The OS 26.5 updates bring end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to iPhones, a Pride Luminance wallpaper and watch face, and Suggested Places recommendations in Maps. Otherwise, expect a few bug fixes and numerous security updates.

The Flighty flight-tracking app has introduced Airport Intelligence, which uses AI to explain conditions at every airport worldwide, plus a free Flighty Airports webpage showing real-time disruption levels at major airports.

Scammers are hijacking email accounts to send fake party invitations that look like they’re from friends, and even experienced users are falling for them. Learn the red flags, how to alert an affected friend, and what to do if you’re caught.

Apple updates sometimes toggle settings without warning. A recent case involving iCloud Private Relay illustrates the problem—and raises the question of whether we can track what changes during an update.

OpenAI has traced ChatGPT’s bizarre goblin fixation to training gone awry, but the creatures keep escaping—as Adam Engst discovered when goblins popped up in a conversation about a conference presentation.

Remember Lego’s old computer bricks? Designer Paul Staal has supersized the concept into the M2x2, a working Mac mini enclosure that combines retro Lego charm with a 7-inch display.

Apple lets you export and import text replacements by dragging them to and from the Text Replacements dialog. It’s great for backups and sharing, but if you try to import thousands of entries, such as from the TidBITS AutoCorrect Dictionary, things may fall apart unpredictably.

A poll of 668 readers confirms what we’ve always suspected: TidBITS readers stick around. Fully 64% have been reading for over 30 years, 87% for more than 20 years, and 94% for at least a decade.

Tech journalist Joanna Stern has left The Wall Street Journal to launch an independent media outlet called New Things, promising columns, videos, and the same blend of technical accuracy and entertainment.

Glenn Fleishman has cataloged the surprisingly diverse ecosystem of Find My-compatible products—now numbering over 70—and built a comparison website to help you navigate the options.

Adam Engst’s 711-mile round trip from Ithaca to Virginia became an education in EV charging—from unplanned charging stops to mysterious range variations. Here’s what he learned and what he’ll do differently next time.

The FBI extracted Signal messages from an iPhone by exploiting a notification database flaw. Apple has now released iOS 18.7.8 and iOS 26.4.2 to fix a bug that allowed deleted notifications to persist on devices.

Apple’s leadership transition puts hardware chief John Ternus in the CEO role while Tim Cook moves to executive chairman, where he’ll continue navigating the company’s complex political landscape.

TidBITS is celebrating 36 years and 1800 issues of continuous publication. Rather than rehash past anniversary themes, Adam Engst uses this milestone to focus on the importance of community and invites readers to share how TidBITS has affected their lives.

When Matt Sephton told me he was releasing 18 apps on the same day, I knew I had to talk to him. Our two-hour VidBITS conversation covers everything from his tiny utilities—most of which would fit on a 1.44 MB floppy disk—to classic Mac preservation to AI coding experiments.