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  • Is the $399 A18 Pro Mac Mini worth buying? Join the discussion on MacRumors Forums!

    Apple’s potential introduction of a low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip brings up intriguing possibilities for other devices in their lineup. One such possibility is the Mac mini, which could benefit from similar advancements. Many users would likely welcome a more affordable Mac mini option that leverages the power of the A18 Pro chip.

    Imagine a Mac mini featuring the A18 Pro, equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at just $399. This configuration might appeal to a wide audience, particularly those looking for a cost-effective desktop option. However, it is important to consider the device’s limitations.

    For instance, it would only come with two USB-C ports, which may not be sufficient for users who rely on multiple peripheral connections. Despite this potential drawback, many consumers might find the value proposition compelling. The A18 Pro chip would likely enhance the Mac mini’s performance, making it a suitable choice for everyday tasks, light creative work, and even casual gaming.

    The combination of an affordable price, decent specifications, and the reputation of Apple’s ecosystem could drive interest in such a device. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a Mac mini with these specifications would depend on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking a balance between performance and cost, a Mac mini featuring the A18 Pro could be an attractive option.

    However, the limited number of ports may be a deterrent for users seeking extensive connectivity. As with any tech purchase, potential buyers would need to weigh these factors carefully.

  • Storage Upgrade Options for M4 Mac Mini Now Available

    Many users are anticipating the arrival of affordable 2TB modules for the M4 Mac Mini, hoping to upgrade storage independently. However, this process may be technically complex, requiring specialized equipment that many Mac users may not possess.

    Although third-party companies like OWC might offer upgrade kits, the market for such products is likely to be small. Users can often achieve similar performance with Thunderbolt SSDs, which might discourage them from pursuing internal upgrades.

    The Mac Mini is primarily an entry-level device designed to introduce users to the Apple ecosystem. It is not intended to serve as a pro-class machine that enables frequent upgrades.

    For those who seek an easily upgradeable workstation, the Mac Pro is the suitable option. Users should not expect Apple to allow simple plug-and-play upgrades, especially considering the company’s trend toward hardware restrictions and premium pricing for component enhancements.

    In the past, users could easily upgrade RAM and storage for the Mac Mini at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, Apple’s current approach seems to have shifted towards locking down devices, limiting user upgrades not only in the Mac Mini but also in higher-end models like the Mac Pro.

    Many people lament the changes and wish Apple would recognize the demand for more accessible upgrades. It’s important to note that while other small form factor PCs allow users to adjust RAM and storage, Apple opts for a more restrictive approach, often resulting in high initial costs for upgrades.

    Some hope that future regulations might compel Apple to make their devices more user-friendly regarding upgrades. In the meantime, users must decide whether to stick with Apple or explore alternative PC options that offer the flexibility they desire.

  • [HELP] MacBook Pro M2 Touch Bar Not Turning On After Intense Usage

    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!

  • How to Check if MacBook is Off Without Opening the Lid?

    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.

  • Top Picks Among a Mediocre Selection

    I am upgrading my daughter’s MacBook Airs to M2 silicon, and I will be keeping one for myself. I have a choice between two models: a 2014 version with a Haswell processor and an i7 1.7 GHz processor with 8GB of RAM, and a 2015 version with a Broadwell processor, an i5 1.6 GHz processor, and 4GB of RAM.

    When considering performance, the 2014 MacBook Air stands out due to its i7 processor and larger memory capacity. The i7 chip generally offers better performance compared to an i5, providing enhanced multitasking capabilities and speed for more demanding applications.

    Additionally, the 8GB of RAM in the 2014 model will facilitate smoother operation, particularly when running multiple programs simultaneously or when using memory-intensive applications. On the other hand, the 2015 model, while still functional, has an i5 processor and half the RAM at 4GB.

    This configuration may limit its performance, especially in more advanced tasks. While the Broadwell architecture does offer some improvements over Haswell, the difference in processor performance may not be sufficient to outweigh the advantages of the i7 and the additional RAM in the 2014 model.

    In conclusion, the 2014 MacBook Air with the i7 processor and 8GB of RAM is likely to be the faster and more efficient choice between the two. Its superior specifications will provide a better overall performance experience, making it the preferred option for everyday tasks and more resource-heavy applications.

  • Apple Unveils First Public Betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple has launched the public beta testing program for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, allowing participants to download and install these updates starting today. Anyone interested in joining the public beta can sign up through Apple’s beta website.

    The initial public beta matches the content of the fourth developer beta, which was released earlier this week, and there is also a new fourth beta available exclusively for developers. Registered beta testers can easily access the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates.

    To do so, they need to open the Settings app, navigate to the General section, select Software Update, and choose the Public Beta options for either operating system. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 showcase Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, characterized by a transparent visual aesthetic.

    This design approach entails icons, menu buttons, and navigation bars that reflect and refract light through subtle animations. Features like pop-out menus and reduced tab bars contribute to a more rounded appearance across the user interface.

    Significant new features have been introduced in this update, including Apple Intelligence enhancements such as Visual Intelligence for screenshots, updated order tracking within the Wallet app, and enhancements to Reminders. Live Translation is now available for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps.

    Users will also find Image Playground, which incorporates ChatGPT-style options, and Genmoji, which allows for the mixing of multiple emoji characters. Other notable updates include a Spatial Scene feature that provides a 3D effect for 2D photos, revamped navigation in Safari, and time-saving functionalities like Call Screening and Hold Assist in the Phone app.

    The Messages app includes customizable backgrounds and polling features, while Apple Music introduces a DJ-like AutoMix. Additionally, CarPlay has received a new interface, a dedicated Apple Games app has been launched, and for the first time, Preview is now available for the iPhone.

  • Apple Launches Public Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 – MacRumors Discussions

    Apple has rolled out updated beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, giving public beta testers an opportunity to explore new features within iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. Currently, this firmware is exclusively available for developers and public beta testers who have a device running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26. This new firmware introduces several innovative features that enhance the functionality of the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.

    Users can expect improvements in audio quality for phone and video calls, as well as studio-quality recording capabilities suitable for interviews, podcasts, and videos. Furthermore, a noteworthy addition allows users to use their AirPods as a camera remote via the Camera app, enabling them to capture photos or initiate video recordings effortlessly. A significant update with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe is the introduction of a firmware update installation feature directly from the AirPods settings interface, accessible when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

    This marks a notable departure as it is the first time Apple offers a beta firmware option to public testers, expanding opportunities for user feedback and testing. Overall, this updated firmware is designed to enhance the overall user experience of AirPods, making them more versatile and user-friendly for a variety of tasks, from communication to creative recording. With these improvements, Apple continues to innovate and refine its audio products, solidifying its position in the marketplace.

  • Apple News+ Audio Launches in the UK, Canada, and Australia

    Apple News+ Audio is now available in the UK, Canada, and Australia. This expansion, which began today, marks a significant step for Apple since the feature was initially introduced to U.S. subscribers in 2020.

    Apple News+ Audio offers professionally narrated versions of top stories, enhancing the reading experience for subscribers. The audio stories can be accessed through the Apple News+ app or the Podcasts app.

    Users can enjoy an assortment of popular narratives from well-known publications such as *The New Yorker*, *Bloomberg*, *The Atlantic*, and *Rolling Stone*, among others. For those who do not subscribe to Apple News+, previews are available, along with a free “News Today” audio option accessible to all Apple News users.

    The platform’s audio offerings are robust and diverse, with categories spanning News and Politics, Business, Sports, Arts and Entertainment, and True Crime. In the newly added regions, listeners will also have access to audio stories from local publications as well as those from the U.S., providing a wider range of content tailored to different audiences.

    Apple News+ is available for a monthly subscription fee of $12.99 USD, granting users access to various subscription publications, including *The Wall Street Journal*, *The Washington Post*, *Los Angeles Times*, and *The Atlantic*, in addition to numerous magazines and regional newspapers. For those interested in a comprehensive package, Apple News+ is also included in the Apple One Premier plan, priced at $37.95 USD per month.

  • Inaccessible Link

    It appears that the link you followed is not valid, possibly due to an error in its spelling or formulation. If you are the publisher of this link, it’s essential to check for any misspellings in the parameters or any unintended extra characters added to the end of the URL. Even minor mistakes can lead to a link not functioning as intended. If the link seems accurate but is still not working, consider troubleshooting with a few basic steps.

    You can try clearing your browser’s cache, or alternatively, switch to a different browser or device to see if that resolves the issue. Testing the link again after these adjustments may yield better results. If none of these solutions work and you continue to encounter problems, you can reach out for assistance. Please contact our support team by emailing [email protected] and include “Bad Link” in the subject line to expedite your request.

    Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to help you resolve this issue.

  • Invalid or Broken Link Notification

    It seems that the link you attempted to access is not valid. This could be due to a typo in the URL or the addition of unwanted characters at the end. If you are the publisher of the link, it’s important to carefully review the URL.

    Most issues arise from minor errors, such as misspellings in parameter names. After verifying that the link is correct, consider clearing your browser’s cache or switching to a different browser or device to see if that resolves the issue. Before giving up, try testing the link one more time.

    If it still does not work, you may need further assistance. In that case, please reach out to our support team for help. They can assist you in resolving any remaining issues with the link.