Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple has been making notable progress in improving the gaming experience on its Mac platform, and a key addition to its collection is the eagerly awaited launch of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for macOS. This cherished strategy game is scheduled to debut on Thursday, May 28, initially available on Steam, with aspirations for a Mac App Store release later in the year.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition boasts impressive 4K graphics and an entirely remastered soundtrack, offering both new players and long-time fans of the series a richer gaming experience. The game encompasses three expansions—Lords of the West, Dynasties of India, and Dawn of the Dukes—providing an abundance of content refined over twenty years. Gamers can partake in rapid base-building and combat, which are trademarks of the classic title, while also taking advantage of various downloadable content (DLC) accessible from day one. This includes expansions such as Return of Rome, which integrates the original Age of Empires experience into the contemporary engine, and The Last Chieftains, which delves into the complex medieval societies of South America.

Alongside Age of Empires II, another major title, Crimson Desert, recently released on macOS at the same time as other platforms, marking a rare event in Mac gaming. However, Age of Empires II adheres to the more typical pattern of delayed launches for Mac in contrast to PC and console editions.

As Apple continues its investment in the gaming industry, the landscape for Mac gaming is transforming, offering more choices for gamers. The introduction of high-profile titles like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition indicates a bright future for gaming on Mac.

### MagDac Introduces Two Audio Jacks for Your iPhone

For enthusiasts of wired audio, there’s now a MagSafe headphone amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) available for iPhone. This product comes from Fosi Audio, known for its more conventional iPhone DACs, and is named the MD3 MagDac. This compact magnetic DAC/headphone amplifier is crafted to elevate your audio experience.

The MD3 MagDac boasts a 1.28-inch LCD on its back, which can show images and primarily acts as a 100-step volume regulator. It accommodates both 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, offering a notable enhancement over previous iPhones with headphone jacks.

Moreover, the device incorporates a USB-C port for charging while in operation. As a USB-C headphone amplifier and DAC, it is compatible with other USB-C devices, including MacBooks and iPads.

The physical design of the MagDac is attractive, appealing to wired audio fans, while also competing against the ease of wireless alternatives. It is available in two shades — Galaxy (silver) and Obsidian (black) — which coordinate with Fosi Audio’s wired earphones.

Fosi Audio has revealed that the MD3 MagDac will be released on May 25, with a projected cost of approximately $150. For those who do not require MagSafe compatibility or the display feature, Fosi Audio provides more affordable options that are already on the market.

Apple is set to unveil a diverse array of new products this autumn. Here’s a complete list of every new Apple product anticipated to debut later this year.

## iPhone 18 series, featuring the inaugural Ultra model

Apple’s premier iPhone 18 series is poised to be ultra-luxurious this fall, eliminating the base model iPhone 18 that’s speculated to make its debut in early 2027 instead. The launch date for iPhone Air 2 remains uncertain, however.

## New AirPods Ultra and Apple Watch variants

Reports suggest that Apple will introduce a new AirPods Ultra version this year that incorporates IR cameras for enhanced AI capabilities. Additionally, new Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra editions are also expected to arrive this fall.

## MacBook Ultra alongside new M5 Mac Studio, Mac mini, and others

This year is significant for Mac, with the recent launches of MacBook Neo and new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. Shortly, updates for Apple’s desktop lineup are anticipated ahead of the MacBook Ultra debut.

– **M5 Mac mini**: M5 and M5 Pro models with few other modifications
– **M5 Mac Studio**: M5 Max and a completely new M5 Ultra chip
– **M5 iMac**: Newly updated color variations
– **MacBook Ultra**: New premium edition featuring an OLED display, touch support, and more

## New iPad and iPad mini

A new iPad Air was released earlier this year, but two additional iPads are projected to launch before 2026 concludes: an iPad mini with OLED and a new standard iPad model.

## Apple Home merchandise

Apple has ambitious plans to broaden its Home product range, but it’s reportedly been awaiting the debut of the new Siri first. Here’s the assortment of new products in development.

## Potential unveiling of Apple Glasses

All of the aforementioned products are believed to be launching this year, but there’s another significant introduction that could also take place.

**Apple Glasses**, potentially referred to as Apple Vision, are not projected to reach customers until 2027. Nonetheless, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicates that Apple has considered revealing its smart glasses in 2026—much like how items such as Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and HomePod were announced months before being available for purchase.

The glasses are expected to connect with iPhone, feature AI functionalities focused on Siri, provide built-in cameras, and more.

Whether or not we witness the launch of Apple’s new glasses this year, there are still numerous exciting releases on the horizon in the coming months.

### Replit Launches Agent 4 for the iPhone Application

In a recent milestone, Replit, a notable coding platform, has effectively addressed its persistent challenges with Apple concerning the App Store review procedure. Following a four-month pause from app updates, Replit has proclaimed a major update for its iPhone app, which includes its new Agent 4 technology.

Replit’s CEO, Amjad Masad, conveyed the announcement on social media, thanking their users and creators for their backing during this difficult time. He remarked, “We sorted things out with Apple, and just released our app for the first time in four months,” emphasizing the collaborative endeavor that resulted in this agreement.

The newest update features Agent 4, a capability aimed at boosting creativity within the app. This technology, disclosed by Replit in March, enables users to interact with coding in fresh ways. The update also encompasses various new features, such as support for parallel agents that can address multiple ideas simultaneously, team collaboration via merge flows, and the capacity to browse projects across different workspaces.

To entice users from rival coding platforms, Replit is conducting a marketing campaign in tandem with the app update.

Although the particulars of the discussions between Replit and Apple are not fully known, the initial dispute arose from worries about how AI-generated applications were being showcased on the iPhone. As the technological landscape shifts, Apple seems to be gearing up for wider adjustments to the App Store, especially related to AI agents, with major announcements anticipated during their annual developer conference set for June 8.

Replit for iPhone and iPad is now accessible on the App Store, signifying a new era for the platform following an extended duration without updates.

OpenAI is launching an upgraded personal finance experience within ChatGPT, beginning today for Pro users in the U.S. This new capability enables users to securely link their financial accounts, offering a detailed dashboard that showcases spending patterns, subscriptions, upcoming bills, and portfolio performance.

To start utilizing the feature, Pro subscribers can navigate to the Finances section from the sidebar in ChatGPT or initiate a connection by saying, “@Finances, connect my accounts.” The integration is powered by Plaid, with support for Intuit anticipated shortly. Once verified, ChatGPT will synchronize and categorize the user’s financial information, which may take several minutes.

The personal finance dashboard allows users to see real-time data and provides the functionality to set financial goals, enabling ChatGPT to deliver personalized advice based on the user’s financial situation. Users retain control over their data, with the ability to delete financial details at any moment. OpenAI guarantees that private chats will not use personal finance information.

This feature is available exclusively to ChatGPT Pro, which is priced at $100 per month, while the $20 per month ChatGPT Plus subscription currently does not offer access to the personal finance experience.

For further details on ChatGPT’s new personal finance features, users can visit OpenAI’s official page.

According to a recent article from Forbes, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is insisting that Apple, Amazon, and Google reveal the identities, addresses, and purchase histories of more than 100,000 users of a vehicle modification app named EZ Lynk. This demand is part of an ongoing legal matter involving EZ Lynk, which operates out of the Cayman Islands and is accused of breaching the Clean Air Act.

The DOJ initiated a lawsuit against EZ Lynk in 2021, claiming that the company marketed “defeat devices” meant to disable emissions controls on cars. EZ Lynk has countered by stating that its primary role is not to aid users in avoiding emissions regulations, but instead that its applications can be used for a variety of vehicle enhancements and performance tracking.

Subpoenas were sent to Apple and Google in March and April, as outlined in a joint letter analyzed by Forbes. In reply, EZ Lynk’s legal representatives have mentioned that both technology firms intend to challenge the request for data. They contend that the demand for possibly hundreds of thousands of individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII) goes beyond what is required for the case and raises considerable privacy issues. The attorneys stressed that probing the accusations does not require identifying every individual who has utilized EZ Lynk’s products.

Nevertheless, the DOJ argues that its request for customer information is justifiable and essential for the investigation. The government asserts that it regularly seeks customer data to interview witnesses about their experiences with EZ Lynk’s technology. Evidence has already been submitted in court showing individuals utilizing EZ Lynk’s tools to disable emissions controls, including posts on social media and conversations in EZ Lynk forums.

For additional information regarding the dispute between the DOJ and EZ Lynk, the complete report is available at Forbes.

Amazon’s Memorial Day sale for 2026 is presently providing substantial savings on a range of Apple products, creating an ideal occasion for shoppers to enhance their devices. This promotion showcases some of the lowest prices ever seen on popular items, such as the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad Pro.

### Apple’s 20-Core 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro

One of the highlighted offers is for the 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro, which is currently listed at **$2,599.99**, showing a **$200 reduction** from its standard price of **$2,799**. This variant features a robust 20-Core GPU and 24GB of RAM, making it apt for intensive tasks like video editing and graphic design. The price marks a historic low for this configuration on Amazon.

For those in search of a more economical choice, the same MacBook Pro equipped with a 15-Core CPU and 16-Core GPU can be purchased for **$2,399.99**, also at a notable discount.

### M5 MacBook Air Deals

Today signifies the final opportunity for shoppers to seize discounts on the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air, with prices slashing **$170** below Amazon’s earlier minimums. B&H is promoting these models with exclusive in-cart coupons, rendering them more budget-friendly than Amazon’s present rates.

The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air models are witnessing discounts as well, with prices commencing at **$999** for the 16GB/512GB edition, down from **$1,099**. Other configurations are equally discounted, providing an array of choices for customers.

### 512GB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro

Alongside the MacBook offers, the 512GB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro is now offered at **$1,348**, a **$150 discount** from its standard price. This model is perfect for individuals seeking a powerful tablet for productivity or creative endeavors. Open-box units can be found at Best Buy for even greater savings, with price reductions reaching up to **$300 off**.

### Accessories and Charging Deals

The sale is also featuring a variety of accessories for MacBooks, including the MacBook Neo series, with prices beginning at **$590** for the 256GB models. These accessories are available with rapid delivery options, making them a convenient addition to any order.

### Conclusion

The 2026 Memorial Day sale on Amazon offers a distinctive chance for shoppers to acquire premium Apple products at lower prices. With significant price cuts on the latest MacBook and iPad models, consumers can discover excellent deals that meet diverse needs and financial plans.

Apple is preparing to unveil an attractive promotion for prospective Apple Card customers next week, featuring a notable sign-up bonus that includes a set of AirPods Pro 3. This effort seeks to draw in new users to the Apple Card by offering a prompt financial reward.

As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the promotion will kick off in Apple’s retail outlets. Shoppers who enroll for a new Apple Card and buy AirPods Pro 3 will be eligible for $249 in cash back, effectively allowing them to obtain the AirPods at no cost if they take advantage of the deal. Although details are still forthcoming, it seems that this promotion might be restricted to in-store sign-ups, as Gurman’s announcement doesn’t clarify online accessibility.

In the past, Apple has offered sign-up bonuses for new Apple Card users, though these have generally been less generous and frequently required referrals from current cardholders. This new offer distinguishes itself as a considerable incentive, particularly given that the Apple Card does not charge an annual fee.

Alongside this forthcoming promotion, Apple is also executing another appealing offer that grants $100 in bonus Daily Cash when a co-owner is added to an existing Apple Card account. The Daily Cash feature enables users to earn cash back that can be put into their Apple Cash account or an Apple Card Savings Account.

This promotional initiative aligns with the transition of the Apple Card from Goldman Sachs to Chase, which was revealed earlier this year. The full transition is anticipated to take about two years, representing a significant change in the card’s management.

In summary, the upcoming Apple Card promotion offers an enticing opportunity for consumers eager to take advantage of both a new credit card and a sought-after accessory, bolstering Apple’s strategy of merging its financial services with its product ecosystem.

# Personalizing CarPlay in iOS 26: Five New Features

CarPlay has undergone a major enhancement with iOS 26, bringing a variety of novel features that expand user customization possibilities. Here are five methods to tailor your CarPlay experience.

## 1. Intelligent Display Zoom

Intelligent Display Zoom is a recent addition aimed at optimizing your CarPlay arrangement depending on the dimensions and form of your in-car display. The Intelligent Display Zoom toggle can be located in CarPlay’s Settings app under Display. This feature is disabled by default and might not be present in all vehicles, but it should be available in most contemporary cars.

## 2. Widgets

Widgets have finally arrived in CarPlay with iOS 26. They are placed to the left of your CarPlay Home Screen, allowing you to see anywhere from one to three widget stacks, based on your screen size. To modify your widgets, head to Settings on your iPhone, then General > CarPlay > Your Car > Widgets. You can add or delete widgets, with a limit of five per stack, and decide whether to enable Smart Rotate.

## 3. New Backgrounds

iOS 26 presents a variety of new backgrounds for CarPlay, providing a refreshed appearance for the interface. Six color variants are available, all adaptations of the new default iPhone wallpaper. Each background adjusts dynamically based on whether you are utilizing light mode or dark mode. You can alter your CarPlay background through the in-car Settings app under Wallpaper.

## 4. Text Resizing

For the first time, iOS 26 permits users to adjust text size within CarPlay, akin to the accessibility settings found on the iPhone. To modify the text size system-wide across CarPlay, follow these steps:
1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Select Accessibility, then Text Size.
3. Choose your desired text size, and CarPlay will provide a preview of the size.

## 5. Modify App Icon Styles

CarPlay now includes customization choices for app icon styles, reminiscent of the iPhone’s Home Screen. In CarPlay’s Settings app, you can select from Default, Dark, or Clear styles for app icons, which can be adjusted for light or dark mode. The clear style offers a transparent Liquid Glass appearance to your icons.

These new features in iOS 26 enable a more tailored and user-centric CarPlay experience. What are your preferred methods to personalize your CarPlay setup?

### Mayday: A Fresh Ryan Reynolds Film Arriving on Apple TV This September

Apple TV is preparing to unveil a much-awaited new movie named **Mayday**, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. This film is characterized as a “genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy that turns the spy thriller upside down.”

#### Release Date and Synopsis

**Mayday** is set to debut on **Friday, September 4** on Apple TV. The narrative centers on U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, played by Reynolds, who embarks on a classified mission into Russian territory during the peak of the Cold War. The operation goes off course, leaving him trapped behind enemy lines. He is stumbled upon by Nikolai Ustinov, a tough ex-KGB operative portrayed by Branagh, who possesses an unexpected appreciation for American culture. The story unfolds around the unanticipated partnership that evolves between the two men, which might facilitate Troy’s rescue and foster an unforeseen camaraderie.

#### Official Storyline Description

Apple’s official storyline description offers insight into the film’s plot:

> “When ace U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Reynolds) is dispatched on a confidential mission into Russian territory during the peak of the Cold War, the initiative collapses, leaving him isolated behind enemy lines. Found by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a stern ex-KGB operative with a liking for American culture, Troy believes he’s finished — but could an unexpected partnership between the two lead to Troy’s rescue and a relationship neither anticipated?”

#### Context and Anticipations

This film signifies Ryan Reynolds’ second leading role on Apple TV, following his appearance in the festive film **Spirited** alongside Will Ferrell. Although **Mayday** has the capacity for a theatrical release, Apple has chosen to launch it directly on its streaming service. In light of the success of earlier films like **F1: The Movie**, which excelled at the box office, Apple currently has no theatrical release plans scheduled for 2026.

#### Subscription Details

For those eager to view **Mayday** at its launch, Apple TV is priced at **$12.99 per month**, with savings available through the **Apple One package**.

As the launch day nears, excitement grows for what is expected to be a thrilling addition to Apple TV’s collection of original films.