Category: News

  • iOS 18.6 Beta 1: Important Bug Fixes, Changes, and Enhancements Discussed on MacRumors Forums

    iOS 18.6 Beta 1 has been released on June 16, 2025, with build number 22G5054d. While there are no new release notes for this update, developers and testers are encouraged to report any bugs via the Feedback app.

    To access the app, users can enter a specific URL in Safari if they have their beta settings set to “None.”

    For those looking to install the beta, Apple provides different methods depending on whether you are using an iPhone or a Mac. To install via iPhone, users need to enable Beta Updates under Settings, make sure they are signed into the correct Apple Account, select the desired beta version, and refresh the software update settings.

    Before installation, backing up data to a computer or iCloud is recommended. Users can then proceed with the installation, and if desired, turn off Beta Updates afterward.

    For installation using a Mac, users must acquire the Xcode beta or a MobileDevice.pkg, then backup their data. Holding down the Option key while clicking ‘Check for Update’ allows users to select the IPSW file they downloaded.

    It’s crucial to connect to the internet during the restore process and keep a backup, as restoring will wipe all data from the iPhone. The update is compatible with a variety of device models across different iPhone series, from iPhone 16 down to iPhone XS, each with their specific build numbers.

    Additionally, various carrier updates for different countries have been included, detailing regional compatibility. This comprehensive approach caters to a wide range of users worldwide, ensuring that the latest beta features are accessible as testing continues.

  • Utilizing Klarna for Authorization Holds: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    My iPad screen is broken, and since I have AppleCare, I want to utilize the express replacement option. However, I’ve encountered an issue: I do not own a credit card. While navigating the process for the replacement order, I reached a point where I could see the costs for the authorization hold and the service fee. I noticed that when I selected Apple Pay, Klarna appeared as a payment option.

    I often use Klarna in tandem with Apple Pay for various transactions. I would like to know if it’s acceptable to use Klarna as a line of credit for the authorization hold. My understanding is that this hold should be reversed or canceled once I return the device as planned. Has anyone had experience with this situation?

    I’m particularly interested in whether using Klarna in this context has worked for others. Any insights or advice shared would be highly appreciated. In summary, I’m hoping to clarify if Klarna can be utilized in this manner and if the process aligns with Apple’s policies for device replacement.

  • Free Battery Optimizer for Mac Now Available: Join the Discussion on MacRumors Forums!

    BatteryOptimizer for MAC is a simple Command Line Interface (CLI) tool that functions similarly to AlDente, allowing users to set battery charge limits and schedule battery calibration for MacBooks. The key difference is that this tool is entirely free and open-source.

    One of the standout features of BatteryOptimizer for MAC is its lightweight design. It not only provides functionalities comparable to AlDente and coconutBattery but does so with significantly lower memory usage, approximately 1/20th that of AlDente and 1/30th that of coconutBattery.

    This tool is a fork of the original battery utility, incorporating numerous new features and enhancements. It supports both Apple and Intel CPU Macs, and includes a sail mode that allows the battery to maintain a target percentage without charging.

    Users can also schedule automatic calibration on specific days each month or on a recurring basis, enhancing usability. Notably, the charging limiter remains functional even when the MacBook is asleep or powered down.

    For Intel CPU Macs, the charge limit can be set at a maintenance percentage, while Apple CPU Macs have a fixed limit of 80%. Additional features include a daily battery log, notifications for calibration steps, reminders to open the MacBook lid before calibration, and alerts for software updates.

    For Intel Macs, the charge limit works across all models, but discharge and calibration features are only effective for models from 2014 or earlier. Efforts are ongoing to find a discharge method for newer Intel models.

    The installation and usage details can be found on the GitHub page. BatteryOptimizer for MAC is free, but support to enhance its functionality is always appreciated.

  • Time Machine: Backing Up Your Old Drive – MacRumors Discussion

    It appears that Time Machine is retaining outdated backups of a device that I no longer use, raising concerns about storage space on my backup drive. Currently, I have Time Machine configured to back up my main internal drive, labeled as **Media**, and my external media drive, referred to as **iMac**.

    A few months ago, I upgraded my media drive to a larger SSD. However, Time Machine is still showing backups of the previous drive, marked as **Media 1**.

    This particular backup has not been updated since early April, and I initially thought that once Time Machine purged the last backup that included the old Media drive, it would free up storage space. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened, and I find myself with only about ten days’ worth of backup versions remaining.

    The backup drive has a total capacity of 4 TB, while the combined data from my iMac and Media drive amounts to roughly 2 TB. I suspect that the lingering **Media 1** backup is consuming valuable space, which contributes to the limited history of my backups.

    I am wondering if there are steps I can take to resolve this issue. Do I need to wipe the backup drive completely and initiate a fresh backup to eliminate the old **Media 1** backup?

    Any guidance on how to fix this situation would be greatly appreciated.

  • NVME RAID Drives Not Mounting on Mac Pro 2019

    Hello everyone,

    I’m experiencing an inconsistent issue with both of my NVME drive adapters on my 2019 Mac Pro running Monterey 12.6. The drives intermittently fail to mount, and I find myself having to restart the machine repeatedly to get them recognized. When I try to mount the drives manually, I encounter an ‘Invalid Disk’ error, yet Disk Utility shows no issues or failures with the drives. I’ve also recently returned the Sonnet Flex J3i for a replacement; the RAID setup was failing to mount after each restart via the USB-connected SSD.

    I’m uncertain if this problem is related. Additionally, I have upgraded my MPX module to include two RX 6900 XTs. For context, I have the following setup:

    1. Sonnet’s M.2 4×4 PCIe card with four Samsung 980 Pro 2TB drives configured in an 8TB HFS+ RAID0.

    2. OWC Accelsior 4M2 PCIe card with four Sabrent 1TB drives, creating a 3TB HFS+ RAID0 and a separate 1TB Windows installation. Interestingly, the 1TB Windows SSD consistently mounts without issue, while only the 3TB and 8TB RAID drives present problems. I have attached my system report to provide any additional insights that may assist in diagnosing the issue.

    Any advice or suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your help!

  • Identifying a Phantom or Ghost Monitor Issue in Display Settings

    I recently encountered an unusual issue with my Mac Pro 3,1, which features an 8-core setup, running MacOS Mojave with the dosdude patch. I have a GTX760 2GB graphics card and an XT2600 256MB card.

    In over 30 years of working with Macs, I have never seen anything like this before. In the Displays control panel, I have a phantom monitor displayed as attached to my system, despite not having any such hardware connected.

    The menu indicates it might be a projector, which is odd, considering I don’t own a projector at all. I attempted to resolve the issue by deleting the displays plist file and resetting the NVRAM, but these actions did not solve the problem.

    I think this phantom monitor may have appeared after I switched the monitor connection from one GPU to another while the Mac was still powered on. While this anomaly doesn’t disrupt my everyday use, I have it pushed to the side, out of sight.

    However, it recently caused an issue for a remote support technician from Adobe who could not assist me because the phantom monitor interfered with his remote support application. Although it’s mostly a minor problem, the presence of this non-existent display is puzzling.

    I’m curious if anyone else has experienced similar issues or has suggestions for how to address this oddity.

  • What to Do with a Powerful 2020 iMac: i9, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD

    I’ve recently upgraded to an M4 Studio, which is an impressive machine, leaving me with my old iMac. I’m at a crossroads about what to do with it. Selling is a possible option, but since it’s an Intel-based model, I know it won’t have long-term support ahead. It’s painful to think about donating it, especially considering that I paid around $4,000 for it.

    I doubt many people would be willing to pay what it’s truly worth, given its age and the rapid evolution in technology. I’m open to suggestions on how to handle the iMac. Should I simply sell it for whatever I can get? Or perhaps giving it away to someone who might enjoy it would be a better route?

    I would appreciate any advice or ideas you might have regarding the best way to part with this machine.

  • WWDC 2025 Rumors Evaluated: Assessing Accuracy of Leaks and Predictions

    This week, many of Apple’s announcements during its WWDC 2025 keynote were predicted ahead of time. However, not all the rumors held true. In this edition of the Rumor Report Card, we explore the most notable predictions leading up to the annual developer conference, categorizing them based on accuracy for fun. **A+: Top Performers**

    We applaud Mark Gurman from Bloomberg for his exceptional insights.

    He accurately leaked a variety of software details, including the new naming conventions for iOS 26 and macOS 26. He also reported on the innovative Liquid Glass design, the introduction of Mac-like features for iPads, updates to the Phone and Messages apps, and new preinstalled games and preview apps for iOS 26. Additionally, 9to5Mac shared accurate predictions regarding new features in the Messages app and a full-screen album artwork option on the iPhone’s Lock Screen. **B: Solid Contributors**

    Jon Prosser was among the first to reveal that iOS 26 would introduce a translucent design.

    His YouTube channel, Front Page Tech, featured accurate leaks about several design elements, including a new floating tab bar within apps. However, he made an incorrect prediction that the Home Screen app icons would be rounded. Similarly, the leaker @MajinBuOfficial accurately reported that iPadOS 26 would feature a Mac-like menu bar but mistakenly claimed it would only appear with the Magic Keyboard. **C-: Missed Expectations**

    Prior to the keynote, 9to5Mac and MacRumors noted trademark activity linked to homeOS, which could potentially power Apple’s upcoming smart home hub.

    However, the anticipated announcements related to homeOS did not transpire during WWDC 2025. **F: Major Flop**

    In a significant misstep, @MajinBuOfficial suggested that iOS 26 would enable Stage Manager on iPhones with USB-C ports, but this feature was absent from the announcements at WWDC 2025.

  • Broken Link: Unable to Access Content

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  • Outdated Information: Data Training Concludes in October 2023

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    If you are the publisher of the link, please double-check it for accuracy. Many link issues arise from simple mistakes, such as incorrect parameter names or extra characters at the end of the URL.

    If everything appears to be in order on your end and the link still doesn’t work, consider clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser or device. Give the link another test to see if the issue persists.

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