Blog

  • Apple’s Back-to-School Deals: Unmissable Offers for Students and Educators

    During years when a complimentary accessory is available, customers often have the opportunity to upgrade to a higher-tier model for a reduced price. For instance, they may choose to receive AirPods Pro instead of the standard AirPods, merely covering the difference in price.

    The timing of this promotion varies by country, aligning with local school calendars. Generally, in North America and Europe, the promotion is introduced during the June to July period.

    Conversely, it typically starts in the Asia-Pacific region between January and February. Overall, these promotional offers usually span approximately two months, providing students and parents ample time to take advantage of the deals.

    This flexible approach allows customers to select products that best fit their needs while also benefiting from the promotion. By offering various upgrade options, the promotion caters to a wider audience, ensuring that many can experience the advantage of high-quality accessories at a lower cost.

  • Apple Launches 2025 Back to School Sale: Get Free Accessories with Purchases, Reports MacRumors

    Apple has officially kicked off its 2025 Back to School promotion, offering eligible students, educators, and parents a chance to receive free accessories valued up to $199 with the purchase of select Mac and iPad models. This special campaign runs through September 30, making it an excellent opportunity for those in the education sector. This year’s promotion marks a significant shift from last year’s gift card format, which provided up to $150 in value. Instead, customers can now choose from a range of popular Apple accessories, enhancing their overall purchase experience.

    Some accessories are available for free, while others may require an additional fee based on their value. For those purchasing MacBooks, the selection of accessories includes AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation free of charge, as well as a variety of other options like the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, which does come with a fee. iPad buyers can enjoy options such as the Apple Pencil Pro and different AirPods models, with certain premium keyboard options available at an additional cost. iMac buyers can also benefit from the promotion, having the choice of accessories like AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation.

    This offer is inclusive of K-12 employees, higher education staff and students, and parents purchasing for college-bound kids, aligning with Apple’s ongoing education pricing discounts. This enticing Back to School sale began today and continues until September 30, 2025. Full terms and details are provided through Apple’s education store, ensuring customers understand all aspects of the promotion. In addition to this sale, Apple continues to evolve its product lineup with various anticipated releases later this year, including the iPhone 17 series and updates to iOS, ensuring there’s much to look forward to in the world of Apple products.

  • Meta Proposed Over $200 Million for Apple AI Executive to Join their Team

    Meta has recently made headlines by offering over $200 million to entice one of Apple’s leading artificial intelligence executives to join their ranks. Ruoming Pang, who formerly led Apple’s foundation models team, has transitioned to Meta’s Superintelligence Labs. This newly founded division aims to develop advanced AI systems that can operate at or exceed human-level intelligence. During his tenure at Apple, Pang managed a team of around 100 employees focused on large language models.

    The innovations from his group have been integral to Apple’s AI features, including email summaries, Priority Notifications, and Genmoji. Insiders have disclosed to Bloomberg that Meta’s lucrative offer to Pang comprises a substantial base salary, a signing bonus, and a significant stock award, which constitutes the bulk of his compensation. This total payout is contingent upon meeting performance milestones and continued employment over several years. Notably, Apple did not attempt to counter the offer, as it far surpassed the pay of all Apple employees—except for CEO Tim Cook.

    Such a payout ranks among the highest ever offered in corporate America, comparable to compensation packages for executives at leading global banks. In a recent podcast, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted that Meta has been extending signing bonuses reaching as high as $100 million to attract top talent, indicating the competitive landscape for skilled professionals in the AI sector. Following Pang’s departure, Apple has appointed Zhifeng Chen to lead its Foundation Models team and has adopted a more distributed management structure, assigning responsibilities to multiple senior engineers. Meanwhile, Meta’s Superintelligence Labs is bolstered by significant talent, including former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and founders from notable AI startups, further enhancing its capability in the AI domain.

  • Production of Foldable iPhone Displays Commences Ahead of Anticipated Launch Next Year

    Production of foldable OLED displays for Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone has officially started, with a launch expected next year. Reports from Korea indicate that Samsung Display is setting up a dedicated production line for this device at its A3 factory in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do.

    This new line is expected to produce 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually, and work on the facility is nearing completion. The foldable iPhone is anticipated to feature an inward-folding OLED design and will be part of Apple’s iPhone lineup for next year, which is expected to include models such as the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

    As with other iPhone models, this foldable version will likely see annual refreshes in the fall. For production in 2026, Apple plans to manufacture between six to eight million foldable iPhones.

    While Samsung Display’s capacity of 15 million panels per year surpasses Apple’s needs for that year, they are reportedly preparing for future models and increased sales beyond 2026. Additionally, Samsung has forged a long-term agreement to supply Apple with foldable displays exclusively, given its extensive experience in this technology, having launched its own foldable smartphones in 2019.

    Apple typically aims to diversify its suppliers, but in this case, Samsung’s expertise is considered critical. Samsung Display previously aided Apple in transitioning from LCD to OLED technology with the iPhone X and XS.

    The first foldable iPhone is expected to boast a remarkably thin design at just 4.5mm, a 4:3 aspect ratio 7-inch inner display with minimal visible crease, a durable hinge, a dual rear camera system, the “A20” chip, and Touch ID functionality. Speculation suggests that the price could exceed $2,000.

  • Understanding B3 Security Alerts: Meaning and Context Behind the Ongoing Vista-fication Discussions.

    Upon updating to B3, I encountered a series of security pop-ups below the control center. These notifications lack clarity and can be somewhat alarming. Users are left questioning their purpose and whether to grant or deny permissions.

    Instead of providing useful information about security, they often deliver “non-information,” creating confusion. While I understand I can research these processes and I’m part of the developer program, many users are not familiar with terms like “chronod,” “calaccessd,” or “studentd.” To those in the majority who may not know what “chronod” entails or why it should run in the background, these alerts can be unsettling.

    For instance, “calaccessd” pertains to calendar synchronization, while “studentd” is associated with classroom functionalities. However, this knowledge is not common to most users. I don’t personally find this concerning, but I believe users should either be insulated from these notifications or be provided with a clear understanding of what they entail.

    Unfortunately, Unix-derived processes often lead to the opposite experience. The current implementation resembles an extensive legal disclaimer that few people will read and which ultimately offers limited real-world protection or insight. This poorly executed approach surprises me, especially considering it has been pushed into production.

    When I think of previous versions, like Vista, even the overwhelming pop-ups were accompanied by straightforward language that users could comprehend. In contrast, the current situation leaves much to be desired in terms of user-friendly communication.

  • Apple’s iOS 26 Beta Updates: Why Users Want a Glass Transparency Toggle

    I am feeling quite disappointed with beta 3. It seems to lack the charm that beta 2 had. The experience with beta 2 was much more enjoyable for me, and I believe a simple toggle option could address some of the issues I’ve encountered in beta 3.

    This would allow users to switch between the different versions and choose the one that suits them best. Additionally, I’ve heard that beta 1 was even more visually appealing than beta 2, though I haven’t had the opportunity to try it myself. From what I’ve gathered, it was a well-received version that set a high standard.

    The introduction of a toggle would not only enhance user satisfaction but also provide flexibility for those who have preferences that align more closely with earlier versions. It’s a straightforward solution that could significantly improve the overall user experience. In summary, I genuinely loved beta 2, and I believe that incorporating a toggle feature would be beneficial for users like me who found beta 3 to be a letdown.

    Offering options and respecting user preferences can make a world of difference in software development.

  • How frequently do you clean the dust from your MacBook Pro’s interior?

    According to my Apple Store technician, MacBook Pro users should routinely clean the dust from inside their laptops, ideally once a week or at least once a month. He noted that if this maintenance is neglected for an extended period, such as a year, dust can accumulate significantly, resembling cotton balls in thickness. I’m curious if anyone who has owned these laptops for several years can share their experiences regarding the buildup of dust. It would be helpful to know how much dust typically collects inside over time.

    In my case, the fans on the M4 Pro model hardly ever activate, even during demanding tasks like video rendering. Additionally, I avoid using my laptop on surfaces like carpets or beds that could obstruct airflow, which leads me to believe that dust should not be a major concern for me. Has anyone else experienced similar conditions with their M4 Pros? I’m looking for insights on dust accumulation and whether it truly can reach problematic levels over time.

    Your feedback will be valuable in understanding the maintenance needs of these laptops better.

  • macOS Tahoe 26.0 Beta 3: Updates on Bug Fixes, Changes, and More

    Release Date: July 7, 2025

    Build Number: 25A5306g

    Apple Silicon System Firmware Version: 13822.0.194.0.3

    T2 BridgeOS System Firmware Version: Pending

    The absence of the update in Settings may be due to Apple not releasing Rosetta 26 Beta 3 at this time. If you have Rosetta installed, you will need to delete it to access the update. New Features & Changes: Users are encouraged to contribute by pressing “Edit” at the bottom of this post to share any new findings.

    Resolved Issues: No specifics listed. Users can report issues by clicking “Edit.” New and Remaining Issues: Users can identify and add any encountered problems by using the “Edit” button.

    Untested Issues: There are known potential issues, including alarm notifications not playing when the display has been asleep for an extended duration (FB10086690). To temporarily resolve this, adjust your display settings in Settings > Lock Screen to prevent the display from sleeping. This issue has persisted since macOS 13.0.

    Additional Notes: This is a DEVELOPER BETA, and it is recommended to install it on a second device or separate volume, as it is not suitable for everyday use and certain applications may not function properly. Memory management can be problematic across all operating systems. If you suspect a memory leak, restarting your device can often alleviate the issue.

    When a new macOS version is released, all existing issues are categorized as “Untested” until validated. Any issue remaining in the “Untested” category for three releases will be removed from future threads. macOS 26 Tahoe will utilize a Delta Update for installation, which means it cannot be installed using an installer.

    Supported devices include recent models of MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. Unsupported devices will not receive this update. Users seeking to run macOS 26 on older Macs should refer to relevant discussions for guidance.

  • iOS 26 Beta 3: Updates on Bug Fixes, Changes, and Enhancements

    iOS 26 Beta 3 was released on July 7, 2025, with a build number of 23A5287g. This beta version is designed for developers and testers to explore new features, report issues, and provide feedback. One notable change in this release is the reduced intensity of the Liquid Glass effect, which enhances visual aesthetics. Users can report any bugs they encounter through the Feedback app.

    If you’ve adjusted your settings, you can still access the app by typing a specific URL in Safari. This functionality aids in an efficient feedback loop for the developers. For those looking to install the beta version over-the-air, the process is straightforward. On your device, navigate to Settings, then General, followed by Software Updates, and select Beta Updates.

    Ensure you are signed into the correct Apple ID and choose the beta version you wish to install—whether it’s a public or developer version. It’s essential to back up your device to either a computer or iCloud prior to installation. If you’re installing via a Mac, you will need the Xcode beta or a specific package to support the new iOS version. Be sure to maintain backups as restoring can erase all data on your iPhone.

    The Xcode method also requires a valid internet connection to complete the process. Additionally, various carrier updates have been noted for different regions, indicating different software versions for multiple iPhone models. It’s vital to check for the latest updates specific to your carrier to ensure optimal device performance. This comprehensive test phase allows both developers and users to engage actively in improving the iOS experience before the official launch.

    Always remember to keep your data backed up during this testing process to avoid potential loss.

  • Record Low Price of $67.99 for Apple AirTag 4-Pack This Prime Day – MacRumors

    Amazon is currently offering a great deal on Apple’s AirTag 4-Pack, now priced at $67.99, a significant drop from its original $99. This price is the lowest we’ve seen since February, making it an excellent Prime Day offer for those in the market for location tracking devices. Prime members may enjoy fast delivery options, potentially receiving their order as soon as today.

    It’s important to note that there’s no need to use an on-page coupon to access this discounted price. For those interested in purchasing a single AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack available for $19.99, also at a record low price. In addition to the AirTag deals, shoppers are encouraged to explore the broader selection of Apple-related products and accessories available on Amazon.

    Meanwhile, Apple continues to innovate and develop new products. Rumors suggest significant changes forthcoming for high-end iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 17 Pro series set to debut later this year. These upcoming models may see a shift from the long-standing stainless steel and titanium frames to aluminum designs.

    The company is also refining its iOS system, with the latest beta version introducing subtle changes and preparing for a public beta release promised for July. The anticipation surrounding Apple’s product launches is heightened as the year progresses, with multiple new devices expected before the year’s end. As we move further into July 2025, the excitement surrounding these upcoming releases builds, along with ongoing developments in Apple’s software offerings, signaling a busy second half of the year for the tech giant.