Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**macOS Tahoe 26.5: New Power Control Option for Improved Accessibility**

Today marks the release of macOS Tahoe 26.5 for all eligible Macs, featuring a significant option aimed at enhancing accessibility. Though the update is relatively modest compared to the more extensive changes in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, it introduces a new ‘Power control’ option tailored for Mac desktops.

### Power Control Option: Manage Your Mac’s Power State

The most noteworthy enhancement in macOS 26.5 is the power control option, which enables users to power off or restart their Mac mini, Mac Studio, or iMac via assistive devices like switches. This capability is primarily aimed at users faced with mobility difficulties, allowing them to manage their devices with greater ease.

As stated in Apple’s official release notes, the power control option can be located within the Energy section of the System Settings. It is specifically crafted to function with assistive devices, which are recommended for improving accessibility. Additional details about these devices can be found on Apple’s accessibility webpage.

### Broader Applications Beyond Accessibility

While the main focus of this feature is individuals with disabilities, the power control option can also aid users without mobility issues. For example, someone may find it more convenient to manage their Mac’s power state remotely or via an external switch for specific scenarios.

It is crucial to mention that if users do not find the new option in macOS 26.5, it might be necessary to have an assistive device already configured to utilize this feature.

### Conclusion

macOS 26.5 introduces a valuable enhancement with its new power control option, improving the usability of Mac desktops for a broader audience. Whether for accessibility reasons or convenience, this feature demonstrates Apple’s dedication to making technology more inclusive. Users are encouraged to explore this new option and consider how it could integrate into their everyday activities.

Apple has launched its newest software suite, version 26.5, which includes updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more. This update not only brings new functionalities but also updates previous operating system versions, ensuring users with older devices receive essential security upgrades.

### Overview of the 26.5 Software Lineup

The 26.5 software update features:

– **iOS 26.5**
– **iPadOS 26.5**
– **macOS 26.5**

These updates aim to enhance user experience and introduce new features, such as new wallpapers for iPhones.

### Updates for Older OS Versions

Alongside the new 26.5 updates, Apple has also provided updates for several prior versions of its operating systems. This includes:

#### iOS Updates
– **iOS 18.7.9**
– **iOS 16.7.16**
– **iOS 15.8.8**

#### iPadOS Updates
– **iPadOS 18.7.9**
– **iPadOS 17.7.11**
– **iPadOS 16.7.16**
– **iPadOS 15.8.8**

#### macOS Updates
– **macOS Sequoia 15.7.7**
– **macOS Sonoma 14.8.7**

These updates focus mainly on security improvements, guaranteeing that users on older releases can take advantage of the latest defenses against vulnerabilities.

### Security Enhancements

While comprehensive details about the specific modifications in these updates are still forthcoming, Apple has mentioned that the updates will feature essential security fixes. For example, the security notes for iOS and iPadOS 15.8.8 indicate that they include the same notification security patch that was previously part of the iOS and iPadOS 26.4.2 update.

### Importance of Updating

Users utilizing older versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS are advised to upgrade their devices to ensure they benefit from the latest security enhancements. Keeping software current is vital for safeguarding personal information and sustaining device performance.

### Conclusion

With the rollout of the 26.5 software suite and updates for older versions, Apple remains committed to prioritizing user security and experience across its devices. Users are encouraged to stay updated on available releases and to implement them promptly to enjoy the latest features and security enhancements.

### Managing Digital Files for Apple Users: A Solution with pCloud

For Apple users, handling digital files frequently feels like an ongoing struggle against storage constraints and recurring subscription costs. High-resolution images, 4K videos, and large project files accumulate rapidly. While monthly fees may appear manageable initially, they significantly accumulate over time. pCloud presents a fundamentally different solution: a solid, secure cloud storage platform that you pay for once and own for life.

Presently, pCloud is offering a special Family Day promotion. From May 11 to May 24, you can enjoy up to 65% off a Family Lifetime Plan. Even better, this offer includes pCloud Encryption absolutely free for life. The Family Plan can be purchased and shared by any group of up to five users, whether they are friends, students, colleagues, or anyone you regard as family. If you’re looking to safeguard your family’s digital presence without the inconvenience of ongoing costs, now is an ideal time to make the change.

### Seamless Integration with the Apple Ecosystem

With over 22 million users globally, pCloud is designed to seamlessly integrate with your preferred Apple devices. The dedicated desktop application, pCloud Drive, is available for macOS and serves as a secure virtual drive. It augments your Mac’s storage without taking up physical hard drive space, enabling you to access, edit, and save files directly in the cloud as though they were stored locally.

On mobile, the intelligent pCloud app for iOS ensures your files are always accessible. Whether you’re using the latest iOS on your iPhone or transitioning to an iPad, the app features automatic background uploads to instantly free up local storage. Everything syncs in real time across macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android, ensuring your workflow is constantly smooth.

### Designed for the Whole Family

A pCloud Family plan provides much more than just a vast pool of shared storage. With a single lifetime fee, it accommodates up to five members, whether they are family, friends, or colleagues. Each member gets their own individual account and personal storage space. Your private files remain solely yours, and you only share what you specifically choose to share. This facilitates seamless collaboration. You can easily share files with family members, including those who do not use pCloud, via custom shared links, direct folder invites, and file requests.

For families with extensive photo collections, pCloud Photos is revolutionary. The platform automatically organizes all your uploaded photographs by date into a smart gallery with an easy-to-navigate timeline. You can swiftly return to specific years, browse your memories effortlessly, and personalize your gallery by excluding certain folders. pCloud also includes an advanced built-in photo editor, enabling you to apply professional tools like one-click filters, brightness and contrast adjustments, and highlight controls, or simply crop and rotate images directly in the cloud with real-time previews. For video and music collections, pCloud provides an integrated media player so you can stream your audio and video files or create playlists straight from the cloud without downloading the files beforehand.

### Swiss Security and Free Client-Side Encryption

Being a Swiss-based company, pCloud complies with some of the most stringent data privacy regulations globally, granting you complete authority over your data across their US and Luxembourg data centers. During this Family Day promotion, pCloud is offering pCloud Encryption at no cost. This privacy-centric feature typically incurs an additional charge and delivers client-side, zero-knowledge encryption for your most critical data. Your sensitive files are encrypted on your device before they reach pCloud’s servers, ensuring that only you, as the possessor of the encryption key, can access them.

### Pricing and Availability

The pCloud Family Day promotion is exclusively available from May 11 to May 24, 2026. With no recurring fees and lifetime access, these discounted bundles provide substantial long-term savings:

– **2 TB Family Lifetime Plan** + FREE pCloud Encryption Lifetime: $449 (reg. $1,119) [60% off]
– **5 TB Family Lifetime Plan** + FREE pCloud Encryption Lifetime: $599 (reg. $1,698) [65% off]
– **10 TB Family Lifetime Plan** + FREE pCloud Encryption Lifetime: $1,099 (reg. $2,478) [56% off]

Take charge of your family’s digital storage and safeguard your most sensitive files indefinitely with pCloud.

# AI Chatbot Applications in CarPlay

With the launch of iOS 26.4 and subsequent versions, users can now utilize their preferred AI chatbot applications while driving, thanks to support for voice-based conversational tools in CarPlay. While not every AI chatbot has an exclusive CarPlay application as of yet, widget support enables users to access some features while traveling.

## AI Chatbot Applications Supported

Currently, three major AI chatbot applications have integrated CarPlay support into their iPhone versions:

1. **ChatGPT**
2. **Grok**
3. **Perplexity**

These applications provide an intuitive interface that allows users to start new voice interactions or choose from a list of recent discussions. ChatGPT enriches the experience by introducing “Projects,” which are compilations of chats categorized by theme. Grok distinguishes itself by permitting users to toggle between various voice options directly within the CarPlay interface.

## Support for Widgets

Apple’s incorporation of CarPlay widgets in iOS 26 has created new opportunities for AI chatbot applications. Both ChatGPT and Grok have created CarPlay widgets that enable users to launch their respective applications easily. However, Perplexity’s widget can be added to CarPlay but is not tailored for in-vehicle usage and lacks functionality at this moment.

Anthropic’s Claude also provides voice mode on the iPhone, but it currently lacks a CarPlay application. Its widget for CarPlay is accessible but non-functional at present. Likewise, Meta’s Messenger widget includes an “Ask Meta AI” button, which can be incorporated into CarPlay but is similarly non-operational.

## More Choices

Good news for those looking for alternatives: two AI chatbot applications, **Google Gemini** and **Microsoft Copilot**, lack dedicated CarPlay applications but do provide functional CarPlay widgets. These widgets enable users to initiate voice mode conversations right from the CarPlay display without needing to engage with their iPhones.

## Looking Ahead

As the realm of AI chatbot applications evolves, there is optimism for dedicated CarPlay applications and enhanced widgets from all significant entities in the AI field. Speculation indicates that Apple might unveil a specialized Siri application for CarPlay in iOS 27, which could further boost the in-car experience.

In the meantime, CarPlay users can access ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok applications, along with the widgets for Gemini and Copilot, to experience AI chatbot functionalities while on the road.

For a thorough list of the leading CarPlay applications across different categories, visit [here](https://9to5mac.com/best-carplay-apps/).

# The Latest Promotions on Apple Products: AirPods, MacBooks, and Beyond

In the continuously changing realm of technology, Apple consistently attracts consumer attention with its cutting-edge products and appealing sales. Presently, numerous Apple gadgets, such as the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and the AirPods Max 2, feature notable price reductions. Furthermore, the newest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models are experiencing cost decreases, making it an ideal moment for consumers to enhance their devices.

## MacBook Pro Price Cuts

### 32GB M5 MacBook Pro Versions

As of May 11, 2026, Amazon has reduced prices on the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro variants equipped with 32GB of RAM. The 1TB storage model is now listed at **$1,849**, a **$250** reduction from its initial price of **$2,099**. B&H has an even more appealing offer on the 512GB version, which is currently available for **$1,649**, indicating a **$350** price cut. This model is particularly desirable as it is no longer offered directly by Apple, making it a unique find for those in search of value in the latest M5 devices.

### M5 Pro MacBook Pro

The M5 Pro MacBook Pro variants are also witnessing attractive pricing, with different configurations available at lower costs. These models cater to users needing superior performance for intensive tasks, making them a wise investment for professionals and creatives alike.

## MacBook Air Promotions

### M5 MacBook Air Offers

In addition to the MacBook Pro price reductions, B&H is presently providing substantial discounts on the M5 MacBook Air models. The 15-inch Midnight variations are seeing reductions of up to **$180** from the retail prices. While Amazon continues to offer competitive pricing on the 13-inch options, B&H’s extra coupons make it a superior choice for those interested in the larger versions.

## Apple Watch Series 11 Price Cuts

The Apple Watch Series 11 is also included in the ongoing promotions, with prices beginning at **$299**, reflecting a **$100** discount on the standard aluminum variants. Additionally, the Titanium models have been restocked with discounts of up to **$160**, rendering them an enticing option for those searching for high-end smartwatches.

## Philips Hue Bridge Pro Offer

For smart home aficionados, the Philips Hue Bridge Pro is currently offered at a rare price of **$79**, down from its usual price of **$99**. This model accommodates over 150 lights and 50 accessories, making it a solid choice for expanding smart home systems.

## iPad Air Pricing

Finally, the new M4 iPad Air is also experiencing substantial discounts. The 256GB model is currently available for **$789.99**, almost **$110** off its original cost. This model offers a balance of performance and affordability, making it a favored option among consumers.

## Conclusion

With a variety of Apple products on sale, including AirPods, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and iPads, now is a prime opportunity for consumers to contemplate upgrading their devices. The combination of high-performance features and significant discounts renders these deals particularly attractive. Whether you’re a professional needing a powerful MacBook or a casual user in search of a new iPad, the current promotions present a fantastic chance to invest in quality technology.

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple Updates**

In the rapidly changing tech landscape, being informed is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a trustworthy source for the newest news, insights, and conversations concerning Apple products and services. With episodes released every weekday, listeners can effortlessly stay updated on the most notable happenings within the Apple ecosystem.

### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast that summarizes the day’s top stories related to Apple. Hosted by Chance, it offers the latest news, product reviews, and insights into Apple’s tactics and innovations. The podcast caters to both casual listeners and die-hard Apple aficionados, making it appealing to a broad audience.

### Where to Listen

Fans can listen to 9to5Mac Daily across multiple platforms, ensuring easy access to the content. The podcast can be found 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 applications

### Features of the Podcast

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily features:

– A roundup of the key Apple news stories.
– Commentary and insights on what these stories mean.
– Chances for listeners to connect with the podcast through feedback and reviews.

### Subscription Options

For those seeking an enhanced listening experience, 9to5Mac offers a subscription service called **9to5Mac Daily Plus**. Subscribers receive:

– Ad-free episodes of each show.
– Exclusive content that goes more in-depth into certain subjects.

### Community Engagement

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and feedback. They can contact via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or provide ratings on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and [Overcast](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857?mt=8&at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) to assist others in discovering the show.

### Conclusion

9to5Mac Daily is an essential resource for anyone passionate about Apple news and advancements. With its engaging format and accessible content, it delivers the information needed to stay knowledgeable in the ever-shifting tech environment. Whether you’re a veteran Apple user or new to the brand, listening to 9to5Mac Daily is an excellent way to enhance your comprehension of the technology influencing our lives.

Apple TV’s acclaimed series [The Studio](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52&at=1000l3cvR) has continuously triumphed at every significant award this season, marking a groundbreaking achievement as the first comedy to sweep all significant accolades.

## The Studio Makes History as the First Comedy to Sweep All Major Awards

Currently in production for its second season, the first season of The Studio continues to receive high praise. The show has claimed every major prize it was nominated for, including:

– Outstanding Comedy at the Emmy Awards
– Best Comedy at the Golden Globes
– Best Comedy at the Critics Choice Awards
– And others

Recently, The Studio secured the International award from the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), outshining nominees like The Bear, The Diplomat, The White Lotus, and Apple’s own Pluribus and Severance. This victory establishes The Studio as “the first comedy ever to sweep all major awards in a single season,” as stated by Apple.

In a statement, Matt Cherniss, Apple TV’s head of programming, commended the show’s achievement, crediting it to the remarkable talent and creativity of the cast and crew. He remarked that the series has struck a chord with viewers globally, delivering laughter to millions.

No details have been released regarding the premiere date for season 2, which is expected to debut in early 2027, following the first season’s launch in spring 2025.

[Apple TV can be subscribed to for $12.99 monthly](https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.4000?itscg=30200&itsct=tv%5C_box%5C_link&at=1000l3cvR), with savings offered through [the Apple One bundle](http://one.apple.com/?at=1000l3cvR&itscg=30200).

**Apple’s Latest Video Campaign: “Great Ideas Begin Here”**

Apple has unveiled a new advertisement video targeting students, highlighting the slogan “Great ideas begin here.” This campaign showcases the Mac’s attraction to a younger demographic, especially those entering or currently experiencing their college years.

### The Mac’s Increasing Popularity

The Mac is witnessing a boost in popularity, with the MacBook Neo drawing in new users to the ecosystem. Furthermore, devices like the Mac mini and Mac Studio are seeing high demand, primarily due to advancements in artificial intelligence. In spite of obstacles in satisfying this demand, Apple persists in investing in marketing to elevate the Mac.

### Focusing on Students

The new video, named “Mac Students: The journey to great ideas in college,” is available on Apple’s YouTube channel. It demonstrates how Mac laptops can play a crucial role for students across a range of fields, including business, engineering, design, and the arts. The storyline emphasizes students from various regions who face and conquer challenges in their quest for greatness.

### Video Highlights

The video depicts students participating in brainstorming sessions and problem-solving tasks, leveraging the features of a Mac to improve their academic projects. This representation seeks to connect with students by displaying relatable scenarios and the potential for creativity.

### Conclusion

Apple’s latest video campaign acts as a tactical approach to engage with the student audience, solidifying the Mac’s status as an essential instrument for academic achievement. As the demand for Mac products continues to increase, Apple’s emphasis on this group illustrates its dedication to nurturing creativity and innovation among the upcoming generation of thinkers and creators.

### Future Features in iOS 27: Arrange Tabs in Safari

With excitement growing for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled for June 8, 2026, reports indicate that iOS 27 will unveil a major upgrade to Safari, aimed at enhancing user experience through improved tab organization.

#### New “Arrange Tabs” Feature

As reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the upcoming feature named “Arrange Tabs” will enable users to manage their browsing sessions with greater efficiency. This feature will be accessible through a button positioned at the center-top of the Safari interface, allowing users to switch between their tab groups effortlessly.

When users choose the “Arrange Tabs” option, they’ll have the choice to have their tabs grouped automatically. This automatic grouping function is intended to sort tabs based on topics that users are browsing, improving organization and accessibility. Although this feature isn’t specifically labeled as an Apple Intelligence enhancement, it appears to employ some form of artificial intelligence to support this capability.

#### Background and Progress

The announcement of the “Arrange Tabs” feature was initially suggested in a code leak earlier this year, and Gurman’s recent observations validate its development for iOS 27. This addition is in line with Apple’s ongoing initiatives to boost the stability and capabilities of its operating systems, particularly regarding user interface and experience.

#### More Features in iOS 27

In addition to the new tab arrangement functionalities, iOS 27 is anticipated to emphasize stability enhancements and the incorporation of new AI capabilities. A significant highlight includes a new “Create a Pass” feature in Apple Wallet, which will enable users to digitize physical passes, further enhancing the user experience.

As the launch date draws nearer, users are keen to discover more about the features included in iOS 27. The excitement surrounding these updates showcases Apple’s dedication to innovation and user satisfaction.

#### Conclusion

With the forthcoming announcement of iOS 27, the new “Arrange Tabs” feature in Safari stands out as one of the many enhancements users can anticipate. As Apple continues to enhance its software offerings, the emphasis on elevating user experience through intelligent features is apparent. Which new feature are you most eager to try on your iPhone?

### Venmo Privacy Issues: A Timeline of Flaws and Adjustments

Venmo, a widely used digital payment application, has encountered considerable criticism regarding its privacy policies, especially in relation to the exposure of user transactions and private information. The concerns first emerged in 2018 when a security analyst showcased how the app’s API could unveil a plethora of personal data regarding its users. This highlighted worries about the inherently public nature of transactions and related messages, which could disclose sensitive information about users’ lives.

#### The 2018 Disclosure

In 2018, the privacy dilemmas associated with Venmo came to the forefront when a researcher scrutinized over 200 million transactions. The results demonstrated the shocking extent of information that could be accessed, including private communications among users. For example, one significant transaction featured a couple in a rocky relationship, with messages that uncovered intimate and personal feelings, illustrating the likelihood of public humiliation.

#### Ongoing Vulnerabilities into 2024

Even with attempts to tackle these privacy challenges, vulnerabilities continued to exist. In 2024, attention shifted back to Venmo when a report disclosed that the application still permitted public access to user connections and transactions. This posed particular issues for public figures like JD Vance, whose Venmo account revealed a web of connections that contradicted his public aversion to elite social circles. The overt nature of his transactions provided a raw look into his associations with prominent individuals, reigniting debates about privacy and openness.

#### Venmo’s Reaction to Privacy Issues

Initially, Venmo’s parent company, PayPal, characterized the public aspect of transactions as a beneficial feature rather than a downside. However, after ongoing criticism and scrutiny, the company declared intentions to introduce changes to boost user privacy. In a noteworthy pivot, Venmo started testing a redesign of its application that would modify the default privacy settings for new users. Instead of transactions being public by default, they would now be configured to be viewable only by friends.

#### The Updated Privacy Initiatives

The revised onboarding procedure for new users represents a vital effort in addressing privacy challenges. Users will have the choice to adjust their settings to “just me,” offering a more private experience. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether user contacts will also be set to public by default, leaving some ambiguity regarding the overall efficacy of the new privacy initiatives.

As Venmo implements these updates, the anticipation is that users will gain enhanced control over their personal data and transactions, minimizing the threats of unwelcome exposure and humiliation. The app’s development reflects an increasing acknowledgment of privacy matters in the digital era, underlining the necessity for companies to prioritize user safety and data security.

### Summary

The evolution of Venmo’s privacy protocols highlights the significance of user awareness and the necessity for strong privacy configurations in digital financial platforms. As the app progresses, it will be essential for users to stay informed about their privacy choices and for Venmo to maintain its pledge to safeguard user information.