Zac Hall is a Senior Editor, covering Apple, AI, and the modern technology landscape.
He joined 9to5Mac in April 2013, originally as a writer and copy editor.
He later served as Lead Editor from May 2016 through December 2020, before shifting focus to creating the Space Explored website.
In 2015, Zac began co-hosting 9to5Mac Happy Hour, establishing the format of the site’s premier podcast, which he hosted for eight years.
In 2018, he created 9to5Mac Daily, providing audio recaps of Apple and technology news each weekday. He also created and hosted multiple seasons of the 9to5Mac Watch Time podcast, a health and fitness-focused interview series.
Zac currently focuses on writing for 9to5Mac. He is based in the lovely Gulf Coast town of Ocean Springs, MS, where he lives with his brilliant kids and Nova, his adventurous Cavachon rescue pup.
Contact: zac@9to5mac.com
Apple hit a company milestone on Tuesday as its valuation reached $4 trillion for the first time. However, unlike previous trillion dollar milestones, Apple isn’t the first company to reach this record valuation.
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Apple has filed its response to Fintiv’s trade secret complaint over Apple Pay from August. The response comes not because Apple needed to meet a court deadline, but because Apple is trying to move the case along.
Despite Fintiv initiating the complaint two months ago, the company hasn’t actually served Apple, which would set the case in motion. Apple tells 9to5Mac that Fintiv is simply delaying and avoiding having its frivolous and meritless case tried in court.
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The new M5 Apple Vision Pro has arrived, which you can read all about in our official review. Alongside the new headset and standalone Dual Knit Band, Apple is selling the new Logitech Muse spatial stylus for Apple Vision Pro.
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Apple announced plans to turn the iPhone into your driver’s license all the way back in 2021. So far, only a dozen U.S. states actually let you add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet. However, there are more states without Wallet support where your iPhone can still become your driver’s license.
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Throughout this week, photos have shown demolition happening at the White House as much of the East Wing is being demolished. The images have been jarring as they show that President Trump’s plans for a privately funded ballroom mean replacing much of the East Wing, not just extending it.
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In a surprise announcement, OpenAI says it has acquired Software Applications Incorporated — makers of the Mac app called Sky.
If that sounds a bit generic, the company was recently founded by the team behind Workflow, which Apple bought and turned into Shortcuts.
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While Apple and SpaceX have no direct arrangement over Starlink satellite-based internet connectivity, a new report highlights two reasons why that could change in the future. The report also highlights a hardware change that could arrive with next year’s iPhone 18 Pro.
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Earlier this year, I had a lot of fun testing a fairly high-end 4K projector with a $1500 price to match. So when an updated model of a mini projector priced below $300 arrived for testing, I expected it to basically be a toy in comparison. And while there is a big delta in capabilities, I’m very impressed with what something cheaper by more than $1200 can deliver.
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Remember Tea, the dating safety app that leaked private chats and photo IDs in July? Months later, Apple has removed the iPhone app from the App Store.
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iPad Pro expert and all-around good guy Stephen Robles has an awesome interview with a couple of Apple folks that’s all about the new M5 model.
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Meta is effectively shutting down ChatGPT integration for 50 million WhatsApp users, according to OpenAI.
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Curious about the new M5 Apple Vision Pro? Chance Miller spent the last week with the upgraded hardware, including the new strap, which you can read about in his review for 9to5Mac.
Separately, I’ve spent the last few hours using my M2 Apple Vision Pro with the Dual Knit Band, which you can purchase separately from Apple for your existing Apple Vision Pro.
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Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Apple will release the first foldable iPhone in 2026. Meanwhile, unforeseen circumstances seem to be defining development of Apple’s first foldable iPad.
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Updated with additional details, including name and Mac-only status as well as availability.
OpenAI will make a new product announcement today at 10 am PT/1 pm ET, according to a teaser on social media. As for what’s coming, the six-second clip leaves little to the imagination. It shows what appear to be browser tabs.
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If you like your HBO Max, you’ll be paying more starting today. The streaming TV service has increased prices on all three of its plans, effective immediately. This prices standard HBO Max above standard Netflix.
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iOS 26.1 continues to introduce new features and changes for the upcoming iPhone software update. Here’s the latest from iOS 26.1 beta 4 and more.
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iOS 26.1 is the first big update to Apple’s major operating system release, and as of today, the fourth developer beta version has arrived for testing. Apple has also released iOS 26.1 public beta 4 today.
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When Apple releases iPadOS 26.1 soon, iPad users will have access to the Apple Vision Pro app for the first time.
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In recent years, Apple has stopped including power adapters with products for environmental reasons. iPads and MacBooks still include power adapters in the US, but not with certain models in the EU and UK.
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Apple Vision Pro is officially being upgraded from the M2 to the new M5, but existing customers don’t need an all-new Vision Pro to enhance the experience. Apple has shared release details for two previously announced accessories. Apple’s new Dual Knit Band that comes with the M5 Apple Vision Pro is also available to purchase separately.
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Still waiting for Apple’s first smart home hub with a screen? Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that the product is scheduled to arrive in spring 2026. Notably, manufacturing will take place in Vietnam and not China, where most first-gen products are produced. Gurman also reports on Apple’s target price for the first new smart home product.
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Apple TV+ is now just Apple TV, and Apple’s senior vice president of Services says the change was simply the right moment to make it.
In a guest appearance on The Town podcast hosted by Matt Belloni, Eddy Cue discussed why the company decided to drop the “Plus” from Apple TV Plus and why Apple does not believe it will create confusion with its other products of the same name.
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It turns out Apple TV isn’t the only new icon in today’s 26.1 beta 3 OS releases. Remember the controversial hard drive icon in macOS Tahoe from over the summer? Apple shipped the design, but it looks like a new version is coming after all.
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Apple is expected to release a second-generation Apple Pro Display XDR in the near future, and it looks like it will include an important component missing from the original $5000 monitor.
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