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index.feed.received.yesterday — 11 mars 2025

New iPhone 16 Colors Looking Increasingly Unlikely

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
11 mars 2025 à 17:10
In recent years, Apple has often released new iPhone color options as a mid-product cycle refresh, but the chances of a similar announcement in 2025 are looking increasingly unlikely.


Apple has added new ‌iPhone‌ colors on six occasions in the past, consistently in either the March or April following an ‌iPhone‌'s launch:


  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: (PRODUCT)RED (Tuesday, March 21, 2017)

  • iPhone 8 and 8 Plus: (PRODUCT)RED (Monday, April 9, 2018)

  • iPhone 12 and 12 mini: Purple (Tuesday, April 20, 2021)

  • iPhone 13 and 13 mini: Green (Tuesday, March 8, 2022)

  • iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max: Alpine Green (Tuesday, March 8, 2022)

  • iPhone 14 and 14 Plus: Yellow (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)



The last two times Apple released new ‌iPhone‌ color options midway through the year, it did so on the second Tuesday in March—which falls today in 2025.

There are currently no rumors about new color options for the iPhone 16, and it's possible Apple could skip this year like it did for the ‌iPhone‌ XR, ‌iPhone‌ 11, and iPhone 15 in 2019, 2020, and 2024. That being said, Apple has released new colors many more times than it has chosen not to do so since 2017.

The ‌iPhone 16‌ is available in Black, White, Teal, Pink, and Ultramarine. A new red, yellow, purple, or grey seem possible since these have all been offered on ‌iPhone‌ models in the past and are not too similar to any of the existing shades.

Following the launch of the iPhone 16e, as well as a range of new iPads and Macs, we're swiftly approaching the latest likely period for Apple to announce a new color option. There are usually rumors that point to which new color to expect, but with no sign of this, it looks like Apple will probably skip this year's new color option just like it did for the ‌iPhone 15‌.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Neutral)

This article, "New iPhone 16 Colors Looking Increasingly Unlikely" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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QuickBooks Adds Support for Tap to Pay on iPhone

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
11 mars 2025 à 16:12
Intuit QuickBooks today announced Tap to Pay on iPhone for QuickBooks Online customers in the United States, allowing small and mid-market businesses to accept in-person contactless payments without additional hardware.


The feature integrates with the QuickBooks mobile and GoPayment iOS apps, enabling businesses to receive payments using only an ‌iPhone‌. Customers can accept contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets without requiring external devices. Transactions processed through the feature are automatically categorized and reconciled within QuickBooks Online.

By providing a direct, integrated payment solution, Tap to Pay on ‌iPhone‌ is intended to help small businesses receive payments faster, reducing delayed transactions and reliance on invoice processing. The feature also allows businesses to accept immediate payments on open invoices or generate new invoices at the point of sale.

Tap to Pay on ‌iPhone‌ is available exclusively to U.S.-based QuickBooks Online customers with an active QuickBooks Payments plan. The rollout begins today, with wider availability expected in the coming weeks.
This article, "QuickBooks Adds Support for Tap to Pay on iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio Reviews: Apple's Most Powerful Mac Ever

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
11 mars 2025 à 14:50
The new Mac Studio with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip launches tomorrow. Ahead of time, the first reviews of the device have been shared by select publications and YouTube channels.


This is the first ‌Mac Studio‌ refresh since the desktop computer was updated with M2 Max and ‌M2‌ Ultra chip options in June 2023. The overall design of the machine has not changed. The front of the computer has two Thunderbolt 5 or USB-C ports depending on the configuration, and an SD card slot, while the rear side has four Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, a 10-Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, a headphone jack, a power cord connector, and a power button.

With the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, the ‌Mac Studio‌ catches up to other newer Macs by gaining hardware-accelerated ray tracing for the first time. It can also now be configured with up to 16TB of SSD storage, up from the previous model's 8TB maximum.

Highlights


M4 Max Chip


With Apple's latest chip technology, the M4 Max ‌Mac Studio‌ mode outpaces the M3 Ultra in single-core performance, despite being considerably cheaper. The Verge's Chris Welch:

It's important to note that there are objective benefits to choosing the M4 Max Mac Studio model. It outpaces the M3 Ultra in single-core performance, which is the most critical element in making most everyday apps feel "fast."


The M4 Max chip was already released last year in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. It can be configured with up to a 16-core CPU, up to a 40-core GPU, and up to 256GB of unified RAM. Geekbench 6 benchmark results indicate that the M4 Max is up to 75% faster than the ‌M2‌ Max chip available in the previous-generation ‌Mac Studio‌.

M3 Ultra Chip


The all-new M3 Ultra chip features up to a 32-core CPU, with 24 performance cores and eight efficiency cores, and up to an 80-core GPU. Apple says the M3 Ultra chip is up to 1.5x faster than the previous ‌Mac Studio‌'s ‌M2‌ Ultra chip, which has up to a 24-core CPU. Graphics performance is up to 2x faster than the previous ‌Mac Studio‌ with the ‌M2‌ Ultra chip, which was available with up to a 72-core GPU. The M3 Ultra chip supports up to 512GB of unified RAM, whereas the ‌M2‌ Ultra maxed out at 192GB of unified RAM. The Verge's Chris Welch:

The M3 Ultra chip is overkill for many. If you need this level of power, you already know exactly how you'll get the most from it. It's for visual effects artists and animators. It's for professionals doing ambitious audio and video production work. Are you regularly crunching big medical datasets? Maybe you can use all those cores and memory to their fullest potential. And as AI development continues to flourish, the kitted out configurations with 256GB or 512GB of memory could prove appealing to anyone interested in running sophisticated LLM models locally on their machine.


arsTechnica's Andrew Cunningham:

It's the magnitude of Apple's generation-over-generation updates that makes this Studio refresh feel odd, though. The lower-end Studio gets an M4 Max processor like you'd expect—the same chip Apple sells in its high-end MacBook Pros but fit into a desktop enclosure instead of a laptop. But the top-end Studio gets an M3 Ultra instead of an M4 Ultra. That's still a huge increase in CPU and GPU cores (and there are other Ultra-specific benefits, too), but it makes the expensive Studio feel like less of a step up over the regular one.


Thunderbolt 5 and Improved External Display Support


Following in the footsteps of ‌MacBook Pro‌ and Mac mini models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, the ‌Mac Studio‌ now supports Thunderbolt 5. There are four Thunderbolt 5 ports on ‌Mac Studio‌ configurations with the M4 Max chip, and six Thunderbolt 5 ports on configurations with the M3 Ultra chip. Thunderbolt 5 provides up to 120 Gb/s data transfer speeds. Tom's Guide's Alex Wawro:

While the USB-C ports on our Mac Studio M4 Max are capable of transmitting up to 10 GBp/second, the Thunderbolt 5 ports are theoretically capable of achieving up to 120GBp/second in certain conditions. And in standard use Thunderbolt 5 is specced to offer double the bandwidth capacity of Thunderbolt 4 (80 Gbps vs. 40 Gbps), which means it can move more data faster than its predecessors.

The practical payoff is that you can use a higher number of more capable displays via Thunderbolt 5 than Thunderbolt 4, for example, our Mac Studio M4 Max is rated to support up to five external displays (4 @6K/60Hz via Thunderbolt 5, 1 @4K/144Hz via HDMI) while the upgraded M3 Ultra model can supposedly support up to eight (at 6K/60Hz or 4K/144Hz) at once.

Alternatively, our M4 Max review unit can support a single 8K/60Hz display while the M3 Ultra version can support up to four 8K/60Hz displays. So if you really want to be future-proofed against a potential 8K future, the new Mac Studio has you covered.

If I were considering buying one of these Macs in 2025, I'd be more excited about the potential to build the ultimate workstation by investing in a great Thunderbolt 5 dock, along with a good display (honestly, I can live without Thunderbolt 5 speeds for my display needs) and a great Thunderbolt 5 external SSD for moving big files around fast.

And frankly, Thunderbolt 5 gear is still pretty sparse on the market despite the fact that the standard debuted in 2023. While you can buy 8K displays and 8K TVs right now, the fact is that 8K content only started arriving in small doses in 2023, and it's still very rare in Mac apps and streaming services.

So while it's great to get Thunderbolt 5 ports on the most powerful Mac desktop for the first time, it's not a great reason to upgrade unless you're really excited about investing in a lot of Thunderbolt 5 accessories.


Reviews


Articles




Videos







The new ‌Mac Studio‌ is available to pre-order now, and it will launch on Wednesday, March 12. In the U.S., pricing continues to start at $1,999 for configurations with an M4 Max chip, and at $3,999 for configurations with an M3 Ultra chip.
Related Roundup: Mac Studio
Buyer's Guide: Mac Studio (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Mac Studio

This article, "M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio Reviews: Apple's Most Powerful Mac Ever" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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index.feed.received.before_yesterday

iPad 10 vs. iPad 11 Buyer's Guide: 10+ Differences Compared

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
10 mars 2025 à 17:32
Apple recently unveiled the 11th-generation iPad, introducing several small upgrades that enhance its popular predecessor. Here's everything that's new.


Arriving two and a half years after the previous model, the new ‌iPad‌ offers a modest spec bump, with no changes to design, cameras, or display technology. The new entry-level ‌iPad‌ continues to start at $349, but with double the base storage of its predecessor. All of the differences between the 10th- and 11th-generation ‌iPad‌ models are listed below:






















































‌iPad‌ (10th generation) ‌iPad‌ (11th generation)
A14 Bionic chip (introduced with iPhone 12 in 2020, made with TSMC's first 5nm N5 process) A16 chip (introduced with ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro in 2022, made with TSMC's 4nm N4P process)
6-core CPU (2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) 5-core CPU (2 performance cores and 3 efficiency cores)
11.8 billion transistors 16 billion transistors
3.0 GHz CPU clock speed 3.46 GHz CPU clock speed
16-core Neural Engine with performance of 11 trillion operations per second 16-core Neural Engine with performance of 17 trillion operations per second
4GB of memory 6GB of memory
Display Engine
Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
Cellular models support nano-SIM and eSIM Cellular models support eSIM only
Smart HDR 3 Smart HDR 4
64GB or 256GB storage 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
Introduced in October 2022 Introduced in March 2025



With an A16 chip and 6GB of memory, the new ‌iPad‌ is markedly more powerful than its predecessor. With one less CPU core, it may be marginally less capable at multi-core tasks, but overall performance will be considerably better thanks to higher clock speeds, a newer fabrication process, improved efficiency, and additional memory.

However, neither the 10th- nor 11th-generation iPads support Apple Intelligence. The cheapest ‌iPad‌ that does support Apple's suite of AI features is the iPad mini, which starts at $499.

It is likely not worth upgrading from the 10th-generation ‌iPad‌ to the new model unless you specifically need more than 256GB of storage or a higher level of performance. Even so, these customers may be better off buying an iPad Air.

While the previous ‌iPad‌ remains capable for simple tasks like media consumption, browsing, and light productivity, its A14 chip is now five years old. Since the entry-level ‌iPad‌ is already a relatively inexpensive device compared to other Apple products, it is likely worth opting for the newer model, especially if you plan to keep it for several years.

Ultimately, the 11th-generation ‌iPad‌ is a moderate refresh of Apple's cheapest tablet, aimed primarily at those with a ninth-generation ‌iPad‌, fourth-generation ‌iPad Air‌, or older, as well as anyone who doesn't currently own an ‌iPad‌.
Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

This article, "iPad 10 vs. iPad 11 Buyer's Guide: 10+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Introduced Its Most Controversial MacBook 10 Years Ago Today

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
9 mars 2025 à 09:00
Apple announced the infamous 12-inch Retina MacBook a decade ago today, an experimental new Mac that was as controversial as it was revolutionary.


Apple unveiled the 12-inch MacBook on March 9, 2015, at the "Spring Forward" event in San Francisco, California. The event was primarily focused on the Apple Watch, which was being fully detailed ahead of its launch the following month, so the debut of the brand-new MacBook line took many by surprise. Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the new MacBook as a "reinvention" of the notebook.

The device was extremely controversial due to its underpowered performance, single USB-C port for both charging and data transfer, short battery life, unreliable butterfly keyboard, and high price point ($1,299 starting price in 2015—the same as a MacBook Pro at the time).

However, the 12-inch MacBook offered a glimpse at what was to come in the Mac lineup. It was the first Apple device with a USB-C port, terraced battery, butterfly keyboard, and haptic trackpad. It was also the first MacBook with a design focused on efficiency, a Retina display in a non-Pro model, multiple color options, and without a fan or an illuminated Apple logo.

In 2016, Apple refreshed the 12-inch MacBook to add Intel Skylake Core m3, m5, and m7 processors, improved battery life and faster PCIe storage, and a Rose Gold color option. In 2017, it introduced Intel Kaby Lake Core m3, i5, and i7 processors, and a second-generation butterfly keyboard for slightly better reliability.

It was discontinued upon the introduction of the 2019 MacBook Air. The 12-inch MacBook was functionally replaced by the 2018 ‌MacBook Air‌, which effectively adopted its design, but with an additional USB-C port, a single fan for active cooling, and a larger display.

What do you think about the 12-inch MacBook a whole decade later? Let us know in the comments.
Related Forum: MacBook

This article, "Apple Introduced Its Most Controversial MacBook 10 Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Mac Studio and Studio Display Turn Three Today

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
8 mars 2025 à 10:00
Apple announced the Mac Studio and Studio Display three years ago today.


The ‌Mac Studio‌ and Studio Display were unveiled as the final major announcements of Apple's "Peek Performance" event. Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced them as a completely new Mac product category and a powerful new display designed for creative professionals.

The ‌Mac Studio‌ is positioned between the Mac mini and the Mac Pro. The first model featured the M1 Max or the newly introduced M1 Ultra chip, offering the best performance of any Mac at the time. The base ‌M1 Max‌ model started at $1,999, while the ‌M1 Ultra‌ variant began at $3,999. Fully configured, the ‌M1 Ultra‌ model could exceed $8,000. Many saw the ‌Mac Studio‌ and Studio Display as the spiritual successor to the 27-inch iMac, which was discontinued on the same day as the ‌Mac Studio‌'s launch.

In June 2023, during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced M2 Max and ‌M2‌ Ultra chip options for the ‌Mac Studio‌. Enhancements included support for up to six 6K monitors and improved connectivity options, such as Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E.

Earlier this week, Apple introduced the latest iteration of the ‌Mac Studio‌, now featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. The M4 Max offers a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, starting with 36GB of RAM, while the M3 Ultra boasts a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, with configurations supporting up to 512GB of RAM. Both models include Thunderbolt 5 ports.

The Studio Display marked Apple's reentry into the consumer display market after more than a decade of absence. Prior to its release, Apple only offered one high-end professional monitor in the form of 2019's Pro Display XDR, which was aimed at a niche audience with a price tag of $4,999, without a stand. The Studio Display introduced a more accessible option for the wider range of users looking for a high-quality, premium external monitor that works well with Apple devices.

Rumors suggest that Apple is developing a new Studio Display model with mini-LED backlighting, expected to be released later in 2025 or early 2026.
Related Roundup: Mac Studio
Buyer's Guide: Mac Studio (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Mac Studio

This article, "Mac Studio and Studio Display Turn Three Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The MacRumors Show: New iPads and Macs!

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
7 mars 2025 à 16:51
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of Apple's latest announcements for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineups.



Now that the iPhone 16e is available, we explore first-hand impressions of the device, including its design, camera, display, and custom modem. Apple this week unveiled a new iPad Air featuring the M3 chip, a refreshed entry-level ‌iPad‌ with the A16 chip, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard for the ‌iPad Air‌. The MacBook Air now offers the M4 chip and an all-new "Sky Blue" color option, now starting at just $999. Meanwhile, the Mac Studio has been refreshed with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options.

We take a look at why the ‌iPad Air‌'s refresh is relatively small and who should buy it, the entry-level ‌iPad‌'s peculiar omission of Apple Intelligence support, and differences between the ‌iPad Air‌'s Magic Keyboard and that of the iPad Pro. We also discuss thoughts on the ‌MacBook Air‌'s unexpected new finish, as well as the unusual chip generation difference among the new ‌Mac Studio‌'s options.

The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our answers to your listener questions.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: New iPads and Macs!" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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M2 vs. M3 vs. M4 MacBook Air Buyer's Guide: 25+ Differences Compared

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
5 mars 2025 à 19:36
Apple just announced a new MacBook Air, introducing its latest chip, an enhanced camera, and a striking new color option. Simultaneously, it discontinued the two previous generations. So how does the new model compare?


Before the introduction of the latest model, the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air started at $1,099 and the 15-inch model started at $1,299. The 13.6-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ with the M2 chip from 2022 remained in the lineup at a price of $999. Now, the 13-inch M4 model starts at $999. It is also worth remembering that it is possible to shave at least $100 off the price of a new ‌MacBook Air‌ directly from Apple with education pricing.

The main upgrade offered by the three ‌MacBook Air‌ models are their chips. In benchmark tests, the M3 outperforms the ‌‌M2‌‌ by about 17% in single-core tasks and approximately 21% in multi-core tasks. In GPU performance measured by Metal benchmarks, the M3 exhibits a notable improvement of around 15% over the ‌‌M2‌‌. The M4 outperforms the M3 by about 25% in single-core tasks and 30% in multi-core tasks. In GPU performance, the M4 offers improvement of around 21% over the ‌M3‌.

There are a number of other notable differences between the three ‌MacBook Air‌ generations beyond their chips. While these upgrades are fairly small, they are worth bearing in mind when contemplating whether to get the latest model, or a used or refurbished unit for a lower price.

Read on to find out about all of the differences between the ‌M2‌, M3, and M4 ‌MacBook Air‌ models to help you decide which model will suffice for you, as well as if it may be worth upgrading.









































































































































‌MacBook Air‌ (2022 and 2023) ‌MacBook Air‌ (2024) ‌MacBook Air‌ (2025)
1080p FaceTime HD camera 1080p ‌FaceTime‌ HD camera 12MP camera
Support for Center Stage and Desk View
Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes
Enhanced voice clarity in audio and video calls Enhanced voice clarity in audio and video calls
Apple ‌M2‌ chip
(based on A15 Bionic chip from 2021's iPhone 13)		 Apple M3 chip
(based on A17 Pro chip from 2023's iPhone 15 Pro)		 Apple M4 chip
(based on A18 chip from 2024's iPhone 16)
Made with TSMC's enhanced 5nm node (N5P) Made with TSMC's first 3nm node (N3B) Made with TSMC's enhanced ‌3nm‌ node (N3E)
20 billion transistors 25 billion transistors 28 billion transistors
3.49 GHz CPU clock speed 4.05 GHz CPU clock speed 4.3 GHz CPU clock speed
8-core CPU
(4 performance + 4 efficiency cores)		 8-core CPU
(4 performance + 4 efficiency cores)		 10 CPU cores
(4 performance + 6 efficiency cores)
Up to 10-core GPU Up to 10-core GPU 10-core GPU
Same GPU architecture as M1 Redesigned GPU architecture with improved efficiency Same GPU architecture as M3
Dynamic Caching Dynamic Caching
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Hardware-accelerated mesh shading Hardware-accelerated mesh shading
LPDDR5 memory LPDDR5 memory LPDDR5X memory
100 GB/s memory bandwidth 100 GB/s memory bandwidth 120 GB/s memory bandwidth
8GB, 16GB, or 24GB memory (8GB discontinued in 2024) 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB memory (8GB discontinued in 2024) 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB memory
16-core Neural Engine, 15.8 trillion operations per second 16-core Neural Engine, 18 trillion operations per second 16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second
Dedicated display engine Dedicated display engine
Support for one external display Support for up to two external displays when the lid is closed Support for up to two external displays when the lid is open
Support for AV1 decode Support for AV1 decode
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
Anodization seal to reduce fingerprints (Midnight finish only) Anodization seal to reduce fingerprints (Midnight finish only)
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Sky Blue
Introduced in June 2022 (13-inch) and June 2023 (15-inch) Introduced in March 2024 Introduced in March 2025
Started at $1,099, dropped to $999 in 2024 Started at $1,099 Starts at $999



Overall, the M3 and M4 MacBook Airs represent minor upgrades over their predecessors, largely focusing on enhanced performance rather than new capabilities. Their main target audiences are those who have an older ‌MacBook Air‌, such as an ‌M1‌ or Intel-based model, or no ‌MacBook Air‌ at all.

Unless you can leverage the specific advantages of the M4 chip and require maximum performance from its highly portable form factor, it is likely not worth buying the M4 ‌MacBook Air‌ over the previous ‌MacBook Air‌ for most users, providing you can get it for a good enough price.

However, if future-proofing is a major priority because you tend to keep your computer for many years, the extra cash to get the latest model will probably be warranted. The M4 model's significantly improved camera and enhanced support for two external displays may also justifiably swing your buying decision if you make a lot of video calls or have multiple monitors.

It is certainly not worth upgrading from the ‌M2‌ or M3 to the M4 ‌MacBook Air‌ for the overwhelming majority of customers. Upgrading from an ‌M2‌ 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ to an M4 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ may be more justifiable owing to the display size increase, but there is little that the latest generation meaningfully offers over its predecessor. The two older machines are still highly capable.
Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Tags: M2, M3, M4
Related Forum: MacBook Air

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M3 vs. M4 Chip Buyer's Guide: How Much Better Really Is M4?

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
5 mars 2025 à 16:27
Apple today announced the next of its M4 Mac models, but how much better really is the M4 chip over its predecessor?


The M4 chip debuted in the iPad Pro last year, promising around 20% faster performance than the M3 chip in both single and multi-core tasks. All of the key differences between the two chip generations are listed below:














































M3 Chip (2023–2025) M4 Chip (2024–2025)
Made using TSMC's 3nm technology (N3) Made using TSMC's enhanced ‌3nm‌ technology (N3E)
Based on iPhone 15 Pro's A17 Pro chip (2023) Based on iPhone 16's A18 chip (2024)
25 billion transistors 28 billion transistors (+12%)
8-core CPU
(4 performance + 4 efficiency cores)		 Up to 10 CPU cores
(4 performance + 6 efficiency cores)
4.05 GHz CPU clock speed 4.3 GHz CPU clock speed
16-core Neural Engine, 18 trillion operations per second 16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second (+111%)
LPDDR5 memory LPDDR5X memory
100 GB/s memory bandwidth 120 GB/s memory bandwidth (+20%)
Dedicated display engine
GPU with standard power efficiency More power-efficient GPU: Maintains performance with significantly less power



Most of these upgrades, with the exception of core counts and memory bandwidth, apply to the entire selection M3 and M4 chips. Using Geekbench benchmarks, these are the approximate performance gains you can expect from the M4 chip:






















Benchmark Type M3 Chip Performance M4 Chip Performance (Improvement)
Single-core CPU 3,088 3,864 (+25.1%)
Multi-core CPU 11,711 15,288 (+30.5%)
Metal GPU 47,466 57,603 (+21.4%)



While the M4 chip features notable enhancements over the M3, such as increased CPU and GPU performance and improved efficiency, the practical differences for users upgrading from an M3 system may not be as radical as the specifications suggest. The M3 chip already delivers impressive performance and efficiency, making it a formidable contender in its own right.

The 25.1% improvement in single-core performance and 30.5% in multi-core performance highlight technical advancements, but for many users, especially those already equipped with M3-based devices, the everyday experience will likely not feel dramatically different. Tasks that benefit from single-core speeds, like launching apps and light productivity work, will be snappier, but for those accustomed to the M3's capabilities, this difference may not significantly impact their workflow.

Similarly, the 21.4% increase in GPU performance means better graphics rendering and gaming capabilities, yet users who have enjoyed the M3's performance may find these enhancements less noticeable in routine tasks. The improvements in gaming and creative applications will benefit users who are heavily engaged in graphics-intensive work, but those using the M3 might not feel compelled to upgrade solely for these reasons.

The 111% boost in the Neural Engine is a standout figure, demonstrating the chip's impressive artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning capabilities. However, for many users, especially with less demanding requirements, the difference might not justify the upgrade, especially as both the M3 and M4 chip support Apple Intelligence. That being said, the M4 chip's significantly improved Neural Engine makes it more likely to support and effectively run new ‌Apple Intelligence‌ and AI features as they emerge over the years.

In terms of memory bandwidth, the 20% increase allows for faster data transfer, which is beneficial for data-heavy applications. Yet, again, for users already using the M3, this improvement may not translate into a dramatic change in performance.

Ultimately, while the M4 chip certainly pushes the boundaries of what is possible with Apple silicon, it may not represent a radical shift for those already using the M3. Instead, the M4 is likely aimed at users looking to upgrade from M1 chips or older Intel systems, where the jump in performance is far more pronounced. It is telling that Apple primarily compares the M4 to the ‌M1‌ rather than the M2 or M3.

For existing M3 users, the decision to upgrade may hinge more on specific needs and applications rather than a broad expectation of enhanced performance. For example, M3 Max chip users who push their system to the limit with highly intensive tasks may have good reason to upgrade. Likewise, if your current M3 or M3 Pro system seems to be insufficient for your workflow, you could consider upgrading to an M4 Pro or M4 Max device, but these upgrade paths will be unusual.
Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Air, Mac mini
Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Air, Mac mini

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Apple Announces New MacBook Air With M4 and 'Sky Blue' Color Option

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
5 mars 2025 à 15:02
Apple today announced refreshed 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models, now featuring the M4 chip, an upgraded camera, and a new "Sky Blue" color option.


"Sky Blue" is an all-new blue finish that joins Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Apple describes it as a "beautiful, metallic light blue that creates a dynamic gradient when light reflects off of its surface." Space Gray is no longer available. All ‌MacBook Air‌ models come with a color-matched MagSafe charge cable.

The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU, an up to 10-core GPU, and support for up to 32GB of unified memory. Apple says the new ‌MacBook Air‌ is up to 2x faster than the M1 model. Neural Engine tasks are up to 3x faster. The M4 chip debuted in the iPad Pro last year, promising around 20% faster performance than the M3 chip in both single and multi-core tasks.

With a new display engine, the ‌MacBook Air‌ now offers support for up to two external 6K displays in addition to the built-in display.

The new ‌MacBook Air‌ introduces a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, which automatically keeps users centered in the frame as they move around during video calls. It also supports Desk View, which simultaneously displays the user and a top-down view of their desk.

The ‌MacBook Air‌ now features a lower starting price of $999. Education pricing starts at $899. It is available to pre-order today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.
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M2 iPad Air vs. M3 iPad Air Buyer's Guide

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Par :Hartley Charlton
4 mars 2025 à 23:00
The seventh-generation iPad Air arrives just ten months after the previous model. Last year, the biggest change was the introduction of an all-new 13-inch model. With the latest refresh, the most significant upgrade is the move to the M3 chip.


The ‌2024 ‌iPad Air‌ models have now been discontinued by Apple, but they may still be found refurbished and with third-party resellers for lower prices. As such, some customers may be weighing up whether to buy the 2024 ‌‌iPad Air‌ or the new 2025 models. The iPad Airs from 2024 and 2025 share most of their key features, so should you consider buying or sticking with the older model to save money?






























‌iPad Air‌ (2024) ‌iPad Air‌ (2025)
Introduced in May 2024 Introduced in March 2025
M2 chip (2022) M3 chip (2023)
Made with TSMC's 5nm (N5P) process Made with TSMC's 3nm (N3B) process
20 billion transistors 25 billion transistors
All-new GPU architecture with dynamic caching, mesh shading, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Support for AV1 video decode



Every other aspect of the device is the same between the two models. The upgrade from the 2022 to 2024 ‌iPad Air‌ was more significant, headlining with a larger size option for the first time, bringing it in line with devices like the iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, which are available in two sizes. For a deeper dive on the specific differences between the ‌M2‌ and M3 chips, see our other guide.

Given the iterative nature of a single, generation-to-generation chip upgrade, with no enhancements to design, cameras, or display technology, it is almost certainly not worth upgrading from the ‌M2‌ to the M3 ‌iPad Air‌. Likewise, if the ‌M2‌ ‌iPad Air‌ can be found at significantly lower price than the M3 model, this device is still a worthwhile buy. The M3 ‌iPad Air‌ is primarily aimed at those with an A14-based fourth-generation ‌iPad Air‌ or older.
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Apple M2 vs. M3 Chip: How Much Better Is M3?

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Par :Hartley Charlton
4 mars 2025 à 18:51
Apple's new iPad Air contains the M3 chip, upgraded from the M2 chip in the previous generation, so how much better really is M3?


With the introduction of the M3 series in 2023, encompassing the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, Apple once again set new benchmarks in performance, efficiency, and hardware-accelerated capabilities. The transition from ‌‌M2‌‌ to M3 is marked by Apple's move to a 3nm process, among other key architectural improvements such as a completely redesigned GPU.

When unveiling the M3 chips, Apple mainly focused on how they compare to the M1 series of chips, rather than their direct predecessors from the ‌‌M2‌‌ series. Even so, the M3 chip represents an advancement over its predecessor, with the headline upgrade being the transition to a more advanced fabrication process that is just ‌‌3nm‌‌ in size, down from 5nm on the ‌‌M2‌‌ series of chips. This is evident in the M3's increased transistor count, jumping from 20 billion in the ‌‌M2‌‌ to 25 billion, a 25% increase that contributes to its enhanced capabilities.

Benchmark tests underscore this progression, with the M3 outperforming the ‌‌M2‌‌ by about 17% in single-core tasks and approximately 21% in multi-core tasks. In GPU performance measured by Metal benchmarks, the M3 exhibits a notable improvement of around 15% over the ‌‌M2‌‌.

The M3 chip introduces an all-new GPU architecture. This architecture includes Dynamic Caching, a breakthrough feature that optimizes GPU memory allocation and utilization, adapting in real-time to varying task demands. This enhancement not only boosts graphics performance for intensive applications but also bolsters the chip's overall energy efficiency. This is particularly beneficial for graphics-heavy tasks like advanced video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. It also features support for AV1 video decode to provide more efficient and higher-quality video from streaming services.

Both chips support Apple Intelligence. Despite similarities in the 16-core Neural Engine between the ‌‌M2‌‌ and M3, the M3's adoption of a ‌‌3nm‌‌ process leads to more efficient execution of machine learning and AI tasks. Additionally, the M3 maintains up to 24GB of unified memory (in Macs only), just like the ‌‌M2‌‌, but leverages the new process for more efficient memory bandwidth utilization.

One other notable difference between the ‌‌M2‌‌ and M3 chips is their energy efficiency. The ‌‌3nm‌‌ fabrication process enables the M3 to achieve higher performance without a proportional increase in power consumption, making the chip particularly appealing for iPad users who value a balance between power and battery life.

Overall, the M3 chip is a notable upgrade from the ‌‌M2‌‌, distinguished by its higher transistor count, improved performance in CPU and GPU tasks, and superior energy efficiency. While the M3 offers clear advancements, the extent of its superiority does not necessitate an immediate upgrade for ‌‌M2‌‌ users, especially if their existing workflows are still completed comfortably. For new buyers or those upgrading from older models, the M3's improvements in performance and efficiency will be much more pronounced.
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Apple Announces Redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

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Par :Hartley Charlton
4 mars 2025 à 15:36
Apple today announced a completely redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Air.



The new keyboard features a larger built-in trackpad, a 14-key function row, and a new aluminum hinge. From Apple's press release:

The all-new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air expands what users can do at an even lower price. The larger built-in trackpad brings greater precision for detail-oriented tasks, and a new 14-key function row allows easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls. The new Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically, and the Smart Connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth; a machined aluminum hinge also includes a USB-C connector for charging. Now starting at just $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air features the magical floating design customers love and comes in white.


It is compatible with all ‌iPad Air‌ models from the fourth-generation onwards. The new keyboard is more in-line with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro that was introduced alongside the M4 models last year, although it still lacks an aluminum top case, backlighting, and haptic feedback.

The new Magic Keyboard for the ‌iPad Air‌ is only available in white. The 11-inch version is priced at $269 and the 13-inch version costs $319.
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Apple Unveils 11th-Gen iPad With A16 Chip and More Storage

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
4 mars 2025 à 15:06
Apple today announced the 11th-generation iPad, now featuring the A16 Bionic chip and more storage.


The announcement came alongside the debut of the new iPad Air, which now features the M3 chip. From Apple's press release:

The A16 chip provides a jump in performance for everyday tasks and experiences in iPadOS, while still providing all-day battery life. Compared to the previous generation, the updated iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster. In fact, compared to iPad with A13 Bionic, users will see up to a 50 percent improvement in overall performance, and A16 makes the updated iPad up to 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet.


The new ‌iPad‌ starts with 128GB of storage, and is also available in 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. The previous model was only available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.

It is available in blue, pink, yellow, and silver, and continues to start at $349. Customers can pre-order the new ‌iPad‌ starting today, with launch scheduled for March 12.
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'Picochat' Recreates Beloved Nintendo Feature on iOS

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
3 mars 2025 à 18:29
"PicoChat" brings a nostalgic experience from the Nintendo DS to Apple's iMessage (via Overkill).


iMessage already includes built-in drawing via Digital Touch, but PicoChat recreates the distinct aesthetic and interaction style of PictoChat. PictoChat was a built-in messaging application preloaded on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi. It allowed users to communicate using text and drawings over a local wireless connection, functioning as a LAN-only chat service. Messages could be typed using a small on-screen keyboard or handwritten using the DS's stylus and touchscreen.

PicoChat is an iMessage app designed to replicate the iconic functionality and aesthetic of PictoChat. The app allows users to draw and handwrite messages directly within iMessage, supporting pixelated emoji, undo functionality, and the ability to save favorite drawings. Unlike the original PictoChat, which was limited to short-range wireless communication within a local network, PicoChat allows users to send drawings and messages regardless of distance due to working through iMessage.

The app's design is largely faithful to the interface of the original Nintendo DS software. Upon opening the PicoChat extension, users are presented with a minimalistic drawing space above a tiny keyboard, similar to the DS layout. The interface even includes a stylus animation when drawing.

While standalone iMessage apps are less prominent than they were following their introduction in iOS 10, Apple continues to support third-party extensions. Like other iMessage apps, PicoChat does not appear on the home screen and must be accessed within the Messages app by tapping the "+" button in a chat thread.

PicoChat is free and can be downloaded now.
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The MacRumors Show: We Answer Your Questions!

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
28 février 2025 à 18:51
On this week's special episode of The MacRumors Show, we answer your listener questions.


Responding to your queries from over the past few weeks, we talk pocket cameras, our own devices, the Mail app, visionOS, foldables and our dream iPhones, TV shows, hobbies, and more. The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our in-depth discussion about the all-new iPhone 16e.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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Skype Is Finally Shutting Down on May 5

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
28 février 2025 à 16:53
Microsoft today announced that it will officially retire Skype on May 5, 2025, concluding its 14-year tenure as the owner of the once-dominant internet calling and messaging service (via Bloomberg).


Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion in what was then its largest-ever acquisition. At its peak, Skype had more than 300 million monthly active users and was synonymous with internet-based voice and video calling. The service steadily declined in relevance in recent years, with its active user base shrinking to approximately 36 million by 2023 as competitors such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft's own Teams platform gained traction.

Teams has since grown to 320 million monthly users, far surpassing Skype's remaining user base. The company's decision to discontinue Skype is apparently part of a broader effort to prioritize artificial intelligence features within Teams. Employees currently working on Skype will be reassigned to other projects rather than being laid off.

Skype played a key role in popularizing VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, enabling businesses and individuals to connect around the world with minimal costs. It also served as an early testbed for AI-powered real-time language translation, a feature Microsoft showcased in a widely publicized demonstration in 2014. However, its frequent UI changes, reliability issues, ill-conceived social media-like features, gradual shift toward enterprise, and inability to keep pace with newer competitors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately led to its obsolescence.

As Microsoft finalizes the shutdown process, existing Skype users will have until May 5 to migrate their data and contacts to Teams or seek alternative solutions.
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NHL Collaborating With Apple to Give Referees Apple Watches

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Par :Hartley Charlton
28 février 2025 à 16:03
Apple is collaborating with the National Hockey League (NHL) to equip on-ice officials with Apple Watches featuring an app designed to help officiating during games (via The Verge).


The NHL Watch Comms app allows referees to receive in-game updates by syncing with the NHL's Oasis system. Officials can track the game clock and receive alerts for key game events without diverting their focus. This allows referees to avoid locating video boards while officiating.

The app includes haptic feedback to indicate key moments, such as when a player leaves the penalty box or when the period is about to end. Distinct haptic patterns allow referees to differentiate between different notifications without needing to check the screen. The Apple Watches used in NHL games will be league-issued, providing the option of either the Apple Watch Ultra or the Series 10.

Since 2017, the NHL has integrated iPads and Macs into coaching and player workflows, providing teams with real-time access to game footage and analytics. Apple has also worked with other professional sports leagues to bring its wearable technology into competition settings. In 2023, the World Surf League adopted the Apple Watch as its official wearable, using it to deliver real-time scoring, wave priority, and heat times to competitors in the water.
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Apple Accused of Misleading Consumers With 'Carbon Neutral' Claims

✇MacRumors
Par :Hartley Charlton
27 février 2025 à 18:12
Apple is facing a new lawsuit from consumers who allege that its claim that the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2 are "carbon neutral" is misleading, Reuters reports.


Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the lawsuit argues that Apple misrepresented the environmental impact of these three Apple Watch models by relying on carbon offset projects that did not provide genuine carbon reductions. The plaintiffs claim they would not have bought their devices or would have paid less had they known this.

The complaint centers on two carbon offset projects Apple uses to support its carbon neutrality efforts: Kenya's Chyulu Hills Project and China's Guinan Project. According to the lawsuit, both projects fail to meet the criteria for additional carbon reduction because the land in question was already protected or heavily forested before Apple's involvement.

In both cases, the carbon reductions would have occurred regardless of Apple's involvement or the projects' existence. Because Apple's carbon neutrality claims are predicated on the efficacy and legitimacy of these projects, Apple's carbon neutrality claims are false and misleading.


The plaintiffs argue that because these locations were already managed under conservation protections for several decades or naturally heavily forested, Apple's financial support did not lead to a reduction in carbon emissions beyond what would have occurred naturally.

Apple introduced the first carbon-neutral Apple Watch models in September 2023 as part of its broader environmental initiatives. The marketing materials and packaging included a new green "carbon neutral" label. The company has set a goal of making its entire business carbon neutral by 2030.

The plaintiffs cite a study by the National Retail Federation and IBM, stating that 70% of U.S. and Canadian consumers consider environmental sustainability an important factor in purchasing decisions. Unspecified damages and an injunction to prevent Apple from marketing the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2 as carbon neutral are being sought.
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Apple Pro Display XDR 2 Rumors: Everything We Know

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Par :Hartley Charlton
26 février 2025 à 18:00
Apple's Pro Display XDR is now over five years old, and while there are rumors about a second-generation model, surprisingly little is known about the successor to the company's flagship external monitor.


In December 2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was working on an updated version of the display, adding an Apple silicon chip to enhance its capabilities. The Studio Display contains an A13 Bionic chip to power its built-in webcam, spatial audio, and support for Siri voice commands. The Pro Display XDR offers none of these features, so it follows that a second-generation model with an Apple silicon chip would add speakers, microphones, and a webcam.

It is possible that a second-generation Pro Display XDR could feature a higher refresh rate, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, and perhaps even OLED technology. In July 2023, Gurman reiterated that Apple was still working on multiple next-generation monitors for release in 2024 at the very earliest.

In November last year, a report from Display Supply Chain Consultants' Ross Young claimed that the new monitor will likely feature the same quantum-dot display technology adopted by the latest MacBook Pro models. Young said the latest quantum-dot display films have equal to better color gamut support, and offer improved motion performance, compared to the KSF phosphor film that he said Apple uses for the existing Pro Display XDR and previous MacBook Pro models. This means the Pro Display XDR 2 could have improved color accuracy and faster response times compared to the current model.

Most recently, Gurman said a new Pro Display XDR is currently "less of a priority for Apple" as an expensive, niche product.

There have been no further mentions of the device since then and there still have been no reports at all about when it could be released. Perhaps we'll hear more about the second-generation Pro Display XDR later this year.
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