Apple Unveils Battery-Sole Replacement Procedure for M5 14-Inch MacBook Pro

Apple has streamlined the battery replacement procedure for the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, permitting users to change the battery without the need to detach other internal parts. This update tackles earlier difficulties pointed out by iFixit, which mentioned that battery replacement was complicated because it involved replacing several components.

Currently, users can buy individual battery modules directly from Apple’s Self Service Repair Store, which also supplies the essential tools for the repair. In addition, Apple has issued a revised repair manual that provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for those who want to carry out the replacement on their own, as well as for independent repair facilities.

The updated battery replacement method only involves taking off the bottom case, making it considerably simpler for users. The individual battery module and the fresh repair manual can be found through the Self Service Repair Store and Apple’s support site, respectively.

For further details, users can view the battery module [here](https://selfservicerepair.com/en-US/macbook-pro-14-inch-m5/battery) and the repair manual

Developers Condemn Apple’s EU App Store Conditions for Failing to Conform with Recent U.S. Court Limitations

### European Developers Urge Stricter DMA Enforcement

The conversation regarding Apple’s adherence to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has escalated as a group of developers calls on European authorities to implement tougher regulations. The Coalition for App Fairness (CAF), which encompasses prominent firms such as Basecamp, Deezer, Spotify, Tile, and Epic Games, is championing fair treatment for developers in Europe in comparison to their U.S. peers.

#### Overview of the Digital Markets Act

The Digital Markets Act is a regulatory framework set forth by the European Commission designed to promote fair competition within the digital economy. Its purpose is to thwart large tech firms, designated as “gatekeepers,” from engaging in anti-competitive behaviors that could adversely affect smaller developers and consumers.

#### Latest Updates

Recent verdicts from U.S. courts have motivated the CAF to advocate for stricter implementation of the DMA. A notable judgment from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Apple’s 27% commission on online purchases, indicating that the company should either negotiate a new fee or allow the judiciary to establish a fair policy. This ruling has strengthened the CAF’s claim that Apple’s proposed commission model in Europe is unjust.

#### The Coalition’s Position

The CAF argues that Apple’s two-tier commission model in the EU—featuring App Store fees of up to 20% and extra charges of 5% to 15% on external transactions—places European developers at a disadvantage. They assert that this arrangement is less advantageous than what U.S. developers experience, particularly in light of the recent court ruling that questions Apple’s commission policies.

The CAF maintains that the existing fee structure compels European developers to either bear the costs or transfer them to consumers, thereby reducing their competitiveness. The coalition is urging the European Commission to implement the DMA more stringently, stressing that the law should be enforced consistently and that “free of charge means free of charge.”

#### Closing Thoughts

The CAF’s call for stricter enforcement of the DMA underscores the persistent fight for equity within the app ecosystem. As the European Commission reviews Apple’s proposed adjustments, the decision will have profound ramifications for developers throughout the region. The coalition’s initiatives reflect an increasing demand for fair treatment within the digital marketplace, ensuring that all developers have an equal opportunity to thrive.

watchOS 26 Improves Apple Watch’s Most Liked Face with Two Significant Enhancements

# Apple Watch Photos Face Upgrades in watchOS 26

The Apple Watch remains a top selection for smartwatch enthusiasts, with one of its distinguishing attributes being the customizable watch faces. Among the numerous choices, the Photos watch face has persistently been a favorite, as evidenced by Apple’s own data. With the arrival of watchOS 26, this cherished watch face has gained two significant upgrades that enhance the user experience even further.

## Summary of watchOS 26

Debuting in the autumn, watchOS 26 is a major update that not only brings four entirely new watch faces but also extends the always-on seconds feature to a variety of existing faces. This update underlines Apple’s dedication to boosting the personalization and utility of the Apple Watch.

## Fame of the Photos Watch Face

The Photos watch face is acknowledged as the most favored option among Apple Watch users. Its charm lies in the ability to display cherished memories through photographs, enabling users to carry a slice of their life on their wrist. Apple has consistently enhanced this watch face through the years, positioning it as a central feature of updates.

## New Improvements in watchOS 26

In watchOS 26, Apple has rolled out two major enhancements to the Photos watch face:

1. **Featured Photos Option**: This new functionality allows users to designate ‘Featured’ as a source for their photos. Similar to the Featured images featured in the iPhone’s Photos app, this choice offers a curated collection of high-quality images. Users are no longer restricted to certain categories like ‘Nature’ or ‘Cities’ and can enjoy a wider selection of images without needing to pick individual albums.

2. **Liquid Glass Time**: This upgrade introduces a new ‘Glass’ color option for the time display on the Photos face. The Liquid Glass effect enables more of the underlying photos to be visible, crafting a more integrated and visually appealing appearance. Users can still opt for solid colors if they wish, but this new choice enhances the customization of the watch face.

## Final Thoughts

The upgrades to the Photos watch face in watchOS 26 exemplify Apple’s insight into user preferences and its continuous drive to enhance the Apple Watch experience. With the introduction of the Featured photos option and the Liquid Glass time display, users can revel in a more personalized and attractive watch face. As Apple keeps innovating, the Photos watch face stands as a symbol of the fusion of technology and personal expression that the Apple Watch represents.

X Contests Operation Bluebird’s Efforts to Obtain the Twitter Trademark

**Twitter Persists, Even in X’s Revised Terms of Service**

In a recent turn of events, X Corp. has revised its Terms of Service following a trademark petition asserting that the company had forsaken the Twitter name. This revision seems to be a tactical decision to strengthen its legal position concerning the Twitter brand amidst challenges posed by a Virginia-based startup, Operation Bluebird.

Operation Bluebird has submitted a petition to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to annul several of X’s trademarks, contending that the company has essentially abandoned the Twitter and Tweet brands. The petition claims, “The TWITTER and TWEET brands have been eliminated from X Corp.’s products, services, and marketing, effectively discarding the historic brand, with no desire to resume use of the mark.” This claim emphasizes the considerable branding change that has taken place since Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter and the subsequent transformation into X.

Experts consulted by Ars Technica have indicated that Operation Bluebird may have a legitimate case, considering the evident absence of the Twitter brand in X’s present activities. The lack of a response from X at the time of the initial report suggested a possible lapse in addressing the trademark issues.

Nevertheless, X has now initiated measures to bolster its claim over the Twitter trademark. The revised Terms of Service clearly specify that users do not possess the right to utilize the X or Twitter names, trademarks, logos, or any associated branding features without explicit written permission from the company. This legal clarification is intended to affirm X’s ownership and usage rights regarding the Twitter brand, potentially complicating Operation Bluebird’s initiatives.

The resolution of this trademark dispute will eventually be determined by the USPTO, which will evaluate the legitimacy of Operation Bluebird’s claims against X’s updated legal declarations. The situation provokes questions about the future of the Twitter brand and whether X ought to keep its trademark rights.

As the legal processes proceed, the tech community and users are left to contemplate the repercussions of this trademark conflict. Should X lose the Twitter trademark, it could signal a major transformation in branding and identity for the platform previously recognized as Twitter.

LightBuddy: An Innovative Mac Application for Ring Light Management Offering Color Customization, HDR, and Multiple Monitor Compatibility

### What Occurs When Apple Sherlocks Your App Concept? You Create It Regardless.

#### Before Sherlocking

In the rapid realm of app creation, the phrase “sherlocked” has come to represent the situation where bigger corporations, such as Apple, take on and merge features originally conceived by independent developers. This article delves into the experience of developer Gui Rambo, who encountered this situation personally.

Some months ago, Rambo had an inventive concept: instead of starting with a blank Safari page or depending on a physical ring light for video conferencing, why not harness the Mac’s screen to create a ring-light effect? He imagined a feature that would not only brighten the user but also dim the surrounding space when the cursor neared the ring-light effect, facilitating smooth interaction. However, he was uncertain about the feasibility of the idea and chose to set it aside.

Fast forward to 2025, and Apple declared the launch of macOS 26.2, which featured a new function called the Edge Effect. This function reflected Rambo’s initial idea by dimming areas around the cursor, confirming his original thought. Motivated by this news, Rambo opted to revive his initiative.

#### LightBuddy

Today, Rambo is excited to unveil **LightBuddy**, a groundbreaking application that delivers the ring-light effect straight to the Mac’s display. Upon activation, LightBuddy applies a gentle distortion and dimming effect, ensuring that the light does not disrupt cursor movement at the screen’s edges.

LightBuddy provides numerous customization features, including:

– **HDR Capability**: For HDR-compatible displays, users can turn on HDR lighting and modify its intensity.
– **Color Selections**: In addition to standard blue and amber temperature adjustments, users can pick any color for the illumination.
– **Multi-display Functionality**: Users with several displays can establish separate settings for each screen.

LightBuddy is neatly positioned in the Mac’s menu bar and displays animations inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic.

Beyond its vast customization options, LightBuddy holds a notable edge over Apple’s native Edge Effect: it is usable on any Mac running macOS 14 or newer, including Intel Macs, whereas Apple’s version is restricted to Apple Silicon Macs.

While primarily crafted for Apple displays, LightBuddy can also operate on third-party monitors, such as LG’s UltraFine, though performance may differ.

Rambo is dedicated to further improving LightBuddy, with proposals to introduce keyboard shortcuts, Shortcuts integration, Night Mode, and True Tone support for color temperature adjustments.

LightBuddy is up for grabs at $4.99. For those curious about the development journey and insights into Rambo’s story, he offers additional information on his

Apple Music Renames ‘Favorites Mix’ Playlist to ‘Your Essentials’

### Apple Music Renames “Favorites Mix” to “Your Essentials”

If you woke up today eagerly searching for the weekly update of your “Favorites Mix” in Apple Music, you might have felt let down when you couldn’t locate it. However, it appears that Apple is simply renaming the “Favorites Mix.” It’s now referred to as “Your Essentials” in your Apple Music library.

The “Your Essentials” playlist will continue to be refreshed every Tuesday, just like the former “Favorites Mix.” Apple mentions that the rationale behind this playlist remains unchanged: “The songs you can’t live without. The more you engage with Apple Music, the more vital they become.”

Apple probably renamed “Favorites Mix” to eliminate confusion with the “Favorite Songs” playlist, which includes tracks you’ve manually liked on Apple Music. Now, users have their “Favorite Songs” playlist that they have direct control over, in addition to the algorithmically-curated “Your Essentials” playlist that is updated weekly.

It’s a minor shift, but one that has led to some misunderstanding on social media. Your Apple Music “Favorites Mix” is still available; it just goes by a different name.

### Conclusion

The change from “Favorites Mix” to “Your Essentials” illustrates Apple Music’s persistent efforts to improve user experience and clarity within its system. As users get used to this modification, they can continue to relish personalized music suggestions that adapt to their listening behaviors.

Last-Minute Apple Presents That Will Reach You Before Christmas: An Extensive Manual

As festive shopping approaches its conclusion, there’s still time to grab your preferred Apple products. Whether you aim to acquire a fresh pair of AirPods Pro 3, new Apple accessories, or a MacBook Air, the clock is ticking, but you still have the chance to move swiftly.

Check out the official 9to5Mac last-minute gift guide below.

## AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4

AirPods Pro 3 are certainly the top gift choice this holiday period. As mentioned in my comprehensive review from September, the AirPods Pro 3 are currently the finest items you can purchase from Apple. They are not only outstanding headphones but also provide health monitoring capabilities, groundbreaking accessibility options, and much more.

If you’re seeking something a bit more affordable, AirPods 4 are an excellent alternative. They come in two configurations, one featuring ANC and another at an even lower price.

**Amazon**
– AirPods Pro 3 [$210 (Reg. $249)]
– Most cities can expect delivery by Christmas, but be sure to verify.

**Best Buy**

## Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Series 11 is a fantastic upgrade, particularly for those using an Apple Watch Series 8 or older. Inventory for Christmas delivery is becoming scarce, but it’s still obtainable in various configurations and sizes. Flexibility is key here. Be certain to verify shipping estimates for your area.

## Beats Pill

The Beats Pill remains one of my all-time favorite products available today. It features a distinctive design, exceptional sound quality, seamless integration with your iPhone and other Apple devices, and more.

## MacBook Air

Shipping timelines for the MacBook Air are tightening significantly. This is the most value-packed laptop in Apple’s offerings, but if you need it by Christmas, acting quickly is essential. A delay of just a few hours could push your order past Christmas Day.

Personally, I prefer the 15-inch MacBook Air. The blend of its ultra-slim build and larger screen is unbeatable.

## Mac mini

The M4 Mac mini offers the best value for your money in Apple’s product range. Make sure that you or the person you’re buying for has a keyboard, mouse, and display available.

## iPad

The iPad collection includes a variety of sizes and styles these days, making all of them fantastic Christmas presents. The standard iPad has more than enough capability for most users, while the iPad Air strikes the ideal balance for those wanting additional features without splurging on the iPad Pro. The iPad mini serves as a superb e-reader for anyone within the Apple ecosystem.

Some of these models have limited stock for Christmas, so verify before making a purchase.

There’s no better present than peace of mind, which is precisely what Apple’s AirTag item trackers provide. Whether you or someone you know tends to misplace keys or bags, AirTags are essential.

## Official iPhone cases

If the individual you’re shopping for already possesses (or is receiving) an iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, an official Apple case makes for the perfect stocking stuffer.

## iPhone chargers and stands

– **Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe** [$60 (Reg. $150)]
– **Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger** [$130]
– **Belkin MagSafe 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand** [$59 (Reg. $100)]
– **Apple MagSafe Charger (1m) up to 25W speeds**

Safeguard Your Family’s Information for a Lifetime This Holiday Season with Up to 62% Discount on pCloud

**pCloud: A Reliable and Safe Cloud Storage Option**

pCloud, a cloud storage platform situated in Switzerland, has gained popularity among over 22 million users globally, mainly due to the nation’s strict personal data protection regulations. This dedication to security is enhanced by an intuitive interface and various features that accommodate both personal and family requirements.

### Security and Ease of Use

pCloud provides a solid cloud server for file storage, accessible from any device around the world. The service implements end-to-end encryption (E2EE), guaranteeing that only users possess the decryption keys, thereby protecting sensitive information like passwords, financial details, and private photographs.

Users can retrieve their data on numerous platforms, including Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), Windows, and Linux. A specialized desktop application, pCloud Drive, establishes a virtual disk on Mac, making file management simpler and increasing device storage. The iOS application features an automatic upload function to assist users in conserving space on their devices.

### Simple Sharing

With pCloud, sharing files with relatives and friends is a seamless process. Users can create shareable links for single files or entire folders, regardless of whether the recipient has a pCloud account. Control over shared materials remains with the user, ensuring privacy and security.

Additionally, pCloud supports automatic backups and synchronization with other cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Photos, and OneDrive, boosting its capabilities.

### pCloud Photos

pCloud features advanced photo management tools, turning cloud storage into an intelligent photo gallery. The service automatically organizes photographs by date and offers user-friendly navigation through a timeline. Users can edit images directly within pCloud using an integrated Photo Editor that includes professional-level tools and filters.

### Holiday Promotions

For a limited period, pCloud is presenting special discounts on its Family Lifetime Plans, including a three-in-one bundle that features pCloud encryption and pCloud Pass. The holiday promotions, valid until December 29, consist of:

– **2TB Family Lifetime Plan – $399 (-55%)**
– **10TB Family Lifetime Plan – $1049 (-53%)**
– **3in1 Family Lifetime Bundle including 5TB storage – $799 (-62%)**

These plans accommodate up to five users, with each person having their own private storage area, and they offer flexibility in managing total storage among family members.

For those looking to seize these deals, a dedicated link is available to redeem any of the offers.

In summary, pCloud merges strong security practices with convenience and user-friendly functionalities, making it a superb option for individuals and families seeking dependable cloud storage solutions.