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

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…

Adam Engst

#1747: OS security updates, identifying apps with location-tracking ads, Dio Node AirPlay speakers

Another week, another set of Apple security updates. These important updates to macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS resolve a WebKit vulnerability with an interesting history. If you’re worried about apps tracking your location, Adam Engst…

Adam Engst

#1746: New MacBook Air, Mac Studio, iPad, and iPad Air; Apple child privacy plans; delays to Siri update for Apple Intelligence

Apple has rolled out incremental updates across its Mac and iPad lineup, introducing the impressive M4 MacBook Air, a Mac Studio speed bump with M4 Max and new M3 Ultra chips, and modest chip upgrades…

Adam Engst

#1745: Comparing audio transcription tools, KeyCastr keystroke visualizer, Listen Later sponsoring, Microsoft shutting down Skype, quantum computing

Looking for the best way to turn speech into text? Adam Engst compares audio transcription capabilities in Apple’s Notes, Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack, and Jordi Bruin’s MacWhisper to see which delivers the best accuracy. If…

Adam Engst

#1744: iPhone 16e, Tailscale remote network access, ADP disabled in UK, 40th anniversary of ProVUE at Macworld Expo

Adam Engst examines the iPhone 16e, Apple’s new “budget” model that replaces the iPhone SE with a larger, pricier device—technically superior yet disappointing for fans of compact iPhones and no match for the iPhone 16.

Adam Engst

#1743: Migrate purchases between Apple Accounts, keep iOS apps private, Apple Health Study, personality in hardware design

Can you finally merge two Apple Accounts? Not quite, but Apple now lets you migrate purchases between Apple Accounts, a long-awaited feature that comes with a host of caveats. Adam Engst explains how to use…

Adam Engst

#1742: OS security updates, macOS text replacements, Apple Invites, Six Colors report card

Apple is back with a fresh round of security updates, patching a sophisticated USB Restricted Mode exploit in iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1. Meanwhile, macOS 15.3.1, watchOS 11.3.1, and visionOS 2.3.1 receive silent security fixes.

Adam Engst

#1741: Grammarly vs. Apple’s Writing Tools, Apple Q1 2025 record revenues, easily guessed PINs, history of the screen saver

Apple has once again set a Q1 revenue record, fueled by strong growth in its Services, Mac, and iPad segments. Michael Cohen and Adam Engst put the results in context. In our feature article this…

Adam Engst

#1740: Apple Intelligence in OS updates, watchOS 11 Vitals app, PolyCapture multi-source recording, WhatsApp Linked Devices warning, Siri flubs

Apple has released updates to all its operating systems, but only macOS 15.3 Sequoia, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3 see notable changes, nearly all related to Apple Intelligence—we run down the details. Apple’s AI-driven features are…

Adam Engst

#1739: Deep dive into backup strategies, data analysis with ChatGPT

During a week of recuperating from COVID, Adam Engst channeled his energy into a pair of articles. In the first piece, he delves into the findings of our Do You Use It? poll about backup strategies, illustrating how…

Adam Engst

#1738: The utility of summaries, Waymo robotaxi experience, Watch Duty monitors wildfires

In this week’s issue, Adam Engst reflects on the value of summaries in response to Apple Intelligence’s flawed notification summarizations, questioning when and how summaries are helpful. He also shares his family’s positive experience riding…