Macworld

Macworld What’s new on Apple TV? What are the best shows and movies? How do you sign up and what does it cost? This article will answer all of that, and you’ll also get a list of all the currently-available Apple TV content. There’s also a ton of new content in the works for Apple’s service, too. f you want to know what’s on the way, check out our list of upcoming Apple TV shows and movies. Updated March 27, 2026: The fifth season of For All Mankind is streaming now. Mentioned IN THIS story Apple TV 4K (2022, 3. Gen.) 128GB WiFi + Ethernet Read our review Latest Apple TV releases For All Mankind (season 5)Released: March 27, 2026 Wonder Pets: In the City (season 2)Released: March 20, 2026 Imperfect WomenReleased: March 18, 2026 Twisted YogaReleased: March 13, 2026 The HuntReleased: March 4, 2026 Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (season 2)Released: February 27, 2026 How to get Apple TV You can subscribe to Apple TV on Apple’s website here, or via the Apple TV app on your device. It costs $12.99/£9.99 a month, which you can cancel at any time (Read: How to cancel an Apple subscription). You can also opt for a one-year subscription for $99/£89, which essentially gives you two months free each year. Apple also offers various trials so that you can try out Apple TV before you subscribe. Take a look at our article explaining all the ways you can watch Apple TV for free, and the best Apple TV deals you can get. Students can get Apple TV for free with an already subsidized Apple Music subscription. Best shows on Apple TV There’s far too much content on Apple TV to sift through it all yourself. If you’re looking for something to watch and don’t know where to start, here are a few of the Macworld staff’s favorite shows, series, and movies. Bad Sisters Synopsis: A dark comedy about a group of Irish sisters who find themselves at the center of a life insurance investigation after John Paul–the abusive husband to one of the sisters–dies unexpectedly. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: August 19, 2022 Black Bird Synopsis: A gripping miniseries about a convicted con artist who works for the FBI to try to get a serial killer’s confession before he is released from prison. Based on the true story of James Keene and Larry Hall. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: July 8, 2022 For All Mankind Synopsis: What if the U.S.S.R. put a man on the moon before the U.S.? How would the ensuing space race change history throughout the decades? That’s the high concept behind this gripping big-budget sci-fi series. Number of seasons: 5 Release date: November 1, 2019 Pluribus Synopsis: A mysterious virus-like pathogen turns the entire human race into a peaceful hive-mind, except for a handful of individuals. Created by Vince Gilligan, of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fame. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: November 17, 2025 Severance Synopsis: A combination of dystopian sci-fi drama and workplace comedy about a company where employees are “severed”–when at work, they can’t remember their outside lives, and vice-versa. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: February 18, 2022 Shrinking Synopsis: A surprisingly quick-witted comedy about a therapist who has trouble dealing with the death of his wife and his eccentric patients. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: January 27, 2023 Slow Horses Synopsis: Gary Oldman turns in a great performance as the cranky leader of a band of misfit spies. Number of seasons: 5 Release date: April 1, 2022 Ted Lasso Synopsis: Apple’s fish-out-of-water comedy/drama about a midwestern college football coach who heads to England to coach Premier League soccer is a breakout hit for good reason. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: August 14, 2020 The Morning Show Synopsis: Big star power and a fantastic performance by Jenniffer Aniston highlight this fast-paced drama that goes behind the scenes of a fictional morning news program. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: November 1, 2019 Full list of Apple TV shows and series These are all the episodic series you can currently watch on Apple TV, including both recurring and limited series. This list is in alphabetical order. TitlePremiereSeasons / Episodes1971: The Year That Music Changed EverythingMay 21, 20218 episodesAcapulcoOctober 8, 20214 seasons, 40 episodesAmazing StoriesMarch 6, 20201 season, 5 episodesAmber BrownJuly 29, 20221 season, 10 episodesBad MonkeyAugust 14, 20241 season, 10 episodesBad SistersAugust 19, 20222 seasons, 20 episodesBE@RBRICKMarch 21, 20251 season, 13 episodesBecoming YouNovember 13, 20201 season, 6 episodesBeforeOctober 25, 202410 episodesBest Foot ForwardJuly 22, 20221 season, 10 episodesBig BeastsApril 21, 20231 season, 10 episodesBlack BirdJuly 8, 20226 episodesBoom! Boom! The World vs Boris BeckerApril 7, 20232 episodesBorn to be WildDecember 19, 20256 episodesCallsMarch 19, 20211 season, 9 episodesCamp SnoopyJune 14, 202410 episodesCarêmeApril 30, 20251 season, 8 episodesCarpool KaraokeAugust 8, 20175 seasons, 75 episodesCentral ParkMay 29, 20203 seasons, 39 episodesChief of WarAugust 1, 20259 episodesCircuit BreakersNovember 11, 20221 season, 7 episodesCity on FireMay 12, 20231 season, 8 episodesConstellationFebruary 21, 20241 season, 8 episodesCowboy CartelAugust 2, 20244 episodesCriminal RecordJanuary 10, 20241 season, 8 episodesCurses!October 27, 20232 seasons, 20 episodesDark MatterMay 8, 20241 season, 9 episodesDear EdwardFebruary 3, 20231 season, 10 episodesDear…June 5, 20202 seasons, 20 episodesDefending JacobApril 24, 20208 episodesDickinsonNovember 1, 20193 seasons, 30 episodesDisclaimerOctober 11, 20247 episodesDope ThiefMarch 14, 20258 episodesDoug UnplugsNovember 13, 20202 seasons, 26 episodesDown Cemetery RoadOctober 29, 20251 season, 8 episodesDr. BrainNovember 3, 20211 season, 6 episodesDrops of GodApril 21, 20232 seasons, 16 episodesDuck & GooseJuly 8, 20222 seasons, 17 episodesEarth at Night in ColorDecember 4, 20202 seasons, 12 episodesEarthsoundsFebruary 23, 20241 season, 12 episodesEcho 3November 23, 20221 season, 10 episodesEl DeafoJanuary 7, 20223 episodesEva the OwletMarch 31, 20232 seasons, 17 episodesExtrapolationsMarch 17, 20231 season, 8 episodesFive Days at MemorialAugust 12, 20228 episodesFor All MankindNovember 1, 20195 seasons, 50 episodesFoundationSeptember 24, 20213 seasons, 30 episodesFraggle Rock: Back to the RockJanuary 21, 20222 seasons, 27 episodesFraggle Rock: Rock On!April 21, 20201 season, 6 episodesFrog and ToadApril 28, 20232 seasons, 18 episodesGet Rolling with OtisOctober 8, 20212 seasons, 18 episodesGhostwriterNovember 1, 20193 seasons, 39 episodesGovernment CheeseApril 16, 20251 season, 10 episodesGreatness CodeJuly 10, 20202 seasons, 13 episodesGutsySeptember 9, 20221 season, 8 episodesHarriet the SpyNovember 19, 20212 seasons, 20 episodesHello Tomorrow!February 17, 20231 season, 10 episodesHello, Jack! The Kindness ShowNovember 5, 20212 seasons, 16 episodesHelpstersNovember 1, 20193 seasons, 40 episodesHelpsters Help YouApril 24, 20206 episodesHigh DesertMay 17, 20231 season, 8 episodesHijackJune 28, 20232 seasons, 15 episodesHollywood Con QueenMay 8, 20243 episodesHomeApril 17, 20202 seasons, 19 episodesHome Before DarkApril 3, 20202 seasons, 20 episodesImperfect WomenMarch 18, 20268 episodesInterrupting ChickenNovember 18, 20222 seasons, 17 episodesInvasionOctober 22, 20213 seasons, 30 episodesJaneApril 14, 20233 seasons, 20 episodesJohn Lennon: Murder Without A TrialDecember 6, 20233 episodesKnife Edge: Chasing Michelin StarsOctober 10, 20258 episodesK-Pop IdolsAugust 30, 20246 episodesKPoppedAugust 29, 20251 season, 8 episodesLa MaisonSeptember 20, 20241 season, 10 episodesLady in the LakeJuly 19, 20247 episodesLand of WomenJune 26, 20241 season, 6 episodesLessons in ChemistryOctober 13, 20238 episodesLiaisonFebruary 24, 20231 season, 6 episodesLife by EllaSeptember 2, 20221 season, 10 episodesLincoln’s DilemmaFebruary 18, 20224 episodesLisey’s StoryJune 4, 20218 episodesLittle AmericaJanuary 17, 20202 seasons, 16 episodesLittle VoiceJuly 10, 20201 season, 9 episodesLong Way UpSeptember 18, 202011 episodesLong Way HomeMay 9, 202510 episodesLootJune 24, 20223 seasons, 30 episodesLosing AliceJanuary 22, 20211 season, 8 episodesLove You to DeathFebruary 7, 20251 season, 7 episodesLovely Little FarmJune 10, 20222 seasons, 14 episodesMake or BreakApril 29, 20222 seasons, 15 episodesManhuntMarch 15, 20247 episodesMasters of the AirJanuary 26, 20249 episodesMeJuly 12, 20241 seasons, 10 episodesMessi Meets AmericaOctober 11, 20236 episodesMessi’s World Cup: Rise of a LegendFebruary 21, 20244 episodesMidnight FamilySeptember 25, 20241 season, 10 episodesMonarch: Legacy of MonstersNovember 17, 20232 season, 20 episodesMonster FactoryMarch 17, 20236 episodesMr. CormanAugust 6, 20211 season, 10 episodesMr. ScorseseOctober 17, 20255 episodesMurderbotMay 16, 20251 season, 10 episodesMy Kind of CountryMarch 24, 20231 season, 8 episodesMythic QuestFebruary 7, 20204 seasons, 40 episodesNot a BoxJune 13, 20251 season, 8 episodesNow and ThenMay 20, 20221 season, 8 episodesOmnivoreJuly 19, 20241 season, 8 episodesOne-of-a-Kind MarcieAugust 18, 202339 min.Onside: Major League SoccerFebruary 21, 20258 episodesOprah Talks COVID-19March 21, 20201 season, 13 episodesOprah’s Book ClubNovember 1, 20191 season, 14 episodesPachinkoMarch 25, 20222 seasons, 16 episodesPalm RoyaleMarch 20, 20242 seasons, 20 episodesPhysicalJune 18, 20213 seasons, 30 episodesPinecone & PonyApril 8, 20222 seasons, 16 episodesPlatonicMay 24, 20232 sea

Macworld If you are thinking of buying an older generation or used/refurbished iPhone, or wondering whether it’s worth upgrading your current iPhone to a new one, one important factor to consider is how long Apple will continue to offer support for that handset. The good news is that Apple supports iPhones for a long time. In general, you can get seven to eight years of security-related software updates, while battery and other repairs are often available on five to seven-year-old handsets, according to Apple’s own Vintage and Obsolete categorizations. More on that below. Read on to find out which iPhones are supported with the latest operating systems, and which are supported for servicing and repairs. Macworld’s advice: The iPhone XS and XR and any older iPhone should be avoided as they can’t run the 2025 iOS update: iOS 26. Update: iOS 15 and iOS 16 received updates to address security vulnerabilities in March 2026. iOS 18 also received a critical security update in March 2026. How long does Apple support iPhones with iOS updates? Seven years: Apple supports some iPhones that can’t run the latest version of iOS with security updates. Currently there is such support for iPhones from 2018. A January 2026 update relating to FaceTime and Messages on iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 included the twelve year old iPhone 5S. Apple generally provides major iOS updates for iPhones for approximately five to six years, though security-related support often extends even longer. While Apple does not officially guarantee a specific duration, its historical track record shows a consistent commitment to long-term device viability, with up to eight years of cover in the past. It is important to distinguish between major iOS version updates (which bring new features and interface changes) and security-only updates, though. Major iOS Updates: You can expect an iPhone to be compatible with the latest version iOS typically for around 5–7 years. The iPhone 11, released in late 2019, can run iOS 26, although not every feature will run on older iPhones. Security Updates: That doesn’t mean older iPhones are not supported by Apple. The company continues to provide critical security patches for older versions of iOS for several years after they stop receiving new features. This can extend the total “safe” lifespan of a device to nearly a decade. The iPhone XR and XS, launched in 2018, did not receive the 2025 update, iOS 26, but Apple has issued security updates for those phones via iOS 18. And that support extends even further back: in March 2026 Apple issued security updates for iPhones only able to run iOS 15 and iOS 16. Device specific security updates: A key change is that iOS 18 security updates are only available iPhones unable to run iOS 26. This means that those running iOS 18 on a phone compatible with iOS 26 need to update to iOS 26 in order to get the security updates for their iPhone. Previously the security update to an older version of iOS ran on any device running that version of the software. Certificate coverage: In January 2026 Apple issued updates to iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 that extended the certificate required by features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to continue working after January 2027. Those updates include the 2013’s iPhone 5S, and 2014’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. However, just a few days later Apple withdrew these updates after network issues that meant some older iPhones couldn’t make emergency calls. It is unlikely that Apple will issue an iOS 17 specific update because all iOS 17-compatible iPhones can run iOS 18, so Apple would encourage anyone running iOS 17 to update to iOS 18 to get the security update. The last update to iOS 17 was 17.7.2 in November 2024. You should be very cautious if using an iPhone that won’t receive these security fixes for what could be dangerous vulnerabilities. Since we can only guarantee that iOS 18 support will continue we would recommend that you should replace your iPhone if it can’t run iOS 18, which includes the iPhones X, 8 and 8 Plus and iPhones 7, 6S, 6S Plus and the 1st gen SE. Which iPhones can run the latest iOS? Britta O’Boyle The 2019 iPhone 11 is the oldest iPhone able to run iOS 26. iOS 26 is available as a free software update for all iPhone models released from 2019 onwards. This includes the following devices: iPhone 17 Series, including iPhone Air (2025) iPhone 16 Series, including iPhone 16e (2024) iPhone 15 Series (2023) iPhone 14 Series (2022) iPhone 13 Series (2021) iPhone 12 Series (2020) iPhone 11 Series (2019) iPhone SE iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) Which iPhones run each version of iOS? The chart below shows each version of iOS and the iPhones it ran on. As you can see, in recent years support for new iOS versions has stretched back for around six years, while, if you include the versions that Apple supports with security updates, the cover goes back a further year. iOS support chart by model Find your iPhone here and check which versions of iOS it can run.Foundry What is the oldest iPhone still supported by Apple? iPhone XS and iPhone XR – supported by iOS 18 security update iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s – supported by iOS 16 and iOS 15 security updates As of early 2026, Apple is still supporting the 2018 iPhone XS and iPhone XR with security updates. While the 2019 iPhone 11 runs the latest version of iOS. However, the support on these older iPhones is unlikely to continue for much longer: the iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are already on Apple’s vintage list, which, as explained in more detail below, means that repairs will be limited by whether Apple has the required parts. We don’t know how much longer Apple will continue to support iOS 15 and iOS 16 — and these iPhones. the company has already classified the iPhone SE (1st generation) as obsolete, while the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X are on Apple’s vintage list, see below. However, as recent as September 2025 the 2015 iPhone 6S was the oldest iPhone supported with security updates, with Apple updating iOS 15 with a security update that month. Which iPhones to avoid The iPhone 5S. Remember? It’s been a while.IDG We don’t recommend the following iPhone models because they no longer receive regular updates, though some models may occasionally get a critical security update: iPhone 11/11 Pro (2019) iPhone XR (2018) iPhone XS/XS Max (2018) iPhone X (2017) iPhone 8/8 Plus (2017) iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016) iPhone SE (2016) iPhone 6s/6s Plus (2014) iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014) iPhone 5s (2013) iPhone 5c (2013) iPhone 5 (2012) iPhone 4s (2011) iPhone 4 (2010) iPhone 3GS (2009) iPhone 3G (2008) iPhone (2007) For more information, see our list of every version of iOS. When will Apple stop supporting each iPhone? Truth is we don’t know for sure, but on the basis that Apple supports phones for five to seven years after they are removed from sale: iPhone XS (2018-2019) – Approx 2026 iPhone XR (2018-2021) – Approx 2026-2028 iPhone 11 (2019-2022) – Approx 2027-2029 iPhone SE2 (2020-2022) – Approx 2027-2029 iPhone 12 (2020-2023) – Approx 2028-2030 iPhone 13 (2021) – Approx 2032 iPhone SE3 (2022) – Approx 2033 iPhone 14 (2022) – Approx 2034 iPhone 15 (2023) – Approx 2035 iPhone 16 (2024) – Approx 2036 iPhone 17 (2025) – Approx 2037 Apple Intelligence: With the arrival of Apple Intelligence AI features and their hardware requirements, the older iPhones are likely to become obsolete faster. When does Apple stop repairing old iPhones? Foundry When it comes to repairs, Apple supports iPhones (and all devices it makes) for seven years from the last time it sold that particular model. So as long as your iPhone was still being sold by Apple up to seven years ago, the company or a third-party service provider will still service it. Apple distinguishes between iPhones (and other devices) that are obsolete and vintage. Vintage Apple Products: These are products that Apple stopped selling between five and seven years ago. They are considered old, but there may be limited access to repairs depending on whether Apple has the parts available. Obsolete Apple Products: These are products that Apple stopped selling between more than seven years ago. They are considered end-of-life and will no longer be repaired by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Obsolete iPhones The following iPhones are now considered Obsolete, which means sales were discontinued more than seven years ago and Apple has now discontinued all hardware servicing. iPhone iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 (all models now obsolete from 2026) iPhone 4s iPhone 5 (discontinued September 2013, obsolete in 2026) iPhone 5c (discontinued September 2013, obsolete in 2021) iPhone 5S (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2021, obsolete in 2024) iPhone 6 (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2021, obsolete in 2025) iPhone 6 Plus (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2021, obsolete in 2024) iPhone 6s (32GB) (discontinued in 2018, obsolete in 2024) iPhone 6s Plus (32GB) (discontinued in 2018, obsolete in 2024) iPhone SE, 2016 (discontinued in 2018, vintage in 2023, obsolete 2025) Vintage iPhones And the iPhones below are listed as Vintage, which means they have not been sold for more than five years (but less than seven years). Apple will still service these products as long as it has the required parts. So you could say that the oldest iPhone still supported by Apple is now the ten-year-old iPhone 6s, but we don’t expect that Apple will have the required parts. Prior to March 2

Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros New co-op mode Runs on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs Easy to play, but hard to master More variety than the first game Cons Simplistic 2D graphics and animations Rogue-like mechanics can be frustrating Few major new features Our Verdict Slay The Spire 2 doesn’t attempt to re-invent the wheel. It sticks closely to the format of the original game, but does provide lots of small changes and additions that help to keep it fresh. And people who want to play with their friends will welcome the new co-op mode too. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Slay The Spire 2 Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Who it’s for: Fans of the original. Wait if: You haven’t played STS1 yet. There are more than 2000 deck-building games listed on Steam, but only a tiny fraction of those run on Macs. Fortunately, Slay The Spire, which has been the king of the deck-builders in recent years, was available on the Mac right from its launch back in 2019 (and still runs on Apple Silicon Macs as well). The sequel has just gone on sale on Steam for $24.99/£19.99, and is already soaring up the sales charts, despite the fact that it’s actually still in ‘Early Access’, which means that it’s essentially a beta version of the game that is still being tested. Love Mac gaming? Check out the best Mac Games we’ve played. What’s new in Slay The Spire 2? Slay The Spire 2 doesn’t make any major changes to the format of the original game. The central task of the game is to fight your way through a series of rooms in order to reach the top of a mysterious spire, using a deck of cards that provide your character with different skills and abilities. It’s also a ‘rogue-like’ game, which means that dying sends you right back down to the bottom of the spire so that you have to start all over again, rather than just saving your progress as you complete each room. The Necrobinder is a new character who wields the power of the undead. Mega Crit Games What’s changed from the original? A popular feature in the first game was the ability to play as any of three different characters – the sword-slinging Ironclad, a nimble assassin called Silent, and a fan-favourite robot called The Defect. Those characters are still included in the sequel, but you also get two new characters called the Necrobinder and the Regent. There was a fourth character called The Watcher who was added to the first game in 2020, but there’s no sign of the Watcher in the current Early Access version of Slay The Spire 2. The secret of the game’s popularity was that – like many great games – it’s easy to understand the basics so that you can dive straight in and get started, but it takes longer to master the complexities of the game and understand the ways that all the different cards, skills and abilities can work together to make you more powerful. Slay The Spire 2 sticks with that approach, but it adds more of everything – more characters to play with, a wider range of skills and abilities, as well as magical relics and rare cards that provide special powers. As well as the main single-player game, this sequel includes a new co-op mode for up to four players. Mega Crit Games What’s game play like? At the start of each game, you are shown a map of the spire, with a number of different paths that you can choose as you climb to the top. Each path takes you through a different series of rooms, with most rooms containing monsters that you have to defeat. However, there are also rest rooms where you can sleep and recover some of your health after a challenging fight, or spend the time upgrading your cards instead. To add variety, there are also rooms that contain merchants who can sell you new cards or weapons, and even special quests for you to compete. I found a magic egg in one room, which could give me a powerful new card, but only if I first found a rest room where the egg could be hatched. This forced me to alter my path through the spire – as I was initially heading towards a merchant to top up on potions – but the detour was worth it as the new card gave my armour a big boost. Like its predecessor, Slay The Spire 2 also includes a daily challenge and a custom mode that allows you to modify the game settings for each run. However, it also includes one entirely new feature, introducing a multiplayer co-op mode that allows up to four people to play together as a team – although there’s no pvp mode that will allow you to compete directly against other people. You can buy new cards, as well as potions and magical trinkets to boost your powers. Mega Crit Games Where the graphics fall short My only real disappointment is that the game’s graphics aren’t terribly exciting. The 2D graphics are a bit more detailed this time around, but your character and the various monsters mostly just glare at each other across the screen, with simple effects used to indicate attacks and injuries each time you play a card. Games such as the Darkest Dungeon series have similar 2D graphics, but have a more distinctive gothic artwork style that really adds atmosphere and a sense of menace to the game. How does it run on Mac? The relatively simple graphics do mean that the game will run well even on older Macs with Intel processors, as long as you’re running macOS Big Sur (11.0) or later. Should I Buy Slay The Spire 2? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you’re a fan of deck-builder games then Slay The Spire 2 is a must-have addition to your library. Some people have argued that it’s a fairly unambitious sequel that doesn’t make many changes from the original game. Even so, there are still enough refinements and small additions to make it a very enjoyable update for anyone that has already played the first game. And, if you’re new to the genre, the original Slay The Spire is currently on sale, making it a great place to start before moving on to the sequel.

Macworld Apple officially discontinued the Mac Pro on Thursday. While most of us couldn’t afford Apple’s most powerful Mac, it was an example of how much power a Macintosh could wield. But Apple, always looking forward, thinks its time has come and gone. The Mac Pro was first introduced in 2006, and while Macworld had a web presence back then, the focus at the time was on the print magazine version. As a way to remember the Mac Pro, below are scans of the first Mac Pro articles that Macworld published. This first article is a Mac Pro FAQ. The actual Mac Pro announcement occurred several days before the magazine was set to go to press and be distributed. Because of this discrepancy in scheduling (the magazine would hit the newsstand long after the Mac Pro news hit the wire), the magazine answered reader questions about the Mac Pro, which appeared on the cover of the October 2006 issue. Macworld followed up with a full review of the Mac Pro by then editorial director Jason Snell. It got four mice (Macworld ratings used to be mice instead of the current stars). Snell wrote, “The 3GHz Mac Pro is the fastest Mac we’ve tested—however, since the 3GHz processors cost an additional $800 and provide a proportionately slight speed increase, they’re a good bargain for only voraciously speed-hungry pros.” (This issue was also the only time Johnny Depp was on a Macworld cover.)

Macworld It’s already shaping up to be a huge year for Apple, with a wave of new products launching in the first three months of 2026 – including the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e. And the momentum isn’t slowing. Rumors suggest dozens more devices are on the way, ranging from updated iPhones and Macs to smart home technology and even the long-awaited foldable iPhone. In this article, we explore the products Apple is expected to release next. Drawing on the latest rumors and industry trends, we break down what could be coming – and why it matters. What to expect from Apple in 2026 Biggest launches: iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro redesign Most meaningful upgrades: Under-display Face ID, OLED iPad mini Apple’s roadmap for 2026: At a glance ProductExpected releaseKey rumoursShould you wait?iPad miniSpring 2026Larger OLED screenYesiPadSpring 2026Apple Intelligence supportYesMac miniEarly-mid 2026M5 & M5 Pro chip YesMac StudioEarly-mid 2026M5 Pro & Max chip YesiPhone 18 Pro & MaxSeptember 2026No notch, under-display Face IDMaybeiPhone FoldSeptember 2026The first foldable iPhoneMaybeApple Watch Series 12September 2026Blood pressure monitoring unlikely NoMacBook Pro M6Late 2026-2027Touch screenNoiPhone 18Spring 2027To launch with iPhone 18eNo Last updated March 27, 2026. Every New Apple Product Launched in 2026… so far Here is what Apple has already announced in 2026: AirPods Max 2: Improved audio and the H2 chip. Find out more here: AirPods Max 2 guide. MacBook Neo: Apple’s brand new, low-cost Mac laptop. Find out more here: MacBook Neo guide. MacBook Air M5: Now with the M5 chip. Read about the 2026 MacBook Air here: MacBook Air M5 guide. MacBook Pro M5 Pro & M5 Max: A significant upgrades over the M4 series. Read: MacBook Pro M5 Pro & Max guide. Studio Display: Finally gets Thunderbolt 5 and a better webcam. Studio Display XDR: With mini-LED technology and ProMotion up to 120Hz. iPhone 17e: The new, entry-level, iPhone replaces the iPhone 16e. Read more here: iPhone 17e guide. iPad Air M4: The iPad Air now has an M4 chip. Read more here: iPad Air M4 guide. AirTag 2: Four years on Apple updated the AirTag, read our review here: AirTag 2nd gen review. And… RIP Mac Pro: Apple has confirmed that it is discontinuing its tower workstation. Read on to find out what new products to expect at Apple’s next event and throughout 2026. Every New Apple Product Launching in 2026 In the sections below we’ve split the upcoming new products into categories including Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, Home, AirPods, and some new product categories. What new iPhones are coming in 2026 (and should you wait)? There’s new iPhones coming.Foundry Based on current industry analysis and supply chain information, Apple has some significant changes planned for the iPhone in 2026, with updates centered around the iPhone 18 series, the introduction of a foldable iPhone, and the release of iOS 27. iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max September 2026 update expected The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch in September 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be the first to use Apple’s own C1 modem instead of Qualcomm’s. The base model may see a RAM increase to 12GB to better support on-device AI functions. A major redesign is expected, which could include under-display Face ID, a completely hidden notch and the front camera could move to the upper-left corner of the display. Read about the iPhone 18 Pro here: iPhone 18 Pro rumors. iPhone 18 Spring 2027 launch possible Apple could delay the iPhone 18 and release that handset alongside the iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, according to some reports. Foldable iPhone September 2026 introduction possible This is a wild card! After years of rumors, Apple’s first foldable phone, potentially named the iPhone Fold, is projected to debut in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. It is expected to be a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch inner display. Read more here: Apple’s folding iPhone rumors. What new iPads are coming in 2026 (and should you wait)? Apple doesn’t update the iPads every 12 months, but aside from the iPad Pro, which gained an M5 chip in October 2024, all the remaining iPads could see an update in 2026. Apple’s 2026 iPad lineup is likely to feature incremental upgrades focused on internal performance improvements rather than major design overhauls. Here’s what to expect: The iPad Air could get a update soon.Britta O’Boyle iPad mini May 2026 update possible The current iPad mini (A17 Pro) was released in October 2024, and Apple’s update cycle for this model is generally infrequent. Based on current reports and analysis, the next significant update to the iPad mini is not expected until mid-to-late 2026 at the earliest, with some speculation pointing toward 2027. One rumored upgrade for the 2026 iPad mini is the transition to an OLED display, which could reduce manufacturing costs and improve battery life. There is also the possibility of a slightly larger screen, with a move from the current 8.3- to 8.7-inches suggested. There is also speculation that a future foldable Apple device could potentially replace the iPad mini line entirely, though this remains uncertain. Internal code leaks suggest the future iPad mini could be upgraded to an A19 Pro chip, which would provide a significant performance boost over the current A17 Pro. A A18 Pro chip upgrade is also possible. Read our round up of iPad mini rumors. iPad May 2026 update possible When the standard iPad was updated in March 11, 2025, the biggest disappointment was that it featured a A16 chip and therefore didn’t support Apple Intelligence. Apple looks set to rectify that in 2026 with an upgrade to the A18 or A19 chip, with the latter offering 50% better performance. The release timeline for an iPad with an A18 or A19 chip is anticipated for sometime in 2026, in fact, Apple code suggest the company may be planning an update sooner-rather-than-later. Read more about the 2026 iPad in our rumor round up. Which Macs are worth waiting for in 2026? 2026 is expected to be a significant year for the Mac, with Apple’s first touchscreen Mac rumored as part of a MacBook Pro redesign. March 3 saw the launch of the M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro and March 4 saw Apple introduce the a new entry-level laptop – the $599 MacBook Neo. Updates to the Mac Studio and Mac mini are still expected. One Mac that won’t be getting an update is the long-neglected Mac Pro. Apple has confirmed that the Mac Pro will be discontinued in favor of the Mac Studio. Mac mini Early-mid 2026 update expected Simon Jary / Foundry The next update for the Mac mini is expected to feature the M5 and M5 Pro chips, with a possible release in June 2026. Regarding features, there isn’t much specific information about the M5 Mac mini itself, but it’s not expected to be a major departure from the current model, which was released in October 2024, and introduced a significant redesign, shrinking the case to just 5 by 5 inches and upgrading the base RAM to 16GB. Read more here: Mac mini M5 rumors. Mac Studio Early-mid 2026 update expected The current Mac Studio comes in two flavors: the Mac Studio M4 Max and the Mac Studio M3 Ultra. The M3 Ultra is a faster chip than the M4 Max, but just how much faster would an M4 Ultra, or even an M5 Ultra be. Hopefully we won’t have to wait long to find out. Based on current information, Apple is expected to release a new Mac Studio with an M5-series chip, likely in mid-2026. Read more here: M5 Mac Studio rumors. iMac Possible 2026 update The current M4 iMac was released in October 2024, so an M5 update might seems timely and could be released in June 2026, alongside other potential M5 Mac updates. The current iMac design was introduced in 2021 and is not expected to change soon. It is still considered fresh, and its components are not outdated. However, there are calls for Apple to introduce a larger screened iMac, something that has been missed since Apple discontinued the 27-inch model. Many feel that the 24-inch screen is too small. Read about the larger iMac rumors. Touchscreen MacBook Pro M6 Possible late 2026 introduction Foundry There are rumors that the M6 MacBook Pro will get a redesign including a thinner body and a notch-free OLED touchscreen, read the rumors about the M6 MacBook Pro with a touch screen. Upcoming Apple Watches in 2026 Like clockwork, expect a new Apple Watch in September.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Apple updated all the Apple Watches in September 2025. Launching the Apple Watch Series 11 a new Apple Watch Ultra and a new Apple Watch SE. In 2026 the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected. Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring has been a long-rumored feature for the Apple Watch, but it is still considered to be a few years away. It is unclear if this technology will be ready for a 2026 release. Other new features could include Touch ID integration and microLED displays reaching 4,000 nits brightness. A thinner case, magnetic bands, and enhanced AI capabilities could also be on the cards. Apple Watch Ultra 4 September 2026 update possible Rumors indicate that the Ultra 4 could have a fingerprint scanner. There may be new sensors coming, but details are sparse.  Apple Watch Series 12 September 2026 update likely A chip update is likely, but beyond that little is known. Upcoming Apple Home devices Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Apple is expected to significantly expand its smart home ecosystem in 2026 with four major product categories including new devices beyond tradi

Macworld Apple’s Mac Pro was once a powerful, expandable, unapologetically ambitious machine—built for hardcore professionals doing serious work, not casual tinkering. But Apple has now put the Mac Pro out of its underpowered misery, discontinuing its tower workstation in favor of something far less imposing, the Pro-killing Mac Studio. Today, some pro Mac users seem content with a flimsy slab of aluminum like the Mac mini. Wimps. We demand something that looks like it houses a nuclear reactor. It should be bigger than a suitcase, plastered with warning stickers, hotter than a barbecue, and louder than a drag car. In other words, something like the old Power Mac G5. As we mourn the loss of Apple’s beefy, bodacious, behemoth pro Macs, it’s worth remembering the days when “pro” meant towering machines made from more metal than the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and more plastic than a nursery full of Lego bricks. What follows is a chronological look at those systems, focusing on the moments that defined, derailed, or reshaped the lineup. It’s less a trip down memory lane and more a guide to how Apple’s idea of “pro” has continually evolved. Apple I (1976-1977)  Power Computing Apple’s first computer wasn’t technically a “Mac,” of course. The Apple I’s users didn’t work in Final Cut, Aperture or Adobe Creative Suite. Indeed they would have fainted at the very thought of MacPaint. And it’s hard to call them “professional”. Some of them looked like they’d lived wild in a forest for the previous half of their lives—and that was just the guys from Apple. The Apple I was no slouch, but it wasn’t pro by today’s definition. It was invented by Homebrew Computer Club members Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs—and we all know that “homebrew” is by definition not professional. These computer hobbyists weren’t pioneering pro machines, they were turning pro machines into personal computers for the home. We’re including it here as an homage—and plus, the Apple I was certainly big enough to qualify for tower status. It was so open to user tinkering you had to build the case yourself from bits of wood. Apple III (1980-1983)   Power Computing While the Apple I looked like a Victorian dressing table, the Apple II looked like a smart electric typewriter. While used professionally, it doesn’t quite pass the grade at looking powerful enough for true Pro status. The Apple III, on the other hand, looked much more impressive and cost at least $4,000. Rather than allow users to install upgrades within its case you could buy extras that stacked on top of the computer increasing its height to the extent that you had to put extra cushions on your chair. The Apple III Plus featured a built-in clock but even that advanced feature was not enough to save it from the scrapheap. Lisa (1983-1985) Power Computing At $10,000, the pre-Mac Lisa was Apple’s most expensive computer and aimed at large businesses. So far, so pro. Sadly, that’s where its pro credentials fade away as it was a closed all-in-one system that looked like ET’s head rather than an imperial Walker from Star Wars. Just before it was driven off to the landfill, Apple rebranded the Lisa as Macintosh XL, which is certainly a more Pro name. Apple IIgs (1986-1992) Power Computing 1986’s Apple IIgs was the first Apple computer to nail the deep-box look (it had learned well from the Mac) and allowed you to swap in and out various third-party expansions, including 8MB of RAM and a processor upgrade that pumped iron at 18MHz. With an M. Mac II  (1987-1990) Power Computing The original Mac looked way too friendly to be a professional machine. It had a goofy smile and said “Hello.” We had to wait three years before we got the super-expandable Mac II that came in a case the size of a Christmas hamper. It didn’t say Hello. It barged past you, knocking you to the floor, and it didn’t look back to apologize. It boasted six (six!) NuBus slots for extra bits and pieces, such as a new graphics card that could display colors. If you wanted one with 1MB of RAM and a 40MB hard disk it would set you back $5,500. The Mac II had many iterations before it was retired. The Mac IIx and Mac IIcx were in a smaller box with just three NuBus slots but still cost a small fortune. 1989’s Mac IIici was a box so high that it was nearly a cube. If Steve Jobs had still been at Apple I’m sure it would have been. It was the first Mac to have built in-color video circuitry and despite costing $6,700 was one of the most popular Macs ever. Finally, the Mac IIfx was the Daddy of the pro Macs, costing a minimum of $12,000 and accommodating two floppy drives and eight high-speed 64-pin RAM slots. It also had a range of cool codenames, including Stealth, BlackBird, F-16, F-19 and Weed-Whacker. If that’s not pro, we don’t know what is. Quadra (1991-1994)   Apple Frank Casanova, who sported a curious Brian May-like head of hair, was the brains behind the IIfx and his Quadra range continued the pro features. This time around, the case expanded vertically in proper tower fashion, starting with the Quadra 700. The name Quadra was in part chosen from the major quadriceps muscle group to show off its strength. We’ll ignore the wimpy-looking Quadra 605/610, but bow before the 700, mini-tower Quadra 800, and mighty $7,500 Quadra 900/950 machines, which had three internal bays and stood 18.6 inches high—a sequoia among computer saplings. Mac clones (1995-1997) Power Computing Apple made the decision to allow other manufacturers to make and sell Mac hardware too late to stop crappy Windows PCs from taking over the world. And it then made the mistake of letting the Mac clone makers produce pro computers—such as the Power Computing PowerTower Pro—more powerful than Apple’s own and with a proper Pro Power name. On his return to Apple Steve Jobs took one look and quickly killed off the clones, and we were back with a not-so-brilliant range of professional Macs to choose from. (But not for long.) Power Mac (1994-1998)   Apple The first Power Macs looked much like the Quadras they replaced but packed new PowerPC processors. The Power Mac 8500 was big but, at a mere 15 inches in height, no match for the near-19-inch Quadra 900. Even the Power Mac 9500 measured just 17 inches tall, but it was the most expandable Mac yet, with six PCI slots and seven internal drive bays. Seven! Unlike today where Apple hates the thought of users tinkering under the bonnet, the 9500 didn’t even ship with a graphics card. You had to add your own. The later Power Mac 9600 came in a new-look case, which at 9.7 inches was the widest Mac tower ever, and was the easiest to get inside to add up to six drives, 12 memory chips, and six PCI cards. Power Mac G3 (1998-1999) Power Computing The Blue & White Power Mac G3 came in easy-to-open iMac-like colored polycarbonate. The Apple logo was squeezed in between the giant “G” and “3” and reminded many of a child’s toy. And it kind of was. The G3 had just four RAM slots, no SCSI, and a very forgettable keyboard and mouse. Power Mac G4 (1999-2004) Apple Predictably, Apple followed up the Power Mac G3 with the Power Mac G4. (We’ll ignore the very non-tower Power Mac G4 Cube.) Apple went a bit nuts with the Power Mac G4, launching several variations on its tower design, starting with Graphite, moving to QuickSilver, and ending up with Mirrored Drive Doors with faux air holes. However, the Power Mac G4 looked more impressive and boasted internal FireWire, two separate USB buses, and up to 1.5GB of RAM. And some models were so noisy they earned the nickname “Windtunnel”, giving it extra pro points. Finally, in 2000, it became the first PC to feature Gigabit Ethernet as a standard feature. Power Mac G5 (2003-2005) Apple The Power Mac G5 really looked the part of a proper professional Mac. Its industrial aluminum case screamed Pro and it looked as good with its door off as on. Want more Pro cred? The G5 ran so hot, that the case was divided into four separate thermal zones, each with its own cooling system—in case it melted your desk or the whole building. Its nine fans occasionally allowed you to pretend that you worked on the deck of an aircraft carrier in a state of emergency. Mac Pro (2006-2013) Apple At last, a pro Mac actually named Mac Pro. Apple had already started calling its skinny laptops Pro instead of Power, so it was long overdue for the far-sturdier desktop behemoths. The Mac Pro’s aluminum-enclosure design was little changed from 2003’s Power Mac G5 and, at 20.1 inches, was the tallest Mac tower yet. You could take the side off and use it as the roof for a small building. The Mac Pro dumped the G5 processor for Intel’s more pro-sounding dual- and quad-core Intel Xeon chips, with city-sized names such as Woodcrest, Clovertown, and Harpertown. But, aside from the speedy chips and cheese grater design, it was barely updated and lacked then-current technologies such as SATA III, USB 3, and Thunderbolt, despite some of these being available in punier non-Pro Macs. Pro Mac history: 17in MacBook Pro (2006-2012) Apple Apple had been calling its top-end MacBooks “Pro” since 2006, but it was the frankly giant 17-inch model that truly deserved the title. While all the other MacBook Pro models could be used by amateurs who hog tables at Starbucks, the 17-inch MacBook Pro was a beast fit only for the professional—specifically one with a big backpack and strong shoulders. Its “unibody” enclosure was a single piece of aluminum, roughly the size of a jumbo jet’s emergency exit door. It had an option for a matte anti-glare display,

Macworld The Mac Pro, one of Apple’s most iconic computers, seemed to have its days numbered. Earlier this month, the company had already dropped another hint with the discontinuation of the Pro Display XDR, which was replaced by the new Studio Display XDR. But the news is now official. On Thursday, Apple officially confirmed to Macworld that the Mac Pro has been discontinued. The company has also removed the product from its online store, putting an end to the last remaining desktop Mac in Apple’s lineup that still carried the “Pro” name in its most traditional sense. While the move may seem abrupt, especially with Apple’s 50th anniversary just days away, the reality is that the Mac Pro’s fate had been sealed for quite some time. A long goodbye for Apple’s most ambitious Mac The Mac Pro has always represented Apple’s most powerful and flexible computer. From the aluminum towers of the 2000s to the controversial cylindrical design in 2013 and the return to modularity in 2019, the Mac Pro was built for professionals who needed uncompromising performance. Read our Towers of Power (now) complete history of Apple’s sometimes inglorious forays into the professional workstation market. When Apple reintroduced the Mac Pro in 2019 alongside the Pro Display XDR, it was a statement. After years of neglecting high-end users, the company was ready to win them back with a truly modular system designed for demanding workflows like film production, 3D rendering, and audio engineering. But that strategy was short-lived. The Mac Studio changed everything Just a year after introducing the redesigned Mac Pro, Apple revealed its plans to shift from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon chips. In November 2020, the company announced the first Macs with the M1 chip. The M1 was never a chip designed for high-end users, but the leap in performance was so significant that many professionals realized they could do photo and video editing, coding, and other demanding tasks on these Macs without needing a super expensive computer. Apple Silicon has made the Mac Studio as powerful as the Mac Pro.Thomas Bergbold But it was in 2022 when the Mac Pro’s fate seemed to be in jeopardy. The arrival of the Mac Studio reshaped Apple’s professional desktop strategy. While the Mac Pro was still based on an old Intel processor, the first Mac Studio had an M1 Ultra chip that outperformed Apple’s super-expensive desktop tower. Apple’s silicon roadmap has made the Mac Studio powerful enough to replace the Mac Pro for most people. For less than half the price and a fraction of the footprint, customers could finally buy a Mac that was even faster than the Mac Pro. Eventually, Apple put its own chip inside the Mac Pro, but Apple silicon didn’t have the same impact. It ran the same M2 Ultra chip as the Mac Studio, and the main difference between the Mac Pro and the Mac Studio was the ability to add internal storage and PCIe expansion cards. And it still cost thousands more than the Mac Studio. The dreams of a workstation chip or standalone graphics didn’t come to pass. For the vast majority of users, that wasn’t enough to justify the higher price tag. The signs were always there While the Mac Pro hasn’t seen an update since 2023, Apple continued to refresh the rest of the desktop Mac lineup with newer and more efficient chips. By the time Apple refreshed the Mac Studio with M3 Ultra and M4 Max, it became obvious that the company no longer saw a future for the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio powered by the M3 Ultra chip outperformed the Apple Silicon Mac Pro in pretty much every benchmark, but at a fraction of the price. The Mac Pro has been on the way out of Apple’s lineup for a while.Foundry Apple never explicitly said the Mac Pro was going away, but the signs kept piling up. The discontinuation of the Pro Display XDR, the absence of the Mac Pro in marketing materials, and the increasing focus on the Studio lineup all pointed in the same direction. Even rumors suggested that Apple had deprioritized the Mac Pro internally, with plans for future updates reportedly scrapped. Now, with the product officially discontinued, those signals make perfect sense in hindsight. It existed in the Mac lineup, but Apple couldn’t have sold more than a handful of them, if that. The discontinuation marks the end of an era for the Mac Pro. For decades, it stood as the ultimate expression of Apple’s desktop ambitions: powerful, modular, and expensive. But Apple in 2026 is a very different company from the one that introduced the Mac Pro in 2006. Today, efficiency and integration matter more than modularity. Apple Silicon has enabled the company to deliver workstation-level performance in smaller, quieter, and more affordable machines. It’s no wonder Apple just launched its most affordable laptop, the MacBook Neo, for just $599. For professionals, the Mac Studio is now the logical choice. And for Apple, simplifying the lineup likely makes more sense than maintaining a niche product with limited appeal. Still, for those who relied on the Mac Pro’s expandability, this change may feel like an ignominious end. The MacBook Pro is the last remaining “Pro” model in Apple’s Mac lineup.Foundry What’s next for pro users? Apple hasn’t announced a direct replacement for the Mac Pro, and it probably won’t. Instead, the company is betting that the combination of Mac Studio, Studio Display XDR, and MacBook Pro will cover nearly all professional workflows. For the few remaining edge cases that depend on PCIe expansion, users may need to rely on external solutions or rethink their setups entirely. The Mac Pro is gone. But in many ways, its legacy lives on in the performance gains that Apple Silicon has brought to every Mac. And for Apple, that seems to be enough.

Macworld As Apple turns 50, it’s easy to focus on the biggest hits, such as the Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone. But the company never relied on a single blockbuster. Instead, its history is paved with a series of ambitious products that arrived at just the right moments. More than the products themselves, Apple’s history can be divided into moments that took the company in major new directions, saved it from bankruptcy, and reinvented its identity. Here are the seven products that helped Apple stay relevant amid a rapidly changing landscape. iMac: The comeback Before Apple introduced the G3 iMac, the company was facing some tough times. Apple was close to bankruptcy with a bloated product lineup and no clear strategy for the future. There was also the whole leadership situation, with a carousel of CEOs after Jobs left in 1985. When Jobs returned to his role as Apple’s CEO in 1997, he completely rethought the company’s strategy. Not only that, he knew that Apple needed a killer product to win back its customers.  The original G3 iMac brought Apple bacl from the brink of bankruptcy.Jason Snell The iMac, introduced in 1998, wasn’t just a new computer. It was a whole new concept that would change Apple forever. Unlike all other PCs at the time, the iMac was made of beautiful translucent, colorful plastic and had a modern all-in-one design. Standards like floppy disk drives and SCSI gave way to more modern technologies such as CD-ROM, USB, and Ethernet. The idea was clear: a computer for the future, ready for the internet, that was so simple to use that anyone would want it. The iMac didn’t save Apple alone, but it helped the company get back on track and, more importantly, reestablished its identity as a company focused on the user experience. iPod: The ecosystem Even before the iPod, Apple had tried to reach markets beyond computers with things like digital cameras, printers, and even a game console. They all failed. But in 2001, the company finally took a step in the right direction to create a true Apple ecosystem. The first iPod was more than a pretty MP3 player. It was a device built to expand beyond the Mac. Users could simply plug them into their Mac and automatically sync their iTunes library. The iPod was Apple’s first ecosystem product.Filipe Esposito The iPod also showed what Apple did best: take an idea that was already on the market and make it even better. MP3 players were already a thing at the time, but the iPod was smaller, better designed, and way more intuitive than anything out there. The Click Wheel made it unlike any other portable music player ever made. Over time, the iPod gained support for Windows PCs, which made even more people want an iPod. It pulled new users into Apple Stores and made iTunes a platform. But more than the music, the iPod paved the way for Apple to create an entire ecosystem of products that worked seamlessly with each other. iTunes Store: The first Service What really helped the iPod become a big hit was the iTunes Store. At the time, Apple was totally focused on selling hardware to make money. But in 2003, the iTunes Store changed that. In an attempt to help record labels combat piracy, Steve Jobs partnered with major record labels to launch the iTunes Store. The idea was to let customers purchase digital versions of their favorite albums at affordable prices. The iTunes Music Store showed the world that Apple was more than a hardware company.Apple Moreover, users could even purchase a single song for just 99 cents, a groundbreaking innovation at the time. And of course, purchased songs were automatically synced to the user’s iPod. The iTunes Store marked the beginning of a new era for Apple. It was a digital service that complemented the hardware, and vice versa. One made you want the other. In 2010, the iTunes Store became the world’s largest music vendor. Now, we have Apple Music, Apple TV, and even the App Store, and it’s all because Apple decided to create its own online music store more than two decades ago. MacBook Air: The laptop of tomorrow One of the most iconic moments in Apple’s history is undoubtedly when Steve Jobs pulled the original MacBook Air out of an inter-office envelope in 2008. He wasn’t just showing how thin the MacBook Air was, but how light, portable, and versatile laptops could be. Unlike other laptops at the time, the MacBook Air was incredibly thin and light. It targeted customers who didn’t need bulky laptops. More than that, it was built with technologies that have become standard today – things like a speedy SSD, multi-touch trackpad, and of course, its all-aluminum design. The MacBook Air set the course for the future of Apple’s portable Macs.Apple Just like Apple did with the first iMac, the MacBook Air was a statement of how Apple believed laptops should be from then on. No more CD trays or legacy ports. Competitors rushed to copy it. Intel built the Ultrabook initiative in response. The MacBook Air quietly reshaped the PC industry at a moment when Apple needed the Mac to remain relevant in a post-iPhone world. Apple Watch: The next chapter The Apple Watch was the first truly new product category introduced under Tim Cook’s leadership as CEO. It was also the first major test to show whether Apple could still innovate without Steve Jobs. The first version seemed to lack a clear focus. Apple tried to promote the Apple Watch as a fashion accessory, an iPhone companion, and also a fitness tracker. It also had a very slow processor and relied heavily on the iPhone to run apps. But despite these issues, the Apple Watch was a success and showed that the company was still in good hands. Apple Watch has come a long way since its debut in 2014.Britta O’Boyle The Apple Watch was so successful that it redefined the idea of a smartwatch. The concept wasn’t new, but most of them were ugly, clunky, and cheap. The Apple Watch was launched with a beautiful OLED display, customizable bands, and a premium finish made of aluminum, steel, and even solid gold. Apple eventually addressed the biggest criticisms and refocused its efforts on making it a fitness and health device. The Watch has now become indispensable for millions of people, thanks to features such as health alerts, 5G, and Emergency SOS right from their wrist.  And perhaps more importantly, it launched Apple’s wearables and accessories segment, which now includes AirPods and Vision Pro. AirPods: The lock-in effect When Apple unveiled the iPhone 7, it was missing a port that had been on every Apple product since its first Macintosh: a headphone jack. In its place, Apple included a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in the box and released its first pair of wireless earbuds aptly named AirPods. Few Apple products were mocked as quickly as AirPods. The truly wireless design looked strange. People were afraid that they would easily lose their earphones since there was no wire connecting them. AirPods have become as ubiquitous as the iPhone itself.Andreas Bergsman Yet, AirPods became a huge success. Once users experienced instant pairing and automatic device switching without having to worry about tedious Bluetooth settings, there was no turning back. Soon, everyone wanted AirPods. This also led competitors to invest heavily in wireless earbuds. Despite that, only AirPods offered so many convenient features for iPhone users. They served as subtle reminders of the advantages of staying locked into the Apple ecosystem, rather than buying earbuds from other brands. And without a headphone jack on the new iPhone, it was a natural accessory pairing. Apple constantly promotes how well the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods work together. Together, they become a strong reason for iPhone users not to switch to Android, or even to motivate them to buy other Apple products. Today, AirPods are a phenomenon. You see them everywhere around the world, and they have become an important source of revenue for Apple. Apple Silicon: The bet on the future Apple made a bold move when it transitioned Macs from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon chips in 2020. With the introduction of the M1 chip, Apple didn’t just make faster Macs. It reclaimed control over its roadmap. For a moment, it was almost as if the Mac was becoming a niche product. There were computers with better performance and lower prices. At the same time, Apple relied on Intel to plan what would come next for the Mac. Apple silicon changed the direction of the Mac.Apple Apple Silicon chips have breathed new life into the Mac. These chips have enabled Apple to better integrate hardware and software, which has also enabled new form factors for the Mac. The MacBook Air is now smaller and more powerful than ever, and the new, affordable MacBook Neo runs full macOS on an iPhone chip. The Mac has once again set itself apart from the rest of the industry, not only because it has a better design, but because its entire architecture is more powerful and more efficient. The result is that more and more people have been switching to the Mac in recent years. The Mac regained credibility. Long-time Mac users regained enthusiasm. Apple Silicon Macs are now, in a way, what the first iMac represented for Apple in the late ’90s. What’s next? Looking back, it was hard to imagine that these products would become so important to Apple. The iMac seemed like an optimistic concept, the iPod was too niche, the MacBook Air had too many compromises for its time, the Apple Watch lacked a clear purpose, AirPods seemed like a gimmick, and Apple Silicon was a risky architecture change. And yet, each of them solved a specific challenge Apple was facing at the time and paved the way for the produ

Macworld The iPad is more than just a big iPhone for your lap. For many people, it’s a viable alternative to a laptop or desktop computer. There’s nothing like having the convenience of hands-free use of your iPad. Whether you’re working at your desk, streaming a film, or in the kitchen, a stand becomes an essential tablet accessory. An iPad stand will help your posture and viewing comfort, or make typing or using a stylus much easier. Two Apple technologies can further integrate the touchscreen iPad into your daily work. Sidecar lets you use your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac, and Universal Control allows you to share the same keyboard between Mac and iPad. With each, an iPad stand adds stability, visibility and ergonomic comfort to your iPad experience. For more details, see our explainer How to use Universal Control and Sidecar to augment your workflow. We’ve rounded up some of the best iPad stands out there for every budget–from the lightweight and portable, to the infinitely adjustable, to the ones that just look great, and one that will turn your iPad into a desktop workstation. Some are basic, some are stylish or super-bendy, some come with an array of handy ports, some can even wirelessly charge your iPad, and one looks like a cuddly toy. Whatever the type of iPad stand you decide on, ensure it matches your model of iPad—Apple’s iPad repetitive naming convention isn’t super intuitive—all iPads (iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro) should name their size in inches, and some are named after their processor, others just have a generation. Identify your iPad model here. Stands marked as “Universal” should fit all. Of course, those using their iPad for work may also want to pair the iPad with a keyboard—we have tested the best iPad keyboards for you. Lamicall – Most colorful range of basic iPad stand Pros Works with all iPads Affordable Wide color range Cons Not full 360-degree rotation Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Lamicall Tablet stand is an adjustable iPad holder that tilts 270 degrees to suit the angle that you need, making it ideal for use at the work desk or kitchen table. It comes with rubber cushions on the hooks to prevent the screen from getting scratched too.  It works with any tablet (or indeed phone) from 4-inch to 13-inch, and is available in a wide range of colors, including black, silver, rose, gray, gold, green, blue and purple. This iPad stand might be basic but it’s a bargain for a well-built tiltable iPad accessory. Satechi OntheGo Foldable 7-in-1 Stand Hub – Best iPad USB-C hub stand Pros 7 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz 10Gbps data transfer 312MBps card readers Built-in iPad stand Foldable Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Satechi $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This iPad stand incorporates a USB-C dock for added functionality. The hub includes USB-C (to iPad, at 10Gbps data-transfer speed), USB-C PD (100W), one USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI 2.0 (supporting 4K displays at a healthy 60Hz screen refresh rate), fast SD and microSD card readers, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and an 6.7-inch (170mm) USB-C cable that’s tucked into its base. That’s a short cable compared to the 450mm cable in the Anker 551 Hub Stand and the Plugable’s 500m cable—both rival hub stands also include an extra USB-A port and are reviewed below. If the iPad is always in the stand when you need the hub’s ports, the short cable won’t be a problem. If you think you might need the hub’s ports while the iPad is out of the stand, then the other hub stands’ longer cables might be worth considering. Where the Satechi Hub Stand beats the Anker 551 and Plugable Dock is its faster ports. The iPad connection and all the USB ports are rated at 10Gbps (the same as the iPad Air and fast enough in most circumstances even for 40Gbps iPad Pro users) compared to Anker and Plugable’s 5Gbps. The SD and MicroSD card readers are also faster at 312MBps compared to the rivals’ 104MBps. The card readers are an affordable way of adding super-portable storage to your iPad setup, with Amazon selling such storage cards for around $40 for 256GB. When folded it measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 0.75 inches (110 x 110 x 19mm) and weighs 6.6oz (188g). That’s smaller and noticeably lighter than the Anker hub stand. The Plugable hub is a little smaller but not as light. (300g vs 188g). The iPad can be tilted on the stand for the best height and viewing angles. This hub will work only with iPads with a USB-C/Thunderbolt charging port. Elsewhere we have reviewed more of the best USB-C hubs for iPad. Read our full Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub review Lululook 360 Rotating Foldable Magnetic iPad Charging Stand – Best rotating iPad stand Pros Rotates 360 degrees Wireless iPad charging Height-adjustable folding arm Magnetic Cons Dedicated to individual iPad models Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Lululook $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This iPad stand looks similar to many others but has the useful benefit of being able to rotate 360°, which makes it ideal for sharing with groups, either at home for family video calls or in-office meetings. If you use your iPad in the kitchen for recipes, you can rotate it as you move around. This is a new release for M4 iPad Pro 13-inch /11-inch and for M2 iPad Air 13-inch/ 11-inch, and can deliver 18W fast charging via the Smart Connector on the back of your iPad. Its foldable design will help keep your office uncluttered and easy to carry. Make sure you pick the right model of stand for your model of iPad—this comes in four size options. If you can’t find yours, consider the Benks Infinityi Magnetic iPad Stand, reviewed below or the Plugable PT-Stand1 that is universal in its iPad support—although neither boasts the charging element found with the Lululook models, . Elago Magnetic Stand for iPads – Best Apple-like iPad stand Pros Makes an iPad into an iMac Adjustable Cons Expensive Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you want a stand that’s as close to the Apple aesthetic as possible, you can’t get any closer than Elago’s new Premium Stand. The minimal aluminum stand is d

Macworld Beats Studio Buds View Deal We love AirPods of course, but the design isn’t for everyone. If you fall into that group, the Beats Studio Buds are worth a look. They’re normally cheaper than AirPods, but instead of paying $150 for them, you can get them for $59 at Amazon’s Woot, a massive savings of more than 60 percent and the best price we’ve ever seen by $20. Now, listen, we know these buds aren’t the newest, but that doesn’t make them any less awesome. When we reviewed them, we gave them a 4-star rating as we appreciated their super compact, comfortable design, and excellent music quality. That’s at their $150 MSRP, and we’d recommend them at their usual $99 sale price. But at $59, they’re practically an impulse buy. Beats Studio Pro have many of the same features as AirPods, including instant pairing, Spatial Audio, “Hey Siri,” and Find My support. If you don’t use an iPhone as your main phone, with several features exclusive to Android users. This deal is set to expire later today, so hurry up and place your order for the Beats Studio Buds for $59 before it runs out.

Macworld While Apple is celebrating its upcoming 50th anniversary and looks forward to another 50 years, there’s one major product that has come to an end. The Mac Pro, as confirmed by Apple with Macworld, has been discontinued by the company. The Mac Pro section of Apple.com has been removed from the website, though Mac Pros are still available through Apple’s Certified Refurbished store. It’s a quiet end for a product that was last updated in 2023 with an M2 Ultra chip. But it wasn’t a surprise; Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported last November that Apple had “largely written off” the Mac Pro, believing that the Mac Studio is a better product. Why it took so long to finally pull the plug isn’t clear, but Apple hadn’t done any updates to the hardware since the M2 Ultra upgrade nearly three years ago. Apple has been rumored to have an update to the Mac Studio in the works, with an announcement likely between now and WWDC26. Apple positions the Mac Studio as the machine for production environments that demand workstation performance, and seemingly feels confident that the Mac Studio can fill the Mac Pro’s shoes. The discontinuation of the Mac Pro leaves Apple without a modular tower computer, but it’s been moving away from those types of machines for a while. In response to those who think an expandable tower is a gaping hole in the Mac lineup, Apple often counters with confidence that its silicon can make up for the need for expansion cards, and Thunderbolt can handle storage needs just as well. Apple introduced the Mac Pro in 2006, the same time Apple completed its transition from Motorola chips to Intel. It had two 64-bit, Intel Xeon 5100 (Woodcrest) processors, four hard drive bays, eight RAM slots, and started at $2,499. Read our Towers of Power (now) complete history of Apple’s sometimes inglorious forays into the professional workstation market.

Macworld Now that we know that Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is set for June 8, we’re going to start hearing about what could be included in the OS 27 updates. Perhaps the most anticipated update is with Siri, which we’ve been eagerly awaiting since it’s supposed to bring Apple up to the level of ChatGPT and Claude. A new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman sheds some light on how Apple will further integrate AI. While Apple has been working on a new and improved Siri that works like a chatbot, Gurman reports that Apple will allow third-party chatbots to integrate with Siri. It will work in a similar fashion as the ChatGPT integration currently works, with users able to send their queries to Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT, etc., instead of having Siri handle it. OS 27 will reportedly let users set which service they want to use through an Extensions option in Siri’s settings. Links for chatbots will be provided if the third-party chatbot app is not installed. This also means that the exclusive agreement between Apple and OpenAI will end with OS 27. In January, Apple and Google announced that the new Siri will be based on Google Gemini, a plan that is still in place and unaffected by this report. This new development gives users the opportunity to use the chatbot they prefer. The new Siri is expected to be the marquee feature at WWDC26. WWDC is a week-long event, with a keynote on June 8.

Macworld With the release of macOS Tahoe last September, Apple introduced a major change: It removed Launchpad and replaced it with the Apps app. Many of us mourned the loss (and many of you laughed at us, based on the feedback I got from this article) and turned to third-party, Launchpad-like solutions to fill the void. However, there’s a sign from Apple that those third-party apps could be at risk, too. Developer Michael Tsai recently posted about AppGrid, a Launchpad-like app that many are using in the macOS Tahoe Launchpad void. Unfortunately, AppGrid’s developer, Attila Miklosi, is being blocked from updating the app in the Mac App Store. Miklosi has been told that the reason for this is that the app violates an Apple guideline: AppGrid looks too similar to Launchpad. Yes, AppGrid looks similar to Launchpad, but that’s the point since LaunchPad doesn’t exist anymore. With this ruling, Apple is essentially saying that the guidelines even apply when Apple deprecates a feature or an app, which is unfair. There’s an argument to be made about Apple protecting its intellectual property, but if it’s for an item that will likely never return, why bother? Miklosi has been told that updates will be allowed once AppGrid has been redesigned to not look like Launchpad. “Thousands have paid for it already, and they paid exactly for it being as similar to Launchpad as possible, so I decided not to go down that route,” he told Tsai. AppGrid (pictured here) looks similar to Apple Launchpad (pictured at the top of this article), but that’s kind of the point.Foundry To make the matter even more confounding, AppGrid is still available for purchase on the Mac App Store, but the app is basically defunct. It can’t be updated because Apple won’t allow it. But Apple continues to collect its 30 percent cut every time someone buys it. Miklosi is getting his cut for the app, too, but the app can’t be updated so that people who bought it essentially get unsupported software. In the App Store description, Miklosi promises a new version with “powerful new features, including advanced grid customization, app grouping, renaming, and more” is coming soon, but as long as Apple has its say, that won’t be the case. Miklosi has given up on trying to resolve the App Store issue and is focusing on the version of AppGrid that can be downloaded directly through his site. Apple probably won’t do anything to stop that, but who knows? Maybe Launchpad is coming back in macOS 27. If you’re interested in giving AppGrid a try, don’t get the Mac App Store version; visit Appgridmac.com and get it there. It’s actually cheaper, in fact: Unlocking AppGrid’s full feature set costs $25 with support for five Macs compared to $30 in the App Store. If you bought AppGrid in the Mac App Store, Miklosi has a way you can transfer your Pro license to the direct download version–you don’t have to pay again, and you’ll get app updates. Miklosi plans to remove AppDirect from the Mac App Store once those buyers have migrated to the direct download version.

Macworld Unsure which version of iOS your iPhone can run? Here’s a quick guide so you can find out if your iPhone is compatible with the most recent iterations of the iPhone operating system, and, if it isn’t, which version you can install on your iPhone. iPhone iOS Compatibility: At a Glance Find your iPhone in our iPhone iOS support table and see which version of iOS you can run. Which iPhone do you have?Which version of iOS can you run?iPhone 17e 2026iOS 26iPhone 17 Pro (Max) 2025iOS 26iPhone Air 2025iOS 26iPhone 17 2025iOS 26iPhone 16e 2025iOS 26iPhone 16 Pro (Max) 2024iOS 26iPhone 16 (Plus) 2024iOS 26iPhone 15 Pro (Max) 2023iOS 26iPhone 15 (Plus) 2023iOS 26iPhone 14 Pro (Max) 2022iOS 26iPhone 14 (Plus) 2022iOS 26iPhone SE (3rd gen) 2022iOS 26iPhone 13 Pro (Max) 2021iOS 26iPhone 13 (mini) 2021iOS 26iPhone 12 Pro (Max) 2020iOS 26iPhone 12 (mini) 2020iOS 26iPhone SE (2nd gen) 2020iOS 26iPhone 11 Pro (Max) 2019iOS 26iPhone 11 2019iOS 26iPhone XR 2018iOS 18iPhone XS (Max) 2018iOS 18iPhone X 2017iOS 16iPhone 8 (Plus) 2017iOS 16iPhone 7 (Plus) 2016iOS 15iPhone SE (1st gen) 2016iOS 15iPhone 6s (Plus) 2015iOS 15 Is your iPhone still supported by Apple? If your iPhone runs iOS 15 or newer, it is still receiving security updates and is safe to use The latest version of the iPhone operating system is iOS 26, which will continue to receive new features until the next major release, iOS 27, launches in the fall of 2026. Even if your iPhone can’t run the latest version of iOS, it is safe to use as long as it continues to receive security updates. Apple often releases security updates for older iOS versions to patch flaws that are being exploited. For example, in March 2026 the “DarkSword” hacking toolkit was identified as targeting iPhones running older versions of iOS 18. The security holes used by the DarkSword malware were addressed in the iOS 18.7.6 update. If you use an iPhone running a version of iOS that Apple doesn’t support with security updates, you are at risk of exploitation attacks targeting flaws in older software versions. Some updates may also be necessary to maintain certificates needed for essential services like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, so if you aren’t running a supported version of iOS you may find these features stop working. The good news is that all of the iPhone models listed in the table above are currently supported by Apple, although the level of support varies. Apple continues to provide security updates for the following older versions of iOS: iOS 15 and iOS 16 received updates to address security vulnerabilities in March 2026 iOS 18 received a critical security update in March 2026 Apple doesn’t need to update iOS 17, because every iPhone that runs it can upgrade to a newer version. This means that, for now at least, the following older iPhones are still receiving security updates: iPhone X iPhone 8 iPhone 7 iPhone SE (1st generation) iPhone 6s – the oldest supported iPhone We don’t know how much longer Apple will continue to support iOS 15 and iOS 16 — and these iPhones. As we explain in How long Apple supports iPhones for, the company has already classified the iPhone SE (1st generation) as obsolete, while the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X are on Apple’s vintage list. These classifications mean it may no longer be possible to get these devices repaired through Apple. Should I upgrade my iPhone? IDG If your iPhone can’t run the newest version of iOS, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to upgrade. While you won’t get the latest features, Apple continues to issue software updates to address security vulnerabilities in recent versions of iOS. Even with the arrival of iOS 26, Apple has continued to support iOS 18, iOS 16 and iOS 15 with security updates – and, with those versions of iOS, 2015’s iPhone 6s through to 2018’s iPhone XR and iPhone XS. However, if you’re using an older iPhone, security is the key concern. Apple is still providing security patches for older devices via iOS 15 and iOS 16, but this support is unlikely to last much longer. By contrast, iOS 18 support is expected to continue for several more years, extending the usable life of the iPhone XS and XR. Once your device can no longer run a supported version of iOS, it’s time to seriously consider upgrading. We explain how long Apple supports the iPhone for in a separate article, and you can see full iOS compatibility in the chart above. As a general rule, any iPhone that can’t run iOS 26 is nearing the end of its practical lifespan. Even among iPhones that do support iOS 26, some upgrades are worth considering. In particular, newer models support Apple Intelligence features that aren’t available on older devices. If you own one of the following iPhones, upgrading will give you access to significantly improved performance and newer features — especially if you’re moving to a recent model such as the iPhone 17: iPhone 15 & 15 Plus (2023) iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022) iPhone 14 & 14 Plus (2022) iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022) iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (2021) iPhone 13 mini (2021) iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max (2020) iPhone 12 & 12 mini (2020) iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max (2019) iPhone 11 (2019) Every iOS version supported by each iPhone To show you which versions of iOS your iPhone can run, we’ve broken down each iPhone generation in the chart below, so you can see which version it originally shipped with (as that will be the earliest it can run) and the latest iteration it currently supports – including whether that iPhone supports iOS 26. Take a look at our guide to Every version of iOS released so far for more information about the different versions of iOS. Every version of iOS and the phones it supports.Foundry iPhone Air Original iOS version: iOS 26 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone 17, 17e, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 26 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 18 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 17 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 16 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 15 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone SE (3rd generation) Original iOS version: iOS 15 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 14 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 13 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone SE (2nd generation) Original iOS version: iOS 13 Does it run iOS 26: Yes iPhone XR, XS, XS Max Original iOS version: iOS 12 Does it run iOS 26: No Last compatible version: iOS 18 iPhone X Original iOS version: iOS 11 Last compatible version: iOS 16 iPhone 8, 8 Plus Original iOS version: iOS 11 Last compatible version: iOS 16 iPhone 7, 7 Plus Original iOS version: iOS 10 Last compatible version: iOS 15 iPhone 6S, 6S Plus Original iOS version: iOS 9 Last compatible version: iOS 15 iPhone SE (1st generation) Original iOS version: iOS 9 Last compatible version: iOS 15 iPhone 6, 6 Plus Original iOS version: iOS 8 Last compatible version: iOS 12 iPhone 5S Original iOS version: iOS 7 Last compatible version: iOS 12 iPhone 5C Original iOS version: iOS 7 Last compatible version: iOS 10 iPhone 5 Original iOS version: iOS 6 Last compatible version: iOS 10 iPhone 4s Original iOS version: iOS 5 Last compatible version: iOS 9 iPhone 4 Original iOS version: iOS 4 Last compatible version: iOS 7 iPhone 3GS Original iOS version: iOS 3 Last compatible version: iOS 6 iPhone 3G Original iOS version: iOS 2 Last compatible version: iOS 4 iPhone Original iOS version: iOS 1 Last compatible version: iOS 3 If your iPhone isn’t supported by iOS 24 or 18 then you might want to consider upgrading to a newer device. Take a look at our best iPhone deals round-up where we share the most recent money-saving deals. Read our best iPhone guide for advice. How to see which version of iOS you’re running If you’re not sure which version of iOS you’re currently running, it’s very easy to find out. Open Settings. Tap on General. Tap About and look for the iOS Version number. How to see which version of iOS is installedFoundry How to upgrade iOS Now that you know the latest version of iOS that your iPhone supports, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re running on that platform. Updating iOS on an iPhone is simple, follow these steps: Open Settings. Tap on General. Tap Software Update and wait for your iPhone to check for updates. When the latest update appears tap Update Now. Enter your passcode if required. Wait while the update is applied (your iPhone may shut down and restart) How to update iOS on iPhoneFoundry See how to update iOS on your iPhone for more advice.

Macworld iOS is at the heart of the iPhone experience. It’s the operating system on which everything else sits, while also delivering plenty of features and dedicated apps built by Apple itself. Every year (usually in September) Apple adds new features to compatible iPhones with an update to iOS, and in the months that follow more features arrive. If you want to know what the latest version of iOS is, or if you’ve ever wondered about when versions came out and what features they brought, we will answer your questions. We also show you how to check which iOS you’re currently using and how to update to the latest iteration. The latest version of iOS is iOS 26, which brings a brand new look and lots of new features. iOS 26 arrived in September 2025 and subsequent updates to iOS 26 have added new features. As of March 2026 we are at version iOS 26.4. iOS version history: Every iOS and the features it brought There are significant milestones scattered across the iOS timeline: Steve Jobs holding the first iPhone at the launch in 2007.Apple iPhone OS (2007): iOS made its debut in 2007 with the first iPhone. However, when Steve Jobs held the little device aloft revealing it to the world for the first time, it wasn’t running iOS 1. Instead, it was reported by Apple to be powered by OS X, the software for the Mac. Over time it was called iPhone OS, until finally gaining its now legendary name in the fourth generation of the software when it was shortened to iOS in 2010. iPhone OS 2 (2008): The second major release of the iPhone software was groundbreaking because it brought third party apps and introduced the App Store. iPhone OS 3 (2009): This update was designed to make it easier to find things, while at the same time adding the ability to have up to 11 pages to the Home Screen. Messages could support MMS, Video recording became possible and it was possible to save voice notes with the Voice Memos app. iOS 4 (2010): Apple changed the name to iOS and added the ability to put apps in folders for a better organised Home screen with iOS 4. The FaceTime, iBooks and Game Centre apps also arrived. The iPad also joined the scene, sharing the same operating system as the iPhone. iOS 5 (2011): iOS 5 was introduced along with the iPhone 4S in 2011, which saw the debut of Siri as a built-in part of the operating system. The Notification Centre was introduced and iCloud arrived bringing syncronisation between devices. This was the first time iOS could be installed directly on the iPhone without requiring a computer. iOS 6 (2012): This is where Apple Maps came onto the scene. Podcasts and Passbook (now Wallet) apps also arrived. iCloud Photo Stream made it easier to share photos with family and friends. iOS 6 was the last with a skeuomorphic design. iOS 7 (2013): With iOS 7 iPhone users got a redesigned user interface, which looked a lot more modern with flatter icons. iOS 7 introduced AirDrop and CarPlay. iOS 7 had a brand new look (at the time).Apple iOS 8 (2014): One of the features of iOS 8 was Continuity, which linked the iPhone, iPad and Mac together, so you could “handoff” tasks from one device to another. Family Sharing also arrived making it easier to manage a child’s iPhone. iOS 9 (2015): iOS 9 improved the Notes app, added Apple News, and featured a new Night Shift mode that removed some of the blue light that can disturb circadian rhythms and stop someone sleeping. iOS 10 (2016): There were updates to Messages and changes to the Photos app in iOS 10. A new Home app brought HomeKit control. Maps got a redesign. Universal Clipboard meant that users could copy something on a Mac and paste it on an iPhone, for example. iOS 11 (2017): Things changed significantly in iOS 11 in 2017 as it brought the first touch and gesture interface, allowing the first iPhone without a Home button – the iPhone X. There was a new Files app making it easier to access content synced or saved in iCloud and the Control Centre got a redesign. iOS 12 (2018): Screen Time, Memoji, Group FaceTime and Siri Shortcuts were new in iOS 12. iOS 13 (2019): Another major shift came with iOS 13 in 2019, as Apple’s mobile operating system for the iPad split with the iPhone, with iPadOS powering new iPads. Updates to iOS included Dark Mode, new privacy features and the ability to Sign in with Apple and hide your email address. The Photos and Apple Maps apps got a redesign and a swipe-to-type keyboard was added. iOS 14 (2020): One of the most notable additions was Back Tap, a feature that effectively turned the back of the iPhone into an extra button. Starting with iOS 14.2, music recognition was built directly into the operating system via a Shazam button. iOS 15 on iPhone 12.Foundry iOS 15 (2021): Focus Mode arrived in iOS 15 to help users manage the onslaught of notifications, Live Text and Visual Look up made it possible to interact with text within photos (Live Text) and use the camera to identify objects like plants and animals. The Safari browser received a major interface update as did Maps and the Weather app. iOS 16 (2022): One of the most visible changes in iOS 16 was the complete overhaul of the Lock screen, which allowed users to add widgets for the first time to view data at a glance without unlocking their devices. Apple added Rapid Security Responses so that it could deliver important security patches outside of an iOS update. iOS 17 (2023): NameDrop in iOS 17 made it possible to share information by bringing two iPhones together. Stolen Device Protection added a layer of security by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) before an Apple ID password could be changed. Live Voicemail meant that iPhone users could get a live transaction of a message. iOS 18 (2024): The iOS 18 update laid the groundwork for Apple’s subsequent AI initiatives. There was also a complete redesign of the Photos app, a dedicated Passwords app, Control Center Customization and Live Activities (so you could see when your dinner delivery is arriving). iOS 26 (2025): Rather than progress to iOS 19, Apple has aligned the numbering of all its operating systems according to the year with iOS 26. It wasn’t just a name change though, there was a significant visual and functional overhaul with a Liquid Glass design language. Big changes also came to the Phone app with Call Screening and Hold Assist. Live Transaltions make it easy to communicate with foreign friends and colleagues. The Camera app had a simplifying redesign and a Games app replaced Game Centre. Foundry Here’s how the latest two iOS versions compare: iOS 26 vs iOS 18. List of iOS versions and latest versions Here’s a breakdown of all the versions of iOS that have been released, when they were released, when they were last updated, and the latest iOS version. OS versionRelease dateLatest versionLatest update dateiPhone OS 1June 29, 2007iOS 1.1.5July 15, 2008iPhone OS 2July 11, 2008iOS 2.2.1January 27, 2009iPhone OS 3June 17, 2009iOS 3.2.2August 11, 2010iOS 4June 22, 2010iOS 4.3.5July 25, 2011iOS 5October 12, 2011iOS 5.1.1May 7, 2012iOS 6September 19, 2012iOS 6.1.6February 21, 2014iOS 7September 18, 2013iOS 7.1.2June 30, 2014iOS 8September 17, 2014iOS 8.4.1August 13, 2015iOS 9September 16, 2015iOS 9.3.6July 22, 2019iOS 10September 13, 2016iOS 10.3.4July 22, 2019iOS 11September 19, 2017iOS 11.4.1July 9, 2018iOS 12September 17, 2018iOS 12.5.8January 26, 2026iOS 13September 19, 2019iOS 13.7September 1, 2020iOS 14September 17, 2020iOS 14.8.1October 26, 2021iOS 15September 24, 2021iOS 15.8.7March 11, 2026iOS 16September 12, 2022iOS 16.7.15March 11, 2026iOS 17September 18, 2023iOS 17.7.2November 19, 2024iOS 18September 16, 2024iOS 18.7.7March 24, 2026iOS 26September 15, 2025iOS 26.4March 24, 2026 Which iOS versions are currently supported by Apple? In terms of new features, only iOS 26 is currently supported. When Apple introduced iOS 26 it stopped development of new features for iOS 18. The following iPhones support iOS 26: iPhone 17 Series – iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air (2025), iPhone 17e (2026) iPhone 16 Series – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e (2024) iPhone 15 Series – iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023) iPhone 14 Series – iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) iPhone 13 Series – iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) iPhone 12 Series – iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020) iPhone 11 Series – iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019) iPhone SE – iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020), iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) However, even after Apple stops developing new features for older versions of iOS, it continues to issue security updates for some time. As explained in How long does Apple support iPhones?, Apple often provides security patches for devices that can’t run the latest version of iOS. For example, in March 2026, Apple released an update to iOS 18 addressing security vulnerabilities. This patch was only available for iPhones that cannot upgrade to iOS 26, suggesting that Apple expects compatible devices to move to iOS 26 for ongoing security support. This still means older models – such as the iPhone XR and XS – remain supported, even though they cannot run iOS 26. Support extends even further back. Also in March 2026, Apple issued security updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16. Updates iOS 15.8.7 and iOS 16.7.15 patched critical vulnerabilities in older devices, including: iPhone 6s (all models) iPhone 7 (all models) iPhone SE (1st gen) iPhone 8 and 8 Plus iPhone X Notably, the iPhone 6s – launched in 2015 – continues to receive security updates, marking over ten years of support. Earlier, in January 2026, Apple also released updates for iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 to extend support for certificate

Macworld Apple doesn’t turn 50 until next week, but the celebrations are already in high gear. Following a performance by Alicia Keys in New York City earlier this month, Apple held events on Wednesday in London, China, Korea, Australia, and Washington, D.C. to commemorate the milestone. At Apple Battersea in London, the company welcomed DJ Nia Archives and folk-rock band Mumford & Sons to perform for the crowd outside the company’s U.K. headquarters. Following Archives’ set, Mumford & Sons played nine songs, including hits “Little Lion Man” and “I Will Wait.” In China, Chris Lee took over Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu with a performance that blended fashion, choreography, music, and dynamic set pieces, while CODA star Troy Kotsur and Roberta Cordano, the first deaf woman to be president of Gallaudet University, sat down with Apple’s Sarah Herrlinger for a discussion about the legacy and future of Deaf creativity. And at Apple Myeongdong in Seoul, K-pop group Cortis performed a trio of songs, including “YOUNGCREATORCREW” from their upcoming album. But the coolest event was held at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. As part of the Illuminating Creativity project, Apple transformed the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sails into a digital canvas for artwork from 11 emerging Australian artists and six members of the public. A mix of still imagery and motion created in Procreate on the iPad, set to a score composed by musician Bailey Pickles using Logic Pro. Just check out these images: Art projections on the Sydney Opera House.Apple Apple Apple Apple’s 50th anniversary is officially April 1, so we expect events to continue all next week. 

Macworld Apple has released multiple macOS versions over the years, each bringing new features, design changes, and hardware requirements. Whether you’re trying to identify the version on your Mac, decide if it’s time to upgrade, or understand which releases are still supported, this guide covers every macOS version from the original Mac OS X Cheetah to the latest macOS 26 Tahoe. Below, you’ll find a complete list of macOS versions in order, along with release dates, codenames, key details and support information. What is the latest macOS version? The latest version of macOS is called macOS Tahoe after the lake located in California. That version of macOS is also known as macOS 26 and it launched to the general public on September 15, 2025. Tahoe has been updated a few times since it launched in September 2025. The latest version is macOS Tahoe 26.4, which was introduced on March 24, 2026. macOS version history: Every macOS and Mac OS X version and the features it brought macOS is Apple’s operating system for the Mac, in the same way iOS runs on the iPhone and iPadOS runs on the iPad. It provides the user interface and acts as the link between a Mac’s hardware and its software. All Macs have run macOS – formerly known as Mac OS X – since its debut in 2001. Before that, Apple computers used Mac OS 9. macOS is based on Unix technology developed at NeXT, the company Steve Jobs founded before returning to Apple. Since its launch on March 24, 2001, macOS has evolved significantly, gaining tighter integration with iOS devices, cloud services, and productivity features such as Time Machine, Quick Look, Exposé, Spaces, and Desktop Stacks. Below is a complete overview of macOS versions, showing how Apple’s desktop operating system has developed over time, along with the official names and internal codenames used for each release. Foundry OS X 10 beta: Released in September 13, 2000, this preview version of OS X was codenamed Kodiak. It was based on technology from NeXT Computer, which was another company founded by Apple founder Steve Jobs and it introduced the Aqua user interface as well as protected memory and preemptive multitasking to stop crashes. This beta cost $29.95. OS X 10.0: Code named Cheetah, this was the first major release of Mac OS X, arriving on March 14, 2001. It was Apple’s first OS built on a Unix-based foundation. Unfortunately it was slow and rough around the edges. OS X 10.1: Just a few months ofter the first version of Mac OS X launched, Apple introduced the Puma update on September 15, 2001. This time is was stable and ready for everyday use, hardware support was better, and other issues with the fist version were addressed. OS X 10.2: Jaguar arrived on August 14, 2002, significantly improving performance and usability, introducing Quartz Extreme for smoother graphics, a faster Finder, and better networking. iChat was one of the new features. OS X 10.3: In October 2023 Apple introduced Panther which focused on speed, stability, and polish, delivering noticeably faster performance and a more responsive system. New features included: Exposé for managing windows, Fast User Switching, and FileVault disk encryption. Safari arrived as the default web browser. OS X 10.4: Tiger arrived in April 2005 with new features like Spotlight search and Dashboard widgets. OS X 10.5: In October 2007 Leopard arrived and added features like Time Machine for automated backups, Spaces for virtual desktops, and a redesigned Finder with Cover Flow. Time Machine also arrived as a simple way to back up a Mac. OS X 10.6: Released in 2009, Snow Leopard focused on performance, stability, and efficiency rather than flashy new features. OS X 10.7 Lion: Arriving in July 2011, Lion brought iPad-inspired features to the Mac, like Launchpad, full-screen apps, and multi-touch gestures. It also introduced system-wide Auto Save, Resume, and Versions so that users didn’t need to worry about manual saving. OS X 10.8: A year later, in 2012 Mountain Lion brought more iOS features to the Mac including Messages, Reminders, Notes, Notification Center, and iCloud integration. Gatekeeper security was also emphasised. The Notification Center made its debut in OS X Mavericks.Foundry OS X 10.9: In October 2013 Apple stopped naming Mac OS X versions after big cats and switched to Californian landmarks, starting with Mavericks. It introduced features like Finder Tabs, Tags, and memory compression, making Macs faster and more responsive. It was also the first time Apple offered the Max OS X update for free. OS X 10.10: Introduced in October 2014, Yosemite brought a major visual redesign with a cleaner, flatter interface, translucent elements, and a more modern look inspired by iOS (iOS 7 with its big redesign had been introduced in 2013). Continuity features from the iPhone and iPad included Handoff, iCloud Drive, and the ability to make and receive calls and texts from a Mac. OS X 10.11: El Capitan arrived in September 2015 and, like Snow Leopard in 2007, focused more on refinement and stability. It brought improvements like better window management (Split View), smoother graphics, and performance boosts. macOS 10.12: In September 2016 macOS Sierra was the first version to be referred to as macOS rather than Mac OS X, better aligning it with iOS, watchOS and tvOS. It brought Siri to the Mac and improved integration with iPhone and iPad with features like Universal Clipboard. macOS 10.13: This was another update where the focus was on performance rather than flashy new features. High Sierra in September 2017 brought updates to core apps like Photos and Safari but mostly focused on security and efficiency updates. macOS 10.14: In September 2018, Mojave introduced a system-wide Dark Mode and introduced Desktop Stacks for better file organization. Dark Mode debuted in Mojave.Foundry macOS 10.15: Arriving in October 2019, Catalina replaced iTunes with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps and introduced Sidecar so an iPad could be used as a second display for a Mac. It also ended support for 32-bit apps. macOS 11: Big Sur was the first version to drop the ten, from Mac OS X, and start again at 11. Launched in November 2020 it was a major redesign of Apple’s Mac operating system, with a cleaner, more modern interface, updated icons, a refined Control Center, and closer visual alignment with iOS. macOS 12: Arriving in October 2021, Monterey introduced Universal Control (one mouse/keyboard across Mac and iPad) and improved FaceTime. macOS 13: macOS Ventura arrived in October 2022 and introduced Stage Manager for better multitasking, improved Continuity features (including using an iPhone as a webcam, and brought major updates to Mail, Safari, and Spotlight. macOS 14: In September 2023 Sonoma made the desktop more immersive with animated wallpapers and desktop widgets you can interact with. There were game-focused improvements in Game Mode and video conferencing features like Presenter Overlay were added. macOS 15: A year later in September 2024, Sequoia brought iPhone Mirroring and added Apple Intelligence features. macOS 26: Tahoe arrived in September 2025 with a bold new Liquid Glass design with transparent, customizable interface elements and tighter integration with iPhone and iPad. As with iPhone and iPad, Apple unified version numbering, so the macOS jumped from macOS 15 to 26. Apple also expanded Apple Intelligence, improved Spotlight, improved the Phone related features, and added a new Games app. This is the final macOS version to support Intel-based Macs. List of macOS versions and latest versions Here’s an overview of every version of macOS and Mac OS X Apple has released. You’ll find a complete list of each version of OS X and macOS, along version code names, internal code names (if available) and the most recent version and when it was released. macOS Tahoe.Foundry Product versionCode nameDate of launchDate of launchLast update dateOS X 10 betaKodiakSeptember 13, 2000——OS X 10.0CheetahMarch 14, 200110.0.4June 22, 2001OS X 10.1PumaSeptember 15, 200110.1.5June 6, 2002OS X 10.2JaguarAugust 14, 200210.2.8October 3, 2003OS X 10.3Panther (Pinot)October 24, 200310.3.9April 15, 2005OS X 10.4Tiger (Merlot)April 29, 200510.4.11November 14, 2007OS X 10.5Leopard (Chablis)October 26, 200710.5.8August 13, 2009OS X 10.6Snow LeopardAugust 28, 200910.6.8July 25, 2011OS X 10.7Lion (Barolo)July 20, 201110.7.5October 4, 2012OS X 10.8Mountain Lion (Zinfandel)July 25, 201210.8.5August 13, 2015OS X 10.9Mavericks (Cabernet)October 22, 201310.9.5July 18, 2016OS X 10.10Yosemite (Syrah)October 16, 201410.10.5July 19, 2017OS X 10.11El Capitan (Gala)September 30, 201510.11.6July 9, 2018macOS 10.12Sierra (Fuji)September 20, 201610.12.6September 26, 2019macOS 10.13High Sierra (Lobo)September 25, 201710.13.6November 12, 2020macOS 10.14Mojave (Liberty)September 24, 201810.14.6July 21, 2021macOS 10.15Catalina (Jazz)October 7, 201910.15.8February 2, 2026macOS 11Big Sur (GoldenGate)November 12, 202011.7.11February 26, 2026macOS 12Monterey (Star)October 25, 202112.7.6July 29, 2024macOS 13Ventura (Rome)October 24, 202213.7.8August 20, 2025macOS 14Sonoma (Sunburst)September 26, 202314.8.5March 24, 2026macOS 15Sequoia (Glow)September 18, 202415.7.5March 24, 2026macOS 26Tahoe (Cheer)September 15, 202526.4March 24, 2026 FAQ 1. Which macOS versions are still supported? Apple supplies regular features and security updates to the most recent version of macOS. In addition, it is generally the case that Apple will issue security updates and bug fixes to the previous two versions of macOS. As of February 2026, macOS Tahoe, Sequoia and Sonoma were all receiving security updates. Also in February 2026, there was a surprise update to Big Sur (

Macworld The monitor might be the second-most important part of your Mac’s setup after the Mac, of course–after all, you can’t use any desktop computer without one and even the 16-inch screen on the MacBook Pro is going to feel cramped if you are having a particularly productive morning. Spread your work out by plugging in multiple monitors to your Mac and extending your desktop over a wider space. Because you’ll spend a lot of time looking at the display, you’ll want to invest wisely. Not only will you want a monitor that provides a pleasing experience, but the quality of the images on the screen can also affect your work. However, picking a new monitor can be daunting. Not only are there many manufacturers to choose from, but there are also lots of sizes, resolutions, and features to consider—and when we say lots, we mean lots. We’re here to help guide you while you shop, and we have some tips on what to look for in a monitor below Best Mac monitors 2026 These are the best desktop Mac monitors we have tested. We round up the best portable displays for Mac separately if you want to take a larger display out on the road or easily store one out of sight when you’re not using it. We’ve included Apple’s Pro Display XDR and the Apple Studio Display, not because they are necessarily the best choice, but for comparative purposes. BenQ MA270U or MA270UP – Best budget 4K display Pros Great image quality More affordable than Apple Studio Display Glossy option for more vivid image Matte Panel cuts down glare and reflections Height-adjustable stand Cons 60Hz refresh rate may discourage gamers No webcam Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inchResolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)Connections: USB-C (90W PD), 5Gbps USB-C (15W), 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x 5Gbps USB-A, audio mini-jackWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, RotationOrientation: Landscape and portrait There are two screen options with this affordable 4K display: matte (MA270U) and glossy (MA270UP). If you want the most vivid radiant picture with deeper blacks and brighter whites, go for the Nano Gloss screen. If you want to banish glare and reflections more so than with the pricey Nano texture glass on the Apple Studio Display, got for Nano Matte. Some displays sell the stand separately so there’s an additional cost consideration, but that’s not the case here as the stand is included. It offers a great range of adjustment: -5 to 20 degrees of tilt, swivels 15 degrees left or right, and 115 mm of height. The display can also pivot 90 degrees to Portrait mode, a far greater range of motion than the Studio Display. The MA270U/P can connect to a Mac through HDMI or USB-C. The USB-C connection offers 90 watts of power so it can charge your MacBook at the same time. If you want to use the display as a connection hub, you need to connect to the Mac via USB-C. Its built-in spare USB-C port offers 15W of power output and the USB-A 7.5W. There are two HDMI ports so you can connect to another device for multitasking. The one thing that’s immediately noticeable with the MA270U/P is its impressive image quality. Colors are full of life and the detail is excellent. One standout aspect of the image quality is how sharp text appears. This is great for production and design work, but it can even make it more enjoyable to read and write. It offers image quality that could satisfy users in a production environment–that’s one way of saying that its quality is better than what general users usually get. You might be able to find a 27-inch 4K display that’s a little cheaper, but it won’t look this good.–Roman Loyola Read the full BenQ MA270UP Monitor review. The 27-inch BenQ MA270U/P provides a very affordable alternative to Apple’s expensive 5K Studio Display. The BenQ 32-inch MA320U is slightly more expensive, but as well as providing a larger screen it produces a brighter display with bolder, crisper colors, although also at 4K. Read our review of the 32-inch Ben-Q MA320U. Apple Studio Display (2026) – Lovely but very expensive Apple 5K Pros Handsome design Good image quality Impressive spatial audio Webcam much impproved Dual Thunderbolt 5 ports Cons The same panel tech from 2017 (or earlier) Webcam and speakers are just serviceable Included stand is tilt-only and upgrades are expensive Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inchResolution: 5K (5120 x 2880 pixels)Connections: Thunderbolt 5 (96W PD), 2x USB-C (10Gbps)Webcam: 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with Desk ViewStand: Tilt. Height-adjustable stand costs extra $400/£400Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with VESA mount adapter As a production display, the Studio Display is still expensive but looks affordable compared to the Apple Studio Display XDR. Buyers will enjoy its handsome design, good image quality, and impressive spatial audio, but you can save a lot of money by going with a non-Apple display. Apple displays have always produced very good image quality, and the Studio Display continues that tradition. Colors are rich, contrast is good, and the brightness is suitable for most tasks. The Studio Display has a tilt-adjustable stand, but it does not pivot between landscape and portrait modes—a WESA mount beings you a portrait option with the right monitor arm or stand. You can get a stand that provides about four inches of height adjustment but it doesn’t come cheap. The price tag for the tilt- and height-adjustable stand is a whopping $400/£400 more. That Apple stand on its own is about half the price of a comparable third-party 5K monitor with its own height-adjustable stand, such as the BenQ MA270S, reviewed below. The Studio Display has six speakers (four force-canceling woofers, and two high-performance tweeters) that sound better than most displays we’ve used but are no match for a decent independent speaker. There’s nothing wrong with this display. Brightness uniformity is good, and color accuracy is excellent. It’s just an old panel, with poor motion clarity from a slow pixel response and a complete lack of modern expected display properties. It’s 2026, and all but the very cheapest monitors have refresh rates over 60Hz, adaptive refresh, HDR, or all of the above. For a monitor being sold new in 2026, the Studio Display looks like what a nice $999 5K display should. But it costs $1,000 more than that (with a decent stand), and the addition of the webcam, speakers, and Thunderbolt ports doesn’t make up the difference..–Jason Cross Read our full Apple Studio Display (2026) review BenQ MA270S – Excellent Apple Studio alternative 5K Mac display Pros Great image and text quality Height-adjustable stand is standard Excellent connectivity hub Cons No built-in webcam 70Hz max refresh rate may not be high enough for gamers Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Benq €999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inchResolution: 5K (5120 x 2880 pixels)Connections: Thunderbolt 4 (96W PD), 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A (10Gbps), 2x HDMIWebcam: NoStand: Height, Tilt, SwivelOrientation: Landscape; Portrait BenQ has

Macworld Humans are typically averse to change. When something defies expectations with a dramatic shift, they tend to react negatively, holding onto familiar concepts. Sometimes, radical changes eventually become the new norm. People evolve with the objects surrounding them when they realize how they elevate their lives in unprecedented ways. Apple has a long history of thinking differently. During its past 50 years, the company has repeatedly defied traditions through products that don’t initially make sense to everyone. Critics would attack said products… until the sales paint a different picture. These are some of the products that seemed doomed to fail at launch but quickly proved to be ingenious. iPod While the iPod (RIP) remains one of Apple’s most iconic products of all time, its initial 2001 introduction was met with lots of criticism. The $399 device debuted with several restrictions at a time when customers could buy generic CD or MP3 players for a fraction of that price. The iPod required a FireWire connection and iTunes for music transfer, making it exclusive to the Mac—which accounted for less than 5 percent of the desktop market share back then. IDG In the years that followed, Apple made several improvements to the iPod, like releasing multiple variants that catered to different needs, swapping FireWire for USB, and bringing iTunes to Windows. The product flourished, popularizing digital music purchases and miniature media players. It also acted as one of the iPhone’s three key selling points. iPhone The iPhone is Apple’s most widely recognized product, dominating the U.S. smartphone market and swiftly expanding its global reach. That hasn’t always been the case, however. When Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007, critics naturally had some unkind words to say. Foundry Microsoft’s then CEO, Steve Ballmer, famously expressed how the virtual keyboard was nearly impossible to use, suggesting the overpriced device was doomed to fail. The folks at BlackBerry similarly questioned the device’s seriousness and productive capabilities. That’s not to mention the unforgiving headlines and technology journalists’ negative takes. Market analysts predicted that Windows-based phones would capture nearly all market share within a few years. Remind me, what’s a BlackBerry, and where does one find a Windows Phone again? iPad The most popular tablet line similarly had a controversial start. When Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPad in 2010, many critics described it as just a large iPhone with no distinct purpose. The device largely mimicked the iPhone’s OS, offering no file management system, multitasking features, or Adobe Flash support. Its hardware was also perceived as limited due to the lack of an SD card slot, USB port, and camera. Despite that, Apple still sold millions of iPads by the end of that year. Apple Today, Apple sells a wide range of iPads, featuring different sizes, processing powers, and exclusive perks. The OS has matured to support proper multitasking, including Mac-like windowing and a menu bar, in addition to professional, desktop-class apps. While the tablet still has a long way to go, it certainly proved not to be just a large iPhone. By some estimates, about half of all tablets in the world are iPads. Apple Watch When the Apple Watch debuted over a decade ago, it wasn’t the independent miniature iPhone it is today. The wearable heavily relied on the paired iPhone for basic features, including GPS, texting and calling, using third-party apps, and more. It also lacked a clear direction, as Apple was trying to sell it as a luxury item (remember the $17,000 gold edition?) that also tracked your activity and doubled as a communication hub; the identity crisis was real. Foundry At this point, the battery lasts a full day on a single charge, the design has been slimmed down to perfection, and the above-mentioned flaws have been dealt with. The Apple Watch is now perceived as the best smartwatch for most casual users, featuring advanced, life-saving sensors, several models to pick from, and a mature OS that functions autonomously. It is, by far, the best-selling watch of any kind in the world. AirPods Likewise, the AirPods’ birth was accompanied by a ton of criticism and concerns revolving around pricing, design, functionality, and more. In 2016, Apple retired the iPhone’s headphone jack, pushing users to dongles or the $159 AirPods. At the time, many critics compared the AirPods’ design to electric toothbrush heads and dental floss cases. Users were concerned about losing them and needing to regularly charge yet another device. Some reviewers also questioned their value, given that their sound quality was similar to that of wired EarPods—despite costing eightfold more. Compatibility was also a frequent complaint: they worked as bluetooth headphones with other devices, but all their main features were only enabled with other Apple products. Apple Nowadays, AirPods have become the go-to wireless earbuds for many iPhone users, offering immersive audio technology, precise location via Find My, seamless integrations with other Apple devices, multiple product tiers, health features, and much more. They’ve also moved the industry forward, pushing rival brands to enhance their own wireless earbuds. M-series chips In 2020, Apple kickstarted the Mac’s transition from Intel processors to its own in-house chip designs. The move was questioned by many critics, raising concerns around software compatibility, performance, and energy efficiency. It turns out Apple was fully prepared for the overhaul, however. To avoid breaking apps, Apple introduced Rosetta 2—a tool that runs software designed for Intel chips on M-series Macs. While macOS 27 will likely be the last version to support Rosetta 2, all relevant app developers have already updated their apps to run natively on Apple silicon. Otherwise, the M-series chips have proved to be more capable and energy-efficient than their Intel counterparts, as today’s Macs boast the longest battery life ever and manage to obliterate competitors in many benchmark tests. That’s not to mention that Macs can now run iPhone apps, and iPads have Mac chips in them—all thanks to this historical transition. MacBook Neo One of the most recent Apple products to attract skepticism is the MacBook Neo. Prior to its launch, many critics doubted Apple would ever sell a new MacBook as cheaply as $599 (and even $499 for education). They also had doubts about its performance, given that it’s powered by the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro chipset. Many onlookers proclaimed that a laptop with 8GB of RAM was useless. Eugen Wegmann Apple proved them wrong by actually embracing the affordable price tag and delivering a comprehensive desktop experience that can handle everyday tasks without any lag. In fact, Tim Cook recently said the MacBook Neo set a new all-time record for first-time Mac buyers, popularizing macOS among younger generations. In performance tests against similarly-priced Windows laptops, the RAM limitation has proven to be a non-issue.

Macworld Wondering which versions of macOS your Mac can run? We’ve put together a macOS compatibility checker that will show you what Macs the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X support, so you can tell what version you should be running on your Mac if you want the latest features and security protections. Read on to find out exactly which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac operating system. Latest supported macOS version The latest macOS version is macOS 26 Tahoe, which can run on all M-series Macs and a small number of Intel-powered Macs from 2019, but the older Macs don’t get all the new features. There are also two versions of macOS that receive security updates: macOS 15 Sequoia and macOS 14 Sonoma. Latest version: macOS 26 Tahoe, released September 15, 2025 Latest update: macOS 26.4, released March 24, 2026 Supports: All M-series Macs and most Intel Macs from 2019 onward Security-supported versions: macOS 15 Sequoia (15) and Sonoma (14) still get critical security updates Which version of macOS can my Mac run? Apple releases a new version of the Mac operating system every year—but the newest version of the Mac operating system does not support every Mac. Each year more and more Macs fall off the compatibility list and are unable to be updated to take advantage of the latest features. Here’s a simple table you can use to identify the version of macOS your Mac can run based on the year it was introduced. Note there are some exceptions where only certain models are compatible with a macOS version. For more details of specific models check the sections later on in this article. YearMacBook Air 14-inch MacBook Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro iMacMac mini Mac StudioMac Pro13-inch MacBook Pro15-inch MacBook Pro iMac Pro2025macOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 Tahoe–––––––2024macOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 Tahoe–macOS 26 Tahoe––––2023macOS 26 Tahoe macOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 Tahoe–––2022macOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 Tahoe––macOS 26 Tahoe–macOS 26 Tahoe––2021macOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 TahoemacOS 26 Tahoe–––macOS 26 Tahoe––2020macOS 26 Tahoe (M1 only)& macOS 15 Sequoia (Intel)––macOS 26 Tahoe (27-inch model only)macOS 26 Tahoe––macOS 26 Tahoe (4-ports only)––2019macOS 14 Sonoma–macOS 26 TahoemacOS 15 Sequoia––macOS 26 TahoemacOS 15 SequoiamacOS 26 Tahoe–2018macOS 14 Sonoma–––macOS 15 Sequoia––macOS 15 SequoiamacOS 15 Sequoia–2017macOS 12 Monterey––macOS 13 Ventura–––macOS 13 VenturamacOS 13 VenturamacOS 15 Sequoia2016macOS 12 Monterey––––––macOS 12 MontereymacOS 12 Monterey–2015macOS 12 Monterey––macOS 12 Monterey–––macOS 12 MontereymacOS 12 Monterey–2014macOS 11 Big Sur––macOS 12 MontereymacOS 12 Monterey––macOS 11 Big SurmacOS 11 Big Sur–2013macOS 11 Big Sur––macOS 11 Big Sur––macOS 12 MontereymacOS 11 Big Sur (Retina only)macOS 11 Big Sur– For advice about installing macOS read: How to install macOS on your Mac and read our guide to every version of macOS released to find out about the latest version. macOS 26 Tahoe compatibility There were fears that macOS Tahoe would not support any Intel-powered Macs – luckily this isn’t the case, but Apple has confirmed this will be the last version of macOS to support Macs that don’t run on Apple’s own silicon. To drill in to exactly which Mac model run macOS Tahoe you can browse the chart below: IntroducedProductNov 2019MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019, Intel)Dec 2019Mac Pro (2019, Intel)May 2020MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, 4 Thunderbolt ports, Intel)Aug 2020iMac (27-inch, 2020, Intel)Nov 2020MacBook Air (13-inch, M1)Nov 2020MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2-port)Nov 2020Mac mini (M1)Apr 2021iMac (24-inch, M1)Oct 2021MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro / M1 Max)Oct 2021MacBook Pro (16-inch, M1 Pro / M1 Max)Mar 2022Mac Studio (M1 Max / M1 Ultra)Jun 2022MacBook Air (13.6-inch, M2)Jun 2022MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2)Jan 2023Mac mini (M2 / M2 Pro)Jan 2023MacBook Pro (14-inch, M2 Pro / M2 Max)Jan 2023MacBook Pro (16-inch, M2 Pro / M2 Max)Jun 2023Mac Pro (Tower, M2 Ultra)Jun 2023Mac Studio (M2 Max / M2 Ultra)Jun 2023MacBook Air (15.3-inch, M2)Oct 2023MacBook Pro (14-inch, M3 / M3 Pro / M3 Max)Oct 2023MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3 Pro / M3 Max)Oct 2023iMac (24-inch, M3)Mar 2024MacBook Air (13-inch, M3)Mar 2024MacBook Air (15-inch, M3)Oct 2024MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4 / M4 Pro / M4 Max)Oct 2024MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Pro / M4 Max)Oct 2024iMac (24-inch, M4)Oct 2024Mac mini (M4 / M4 Pro)Mar 2025MacBook Air (13-inch, M4)Mar 2025MacBook Air (15-inch, M4)Mar 2025Mac Studio (M4 Max / M3 Ultra)Oct 2025MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5)Mar 2026MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5 Pro / M5 Max)Mar 2026MacBook Pro (16-inch, M5 Pro / M5 Max)Mar 2026MacBook Air (13-inch, M5) Mar 2026MacBook Air (15-inch, M5)  Which Macs can run Apple Intelligence in Tahoe? Apple lists the following Macs as compatible with macOS 26 Tahoe and the Apple Intelligence-powered features: M-series Macs that run Tahoe & Apple Intelligence features MacBook Pro (M1 and later) MacBook Air (M1 and later) iMac (M1 and later) Mac mini (M1 and later) Mac Studio (M1 and later) Mac Pro (M1 and later) Intel Macs that run Tahoe, but not Apple Intelligence These are the Intel Macs that run macOS Tahoe (but don’t support Apple Intelligence): MacBook Pro (Intel, 13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) MacBook Pro (Intel, 16‑inch, 2019) Mac Pro (Intel, 2019) iMac (Intel, mid 2020) Macs that don’t run Tahoe The following Macs that were supported by 2024’s macOS Sequoia, and any that are older than these, are not able to run Tahoe: iMac (Intel, 2019) iMac Pro (Intel, 2017) Mac mini (Intel, 2018) MacBook Pro (Intel, 2018) macOS 15 Sequoia compatibility Which Macs run Sequoia? All the M-series Macs!Apple Sequoia (macOS 15) became available on Tuesday, September 16, 2024. The software was regularly updated prior to the introduction of Tahoe, but now that Tahoe is here Sequoia will only get security updates when required. Latest version: macOS Sequoia 15.7.5 on March 24, 2026. M-series Macs that run Sequoia All M-series Macs can support Sequoia (and Apple Intelligence features), including: MacBook Air (M1 and later) MacBook Pro (M1 and later) iMac (M1 and later) Mac Pro (M1 and later) Mac Studio (M1 and later) Mac mini (M1 and later) Intel Macs that run Sequoia The following Intel Macs can run Sequoia. None of these models can support the Apple Intelligence features though. iMac (Intel, 2019 and August 2020) Mac Pro (Intel, 2019) iMac Pro (Intel, 2017) MacBook Air (Intel, March 2020) Mac mini (Intel, 2018) MacBook Pro (Intel, 2018, 2019 and May 2020) Macs that don’t run Sequoia The following Macs that were supported by 2023’s macOS Sonoma, and any that are older than these, are not able to run Sequoia: MacBook Air (Intel, 2019) MacBook Air (Intel, 2018) For more information read: Can my Mac run Sequoia? macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility macOS Sonoma arrived in 2023IDG macOS 14 Sonoma became available on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Apple is still issuing security updates for Sonoma. Latest version: macOS Sonoma 14.8.5 on March 24, 2026. Macs that run Sonoma iMac from 2019 Mac Pro from 2019 iMac Pro from 2017 Mac Studio from 2022 MacBook Air from 2018 Mac mini from 2018 MacBook Pro from 2018 For more information read: Can my Mac run Sonoma? macOS 13 Ventura compatibility Apple Apple released macOS 13 Ventura to the public on October 24, 2022. Apple is still issuing security updates for Ventura, the most recent was 13.7.8 in August 2025, this may be the last Ventura update now Tahoe is here, as Apple tends to only support the past two versions with security updates. Latest version: macOS Ventura 13.7.8, August 2025. Macs that run Ventura MacBook models from 2017 or later MacBook Air models from 2018 or later MacBook Pro models from 2017 or later Mac mini models from 2018 or later iMac models from 2017 or later iMac Pro (all models) Mac Pro models from 2019 or later Mac Studio (all models) For more information read: Can my Mac run Ventura? macOS 12 Monterey compatibility Apple macOS 12 Monterey was made available to download on October 15, 2021 (latest version 12.7.6 in July 2024). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Monterey. Latest version: macOS Monterey 12.7.6, July 2024. Macs that run macOS Monterey MacBook models from early 2016 or later MacBook Air models from early 2015 or later MacBook Pro models from early 2015 or later Mac mini models from 2014 or later iMac from 2015 or later iMac Pro (2017 and later) Mac Pro models from late 2013 and later Mac Studio macOS 11 Big Sur compatibility Apple macOS 11 Big Sur was the version of macOS that arrived on November 12, 2020. Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Big Sur, but it did issue an update in February 2026 to address a certificate issue with FaceTime and Messages. Latest version: macOS Big Sur 11.7.11, February 2026. Macs that can run macOS Big Sur MacBook models from early 2015 or later MacBook Air models from 2013 or later MacBook Pro models from 2013 or later Mac mini models from 2014 or later iMac from 2014 or later iMac Pro (all models) Mac Pro models from 2013 and 2019 macOS 10.15 Catalina compatibility Catalina arrived in October 2019. Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Catalina, but it did issue an update in February 2026 to address a certificate issue with FaceTime and Messages. Latest version: macOS Catalina 10.15.8, February 2026. Macs that can run Catalina