Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**LiberNovo Maxis: The Versatile Ergonomic Chair for Larger and Taller Users**

Anyone who has experienced a well-crafted ergonomic chair understands the significant enhancement it provides to comfort, especially during extended working hours. Nevertheless, taller and larger-framed individuals frequently face challenges finding chairs that suit their requirements. The LiberNovo Maxis is designed to solve this problem by incorporating the essential innovations of the acclaimed LiberNovo Omni into a format specifically crafted for bigger and taller users.

### All the Advantages of the LiberNovo Omni

The LiberNovo Omni is acclaimed as the first dynamic ergonomic chair globally, showcasing an remarkable collection of benefits:

– **Bionic FlexFit Backrest**
– **Electric Lumbar Support**
– **Dynamic Support System**
– **5-Position Reclining Backrest**
– **Motorized Massage Mode**
– **Active AirFlow Seat Ventilation**
– **High-Quality Materials & Engineering**

These attributes have garnered the Omni numerous awards, including the Red Dot: Product Design 2026 and the iF Design Award 2026, which have been preserved in the LiberNovo Maxis.

### LiberNovo Maxis

Numerous taller and larger-framed employees encounter discomfort from chairs intended for average body types. Problems like petite seats, shallow backrests, and inadequate weight capacity can result in persistent pain and discomfort.

The LiberNovo Maxis is not simply a larger iteration of a current chair; it has been meticulously redesigned to meet the specific measurements and issues faced by Big & Tall users.

Key attributes comprise:

– **Extended Headrest**: The headrest can be adjusted up to 120mm and features a U-shaped curve for ideal alignment.
– **Customized Backrest**: Crafted for wider shoulders and more robust backs, it offers complete coverage and support while alleviating pressure.
– **Arc Design Armrests**: The armrests are fashioned to comfortably fit broader bodies.
– **Extra Deep Seat**: Boasting a 52cm deep seat, it ensures full thigh support, enhancing circulation and diminishing fatigue.
– **Controlled Recline System**: The 6-spring mechanism allows for a smooth and stable recline influenced by the user’s angle and weight.

### Models of the Maxis Series

The Maxis comes in three variants:

– **Maxis Manual**: Features manually adjustable lumbar support.
– **Maxis Electric**: Provides motorized lumbar support and OmniStretch for hassle-free adjustment.
– **Maxis Airflow**: Incorporates active seat ventilation for comfort throughout lengthy sessions.

### New LiberNovo Omni Models

Alongside the Maxis, the LiberNovo Omni line is broadening with two new entries: the Omni SE and Omni Pro. The Omni SE simplifies the design while preserving vital ergonomic features, making it more approachable. The Omni Pro boosts performance with an embedded active seat ventilation feature, aimed at power users and professionals.

### Early-Bird Discounts

Pre-orders for the Maxis and new Omni models will commence on May 12 in the US and Canada, and on May 13 in Europe. Early-bird discounts span from 42% in the US to 52% in the UK and Europe. A $10 deposit secures a $30 discount coupon, a one-year extended warranty, and exclusive gifts for 9to5Mac readers.

For those interested, pre-orders can be made via a special link, with a cutoff of June 15 to benefit from these promotions.

### Apple Cuts Prices on iPhones in China for 618 Shopping Festival

During the 618 shopping festival, Apple is reducing prices on iPhones in China, maintaining a pattern that has been evident since at least 2021. This yearly event, which initially began as a celebration of JD.com’s anniversary, has evolved into one of the largest online retail celebrations in the nation, involving multiple e-commerce platforms.

#### Major Price Cuts

In recent years, Apple has taken part in this significant shopping occasion, offering consumers limited-time trade-in discounts. Last year, the firm provided trade-in incentives that enabled customers to achieve considerable savings when purchasing new iPhones. Reports suggested that discounts on iPhone 16 models reached as high as 2,530 yuan (approximately $351), aiding a resurgence in Apple’s sales in China following a downturn in the prior quarter.

Data from Canalys indicated that while Apple encountered shipment decreases in Q1 2025, the company experienced a 4% year-over-year increase in iPhone shipments by Q2, signifying a successful rebound.

#### Current Promotions for 2026

This year, Apple has initiated its offers early, with the iPhone 17 Pro series experiencing a price drop of 1,000 yuan (about $146). JD.com, one of China’s major online retailers, is providing even larger discounts. Some iPhone 17 Pro models can be found for as little as 6,999 yuan, representing the lowest price since the series’ debut. Furthermore, the standard iPhone 17 has also undergone its first significant price reduction, with certain versions available for 4,499 yuan after utilizing various subsidies and trade-in offers.

An employee at an Apple store in Beijing verified that these discounts can be combined with trade-in subsidies and platform promotions, allowing some models to achieve their lowest prices since their original release.

For more information, you can access the complete report from the Global Times [here](https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1361027.shtml).

Eugene Whang, a previous hardware designer for Apple who devoted 22 years to the corporation prior to teaming up with Jony Ive at LoveFrom, has shared his perspectives on the creation of the AirPods Max in a recent discussion with Highsnobiety.

Whang reflects on the comprehensive design journey that the Apple crew undertook for the AirPods Max, emphasizing the various elements they needed to take into account, including the wide variety of head and ear shapes. The design team examined the headphones as three separate products: the headband, the case, and the ear cushions. Whang highlighted that the cushions posed a specific challenge due to the numerous variations in human anatomy, resulting in the team investigating “hundreds and hundreds of variations” throughout the five years of development.

A noteworthy design decision was Apple’s choice to omit branding from the AirPods Max. Whang clarified that the company intended to steer clear of “branding your head,” concentrating instead on the product’s aesthetic and functional attributes.

Whang’s path to Apple commenced when he pursued mentorship from a designer within the team. Assuming that Jony Ive would be preoccupied, he reached out to a different designer he discovered in the Apple directory, showcasing his proactive mindset regarding career growth.

During his time at Apple, Whang played a role in the design of several iconic products, including the iPod nano, iPhone, and the original AirPods. He underscored Jony Ive’s influence in safeguarding the design team from the demands of the business side of the organization, permitting them to concentrate on creativity and innovation. Whang commented on the evolution of Apple during his tenure, transforming from a rebellious entity into a leading player in technology and the global economy, with Ive protecting the design team from outside pressures.

After departing from Apple, Whang became part of LoveFrom, a design firm co-founded by Ive and Marc Newson. However, he left a few years later due to personal circumstances and a reassessment of his priorities.

The complete interview with Whang offers additional insights and features images of other Apple products he helped design, along with sketches of an undisclosed piece of hardware. For those keen on discovering more, the full interview is available on Highsnobiety’s website.

### Liquid Glass Begins More Extensive Rollout on WhatsApp

Following months of limited trials, WhatsApp is broadening the availability of its Liquid Glass redesign to a wider audience. This update comes after an initial launch last October, which brought the Liquid Glass look to a select group of iOS users, primarily impacting the bottom navigation bar of the app and specific aspects of the Chats tab layout.

Since the first testing phase, Meta has been diligently refining the Liquid Glass design across different user interface (UI) components. This encompasses changes to the voice message player, in-chat layout, message reactions, and contextual menus. Recently, some users have started reporting via social media platforms, especially X, that they are now encountering the updated interface on their devices.

The current rollout features the Liquid Glass redesign in the bottom navigation bar, several in-chat components, and the upper navigation bar of the main Chats interface. However, not all UI elements have adopted the new design at this stage. For example, the voice message player and the message reactions menu still display the previous design. Nonetheless, it is expected that Meta will persist in applying the Liquid Glass aesthetic to additional features in the app soon.

User responses to the redesign have varied, with some showing excitement for the fresh appearance while others have reacted less favorably to the change. As the rollout continues, users are encouraged to provide their feedback, particularly regarding the visibility of the Liquid Glass navigation bar on their devices.

In conclusion, the Liquid Glass redesign signifies a notable advancement in WhatsApp’s ongoing objective to refresh its user interface, with further updates anticipated as the company works to enhance the design throughout the app.

Apple TV is gearing up for its most spectacular summer lineup to date, and the platform is already enjoying a successful run with its latest premieres. Here are three recent new series that highlight Apple TV’s impressive streak, along with upcoming shows that seem ready to sustain the momentum.

This year’s new offerings from Apple TV have garnered substantial praise.

Throughout much of this year, Apple TV has concentrated on high-profile returning series. These featured new seasons of Shrinking, Hijack, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and most recently Your Friends & Neighbors.

However, in the past month, the streamer has redirected its attention to new series—and achieved remarkable success.

Three recent shows rank among Apple’s top-reviewed titles of the year:

All three series have received critical acclaim. Widow’s Bay and Margo’s boast impressive 97% scores on Rotten Tomatoes. My Brother the Minotaur has been somewhat dismissed by some as merely a ‘kid’s show,’ yet its limited reviews deliver high praise—including from The New York Times.

Each series is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t yet seen them.

In the coming weeks, three more brand new shows aim to keep Apple’s winning streak alive.

What’s on the horizon for Apple TV

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is set to premiere next week on Wednesday, May 20.

The show features Tatiana Maslany and Jake Johnson and merges the thriller and comedy genres. The storyline revolves around a newly divorced mother caught in a chaotic entanglement of blackmail and murder, along with youth soccer. Early responses have been very positive.

Star City makes its debut the following week on Friday, May 29. It’s a space race thriller situated in the For All Mankind universe.

Starring Rhys Ifans, the show explores the alternate history of For All Mankind but from a Soviet viewpoint. Apple describes it as a “propulsive paranoid thriller,” suggesting a quicker pace than its source material.

Cape Fear will premiere on Friday, June 5, backed by two major figures: Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

Inspired by the 1991 Scorsese film of the same title, the series stars Javier Bardem as a convicted murderer who is released from jail and seeks revenge against the married lawyers who incarcerated him, portrayed by Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson.

Which shows have you been enjoying on Apple TV? Which upcoming series are you most eager to see? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 a month, or you can get it at a reduced price through the Apple One bundle.

Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, has been designated as a document custodian in xAI’s antitrust litigation against Apple and OpenAI. Here’s what that entails.

## A little context

Last year, Elon Musk accused Apple and OpenAI of collaborating to hinder competing LLMs from thriving in the App Store, leading to a lawsuit that now also encompasses the super app market.

In the legal action, xAI (which has now joined SpaceX) asserts that Apple’s agreement with OpenAI to embed ChatGPT into Siri has been affecting App Store rankings.

Apple has consistently repudiated these claims, particularly contesting xAI’s depiction that its agreement with OpenAI involves exclusivity, which it does not.

In recent months, xAI has sought to enlarge discovery in the lawsuit, including attempts to obtain documents from foreign corporations under the Hague Convention.

While the US court has approved these requests, success has been limited internationally. In January, South Korea dismissed its appeal to acquire documents from Kakao, which is behind one of the country’s leading super apps. Similar requests are ongoing in other nations.

## Federighi included in xAI’s lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI

This week, the case’s discovery was expanded once more when the court approved xAI’s motion to include Craig Federighi as a custodian but rejected the same proposal for Tim Cook:

> In this instance, Plaintiffs contend both Cook and Federighi “made high-level, strategic decisions about the Apple-OpenAI Agreement.” Plaintiffs have adequately fulfilled this criterion concerning Federighi. They assert that Federighi may possess unique relevant evidence not yet produced regarding Apple’s integration of OpenAI into Apple Intelligence, since, as Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, he was likely a pivotal decision maker in Apple’s software development. However, Plaintiffs did not establish this for Cook. They fail to clarify how Cook is likely to have any unique relevant evidence that has not already been produced or how naming Federighi as a custodian would not address this. Therefore, the Court GRANTS in part Plaintiffs’ request and appoints Craig Federighi as a custodian. Apple must supply responsive discoverable documents in Federighi’s possession by June 17, 2026.

The court also denied xAI’s request to add another unidentified Apple employee to the case, who would have provided insights into iPhone sales. In its ruling, US Magistrate Judge Hal R. Ray, Jr. stated, “[D]ocuments regarding competition in the smartphone industry writ large far exceed the scope of the claims in this case.”

Moreover, the court allowed xAI’s motion to seek documents related to Apple’s partnership with Google, although it curtailed the breadth of the initial request:

> This request is overly expansive and includes information that surpasses the relevant material pertaining to OpenAI’s defense. Nonetheless, the Court finds that associated documents referencing potential exclusivity agreements of the artificial intelligence provider for Apple products are pertinent and proportional to the requirements of this case. Therefore, the Court GRANTS the Motion in part regarding this matter and ORDERS Apple to produce this category of documents by June 17, 2026.

OpenAI, consequently, experienced a minor success, with the court permitting its request to compel Elon Musk to submit “emails at both Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his other text and XChat accounts,” which must be delivered by June 3, 2026.

Finally, the court dismissed xAI’s request for Apple to provide details on how AI is implemented internally, remarking that “it is unclear how Apple’s internal policies for its employees concerning artificial intelligence relate to Plaintiffs’ antitrust claims.”

You can examine the court’s complete decision below:

## Worth checking out on Amazon

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

### Will the Form Factor of iPhone Ultra Be Attractive Enough to Justify Its Trade-offs?

Speculations regarding the iPhone Ultra are abundant and present a clear consensus on what to expect from Apple’s foldable iteration. As the launch date draws near, numerous users are pondering their upgrade options, with one critical question looming: will the innovative form factor make the trade-offs of the Ultra worthwhile?

With the iPhone Ultra only months away, a myriad of prospective customers are evaluating their choices. Despite the buzz around new specs and functionalities, there remains ambiguity on whether the Ultra is the optimal selection. The main worry centers on the form factor itself and if its trade-offs will be merited.

### Distinct Design and Features

Rumors indicate that the iPhone Ultra will showcase a distinct design, featuring an outer display that is markedly shorter and broader than current iPhone models, while the inner display will bear resemblance to that of an iPad. This marks the first significant alteration in form factor for the iPhone, which prompts the inquiry of whether it solves any current complications or merely introduces new obstacles.

Besides its unconventional aesthetic, the iPhone Ultra will have certain feature concessions. It is particularly notable that it will forgo a Telephoto camera and Face ID, which have become essential elements of the existing iPhone series. Additionally, employing titanium in its build and the lack of a vapor chamber may lead to overheating troubles that the Pro models have successfully circumvented.

Conversely, the iPhone 18 Pro is set to provide an upgraded rendition of the conventional iPhone experience, featuring enhanced performance, superior camera functionality, battery longevity, and more. It keeps the recognizable design that many users cherish, making it a more secure choice for those who prioritize consistency.

### The Upgrade Quandary

For individuals unfamiliar with foldable smartphones, the iPhone Ultra offers an engaging yet uncertain opportunity. While foldable devices have developed a following, the traditional iPhone design is still cherished by many. The anticipation around the iPhone Ultra’s distinctive features is moderated by the possible downsides that may come with its forward-thinking design.

Ultimately, the choice to transition to the iPhone Ultra will hinge on personal preferences and priorities. The experience of utilizing the Ultra may make its disadvantages negligible for some; however, until Apple delivers a thorough overview and users can experience the device firsthand, ambiguity will remain.

### Conclusion

As the launch of the iPhone Ultra nears, potential buyers find themselves at a pivotal junction. The temptation of a new form factor and distinctive features must be considered alongside the reliable design and capabilities of current models. Whether the iPhone Ultra will prove to be a revolutionary product or a miscalculation is still unknown. Are you intending to upgrade to an iPhone Ultra, or are you still undecided?

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.