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Zac Hall

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AirPods 4 review: big deal, small package

I’ve been an AirPods user since 2016, and an AirPods Pro user since 2019. In-ear tips are a better fit for my ears, and Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes define the modern AirPods experience for me.

For some, however, in-ear tips are a non-starter. For others, the $249 retail price is a tall order for a pair of earbuds. Apple addresses both cost and design with the all-new AirPods 4.

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Apple details how Apple Watch accelerometer-based sleep apnea feature works

Apple Watch sleep apnea

Apple has published a new clinical validation summary document that explains how its new sleep apnea detection feature works on Apple Watch. Sleep apnea monitoring is part of Apple Watch Series 10 and comes to Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 with watchOS 11. The new watch hardware launches on Friday, and watchOS 11 is available now.

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Apple Pay now integrates with Affirm on iOS 18 following ‘Apple Pay Later’ discontinuation

Remember Apple Pay Later? The buy-now-pay-later service from Apple barely launched before the company decided to nerf it. Replacing Apple’s BNPL option is integration with more widely available options. As of today, the popular BNPL service from Affirm is available as an option for qualified iOS 18 users when checking out with Apple Pay.

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iPhone 17 Pro Max to have more RAM and better cooling system than iPhone 17 Pro and other models

iPhone 16 season is just around the corner, but supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo already has his eyes on the iPhone 17 cycle. The researcher’s latest details how the iPhone 17 Pro Max next fall will outperform the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17 Pro, when next year’s models debut. AI, of course, is the reason behind the extra punch behind the late 2025 Pro Max model.

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watchOS 11 unlocks a new level of usefulness for double tap on Apple Watch

Apple Watch watchos 11

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 introduce the double tap gesture, and I’ve found that the upcoming watchOS 11 update makes the hands-free input method more useful.

Double tap lets you interact with the Apple Watch by doing a two-tap gesture with your thumb and finger with your watch-wearing hand. This gives you the ability to do things like reply to messages and scroll through lists without touching your watch.

While the gesture provides a practical way to interact with the Apple Watch when you’re carrying something in your other hand, double tap is also natural and reliable enough to mindlessly do it when checking your watch for updates, even if both hands are free.

A new feature coming in watchOS 11 has turned my Apple Watch double tap usage way up — don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t … to eleven.

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Apple Music needs a ‘Gratitude’ feature, or I need a radio show

It’s August, the boss is away, and I’m mowing my lawn listening to The Cure. Reason? See August. But also because I came across an old Apple Music Radio (formerly Beats 1 Radio) show called Gratitude. I found it in the Podcasts app of all places, only to learn that the series ended seven years ago. I have a thing for artist-hosted music shows on Apple’s radio station. This show format is so good and likely only stopped because of lack of discovery.

“Artists sharing albums” is the tagline for the series. When it popped up in my Podcasts app, the premise caught my attention. The series has a host and a guest artist who talks about their chosen album of influence. Interlaced between each track of the album is commentary from the artist about what the album and song mean to them.

There’s something contagious about listening to people talk about things that they’re passionate about, even if it’s not something that you’ve ever thought about. If you happen to already like the speaker and appreciate their subject, it’s like vibing with a friend over something you both enjoy.

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CHIGEE AIO-5 Lite: Come for CarPlay, stay for automatic video capture

Welcome to 9to5Mac Gearbox. While Gearbox is primarily written for motorbike riders, you’ll find that riding technology isn’t always just for bikers. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!


Apple CarPlay is becoming more common on motorcycles, but infotainment systems are typically only offered on high-priced touring bikes. Fortunately, there’s a fantastic aftermarket solution for adding CarPlay to almost any motorcycle. I’ve been testing the CHIGEE AIO-5 Lite, an all-in-one system that includes a CarPlay/Android Auto display, front and rear cameras, and an integrated safety system to keep riders alert. 

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Lutron expands Caséta portfolio with Diva smart dimmer ELV+ and new Pico Paddle Remote colors

Lutron is the best in the business when it comes to reliable smart lighting solutions. Its Caséta line works great with Apple HomeKit and includes a wide range of switches, dimmers, and remotes. Today, Lutron is announcing two new entries to the Caséta portfolio: the new Diva smart dimmer ELV+ and new color options for the Pico Paddle Remote.

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Review: You don’t have to be a bike rider to love the Waterfield Moto Front Sling

Welcome to 9to5Mac Gearbox, my new column where I mix my affinity for motorcycles and technology. While Gearbox is primarily written for motorbike riders, you’ll find that riding technology is never strictly just for bikers. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!


I’ve been wearing the Waterfield Moto Front Sling for two months now, and one thing is certain: you don’t have to be a moto rider to enjoy the Moto Front Sling.

Whether I’m riding, driving, or flying, the Moto Front Sling has gone from the East Coast to the West Coast and back with me this summer. My favorite feature? How it expands my everyday carry everywhere I go without being a full-blown backpack.

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Florida abruptly ends support for digital driver’s licenses on iPhone and Android

digital IDs

The years-long process of replacing physical driver’s licenses and ID cards with iPhone and Android has moved at the painfully slow speed of government. The number of states that support Apple’s digital ID feature in the Wallet app remains in the single digits.

Some states have issued digital ID cards through dedicated apps instead. However, one state on that list has abruptly fallen off for now.

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