Day: August 3, 2025

The Function of the Black Cylinder on Your Cables Clarified

cybercriminals may place microcomputers in iPhone cables, but there’s nothing inherently malevolent about a ferrite bead. In fact, they are immensely beneficial.

You can refer to that plastic cylinder as a ferrite bead, ferrite choke, EMI filter, ferrite core, or ferrite block. No matter what term you use, the cylinder still fulfills the same function, which is to obstruct radio-frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) in cables and electronic devices. Ferrite consists of iron oxide, and its magnetic ceramic composition guarantees that no disruptive noise is emitted from or into devices. While a ferrite bead can be integrated into smaller cables, larger cables generally feature that recognizable cylinder.

Whether it’s your monitor’s power cord or an older USB cable, that small plastic gadget is assisting you in avoiding problems. Without enrolling you in a basic engineering class, let’s simplify our understanding of this useful material.

It’s not magic, it’s science

Six Reasons to Steer Clear of Installing the iOS 26 Public Beta

iOS 26 public beta has been available for several days now, but I’ve been experimenting with iOS 26 since the initial developer beta. Apple has made significant improvements over the last two months, but it still remains imperfect, particularly if you plan to use the software on your main device.

iOS 26 introduces a variety of new features, such as the completely revamped Liquid Glass design, enhanced integration of ChatGPT, new Continuity capabilities when you have iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, or watchOS 26 installed, and more. Nevertheless, making the most of these fresh features requires readiness for all the bugs and complications that come with this beta. After all, this is a test version, and many issues won’t be resolved until Apple launches the official version later this year.

While the overall experience should improve significantly throughout the beta cycle, there’s a reason Apple doesn’t immediately release this version to the public. Indeed, we’ve identified six reasons to bypass the iOS 26 public beta and hold out for the official release later this fall.

Reasons to Avoid the iOS 26 Public Beta

Important: Key Privacy Settings to Activate on Your iPhone

**Boosting Privacy on Your iPhone: Key Settings to Activate**

In a time when digital privacy faces growing challenges, Apple has made notable advancements to equip users with tools that safeguard their personal data. Below are three vital settings that every privacy-aware iPhone owner should activate.

### 1. Disable Cross-Site Tracking

Targeted advertising can improve the online shopping journey by linking users to pertinent products. Nevertheless, this approach often depends on intrusive tracking techniques that jeopardize user privacy. Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) aims to address this concern by using machine learning to block cross-site tracking and hiding your IP address. This guarantees that your online behavior stays confidential.

To check if Disable Cross-Site Tracking is turned on, head to **Settings > Apps > Safari** and confirm that the switch for **Prevent Cross-Site Tracking** is turned on in the **Privacy & Security** area.

### 2. Safeguard Mail Activity

Email tracking is a less recognized tactic employed by advertisers to observe user actions. These trackers can indicate when an email has been opened, how often it is viewed, and even the recipient’s location during the viewing. To protect your email privacy, you can activate the **Protect Mail Activity** feature. This setting complicates the process for senders to gather information about your engagement with their emails.

To enable this feature, navigate to **Settings > Apps > Mail > Privacy Protection** and toggle on **Protect Mail Activity**.

### 3. Lock Screen Configurations

Despite having strong security features like Face ID and complex passcodes, the lock screen can still present a point of exposure. For example, unauthorized individuals can access the Control Center from the lock screen to turn off crucial services like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, impairing your ability to track a lost device.

To bolster security, modify which functionalities are accessible from the lock screen. Access this configuration by going to **Settings > Face ID & Passcode**. After inputting your passcode, scroll to the **Allow Access When Locked** section to control which features are available without unlocking your device.

By activating these settings, you can greatly improve your privacy and protection on your iPhone, ensuring that your personal data remains shielded from unwarranted tracking and access.

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Top New MacBook Offers for August: Prices Beginning at $599

# The Budget-Friendly MacBook Era: An Overview of Apple’s Newest Models

During the Apple Silicon age, MacBooks have become more budget-friendly than ever, with fresh models beginning at just $649. With impending global tariffs, these fantastic deals might soon be a thing of the past. If you’re considering a new MacBook, now could be the perfect moment to buy.

The anticipated macOS 26 update is also rumored to eliminate support for some additional Intel Macs, making it a prime opportunity for those wishing to stay current with the latest software.

## M1 MacBook Air

Apple has released four MacBook Airs since the onset of the Apple Silicon period, equipped with the M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air maintains a classic wedge shape from the Intel generation, which many users might appreciate.

Even though it’s four years old, the M1 MacBook Air continues to be a fantastic laptop considering its cost. It delivers quick performance with its M1 chip, an impressive Retina display (albeit with bulkier bezels compared to newer models), a superb keyboard, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Furthermore, it runs quietly, making it suitable for use in public settings.

The M1 MacBook Air is the least expensive choice on this list, although locating new models with greater than 256GB of storage may be difficult. Nonetheless, it is the sole Apple Silicon MacBook offered in a true Gold hue.

You can purchase the M1 MacBook Air for as little as [**$599 at Walmart**](https://howl.link/15sdnqsr918p4) in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.

– 13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory: [**$599 at Walmart**](https://howl.link/15sdnqsr918p4)

## M3 MacBook Air

In 2022, Apple launched a revamped MacBook Air with a sleeker design, an enlarged display with narrower bezels, and the return of MagSafe. It also debuted in new Starlight and Midnight colors along with Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was phased out. This new design first appeared with the M2 chip and has progressed with the M3.

M2 MacBook Airs are largely sold out, and similar shortages are occurring with M3 models, though some options remain, especially concerning the 15-inch MacBook Air.

**15-inch models with M3 chip:**

– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [**$1249 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/3R70HaO) ($450 off!)

## M4 MacBook Air

In March, Apple unveiled a refreshed MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This version retains many elements from its predecessor but presents a new Center Stage webcam and a new Sky Blue color, replacing Space Gray.

At present, you can enjoy a $200 discount across all the latest MacBook Air models. Apple is reportedly developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, but at these rates, the MacBook Air represents an attractive option.

**13-inch models with M4 chip:**

– 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [**$799 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/421Yxj9)
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [**$999 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/42w9DNg)
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [**$1199 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/3Rq7exD)

**15-inch models with M4 chip:**

– 15-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [**$999 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/4i8YJ4T)
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [**$1199 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/4i0icVe)
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory:

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