Marking the lowest price of 2025 at Amazon, this premium 16-inch MacBook Pro with Apple's M4 Max chip is discounted to $3,129.


The steeper price cut drops the Space Black model to $3,129, which provides the cheapest entry point into an M4 Max spec. This particular configuration has a 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU for higher performance. It also has 36GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage, making it a highly capable machine in the business world or for personal use.

Buy for $3,129


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is launching a series of protections for children regarding the use of age-appropriate apps in the App Store, including providing verification through a developer API.


While Apple has previously announced Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) protections and then dropped them, the company says that it is now strengthening how the App Store prevents children seeing age-inappropriate content.

The new extra protections are rolling out in stages, with the first starting now, and the rest following at an as-yet unspecified time in 2025. Apple has published a white paper detail its plans, and the initial launch introduces:


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

France is probably going to issue an antitrust fine against Apple in March, as the country's consumer watchdog gears up to rule on whether Apple abused its position over App Tracking Transparency.


In July 2023, the French Competition Authority, the Authorite de la Concurrence, said it would open an antitrust investigation into Apple and App Tracking Transparency. Over a year and a half later, the regulator may be concluding its probe.

Two people with knowledge of the regulator's plans told Reuters on Thursday that a ruling will be arriving in March. "The decision is expected in the spring," the regulator confirmed, but declined to comment further.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Seven Apple Watch buyers are suing Apple over how it allegedly made false and misleading claims that certain models are carbon neutral.


Apple first made a claim about carbon neutrality with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 in 2023, and immediately faced criticism. First a Chinese environment research organization called it "climate-washing," and then European consumer groups agreed.

Now according to Reuters, a case has been filed by seven users of the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. They claim they would not have bought the watches, or would have paid less, if they had not been misled.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly lost its case over Apple suppliers using conflict materials in the iPhone, at least as far as one court has decided.


For months in 2024, Apple was accused of allowing its suppliers to allegedly use the so-called 3T Materials — tin, tungsten and tantalum — from the Congo, and thereby funding violent groups. Lawyers representing the Republic first asked Tim Cook and Apple's French subsidiary for a response, then in December 2024 they took the matter to court.

According to a first and very brief report by Reuters, it appears that French authorities have dismissed the case. Specifically, a report seen by the news agency says that the Paris prosecutor has closed the case against Apple.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

HTC has declared its Viverse platform will be the YouTube for VR content, but while it doesn't support the Apple Vision Pro at the moment, users could one day turn to Viverse Worlds for new immersive experiences.


Enjoying virtual reality experiences is a somewhat nonlinear experience. While Apple Vision Pro users can easily get content from the App Store and from Apple-curated apps, accessing other online VR content requires a bit of effort.

This is not a problem just felt by Apple Vision Pro users, as each VR headset ecosystem has its own siloed content. You aren't able to access stuff made just for the Meta Quest headset line on the Apple Vision Pro, for example.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The first real-world tests of Apple's C1 modem in the iPhone 16e say that has comparable performance to previous 5G chips, but achieves that with significantly less battery power.


Apple's $1 billion acquisition of Intel's modem business, plus over five years of development, have paid off. Following stories of Apple finding it hard to develop its own 5G modem for the iPhone — or even giving up entirely — the company's C1 is straight out of the Apple Silicon playbook.

Chinese YouTube channel Geekerwan has been testing the C1 in the new iPhone 16e using laboratory conditions and then real-world usage to check out Apple's claims. Significantly, the C1 does not support mmWave 5G as the other models do, but mmWave penetration is low in the US, and lower still everywhere else.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Hackers have worked out how to exploit Apple's Find My network, by abusing Bluetooth on a device to effectively turn anything into a trackable AirTag.


The Find My network is considered to be an extremely useful service, allowing users to track down a mislaid iPhone, lost luggage, or even a stolen car adorned with an AirTag. However, while Apple has done what it can to make the network as secure and as trustworthy as possible, security researchers have apparently managed to work around the protections.

George Mason University researchers, associate professors Qiang Zeng and Lannan Luo and PhD students Chen and Xiaoyue Ma, created "nRootTag" as an attack that takes advantage of Bluetooth addresses. It does so by tricking the Find My network into thinking a device is a missing AirTag.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A day before the iPhone 16e hits store shelves, the rumor mill is already churning about whether Apple will debut an iPhone 17e in 2026.


The iPhone SE that the new iPhone 16e replaces was only updated three times in nine years. But beginning with Tim Cook's tweet welcoming the iPhone 16e as the newest member of the iPhone family, there's been an idea that Apple may update this new model annually.

That suggestion has now been strengthened by two separate sources that say there will be an iPhone 17e released in February 2026. However, neither source has details and only one seems to have real grounds for the claim.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Scalable Vector Graphics are a common resizable image format for the web. Here's how to use them in macOS.


Modern web browsers and image apps have the ability to scale images using mathematical calculations, such as Bezier curves. This is as opposed to fixed bitmap graphics, which don't scale well and offer a blocky, pixelated appearance at times.

Scalable (or "vector") graphics use math-based descriptions of images. When an image is resized, it can be fully recalculated at the new size with no visible loss of quality.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Initial reviews and impressions for the iPhone 16e are here, and they're middling at best as everyone misses MagSafe.


Apple discontinued the iPhone SE and introduced a whole new device at a higher price called the iPhone 16e. It has a series of compromises to make the price $200 lower than the base iPhone 16.

Reviews are out at a very odd 9 p.m. EST on a Wednesday, and there's a lot to say about this odd iPhone. While no one outright hates the iPhone 16e, it's a tough sell when used and refurbished models might offer a better deal.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Ugreen's GaN-based power station packs a lot of juice inside a compact body with multiple USB ports and an Apple-certified adjustable MagSafe puck.


In a world filled with niche chargers, it's hard for them to stand out. Everyone's needs are different, which is why such a varied number of chargers are able to success on the market.

Recently, we've been testing Ugreen's GaN MagSafe tower that is great for our studio setup, or shared charging stations in a home.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Analyst Jeff Pu has shared once again that he expects both iPhone 17 Pro models to have 12GB of RAM, but more reliable sources say otherwise.


Rumors are ramping up for Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, which is expected in September 2025. This time, it isn't about the controversial camera bar update, but instead about the included RAM.

According to an analyst note seen by 9to5Mac, Jeff Pu believes that both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have 12GB of RAM. Such an upgrade would contribute to more powerful AI features exclusive to those devices.


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The South Korean government has levied fines against Apple after it was found using illegally obtained data to predict when users couldn't pay for App Store purchases — and Apple's representatives aren't in the mood to talk about it.


In January, Apple had been fined by the South Korean government for using data illegally obtained without users' consent. The fines totaled 4.65 billion won, a sum that works out to be just under $3.2 million.

During the February 25 meeting with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), Apple representatives were asked which other countries used Apple's NSF scores. According to The Korea Herald, the representatives responded by saying "It is hard to make a public statement because we have to confer with our client. We do not know exactly."


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The AI assistant wars are heating up as Amazon announces Alexa+, an upgraded assistant powered by generative AI, while an upgraded Siri remains unfinished.


Amazon has unveiled Alexa+, an AI assistant designed to offer more natural interactions and personalized assistance. The development comes as Apple continues to enhance its own assistant, Siri, through its Apple Intelligence initiative.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The European Union's dominant music service, Spotify, is coming for Apple once again, hoping to hit it where it hurts — the wallet.


Spotify and Apple haven't been on the best of terms in, well, ever, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. Now, Spotify's CEO hopes to sway regulators to fine Apple over alleged noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

"It is time for Europe to show that we are going to enforce the law that's already been passed," Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said in an interview with Bloomberg. He went on to add that crackdowns on Apple's conduct had also become a focus for US regulators.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Director of National Intelligence was apparently blindsided when the UK demanded that Apple open an encryption backdoor, and says that lawyers and other agencies are on the case.


To avoid having to comply with the UK government's legally binding but entirely secret demand, Apple switched off certain end to end encryption in the country. The UK's unprecedented demand for spy access to all users' encrypted data sparked controversy worldwide, including a bipartisan response in the US.

Senators Ron Wyden (D) of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Andy Biggs (R) on the House Judiciary committee, wrote to Tulsi Gabbard, the new National Intelligence Director about the issue. Gabbard has now replied, saying the US was not informed of the secret order, and expressing her "grave concern" over the UK demanding data over US citizens.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

While Apple does offer certified refurbished M4 Mac and MacBook models at a discount, you can find better offers elsewhere.


Since mid-February, Apple has been offering refurbished M4 Mac models in its online store. The models, consisting of the 24-inch iMac and the MacBook Pro, offer consumers a way to get the newer releases at a slightly cheaper rate, while still being an officially certified by Apple product.

While you can expect to save a few hundred dollars by going through Apple's refurbished store, it may not necessarily be the best way to save money on an almost-new Mac.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

While tech fans might find the iPhone 16e underwhelming, its practical features and fair price are exactly what many users need.


The iPhone 16e, initially expected to be the new iPhone SE, has instead emerged as a fresh take on Apple's budget-friendly offerings. With its $599 price tag — higher than the previous iPhone SE's $429 — Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e closer to its mainstream models.

The company's move fills the gap left by the now-retired iPhone 14 and nudges customers to consider upgrading to more expensive models. The 16e offers much of what the flagship iPhone 16 does, including Apple Intelligence and a comparable camera, but lacks MagSafe charging and accessories.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

President Trump has weighed in on Apple's "culture of belonging" with a single post to Truth Social — and it's about what you'd expect.


On Tuesday, Apple held its annual shareholder meeting for 2025. As expected, the company covered many topics, including a DEI-related proposal from conservative-think tank National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR).

CEO Tim Cook told shareholders the company would rather maintain its current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and its associated policies and hiring practices. The shareholders overwhelmingly voted to maintain current practices.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

U2 frontman Bono's "Stories of Surrender" show is to premiere on Apple TV+ as the first-ever feature-length film to be shown in 180 degree and 8K video on Apple Vision Pro.


Bono and U2 go back a long way with Apple, starting with their 2004 partnership that included iTunes ads and the black and red iPod. Ten years later, things went less well with Tim Cook popping U2's "Songs of Innocence" album onto everyone's iPhones in 2014, and just over ten more years later, frontman Bono is back.

Bono later took the blame for Apple pushing the U2 album onto everybody, and he did so in his memoir, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story". He then turned that book into a one-man show, and this is what Apple has now filmed for both Apple TV+ and Apple Vision Pro.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

There are so many MagSafe chargers now, it's hard to find the best. Here's what we've tested for your iPhone and Apple Watch.


In our roundup, we're focusing on primarily multi chargers, usually 3-in-1 designs, that are exceptional in a crowded market. They're all certified, either MagSafe or Qi2.

MagSafe and Qi2 are very similar, with the latter being based on Apple's MagSafe tech. They both deliver up to 15W of power and use magnets to hold the device in proper alignment.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

While Windows AI PCs are slowly catching up, Mac still has a considerable lead in AI-capable PC shipments.


The machine learning capabilities of Apple Silicon, including its Neural Engine, has been a massive help for Apple in capturing market share for its Mac lineup. Within the subcategory of AI-capable PCs, it's clearly dominating the field.

In a February 25 report on AI-capable PCs from Canalys, the market for computers with AI capabilities is growing quickly. In Q4 2024, such computers account for 23% of overall PC shipments during the quarter.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new supply chain report claims that Apple has at least significantly improved the crease problem that plagues folding displays, ahead of its expected iPhone Fold release.


While most reports still estimate that Apple will not launch a folding iPhone before 2027, it has recently been claimed that it is close to selecting a supplier for the display. Now ETNews backs up that report of a supplier being chosen imminently, but also says claims that the iPhone fold will have no or little crease.

To date, all folding screens ultimately develop creases. While a new folding phone might not display any crease initially, after repeated opening and closing, a clear crease develops.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Reliable sources are finally talking about an iPhone 17 camera bar, so let's break down why Apple might want to make this radical design change.


The camera bar rumor began with a Weibo account named "Digital Chat Station" and an X account named Jukanlosreve sharing in December 2024. Then Majin Bu shared likely fake sketches and some odd supply chain images referencing a camera bar, which was then repeated by Jon Prosser with claims of accuracy.

This gaggle of rare leakers and people with poor (recent) track records didn't give us at AppleInsider much faith in the camera bar rumor. It wasn't until more reliable Sonny Dickson shared case renders that featured the new camera bar that things felt real.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A bug in some versions of macOS Sequoia may cause repeated notifications that an app is accessing your screen. Here's how to fix it.


If you are a frequent user of Zoom or other third-party video-conferencing apps on macOS Sequoia, you may run into an annoying but minor issue: a notification repeatedly popping up to let you know that your program has accessed your screen.

The problem is due to a bug in a security feature that appears to begun happening in macOS Sequoia 15.2. Users are supposed to see this notification — once — when a new app is accessing your screen for the first time, or when it has been more than 30 days since it last accessed your screen.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Govee countertop ice maker is an easy way to keep your beverages cool with unique features and is the only model to support Matter and Apple Home.


Countertop nugget icemakers are having a bit of a moment right now. They're going viral online for their ease of use and relatively affordable price tags.

Not to mention, they're a good alternative to the distressing state of in-fridge ice makers. We'd always heard that if you buy a fridge with one, it will be the first thing to break.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A known Apple leaker has shared a series of veiled hints about Apple's rumored smart doorbell, and it may be further evidence for reverse charging coming to iPhones.


Investment in the future of Apple Home has increased since the Apple Car project was canceled. Rumors suggest one of Apple's first smart home devices will be a doorbell, expected in 2026.

HomeKit Secure Video, facial recognition, and Face ID are all obvious features of a possible Apple doorbell, but a new rumor suggests MagSafe could be included. Leaker Kosutami shared a series of posts on X hinting at an Apple doorbell, ending with "MagSafe on your door, it rings."


Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

During a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained that the company might have to alter its DEI program policies as the US legal landscape shifts.


On February 25, Apple held its annual shareholder meeting for 2025. Though multiple issues and proposals were discussed, a DEI-related proposal from shareholders belonging to a conservative think-tank, the so-called "National Center for Public Policy Research," garnered the most attention.

They claimed that Apple's current DEI program might pose "litigation, reputational, and financial risks" to the company. Apple understandably fought back and urged shareholders to vote against the proposal.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Conspiracy theorists believe Apple may have coded speech-to-text to briefly showing "Trump" when the word "racist" is said. That's not true, but there's a reason that it's happening.


Machine learning algorithms can be fickle things. Apple's on-device dictation is still run by machine learning algorithms built with massive data sets trained on user inputs.

The problem with teaching any algorithm anything is that they are very predisposed to relying on pattern matching. In the decade Donald Trump has been in the public eye, there has likely been an increase in the word "racist" appearing near "Trump."


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's latest $500B investment in the United States may sound like a big deal, but it's clearly just a continuation of what it's done for quite a few years already.


On Monday, Apple announced it is making a $500 billion program of investment into the United States. The official press release said that it will be spread across the next four years, in a pledge that "builds on Apple's long history of investing in American innovation."

It sounds like a great thing that Apple's suddenly making everyone aware of. A major company reinvesting in the country it's based in is a good-news story and great PR, and one that builds political capital.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has deployed a new firmware update for the Lightning-equipped variant of the AirPods Max, though there is no information about what the update contains.


Tuesday's firmware update increases the build number to 6F25, up from the previous 6F21, released in October 2024. Unlike most firmware updates, this software release is only compatible with the original version of the AirPods Max, which featured a Lightning port.

The newer version of the headphones, which features a USB-C port, did not receive a corresponding firmware update. Though the exact contents of the 6F25 firmware update are unclear, the software likely includes various bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements rather than new features, as the update is intended for older hardware.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

French company Dassault Systemes worked with Apple to integrate the Apple Vision Pro into its existing 3DEXPERIENCE platform, offering spatial computing via multiple applications.


Dassault Systemes announced the collaboration on Tuesday at its annual 3DEXPERIENCE Forum held in Houston, Texas — an event geared toward industrial consumers in North America. The French software company specializes in 3D tools for virtual planning, product design, and manufacturing, as well as software that facilitates the simulation of different production processes.

Dassault Systemes is also known for its 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which involves the concept of a "virtual twin" — effectively a digital model of a real-world object or planned product, often with a corresponding virtual environment. Virtual twins allow companies to evaluate, model, simulate products and are used in various industries as they enable visualization in conditions that mirror the real world.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The annual Apple shareholder meeting has ended for 2025, with owners Apple shares voting on a variety of proposals at the event. As usual, the results went Apple's way.


Apple holds an annual shareholder meeting to report back to shareholders on various topics about the company, and also to receive comments from the shareholders themselves. It is also the event where the voting results for various shareholder proposals are revealed.

Before the February 25 results, Apple issued its recommendations on the direction that shareholders should vote for some of the proposals. Apple typically gets its way most of the time, and 2025's event was no different.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Amazon continues to launch aggressive Apple deals in a bid for your business, with today's AirTags discount offering the best price in 2025.


The $67.99 price on a 4-pack of Apple AirTags is especially attractive, as it delivers a $32 discount off retail (and is the lowest price of the year at Amazon).

Buy for $67.99


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Five years after Photoshop landed on the iPad, Adobe has finally brought its popular photo editing software to the iPhone.


Yes, you're reading that right. Starting today, Adobe Photoshop is available on the iPhone. That means you can now edit images with Photoshop from wherever you are.

With a completely overhauled UI designed for mobile interfaces, using Photoshop on iPhone is as easy as using it on iPad.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Susan Kare, one of the original Mac team members, is selling silver and gold keycaps and pendants using her icon-based artwork you can wear or adorn your keyboard with.


A designer who worked on the icons used on the original Macintosh, Susan Kare actively continues to work as an artist. In her latest offering, she is selling keycaps as well as pendants bearing images created in the low-res bitmap style.

The series, titled Esc Keys, consist of 32 icon-style images, ranging from lightbulbs with faces and birds on a wire, to waves, books, and the word "Panic!" None of the icons are directly Mac-related, but the styling isn't a million miles away.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Sources in Indonesia say the government is about to settle its dispute with Apple, and could lift its iPhone 16 sales ban within the week.


The ban began in October 2024, just weeks after the launch of the iPhone 16 range, and the dispute was over how much Apple invests in Indonesia.

Now according to Bloomberg, sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter have said that Indonesia's Ministry for Industry is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with Apple shortly. The Ministry is said to then intend to issue Apple with a permit allowing the iPhone 16 to be sold as soon as possible.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A month-end iPad Pro sale is in effect this week, with Amazon offering $150 to $250 discounts on a variety of models.


New iPad Pro markdowns are in effect as February draws to a close, with savings of up to $250 off both 11-inch and 13-inch models.

You can grab the standard 256GB 13-inch iPad Pro for $1,099 in Space Black. Higher storage capacities and even Wi-Fi + Cellular models are eligible for triple-digit discounts as well, with the 1TB Wi-Fi 13-inch spec on sale for $1,649 ($250 off).


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Blue Air is out with connected air purifiers that give you more control over the air quality in your home, which is needed now more than ever.


We're big fans of air purifiers, even though it can be tough to measure their efficacy. Our home is brimming with air quality monitors that we use to determine how clear our air is and how air purifiers impact it.

Joining our collection is the Blue Air 211i Max, which isn't the first Blue Air we've picked up.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums