Apple’s latest M5 chip powers speed bump updates to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. Adam Engst analyzes the improvements to these updated devices. He also takes a deep look at the capabilities and limitations of the iPhone’s visual intelligence feature in iOS 26, offering insights into its real-world utility for object recognition, text analysis, and AI-powered interactions. Finally, we briefly note Apple’s new streaming bundle of Apple TV and Peacock and question whether such discounting aligns with Apple’s premium brand identity. Notable Mac app releases this week include Acorn 8.3, Default Folder X 6.2.2, GraphicConverter 12.4.3, LaunchBar 6.22.1, and Neo Network Utility 2.0.
Apple’s newest M5 chip debuts in three devices, bringing substantial performance improvements to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro, and Vision Pro while leaving nearly all other features unchanged.
Apple Intelligence’s visual intelligence feature helps you learn more about or interact with anything you see through the iPhone’s camera or on its screen. It’s quicker to access than dedicated apps, but suffers from reliability issues and Apple restrictions.
Watchlist
Brings an option for using the new Liquid Glass user interface in macOS 26 Tahoe. ($29.99 new, free update, 88.2 MB, macOS 14+)
Updates the Open/Save dialog utility with enhancements and bug fixes. ($39.95 new, free update, 27.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Brings a variety of enhancements and an app icon updated for macOS 26 Tahoe . ($39.95 new, free update, 272.3 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Brings a redesigned index window and Action Editor app plus improved compatibility with macOS 26 Tahoe. ($35 new, free update, 15.1 MB, macOS 12+)
Refreshes user interface for macOS 26 Tahoe and adds support for opening multiple windows. (Free, 14.3 MB, macOS 13+)
