iPhone 17 Awarded 9to5Mac’s Yearly Product Honor

As 2025 wraps up, it’s time to look back at Apple’s year and identify what captured attention the most. It was a thrilling year for Apple enthusiasts, featuring new hardware such as the iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, and updated Macs. Yet, one of those updates stands out above the rest.

Here’s why we chose to name the iPhone 17 as this year’s 9to5Mac Product of the Year.

This marks the first year since we began recognizing the 9to5Mac Product of the Year in 2020 where all contenders were iPhones. Apple’s 2025 iPhone range is the most impressive lineup in a considerable period.

The iPhone 17 Pro is undeniably Pro, equipped with a new vapor chamber cooling system, extended battery life, and a remarkable camera system. The iPhone Air boasts the most thrilling new iPhone design since the iPhone X.

However, the iPhone 17 stands out as the best overall iPhone in years. It signifies the culmination of the past five years of iPhone updates since Apple refreshed the iPhone lineup and design with the iPhone 12.

There are several key aspects of the iPhone 17 that hold great significance. At the foremost is that it’s the first non-Pro iPhone to feature an Always-On display with ProMotion. It also includes the same 18MP selfie camera with Center Stage as the iPhone 17 Pro, along with an improved 48MP Ultra Wide lens on the rear.

I’ll confess I struggled with the decision of voting for either the iPhone Air or iPhone 17 this year. The iPhone Air is thrilling, marking the first move towards a significant transformation of the iPhone lineup, including next year’s anticipated foldable iPhone and the all-glass 20th-anniversary iPhone expected by 2027.

Ultimately, the prowess of the iPhone 17 is what enabled Apple to elevate the iPhone 17 Pro to new levels and launch the design-focused iPhone Air.

iPhone 17… while it may not be as capable as a Pro and not as captivating as an Air, it could very well be the best standard iPhone we’ll come across for some time.

If Apple intends to delay an iPhone 18 until spring 2027 as speculated, the iPhone 17 is robust enough to endure longer than the majority of standard iPhones without appearing outdated.

I believe iPhone Air will define this generation of new iPhones in hindsight. Unlike the iPhone mini and iPhone Plus, iPhone Air isn’t merely a different screen size alternative for a standard iPhone. Instead, it represents a very different conception of what an iPhone might become.

Thanks to the iPhone Air, I also think Apple could intensify efforts on future iPhone Pro models, favoring additional features over a lightweight design.

Yet, it wasn’t too long ago that the standard iPhone lagged a generation behind in chip technology. The iPhone 16 shifted the narrative last year, and the iPhone 17 capitalizes on that momentum.

The iPhone 17 accomplished something that a ‘base’ model hasn’t in years. It’s an all-around excellent iPhone with no significant compromises.

Similar to many of my colleagues—and I presume many readers—the base iPhone isn’t my choice. I’ve been a Pro user since the debut of the first Pro model, and this year, I went for the iPhone Air instead.

However, unlike previous years, I can’t find a solid argument against the iPhone 17.

Incorporating ProMotion with always-on support was the main factor for me. After using a 120Hz display since the iPhone 14 Pro, I’ve found it difficult to wholeheartedly endorse an iPhone that only supports 60Hz.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 received:
– a larger and brighter screen
– Ceramic Shield 2 with enhanced anti-reflectivity
– the exceptional new Center Stage front camera
– and a powerful A19 chip

All these modifications, along with an increase to 256GB starting storage, and maintaining the same $799 price point.

While the iPhone 17 may not suit me, it’s undeniably a remarkable phone for just about everyone else.

Although I didn’t perceive a reason to upgrade from my iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 version, the scenario would certainly differ had I owned the base model iPhone 16. This year’s standard iPhone 17 presents a substantial enhancement over its predecessor.

Introducing ProMotion and an always-on display to the base model is significant, along with the slightly larger screen that matches the peak brightness of the Pro model.

Base storage has been enhanced from 128GB to 256GB, and battery life has also seen notable improvements, reaching up to 30 hours of video playback.

Robot Vacuum Models That Work with HomeKit

**Robot Vacuums and HomeKit: A Revolutionary Approach to Smart Cleaning**

With the launch of iOS 18.4 earlier this year, Apple made considerable improvements to the Home app, enabling users to incorporate robot vacuums into HomeKit for the first time, thanks to the Matter smart home standard. This integration paves the way for exciting opportunities in smart home automation.

### What Can You Achieve with a Robot Vacuum in HomeKit?

By incorporating a compatible robot vacuum into the Home app, users can oversee their devices alongside other HomeKit accessories. This integration allows for numerous automations and scenes, permitting users to program cleaning sessions for specific times or as part of wider home routines. For example, you can automate cleaning tasks for certain rooms at set times.

Additionally, if your robot vacuum has both vacuuming and mopping capabilities, the Home app offers choices to switch between these functions. Users can also check the vacuum’s current state, such as if it is cleaning or recharging.

Integration with HomeKit allows users to control their robot vacuums via Siri. Commands like “Siri, clean the living room” or “Siri, mop the kitchen” enable hands-free management. However, for more advanced features like mapping, object avoidance settings, and custom paths, users will still need to use the manufacturer’s app.

### Which Robot Vacuums Are Compatible with HomeKit?

The embrace of the Matter smart home standard has resulted in an expanding roster of robot vacuums that support HomeKit integration. Prominent brands and their compatible models include:

– **Ecovacs**: Dedicated to HomeKit integration, Ecovacs has started deploying updates for several models.

– **Roborock**: This brand has assured HomeKit support for multiple models, including the Roborock Qrevo Slim, with additional models anticipated in the future.

– **SwitchBot**: The SwitchBot S20 Robot Vacuum and Mop is presently compatible with HomeKit, as is the SwitchBot K11+.

– **iRobot**: Recently, iRobot has initiated the rollout of Matter support for new models. However, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be taken over by Shenzhen Picea Robotics Co.

– **Eufy**: The Eufy E28 Robot Vacuum supports HomeKit integration via the Matter standard.

– **DREAME**: Future Matter firmware updates are predicted to add HomeKit support to the X50 Ultra and X40 Ultra Robot Vacuums.

– **Tapo**: The Tapo LiDAR Smart Navigation Robot Vacuum now provides HomeKit support through Matter.

### Summary

The inclusion of robot vacuum support in the Home app is an appreciated enhancement for the HomeKit platform, which has frequently been viewed as underused. As more users embrace HomeKit-compatible robot vacuums, the possibilities for smart home automation keep growing. Whether you currently have a suitable robot vacuum or are contemplating acquiring one, the integration presents a simple and effective cleaning solution.

Apple Hints at Significant Announcement for Apple Fitness+ in 2026

Apple has hinted at an exhilarating advancement for its Apple Fitness+ service, teasing “something significant” set to debut in 2026. This announcement was shared through an Instagram Reel on the Apple Fitness+ account, displaying various people perusing a fictional publication titled “Apple Fitness+ Times.” The newspaper boasts several striking headlines that indicate major changes and new content are forthcoming.

### Notable Points from the Teaser

1. **New Year Strategies**: One headline states, “WHAT’S APPLE FITNESS+ PLANNING FOR THE NEW YEAR? Trainers seen filming brand new material.” This suggests that Apple is preparing for new offerings as the new year draws near.

2. **Significant Changes Ahead**: Another headline proclaims, “SOMETHING BIG IS COMING TO APPLE FITNESS+,” indicating that important updates or features are anticipated in 2026.

3. **Launch Countdown**: The statement “THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS. APPLE FITNESS+ 2026 IS ALMOST HERE” underscores the excitement surrounding the forthcoming updates.

4. **Professional Insights**: The teaser also features a headline that notes, “EXCLUSIVE: 2026 PLANS STILL UNDER WRAPS – FOR NOW. Experts forecast January as a month to watch,” suggesting that additional details may emerge soon.

The teaser corresponds with recent findings indicating that Apple Fitness+ is undergoing an evaluation phase, as mentioned in a Bloomberg article. Nevertheless, the company seems dedicated to improving its service, underscored by its recent expansion into 28 new markets, aided by AI-driven voice dubbing.

### Expected Developments

While details are still limited, the teaser implies that the new content may tie in with New Year’s fitness goals, a period when many people aim to enhance their health and wellness. Furthermore, Apple is anticipated to roll out an AI-driven health service in 2026, although it remains uncertain if this will correlate with the imminent Fitness+ updates.

As the countdown to 2026 commences, fitness aficionados and Apple users are excited to discover what innovations and improvements Apple Fitness+ will present. The teaser has ignited interest and speculation within the community, encouraging users to express their opinions on prospective new features in the comments section of the post.

In summary, Apple Fitness+ is set for a thrilling transformation in 2026, featuring new content and functionalities expected to enrich the user experience. As the new year approaches, all attention will be on Apple to reveal how it intends to enhance its fitness service.

How to Rapidly Secure Image Files with a Password on a Mac

### How to Secure Screenshots with a Password on macOS

In the current digital era, safeguarding sensitive information is essential. If you have screenshots that include private data such as tax documents or banking details on your Mac, it is vital to protect them. Although macOS Preview does not offer file-level password protection, there are efficient ways to encrypt your images without relying on third-party applications.

#### Method 1: Utilizing Disk Utility

This approach involves generating an encrypted virtual disk through Disk Utility. While it might seem excessive for a handful of files, it ensures strong security.

1. **Collect Your Files**: Arrange the screenshots or documents you wish to safeguard in a single folder.
2. **Launch Disk Utility**: Go to Finder > Applications > Disk Utility.
3. **Generate a New Image**: Select File > New Image > Image from Folder, then pick the folder that houses your files.
4. **Configure Encryption**: Name your virtual disk, designate a location, and choose the encryption level (up to AES-256). Select the Read/Write format for future edits.
5. **Mount and Dismount**: Keep in mind that you will need to mount and dismount this virtual disk every time you want to access the files.

Though this method provides strong encryption, it can be inconvenient for regular use.

#### Method 2: Quick Access with Preview

A simpler approach is to use the Preview application to convert your images into password-protected PDFs.

1. **Open with Preview**: Right-click the image, hover over “Open With,” and choose Preview.
2. **Export as PDF**: Navigate to File > Export as PDF.
3. **Set Permissions**: Name your file, select a location, and click on “More Details” > “Permissions” to reach the password settings.
4. **Implement Password**: Check the “Require Password To Open Document” box and input a password. An owner password must also be set, which can be the same as the user password.
5. **Save the PDF**: Click “Apply” and then “Save.” You can then remove the original unprotected file.

When you try to open the newly created PDF, it will prompt you for the password. This method employs AES-128 encryption, which is adequate for most users against everyday threats.

### Conclusion

Both methods enable you to effectively secure sensitive screenshots on your Mac. While Disk Utility offers enhanced encryption, using Preview is faster and simpler for routine tasks. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your sensitive information stays safe from unauthorized access.