Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Current Offers: M4 MacBook Air Beginning at $849, M4 iPad Pro, Apple MagSafe Charger Starting at $13, Find My Keychain Multi-Tool, and Additional Items

### Apple Offers for July 4th: Notable Price Reductions on M4 MacBook Air and iPad Pro

As the July 4th festivities draw near, Apple fans can benefit from considerable price reductions on some of the newest gadgets. In particular, the M4 MacBook Air and M4 iPad Pro are being offered at lower prices, making this a great chance for those eager to enhance their technology.

#### M4 MacBook Air Offers

Apple’s M4 MacBook Air series has emerged as one of the most desired items in 2025. Presently, all standard setups, featuring a range of colors and storage/RAM combinations for the 13-inch and 15-inch variants, are presented with discounts of at least $150. Here are select top offers:

– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: Starting at **$849** (List Price: $999)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,049** (List Price: $1,199)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,249** (List Price: $1,399)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: Starting at **$1,049** (List Price: $1,199)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,249** (List Price: $1,399)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,336** (List Price: $1,599)

These prices can be found on Amazon, representing some of the best offers available for these models.

#### M4 iPad Pro Discounts

Alongside the MacBook Air, the M4 iPad Pro is experiencing notable price reductions. Many 13-inch variants see discounts of no less than **$200**, with certain configurations having cuts of up to **$299**. A prominent deal is:

– **11-inch M4 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass (1TB)**: Now available for **$1,546.98** (List Price: $1,699), equating to a savings of **$152**.

For more budget-friendly choices, the standard 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models can also be found at appealing prices.

#### Accessories and Additional Discounts

In conjunction with the major device sales, various accessories are also being discounted. The **15W Apple MagSafe charger** starts at just **$13**, while **25W models** begin at **$33**. Additionally, Journey has initiated a **20% off sitewide promotion** on a selection of accessories, including MagSafe chargers and the Find My-enabled LOC8 Key Organizer multi-tools.

#### Apple Pencil Pro and iPad Mini Offers

The **Apple Pencil Pro** is now priced at **$99**, matching the lowest price recorded on Amazon. This version boasts advanced gesture capabilities and compatibility with the latest iPad models.

Moreover, the **newest iPad Mini 7** is seeing a **$100 discount**, with prices starting at **$399**. This applies to all storage options and colors, making it an appealing choice for anyone in search of a compact tablet.

### Conclusion

With these notable price cuts on Apple’s latest gadgets and accessories, it’s an ideal moment to think about upgrading or acquiring a new device. The July 4th sales present a unique chance to save on premium technology.

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Evaluation of Precision for Apple’s Latest Transcription AI: A Comparison with Whisper and Parakeet

# Evaluating Transcription Models: Apple’s Latest API, OpenAI Whisper, and NVIDIA Parakeet

With the increasing need for precise and effective transcription services, a range of models have surfaced, each featuring unique advantages and limitations. Recently, Apple’s latest transcription API has attracted attention due to its speed and precision, leading to comparisons with well-known models such as OpenAI’s Whisper and NVIDIA’s Parakeet. This article examines the functionality of these transcription tools based on recent evaluations.

## Model Overview

1. **Apple’s Latest Transcription API**: A new component of Apple’s developer toolkit, this API offers quick and dependable transcription features.

2. **OpenAI Whisper Large V3 Turbo**: Renowned for its exceptional accuracy, Whisper has been a favored option for transcription tasks, although it operates at a slower pace compared to some alternatives.

3. **NVIDIA Parakeet v2**: Esteemed for its rapid processing, this model is apt for situations where prompt transcriptions are crucial, even if it sacrifices some accuracy.

## Methodology for Testing

The testing was inspired by developer Prakash Pax, who gathered 15 English audio samples, varying from 15 seconds to 2 minutes. He assessed the efficacy of the three transcription tools referenced earlier. For this investigation, I utilized a recent episode of the *9to5Mac Daily* podcast, which had a duration of 7:31 minutes. The tools were tested on an M2 Pro MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM.

### Analysis of Error Rates

To measure each model’s performance, I computed the Character Error Rate (CER) and Word Error Rate (WER) using Hugging Face Spaces. This method allowed for a uniform assessment across all models.

## Performance Outcomes

The table below outlines the transcription times, CER, and WER for each model:

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 5.8% | 12.3% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.2% | 1.5% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 1.9% | 10.3% |

### Additional Assessments

Further assessments were conducted with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, which yielded slightly varied results while maintaining the overall performance trend:

#### Results from ChatGPT

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 6.0% | 12.3% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.4% | 1.4% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 2.1% | 10.2% |

#### Results from Claude

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 8.4% | 11.0% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.1% | 1.0% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 3.5% | 8.2% |

#### Results from Gemini

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 7.6% | 12.3% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 3.4% | 5.3% |

## Conclusion: Which Model Reigns Supreme?

Determining which transcription model is best hinges on the specific requirements of the user.

– **Whisper** excels in accuracy, rendering it the optimal choice for high-stakes transcription where exactness is imperative.
– **Parakeet** is unbeatable in speed, making it suitable for cases demanding quick transcriptions, such as swiftly navigating through extensive recordings.
– **Apple’s API** offers an appropriate compromise between speed and accuracy, making it a robust option for general use, especially as it functions natively without reliance on external APIs.

As developers progressively embrace these innovations, the transcription services landscape is likely to change, with each model enhancing their capabilities over time.

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Apple Unveils Fresh Wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with Store Opening

### Apple Umeda Honored with New Wallpaper Collection

A brand new Apple Store is scheduled to debut later this month in Japan, specifically in Osaka, marking another achievement in Apple’s retail growth. On June 26, Apple Umeda will officially open its doors to customers, and to commemorate this occasion, Apple has unveiled a remarkable new collection of wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, showcasing custom artwork influenced by the store.

Apple has a history of celebrating new store openings by offering distinctive wallpapers that highlight creative interpretations of the iconic Apple logo. This initiative not only amplifies the excitement surrounding the launch but also enables users around the globe to join in the celebration, regardless of their distance from the new site.

The freshly released wallpapers can be found by navigating to the Apple Umeda store page. Based on the device being utilized, users will discover specific versions designed specifically for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This strategy ensures that everyone can appreciate the new designs and customize their devices with a touch of Apple’s artistic style.

In addition to the Umeda wallpapers, Apple has previously launched similar designs for other recent store inaugurations, including spots like Miami Worldcenter, La Vaguada, and Hongdae. These offerings have turned into a favored method for fans and users to commemorate Apple’s retail presence and maintain their devices’ fashionable appearance.

As Apple continues to grow its presence, the opening of new stores remains a notable occasion, not only for the company but also for its community of users. The wallpapers act as a testament to the brand’s dedication to creativity and innovation, reaching beyond mere products to enhance the overall user experience.

For those looking to refresh their device’s appearance, the new wallpapers present an ideal way to celebrate the launch of Apple Umeda. Users are invited to explore the store page for the newest designs and share their feedback on the wallpapers in the comments section.

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Leak Discloses Possible Battery Capacity of iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple plans to reveal its iPhone 17 series in September, generating considerable excitement regarding the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Recent leaks indicate that this model may be bulkier and heavier, primarily to fit a larger battery. A recent disclosure has shed light on the anticipated battery capacity for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, speculated to be around 5,000mAh, making it the largest battery ever included in an iPhone.

Per the leaker Instant Digital, the projected capacity of about 5,000mAh signifies a substantial increase from earlier models. For reference, the battery capacities of the previous iPhone Pro Max devices are as follows:

– iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676mAh
– iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,422mAh
– iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4,323mAh

The potential rise to 5,000mAh represents nearly a 10% enhancement in capacity compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, it is crucial to recognize that a battery’s capacity doesn’t necessarily result in proportional improvements in battery longevity. While the larger battery is anticipated to improve the overall battery life of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the actual usage time will be influenced by various factors, including optimizations in iOS 26.

For users who value battery endurance, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be the favored option, as it strives to maintain its dominance in battery performance. The excitement surrounding this model prompts the question of whether users are prepared to accept a thicker and heavier device for enhanced battery life.

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Android Users Are Now Able to Modify Messages Delivered to iPhones, Yet iPhone Users Are Unable to Edit Messages Sent to Android

**iPhones and Android Smartphones: A Novel Phase of Communication with RCS Capability**

The domain of mobile communication has significantly transformed with Apple’s introduction of Rich Communication Services (RCS) support for iPhones, facilitating enhanced interaction between iOS and Android gadgets. Previously, messaging across these two platforms depended on conventional SMS, which is frequently critiqued for its absence of security and contemporary features.

### The Shift to RCS

Apple’s choice to adopt RCS represents a crucial turning point in the ongoing competition between iPhones and Android smartphones. RCS presents a variety of improvements over SMS, such as read receipts, typing notifications, and the capability to transmit high-definition images and videos. Nevertheless, not all RCS functionalities are presently accessible on iPhones, as the highly awaited end-to-end encryption and message editing options are pending the rollout of RCS 3.0, which is anticipated with iOS 26.

### Message Editing: A Restricted Rollout

A prominent feature of RCS 3.0 is the option to edit messages post-sending. Recently, there have been reports indicating that a subset of Android beta users can now access this feature when messaging iPhone users. This allows Android users to long-press a dispatched message, select a pencil icon, and modify the original content before resending it. Notably, this capability is not confined to those using the iOS 26 developer beta; it is also functional for users on iOS 18.5.

Despite this progress, the current execution is relatively inconvenient. While Android users receive the modified message, iPhone users see the initial message with an asterisk denoting it has been altered, followed by the updated version as a separate entry. This one-way editing feature does not allow iPhone users to modify messages sent to Android devices, although they can edit messages sent to other iPhone users.

### Future Outlook

The possibility of full RCS 3.0 deployment raises inquiries about whether Apple will permit bidirectional message editing in the future. If successful, this could enhance the messaging experience for users across both platforms, encouraging a more seamless communication landscape.

### Conclusion

The incorporation of RCS support by Apple marks a progression towards closing the divide between iPhone and Android users. While the current features are restricted and somewhat unwieldy, the potential for future upgrades could lead to a more integrated messaging experience. As technology continues to progress, users can anticipate a more unified communication environment.

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Apple Watch and AirPods Continue to Hold Global Market Dominance for the Moment

**Apple Watch and AirPods: Supremacy in the Worldwide Market**

Recent market intelligence reveals that Apple’s AirPods and Apple Watch persist as frontrunners in their respective sectors. Nonetheless, the competition is becoming fiercer, especially from Huawei, which poses a significant challenge to Apple’s entrenched supremacy in the smartwatch arena.

### AirPods

Per Counterpoint Research, the true wireless stereo (TWS) headphone sector remains robust, with Apple holding a substantial market share. The most recent findings indicate that Apple’s share has dipped slightly by 0.4%, now hovering around 21%. This cements Apple’s status as the dominant player, with Huawei following at 8% and no other brands surpassing 5%.

The launch of new AirPods models, including the eagerly awaited AirPods Pro 3, is anticipated to revitalize the market. These upcoming models aim to enhance the user experience with augmented healthcare features and immersive audio quality. However, the premium pricing of the Pro model could restrict its effect on overall shipment figures. A more notable surge in sales is expected in 2027, aligning with the arrival of standard AirPods and a new variant featuring active noise cancellation (ANC).

### Apple Watch

In the smartwatch domain, Apple has historically captured over 50% of the market share. Yet, this proportion has slowly decreased to around 20%, with Huawei closely trailing at 16%. Despite witnessing a year-over-year drop for six consecutive quarters, Apple retains its status as market leader, primarily due to its growing iOS user community.

The competitive environment is evolving, with Huawei gaining traction and branching out from its core markets in China and India. This expansion, coupled with strong performance from other Chinese brands like Imoo and Xiaomi, is intensifying the contest for established names like Apple.

### Conclusion

Although Apple remains at the forefront in both the AirPods and Apple Watch arenas, the rising competition from Huawei and other brands implies that its dominance may face challenges soon. The shifting landscape necessitates ongoing innovation and strategic initiatives from Apple to sustain its market presence.

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Research Shows Adolescent Drivers Devote 21% of Their Time Distracted by Mobile Devices [Video]

**The Disturbing Truth About Teen Distracted Driving in the US**

A new study has uncovered a troubling trend among adolescent drivers in the United States: they spend nearly 21% of their driving duration focused on their phones. This pattern greatly heightens the danger of distracted driving incidents, posing a serious public safety concern.

Though much of the phone engagement consists of momentary looks, over 5% of driving time involves staring at the phone for more than two seconds, which is sufficient to be deemed hazardous. Even with an awareness of the dangers tied to distracted driving, numerous teens persist in this behavior.

The study, which included responses from 1,126 teen drivers from all four US regions and detailed interviews with a smaller group of high school students, indicated that most participants recognized the risks of distracted driving and felt that their parents and peers condemned such actions. Nevertheless, the normalization of phone use while driving continues, with many teens confessing that their friends also partake in this perilous behavior.

The distribution of phone use while driving shows that 30% of screen time is spent on navigation, while messaging constitutes 40% and entertainment applications dominate at 65%. These figures underscore the various ways teens are distracted while operating a vehicle.

In light of this escalating issue, Apple has rolled out features such as “Do Not Disturb while driving,” initially launched in iOS 11. A study conducted by an insurance company revealed that 70% of iPhone users take advantage of this feature. However, it seems that many teens are not making use of these safety options.

Dr. Rebecca Robbins, the principal author of the study from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlights the necessity for interventions that alter social norms and encourage practical measures, such as activating “Do Not Disturb” mode and physically distancing drivers from their devices. She cautions that distracted driving presents a substantial public health danger, particularly among young drivers, jeopardizing not just their safety but also that of others on the road.

Distracted driving has resulted in numerous heart-wrenching accidents, leading to serious injuries and deaths. For parents of teen drivers, it might be advantageous to share powerful videos that demonstrate the grave consequences of distracted driving, fostering a deeper understanding of the associated risks.

Ultimately, the matter of distracted driving among teenagers is urgent and demands immediate focus. By raising awareness and promoting responsible driving practices, we can strive to diminish the occurrence of this hazardous behavior and improve road safety for everyone.

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Review: The Adaptability of XREAL One Glasses Improved by the iPad Pro

# XREAL One AR Glasses: An In-Depth Review

I’ve been assessing one of the latest offerings from XREAL in the realm of AR glasses: the [XREAL One’s](https://amzn.to/4lwmTrT). These are undoubtedly the most adaptable pair of AR glasses I’ve experienced thus far, and they truly shine in an unexpected place: the [M4 iPad Pro](https://amzn.to/44ut0Gy) running iPadOS 26. Weighing in at just under 3 ounces (84 grams), they are quite convenient to carry.

## Why I Like Them

Generally, when considering plug-in AR glasses, they’re typically used for one of two purposes. Either you’re mirroring your phone screen to enjoy movies or shows on a large display, or you’re extending your laptop screen – offering a broader workspace compared to what a 14-inch screen can provide.

Usually, the iPad isn’t heavily featured in this context, but I found my experience with the [XREAL One](https://amzn.to/4lwmTrT) glasses enhanced when using my iPad.

I personally utilize an [11-inch iPad Pro](https://amzn.to/44ut0Gy), and while this screen size is fantastic for portability and tablet tasks, it does fall slightly short when it comes to productivity while being connected to my Magic Keyboard.

The remedy? [XREAL One](https://amzn.to/4lwmTrT). Of course, external displays are an option, but I’ve never been particularly inclined to use my iPad at a desk, given that I could just opt for a Mac. The [XREAL One](https://amzn.to/4lwmTrT) acts as a sizable high-resolution external display, and since they’re merely a pair of glasses you can easily stow away in your bag, they offer fantastic portability.

Furthermore, with iPadOS 26 rolling out windowing across all supported iPad models, the demand for an external display has risen. The [XREAL One glasses](https://amzn.to/4lwmTrT) are essentially plug-and-play, so once you connect them to your [iPad Pro](https://amzn.to/44ut0Gy)’s USB-C port, you’re up and running. You can adjust a few settings on the glasses, but no specific app is needed for setup, which I find quite convenient.

## Key Specifications

These glasses are equipped with micro-OLED panels, similar to those found in the Apple Vision Pro. They achieve high brightness levels and are quite sharp. Each eye gets a 1920×1080 display, culminating in over 4 million pixels in total. The displays operate at 120Hz for fluid visuals and deliver 600 nits of brightness – though to me, they feel even brighter.

The [XREAL One’s](https://amzn.to/4lwmTrT) feature electrochromic dimming, enabling you to control the amount of light that passes through with a simple button press. You can select “clear,” which lets all light through; “shade,” which provides additional tint; or “theater,” which fully blacks out the glasses. It’s quite beneficial that you can use these glasses as a completely secluded pair, which is great for outdoor use or similar situations.

Additionally, there is on-device IPD adjustment, letting you customize the fit for your eyes. Misalignment in IPD (inter-pupillary distance) is a primary cause of motion sickness in XR content, making this a crucial feature. XREAL also promotes built-in Bose speakers with Spatial Audio support, though personally, I tend to prefer [AirPods](https://amzn.to/4kkTdwS) and usually avoid built-in speakers on my devices.

## Notable Features

Moreover, the

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9to5Mac Daily: July 2, 2025 – Conversation about iPhone Fold and Apple’s Legal Struggle with the DOJ

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping up with the latest developments can be quite difficult. 9to5Mac Daily provides a practical solution, delivering a summary of the most important stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem every weekday. This podcast caters to Apple fans who wish to remain updated on recent advancements, product launches, and industry insights.

**Where to Tune In**

Listeners can enjoy 9to5Mac Daily across various platforms, making the podcast accessible wherever you choose to listen. You can find it on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast platforms

**Sponsorship and Features**

The podcast is brought to you by [Bitwarden](https://bit.ly/4jXqkHC), a password management tool that includes strong security features, such as a newly integrated Apple Watch authenticator and secure autofill options for Safari and iOS applications. Bitwarden offers enterprise-level security solutions to assist users in managing their credentials securely.

**Podcast Format and Content**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily is recorded on weekdays, guaranteeing timely updates for listeners. The podcast explores a variety of subjects, including:

– Latest Apple product announcements
– Software updates and features
– Industry trends and analyses
– Insights from Apple insiders

Listeners are invited to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or their preferred podcast player to receive new episodes immediately upon release.

**Support and Engagement**

To improve the listening experience, supporters can back the podcast through [9to5Mac Daily Plus](https://9to5mac.com/join/), which provides ad-free episodes and additional content. The podcast team appreciates listener feedback and encourages interaction via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Moreover, listeners can assist in promoting the show by rating it on [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) or recommending it in

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Apple Enters Threads Following Two Years of Development

Apple Activates Official Threads Account, Instantly Accumulates 4.8 Million Followers

Apple has officially unveiled its Threads account, swiftly gathering nearly 5 million followers right away owing to its vast Instagram influence. This action follows the engagement of various Apple-related accounts on Threads shortly after its debut in mid-2023, such as Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Books, Shazam, and Beats by Dre. Nevertheless, the primary @apple account had remained dormant until this moment.

Immediately, the @apple account secured over 4.8 million followers upon activation, attributed to Threads’ auto-follow capability for Instagram users. Given that Apple’s Instagram follower count surpasses 34 million, this swift increase was anticipated.

Apple has upheld a substantial footprint on X, nearing 10 million followers, utilizing the platform for event announcements and product unveilings. Conversely, its activity on alternative platforms like Mastodon has been relatively minimal, with only Phil Schiller, an Apple Fellow, having a personal profile.

Although Apple’s move into Threads does not necessarily signify a total transformation in its social media approach, it showcases the company’s readiness to interact with wider social networks. The future of its involvement on Threads, including possible posts and marketing initiatives, remains ambiguous. Numerous companies have embraced new platforms only to withdraw after an initial wave of enthusiasm.

As Meta continues to present Threads as a reliable substitute for X, Apple’s discreet entrance into this arena is significant.

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