Category: MacBook

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro with the Apple M4 Pro/Sequoia chip. However, I’m encountering an issue: the MacBook fails to recognize our Epson EF-12 projector, which is about four years old. Interestingly, the projector is aware of the MacBook’s presence; it displays “Mac” in the input source and recommends using either Mirror or Extended display.

Despite trying these settings, the projector still does not appear, even after selecting the “detect displays” option. In our household, we have two other Macs—the older MacBook Pro (12 years old) and my partner’s MacBook Air (5 years old). Both of these devices connect to the projector effortlessly.

Upon connecting via either an HDMI to HDMI cable or a USB-C to HDMI cable, they are recognized immediately, without any issues. I reached out to Epson support, but they only provided basic troubleshooting steps. My concern is that this seems to be more of an issue with Apple.

It is baffling that a current model MacBook lacks the functionality that older models possess. Apple appears unconcerned, as the new MacBook works with all other external displays but not with this projector. This situation feels like a catch-22, and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice on how to resolve this problem.

Thank you in advance!

The highly anticipated MacBook Pro models featuring OLED displays are expected to launch next year. Linda Lin, an analyst from Omdia, pointed to a timeframe of 2026 for the introduction of these OLED models. Although she did not specifically mention the MacBook Pro, it is widely believed that the higher-end MacBook Pro variants will be the first to adopt this display technology, followed by the lower-end MacBook Air models.

Switching from mini-LED to OLED technology in the MacBook Pro will provide several advantages. Users can expect increased brightness, a higher contrast ratio featuring deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency leading to longer battery life. Additionally, the MacBook Pro is projected to undergo its first significant redesign since 2021.

This redesign will reportedly include features such as the OLED display and a thinner profile. By next year, Apple will also have advanced its line of chips to include the M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max models. Intriguingly, Omdia mentioned that the upcoming MacBook Pro models might sport a hole-punch camera instead of the traditional notch.

However, it’s still unclear if this feature will actually make it to production. If you’re contemplating a new MacBook Pro purchase, it may be wise to wait for the next release. While Apple is expected to release updated models with the M5 series of chips later this year, the true innovations will likely emerge by October 2026.

Apple is set to introduce the iPhone 17 Pro in a new Sky Blue color, echoing the hue that debuted with the M4 MacBook Air models launched in March. Renowned leaker Majin Bu reports that sources within the supply chain have confirmed the production of several iPhone 17 Pro prototypes, with Sky Blue emerging as the most favored option. According to Bu, this new Sky Blue shade boasts a brightness and refinement that surpasses the beloved Sierra Blue found in the iPhone 13 Pro. He describes it as “stunning” and notes that the color has a captivating quality, particularly under varying lighting conditions.

Apple characterizes the finish as “a beautiful, metallic light blue” that features a dynamic gradient when illuminated. Recently, Apple has gravitated towards more muted tones for its “Pro” models, which are constructed from titanium. The iPhone 16 Pro introduced a new Desert Titanium shade, joining the existing Natural, White, and Black Titanium options. While Bu successfully predicted the Desert Titanium name months in advance, some of his earlier claims, like an imminent release of an iPad 11, proved to be inaccurate.

As rumors about the iPhone 17 series gain momentum, many are eager to see if the Sky Blue option will be popular among consumers. Speculation is rife regarding key changes expected with the iPhone 17 Pro, including a repositioned Apple logo and differences between the Pro and Pro Max models. It is anticipated that the former will feature a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max will have a slightly larger 6.9-inch display. In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is reportedly equipped with the largest battery ever in an iPhone, boasting a capacity of 5,000mAh.

As excitement grows, Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, promising an array of fresh features and color options that continue to captivate tech enthusiasts.

I’m currently torn between choosing a 13” or a 15” MacBook Air. I recently sold my M4 Mac Mini because I realized that a MacBook Air would better suit my work habits. It gives me the flexibility to work at my desk when I want, connected to my 27” Dell 4K monitor. Alternatively, I can comfortably work on the sofa in my living room.

I recently got a 13” M4 iPad Pro, which I’m really enjoying. However, I’ve found that I can’t work from it as efficiently as I anticipated, especially for tasks like emails and using Microsoft Word/Excel or the Adobe Suite. I plan to keep the iPad, though, since it serves as a fantastic e-reader for Kindle and magazines, as well as a gaming device. I’m interested in a MacBook Air with 24GB RAM and 512GB storage, ideally in Skye Blue or silver.

The dilemma I face is whether to choose the 13.6” or the 15” model. On one hand, the 13.6” would be perfect for clamshell mode when connected to my monitor. On the other hand, I’m tempted by the larger screen of the 15”, especially for working comfortably on the sofa while still being portable. Have you had experience with both sizes?

Which one did you choose, and how has that worked out for you? I’d appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you might have regarding this decision.

As a child, I frequently faced criticism from my father regarding how I handled the items he gave me. This feedback was acceptable, as he had purchased those items, and I recognized that he held a position of authority over them.

However, the dynamics changed among my peers, where gifts were seen as freely given and became the recipient’s property without any obligations. In my marriage, my wife is my equal.

When I give her a gift, it is without any strings attached; once the gift is given, it belongs to her entirely. This means I have no control over how she chooses to treat the item, just as I respect others’ ownership of their property as well.

Equally, my wife does not dictate how I handle my own possessions. This mutual understanding is a fundamental aspect of our relationship, rooted in our shared experiences growing up in environments where we were instructed on how to care for our belongings.

Our respect for one another’s autonomy means we do not interfere with each other’s treatment of gifts or personal items. To the original poster, your relationship with your wife is your own.

I simply wanted to share my perspective based on my relationship, which will reach 28 years in marriage come November 2025. In response to your comments, I believe it’s important to recognize that once a gift is granted, it ceases to belong to the giver.

You may feel a lingering sense of ownership over the gift you provided your wife, but it is now her possession. As an adult and equal partner, what she does with it is entirely her prerogative, and this aspect should be respected.

I’ve been experiencing a recurring issue with my MacBook Pro M4 Pro when it wakes from sleep. Each time I wake it, a strange, stuttering sound occurs. The noise is low and sounds like a brief segment of audio that keeps restarting—Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh—repeating endlessly. This problem has persisted for the past couple of weeks.

Interestingly, my MacBook Air M4 does not exhibit the same issue. However, it only goes to sleep during the day due to my company’s policy of shutting it off at night. This leads me to wonder if the duration of sleep impacts the occurrence of the sound. A temporary fix I discovered is putting the MacBook Pro back to sleep and waking it again.

This method resolves the sound issue immediately, at least until the next time it sleeps. Currently, my MacBook Pro is running the latest release version of Sequoia, which is 15.5. Despite keeping my software updated, the stuttering sound persists, indicating that the issue may not be related to an outdated operating system. While the workaround of waking and sleeping seems effective, I hope to find a long-term solution to this problem.

Overall, the situation has become quite inconvenient and affects the overall user experience of my MacBook Pro. I’m hopeful that a future update or troubleshooting step will help eliminate this annoying glitch.

I’m contemplating whether to start a discussion about the iPad lineup for 2026. The recent news about an anticipated low-cost MacBook has sparked both excitement and confusion in me. From what I understand, Apple is unlikely to incorporate the A18 Pro chip with a 64-bit memory bus into the MacBook, especially considering that even the M1 MacBook featured a 128-bit memory bus. Shifting my focus to the iPad lineup for the upcoming year, I believe I’ve grasped what Ming-Chi Kuo may be implying.

It appears Apple might introduce a 13-inch iPad positioned below the iPad Mini, rather than debuting a low-cost MacBook. Both the iPad Mini and iPad Air are expected to receive OLED displays in 2026, and it’s reasonable to anticipate a price increase for those models. This creates a gap in pricing between the standard iPad and the iPad Mini, which could be filled by the new 13-inch iPad utilizing the A18 Pro chip. By the time this launch occurs, Apple should have a sufficient supply of laminated displays for the standard iPad.

Consequently, the future iPad lineup will likely comprise various display types—LCD, OLED, and Tandem OLED—across different sizes, including the iPad Mini. While I may not be completely accurate in my predictions, this scenario seems more plausible to me than the concept of a low-cost MacBook, which would conflict with the existing MacBook lineup. I welcome your thoughts on this—agree or disagree, I’d love to hear your insights.

The speculation surrounding the imminent release of an A18 Pro MacBook seems nearly confirmed, presenting a significant opportunity for Apple to address past shortcomings. This new model could mark a transformative moment in the MacBook lineup. One of the key highlights of this upcoming MacBook could be its vibrant colors, reminiscent of the iconic iBook Clamshell. This would not only appeal to a sense of nostalgia but also provide users with a refreshing aesthetic choice in an increasingly homogenized tech landscape.

Furthermore, the hopes for improved build quality are high. Users have long sought a MacBook that features a robust design coupled with a comfortable, responsive keyboard and a powerful processor. The integration of these elements would cater to both professionals and creative individuals alike, ensuring a satisfying user experience. Affordability is another crucial aspect that many consumers desire.

A MacBook that strikes a balance between quality and price would not only enhance accessibility but also allow a wider audience to experience Apple’s ecosystem without prohibitive costs. Lastly, there are murmurs about reviving the 12-inch form factor. However, this version would need to focus on maintaining high performance without sacrificing usability. A compact MacBook that is both powerful and portable could attract a new generation of users who prioritize mobility without compromising on capability.

In summary, the potential arrival of the A18 Pro MacBook could signal a new era of innovation for Apple, addressing previous missteps while catering to the desires of modern consumers. This could be an exciting chapter for the MacBook series.

I am in the process of building a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Max Chip, which features a 16-core CPU, a 40-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, a 2TB SSD, and 64GB of RAM. I’ll be transitioning from my Mac Pro 5,1 [Mid-2010] Desktop, which still shows Geek Bench scores comparable to those of the M4 Max MacBook Pro. To facilitate the transition, I have a new 4TB HGST (Hitachi) Enterprise Grade SATA hard drive. I backed up my primary SSD to this drive using Carbon Copy Cloner.

This 4TB HDD will enable me to start my Mac Pro in “Target Mode,” allowing the M4 Max MacBook Pro to recognize it as a hard drive. I will utilize Migration Assistant to transfer my data and settings, with an Ethernet cable and an Apple dongle to enable the transfer. As I prepare, there are three peripheral components I need to integrate with my M4 Max MacBook Pro. First, I require two 32-inch 4K computer monitors.

I am looking for recommendations on high-end models, as I prefer not to buy Apple displays and don’t play games but still want monitors with high resolution and 120Hz outputs. Secondly, I seek powerful external audio speakers with various connectivity options, including USB-C, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, within a budget of $500-$750. I prefer to avoid RCA jacks and limit Wi-Fi use. Lastly, I will need a versatile USB-C hub that utilizes the M4 Max MacBook Pro’s multiple Thunderbolt 5 ports, USB-C port, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, and MagSafe 3 port.

Any advice or recommendations to configure these peripherals effectively would be appreciated. The MacRumors forum has been indispensable in my previous upgrades, and I trust their expertise once again.

I received my new 13” M4 iPad Pro yesterday, along with the Apple Magic Keyboard, a Spigen Aramid case, and an Apple Pencil. This upgrade was essential for me since I need a new portable setup after deciding to return my 15” MacBook Air due to redundancy. Having never owned an iPad of this caliber before, I conducted thorough research, watching various videos on YouTube about iPadOS 26.

I was convinced that this device would meet my needs once the new operating system was officially released. To my surprise, it is already performing excellently, handling tasks in LinkedIn, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and the Adobe Suite without any issues. The Magic Keyboard has proven to be an excellent choice, and I am relieved that I opted for it over the Belkin alternative.

I chose the 5G/wifi version of the iPad and set up a Three eSIM, which has connected effortlessly to 5G networks. The overall build quality of the device feels solid, making it a great addition to my tech collection. I managed to find a brand new, sealed iPad for £995 with free delivery and the Magic Keyboard for £200, also brand new and sealed, through eBay UK.

This purchase has saved me a significant amount compared to other retailers like Amazon. Overall, my new setup offers both quality and portability, perfectly suited for my current situation.