The Flexbar is a replacement for Apple's Touch Bar that could give the Stream Deck a run for its money — assuming the software is fully hammered into shape at some point.


The Touch Bar was an element of the MacBook Pro keyboard that offered the promise of productivity. By giving users the ability to touch a row of context-aware buttons that performed shortcuts or changed settings, they could potentially do more without needing to navigate menus or remember key combinations.

While the component had potential, it was often derided and was eventually replaced by a row of physical function keys, following the death of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Consumer electronics and iPhone accessory maker Zagg is letting customers know that credit card transactions between October 26 and November 7, 2024 may have been compromised due to a hack of a third-party payment processor.


Zagg, based in Utah, makes products such as keyboards, phone cases, screen protectors, power banks, and other accessories. It uses BigCommerce to process credit card transactions on its website, which also provides an app called FreshClicks for creating commerce-friendly websites.

It was discovered that an attacker was able to breach the FreshClicks app, injecting malicious code that stole customers' card details, reports BeepingComputer.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Amber's work setup includes an iMac, a MacBook Air, an iPad Air — and one very, very expensive laser cutter. Here's how it all works together, and how she gets things done for AppleInsider.


At this point, I'm pretty sure I've earned my reputation as the most tech-critical member of the AppleInsider staff through countless other pieces I've written. I'm sure that'll also be reflected here.

When Mike asked me to write a piece about my setup, I scoffed. Surely, my setup would be far less impressive than my coworkers' — and I still stand by that.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Two months of usage later, the iPad mini 7 is still a great compact media and gaming tablet, though there are certainly some areas for improvement.


I owned the very first Retina iPad mini way back in 2014, but it was only ever a Netflix machine for me. With the release of the new seventh-generation model that's all changed, and it might just be the defacto iPad from here on out.

The new 2024 iPad mini is the smallest tablet in a lineup dominated by superfast, super-big tablets. But after spending a few weeks with the new A17 Pro-powered, I think I finally get why you should buy one.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's latest iPhones pack impressive hardware and software to capture photo and video anywhere. Here's how you can make the most of it by mastering the Camera app on iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.


In 2024, both pro phone cameras have feature parity. They have identical setups, unlike with the iPhone 15 Pro that lacked the 5X zoom the iPhone 15 Pro Max had.

There is a 48MP ultra wide lens, a 48MP primary lens, and a 12MP 5X telephoto lens. It's easier than ever to choose a third-party app, but if you stick with the stock app, here is how to master it.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has pulled the iPhone 14 and the third-gen iPhone SE from its online Apple Store in a number of EU countries, all to abide by inbound charger regulations.


Earlier in December, it was rumored that Apple would discontinue sales of the iPhone 14 generation of devices, as well as the current iPhone SE, in the European Union by the end of 2024. Two weeks later, it has become a reality.



Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The lowest price on Apple's iPad mini 7 can be found at B&H and Amazon, with both retailers running a limited-time deal on the 256GB model.


The 256GB iPad mini 7 in Space Gray can be snapped up for $529 at B&H and Amazon today, with both retailers knocking $70 off Apple's MSRP on the Wi-Fi model.

Get 256GB iPad mini 7


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Charles really loves his mostly-older Apple gear, but 2025 is going to be a year of change. Here's how he gets work done at AppleInsider.


I only develop and write stories for AppleInsider on the weekends, hence my Weekend Editor title. As a result, I have a pretty modest setup and workflow compared to most of the full-timers.

Versatility for travel is one of my key requirements, since I am on the road at various times of the year. Even when I'm at home, I'm often in a cafe or occasionally doing local radio as a "computer guru," or on Zoom teaching online tech classes.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Your iPhone may have low storage because it's been consumed by System Data, which can potentially consume all available capacity. Here's how to regain space when things get too bloated to function.


Storage capacity is a significant issue for mobile device users. The available space on an iPhone, iPad, and even a Mac a sensitive concern for everyone.

Users with expansive storage capacities have less trouble with it than most. Those saving money with more modest storage may be more hard-pressed.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The $1,699 M4 Pro MacBook Pro special price is now available at B&H Photo, with free next day delivery.


After a price war broke out on Apple's M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch during Christmas Eve, several retailers sold out or ended the $300 discount soon thereafter. But the $1,699 price is still available at Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo, with free next business day delivery available in the contiguous U.S. on the standard M4 Pro configuration in Space Black or Silver.

Buy for $1,699


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

William doesn't just work at AppleInsider, he also has a bunch of other writing assignments going constantly. Here's how William juggles not just the demands here, but everywhere else too.


I'm Deputy Chair of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain and also do some work for a UK charity, so I tend to have whole sets of apps and documents that I switch between. Whatever I've been doing before AppleInsider, I run a Keyboard Maestro macro and all of those apps and documents are closed, then everything I need for AppleInsider is opened.

Every day — seven days a week — starts with the Fantastical calendar and OmniFocus To Do apps on my iPhone. The alarm goes off, those two apps go on, and I'm checking what I must do that day. Invariably the day means being at my office M1 Mac mini or on my M1 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, and AppleInsider work always starts with Keyboard Maestro.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple TV+ has hinted that it's planning something for early January, enticing viewers to "see for yourself."


On Wednesday, the Apple TV X account posted a cryptic message telling people to "Save the date" and to "see for yourself." The accompanying image, which featured Will Ferrell, also included a date of January 4-5.



Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

If you received a gift card for the holidays or simply want to wrap up purchases for the 2024 tax year, Amazon's after-Christmas sale on Apple products delivers discounts of up to half off.


The Dec. 26 deals on Apple devices and accessories provide up to $300 off a variety of Macs, AirPods, iPads and more. Below are 20 top bargains, but there are hundreds more at your fingertips in our Apple Price Guide.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Based on what we've seen, odds are good that you're not in love with the redesigned Photos app in iOS 18. While the old version isn't returning, here's how to make it more like its beloved former self.


With iOS 18, Apple undertook the daunting task of redesigning the Photos app. While the app was loved by many, it hadn't changed in a while and Apple wanted to prep it for the future.

This modernization didn't go over well. The redesign decision has been a controversial to say the least.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

One of Apple's apps for Android has popped up on the Google Play's store top downloaded apps over Christmas. Here's why the "Move to iOS" app has launched itself into the top 40, and what it does.


Now that the holidays are wrapping up, first-time and returning iPhone users are unboxing their new iPhones and making the jump from Android to iOS.

Every year, iPhone sales see a significant boost as customers rush to buy Apple's flagship smartphone in time to give as a gift. And, every year, Apple sees a slew of new and returning users migrate from Android to iPhone. Enough that the company created a dedicated Android app in 2015 to help streamline the process.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

It's natural to be suspicious of a company offering to erase your data online, especially if most other companies exist to profit from your data. Learn why Incogni is trustworthy.


Chances are you've realized that all of your data is available and for sale online. Data brokers buy and sell user data as a commodity — and whether it's used for ad targeting, stalking, or identity theft isn't a consideration.

That's why it's important to reduce your digital footprint, thus reducing the data available to gather and sell. However, that's only part of the solution for increased data privacy.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider

Unless you've gone looking in System Settings, you may not be aware that the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models can be set to do other functions besides set up and take a picture. Here's how to change it.


By default, pressing the Camera Control button launches the Camera app on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Once open, pressing the button again will take a picture, or pressing and holding will shoot video.

A light press on the Camera Control button once the Camera app is open gives users a haptic click and the ability to adjust settings like zoom level or exposure. It operates sort of like the dials or on-screen controls in DSLR cameras.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Year-end price cuts are in effect, as Apple's latest MacBook Pro with an M4 chip has plunged to $1,399.


The $1,399 price at B&H Photo and Amazon is thanks to a year-end price war between the two Apple Authorized Resellers. With the entry model now including 16GB of unified memory compared to last year's 8GB, the Late 2024 14-inch MacBook Pro offers additional value for the price.

Buy for $1,399


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Malcolm's workspace has handled his work, gaming, and photography lives for years. Here's how he spends his days working and most of his time off.


After working from home for a decade, and spending spare time on computers for far longer, you'd expect a person in that situation to have perfected their computing setup. In my case, it's not perfect, but it's more than capable of handling whatever I want to do.

This is a setup primarily for working from home, rather than for portability. It's also one that has been constructed with budget being a major factor, and so changes have been very gradual over the years.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A fresh price drop has hit Apple's newly released M4 Mac mini, with the 512GB model falling to $699.


The $100 price cut can be found at Amazon and B&H Photo, with the M4 Mac mini featuring an upgrade to 512GB of storage dipping to $699. This is within $10 of the lowest price we've seen on the Late 2024 model that was released in November 2024.

Buy for $699 at Amazon


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

All of us at AppleInsider wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season, and thank you for reading us throughout a roller-coaster 2024.


Every year for the last 25 has been a big one for Apple, and you'd expect it for a company of its size. It launched the Apple Vision Pro, it joined the AI arms race with Apple Intelligence, and even found some time to release new products like the iPhone 16.

With the end of the year fast approaching, the Apple News cycle is temporarily winding down, but AppleInsider won't be taking a break. Throughout the holidays, we will be with you, sharing the latest news stories and using our expertise to discuss how the news of the day impacts our favorite company, as it happens.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

In a declaration filed on Monday, Apple's senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, asserted that Apple has no interest in creating its own search engine and would prefer to continue to use Google.