9to5Mac

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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Believe it or not, Apple’s 2025 iPad lineup is actually much less confusing than in years past. Although, with four main models—the iPad (11th Gen), iPad Mini 7, M3 iPad Air, and M4 iPad Pro—there is still plenty of nuance to understand to make sure you make the right choice. But the reality is that all iPads handle about 90% of the same tasks, such as web browsing, note-taking, streaming, app ecosystem, and creative and professional work, and they all even have the same design language. It’s that final 10%—the extra power, display technology, better efficiencies, and accessories—that makes the difference.

This guide will break down each iPad’s strengths, who it’s best for, and how to make the best decision for your use cases!

This week’s big Apple TV+ debut, The Studio, has impressed critics and already climbed to the #2 spot on Apple’s top charts, trailing only Severance. In a new interview, co-creator and star Seth Rogen reveals how the show’s unique format was the perfect shield against unwanted notes from Apple execs.

Apple and Google will become legally responsible for age verification of app store users in Utah, after the App Store Accountability Act was signed into law. It takes effect on May 7, giving the tech giants a little time to implement it.

Both companies have opposed the legislation, but similar laws look set to follow in at least eight more US states …

TSMC’s first US chip plant took significantly longer to build and begin production than was forecast, but the company says that future plants will proceed at a significantly faster pace. This will enable US-made chips for somewhat newer Apple devices.

But former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is dismissive of the initiative, suggesting that it will be of little help in enabling the US to be a global player in the chip business …

While there may be debate about whether iOS 19 will be a UI revolution or evolution, there does seem to be a consensus view on app icons. Namely, that they are likely to switch from squircles – squares with rounded corners – to circles.

Whether one looks better than the other is of course a matter of subjective judgement. But there is a small problem with circular icons …

Apple seems to be making some changes to its executive team. This time, the company is naming a global VP who will be in charge of Apple’s retail stores around the world.

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We’ve been talking a lot about iOS 19 over the last few days, as rumors suggest that the next version of the iPhone’s operating system will receive a new interface inspired by visionOS. Although we don’t know exactly what it will look like, someone has created a live mockup of iOS 19 and made it interactive via an App Clip.

In iOS 18.4, Apple added a new ambient music feature to Control Center. It does exactly what it sounds like, and provides a variety of options to play some ambient background music with the tap of a button. It’s a great start, and I’d love to see Apple expand this feature in the future.

iOS 18.4 is currently in beta, but Apple just released the RC earlier this week – so it’ll likely release to the public in the very near future.

Apple this week officially confirmed that WWDC 2025, the next edition of the company’s annual conference for developers, will be held from June 9 to 13. Although the event will be streamed online, the company will hold an in-person opening keynote at Apple Park, and you may be eligible to apply for a ticket.

Apple just updated its base iPad this month after a very long, 2+ year wait. But curiously, the new iPad got a worse chip than we expected and missed out on Apple Intelligence. A new chart by CIRP, however, seems to explain why.

Apple recently launched a new campaign to promote AirPods 4 with a short film starring Pedro Pascal. Now the company has also shared a behind-the-scenes video with director Spike Jonze, who was behind the movie “Someday.”

There’s no shortage of music-focused apps on the App Store, but one that’s long stood out among my favorites is MusicHarbor. Now, as part of a big version 5.0 update, the app supports a feature that Apple Music should have added years ago: news integration. Here’s why I think Apple News integration would be a perfect addition to not only the Music app but also TV, Books, and more.

Today Apple published a new article and accompanying video highlighting the Mac’s role in the creation of Severance. Beware of spoilers if you haven’t watched the season 2 finale yet.

Last night, Apple lowered the interest rate of the Apple Card Savings Account to a new 3.75% APY. While this is down from its highest point at 4.5% APY, Apple’s rate still holds quite strong to the rest of the banking industry.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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Waze on iOS is about to lose a feature that should have been integral to the app, but has in fact spent more than a year in various states of being broken. Google Assistant support is officially being removed from Waze’s iPhone app.

Apple is about to launch its next big software updates, including iPadOS 18.4 with a variety of new features. Here are four features coming to your iPad very soon.

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