Category: MacBook

Hello everyone, I could really use some help with an issue I’m facing. I own a MacBook Pro M2, and recently, I’ve encountered a problem with the Touch Bar. While I was engaged in some intensive work—like rendering and design tasks—the Touch Bar suddenly stopped functioning.

This isn’t my first experience with this issue. It happened once before, but after shutting down my MacBook and leaving it overnight, the Touch Bar resumed normal operation the following day. However, I attempted the same approach this time around, shutting it down overnight, but unfortunately, the Touch Bar remains unresponsive.

I’ve also tried several online solutions, including resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM), but nothing has resolved the issue thus far. I have a few questions for anyone who might have insights. Has anyone else encountered this problem with a MacBook Pro M2?

Are there any additional troubleshooting steps I should explore before I take it to an Apple service center? Lastly, do you believe the problem is more likely related to software or hardware? I appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!

I’ve encountered a recurring issue with my MacBook when it has been sitting unused for several days. Sometimes, I forget whether or not I’ve powered it down. Since I won’t be using it for a longer duration, I want to ensure it’s completely off.

However, if I simply lift the lid to check, the laptop powers back on. This means I have to endure the boot-up process, only to shut it down again afterward. If I forget again in a few days, I find myself repeating this annoying cycle.

Given that I have multiple devices, this can be quite tedious. I’m curious if this behavior is intentional or if there’s a more straightforward method I might be overlooking to quickly check if my MacBook is actually turned off. It feels somewhat frustrating to have to go through the entire booting process just to confirm the status of my device.

It would be ideal if there were a simple way to ascertain whether my MacBook is off without triggering the start-up sequence. I’d appreciate insights into whether this design choice is typical for Macs or if there’s an efficient shortcut I can employ to simplify this process. Any tips or suggestions on this would be welcome, as it would definitely help improve my device management routine.

When using an external monitor with my MacBook, I prefer to disable the built-in screen completely. To achieve this, I set the brightness of the built-in display to zero and disabled the auto-brightness adjustment in the System Preferences under Displays. However, I’ve encountered a frustrating issue: whenever I wake the MacBook from sleep mode, the built-in screen reverts back to being slightly lit.

This is quite inconvenient as it defeats the purpose of keeping the internal display turned off while using the external monitor. I’ve attempted to address this problem by installing BetterDisplay and experimenting with its settings. Unfortunately, none of the adjustments I’ve tried seem to resolve the brightness issue effectively.

If anyone has suggestions or tips on how to maintain the built-in screen at zero brightness after waking from sleep mode, I would greatly appreciate the insights. It would make my experience much more seamless and satisfying while working with an external monitor.

I own a 16.2-inch MacBook Pro from 2020, featuring a 2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor and a 58-watt battery, and I have an extended warranty for it. I am seeking advice on how to get Apple to honor this warranty. Recently, I took my MacBook to an Apple Store due to multiple issues. The display has a tendency to black out and blink, the machine overheats—likely due to the processors—and one of the ports only occasionally sends video to my monitor.

My visit to the Apple Store was frustrating because the staff insisted they wouldn’t provide service unless they could observe a problem during my visit. They connected my MacBook to a monitor in the store and deemed my port working adequately. Additionally, they dismissed a video I had recorded that showed the laptop’s display flickering, claiming they couldn’t confirm it wasn’t another monitor’s problem. Regarding the overheating issue, I was told that such performance was considered normal and that they wouldn’t clean the internal components.

To make matters worse, the staff member, referred to as a “Genius,” devoted a quarter of our conversation to trying to persuade me to purchase a new machine or trade in my current one. This has been the worst service experience I’ve had with Apple. In the past, when I faced issues with the display, they simply shipped it out for repairs. They had also resolved an overheating issue before by cleaning the device.

At this point, I am at a loss and would appreciate any advice on how to get Apple to address and honor my warranty claims effectively.

I find myself in the market for a new laptop due to unforeseen circumstances. I recently came across some news suggesting that the M5 iPad Pro could be delayed until September or October, and the M5 MacBook Pro might not arrive until early 2026. I am curious about the reliability of these rumors and what could be causing such delays, aside from any profit motivations from Tim Cook. I have been considering purchasing from Costco due to their generous 90-day return policy.

However, if the M5 MacBook Pro is indeed delayed, it complicates my decision. If Apple were to launch the M5 iPad Pro in May, I might consider buying it with the idea of trading it in later when the M5 or M6 MacBook Pro is released. Although I have some reservations about Apple’s design choices—like creating overly thin devices that lead to heat issues or reducing battery life—I still feel that I would likely opt for the M6 MacBook Pro upon its release. The presence of a notch also doesn’t appeal to me, and I don’t have a strong desire for an OLED screen, as I find the current display adequate for my needs.

Ultimately, these potential delays and design concerns are making my purchasing decision more challenging. I want to make an informed choice, especially if there are changes in Apple’s product lineup on the horizon.

I recently got my hands on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and have been using it for about a week now. One thing that stands out to me is the promotion display on the iPhone.

It’s incredibly smooth and responsive, making tasks feel effortless. However, when I switch to my 15” M4 MacBook Air, the difference in screen quality is immediately noticeable.

The display on the MacBook Air, while still impressive, lacks the same fluidity that I’ve become accustomed to with the iPhone. This contrast has made me more aware of the advancements in display technology, particularly with the iPhone’s promotion feature that adjusts the refresh rate for various applications.

I’m curious if anyone else has experienced a similar realization. Have you noticed how transitioning from devices with different display technologies affects your user experience?

It’s fascinating to see how advancements in mobile technology can influence our perception of other devices in our daily lives. If you’ve also upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro Max or another device with a high-refresh-rate display, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

How do you feel about the differences in display quality between your devices? This could lead to some interesting discussions about how screen technology is evolving and what we can expect in future devices.

Could you share more information about your intended use for the computer? This would help in providing tailored advice. If you’re considering the latest M4 chips and don’t need a machine right away, it might be wise to wait until next week.

More details on the thermal properties of the Pro and Max chips will be revealed then. The new Pro chip features additional performance cores compared to last year, and it seems the M4 line offers greater efficiency than the M3. Gathering insights from reviews and hands-on experiences will be beneficial.

In general, when selecting a computer, prioritizing the size that suits your needs is more important than choosing a less optimal model just to reduce throttling slightly. Histories from the past three chip generations indicate that the Pro chip operates effectively within a 14-inch chassis. In contrast, the M3 Max found in my 16-inch model can become quite warm under sustained workloads, causing light throttling even with the larger cooling system.

It’s reasonable to assume that the 14-inch model may experience more frequent throttling. However, unless you are monitoring sensor charts closely, you might not easily perceive this throttling in day-to-day performance. For most practical purposes, unless you’re engaged in time-sensitive tasks where every second counts, the minor drop in performance during prolonged activities may go unnoticed in the real world.

Therefore, focus on selecting a size that aligns with your specific needs over potential thermal considerations.

Today, I downgraded to iPadOS 18.5 and I’m feeling quite pleased with the change. Although iPadOS 26 shows promise, it still requires more refinement.

While there are some improvements, there are also notable regressions, making it feel like a confusing blend of iPad and Mac functionalities. I typically use my iPad with a Logi Combo Touch case and sometimes pair it with a Logi MX mouse.

One significant drawback is the multitasking feature. You can swipe with four fingers to access full-time apps, but you can’t use Split View.

This is disappointing for me, as I often use Split View to watch YouTube while scrolling through Twitter or browsing the web. Additionally, while it’s possible to resize windows freely, you cannot swipe through full-sized apps or “desktops,” which limits the functionality compared to what I’ve experienced on my MacBook Pro.

Transparency is another area that raises concerns. Although Apple has introduced an option to reduce transparency, it feels poorly executed.

It leaves the interface looking half-finished, making one wonder why there isn’t simply an option to disable transparency altogether. Even with transparency dialed down, the Safari UI appears somewhat messy and inconsistent.

On a positive note, iPadOS 18.5 does offer some advantages. These include a proper cursor, an improved file management system, spatial wallpaper effects, and a top menu for file editing.

Overall, while downgrading has brought some relief, the experience still feels muddled, as it oscillates between features of both iPad and Mac systems.

Hello Everyone,

I’m facing several problems with my 2015 1TB Retina MacBook Pro. The battery isn’t holding a charge, I’m experiencing issues with the trackpad and keyboard, and one of the speakers is malfunctioning. It’s clear that I need to replace it, but unfortunately, I cannot afford the latest models.

I’ve been holding on to my laptop mainly because I appreciate having multiple ports, expansion slots, and an HDMI port, features which I will likely have to forego in my next device. To avoid feeling tempted by newer models over the years, I have intentionally stopped browsing them, leaving me somewhat out of touch with the advancements and specifications that different models offer. I’m considering both 14-inch and 15-inch models, focusing on those that provide the best value regarding features, performance, and future usability.

I have a minimum requirement of 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. I’ve heard that some MacBook Air models can also be good alternatives. If I go this route, I hope to find one with screen quality comparable to that of the Pro versions.

I’m looking for recommendations on specific year models and specifications for both the MacBook Pro and Air that would deliver the best bang for my buck while still being future-proof in terms of macOS updates. Additionally, I would appreciate guidance on what price range I should expect for these options, as I plan to shop in the UK, likely through eBay or other local classifieds. Thank you for your assistance!

I recently acquired a base 2019 MacBook Air, which I successfully repaired after encountering a keyboard issue. The previous owner had upgraded to an M4 model, leaving me with this Intel-powered MacBook Air while I also own an M2 version. Now, I’m considering how to maximize the use of this device beyond simply serving as a spare or travel laptop.

Despite its barebone specifications of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it performs quite well without noticeable lag. Additionally, the battery life appears to be in good condition, estimated to be above 80%. One potential use case could be as a dedicated machine for light tasks.

Given its capability, it would excel in handling basic functions such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. This makes it an ideal choice for students or professionals who need a lightweight device for everyday use. Another possibility is to repurpose it for creative endeavors.

It could become a portable writing station, perfect for jotting down ideas or crafting stories in a distraction-free environment. Alternatively, it could serve as a secondary screen for a more powerful computer, enhancing productivity during video editing or multitasking scenarios. Additionally, if I were to explore programming or coding, this MacBook could function as a testing environment for software development.

Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry while exploring new programming languages or frameworks. Ultimately, this 2019 MacBook Air has the potential for varied applications, transforming it from a simple spare device into a functional tool for creativity or productivity.