On October 5th 2011 around 3 PM pacific time, Steve Jobs passed away at his Palo Alto home at the age of 56. A founding member of Apple, a CEO who turned his company around, a human being whose vision not only defied his critics, but changed the very nature of how we interact with […]| Low End Mac
I think I finally figured out the trick to the thermal paste, making sure it doesn’t get pushed off the CPU die. Experimenting some more after the last article, I made a square O-ring shaped buffer out of layered clear tape, sitting on the CPU. This way the heatsink doesn’t press all the way down […] The post This is a Mid-2003 Power Mac G5 :) appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Imagine if you could take some features from newer versions of macOS, and give them to Mac OS X Leopard running on a PowerPC Mac? That’s exactly what we’re gonna do today in this article. I’m gonna cover a small compilation of apps and tweaks where the end result is a more modern PowerPC Leopard […] The post Give your PowerPC Leopard Mac some modern features appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
This light utility gives you the ability to properly format SD cards and Micro SD cards on your PowerPC Mac. Older versions of Mac OS X recognize SD cards as USB flash drives if they mount, although may have trouble formatting in Disk Utility. . . Macs did not have SD card slots or Micro […] The post PowerPC Mac App Highlight: SD Card Formatter appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
This page details the full hardware profile of the Apple Silicon “A4” Samsung S5L8930 chip. Name: “Apple A4”, 32-Bit MFG: Samsung Released: April 3rd, 2010 Codename: APL0398 Part Number: S5L8930 Fabrication Process: 45 nm Transistor Count: – CPU ISA: Arm v7 . RAM Information: Memory Bus Width: 64-Bit Total channels: 2 Channels Bit per channel: […] The post Apple A4 Chip Specs appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
This page details the full hardware profile of the Apple Silicon “A3” Samsung S5L8720 chip. Name: “Apple A3” MFG: Samsung Released: June 8th, 2009 and September 9th, 2009 Codename: APL0298 or APL2298 Part Number: S5L8920 or S5L8922 (APL2298) Fabrication Process: S5L8920 – 65nm S5L8922 – 45nm Transistor Count: – CPU ISA: Arm v7 . RAM […] The post Apple Silicon – Apple “A3” S5L8920/22 chip specs appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Earlier today, Wylsacom uploaded a YouTube video unboxing what appears to be the next generation M5 iPad Pro, before Apple ever even announced it. This is not only an unreleased product, but also has an unreleased Apple Silicon chip in it – the M5. . (Source: Эксклюзив! Распаковка iPad Pro на M5 раньше Apple! – […] The post Did the M5 iPad Pro and M5 chip just leak…? appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Imagine being able to simply download an app which makes your speakers louder than their normal maximum volume? Some of you may be more familiar with the more modern Iteration of Boom for Mac, but until last week I had no idea this existed for PowerPC Macs, too. . . Not only can you push […] The post PowerPC Mac App Highlight: Boom – Make your speakers louder appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Sometimes I find it hard to send away that old phone even if I know I have to. Indeed, it’s more or less a tool to get things done, but it came along for the ride for 3 years of my life anyway. I held it in my hand, reveled over the tech specs when […] The post It’s time for me to let go of the old phone appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Of course when I get a new phone, I’m gonna put a case on it. I used to even be someone who used screen protectors, reluctantly stopping using them with my last device after a while. But for years now, when getting a new iPhone, I forgo getting a $50 case or any fancy clear […] The post The ~$9 clear phone case I buy every time appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
On September 15th 2025, Apple released iOS 26 alongside iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. This version brings about a completely new UI called “Liquid Glass”, an updated graphical API to Metal 4, and some other changes. . . This version of iOS leaps up to number 26, up from last year’s iOS 18, to keep […] The post iOS 26 appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Since Mid-2002, Apple computers started using DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory), the first model being an Xserve G4 1.0, shipping with 266 MHz PC-2100 DDR. . . As of September 2025 the latest iteration is DDR5, with DDR6 planned for 2027, and current Apple silicon devices are using LPDDR5X, a low-power […] The post DDR SDRAM generations in Macs – A brief overview appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
This page details the full hardware profile of the Apple Silicon “A19” chip. Name: “Apple A19” MFG: TSMC Released: September 9th, 2025 Codename: (To be filled in) Part Number: T8150a Fabrication Process: 3 Nanometer N3P Transistor Count: (TBA) CPU ISA: ARMv9.2-A . RAM Information: Memory Bus Width: 64-Bit Total channels: 4 Bit per channel: […] The post Apple A19 Specs appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
It’s interesting to compare the tech specs of the A19 Pro and M1 chip, as they are so close yet far apart. One is a desktop from the beginning of the Apple Silicon transition, and one is a device you can hold in your hands, stuff in your pocket. . . While one runs iOS […] The post Comparing the A19 Pro vs M1 chip – Tech Specs appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Much like when I made the change from an M1 Pro MBP to an M4 Air, the thought of an upgrade was interesting but not necessarily something I was looking for, even if open to the idea. Every now and again I’d look up the tech specs and rumors circulating, just to keep an eye […] The post I had an iPhone 14 Pro and went for an iPhone Air appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
With the A19 and A19 Pro chips out and about, one could ponder about how much oomph they’d get out of their phone. While phones don’t make the massive leaps year over year like in the 2010s, to see a chip in your phone compare to what’s in a current laptop is mind blowing. . […] The post The A19 Pro trades blows with iMac Pro, RX 570, and the M4 Chip appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
A couple days ago on September 19th 2025, the new lineup of iPhone 17s were made available to the general public, along with their respective accessories. I was more keen on keeping the iPhone 14 Pro until I saw the JerryRigEverything iPhone Air durability test, that’s when I knew. So I went with Sky Blue. […] The post Unboxing the new iPhone Air in Sky Blue appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
On September 15th 2025, Apple released the final version of macOS intended to be able to run on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs – macOS Tahoe. This version of macOS makes some very up-front tweaks: A new “Liquid Glass UI”, a system version number jumping to 26 from 15, some new apps, and some […] The post macOS 26.0 Tahoe appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
In continuation of the site updates posted before, we will continue covering changes in the form of periodic posts whether they’re big or small. We want our readers to see the changes done to the site, many small ones can be time consuming and hard to notice. . This article reflects the most recent updates […] The post Recent site changes and updates: Week of September 14th appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Looking back over the years.. many smartphones, iPod touches, and mp3 players shared slight iterations of the same rectangular design centered around a touchscreen. Many contrivances were iterated upon over time to get to where we are today, but not every device was so memorable. . . Right now if you have a 4th generation […] The post Picturing an iPod touch 4th Generation from 2011 appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Have you ever wanted to own a Power Mac G4 Cube, but powered by Apple Silicon? Introducing the M4 Cubed, by Juicy Crumb Systems. The ‘M4 Cubed’ is a high quality durable plastic case for the M4 Mac mini, currently in kickstarter. . (Credit for above image: Luke Miani – Introducing M4 Cubed! – URL) […] The post Turn your M4 mini into a Power Mac G4 Cube appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
With the summer development cycle now over and this years’s new iPhones now launched, it’s time to get the new corresponding OSes out. Confirmed at the “awe dropping” event on September 9th, this article will highlight new builds while followup articles will cover key notes. . . In the spirit of preserving tech history, documentation […] The post All OS “26” releases are available September 15th appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Have I thought about getting a new iPhone? Absolutely, and every year I at least entertain it depending on how pertinent and appealing the upgrade is. This year, I somehow wound up thinking I’d be okay with any one of them: If I wanted another purple iPhone: Get the Lavender iPhone 17, it’s good enough. […] The post Am I thinking about getting a new iPhone? appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
Time for some new paste. It seems to be working well this time around, as none seemed to get pushed off either CPU die, and it can hold 48.5c steady idle on CPU A when on “highest”. The Power Mac G5 feels snappy again! And these heatsinks are pretty decent. . Why I repasted the […] The post Time for some new thermal paste: A quick Power Mac G5 project appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
The iPhone 17 features some upgrades over the iPhone 16 in some key areas: a more power efficient A19 chip, a better screen, and stronger glass to match. While it looks very similar on the outside to the previous generation, you’ll notice right away when you start using it, how fluid the screen is. That’s […] The post iPhone 17 (Late 2025) appeared first on Low End Mac.| Low End Mac
The choice of Aluminum marks a second major shift in the type of materials used in the frame of flagship iPhone models. Up until the 14 Pro, iPhones used Stainless Steel, then transitioned to Titanium with the iPhone 15. With the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the choice for an Aluminum alloy was made […]| Low End Mac
Make the most of your Apple gear| Low End Mac
Here is a list of links to different pages and articles on Low End Mac about the various different operating systems which ran on Macs. /Software Tech Specs > macOS Index 80s Mac OS System 1.0 . System 2.0 (To be added) . System 3.0 (To be added) . System 4.0 (To be added) […]| Low End Mac
68K Macs PowerPC Macs Intel Macs Apple Silicon Macs Desktops Portables iDevices CustoMacs Mac Pros Clones / Other Power Macs CPU / GPU Index PowerPC iMacs Newer iMacs PPC PowerBooks 68K PowerBooks iBooks Xserve Studio Mac minis Centras & Quadras Performas Compact Macs MacBook Pros| Low End Mac
Mac OSes iDevice OSes LEM Hacks Index App Highlights Software Index Wallpapers & Icons Macintosh Garden Mac Software Links Other OS Articles Submit a Website Bug See as a list| Low End Mac
Yearly Archives: 2025 | Low End Mac
The Low End Mac Mailbag is a collection of articles, pictures, submissions, etc; from LEM community members and individuals alike. Sometimes if something is particularly rare, interesting, or unique, I like to reach out and see if they would like to have it featured on the website as well. It’s always fascinating what people come […]| Low End Mac
This was the last Mac designed around the 68040 processor. The Quadra 630 was designed to replace the Quadra 610. The LC 630 and Performa 63x versions use the less expensive 68LC040, which doesn’t have an FPU, while the Quadra 630 sports a full 68040. The slide-out motherboard makes upgrades very easy. The Performa version […]| Low End Mac
When a revolutionary technology is promised and the followup isn’t there, it sows distrust in the company. Worse yet, is when legitimate work is spoiled elsewhere because of these negative perceptions and experiences. What is going with Siri? With Apple, and their plans for AI? In order to gain a better understanding of the bigger […]| Low End Mac
Be on the lookout for any suspicious-seeming zoom links or software update SDK “downloads” via Zoom, too. While DPRK state actors are targeting Web3 startups and crypto, it’s still better to exercise caution. Their tactics rely on social engineering for it to work, but the rest is actually a bit complex. . . An Executive […]| Low End Mac
At-a-glance, you’ll notice your desktop is mostly the same after updating (although some settings are reset such as internal drives in Finder). It’s familiar if you’ve used macOS Sequoia – but feels totally different for sure. Different in the sort-of way Yosemite was to Mavericks, or Aqua was to Platinum. . Is this Frutiger Aero? […]| Low End Mac
Does the new style look familiar to you? Even though they talk about a “Glass UI”, there are many Aqua-themed visual cues in WWDC this year, especially to the intro for the new macOS. This year the transition in the presentation started as a Sequoia wallpaper, with a water droplet morphing the visuals before ultimately […]| Low End Mac
The ARM transition as well as new devices are not off topic at Low End Mac. It impacts the future of Apple, as the platform moves through its fourth hardware architecture with Macs. It will make Intel Macs and old iPhones low end sooner than you might like, but sooner or later the ARM Macs […]| Low End Mac
To the surprise of the Mac community, Apple announced the third generation Mac Studio on 2025.03.05 and started shipping it the following week on 2025.03.12. The $1999 MS ships with a 14-core 4.5 GHz M4 Max chip and a 32-core GPU, and the $2499 has the 16-core CPU with a 40-core GPU. For those clamoring […]| Low End Mac
With the new 13″ and 15″ form factors finally sporting the latest M4 Apple Silicon chip, the new MacBook Air enters slightly more powerful territory – joining the likes of the Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and the M4 iMac. This latest chip features faster clock speeds on both performance and efficiency cores over the base […]| Low End Mac
Certain iMacs from the early 2010s and late 2000s have an MXM GPU slot inside them, allowing for the graphics card to be replaced or upgraded. All 27″ and 21.5″ 2009 – 2011 iMacs have an MXM 3.0 slot, with the exception of the late 2009 21.5″ iMac with the base GeForce 9400m GPU. MXM […]| Low End Mac
Ever since the Touch Bar MacBook Pro came out, I wanted it to be brilliant – many others included. However when Apple came out with the 2018 model year not only the problems for the 2016-2017 MacBook Pros were becoming more widespread, the specs were also a massive improvement over the 2017. Namely, the 2018 […]| Low End Mac
This iMac is basically a giant 13″ 2017 MacBook Pro but with replaceable RAM and no battery. Kaby Lake was the end of the line for the non-retina iMacs with only a single CPU option, and rema…| Low End Mac
Let’s take a step into the wayback machine.. back to 2017 – whatever happened to the TouchBar? In hindsight, it’s easy to tell from a future when this model has just been phased out – the implementation felt offbeat. This model also suffered from keyboard and LCD flex cable issues, as well as the one the year prior. It prompted Apple to make a slight redesign to the keyboard and flex cable in the 2018 13″ to remedy the issue, but a redesigned scissor keyboard was only released in 20...| Low End Mac
Although the outgoing Mac Pro had a 6 year run, it received few, if any updates during that time. In the weeks, months and years preceding the release of the 2019 Mac Pro, the crescendo of silence surrounding the Mac Pro led many to believe Apple was going to axe this model from the lineup. The 2019 model finally introduces Thunderbolt 3 to the Mac Pro, returns to a tower form factor in an all-new design, and offers a total of 8 PCI Express expansion slots. The last Mac with close to this man...| Low End Mac