AllYouCanTech

MacBook Upgrade Plan Now Offered with Monthly Payments Beginning at $33.28

Most Mac users tend to hold onto their devices longer than desired. Not due to a fondness for sluggish performance — but because upgrading can be costly, and selling takes time that most individuals simply do not possess.

That’s where Upgraded steps in.

It offers a more intelligent method to remain up-to-date — without the initial expense or the complications of trade-ins. You receive a new MacBook, make monthly payments (starting at $33.28/mo), and every two years, you can trade up. It’s straightforward, transparent, and increasingly accessible.

With WWDC 2025 and macOS 26 on the horizon, now is an excellent time to enhance your Mac hardware and guarantee that you can utilize all of Apple’s upcoming features.

## The smarter method to purchase a MacBook

Upgraded is a subscription-oriented program designed for individuals wishing to have the latest MacBooks, without the initial cost or the challenges of reselling.

Here’s the process:

– You select a new MacBook
– You pay monthly (plans begin at $33.28/month with 0% APR)
– Upgrades are available every two years
– When it’s time, simply return your old Mac — no Craigslist postings, no negotiations, no fuss

Everything is taken care of for you. Devices are shipped directly from Apple Premier Partner GatorTec, and when you’re ready to upgrade, Upgraded refurbishes or resells your previous device — ensuring that fully functional technology remains in circulation and assisting in the reduction of e-waste.

## New & Enhanced

Upgraded has just revealed a new collaboration with Affirm — the reputable buy-now-pay-later service utilized by companies like Amazon and Apple.

This is significant. Why?

– More individuals should now be eligible for monthly plans with 0% APR, subject to approval
– The payment process is quicker and more straightforward
– There are no hidden charges or late fees, so what you see is what you pay

This opens possibilities for individuals who previously did not qualify for other financing options or who simply seek a better way to handle cash flow while staying current.

Here’s John Erik Metcalf, CEO and Co-Founder of Upgraded:

“With Affirm, we’re enhancing the accessibility of MacBooks through a financing experience that’s genuinely user-friendly, while creating the upgrade experience we always desired to see.”

## Preserve your cash flow instead of purchasing outright

Upgraded isn’t your standard lease or loan. It’s tailored for those who cherish their Mac and wish to manage their finances wisely — whether you’re a creative professional, a programmer, a student, or a business professional.

When compared to competitors:

– You receive longer terms (36 months, instead of 12 or 18)
– You can upgrade every two years
– There’s no need to sell your previous device
– Your monthly payments remain lower (as low as $33.28/mo)

Additionally, unlike some monthly payment alternatives, there’s no balloon payment at the conclusion. The upgrade process is integrated, and you maintain complete control.

## Favored by countless professionals, students, and tech aficionados

Apple aficionados are embracing Upgraded. As one user remarked, “Honestly I couldn’t ask for a more Apple-like experience from a company that isn’t Apple.”

If you adore MacBooks but dislike hefty upfront payments and complicated resales, Upgraded could be the smartest option for acquiring your next MacBook. The addition of Affirm simplifies the qualification process and getting started.

Select your next MacBook at getupgraded.com.

Apple Emphasizes $400 Billion Economic Impact of the App Store

### The Economic Effects of the App Store: A $406 Billion Ecosystem

A recent analysis sponsored by Apple and carried out by the Analysis Group shows that the United States App Store enabled more than $406 billion in developer earnings and sales in 2024. This amount signifies an impressive increase of 2.9 times since 2019, underscoring the growing impact of the App Store ecosystem on the economy.

#### Major Findings from the Analysis

Per a press announcement from Apple, the study, directed by Professor Andrey Fradkin of Boston University and economist Dr. Jessica Burley from Analysis Group, reveals that a large portion of the earnings and sales—over 90%—was achieved without developers incurring any commission fees from Apple. The growth pattern of the App Store ecosystem is clear, having nearly tripled from $142 billion in 2019 to $406 billion in 2024. Additionally, profits for U.S.-based developers have more than doubled in this time frame, with small developers seeing a significant 76% rise in revenues between 2021 and 2024.

#### Distribution of the $406 Billion

The analysis delivers a comprehensive distribution of the $406 billion enabled by the App Store:

– **$277 billion from physical goods and services**:
– General retail: $146 billion
– Travel: $41 billion
– Food delivery and pickup: $38 billion
– Ride hailing: $31 billion
– Grocery: $14 billion
– Digital payment: $7 billion

– **$75 billion from in-app advertising**
– **$53 billion from digital goods and services**

#### Comments from Apple Leadership

Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the App Store’s importance in creating opportunities for app developers and enterprises of all scales. He remarked, “For more than 15 years, the App Store has created incredible opportunity for app developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes.” Cook reiterated Apple’s dedication to investing in tools and resources that enable developers to improve their apps and deliver transformative user experiences.

#### Regulatory Issues

This analysis comes amidst ongoing examination from regulators regarding Apple’s App Store operations. Recently, Apple emphasized its initiatives in fraud prevention, claiming to have prevented over $2 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions and blocked nearly 2 million risky app submissions in 2024 alone. Despite these assertions, concerns regarding the App Store’s regulations, mainly related to anti-steering policies, continue to emerge.

#### Summary

The results of the Analysis Group study highlight the significant economic effects of the App Store, demonstrating its position as a key factor in driving growth for developers and businesses alike. While the App Store has shown to be a financially rewarding platform, the persistent discussions about its operations and regulations indicate that the dialogue regarding its effects is ongoing. For more comprehensive insights, the complete report can be found on Apple’s official website.

Alert: Thousands of ASUS Wireless Routers Breached by Botnet Assault

### ASUS Wireless Routers Breached

Countless ASUS wireless routers have been breached by a botnet that has also targeted Cisco, D-Link, and Linksys products. The infection technique permits attackers to keep control over the routers even after firmware upgrades.

Security analysts at [GreyNoise](https://www.greynoise.io/blog/stealthy-backdoor-campaign-affecting-asus-routers) initially discovered the vulnerability in March but postponed public notification to give the industry time to organize a counteraction.

> GreyNoise has detected an ongoing exploitation effort whereby attackers have secured unauthorized, ongoing access to numerous ASUS routers connected to the internet. This seems to be part of a covert initiative to form a distributed network of compromised devices — possibly establishing the foundation for a future botnet.

The attackers’ access continues through reboots and firmware updates, ensuring sustained control over the compromised devices. They accomplish this by linking authentication bypasses, taking advantage of known vulnerabilities, and misusing legitimate configuration options without leaving clear evidence.

It is suspected that a nation-state might be behind the assault, aiming to utilize the compromised routers for extensive exploits. Affected ASUS router models include the RT-AC3100, RT-AC3200, and RT-AX55.

Once a router is infiltrated, updating the firmware does not help. According to [Bleeping Computer](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/botnet-hacks-9-000-plus-asus-routers-to-add-persistent-ssh-backdoor/), the alterations permit threat actors to maintain backdoor access even between reboots and firmware updates.

> “Since this key is introduced using the official ASUS features, this configuration change is retained across firmware upgrades,” clarifies another related report from GreyNoise. “If you’ve previously been targeted, upgrading your firmware will NOT eliminate the SSH backdoor.”

The exploit additionally disables logging, hindering efforts to ascertain whether a router has been compromised.

### Recommended Actions

If you own one of the impacted ASUS models, it is advisable to factory reset your router to ensure it is clean. After resetting, carry out a firmware update. Although an update by itself will not eradicate the infection, updating after a complete reset will assist in preventing future breaches.

At present, there are no reports of successful breaches impacting the other brands specified, so no urgent action is needed for those devices.

For additional information, visit

9to5Mac Daily: May 29, 2025 – Newest Speculations Regarding iOS 26

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the dynamic realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest news and advancements is vital, particularly for Apple aficionados. 9to5Mac Daily provides a seamless way to catch up on the day’s leading stories related to Apple products, services, and the larger tech arena. This podcast caters to those who wish to stay informed without the hassle of navigating through numerous articles and news outlets.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that summarizes the most important news stories from Apple’s universe. Each episode is recorded during the week, ensuring that listeners receive up-to-date information. The podcast can be accessed on multiple platforms, including iTunes, Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and through a specialized RSS feed for those who favor different podcast applications.

**Subscription and Accessibility**

Listeners can subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily via their chosen podcast platform to guarantee they don’t miss an episode. The podcast is created to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to listen while commuting, working out, or simply unwinding at home.

**Ad-Free Experience with 9to5Mac Daily Plus**

For those who seek an uninterrupted auditory experience, 9to5Mac Daily provides a subscription service named 9to5Mac Daily Plus. This premium offering includes ad-free editions of each episode, along with exclusive content that delves deeper into specific themes. Subscribing not only enhances the auditory experience but also supports the podcast’s creators.

**Engagement and Community Feedback**

9to5Mac Daily promotes audience engagement and feedback. Fans of the podcast can convey their opinions via email or rate the show on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This interaction aids the team in better understanding their audience and enhancing the content provided.

**Conclusion**

9to5Mac Daily emerges as a trustworthy source for Apple news, delivering listeners with succinct and informative summaries of the day’s key stories. With its straightforward accessibility, ad-free subscription option, and community involvement, it has become a crucial part of the daily routine for many Apple enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple fan or just beginning to navigate its ecosystem, 9to5Mac Daily is indispensable for staying updated.

“Three Essential Attributes Fueled by Apple Intelligence in iOS 26”

# iOS 26: Thrilling Features Driven by Apple Intelligence

Much of the excitement surrounding iOS 26 centers on the expected redesign, but noteworthy functional enhancements are also on the way, especially those driven by Apple Intelligence. Here are three key features anticipated to improve user experience.

## 1. Enhanced Battery Life

Apple is set to launch an AI-driven battery management feature in iOS 26. This functionality will monitor user habits to optimize energy use, ensuring that battery longevity is improved without any obvious decline in performance. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that the technology will leverage collected battery information to predict when to decrease power consumption from certain apps or features. Users will likely have the choice to turn off this feature, but it is designed to work effortlessly in the background, ultimately contributing to prolonged battery life.

## 2. Siri’s AI Revamp

Siri is scheduled for a major upgrade in iOS 26, with enhancements fueled by Apple Intelligence. Following past updates, this version aims to introduce personal context sensitivity, improved on-screen engagement, and a wider array of app actions. Moreover, new partnerships with third-party assistants and the launch of ‘LLM Siri’ are anticipated. These developments herald a new chapter for Siri, making it more adept and responsive to user demands.

## 3. Upgraded Health App

The Health app is expected to undergo significant changes in iOS 26, harnessing AI to provide customized health insights and suggestions. Reports suggest that an AI agent might emulate a doctor’s advice, while an AI coach will offer personalized recommendations based on unique health data. Important features may encompass better food tracking and partnerships with medical professionals to produce informative content. These enhancements could transform the Health app from a mere data archive into an active contributor to users’ health management.

## Conclusion

As WWDC draws near, excitement escalates regarding the new features in iOS 26. With enhancements to battery life, an upgraded Siri, and innovative health app capabilities, Apple Intelligence is poised to play a crucial role in elevating the overall user experience. The potential effects of these features could reshape how users engage with their devices, making iOS 26 a much-anticipated launch.

“iOS 26 Brings Major Improvements, But Encounters a Major Problem”

# Apple’s Transition to Year-Based Naming for iOS: A New Chapter Unfolds

In a noteworthy development that has garnered the interest of tech aficionados and industry experts alike, Apple is allegedly moving away from its established sequential naming format for iOS in favor of a year-based approach. A recent leak from Bloomberg indicates that the forthcoming iOS update, which many expected to be called iOS 19, will instead be named iOS 26, corresponding to the year 2026.

## The Reasoning Behind the Alteration

This transition signifies a break from the sequential naming convention that Apple has utilized for many years. The choice to implement a year-based naming system is perceived by many as a tactical enhancement. It seeks to harmonize the version numbers across Apple’s various operating platforms, such as iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Presently, the varied version numbers—iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2—add to user confusion and complicate support materials.

By aligning the naming to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, Apple streamlines its ecosystem, making it simpler for users to grasp which versions are compatible among devices.

## Mixed Responses from the Community

Although numerous users and commentators have embraced the alteration, not everyone is in agreement. Some detractors have voiced concerns that this change resembles the naming practices of the automotive sector, where companies frequently use the upcoming year’s number for current models. Remarks like “Apple’s ensh*tification to 90s Microsoft is complete” reveal skepticism regarding the ramifications of this new naming approach.

Proponents of the change contend that it enhances the user experience and diminishes confusion. The notion of having a cohesive naming framework across all Apple products is viewed as a beneficial advancement.

## Speculations Regarding iPhone Naming

There has been conjecture regarding whether Apple will apply this year-based naming system to its iPhone series, possibly labeling the next generation as the iPhone 26 rather than the iPhone 17. While some find this logic appealing, others warn about the consequences of such a shift. As the numbers rise, the naming could become progressively cumbersome, leading to scenarios where future models might be designated as the iPhone 53 or even iPhone 104.

One suggested alternative is to discard the numerical designation altogether, allowing the current model to simply be known as the iPhone, with earlier models identified by their release year. However, this proposal presents its own challenges, particularly concerning internal naming guidelines and marketing tactics.

## A Plea for Uniformity

The dialogue surrounding Apple’s naming conventions underscores a broader aspiration for consistency and clarity in product identification. Numerous users support a simple approach where the current iOS version corresponds with the release year, while older models keep their year-based identifiers. For example, introducing iOS 25 in 2025 and branding the new iPhone merely as the iPhone, while referencing the prior model as the iPhone (2024), could aid in maintaining clarity.

## Conclusion

Apple’s choice to transition to a year-based naming system for iOS signifies a major shift in its branding strategy. While the decision has elicited mixed responses, the potential advantages of synchronizing version numbers across its product ecosystem are persuasive. As Apple navigates this change, the tech community will be observing closely to determine how these modifications influence user experience and brand reputation.