Michael Potuck

Microsoft is using the new Snapdragon X Elite silicon in its latest Surface laptop (and 2-in-1) hardware. Now PhoneBuff is out with a battery test to see how the M3 Pro MacBook Pro performs against the Surface 7.

We are into the second developer beta of iOS 18, which means all of the new features (at least currently available) have been put through their paces for a few weeks. So we’re curious, what are your favorite new capabilities and features of iOS 18?

A major selling point for Apple Watch is the health features that come with the wearable. If you’re curious about what’s changed between the latest release and its predecessors, read along for Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 and earlier for health and fitness capabilities.

Included with iOS is the capability for iPhone to use T-Mobile’s 5G Standalone coverage in the US (in addition to other carriers globally). The option can offer speeds as fast speeds 3 Gbps using the power of carrier aggregation. Here’s how to make sure 5G Standalone is turned on with iPhone and how to verify your cellular connection stats.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are Apple’s latest high-end smartphones that come with a range of new capabilities. But are they worth the upgrade if you already have an iPhone 13 Pro? Read along for an in-depth look at the iPhone 13 Pro vs 15 Pro for everything new and different.

Update June 2024: During the announcement of Apple Intelligence, we learned the new AI features will only be available with iPhone 15 Pro/Max and later. That marks a major new distinction between Apple’s smartphones.

• What is Apple Intelligence? Here’s how iOS 18’s AI features will change the way you use your iPhone, Mac, and iPad

Popular podcast app Pocket Casts is out with a major update for its paid Mac and Windows users today. The new release brings “a more consistent and streamlined experience across platforms, complete with an updated rendering engine.”

After doing some studies on Apple Music and Apple News, CIRP is out with a new report on smartphone sales in the US. For the last year, the study found that Samsung moved more smartphones than Apple, but the latter sold a much higher percentage of high-end devices.

There’s been an iOS bug for years that gobbles up a big percentage of an iPhone’s available storage. The issue persists in iOS 17.5.1 (and beyond) but fortunately, there are solutions that don’t involve wiping your iPhone. Here’s how to fix the iPhone System Data storage bug.

Nomad has launched slick limited edition Apple Watch Sport Bands like Glow 2.0 and Night Watch Red this year which have sold out quickly. Now the company is back with its latest limited-run design – “Blurple.” Here’s a closer look at this vivid hue.

Back in April, we learned that the EU would force Apple to bring the same App Store changes to iPad that previously arrived for iPhone. Those include app sideloading, alternative app payment, alternative browser engine support, and more. Now the second iPadOS 18 beta brings the ability to test those EU changes on iPad for the first time.

For the first time, iOS 18 comes with the ability to change iPhone app colors natively. Whether you want to use a dark theme all the time or have apps switch automatically, here’s how to use Dark Mode app icons on iPhone with iOS 18.

Ookla has published its 5G in the US report today showing how the major carriers compare for download and upload speeds, video and gaming performance, and more. Here’s how much faster T-Mobile 5G performed than Verizon and AT&T. However, Verizon is catching up.

iOS 18 takes gaming further with a dedicated Game Mode for iPhone and iPad. The new feature redirects system resources to maintain high frame rates, improves Bluetooth controller responsiveness and audio with AirPods, and more. Here’s how to use Game Mode on iPhone in iOS 18.

Apple is improving iPhone security and privacy with iOS 18. One of the valuable new features is the ability to require Face ID for individual apps as well as putting them in a hidden folder. Read along for how to lock and hide apps on iPhone in iOS 18.

Verizon is out today with a new offering for business and enterprise customers who would like a comprehensive smartphone solution. In a single program, Verizon Business Complete includes purchasing, setup, mobile device management (MDM), 24/7 support, repair/replacement, and 24-month upgrades.

Following up on advanced sharing options landing for Proton Drive last week, the company is out with its latest update today for iOS users. Its end-to-end encrypted Proton Drive app for iPhone now offers automatic photo and video backup to securely store and protect your most important memories.

When unveiling its upcoming AI features at WWDC, Apple demoed a number of ways it will be useful and powerful. But what use cases will Apple Intelligence be most helpful? A new report from CIRP looks to answer that question.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are Apple’s latest and greatest devices. While the iPhone 15 Pro is naturally more feature-rich and powerful, it may be overkill for many. And the iPhone 15 has gained pro features of its own this year like the Dynamic Island, 48MP main camera, and more. Follow along for a deep dive into the iPhone 15 vs 15 Pro for all the differences and advice on which to buy for yourself or someone else.

Update June 2024: During the announcement of Apple Intelligence, we learned the new AI features will only be available with iPhone 15 Pro/Max and later. That marks a major new distinction between Apple’s smartphones.

• What is Apple Intelligence? Here’s how iOS 18’s AI features will change the way you use your iPhone, Mac, and iPad

This story is brought to you by Copilot Money, the best money tracker for iOS and macOS that gives you full financial clarity. Try Copilot Money today to track your App Store subscriptions and use the code 9TO5MAC to get a 2-month free trial.

Curious about what services you’re subscribed to through Apple’s App Store? Or maybe you want to cancel a trial right after signing up so you don’t forget? Read along for how to track and manage your Apple and App Store subscriptions.

Apple has made it seamless to subscribe to services through your Apple ID. But the flipside is it’s easy to forget what you’re paying for, what’s on a trial, monthly, or yearly subscription.

Apple’s Notes and Voice Memos apps gain the handy feature of live audio transcription in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Join along for a look at how to use audio transcription in iOS 18 including search, export, and more.

9to5Mac is brought to you by the all-new iMazing 3. The world’s most trusted app for managing Apple devices from a Mac or PC is now even better. Try it now.

We learned that Apple Intelligence will require an A17 Pro chip or later at WWDC last week. And now that the iOS 18 beta is out in the wild, we’re seeing the first benchmarks for performance on the iPhone 15 Pro/Max. The new software significantly boosts Neural Engine performance with the iPhone 15 Pro Max being up to 25% faster for machine learning tasks.