By Andrew Orr Apple has classified the final Intel-based MacBook Air, Apple Watch Series 5, and iPhone 11 Pro as vintage products as of December 31.MacBook AirThe company updated its vintage and obsolete list on Wednesday, adding several late-2019 and 2020-era devices. The change affects repair eligibility rather than software support or daily functionality.For Apple users, the shift signals a narrowing long-term service window, particularly for Intel-era Macs and older Apple Watch models. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Christine McKee Amazon’s year-end MacBook Air deals continue, with the 15-inch model on sale for $999 today thanks to a $200 discount.Year-end savings offer $200 off multiple 15-inch MacBook Air models.Year-end deals at Amazon are driving MacBook Air prices down, and today’s $999 deal on the 15-inch model is perfect for business owners looking to pick up a new laptop for the 2025 tax year.Buy 15″ MacBook Air for $999 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Andrew O’Hara Apple users had a banner year when it came to new smart home devices. Of all the ones I tested, here are my favorite Apple Home-compatible ones that launched in 2025.Here are my favorite new smart home devices I tested in 2025Heading into the year, I had high hopes. I’d expected to see Apple’s smart home display launch, alongside new Apple TV and HomePod hardware.That didn’t pan out, but it wasn’t a total bust. We got multiple new versions of Matter — including 1.5 with camera support, robot vacuums joined Apple Home, and there was a huge number of new and unique devices that made their way to market. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Andrew Orr Without naming features or dates, a teaser shared Tuesday shifted attention back to Apple Fitness+ ahead of the new year.Apple Fitness+The company shared the teaser on the Apple Fitness+ Instagram account on December 30, without naming features or a launch window. Fitness+ stays bundled with Apple One and closely tied to Apple Watch hardware.The teaser appears as a short Instagram Reel featuring Fitness+ trainers reading a mock newspaper titled Apple Fitness+ Times. Headlines repeatedly claim “something big is coming” and point to January as a moment to watch. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By William Gallagher It’s the iconic Apple ad, the Ridley Scott-directed Macintosh spot that famously was shown first and once during the 1984 Super Bowl — except that’s not quite true.”1984″You know it well — and if you don’t, Epic Games has been parodying it. The “1984” ad is the one that shows an athlete throwing her sledgehammer to break a screen playing a “Big Brother” kind of speech.It’s just that the ad was not shown first on January 22, 194, during the Super Bowl XVIII, and it was not only aired once. It’s true that following the Super Bowl, Apple did not air the full version again — and didn’t need to, since countless news programs aired it for them. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By William Gallagher William’s desk surface hasn’t changed in years, but almost everything on it has recently. From a new Mac Studio to a totally unnecessary third Stream Deck, here’s how he works.William actually has a second desk to one side, which is why he’s able to make this one look tidy for you.About 05:00 most weekday mornings, I will come into my extremely dark office, turn on the Mac Studio — and then blind myself with an Elgato Key Light. I’ve got two of these, one for front and one for back lighting in videos.But at that time of the morning, I can use one to give me a gentle start to the day — once I turn it down from whatever brightness I had it the day before. And I now turn it down using a knob on my third Elgato Stream Deck, which is ridiculously and extremely handy. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Christine McKee A year-end sale on Apple’s Mac mini line discounts the standard M4 Pro spec to $1,229, thanks to a bonus in-cart coupon.Save $170 on Apple’s M4 Pro Mac mini with a special year-end discount.The M4 Pro Mac mini with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage retails for $1,399, but shoppers can save $170 today only at B&H Photo thanks to a $120 instant rebate stacked with a $50 in-cart coupon.Buy M4 Pro Mac mini for $1,229 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Marko Zivkovic Against the backdrop of long-overdue Siri features, a new report argues that Apple’s cautious AI approach could be one of its biggest advantages in 2026.Apple’s approach to AI could pay off in 2026, according to a new report.Apple’s artificial intelligence endeavors continue to be the subject of speculation, even as we move closer to the planned contextually aware version of Siri. After it failed to deliver an AI upgrade it promised at WWDC 2024, the iPhone maker adopted a more restrained position regarding AI.Because of this, it’s been argued that Apple is late to the AI race, that the company hasn’t delivered products nearly as impressive as those of rival companies like Google. Apple has also toned down its Apple Intelligence marketing, opting to focus on Liquid Glass as the key change for its 2025 software releases. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Andrew O’Hara 2025 was largely a year of minimal changes in my desk setup, with most of my gear holding over from years past. There were a few upgrades though, helping to smooth out video production and media storage.My 2025 desk setup with Apple’s Studio DisplayFor me, my studio is split into generally three areas — a desk for work, a filming set, and storage. Most of my time is spent in the second two spaces, though I admittedly need to start rearranging the storage better. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Malcolm Owen While some car manufacturers are turning their back on CarPlay, Ford is still committed to Apple’s in-car software, and won’t be shifting away anytime soon.Apple CarPlay used in an infotainment system in a car. Apple CarPlay is a sensitive topic for car makers, with some adopting it while others steer clear. In the case of major producer Ford, CarPlay will be a big part of the driving experience for the moment.Speaking at the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference, Ford CFO Sherry House voiced her company’s support for CarPlay. Ford Authority reports the CFO said it was important to give consumers choice and access to technology, which will be a key feature of Ford’s future plans. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
