Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Apple Product Discounts: An In-Depth Look

In the past few weeks, fans of Apple have been offered a range of considerable discounts on sought-after devices, making it a great moment for prospective buyers to think about upgrading their gadgets. This article showcases some of the most significant offers currently on the market, including the Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, MacBook Pro models, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

#### Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery

The Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery has experienced a notable price reduction, now priced at **$59.99**, which signifies a **40% reduction** from its initial cost. This offer is especially enticing for those wanting to boost their iPhone’s battery performance without overspending. Given the accessory’s popularity, prospective buyers are encouraged to act swiftly, as inventory may be limited.

#### MacBook Pro Discounts

1. **32GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro**
– Amazon has launched an all-time low price for the **32GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro**, now available at **$1,799**, down from its standard price of **$2,099**. This **$300 reduction** makes it one of the year’s top deals for those in search of a high-performance laptop. The model showcases a timeless Silver finish, appealing to users who appreciate a classic aesthetic.

2. **48GB M5 Pro MacBook Pro**
– Likewise, the **48GB M5 Pro MacBook Pro** is available with a **$300 reduction**, offering a solid choice for users in need of increased RAM and processing capabilities.

These offers come at a moment when the stock of the 512GB M5 MacBook Pro models is diminishing, making these promotions particularly worthwhile.

#### iPad Air Clearance Offers

For those seeking a more budget-conscious choice, the **M3 iPad Air** is currently offered at notable discounts, with savings up to **$300**. The **11-inch 256GB variant** is priced at **$599**, dropping from **$849**, presenting an outstanding opportunity for users who require a dependable tablet without state-of-the-art features.

#### Mid-range iPad Pro Discounts

The **13-inch M5 iPad Pro** is also benefiting from discounts, with the **512GB version** now available for **$1,349.99**, marking a **$149 price reduction** from its original **$1,499**. This model is perfect for users desiring a blend of performance and cost-effectiveness, especially with the advantage of a one-year Apple warranty on open-box items available at Best Buy.

#### Philips Hue Bridge Pro Offer

In addition to Apple offerings, the **Philips Hue Bridge Pro** is currently available at a rare discount, priced just above **$79**. This smart home device has been difficult to locate at a lower rate, making this offer particularly significant for those aiming to upgrade their smart home experience.

#### Apple Watch Series 11 Offers

The **Apple Watch Series 11** is also included in the ongoing markdowns, with prices beginning at **$299** for the aluminum models, showing a **$100 reduction**. The higher-end Titanium models come with even steeper discounts, with some configurations reduced by **$160**.

### Conclusion

With these major discounts across a selection of Apple products, this is a prime time for consumers to contemplate upgrading their devices. Whether you’re looking for a new MacBook Pro, an iPad, or accessories like the MagSafe Battery and Philips Hue Bridge, these promotions offer a chance to save considerably while investing in top-tier technology.

### Gemini is Arriving Soon on Google Maps for CarPlay

While Apple Maps keeps advancing, numerous CarPlay users still opt for Google Maps. Recent code leaks indicate that Google Maps is poised for a major upgrade with the addition of Gemini.

#### The Addition of Gemini

With the launch of iOS 26.4, the support for AI chatbot applications in CarPlay has broadened, paving the way for new applications like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok. Although Google Gemini presently does not have a specific CarPlay application, recent findings suggest that its incorporation into Google Maps for CarPlay is on the horizon.

According to discoveries made by Aaron Perris, code snippets within the Google Maps CarPlay application allude to forthcoming Gemini functionalities. While Gemini is already operational within Google Maps on the iPhone, its features have yet to be integrated into the CarPlay interface.

#### Anticipated Features of Gemini in Google Maps

The incorporation of Gemini into Google Maps for CarPlay is projected to significantly elevate user experience. To get an idea of what these features may include, a video displaying Gemini’s capabilities is available for viewing.

#### Future Prospects

Once Gemini is fully implemented for Google Maps, there is optimism for a standalone Gemini application for CarPlay in the future. This could further refine navigation and improve the overall driving experience for users.

#### Conclusion

As Google Maps gets ready to incorporate Gemini into its CarPlay interface, users can look forward to a more powerful navigation experience. The ongoing rivalry between Apple Maps and Google Maps fuels innovation, ensuring users have the finest tools for their travels.

**iOS 26.5: Major Features and Changes**

Following six weeks of beta testing, iOS 26.5 has been officially launched, delivering a range of new features and improvements for iPhone users. This update can be conveniently installed through the Settings app under General and Software Update.

### New Features in iOS 26.5

#### 1. Fresh Wallpapers
iOS 26.5 brings forth an exciting array of new wallpapers as part of Apple’s 2026 Pride collection. The Pride Luminance wallpapers are customizable, permitting users to choose from numerous color combinations that honor the LGBTQ+ community.

#### 2. Enhancements to Apple Maps
The update lays the foundation for forthcoming advertisements in Apple Maps, introducing a feature known as Suggested Places. This feature will propose local destinations based on popular spots and user search patterns. Nonetheless, ads are not active in this version yet.

#### 3. RCS End-to-End Encryption
iOS 26.5 implements end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, bolstering privacy for users interacting with Android devices. This feature is enabled automatically and can be adjusted in the Messages settings.

#### 4. App Store Subscription Options
A new billing option for subscriptions is introduced, allowing developers to offer monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. This feature is unavailable in the U.S. or Singapore.

#### 5. Changes Specific to the EU
For users in the EU, iOS 26.5 adds support for Live Activities with third-party accessories and enhancements in notifications and pairing capabilities.

#### 6. Magic Pairing
Connecting Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, or Mouse to an iPhone or iPad has been simplified. Once linked using USB-C, these devices will automatically pair via Bluetooth when disconnected.

### Additional Updates
– A new Inuktitut keyboard layout.
– Features for Apple Books hinting at a “Year In Review for 2026.”
– Improved data transfer options when transitioning from iPhone to Android.

### Security Enhancements
iOS 26.5 resolves over 50 security vulnerabilities, emphasizing the necessity of updating to ensure device security.

### Conclusion
Though iOS 26.5 may appear to be a minor update compared to its predecessor, it lays the groundwork for future developments and showcases Apple’s ongoing dedication to user privacy and personalization. As focus turns to iOS 27, users can anticipate even more groundbreaking features in future updates.

Apple Arcade has recently revealed an exhilarating crossover event featuring the cherished children’s character Bluey, set to debut on May 21. This event will seamlessly incorporate Bluey into five well-known titles on the platform, offering fans a distinctive chance to interact with their favorite character in novel ways.

### Bluey Crossover Details

Commencing on **Thursday, May 21**, players will notice Bluey characters making their entrance into the following Apple Arcade games:

– **Crossy Road Castle**
– **Suika Game+**
– **Disney Coloring World+**
– **Stitch**
– **Puffies**

These exclusive Bluey-themed enhancements will be accessible for a limited duration, with availability lasting until June 24 for Stitch, July 8 for Puffies, and July 21 for the remaining three titles. This initiative seeks to embody the playful and imaginative essence of Bluey, as highlighted by Marina Mello, BBC Studios’ global director of Gaming & Interactive. Mello remarked that Apple Arcade’s dedication to quality and family-oriented experiences renders it an ideal platform for these temporary events.

### New Games Coming to Apple Arcade

Alongside the Bluey crossover, Apple has unveiled four new games set to be incorporated into the Apple Arcade collection on **Thursday, June 4**. While specific titles have yet to be revealed in the announcement, these new entries will enhance the current library of over 200 ad-free games available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more, all without in-app purchases.

### Subscription Information

Apple Arcade is obtainable for a subscription cost of **$6.99 per month** and is also part of the Apple One bundle, granting users access to a diverse array of games and services.

For further information on recent additions and updates to Apple Arcade, users can explore the official Apple Arcade page or keep up with related news coverage.

**Spotify’s Annual Celebration: An In-Depth Review of Your Streaming Experience**

As Spotify commemorates its 20th anniversary, the streaming powerhouse has launched an intriguing new feature known as “Annual Celebration.” This functionality enables users to look back on their complete listening history since they first signed up, providing a sentimental glance at their musical journey.

### An Overview of Your Listening Preferences

The Annual Celebration feature offers an extensive overview of a user’s Spotify activity. For many, this experience can be traced back to the service’s early days, with some users registered since 2009. The feature spotlights several significant elements of a user’s listening history, such as:

– **Initial Song Streamed**: Uncover the very first tune you listened to on Spotify.
– **Most Frequently Played Artist**: Learn which artist has been the most prevalent in your playlists throughout the years.
– **Distinct Songs Listened To**: Gain insights into the aggregate number of unique songs you’ve appreciated.
– **Top 120 Songs Playlist**: Relish a specially curated playlist showcasing your most-listened-to tracks.

### Honoring Two Decades of Music

Although Spotify officially debuted 18 years ago and entered the U.S. market 15 years ago, the company is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this reflective feature. As reported by Engadget, the experience is crafted to honor the platform’s influence on music consumption and its journey over the years.

### Curated Playlists for Every Preference

Beyond personal insights, Spotify has also assembled numerous playlists to honor its anniversary. These include:

– **Pioneers of Pop**: A compilation of pop anthems that have defined the genre.
– **Women in Music**: Celebrating female artists who have made substantial marks in the music industry.
– **20 Years of Latin Anthems**: A homage to the lively and varied realm of Latin music.

### How to Access the Feature

Users can effortlessly reach the Annual Celebration feature by visiting spotify.com/20 on their iPhone or by scanning a QR code provided by Spotify. This intuitive method guarantees that everyone can easily revisit their musical memories.

### Conclusion

Spotify’s Annual Celebration is not merely a commemoration of the platform’s endurance but also a chance for users to reconnect with their musical history. By emphasizing personal milestones in listening habits and offering curated playlists, Spotify further enriches the user experience, making music discovery more engaging and reflective. Whether you’ve been a devoted listener since the start or joined more recently, this feature promises to provide a charming journey down memory lane.

**iRobot’s Revival: Fresh Roomba Models with New Ownership**

iRobot, the trailblazer of robotic vacuum cleaners, has recently resurfaced from bankruptcy with new ownership. The firm, known for transforming home cleaning through its Roomba series, encountered substantial competition from an increasing number of rivals providing more budget-friendly options. Following its voluntary bankruptcy filing at the end of the previous year, iRobot was taken over by its main manufacturer in China, Shenzhen PICEA Robotics.

In the wake of this transition, iRobot has revealed the rollout of eight new Roomba models, highlighting innovations in both technology and design. The freshly introduced lineup promises enhanced performance, with numerous models being up to 25 percent more compact, facilitating improved navigation within homes. Although US pricing remains unverified, UK prices hint at a comparable starting point for the new base model, with the entry-level Roomba 115 Combo listed at £229 (about $309) and the premier model, the Roomba 775, at £799 ($1,080). This signifies a minor decrease from the former lineup, which commenced at £249 and escalated to £999.

Significant upgrades in the new models include a notable increase in suction power. The top-tier Max 775 model showcases a remarkable suction capability of 30,000 Pa, nearly double that of its forerunner, the 705 model, which had 16,000 Pa. Furthermore, the new models incorporate pressurized hot spray pretreatment and a “hot spot mopping” feature, enhancing their cleaning effectiveness. The inclusion of LiDAR and AI-driven camera technologies remains a defining attribute of iRobot’s innovations, ensuring efficient navigation and cleaning capabilities.

The entry-level Roomba 115 Combo vacuum and mop distinguishes itself as a budget-friendly choice, providing a doubling of suction power to 15,000 Pa, with an optional auto-empty dock available for an additional £70 ($95). This blend of performance and cost-effectiveness positions iRobot to regain its footing in the competitive robot vacuum arena.

As iRobot steps into this new phase, the launch of these cutting-edge models signifies the company’s dedication to improving home cleaning experiences while adjusting to the shifting market dynamics.

**FBI and NSA Alert about Russian Compromise of Home Routers: Immediate Action Needed**

In a crucial cybersecurity warning, the FBI and NSA have collaboratively revealed that Russian military intelligence, particularly the GRU group referred to as APT28 or Fancy Bear, has been methodically infiltrating home and small office routers since at least 2024. This infiltration enables adversaries to capture credentials, authentication tokens, and confidential communications, presenting a significant risk to users.

The agencies have taken the rare measure of securing a court order to remotely reset thousands of impacted devices throughout the United States. Yet, they stress that without proactive steps from individual router owners, the security vulnerabilities will continue.

### Affected Devices

The routers flagged by the FBI are obsolete models that are no longer receiving security patches, rendering them especially susceptible. The specific models listed include:

– TP-Link TL-WR841N
– TP-Link LTE Wireless N Router MR6400
– TP-Link Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router Archer C5
– TP-Link Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router Archer C7
– TP-Link Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router WDR3600
– TP-Link Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router WDR4300
– TP-Link Wireless Dual Band Router WDR3500
– TP-Link Wireless Lite N Router WR740N
– TP-Link Wireless Lite N Router WR740N/WR741ND
– TP-Link Wireless Lite N Router WR749N
– TP-Link Wireless N 3G/4G Router MR3420
– TP-Link Wireless N Access Point WA801ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Access Point WA901ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Gigabit Router WR1043ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Gigabit Router WR1045ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR840N
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR841HP
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR841N
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR841N/WR841ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR842N
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR842ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR845N
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR941ND
– TP-Link Wireless N Router WR945N

Considering that these devices are no longer current, the FBI strongly advises replacing them to reduce the risk of further breaches.

### Security Best Practices

To strengthen router security, users are encouraged to implement the following measures:

1. **Enable Automatic Firmware Updates**: Set your router to receive firmware updates automatically to guard against vulnerabilities.

2. **Change Default Credentials**: Alter the default admin username and password to block unauthorized access.

3. **Disable Remote Management**: Turn off the remote management feature in the router’s admin settings unless it is necessary.

4. **Use a VPN**: The FBI particularly recommends that remote workers employ a VPN when accessing sensitive information for added security.

By adhering to these recommendations, users can significantly enhance their router security and safeguard their personal data from potential cyber threats.

**The Ascendancy, Decline, and Resurgence of Digg: An In-Depth Examination**

Digg, once celebrated as “the internet’s homepage,” has undergone a rocky path since it was first introduced. Launched in 2004, Digg served as a social news aggregation service where users could submit links and vote on articles, a mechanism termed “digging” or “burying.” However, an ill-fated redesign in 2010 prompted a mass migration of users to Reddit, eventually leading to Digg being sold off in parts within two years.

### A Brief Overview of Digg’s Timeline

At its zenith, Digg permitted both editors and users to share links, promoting a community-centric method of news dissemination. Users could upvote content they deemed interesting, which would promote it on the site, while downvotes would hide less favored links. This participatory aspect was enhanced by the ability for other sites to integrate Digg buttons, allowing users to engage without navigating directly to the site.

Nevertheless, the platform’s downfall was triggered by an unpopular update, widespread manipulation of the voting mechanism, and the emergence of social media behemoths like Facebook, which introduced more user-friendly features such as Like and Share buttons.

In 2025, Digg’s creator Kevin Rose, in partnership with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, made an attempt to breathe new life into the platform, striving to regain its past prominence.

### The Initial Unsuccessful Resurrection

The first attempt at reviving Digg entered closed beta towards the end of 2025 and was publicly launched in early 2026. The revamped Digg vowed to counteract bot interference and guarantee genuine user involvement. The company asserted that it would employ a mixture of trust signals and verification methods to uphold the platform’s integrity.

Yet, despite these initiatives, the revival was fleeting. Fewer than two months post-launch, Digg collapsed once more due to being overwhelmed by bots, ironically compromising its fundamental goal of fostering a reliable environment for users.

### Digg’s Most Recent Effort: A Change in Direction

In an unexpected turn, Digg has revealed a second revival, this time shifting to an aggregator of social media content, especially in the swiftly advancing realm of artificial intelligence. The new Digg aspires to navigate through the overwhelming clutter of online information and emphasize the most pertinent insights.

The platform plans to track a thousand leading figures in AI, curating their perspectives and dialogues to furnish users with meaningful material amidst the chaos of information overload. This strategic pivot demonstrates an acknowledgment of the contemporary digital environment, where the capacity to identify significant content is becoming increasingly vital.

### Early Access and Upcoming Opportunities

For those eager to experience this latest version of Digg, early access is accessible via their new website. Users can interact with the platform during its preview phase before it reverts to its original domain, digg.com.

Given the difficulties encountered in prior initiatives, skepticism about the sustainability of this new revival persists. However, the shift toward social media aggregation could offer the fresh direction necessary to re-engage users once more.

In summary, Digg’s trajectory from a groundbreaking social news platform to its current revival efforts highlights the fluid nature of online services and the ongoing challenge of adapting to evolving user expectations and technological innovations.

### Apple @ Work: Trends in macOS System Administration

In the continuously changing realm of technology, effective management of macOS systems is essential for organizations that depend on Apple devices. In a recent installment of Apple @ Work, hosts Jaron Bradley and Michael Covington from Jamf explore the newest trends in macOS system administration, emphasizing the significance of efficient processes and strong solutions for enterprises.

#### The Importance of Mosyle

Mosyle distinguishes itself as a frontrunner in the realm of Apple device administration. As the sole Apple Unified Platform, it unifies all necessary tools to deploy, oversee, and safeguard Apple devices effortlessly. With over 45,000 organizations relying on Mosyle, it has demonstrated to be an efficient and budget-friendly choice for preparing millions of Apple devices for use with minimal exertion.

#### Significant Trends in macOS Administration

1. **Automation**: Automation is increasingly essential in macOS administration. Organizations are seeking methods to automate repetitive tasks, alleviating the burden on IT teams and enabling them to concentrate on more strategic endeavors.

2. **Security**: With the increase of cyber threats, security continues to be a primary concern. Effective management solutions must incorporate strong security features to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with policies.

3. **User Experience**: Improving the user experience is vital for productivity. System administration tools are advancing to offer a more user-friendly interface, facilitating easier navigation and utilization of devices.

4. **Integration**: The capability to integrate different tools and platforms is critical. Organizations are searching for solutions that can operate seamlessly with current systems, ensuring a unified workflow.

5. **Remote Management**: As remote work remains widespread, the demand for effective remote management solutions is more crucial than ever. IT teams need tools that enable them to manage devices from any location, ensuring employees stay productive no matter where they are.

#### Conclusion

As organizations progressively embrace Apple devices, grasping the trends in macOS system administration is vital. Solutions like Mosyle offer the essential tools to streamline processes, bolster security, and enhance user experience. For businesses aiming to refine their Apple device administration, investigating these trends and utilizing the appropriate solutions will be crucial to achieving success.

For additional insights and to remain informed on the latest in Apple device administration, tune in to the complete episode of Apple @ Work featuring Jaron Bradley and Michael Covington.

**Cook Approved for Trump’s China Visit**

The White House has announced that Apple CEO Tim Cook will accompany President Trump on his forthcoming journey to China. Set to leave Washington on May 12, the president is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later that week. This trip features a delegation of more than a dozen notable executives from various sectors.

The list of delegates, as reported by *The New York Times*, includes:

– Tim Cook of Apple
– Larry Fink of BlackRock
– Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone
– Kelly Ortberg of Boeing
– Brian Sikes of Cargill
– Jane Fraser of Citi
– Jim Anderson of Coherent
– Larry Culp of GE Aerospace
– David Solomon of Goldman Sachs
– Jacob Thaysen of Illumina
– Michael Miebach of Mastercard
– Dina Powell McCormick of Meta
– Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron
– Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm
– Elon Musk of Tesla
– Ryan McInerney of Visa

Importantly, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins was initially part of the delegation but later declared that he would not be able to attend.

Tim Cook’s involvement is noteworthy, particularly given his absence from Trump’s prior visit to the UAE, which reportedly annoyed the president. Following that trip, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones not produced in the U.S., a response believed to be aimed at Cook’s absence.

By participating in this journey, Cook seeks to avoid any further public disagreements with Trump and to reaffirm Apple’s engagement with international policymakers. This involvement is vital as Cook transitions to the role of executive chairman, ensuring sustained influence in governmental relations globally.