The Bluetti Elite 200 is quiet and very handy in a power cut or off-grid situations, but its sheer weight could put off some users.


The rise of portable power stations in recent years is a boon for consumers, as manufacturers push to create smaller, more powerful, quiet, and cost-effective options.

The comfort and peace of mind that comes with knowing you'll have electricity during a blackout can be measured in the work files saved, the food unspoiled, and the availability of electronics and vital equipment when everything goes dark.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has announced a new immersive content experience for the Apple Vision Pro in the form of a Metallica concert, which will be available on March 14.


With high-resolution 180-degree video from the band's M72 tour in Mexico City, viewers will be able to experience performances of three full Metallica songs: "Whiplash," "One," and "Enter Sandman."

Apple's latest immersive experience, simply dubbed "Metallica," will offer "unprecedented access" to James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, from wide-angle views of the band to points as close as the famed Snake Pit. The announcement was posted on the Apple website.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Tuesday's iOS 18.3.2 update contains a supplementary security fix, fully patching an actively exploited vulnerability present in older versions of the iPhone operating system.


On Tuesday, following the launch of the third developer beta of iOS 18.4, Apple released iOS 18.3.2. While the update itself is relatively minor, it includes an important security fix related to web browsing.

Specifically, iOS 18.3.2 contains a supplementary fix for a WebKit vulnerability that was believed to have been fully patched with iOS 17.2. According to Apple's website, the vulnerability meant that attackers were able to use maliciously crafted web content to break out of the iOS Web Content sandbox.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The lowest price ever on Apple's closeout M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro with an upgrade to 36GB of RAM and 1TB SSD is in effect, with a $800 Deal Zone discount ending today.


This well-equipped 14-inch MacBook Pro in Space Black is discounted to $1,799 at B&H Photo, reflecting an $800 price drop off MSRP.

Save $800 at B&H


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has issued incremental updates to its operating systems, including iOS 18.3.2, macOS 15.3.2, visionOS 2.3.2, and tvOS 18.3.1.


Apple's update news tends to revolve around major revisions, but sometimes it is about much smaller releases. On Tuesday, Apple did just that, releasing a set of smaller updates to the public.

The updates are headed up by iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2, build number 22D82, along with macOS Sequoia 15.3, build 24D81. They are accompanied by tvOS 18.3.1, and visionOS 2.3.2, build 22N906.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

For the first time ever, global smartwatch shipments declined in 2024, with Apple experiencing its sharpest downturn yet.


According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, the worldwide smartwatch market fell by 7% in 2024, marking the market's first-ever annual decline. Apple maintained its leading market share position, but saw a significant 19% year-over-year drop in shipments.

Apple's shipment struggles were notably pronounced in North America, driven by the absence of anticipated models like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and limited new features in the existing Apple Watch Series 10.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is rumored to be overhauling the design of iOS 19 and macOS 16, and based on what's happened before, the changes will polarize users before ultimately becoming accepted.


This rumored redesign could even be enormous, and may follow previous claims that Apple will bring visionOS design touches to all of its platforms. Whether or not Apple Vision Pro actually has any impact on iOS and macOS, though, Apple's two main operating systems have seen radical resigns in the past.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

CodeWeavers' CrossOver 25 update adds support for many more games on Mac, including support for games acquired from GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store.


As a tool for enabling Windows games to run on Mac, CrossOver has been an invaluable item for opening up Mac gaming. With the release of CrossOver 25, that support is being expanded thanks to a bunch of new features.

Explained in a company blog post, the changes includes Wine 10.0, which has over 5,000 changes affecting many applications that are compatible with it. The update also includes Wine Mono 9.4.0, vkd3d 1.14, MoltenVK 1.2.10, and D3DMetal 2.1.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

QuickBooks Online customers can now accept in-person contactless payments quickly and securely using Apple's Tap to Pay with iPhone feature.


The feature allows small and mid-market businesses to accept in-person contactless payments from anywhere using an iPhone and the Quickbooks Mobile or GoPayment iOS apps. Business owners will not need an additional card reader or point-of-sale hardware to complete the transactions.

The transactions are synced directly to the user's QuickBooks Online account. By doing so, users can seamlessly manage payments and keep their books updated on a single platform.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

"Katamari Damacy Rolling Live," "Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic+" and an entry into the "Space Invaders" franchise are set to make their way to Apple Arcade in the next month.


Apple Arcade is gearing up to release six new games for April, including some major titles that AppleInsider staffers are excited to see. Additionally, three other Apple Arcade titles will get new updates in March.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The initial reviews for the updated Mac Studio have arrived, with reviewers heaping praise on the M4 Max and M3 Ultra powerhouse.


Apple launched its refresh of the Mac Studio on March 5, upgrading the latest iteration with its standard spec-bump update process. While it retains its appearance of a Mac mini on steroids, the new model gained some internal improvements.

This included replacing the M2 generation with M3 and M4 chips. Specifically the M4 Max in the lower-tier version and the M3 Ultra in the upper-tier variant. Aside from power, Apple also brought in Thunderbolt 5 support, supporting up to 120Gbps of bandwidth.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The first hands-on reviews of the new MacBook Air with M4 processor have appeared, and so has a consensus that it's a worthy but not special upgrade.


Given that the previous model, the M3 MacBook Air was described by AppleInsider as the best Mac for most people, its M4 update was never likely to tarnish that reputation. Especially not since the new edition comes in at $100 cheaper than the 2024 model.

So across the board, there is a lot of praise for the new MacBook Air. It is certainly a good buy and it appears to remain the sweet spot in Apple's lineup.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The demand for storage just got a major upgrade as Western Digital unveiled new high-capacity HDDs built for creative professionals and NAS environments.


Western Digital announced its latest expansion in storage solutions, introducing new 26TB HDDs across its professional and NAS product lines. These include the enterprise-class Ultrastar 7200 RPM HDDs integrated into the G-DRIVE and G-RAID portfolios, along with the highest-capacity WD Red Pro hard drive yet.

Apple Intelligence is seemingly being lapped in the AI race, but it's hard to determine who's really winning when the competitors change the victory condition every few laps.


Humans are a tribal species that thrives on competition and debate, and it's no different when it comes to technology. Whether you're talking about Android versus iPhone or PlayStation versus Xbox, people love to pick sides.

It's no different for the various artificial intelligence systems available. However, almost universally, it seems people and pundits are calling Apple Intelligence the biggest loser — even when compared to systems that haven't released yet.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Templates, either provided or customized for your workflow, can help you generate eye-catching content in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote and other Mac programs. Here's how to create your own personal ones.


Templates usually take the form of a generated document you create that contains some information you need each time you have to make a new version of that document. The headings or basic formatting might not change much, just the specific details you need from document to document.

A number of Apple and third-party programs come with a gallery of templates already — Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and Apple's iWork suite of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, and even the Reminders app, to name a few. Although Office comes close sometimes, Apple's suite has some of the best-designed templates, available from the moment you select File, New Document.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Managing your home network shouldn't be a full-time job, and TP-Link's Deco line of Wi-Fi 7 routers help keep things simple, connected, and future-proofed without breaking the bank.


I'm coming from a set of Linksys Wi-Fi 6 routers that are mid-tier and run about $250 per node. Moving lower in the range to the TP-Link Deco BE5000 worried me, but they actually improved my home network in every conceivable aspect.

Apple basically abandoned HomeKit Router support, so I was open to trying new brands and router types. The TP-Link Deco range offers several great features, an easy to navigate app, and a very strong connection in a home filled with gadgets.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Owners of select CarPlay-compatible Ford models can now see NACS chargers along their planned route in Apple Maps.


Ford announced that the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, which both support Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay, will now be able to automatically direct drivers to the nearest NACS fast charging station whenever the vehicle needs to be charged. This means that users will see compatible Tesla Superchargers and other stations that use the North American Charging Standard, or NACS, within Apple Maps.

Indications of this feature first appeared in the second developer beta of iOS 18.4, which contained text strings informing users of NACS charging stations along their route. Now, the capability is finally available to end users.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple Pay could soon be available to a larger number of users in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as additional credit card networks in the region are expected to introduce support for the contactless payment service.


Apple Pay has existed for well over a decade, and its worldwide availability continues to improve year after year. In 2017, the feature was launched in the UAE, while 2021 saw its debut in Qatar.

Now, the feature is set to reach even more people in the region, as two credit card networks — Jaywan of the UAE and Qatar's Himyan — might introduce Apple Pay support soon.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is set to discontinue support for the older version of its HomeKit architecture, meaning that users will be forced to upgrade with the release of iOS 18.4.


On Monday, Apple released the third developer beta of iOS 18.4. While the operating system itself doesn't include any surface-level changes, its code indicates that a significant change could soon affect users of the Apple Home app.

Back in November 2022, with the launch of iOS 16.2, Apple introduced an updated version of its HomeKit architecture, which delivered significant speed and performance upgrades for HomeKit accessories. The new and improved HomeKit architecture caused problems for some users, which is why it was withdrawn in December 2022 and re-introduced in February 2023 with the release of iOS 16.4.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we dive into more Amazon hardware arriving this fall, a leaked sensor from Ikea, evidence of Apple's smart home display, and the delay of Apple's next-gen Siri.


As Apple's smart home plans remain in flux, code discovered in tvOS 18.4 reveal Apple has added support for ChatKit. This is a framework used for Messages, currently unused on Apple TV.

As the new smart display is rumored to run on tvOS, it makes sense this would be added to support messaging. We also talk about the next-gen Siri, and whether it is necessary for Apple's product to release.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

It's been a while since we've seen a dramatic overhaul on any of Apple's operating systems, but we could see the biggest ones in years as soon as WWDC.


Apple is gearing up to overhaul its operating systems in hopes of making its platforms more cohesive. The idea is that the change should make the platforms feel familiar to people coming from one device to another.

The new updates are expected to come later in 2025 according to Bloomberg. Apple will update its icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Once again, Apple will be facing fines from the European Union for breaking Digital Markets Act rules, but the fines will probably be "modest" and far from the maximum penalty.


Practically since the introduction of the Digital Markets Act, concerns have been raised that Apple and its App Store will face being fined under the law, following various probes into its activities. Now, it seems Apple may face its first actual penalty under the rules.

Apple and Meta are expected to be hit by fines for breaking DMA rules, a source of Reuters claims. The actual size of the fines have not been determined yet, but they are expected to be "modest" in size.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's third developer beta round for the current generatioh of updates is out, with new builds of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and visionOS 2.4 set for testing.


The new third beta round follows after the second for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and visionOS 2.4, which Apple introduced on March 3. The first round appeared on February 21.

The third iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 developer betas share build number 22E5222f, replacing 22E5216h, while macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta three uses build number 24E5228e, up from 24E5222f. The third tvOS 18.4 build is 22L5240e, the third watchOS 11.4 build is 22T5234f, and the third visionOS 2.4 build is 22O5221d.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Epic Games managed to force Apple into some App Store concessions with legal activity and campaigning, but it doesn't seem to have gone the way it planned. In a court filing Epic lays out how it believes Apple has gone wrong with its steering rule changes.


The excruciatingly lengthy legal battles between Epic Games and Apple over In-App Purchasing and the App Store prompted a lot of outcry over how Apple conducts business with developers. With orders over anti-steering rules in an injunction, it seemed that Epic had gotten its way over some of its complaints to the court.

According to a Post Hearing Findings of Fact filing with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Epic seemingly did not. The filing is effectively a 41-page complaint from Epic to the court, insisting that Apple has to comply more with injunctions set out in its main U.S. lawsuit.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

"Severance" executive producer Ben Stiller and Apple TV+'s Eddy Cue spoke at SXSW about making the show and just how much Apple plays a part in the series.


"Severance" is the most-watched show on Apple TV+ since the streaming service launched in 2019 and is such a talked-about series that it's even been parodied on network TV. Apple's senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, and "Severance" executive producer Ben Stiller have now interviewed each other at the SXSW festival.

"I can't wait for every episode. Even though I have access to all of 'em, I tend to wait," revealed Cue. "This reminds me of shows back in the days when television, you'd tune in on a particular night and everybody was so excited all week to get to the next episode."


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The first reviews for the new iPad Air are out, and to no one's surprise, it's still a capable device, if a little boring.


Reviews of Apple's newest iPad Air are rolling in, and the consensus across most of the reviews we've seen is surprisingly similar, even if the scores seem to vary quite a bit.

Pretty much everyone agrees that the M3 iPad Air offers a slight jump in specs over the M2 iPad Air — and only a moderate increase over the M1 iPad Air.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's new camera bump designs for the iPhone 17 have surfaced once again, this time in the form of 3D-printed models showcased in a video that offers a hint of what the fall 2025 flagship may feel like in the hand.


Since the start of 2025, leakers have been claiming that Apple will be making major changes to the camera bump for the iPhone 17 generation. Over the space of a few weeks, leakers have shared renders of supposed designs for the inbound models, with radical alterations made to the backs of the models.

Inevitably, someone has used these leaks to create physical 3D representations of the claims. In a video by iDeviceHelp on YouTube, the new iPhone 17 lineup's rumored designs have been 3D printed and checked out.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The best AirPods 4 price has returned, with Apple's latest earbuds falling to $99.99 at Amazon. You can also pick up AirPods Pro 2 for $169.99, a discount of $80 off MSRP.


This week's AirPods sale at Amazon marks the return of the lowest price on record for AirPods 4, which have dipped to $99.99. You can also pick up the higher-end AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for $148.99.

View the deals


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Despite Health Canada approving AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids, Canadians are still unable to use feature because of still further regulatory hurdles which look unlikely to be cleared.


Apple updated AirPods Pro 2 to act as both a hearing test and hearing aids for US users in October 2024, and it's been rolling out to other countries since. But despite approval by Health Canada, the country's federal department for health services, the feature is still not available.

According to local CTV News, Canadians are complaining that they have specifically bought AirPods Pro 2 because of the Health Canada approval and feel cheated without it.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The latest rumor about Apple's folding iPad suggests that the device has a Face ID dot projector underneath the display, instead of in the display bezel like on the currently shipping iPad Pro


One of Apple's early prototypes for the folding iPad Pro reportedly has a new feature. The device is said to have a "metal superstructure lens," which leaker "Digital Chat Station" believes incorporates the Face ID infrared projectors, underneath the screen.

As it stands now, the projector is under the glass of the iPad Pro, but not under the usable area of the screen.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple Crocker Park looks to become the latest Apple Store to be relocated, although Apple has so far only confirmed that the current store is undergoing development.


Following the relocation of stores such as the UK's Apple Trafford Center, and the closure of Apple Northbrook in Chicago, a further store has been announced as being redeveloped. Apple Crocker Park, in the Westlake, Ohio, shopping village looks to be about to relocate and perhaps expand.

Apple Crocker Park's website has been updated with a headline that says, "Get ready. Great things are in store. A brand-new Apple Store is coming soon." There are no further details, either as to what may be done to the store, or when.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is working on bolstering future Apple Intelligence efforts by working on AirPods with built-in cameras.


One of the many ways Apple has moved forward with Apple Intelligence is the introduction of Visual Intelligence, a feature that is used to acquire information and to get details of real-world items using an iPhone 16. However, Apple is also considering making a version that doesn't involve you pointing an iPhone camera at things in the first place.

According to Mark Gurman in Sunday's newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is "actively developing" a product that can combine AirPods with cameras.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Federal prosecutors charged more than a dozen people for their alleged roles in a sophisticated theft ring, while an executive in Japan was arrested over MacBook-related fraud in this week's Apple Crime Blotter.


The latest in an occasional AppleInsider feature, looking at the world of Apple-related crime.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's long-rumored Home Hub peripheral is now rumored to be debuting in the second half of 2025, and is allegedly being taken home by select Apple employees for real-world testing.


Various rumors have suggested that Apple will be making a big push into smart home accessories across the second half of 2025, including the existing Home Key feature for a future smart doorbell. Apple is also working with other manufacturers of smart home accessories to ensure HomeKit compatibility.

A new report from Bloomberg reiterates earlier claims that Apple intends to tie the rise of HomeKit accessories into a smart Home Hub, now with a device code name: J490.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is still working out how it can press forward with wearable devices, with it considering a possible switch away from bulky Apple Vision Pro headset instead creating the fabled Apple Glass by 2030.


The wearable device ambitions of Apple are somewhat troubled, with the Apple Vision Pro considered a commercial flop in its first release. While it has other ways it can progress forward on the concept, it's still taking time to work out the best way forward.

In Sunday's Bloomberg newsletter, Mark Gurman writes that Apple is at least looking into different form factors. After axing its project to create AR glasses as an external Mac display earlier in 2025, Apple is now thinking about standalone AR glasses once again.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Following a court ruling that Google has abused its monopoly in search and online advertising, the judge in the case will consider proposed remedies from both the US Department of Justice as well as Google.


The DOJ originally brought an antitrust action against Google in late 2023 over its deals with Apple and others to make Google Search the default search engine in other browsers and platforms.

Judge Amit Mehta of the DC United States District Court ruled in August 2024 that Google is a monopolist. While it is not illegal for an entity to become a monopoly in its field, it is unlawful for a monopoly to limit consumer choice by creating barriers to fair competition.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is offering an alternative to its existing $75 welcome bonus for new Apple Card users, it can provide up to $200 in cash back over ten months, but you'll have to act fast.


Apple has posted a second current bonus offer for its Apple Card, giving up to $200 cash back for users who apply for a new Apple Card and make 10 purchases per month on it. While the windows for the sign-up closes on March 21, cardholders will get credit for purchases made between receiving the card and December 31, 2025.

The intention of the promotion appears to be to encourage new Apple Card holders to make using the card a routine choice, rather than for occasional use. There is no minimum spend on the qualifying purchases.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A federal court has ruled in Apple's favor in the years-long fight against AliveCor, preventing a potential total import ban on the Apple Watch.


The ruling came in on Friday. In that ruling, a federal court of appeals invalidated AliveCor's claims that Apple had infringed on its patented information.

Apple is understandably pleased. It provided AppleInsider with a statement.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Amazon's M3 iPad Air deals deliver the steepest preorder savings across Apple resellers.


Despite being announced on March 4, Apple's new M3 iPad Air is already on sale at Amazon, with the e-commerce giant knocking up to $70 off select models. Prices start at $559 for the 128GB 11-inch spec, while the 13-inch 128GB model is on sale for $749 in select colorways.

Save on M3 iPad Air


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's update to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could bring more than just a camera bump change. Here's what the rumor mill has said could be on the way for the premium models.


Apple is expected, as usual, to introduce a new line of iPhones in September, forming part of its usual fall product catalog refresh. For 2025, that will mean the introduction of the iPhone 17 generation.

Just like in previous years, expectations are for Apple to bring out multiple models, including a premium Pro tier, consisting of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums