Archive: Jun 2023| TidBITS
Archive: May 2023| TidBITS
Archive: Sep 2025| TidBITS
After analyzing macOS release patterns over the past two years, Howard Oakley provides a calendar showing when we can expect macOS 26 Tahoe updates throughout the upcoming year.Read original article| TidBITS
Display brightness control utility adds support for macOS 26 Tahoe. ($23 new, free update, 20.8 MB, macOS 11+| TidBITS
Eliminates excessive CPU usage when viewing photos or other media in Open dialogs. ($39.95 new, free update, 27.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)| TidBITS
Adam Engst investigates whether his choice to downgrade from a triple-camera iPhone 16 Pro to a dual-camera iPhone 17 was justified by analyzing a year’s worth of photos using EXIF metadata.| TidBITS
Apple issued a statement arguing that the EU’s Digital Markets Act harms user experience and safety, but the core issue may be competing mandates: a democratic regulator representing all EU residents versus a platform owner advocating for its users. As Big Tech’s power grows, expect more of these clashes—with no clear heroes.| TidBITS
Brings a variety of additions, improvements, and bug fixes for the videoconferencing/communication app. (Free, 156.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)| TidBITS
Brings AI integration and a new Information City visualization to the note-taking assistant. ($289 new, free update, 37.5 MB, macOS 11+)| TidBITS
Adds full support for macOS 26 Tahoe and its new Liquid Glass design. ($108/$132/$192 annual subscriptions, free update, 31.2 MB, macOS 11+)| TidBITS
Spam-filtering utility brings further updates and optimizations for macOS 26 Tahoe. ($39.99 new, free update, 59.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)| TidBITS
Brings workarounds for bugs in macOS 26 Tahoe and an update to the ARK plugin. ($45 new, free update, 37.8 MB, macOS 14.5+)| TidBITS
Updated with refreshed interface that adopts the Liquid Glass design elements when running macOS 26 Tahoe. ($74.99 new for Standard, $149.99 for Pro, or $9.99 monthly subscription, free update, 39.5 MB, macOS 14+)| TidBITS
Updates the user interfaces for Apple's Liquid Glass design in macOS 26 Tahoe. ($56.99 annual subscription new, free update, various sizes, macOS 12+)| TidBITS
Improves compatibility with macOS 26 Tahoe. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12.2 MB, macOS 12+)| TidBITS
Keyboard-driven launcher adds support for macOS 26 Tahoe. (£34 new, free update, 5.7 MB, macOS 10.14+)| TidBITS
macOS 26 Tahoe marks the end of an era as Apple removes support for FireWire, the high-speed connection technology that preceded today’s USB and Thunderbolt standards. Those who still rely on legacy FireWire devices through adapters will need to delay upgrades and make alternative plans.| TidBITS
The title says it all—if you have a Mac Studio powered by an M3 Ultra chip, you cannot upgrade to macOS 26 Tahoe at this time. macOS 15.7 Sequoia will install, or you can wait until Apple resolves the issue.Read original article| TidBITS
In macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple automatically enables FileVault during setup when users sign in with an Apple Account, and it changes how Recovery Keys are stored to protect against government overreach. You can turn FileVault off, but we recommend using it.| TidBITS
If you haven’t yet upgraded to OS 26 (and most people shouldn’t), you should instead install the other security updates that Apple released for older operating systems. Apple even fixed a zero-day exploit that could still impact iOS and iPadOS 15 and 16.| TidBITS
Apple has released the first versions of its 2026 operating systems—macOS 26 Tahoe, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, tvOS 26, and HomePod Software 26. You might want to upgrade right away, but Adam Engst advises most people to wait at least a little while. Or even longer for macOS.| TidBITS
Image editor adds a pop-up that allows you to view differences and split screen between images. ($29.99 new, free update, 86.3 MB, macOS 14+)| TidBITS
Updates the Swiss Army knife of graphics programs with added features, improvements, and bug fixes. ($39.95 new, free update, 270.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)| TidBITS
Brings support for macOS 26 Tahoe and a bug workaround for Adobe Creative Cloud 2025 apps. ($39.95 new, free update, 27.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)| TidBITS
Updates the calendar and contact apps with support for macOS 26 Tahoe and user interface improvements. ($49.99 new for each, free update, various sizes, macOS 11.5+)| TidBITS
Brings an updated Liquid Glass design and the new Ask Agenda AI assistant to the date-focused note-taking app. (Free or $34.99 annual subscription for Premium features, free update, 64.2 MB, macOS 10.14+)| TidBITS
Introduces a new "native" scanning option for importing Microsoft Word documents. ($74.99 new, free update, 138.9 MB, macOS 10.13+)| TidBITS
Adds support for macOS 26 Tahoe to the network traffic management utility. ($59 new, free update, 36.7 MB, macOS 14+)| TidBITS
Brings new AI-related features to DEVONthink Pro, as well as improvements and bug fixes for all editions. ($99 new, free update, 83.4 MB, macOS 13+)| TidBITS
Maintenance release with fixes for reported issues. ($59.99 new, free update, 28.3 MB, macOS 12+)| TidBITS
Apple’s new Memory Integrity Enforcement feature, available only on iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air, represents a significant advancement in preventing memory-based security exploits used by mercenary spyware.Read original article| TidBITS
Apple has quietly extended free satellite features for iPhone 14 and 15 users for another year, suggesting that the company continues to view satellite connectivity as an ecosystem enhancement rather than a revenue source.| TidBITS
GM says that its future electric cars will trade phone-based infotainment systems for a built-in system. Because that worked so well before CarPlay and Android Auto.| TidBITS
Although there’s much to look forward to in macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16, there are also some features that had us scratching our heads, wondering what had gotten into the Cupertino drinking water.| TidBITS
Despite unsettling times, the 35th anniversary of TidBITS demonstrates how a commitment to clear communication and mutual respect can elevate individual capabilities and foster lasting communities.| TidBITS
In Epic Games v. Apple, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has come down strongly in favor of Apple, rejecting nearly all of Epic’s claims and fining the company millions of dollars. But Apple suffered a blow too, with the judge determining that Apple’s in-app purchasing policies are anticompetitive.| TidBITS
Apple’s App Store policies continue to incite ire from developers and face increasing scrutiny from government regulators. We outline the most common complaints against the company, evaluate them, and propose potential solutions.| TidBITS
T-Mobile’s new T-Satellite service brings Starlink-powered satellite communications to both iPhone and Android users, but Apple’s free satellite features likely already satisfy most iPhone users’ needs.| TidBITS
The latest Apple Watch lineup arrives with updates across all three models. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 gain health monitoring improvements, the Ultra 3 adds satellite connectivity, and the Apple Watch SE 3 inherits several premium features while maintaining its more affordable price point.| TidBITS
Apple has announced an event for 9 September 2025, teasing it to the press with the phrase “Awe Dropping.” We expect new iPhones and Apple Watches, likely along with release dates for iOS 26 and watchOS 26 at a minimum, and probably the rest of Apple’s operating systems as well.| TidBITS
In which Adam Engst finally hops on the HomeKit bandwagon for real and gets totally sucked in, installing smart outlets, controlling motorized shades, and adding some Flic buttons.| TidBITS
Archive: May 2025| TidBITS
Looking for better search results? Adam Engst explores how AI-powered answer engines are transforming online research by providing direct answers rather than just links.| TidBITS
The high point of Hypertext '93 was of course the talk given by Ted Nelson after the reception in his honor. Nelson is a thoroughly engaging speaker, and he devoted much of the first half of his talk to providing the audience an overview of the 32-year history of Xanadu, Nelson's electronic publishing world view| TidBITS
With GPT-5, OpenAI moves away from requiring users to choose between many different models in ChatGPT, instead allowing the system to automatically pick the right tool for each job. In an ideal world, this general approach would enable AI companies to enhance performance and reasoning internally while maintaining consistent interaction methods and AI personalities.| TidBITS
Archive: Jun 2025| TidBITS
Archive: Aug 2025| TidBITS
The Browser Company has launched a paid subscription for its AI-powered Dia browser, even though it’s still in beta. But with increasing competition from Microsoft, Google, and others, Dia faces an uphill battle for user adoption.| TidBITS
Looking for a free two-factor authentication app that works across platforms? Proton Authenticator offers broad import capabilities, iCloud sync, and thoughtful security features from a company you might actually have heard of.| TidBITS
Dropbox Passwords users (if there are any) must export their credentials before 28 October 2025, when the service shuts down permanently. 1Password offers the easiest migration option, but moving elsewhere is also possible.| TidBITS
With its new study mode, ChatGPT becomes less of an answerbot and more of an interactive tutor, helping users understand concepts rather than just giving them answers.| TidBITS
Apple posted double-digit revenue growth year-over-year for its third fiscal quarter of 2025, with Services scoring an all-time revenue high. iPhone and Mac revenues were also up year-over-year, but Wearables and iPad revenues failed to match up to last year’s Q3.| TidBITS
Ready for a glimpse into our future as Apple users? Public betas for macOS 26 Tahoe, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and other major Apple operating systems are now available—but beware of bugs and make sure to back up your devices first.| TidBITS
In his continuing search for apps that don’t let you forget something because you missed a single notification, Adam Engst looks at Due, which provides persistent notifications for reminders on all your Apple devices.| TidBITS
Apple quietly added a Medications section to the Health app in iOS 16 that lets you list all your medications, remind you when to take them, and log when you do.| TidBITS
Adam Engst stumbled across an Accessibility setting that ensures that window proxy icons—those little icons that appear next to window titles—show at all times, rather than after a 1-second hover. This setting returns proxy icons to their former utility, and if you’re not clear what that was, Adam explains that too.| TidBITS
Why did Sierra change the modifier key necessary to reveal your Library folder from Option to Shift? Or did it? Adam Engst delves into a minor mystery that takes place deep within the Finder.| TidBITS
Apple has decided that the user-level Library folder should be hidden from view in Lion. But you don’t need to let that decision slow you down, and if you’re a developer, you shouldn’t let it cause you to put application support files in the user’s Documents folder.| TidBITS
Apple hides the user’s Library folder by default, but an obscure method to show it permanently lets you avoid pressing Option to access it in the Finder’s Go menu.| TidBITS
Archive: Jul 2025| TidBITS
Our recent tab management poll revealed that many readers don’t fully understand pinned tabs and thus aren’t taking advantage of them. Adam Engst takes a deep look at the history and goals of Web navigation to explain where pinned tabs came from, why many people don’t use them, and how usage varies by browser.| TidBITS
This charming behind-the-scenes story reveals how Apple’s whimsical crayon color picker was born from one engineer’s creative impulse—and how hiding poetry in the code nearly ended his career.| TidBITS
John Nemerovski joins us to mark the passing of Tim Robertson, founder and publisher of MyMac.com and a long-time member of the Apple media ecosystem.| TidBITS
As AI threatens traditional publishing business models, Cloudflare proposes a solution that could ensure content creators get paid when AI crawlers ingest their work—and potentially revolutionize how we pay for online content.| TidBITS
Please welcome our latest long-term sponsor, SaneBox, a powerful email filtering service that works within your existing email setup.| TidBITS
Just weeks after recalling 1.1 million power banks, Anker has expanded its recall to include six more models, including an iPhone-specific MagGo device.| TidBITS
After more than a decade using a 27-inch iMac and a 27-inch Thunderbolt Display, Adam Engst shares his experience transitioning to a 14-inch MacBook Pro, exploring how differences in input devices, cloud storage, and modern display options shaped his approach to setting up his new Mac.| TidBITS
John Nemerovski| TidBITS
404 Media, KrebsOnSecurity, and other outlets are covering the exposure of Locate X, a tool that grants extensive access to smartphone location data. In the absence of strong legislation, Apple and Google need to do more to protect users.| TidBITS
A handful of iOS and iPadOS updates address unspecified bugs, and the update to macOS 14.2.1 Sonoma fixes a bug that could share random windows via Screen Sharing.| TidBITS
Apple has released iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS 14.2 Sonoma, watchOS 10.2, and tvOS 17.2 with notable improvements and several features promised early in the year. HomePod Software 17.2 received only unspecified bug fixes. Apple also published security updates for iOS 16.7.3, iPadOS 16.7.3, macOS 13.6.3 Ventura, and macOS 12.7.2 Monterey.| TidBITS
How many browser tabs do you keep open? This week’s Do You Use It? poll explores tab management habits and examines how different browsers handle the challenge of tab overload.| TidBITS
After becoming a convert to vertical tabs thanks to Arc, Adam Engst is now seeing and hearing about vertical tabs support all over the place. Though none are luring him away from Arc, he runs down the options in Brave, Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Orion, Safari, SigmaOS, and Vivaldi. So many browsers!| TidBITS
The Web browser Arc has made a larger difference in jaded tech reviewer Adam Engst’s digital work life than any app in decades. Read his deep dive on what sets Arc apart from other browsers.| TidBITS
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple will switch its operating system version numbering scheme from the current mess to identifying them by years. It’s about time.| TidBITS
Are you constantly fighting with macOS over your external disks, either forgetting to eject them before unplugging their cables or being unable to eject them due to some unidentified open file? St. Clair Software’s Jettison may be the solution.| TidBITS
The results of our poll about how you use VPNs reveal widespread VPN usage, with most respondents using VPNs for security, privacy, and bypassing access restrictions.| TidBITS
Enterprise release notes for the recent macOS 15.5 update reveal that Apple plans to remove AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) entirely in a future version of macOS. Howard Oakley explains how this impacts Time Capsule backups and network shares, while Adam Engst offers practical alternatives for Time Capsule users.| TidBITS
Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have announced a partnership to create AI devices valued at $6.5 billion in stock. The collaboration highlights Apple’s ongoing struggles with AI, potentially signaling a shift in who will define our technological future.| TidBITS
Science fiction author Neal Stephenson offers a fresh perspective on AI by pointing out that we have long figured out how to coexist with non-human intelligences: animals.| TidBITS
Join Adam Engst for a free online presentation about creating an effective modern backup strategy at the Naples MacFriends User Group meeting on 21 May 2025.| TidBITS
Adam Engst reviews the SmartWings Hazel shade and finds it a worthy addition to his HomeKit setup, despite minor issues with motor noise.| TidBITS
Nearly three years after its initial announcement, Apple has finally launched CarPlay Ultra—a deeply integrated, next-generation version of CarPlay—with ultra-luxury automaker Aston Martin. Despite claims of broad industry interest, only Hyundai Motor Group brands have committed so far.| TidBITS
A detailed analysis demonstrates that individual ChatGPT use has minimal environmental impact compared to other everyday activities.| TidBITS
This week’s Do You Use It? poll asks if you use a VPN, what you use it for, what type of VPN you use, and which one you prefer.| TidBITS
Apple’s latest operating system updates deliver security fixes, Screen Time notifications for parents, and a few minor improvements and bug fixes.| TidBITS
Despite Apple positioning itself as a force for good, the company’s App Store policies and grudging compliance with court orders reveal a company prioritizing profits over developer partnerships. Now is the time for Apple to realign the less attractive aspects of its corporate behavior with its values of excellence and care.| TidBITS
After years of litigation, WhatsApp has won a nearly $170 million judgment against the Israeli company NSO Group, maker of the Pegasus spyware. The ruling follows Apple’s quiet abandonment of a similar lawsuit in late 2024.| TidBITS
Apple’s latest operating system updates bring Apple Intelligence to more languages and regions, improve Photos organization, expand Mail categorization to the Mac and iPad, and address what must be a record number of security vulnerabilities.| TidBITS
Last year, Google Docs gained document tabs that let you break long documents into more manageable sections, making it easier to organize and navigate complex content. Adam Engst explains how to use these tabs, document types where they are especially useful, and some usage quirks.| TidBITS
Mark your calendars—Apple has announced that its Worldwide Developer Conference will kick off on 9 June 2025. Last year’s question if WWDC would bring an AI-powered version of Siri remains open.| TidBITS
In partnership with researchers from Harvard University and the University of Oxford, Garmin is launching an ambitious academic study to investigate happiness through wearable tech and smartphone-based surveys. Unlike Apple’s health research, this study is entirely grant-funded and offers participant rewards.| TidBITS
Scheduling across time zones can cause incorrect calendar reminders and missed meetings. Adam Engst explores the intricacies of time zone management in popular calendar apps and provides practical strategies to help users navigate common scheduling quirks.| TidBITS
Storyteller and former Take Control author Scott Knaster has launched a Substack newsletter featuring true stories of the Silicon Valley of yesteryear from his time at Apple, General Magic, Microsoft, and Google.| TidBITS
Looking for an affordable way to extend audio from your HomePod to other rooms in your house? The Dio Node AirPlay 2 speaker provides easy setup at a lower price than a HomePod mini, though with some audio quality compromises.| TidBITS
Adam Engst explains how to determine whether any apps on your iPhone may have been unintentionally sharing your location with data brokers by relying on ads from the real-time bidding ecosystem.| TidBITS
Apple has released operating system updates to address a serious WebKit vulnerability that surfaced 14 months ago. The latest version of this vulnerability also affects Google Chrome.| TidBITS
John Siracusa’s new Hyperspace app identifies and converts duplicate files into space-saving APFS clones, offering a safe way to reclaim drive space. The free download lets you scan before deciding whether to pay for reclamation.| TidBITS
The iPhone 16e debuts as Apple’s least expensive model, displacing the iPhone SE. Adam Engst examines how it measures up to the iPhone SE and iPhone 16.| TidBITS