Macworld When it comes to smartphone launches, the principle of “no news is good news” rarely applies: a new phone that’s largely the same as its predecessor can only be a disappointment. But one exception, particularly at times of economic turmoil, is the price tag. Last fall’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max were premium phones, priced accordingly: the 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and the 17 Pro Max at $1,199. But there have been concerns that the 18 Pro will be even more expensive as a result of market pressures, and it’s with great relief that we can report that the consensus among experts is now that it won’t. No news is good news. In a research note…

Last November, Google announced a cross-platform feature that allows Google Pixel 10 and Apple device users to share files directly via QuickShare-AirDrop interoperability. Now, Google has confirmed that the feature is set to expand to Android phones more generally this year. "Last year, we launched AirDrop interoperability," said Eric Kay, vice president of engineering for the Android platform, speaking during a recent Pixel Labs tour at Google's Taipei office. "In 2026, we're going to be expanding it to a lot more devices." "We spent a lot of time and energy to make sure that we could build something that was compatible not only with iPhone but iPads and Macs. Now that we've proven it out, we're working with our partners…

Despite owning FileMaker, Apple has never included a database app with iWork. Apple has now acquired Kuzu, Inc, a firm developing fast, flexible graph databases.Kuzo Explorer is a demonstration of a graph database where every point of data links to all related ones — image credit: KuzuApple has had the FileMaker database since the 1980s, but by being operated by an Apple subsidiary, it's always been kept at arms' length from the consumer iWork apps of Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. In comparison, Microsoft's Office includes the company's Access database.Now as noted by the European Union's list of significant company acquisitions, Apple has bought Kuzu, Inc. The EU defines significant not by size, but by whether the aim is to "provide…

Apple is believed to be on a gradual journey that began with Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 back in 2022 and will at some point progress to full 5G access via satellite, bypassing ground-based antenna altogether. It’s previously been suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro might take a significant step in this direction with support for 5G over satellite links. A new report today adds weight to that idea … more…

Macworld For years, the Apple Pencil 2 was the go-to stylus for digital illustrators, offering easy pairing, precise input, pressure sensitivity, shading support, and much more. Then things changed. The iPad maker outdid itself with the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, which builds upon the 2nd-gen model’s solid base and takes the experience to the next level. Despite its name, the Apple Pencil Pro’s compatibility actually extends to some non-Pro iPad models, including the latest Air and mini variants. (It doesn’t work with the entry-level iPad, however.) But its feature set is absolutely Pro standard. If you’re using your Apple Pencil Pro for basic doodling and not much else, it’s time to discover how much more it can achieve. In this…

Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Charges iPhone, Watch, AirPods Super compact Super lightweight Super affordable Cons Slow 7.5W iPhone charging Our Verdict It’s certainly not the fastest 3-in-1 wireless charger, but the Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger is without doubt the smallest and lightest we’ve tested. If you’re using it to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods over night or at your leisure during the day, this is an excellent super-light, compact portable charger for your travels. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Mous 3-In-1 Wireless Portable Charger Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket…