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Latest by Alex Blake

The Windows Security app in Windows 11.

Don’t use your Windows PC without using these security settings

Keep your Windows 11 PC safe and sound by tweaking these security settings. In just a few clicks, you’ll have increased your security and peace of mind.
The Mac mini on a wooden desk.

Even a redesigned Mac mini won’t win me over

Rumors suggest that the Mac mini is due for its biggest redesign in almost 15 years, but it still might not be enough to convince me to buy one. Here’s why.
Security and Privacy settings open on a MacBook.

I’d never use a Mac without first changing these 8 security settings

Keeping your Mac safe and secure is incredibly important, but how do you actually do it? Simple: just change these macOS settings for increased peace of mind.
The redeisgned Siri user interface in macOS Sequoia.

I finally tried Apple Intelligence in macOS Sequoia to see if it lived up to the hype

Apple Intelligence has finally rolled out in the latest macOS Sequoia developer beta. But is it worth your time? I took it for a spin in order to find out.
The back of a blue iMac on a white desk.

The iMac Pro may not be completely dead, and that thrills me

A new report says that Apple aims to bring back the iMac Pro. We shouldn’t get too enthusiastic, though, as it might still be years away from launching.
A close up of a MacBook Pro against a white background.

These 8 apps will transform your Mac into something much more powerful

Bored of doing repetitive tasks on your Mac? Give these apps a try. They’re all expertly made to automate work in macOS, saving you a bunch of time and hassle.
Disney Plus on a MacBook Pro.

A ‘dramatic’ Mac redesign may launch later this year

A new leak suggests that a dramatic redesign is coming to some of Apple’s Macs. Which models are in line for an overhaul and what can we expect to see?
A person using a MacBook Air connected to two monitors.

I’m a Mac power user, and these are the apps I can’t live without

Want to get more from your Mac? Our selection of the best Mac apps for power users will help you run advanced tasks in macOS without ever breaking a sweat.
A man sitting at a desk in front of an M1 iMac. Behind him is a large glass window and a set of shelves holding books, plants and ornaments.

People are arguing about this classic macOS feature, and it’s hilarious

A simple post on X ignited a firestorm of debate over whether macOS or Windows does one simple thing better. The results were amusing and often very strange.
An Apple MacBook laptop with the macOS Ventura background wallpaper and the notch seen at the top of the display.

The MacBook notch has been redeemed

The NotchNook app turns your Mac’s notch into something you’ll actually want to use, with tools and features that make it like a Dynamic Island for macOS.
The blue screen of death in Windows.

What the CrowdStrike outage says about the security of Macs

When a global CrowdStrike outage knocked Windows PCs offline, people asked why Macs weren’t affected. We dug into the details to find out the answers.
The iPhone Mirroring feature from macOS Sequoia being demonstrated at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

Even in its unfinished state, iPhone Mirroring on Mac is way ahead

The iPhone Mirroring app in macOS Sequoia is so much better than Microsoft’s Phone Link, and it’s not even close. For Windows users, that’s a real shame.
The iPhone Mirroring feature from macOS Sequoia being demonstrated at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

I’ve been using the first macOS Sequoia public beta. Here’s my take on it so far

Apple has just released the macOS Sequoia public beta into the wild. Should you download it? We tested its new apps and features to see if it’s worth your time.
The Option+Space shortcut of the macOS ChatGPT app.

The ChatGPT app has changed how I use my Mac in three key ways

OpenAI has launched an official ChatGPT app on macOS. If you’ve got a Mac, it’s definitely worth trying -- here are three things I love the most about it.
Apple's Craig Federighi introducing the new window tiling feature in macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

Don’t wait for macOS Sequoia. This app already has its best feature

Apple is bringing window snapping to macOS Sequoia, but there’s a better alternative app out there that does everything Apple can do -- plus a whole lot more.
A splash screen showing the iCloud logo an icons of various Apple apps and services.

How to use iCloud for backups on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Heard of iCloud, but not sure what it is or how it works? Our guide will bring you up to speed with Apple’s cloud platform and all of its useful extras.
Apple's Craig Federighi discusses macOS at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

All the M4 Macs that are still coming out in 2024

Apple is planning to upgrade its entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip this year. Here’s what we can expect in 2024 and beyond, including all the predicted launches.
The MacBook Air on a white table.

MacBooks are facing a new problem

Apple Intelligence could revolutionize how you use your Mac, but will it come at the cost of regular hardware upgrades? I’m hoping that won’t be the case.
A MacBook Pro sitting on a desk with the time displayed on its monitor.

What is the ‘Your clock is behind’ error and how to fix it

Struggling with “Your clock is behind” or “Your clock is ahead” errors on your Mac? Our guide will help you fix it and banish the errors for good.
A screenshot of iMovie open with a title screen on the image.

5 free Mac video editors you should use instead of iMovie

Apple’s iMovie is a solid video-editing app, but if you’re looking for something a little more powerful, there are plenty of excellent free alternatives.
A person wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset.

How Apple plans to save the Vision Pro

Apple wants to get its Vision Pro headset back on track and increase sales, but it might look elsewhere for the product that ends up saving its VR efforts.
A person using the 1Password password manager on a laptop while sat on a couch.

5 password managers you should use instead of LastPass

Worried about whether LastPass is secure and safe to use? We’ve rounded up five of the best password managers that you should use instead of LastPass.
A close-up of the gold MacBook Air M1's keyboard.

Can you use Control-Alt-Delete on a Mac? Here’s the answer

Wondering if there’s a Control-Alt-Delete shortcut in macOS? Our guide has the answer, with everything you need to know about using this shortcut on your Mac.
M4 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard.

How the new iPad Pro is changing everything for the MacBook

The new ultra-thin iPad Pro may signal a new era for Apple products, with the MacBook potentially next on the list for a slimline revamp in the next few years.
Apple's Craig Federighi introduces window tiling in macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024.

Apple just Sherlocked another beloved Mac app

Does the new window tiling feature in Apple’s macOS Sequoia pinch features from other apps and threaten their existence? We’ve taken a look at the situation.
Apple showing the different devices that Apple Intelligence works on.

Here are all the Macs that will and won’t get the new AI features

Apple Intelligence is here with a host of exciting AI features that will change the way you use your Mac. But is your device compatible? We’ve got the answer.
An Apple executive giving a presentation at WWDC 2024.

Apple says it made ‘AI for the rest of us’ — and it’s right

Apple’s new artificial intelligence tools are an example for everyone else to follow, with features that are intuitive to use and protective of your privacy.
Disney Plus on a MacBook Pro.

The Mac just became a true ‘AI PC’

Apple has just brought the Mac into the AI era with a significant macOS upgrade that places AI at the heart of Apple’s wide-ranging computing efforts.
The Apple logo on the Power Mac G3 Blue and White.

25 years ago, Apple introduced a Mac that changed everything

Apple’s Power Mac G3 Blue and White edition is 25 years old today. Here’s how it changed Apple -- and the entire computing world -- in a truly big way.
The Arc web browser running on macOS Ventura, showing an Easel with live snippets listing temperatures in New York and flights there from London.

Why even Chrome devotees should give the Arc web browser a shot

Arc and Google Chrome are two excellent web browsers, but which one is best? We’ve compared them on design, features, performance, and security to find out.
Firefox

The best Firefox extensions to level up your browser

Want to take the Firefox web browser to the next level? This selection of superb extensions could be just what you need, with options for almost any situation.
Apple Mac Mini side view showing edges.

Why you should buy a Mac mini instead of a MacBook Air

Picking between the Mac mini and the MacBook Air can be tough, but there are plenty of reasons why Apple’s bite-sized desktop is the best choice.
An Apple iPad and a MacBook together on a desk alongside a pair of headphones.

I ask again: Will Apple ever merge the Mac and iPad?

A new report says Apple should bring the Mac and iPad closer together. What would this future look like, and is it even a good idea? I’m not convinced.
A person using a MacBook Air connected to two monitors.

Stop using these default Mac apps — trust me

Not every Mac app created by Apple is a winner. Here are five Apple-designed Mac apps that you should switch out for superior third-party alternatives.