

Apple Releases Second iOS 27.2 Beta

Apple has released the second beta of iOS 27.2, an upcoming update that includes a redesigned Health app and Siri AI in new languages. The update is available for registered developers to test. The release of iOS 27.2 beta comes ahead of the expected release of iOS 27.1, which will be exclusive to the iPhone Duo.

Why it matters: This update provides developers with early access to new features and functionality, which may be relevant for those working on iOS apps.

David Pogue: ‘125 Tests of the New AI Siri’

Apple's new AI Siri, part of OS 27, can perform various tasks, including answering questions about personal data and completing tasks, with a high success rate in 125 tests.

Why it matters: This update brings significant time-saving capabilities to Apple devices, allowing users to access and manage their data more efficiently.

Apple releases second iOS 27.2 developer beta for iPhone

Apple has released the second iOS 27.2 developer beta for iPhone, following the release of iOS 27 to everyone. The update skips iOS 27.1, which is focused on iPhone Duo. The second beta comes just five days after the initial beta.

Why it matters: Developers can now test new features and changes in the iOS 27.2 beta.

Apple Releases Second watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas

Apple has released the second betas of watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2, available for download by registered developers. The betas follow the release of the first betas a week prior. The new watchOS 27.2 and iOS 27.2 include a new Health app with Insights and Longevity tabs.

Why it matters: These betas provide developers with early access to new features and functionality, which may eventually be released to the public.

Apple Vision Pro has a bright future says Apple CEO Ternus, but it's a long journey

Apple CEO John Ternus praised the Apple Vision Pro, calling it an amazing device in its early days, with a long journey ahead. He emphasized that the device is finding more users, including surgeons who use it in surgery. Ternus sees a bright future for the device as people discover new uses for it.

Why it matters: The comments from Ternus suggest that Apple is committed to continuing to develop and improve the Apple Vision Pro.

New Mac Mini Reviews: A Good But No Longer 'Insanely Great' Deal

The new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options has been reviewed by several publications, with reviewers praising its performance but criticizing the $300 price increase. The new model starts at $899 in the US, up from $599 for the previous model. The price hike is attributed to the ongoing memory chip shortage.

Why it matters: The price increase may impact buyers' purchasing decisions, especially for those on a budget.

Shopify just released a brand-new Apple TV app with a dashboard for businesses

Shopify released a new Apple TV app called Shopcast, which provides a dashboard for businesses to monitor sales, best-selling products, and order locations. The app is designed for use in office, retail, or team room settings. The app requires an existing Shopify store, authorized access, and an internet connection.

Why it matters: This app allows businesses to easily monitor their sales and performance on a large screen.

Matthew Butterick: ‘Big AI to Humanity: Drop Dead’

Matthew Butterick, a lawyer and author, discusses the challenges of regulating AI and the limitations of calling for a global ban on AI research. He notes that such a ban would have ruinous side effects and that existing laws are not being enforced. He argues that the focus should be on enforcing existing laws and addressing the economic incentives driving AI development.

Why it matters: Understanding the limitations of regulating AI is crucial for developing effective policies to mitigate potential risks associated with AI development.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a new Theater Mode setting

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 have a new Health Sensing System with improved heart rate data, and a new Theater Mode setting that can be enabled to prevent the watch display from lighting up in dark environments. The new watches measure heart rate every five seconds, but can drop to a five-minute interval in Theater Mode and Sleep Mode to conserve battery life. The Theater Mode setting can be customized to allow for continuous heart rate measurements even when the mode is enabled.

Why it matters: This feature is useful for users who want to minimize the visibility of the watch's green light in dark environments while still getting detailed heart rate data.

Some iPhone 18 Pro Users Experiencing Face ID Issues

Some iPhone 18 Pro users are experiencing Face ID issues, including failed authentication and freezing, after receiving their new devices. The problems can be intermittent and not all users are affected. The issues may be related to a hardware change in the new iPhone 18 Pro models.

Why it matters: These issues may impact the usability of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max for some users.

John Ternus talks CEO offer, AI potential, more in new interview

Apple CEO John Ternus discussed his thoughts on the future of technology, AI, and the role of technology in his family in a recent interview with Clique TV. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the future and the potential of generative AI. Ternus also shared his views on the new iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, as well as Apple's involvement in health. The interview covered a range of topics, including his transition to CEO and lessons learned from predecessors Steve Jobs and Tim Cook.

Why it matters: The interview provides insight into Apple's future plans and priorities under Ternus' leadership.

CardPointers updated for iOS 27 with Siri AI, automatic offer syncing, and much more

CardPointers 8 has been released with new features including Siri AI integration, automatic offer syncing, and widgets. The app helps users maximize credit card rewards and track offers. The app now supports in-app offer syncing and automatic offer activation for multiple bank accounts.

Why it matters: This update can help users save time and money by automatically activating credit card offers and tracking rewards.

Pin Music to the Top of Your Apple Watch Music Library

Apple Watch users with watchOS 7 can pin music to the top of their Music app library for easy access to specific tracks, artists, albums, or playlists. This feature is available in the Music app on the watch, accessible via the three-dots menu. Users can also unpin items from the top of their library.

Why it matters: This feature simplifies music discovery and playback on the Apple Watch.

John Ternus just gave the best defense yet for Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is not commercially successful, but CEO John Ternus sees it as a technological marvel with a small but loyal fan base. He compares it to the early days of computing, citing its potential for growth and new use cases. Ternus believes the device has a bright future, with applications in industries like surgery and film production.

Why it matters: This perspective suggests that Apple is committed to developing the technology behind Vision Pro, despite its current commercial performance.

Deals: Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods Pro 3, entry Studio Display $240 off, 2026 Mac Studio, more

Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods Pro 3 are on sale, with the Apple Watch Ultra 4 available at its lowest price point and AirPods Pro 3 at $50 off. The 2026 Apple Studio Display is also discounted by $240 at the official Apple refurb store. Amazon is offering early deals on the 2026 Mac Studio and M6 Mac mini ahead of their release tomorrow.

Why it matters: These deals can help readers save money on new Apple products, including the Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods Pro 3, and 2026 Mac Studio.

Apple Smart Home Display Coming as Soon as Next Month

Apple is reportedly planning to release a smart home display, possibly as early as next month, with a compact, square display and a dedicated operating system built around Siri AI. The device will have various features such as smart home controls, intercom communication, and access to Apple services. The display will come in two versions, one for tabletop use and one for wall mounting.

Why it matters: This product could become a central interface for controlling and accessing various aspects of a user's home and Apple services.

Save $150 on Apple's M5 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD; now $1,649

Amazon is offering a $150 discount on the 13-inch MacBook Air with a 10-core M5 chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, bringing the price down to $1,649. The laptop is available in Sky Blue. Prime members can get delivery as soon as tomorrow.

Why it matters: This deal provides a significant price reduction for those looking to purchase a high-end MacBook Air with upgraded RAM and storage.

iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug causing system to crash and reboot for some users

Some iPhone 18 Pro users are experiencing a Face ID bug that causes their device to freeze and reboot after a failed Face ID attempt, particularly when trying to unlock protected apps. The issue has been reproduced on at least one European iPhone 18 Pro model. The problem does not affect all users and appears to be related to the new smaller Face ID system.

Why it matters: This bug may cause inconvenience for users who rely on Face ID to access sensitive information on their iPhone.

Security Bite: iOS 27 now lets apps ask your iPhone if you’re being scammed

Apple has released iOS 27 with a new security feature called Impersonation Risk Detection, which helps detect scams by analyzing user behavior and context. The feature is available in supported apps and provides a risk level assessment to the app developer. Users can view the feature's activity in settings and revoke access per app.

Why it matters: This feature can help users protect themselves from scams and phishing attacks by providing an additional layer of security in supported apps.