Consumer reviews used to be one of the most reliable ways of assessing the quality of an app or a physical product. If you didn’t know any friends who’d tried it, the number of reviews and the average rating was a pretty good guide.

Sadly, however, that is no longer the case. Companies have become very adept at gaming the system, meaning that reviews are worth way less than they used to be. There are now six reasons you shouldn’t necessarily trust them, including one I only learned about today …

The Shure MV88 mic used to be the perfect microphone for any iPhone owner who wanted high quality recordings with maximum convenience. With a Lightning connector, it plugged directly into your iPhone.

The company inexplicably failed to update it for many years after Apple switched to USB-C, but has finally corrected this – and may solve a common problem seen on YouTube …

If you’re looking to kick off the new year with a new MacBook, now’s a fantastic time to buy. In recent years, Macs have become more and more affordable – largely in part because of Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon. These MacBooks are also more capable than ever.

Apple’s latest macOS Tahoe update also dropped support for practically all Intel Macs (with some small exceptions). If you’d like to stay on the latest and greatest Apple software, nows a fitting time to upgrade.

Keep up with all of the latest MacBook deals on 9to5Toys.

This year, Apple is anticipated to refresh the majority of its iPad lineup. Apple kicked off a new iPad generation with the launch of the M5 iPad Pro in October, and every other iPad in the lineup will follow suit later this year. These are the latest rumors.

Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact.

In this vast world of streaming, finding something you want to watch can be a challenge. Backlot simplifies that, and puts discovery, watchlists, and ‘where to watch’ in one singular ad-free experience, making it easy to find what you want to watch when you need to.

After debuting over 6 years ago, Apple Card has been a little bit of a nightmare for its partner bank, Goldman Sachs. They’re looking to exit, and while rumors aren’t crystal clear on the future of Apple Card, we’ll be recapping them here.

Welcome to 9to5Mac’s top stories of the week, where we recap the biggest news in the Apple world every Saturday. This week, we have what to expect from Apple in the new year, iOS 27 rumors, and the latest on Apple TV. Plus, our usual slate of new podcast episodes, opinion pieces, and much more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories.

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We are just past the five-year anniversary of the first Apple Silicon Mac (M1 MacBook Air), and the long-term impact of that transition is starting to show up for both Apple and IT teams. MacPaw’s new Mac Admin Survey for 2026 paints a clear picture of what life looks like for IT teams managing Apple hardware. Macs are lasting longer, IT teams are relying more on automation and maintenance tools, and AI is quietly becoming part of everyday IT team workflows. At the same time, resource gaps are growing, and most teams are understaffed. IT teams are being asked to support larger fleets with fewer people, and they are turning to community support and new tools to keep up with ticket volume, etc.

Apple TV is kicking off the new year with a packed lineup of TV shows in January, but the streamer’s next movie—Eternity—is expected to drop in February and stars Elizabeth Olsen. Here are the details.

In a press release today, Apple shared fascinating data about how Apple Watch helps users increase their exercise levels in January and maintain them well into the new year.

The data comes from approximately 100,000 participants in the Apple Heart and Movement Study over the last four years.

iOS 26.2 is the latest iPhone software update, and it includes several new ways to customize the way your iPhone looks and works. Here’s what’s new.

AirPods Pro 3 launched just a few months ago, but rumors indicate there’s a second model coming this year with one key upgrade: IR cameras. Here are the details.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Roborock: Save on Roborock’s flagship vacuums — but hurry, these deals won’t last long!

I’ve been using an iPad Pro as my primary computer since the big redesign in 2018. Back then, it was still running what was essentially an iPad version of iOS. But I loved the design and the raw power it offered so much that I decided to commit to the iPad full-time. Every year after that, Apple teased the idea that the iPad was becoming a more genuine computer replacement. And every year, the software fell just short.

Then Apple released iPadOS 26 in 2025, and for the first time, it genuinely changed what the iPad could be for a lot of people. It was transformative in many ways, but it also introduced a level of nuance that left some users hesitant. So the question is: was this update finally enough?

Apple products have a solid reputation for durability, but the latest evidence of that is especially impressive. A Ukrainian solider has posted about his M1 MacBook Air stopping an artillery shell fragment, and continuing to work fine.

A new report at The Information details the latest leaks and tidbits on OpenAI’s first hardware device, including plans for upgraded audio models for ChatGPT and more.

As my colleague Ryan detailed last month, Apple has more than 20 products likely launching in 2026. The festivities could begin as soon as this month. Here’s everything to expect from Apple in January.

Apple launched a brand new M5 Vision Pro update last fall, but according to a new report, it may have had little impact on struggling Vision Pro sales.

A new year is here, and with it many fresh aspirations for improved health. Today Apple Fitness+ has announced a variety of features to help users achieve their goals, including new multiweek programs for establishing exercise habits.

Copilot Money is an award-winning app that brings a personal approach to managing your finances. It ties together your entire financial life into a beautifully-designed app that has been recognized by Apple on countless occasions.

Plus, Copilot Money is now available on the web so you can access it from anywhere.

Copilot Money is exclusively offering 9to5Mac readers an extended two-month free trial with code 9TO5MAC. Plus, you can save 26% on Copilot Money’s annual plan when you subscribe on the web with this link (new users only).

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Roborock: Save on Roborock’s flagship vacuums — but hurry, these deals won’t last long!

You can now shoot video from the VSCO Capture app, and apply more than 50 VSCO filter presets as you’re doing it. Here are the details.

iOS 26.2 is the latest iPhone update, with excellent new features for Reminders, Podcasts, and Apple Music. There are also a couple key CarPlay changes in iOS 26.2, here’s what’s new.

Apple released a ton of new hardware this year, ranging from new iPhones to iPads to Macs and more. Here’s a recap of all the new products Apple introduced this year.