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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits Mac on March 20

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits Mac on March 20

    Apple shared exciting news today: Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on Mac on Thursday, March 20. The game will drop at the same time for Mac, PlayStation 5, Windows PCs, and Xbox, so no one gets left behind.

    Back in May 2024, Ubisoft revealed plans to bring this game to Mac, originally aiming for a November release. After a few delays, it’s finally set to arrive later this year. Fans can breathe easy knowing the wait is almost over.

    This action-packed roleplaying game takes place in 16th-century Japan and follows the main Assassin’s Creed storyline, coming after Assassin’s Creed Mirage. It dives into the clash between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Players can step into the shoes of two characters: Fujibayashi Naoe, a sneaky shinobi, or Yasuke, a tough samurai.

    Both characters bring something unique to the table. Naoe is all about staying hidden and moving quietly, while Yasuke shines in head-on fights. Each character has their skills, weapons, and growth paths, giving players different ways to enjoy the game.

    The world is huge and open, packed with stunning sights like busy castle towns, lively ports, calm countryside, and quiet shrines. The weather and seasons change as you play, making every moment feel fresh. Marc-Alexis Côté, Ubisoft’s executive producer, called Assassin’s Creed Shadows his team’s “biggest adventure yet.” They’ve poured a lot into it.

    To play on a Mac, you’ll need one with an Apple silicon chip. If you’ve got an M3 or M4 Mac, you’ll enjoy real-time ray tracing for extra-sharp visuals. Ubisoft is also bringing the game to iPads with M-series chips. Priced at $70, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is up for pre-order on the Mac App Store now, ahead of its March 20 debut. Get ready to explore Japan like never before!

  • Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Apple recently launched the M3 iPad Air and iPad 11, and now it’s introduced a neat new accessory to go with them. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air has been updated with some awesome features borrowed from the M4 iPad Pro’s version. Let’s check out what’s new!

    iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard Gets a Fresh Look

    According to Apple:

    The redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air makes it easier to get things done, all at a lower price. It has a bigger trackpad that’s super accurate for tricky tasks, plus a new row of 14 keys for quick controls like adjusting brightness or sound. It snaps on magnetically, and the Smart Connector instantly links it up for power and data—no Bluetooth needed. There’s also a sturdy aluminum hinge with a USB-C port for charging. Starting at just $269 for the 11-inch size and $319 for the 13-inch, this keyboard keeps its sleek floating style and comes in white. This updated Magic Keyboard for iPad Air picks up some of the best tricks from the M4 iPad Pro’s keyboard, which I adore.

    Here’s what they share:

    • A larger trackpad for easier use
    • A handy row of shortcut keys

    One small difference? The iPad Air version doesn’t have the fancy trackpad vibration feedback. It also skips the aluminum area near the trackpad. But overall, the two keyboards are pretty similar. Both come in 11-inch and 13-inch options. While it’d be cool to have just one Magic Keyboard for all iPads, the super-slim iPad Pro probably needs its special fit.

    Pricing and Which iPads Work with It

    The iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard is cheaper since it skips a couple of extras:

    • 11-inch: $269 (compared to $299 for iPad Pro’s)
    • 13-inch: $319 (compared to $349 for iPad Pro’s)

    It works with these iPads:

    • iPad Air 11-inch (M3, M2, 5th, and 4th gen)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M3, M2)

    You can grab it now from Apple’s online store, with delivery by Wednesday, March 12.

  • TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s recent $100 billion promise to boost its U.S. operations grabbed attention, but it left out key details—like whether this cash is really new or just old promises repackaged. Even more surprising, some experts think this move could actually slow down efforts to make Apple chips in America. Here’s why.

    Where Things Started

    Back in 2022, Apple shared exciting news: it wanted chips stamped “Made in the USA.” This tied into the U.S. CHIPS Act, a big push to bring tech jobs home. TSMC stepped up, planning factories in Arizona. Some of those chips were meant for older Apple gadgets.

    But the road’s been bumpy. The first factory was supposed to start cranking out chips last year, but that got delayed to 2024. People also wondered if raw chips made in the U.S. would still need to zip back to Taiwan for finishing touches—something called “packaging.” Plus, there were grumbles about jobs. TSMC brought in many workers from Taiwan, sparking claims it wasn’t fully supporting American workers.

    What’s Up with the $100 Billion?

    The Trump team hyped up this $100 billion plan before TSMC even confirmed it, making it sound fresh. But since Arizona factories were always part of the vision, it’s hard to tell if this is extra money or just the same budget with a new label.

    One fresh twist? TSMC now says it’ll build U.S. packaging plants. Before, they planned to hand that job to another company, Amkor. This might just mean shifting work around in the U.S., not adding much new.

    A Setback for Apple Chips?

    Here’s the catch: Apple needs cutting-edge chips, and TSMC’s best tech stays in Taiwan. The U.S. plants were already set to make older-style chips, lagging behind Taiwan’s top factories. Now, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says this new deal scraps one of the more advanced U.S. plants. Instead, TSMC’s adding a packaging site and a research hub.

    That could mean fewer chips for even Apple’s older devices. Kuo also warns the $100 billion isn’t locked in—it’s “flexible,” so TSMC might adjust based on how things go. In short, this big announcement might sound great, but it could leave U.S.-made Apple chips stuck in the past.

  • New MacBook Air arrives this week: what’s coming?

    New MacBook Air arrives this week: what’s coming?

    Apple’s boss, Tim Cook, dropped a hint about a fresh product this week with a quick video saying, “There’s something in the Air.” The “Air” clue and the timing suggest we’re about to see new MacBook Airs with the M4 chip.

    • Design – The new MacBook Air will stick to two sizes: 13 inches and 15 inches. Don’t expect a big makeover—there’s no buzz about a new style. The last design update was in 2022, so the look should stay familiar, just like today’s models.
    • Screen – Apple’s fancy mini-LED screens are for the MacBook Pro, so the MacBook Air will likely keep its usual Liquid Retina Display (think LED). The MacBook Pro recently got a matte display option, and while it might show up on the Air, it’s not a sure thing—it could stay a Pro-only perk.
    • M4 Chip – The M4 chip is already in the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad Pro, and Mac mini, so it’s no shock it’s coming to the MacBook Air. It’s got up to 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Built with a super tiny 3-nanometer process, it’s made for Apple Intelligence. It’ll beat the M3, but don’t expect a huge leap—think about 25% better performance.
    • Memory – Last year, Apple bumped the MacBook Air’s starting memory to 16GB from 8GB. That’s staying the same for the new ones—no changes here.
    • Battery – Thanks to the M4’s efficiency, battery life might get a boost. For example, the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro lasts up to 24 hours streaming video or 16 hours browsing online.
    • Camera – The MacBook Pro’s new 12-megapixel FaceTime camera could come to the Air. It has Center Stage to keep you in focus during video calls and Desk View to show off your desk from above.
    • Ports – Right now, the MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The new ones might jump to three Thunderbolt 4 ports for faster connections.
    • Price – The M3 MacBook Air starts at $1,099, and no price hikes are rumored for the M4.
    • Old Models – The M2 MacBook Air, priced at $999, might get swapped for an M3 version—or stick around if upgrading costs too much.
    • Surprise “Air” Stuff? – The M4 MacBook Air is the star, but Apple could sneak in updates for other “Air” products like the iPad Air or AirTags next year.
    • Launch Details – No big event is planned—expect a press release and videos, with the MacBook Air possibly out tomorrow!
  • Tim Cook hints at exciting Apple reveal this week: ‘Something Fresh Is Coming’

    Tim Cook hints at exciting Apple reveal this week: ‘Something Fresh Is Coming’

    Today, Apple’s boss, Tim Cook, shared a fun update on social media. He posted a quick video on X with the words, “There’s something in the air,” teasing a new product drop this week.

    A New MacBook Air Is on the Way

    This sneaky hint points to a fresh MacBook Air announcement soon. Word is, it’ll run on a shiny new M4 chip and keep the same 13-inch and 15-inch sizes as the current version.

    The M4 chip is set to bring some cool upgrades. Right now, the MacBook Air tops out at 24GB of memory, but the new one might jump to 32 GB. It’s also expected to have faster performance, two extra CPU cores, and a sharper 12MP Center Stage camera.

    Plus, the M4 MacBook Air will handle external screens better. The M3 version can run two extra displays, but only if the laptop’s lid is shut. The new model will let you use two external screens and the built-in display at the same time—similar to the basic M4 MacBook Pro.

    Could an iPad Air Join the Party?

    Apple might also unveil a new iPad Air this spring. Bloomberg says the MacBook Air update is up first, but Mark Gurman hinted today that a double reveal—iPad Air and MacBook Air—could happen. This makes sense since iPad Air stock is running low.

    Keep an eye on 9to5Mac for all the juicy details about Apple’s big news this week. Fun fact: the “something in the air” line isn’t new! Apple used it way back in 2008 when they launched the very first MacBook Air. Nostalgia, anyone?

  • Fresh Apple gadgets could arrive soon

    Fresh Apple gadgets could arrive soon

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is gearing up to reveal new products, maybe as soon as next week. Among them are a shiny new M4 MacBook Air, plus updated iPad Air and basic iPad models. The MacBook Air news is super close, while the iPads might take a bit longer.

    What’s Coming This Spring?

    After the iPhone 16e hit the scene, everyone’s buzzing about what Apple’s got next. Rumors point to a spruced-up iPad Air, a new iPad 11, and an M4 MacBook Air—all due for a fresh look soon.
    Gurman notes that stores are running low on the current basic iPad and M2 iPad Air. That’s a big hint that new versions are on the way. We saw the same thing with the iPhone SE 3 stock before the iPhone 16e dropped.

    Here’s a quick recap: The iPad 11 should get a boost with the A17 Pro chip, making it Apple’s budget-friendly option with Apple Intelligence. The iPad Air might see some inside upgrades, like an M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard.

    When Will We See Them?

    All these goodies are set to roll out this spring, though some will pop up sooner. Gurman predicts a Mac announcement could hit as early as next week—probably the M4 MacBook Air. The iPad updates are coming too, but don’t expect them in the next few days, per his latest scoop.

  • Siri’s big update might wait until iOS 18.5

    Siri’s big update might wait until iOS 18.5

    Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted that Apple could delay some of Siri’s exciting new Apple Intelligence features until iOS 18.5. His latest update suggests this is looking more and more likely.

    Siri’s Personal Touch in iOS 18

    Originally, Apple aimed to roll out these Siri improvements with iOS 18.4. But due to some hiccups and bugs, it seems the company has shifted gears to iOS 18.5 instead. The first test version of iOS 18.4, released recently, didn’t include any of these promised upgrades.

    In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman shared that iOS 18.5 will bring the real magic. He wrote:

    • The next update, iOS 18.5, is where the cool stuff lands. Expect a smarter Siri with AI powers, as shown last June, plus Apple Intelligence support for users in China.
    • Apple’s team has been quietly testing iOS 18.5 since early February, according to visitor logs spotted by MacRumors.

    When Can We Expect It?

    Gurman predicts that iOS 18.5 will hit devices in May, though testing might kick off earlier. He added:

    • This new Siri will show if Apple can bounce back strong. It’s set to launch in May, almost a year after its big reveal.
    • There’s still a slim chance some Siri tweaks could sneak into a later iOS 18.4 test version, but Gurman’s betting on iOS 18.5 for now.

    What’s Coming to Siri?

    The update promises neat tricks like noticing what’s on your screen, understanding your details, and giving you better control within apps. For instance, at WWDC 2024, Apple demoed Siri helping an iPhone user check their mom’s flight and lunch plans by pulling info from Mail and Messages.

    Which iPhones Get It?

    You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model to enjoy Apple Intelligence.

  • A strange iMessage problem Apple needs to solve

    A strange iMessage problem Apple needs to solve

    For the last couple of years, I’ve noticed something odd with Apple’s Messages app, especially when it comes to pictures. I keep hoping Apple will fix it, but so far, they haven’t done anything about it. Here’s the issue: if you send an AVIF picture through iMessage, it doesn’t show up right. AVIF is a type of image that’s getting more popular, so this glitch is kind of frustrating.

    But that’s not the whole story. It’d be fine if Apple just didn’t work with AVIF files at all. Instead, for some strange reason, the image pops up in a tiny box on your screen. There’s no way to make it bigger, so you’re stuck squinting at a super small picture you can’t see.

    This happens on both iPhones and Macs. The funny thing is, before you send the AVIF picture, it looks perfectly fine in the preview. You’d never guess there’d be a problem until after you hit send. It’s not like Apple doesn’t know how to handle AVIF. They added support for it in Safari with iOS 16, which was over two years ago. So, they’re halfway there—they just haven’t updated iMessage to keep up. The files show up, but you can’t view them properly.

    This whole thing feels off. Since AVIF works in Safari and the Photos app, people naturally send these images through iMessage. But when they don’t display correctly, it’s a letdown. You’re left with a useless picture.

    I hope Apple tackles this soon. It’s a small but annoying issue that messes up the experience. With AVIF becoming more common, it’s time for iMessage to catch up and let us see those images the way they’re meant to be seen.

  • Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple announced new tools today to keep kids safer online. These updates include a clearer age rating system, an easier way for parents to set up accounts for their children, tweaks to what kids see on the App Store, and a new tool for app makers to check a user’s age range. This ensures kids only get content that fits their age.

    The details are in a new guide called Helping Protect Kids Online, available on Apple’s developer website. The goal is simple: give parents more say over what their kids do online while keeping things private. Apple also wants to avoid broad laws that force the App Store to handle age checks for everyone.

    First, setting up accounts for kids is getting easier. When someone makes a new account, Apple will ask for their age range. This is already in the iOS 18.4 beta. For kids under 13, there’s a “Connect to Family” option. Parents need to approve the account for things like the App Store, but Apple is making this smoother. Instead of needing a credit card, parents can now use their payment history with Apple and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID.

    Kids can start using their device right away if a parent isn’t around. Age-based limits will kick in for web browsing and messages, but app downloads will need parental approval later. Soon, parents can also fix the age on existing kid accounts if it’s wrong.

    App makers must now share if their apps have user-made content, ads, or need age checks. This info will show up on App Store pages. Apple is also updating its age groups: from 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Each category sets rules for what’s okay—like no violence for little kids or mature themes for teens. Kids won’t see or download apps beyond their age limit, and the App Store will promote apps that match their age.

    Apple’s new tool for developers, called the Declared Age Range API, shares a user’s age range without giving exact details like birthdays. Parents decide if this info is shared, keeping privacy tight. These changes aim to balance safety and ease for families.

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

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