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Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for 36 years
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Weekly Issues

Adam Engst

#1762: Lessons from switching to a new MacBook Pro, Sorted task management app, Arc/Dia controversy podcast, Torx screws

Adam Engst recounts his transition from a 27-inch iMac to a 14-inch MacBook Pro, sharing thoughts about clean installations, the benefits of cloud storage, and ergonomic considerations when using a laptop as a desktop replacement…

Adam Engst

#1761: AI-enhanced Dia browser leaves Arc users behind, weak adoption of Apple Intelligence

In an extensive analysis, Adam Engst explores The Browser Company’s pivot from Arc to its new AI chat-enhanced Dia browser, examining how the company’s desire to attract a wider audience has left dedicated Arc users…

Adam Engst

#1760: OS 26 system requirements, Mac mini service program, Apple Intelligence usage poll, AI presentation, Anker power bank recall

Adam Engst provides a comprehensive overview of the system requirements for Apple’s just-announced operating systems, highlighting that macOS 26 Tahoe will be the final version to support Intel-based Macs, and noting compatibility changes for iOS…

Adam Engst

#1759: Major new features in OS 26, Bill Atkinson dies, Backblaze bloated logs, Dave & Buster’s Messages anomaly explained

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled the next versions of its operating systems, all of which will indeed be version 26. Adam Engst explores the changes he believes will have the greatest impact on the Apple…

Adam Engst

#1758: Jettison aids disk ejection, OS versions to jump to 26, Self Service Repair for iPads

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to align version numbers across its operating systems by using version 26 for all platforms later this year, simplifying the currently complex numbering system. Adam Engst examines how…

Adam Engst

#1757: VPN poll results, AFP removal signals Time Capsule demise, Jony Ive working with OpenAI, non-human intelligences

Our latest Do You Use It? poll reveals that 84% of TidBITS readers use VPNs, with NordVPN and Proton VPN emerging as the most popular choices. Adam Engst examines Apple’s upcoming removal of the AFP…

Adam Engst

#1756: SmartWings HomeKit shades, CarPlay Ultra, NMUG backups presentation, VPN usage poll, ChatGPT energy use

This week, Adam Engst reviews a HomeKit-compatible window shade from SmartWings, finding it a functional and cost-effective solution. Adam also announces his upcoming NMUG presentation on modern backup strategies, and we invite you to weigh…

Adam Engst

#1755: Apple behavior disappoints, OS x.5 updates, iPhone 16 Bluetooth issues, $170 million judgment against NSO Group

In this week’s TidBITS, we cover Apple’s release of iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5 Sequoia, and other x.5 OS updates that include security fixes and a few modest enhancements, such as a new Screen Time notification…

Adam Engst

1754: Apple Q2 2025 financials remain strong, Mac writer Sharon Zardetto Aker dies, Six Colors Apple Enterprise Report Card

Michael Cohen and Adam Engst explore the context behind Apple’s Q2 2025 financial report, which showed profits of $24.8 billion on revenues of $95.4 billion, with the Services segment hitting a record $26.6 billion. Adam…

Adam Engst

#1753: Text fragments enable deep linking, no more TidBITS on X/Twitter and Facebook, Macintosh Magazine Media project

Adam Engst explores the evolution of deep linking on the Web as an introduction to how text fragments now enable precise linking to specific content within Web pages. He also announces that TidBITS will no…

Adam Engst

#1752: TidBITS 35th anniversary, OS x.4.1 updates, deep dive into AI-powered answer engines

In this issue, Adam Engst reflects on 35 years of TidBITS and its mission to explain technology in an increasingly fractured and fractious world. Apple has released updates for its current operating systems to patch…

Adam Engst

#1751: Deep dive into organizational features in Photos, personal cyber insurance, Microsoft’s first source code

Worried about the increasing sophistication of online scams? Glenn Fleishman explores how inexpensive personal cyber insurance policies can protect against various online scams and fraud, potentially reimbursing significant losses. Adam Engst takes a deep dive…

Adam Engst

#1750: Comcast deleting “inactive” accounts, tabs in Google Docs, MagSafe on the iPhone 16e

Beware of Comcast’s new policy that could delete your forwarded email accounts. Adam Engst explains how to ensure your comcast.net addresses remain active. If you’re considering the budget iPhone 16e, Julio Ojeda-Zapata explores how to…

Adam Engst

#1749: OS x.4 updates, WWDC to occur online June 9–13, Garmin Health and Happiness Study

Apple has released iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, watchOS 11.4, visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod Software 18.4, bringing new Apple Intelligence features, improved Photos organization, Mail categorization on the iPad and Mac, and…

Adam Engst

#1748: Time zones in calendar events, Hyperspace utility, tales from Silicon Valley’s past, AirPods Max update, pondering AI search

In this issue of TidBITS, Adam Engst sorts through the complexities of managing time zones in calendar apps, helping frequent travelers avoid common scheduling headaches. He also recommends Scott Knaster’s new “Adjacent to Greatness” Substack…