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iPhone | iApps / How Apple's Folding iPhone Could Stand Apart
« Last post by javajolt on May 01, 2026, 09:11:49 PM »
The so-called "iPhone Ultra" might dodge the problems of other book-style foldable phones with a hybrid iPhone-iPad interface.



Foldable phones are a hard breed for me to love. They cost about twice as much as a high-end smartphone, and having two screens and moving parts means more ways for them to break. Plus, these book-style models are bulkier to hold and often don't have the best cameras.

But the genre is evolving fast. And after reading David Lumb's first impressions of Motorola's new book-style foldable, the Razr Fold, I'm starting to give the style another chance. Its shorter, "passport-style" design is going head-to-head with Samsung's rumored wider Galaxy Fold 8, and it may not be long before Apple steals the spotlight with a folding iPhone.

So for this week's episode of One More Thing, embedded above, I can't help but poke at the potential of Apple's rumored foldable, which reportedly could be called the iPhone Ultra. Judging by some reports, Apple might have the experience running smoothly right at launch with an iPad-like interface when the device is opened.

But good software alone doesn't make the price easier to swallow. It's expected to cost over $2,000. It might be an easier sell if you think of it as buying an iPhone with an iPad inside. I'm not ready to close the book on the idea just yet.

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Microsoft is now rolling out its Xbox mode to all Windows 11 PCs. The new Xbox mode adds a full-screen interface to the Xbox PC app, much like Steam’s Big Picture Mode, and originally debuted as the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) with Asus’ Xbox Ally devices.

“Some players in select markets will be able to download the Xbox mode experience today, with availability expanding to more players in those markets over the next several weeks,” says the Xbox team. You’ll be able to get the Xbox mode by installing the latest Windows update for Windows 11.

Xbox mode aims to try and bridge the gap between Xbox consoles and Windows, but its original debut felt like a beta on the Xbox Ally devices. “Since first introducing Xbox mode, formerly known as ‘full screen experience,’ on Windows handhelds, we’ve been listening closely to player feedback and continuing to evolve the experience across devices,” says the Xbox team. “Those learnings directly shaped Xbox mode on Windows 11 PCs.”

Microsoft is also rolling out improvements to the Xbox Ally X handheld today, including a preview of its Auto SR upscaling technology. Xbox console owners are also getting a new dashboard update today, with the ability to disable Quick Resume on individual games and a feature to add custom colors to the dashboard.

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Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max represents a significant leap forward in smartphone technology, introducing new advancements in display quality, camera performance and processing power. Alongside the Pro Max, the iPhone 18 lineup includes the highly anticipated iPhone Fold, which aims to establish a new standard in foldable devices. While the base iPhone 18 offers subtle refinements, the Pro and Pro Max models are designed to deliver innovative features that cater to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users, solidifying Apple’s position as a leader in the industry.

Key Features of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are packed with features that push the boundaries of what smartphones can achieve. These devices are tailored to meet the demands of users who prioritize performance, design and functionality.

Innovative Display Technology: Both models feature LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED displays, using Samsung’s M16 OLED panel to deliver exceptional brightness, color accuracy and energy efficiency. The Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display with industry-leading brightness levels, while the Pro offers a slightly smaller 6.3-inch screen. With thinner bezels and a reduced Dynamic Island, the design is sleeker and more immersive than ever.

State-of-the-Art Camera Systems: The Pro Max introduces a 200 MP periscope camera, offering unmatched zoom capabilities and a larger 1/1.12-inch primary sensor for superior low-light performance. The Pro model features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 48 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide lens and a 64 MP periscope lens. Both models incorporate variable aperture technology, allowing greater control over depth of field and light capture for professional-grade photography.

Unrivaled Performance: Powered by the A20 Pro chip built on an advanced 2nm process, these devices deliver industry-leading speed and efficiency. With 12 GB of RAM and storage options up to 2 TB for the Pro Max, users can enjoy seamless multitasking and ample space for media. Additionally, Apple’s custom C2 modem enhances connectivity and overall performance.

Extended Battery Life: The Pro Max is equipped with a 5,200 mAh battery, while the Pro features a 4,300 mAh unit. Combined with the efficiency of the A20 Pro chip, both models provide extended battery life, making sure reliable performance throughout the day, even under heavy usage.

Advanced Connectivity: Both models support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and ultrawide band technology. Expanded satellite communication capabilities allow users to make calls in remote areas without cellular coverage, enhancing reliability in challenging environments.

The iPhone Fold: Apple’s Vision for Foldable Devices

Apple’s iPhone Fold marks a bold entry into the foldable smartphone market, combining innovation with practicality. Featuring a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal folding OLED screen, the device minimizes visible creases, addressing a common challenge in foldable technology. This design ensures a seamless viewing experience, whether the device is folded or unfolded.

The iPhone Fold is powered by the A20 Pro chip, paired with 12 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of storage, delivering top-tier performance for multitasking and media consumption. Its dual-camera system includes a 200 MP primary sensor and a 48 MP ultrawide lens, providing exceptional photography capabilities. Additionally, the integration of Touch ID into the power button enhances security and convenience. With an estimated price of $2,000, the iPhone Fold is positioned as a premium option for users seeking innovative innovation.

The Base iPhone 18: Balancing Features and Affordability

The base iPhone 18 offers a more accessible option within the lineup, featuring subtle yet meaningful updates. While it may see a slight reduction in display brightness due to rising component costs, it retains ProMotion technology, making sure smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This distinction between the base and Pro models allows Apple to cater to a broader range of user preferences and budgets, making advanced technology more widely available.

Color Options, Pricing, and Availability

The iPhone 18 lineup is expected to feature a variety of color options, including dark cherry, light blue, dark gray and silver. However, some reports suggest that a black model may not be available this year. Pricing starts at $1,099 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max, while the iPhone Fold is estimated to cost $2,000. The lineup is anticipated to launch in September 2026, aligning with Apple’s traditional release schedule.

AI Integration and iOS 27: Enhancing the User Experience

The iPhone 18 series will debut with iOS 27, which introduces advanced AI-driven features designed to streamline daily tasks and enhance overall device performance. Smarter Siri interactions, improved photo editing tools, and predictive text capabilities are just a few examples of how AI integration aims to make the user experience more intuitive and efficient. These enhancements reflect Apple’s commitment to using artificial intelligence to improve functionality and usability across its devices.

A Lineup Tailored to Diverse Needs

The iPhone 18 Pro Max and its counterparts highlight Apple’s dedication to innovation and refinement. With advancements in display technology, camera systems and battery efficiency, the Pro and Pro Max models cater to users seeking premium performance and innovative features. Meanwhile, the iPhone Fold offers a glimpse into the future of foldable smartphones, appealing to those who value new design and functionality. For budget-conscious buyers, the base iPhone 18 provides a reliable and feature-rich option.

Whether you are upgrading from an older device or exploring the latest in smartphone technology, the iPhone 18 lineup offers a range of choices designed to meet the needs of a diverse audience.

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The ONEXPLAYER Super V has captured attention as the first gaming tablet to feature Intel’s Panther Lake CPU and Arc B390i GPU, marking a significant milestone in portable computing. In a recent breakdown by ETA Prime, the device’s standout features, such as its 14-inch 2.8K AMOLED display with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, were explored in detail. This combination of high-resolution visuals and precise color accuracy positions the Super V as a versatile option for both gaming and professional tasks. Additionally, the inclusion of a detachable keyboard and pen compatibility highlights its dual-purpose design, catering to users who require both performance and flexibility.

Dive into this overview to understand how the Super V handles demanding workloads with its Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and 48 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, as well as its performance benchmarks in AAA gaming titles like Cyberpunk 2077. You’ll also gain insight into its advanced thermal management system, battery optimization features and customizable software, which together enhance its usability across various scenarios. Whether you’re curious about its gaming capabilities or its potential as a productivity device, this guide offers a comprehensive look at what the Super V brings to the table.

Immersive Display: Precision and Versatility

The Super V is equipped with a 14-inch AMOLED display that features a 2880×1800 resolution (2.8K), providing sharp, vibrant visuals. Its 100% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures accurate color reproduction, making it an excellent choice for gaming, content creation and media consumption. The display supports a variable refresh rate (VRR) ranging from 30 Hz to 120 Hz, allowing users to balance smooth performance with energy efficiency. HDR support enhances contrast and brightness, delivering a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the screen is pen-compatible, catering to creative professionals who require precision for tasks such as drawing, sketching, or note-taking.

Specifications



Performance Hardware: Power and Efficiency Combined

At the heart of the Super V lies the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, featuring 16 cores and 16 threads with a maximum clock speed of 4.8 GHz. This is paired with the Intel Arc B390i GPU, which includes 12 XE3 cores running at up to 2500 MHz, making sure exceptional performance for gaming and multitasking. The device is further enhanced by 48 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, clocked at an impressive 8533 MHz, allowing it to handle demanding workloads with ease. Storage is equally robust, with a 1 TB M.2 SSD for fast data access, expandable via microSD and mini SSD slots, making sure ample space for games, applications and files.

Thermal Management and Build Quality

The Super V’s dual-fan cooling system with copper heat sinks ensures efficient thermal management, maintaining optimal performance even during extended gaming sessions. The CNC aluminum mid-frame enhances durability while keeping the device slim, with a profile of just 13 mm. A built-in kickstand with 173° adjustability adds flexibility, allowing users to easily switch between gaming, working, or streaming. This thoughtful design ensures that the Super V is not only powerful but also practical for everyday use.



Battery Life and Power Optimization

The Super V is powered by an 85.85 Wh battery, offering impressive longevity across various use cases. Users can expect up to 12 hours of video playback, 6.75 hours for indie gaming and 2.7 hours for AAA titles. Adjustable TDP settings, ranging from 3 W to 65 W, provide the flexibility to optimize power consumption based on specific needs. The device also features bypass charging, which protects the battery by directly powering the device when plugged in. A 140-W USB Type-C charger ensures rapid recharging, minimizing downtime and keeping users productive.

Customizable Software and Enhanced Gaming

Pre-installed with 1X console software, the Super V offers extensive customization options, allowing users to adjust performance settings, RGB lighting and fan speeds to suit their preferences. Intel XeSS frame generation technology further enhances gaming performance by boosting frame rates without compromising visual quality. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working, the Super V adapts to your specific requirements, delivering a tailored experience that meets the demands of modern users.

Gaming Performance: Meeting High Expectations

The Super V excels in gaming, providing smooth and responsive gameplay even for demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Spider-Man 2. Intel XeSS technology uses AI to generate additional frames, making sure a fluid and immersive experience. Benchmark results highlight its capabilities, with scores such as 2743 (single-core) and 16,596 (multi-core) in Geekbench 6 and 7673 in 3DMark Time Spy, underscoring its ability to handle high-performance gaming with ease.

Audio and Connectivity: Comprehensive Features

The Super V is equipped with Harman-certified dual stereo speakers, delivering immersive audio that enhances both gaming and media experiences. The detachable RGB backlit keyboard includes a trackpad, transforming the tablet into a fully functional laptop for productivity tasks. Connectivity options are robust, featuring Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and a full-size HDMI port, making sure compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. Additionally, RGB lighting customization adds a personal touch, allowing users to tailor the device to their preferences.

Setting a New Standard for Portable Devices

The ONEXPLAYER Super V combines innovative hardware, a stunning AMOLED display and versatile features in a portable form factor. Whether you’re a gamer seeking top-tier performance or a professional in need of a reliable productivity tool, the Super V delivers a premium experience tailored to your needs. Its innovative design, advanced technology and thoughtful features establish it as a benchmark for portable gaming and productivity devices, offering a glimpse into the future of hybrid computing.

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Microsoft on Monday revised its advisory for a now-patched, high-severity security flaw impacting Windows Shell to acknowledge that it has been actively exploited in the wild.

The vulnerability in question is CVE-2026-32202 (CVSS score: 4.3), a spoofing vulnerability that could allow an attacker to access sensitive information. It was addressed as part of its Patch Tuesday update for this month.

"Protection mechanism failure in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network," Microsoft noted in an alert. "An attacker would have to send the victim a malicious file that the victim would have to execute."

"An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could view some sensitive information (Confidentiality) but not all resources within the impacted component may be divulged to the attacker. The attacker cannot make changes to disclosed information (Integrity) or limit access to the resource (Availability)."

On April 27, 2026, Microsoft said it rectified the "Exploitability Index, Exploited flag, and CVSS vector" as they were incorrect when they were published on April 14.

While the tech giant did not share any details about the exploitation activity, Akamai security researcher Maor Dahan, who is credited with discovering and reporting the bug, said the zero-click vulnerability stems from an incomplete patch for CVE-2026-21510.

The latter has been weaponized by a Russian nation-state group tracked as APT28 (aka Fancy Bear, Forest Blizzard, GruesomeLarch, and Pawn Storm) along with CVE-2026-21513 as part of an exploit chain -

CVE-2026-21510 (CVSS score: 8.8) - A protection mechanism failure in Windows Shell that allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network. (Fixed by Microsoft in February 2026)

CVE-2026-21513 (CVSS score: 8.8) - A protection mechanism failure in MSHTML Framework that allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network. (Fixed by Microsoft in February 2026)

It's worth noting that the abuse of CVE-2026-21513 was also flagged by the web infrastructure and security company early last month, linking it to APT28 after unearthing a malicious artifact in January 2026.


---- CVE-2026-21510 Exploitation
The campaign, targeting Ukraine and E.U. nations in December 2025, leverages a malicious Windows Shortcut (LNK) file to exploit the two vulnerabilities, effectively bypassing Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and enabling attacker-controlled code to be executed.

"APT28 leverages the Windows Shell namespace parsing mechanism to load a dynamic-link library (DLL) from a remote server using a UNC path," Dahan explained. "The DLL is loaded as part of the Control Panel (CPL) objects without proper network zone validation.

Akamai said the February 2026 patch, while mitigating the remote code execution risk by triggering a SmartScreen check of the CPL file's digital signature and origin zone, still allowed the victim machine to authenticate to the attacker's server and automatically fetch the CPL file by resolving the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path and initiating an SMB connection without requiring user interaction.

"When that path is a UNC path (like '\\attacker.com\share\payload.cpl'), Windows initiates an SMB connection to the attacker's server," Dahan said. "This server message block (SMB) connection triggers an automatic NTLM authentication handshake, sending the victim's Net-NTLMv2 hash to the attacker, which can later be used for NTLM relay attacks and offline cracking."

"While Microsoft fixed the initial RCE (CVE-2026-21510), an authentication coercion flaw (CVE-2026-32202) remained. This gap between path resolution and trust verification left a zero-click credential theft vector via auto-parsed LNK files."

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Microsoft has restructured its Windows team to better position Windows 11 as a strong platform that people should want to use. Here's how it's going about that.

In March, Windows president Pavan Davuluri confirmed plans to address serious "pain points" across Windows 11 that have eroded user trust and generated a wave of negative sentiment around the OS, spawned from Microsoft's relentless push into AI and enshittification while neglecting core Windows fundamentals such as performance and reliability.

Of course, what Microsoft says externally isn't always reflective of what it's really thinking internally, but in this case, my sources say the company is serious about turning Windows 11 into a platform that people are proud to use. By the end of 2026 and into 2027, Microsoft is striving to have Windows 11 in a much better place.

According to my sources, this effort is codenamed Windows K2. It’s a project that was put together in the second half of last year that addresses the biggest complaints that people have about Windows 11 today. Everything from an overabundance of AI features and bloat to performance issues and reliability mishaps will be tackled.

Windows K2 isn’t a dedicated release of the OS. Instead, K2 is an ongoing initiative that will ensure Windows quality remains both high and consistent across current and future versions, building an OS that is always focused on improvements to fundamentals to ensure foundational aspects of the platform are continuously strong.

Performance, Craft, and Reliability

These are the three core pillars of focus with the Windows K2 initiative.

These pillars are what drive the Windows experience. If one of these pillars falls behind, the entire product suffers as a result. With Windows K2, Microsoft is working to ensure these three pillars are strong by addressing feedback directly from users and Insiders, analyzing telemetry data, and conducting focus groups with customers.

I'm told that K2 also looks inward at the teams themselves. It's not just about addressing feedback and fixing Windows 11, but it's also about how teams internally can better contribute code to the Windows product. I understand there's a huge culture shift happening internally right now that drives the K2 initiative.

In the past, Windows has been obsessed with agility. It was keen to ship new features as quickly and as frequently as possible, but this ultimately came at the cost of quality and reliability. While teams were able to get new features out the door fast, users became frustrated with an OS that never stood still and becoming ever more problematic.

One of the biggest cultural changes internally that I've heard about is that teams are no longer striving to ship fast. The obsession with with being agile has been replaced with an obsession with quality. I understand that new features aren't allowed near public preview builds before reaching a certain quality bar internally now, and while that bar has always existed, the bar is much higher now.

There's a lesser known fourth pillar, too: Community. The Windows K2 initiative is eager to rebuild a community of fans and enthusiasts around Windows. It's bringing back Windows Insider meetups, and appointing members of the Windows team to be more forward facing on social media and in forums to respond directly to feedback from people online.

Performance and Reliability


(Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
Performance is a top priority for the Windows K2 effort. In documentation viewed by Windows Central, Microsoft is aware that it has let performance slip in apps like File Explorer and games, as well as system UI elements such as context menus. Windows 10 is often found to be faster than Windows 11 in certain benchmarks, and the company is moving to change this.

For gaming, Microsoft views steamOS as the benchmark, and is working to optimize the platform so that steamOS and Windows gaming performance are comparable. Within the next year or two, it believes that Windows will be able to truly compete head-to-head with steamOS in gaming performance on identical hardware due to foundational changes that are being made to the platform in the coming months.

File Explorer is set to gain some major performance improvements too, speeding up file navigation and processing, and improving the speed of search within the File Explorer app, with capabilities such as “instant filename search” coming. The company views a third-party app called File Pilot as the benchmark for these improvements.

Windows Update will also be improved, with the goal of making Windows 11 reliable enough so that a restart is only necessary once a month. Under the hood changes are also expected that are designed to make updating Windows more seamless, such as only updating display and audio drivers when restarting instead of during active use.

I’m told there’s also a concerted effort to debloat Windows 11 too, focusing on minimizing memory use at idle and reducing the overall footprint of the OS so that it runs better on low-end hardware as well as smoother on high-end systems and gaming handhelds.

Craft and UI


(Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
Craft is also a huge area of focus for K2, addressing user experience complaints and bringing back fan favorite features that have been missing since Windows 11's inception. Microsoft has already confirmed plans to bring back the ability to move and resize the Taskbar, one of Windows 11's most requested features.

The K2 initiative is also pushing teams internally lean more heavily on its in-house Windows UI framework. WinUI 3 is a core foundational aspect of K2, with performance improvements in the works to ensure these native UI surfaces are faster and more reliable so that it can be used in more areas of the system, including where legacy interfaces currently exist such as Run and Control Panel.

One of the ways I'm told this is happening is with a new System Compositor for WinUI 3, which will reduce latency and memory overhead across the UI so that elements such as the Start menu and Taskbar are always responsive and available to use, even under heavy system load.

In fact, with this new compositor in place, Microsoft is rebuilding the Start menu from scratch with WinUI 3 natively. I'm told this new Start menu will be up to 60% faster and more responsive than the existing one, while also sporting more customization options such as the ability to resize it and hide sections of the menu.

The K2 project also address some of the big issues around enshittification. I'm told Microsoft is removing ads from the Start menu, which is no small feat from a financial perspective. It's also planning to stop MSN from appearing by default in the Widgets Board, instead prioritizing the Widgets Panel with MSN being a secondary functionality instead of the primary one.

K2 evolves

Windows K2 doesn't have a completion date. It's an ongoing initiative that essentially defines how Windows should be built and what it should prioritize going forward. The goal is to fix up Windows 11 and reposition the platform as something people are proud to use, and maintain that consistently.

It's a positive movement that Windows desperately needs, and is helping to position the platform as a viable competitor well into the future. Changes and improvements that are part of the Windows K2 initiative are already beginning to ship, with many more shipping in preview over the summer.

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Apple / 14 Products Apple is saying GoodBye to in 2026
« Last post by javajolt on April 27, 2026, 09:10:20 PM »


If you're an Apple user, it's been a great past few years for hardware. We've gotten upgraded AirPods Pro 3, a redesigned iPhone 17 Pro, and a budget-friendly MacBook Neo. The MacBook and iPad lineups continue to perform well with their M-series chips. And the best part? Apple has a habit of supporting its devices for quite a long time, ensuring you can comfortably use them for years to come. Eventually, though, support runs out. In 2026, we say goodbye to another handful of devices.

By "saying goodbye," we mean one of two things: Either the tech giant has ceased manufacturing and selling them or has cut off repair and software support. You'll still be able to buy these 14 products at third-party retailers (and still get updates, in most cases) and get repairs for them at independent shops, but in the eyes of Apple, they're ancient history.

First-Generation AirTags



Apple unveiled AirTags in 2021, and they've quickly amassed a billion-dollar industry of their own. The premise is simple: Place the $29 circle in your purse, backpack, or luggage to track it down subscription-free. There are some things you shouldn't track with them, but on the whole, they're some of the best tracking devices on the market. In 2026, Apple introduced the second-gen AirTag. Wider range, easier tracking, recycled materials, same price. As for the old first-gen AirTags, they've been quietly delisted.

On Apple's website, there is no "AirTag 2" — it's just an invisibly upgraded AirTag. You can no longer purchase the original directly from Apple. However, the good news is that the "old" AirTags have dropped accordingly in price. While the second generation is certainly an upgrade, the originals still work incredibly well. The replaceable batteries ensure they can be used for years. Just make sure you know which one you're getting; both versions are hard to tell apart.

iPhone 16e



The iPhone 16e appeared out of a puff of smoke in 2025, years after it looked like Apple had given up on its budget SE and iPhone Mini. It seems like it was a success, garnering stronger sales as a spiritual successor than the SE. Having said that, it did leave something to be desired with that $600 "budget" price tag, like missing MagSafe. The iPhone 17e, announced in March 2026, replaced it, and by all accounts has shored up its predecessor's weaknesses and made the "e" lineup an easy recommendation for someone looking for the cheapest iPhone possible.

As such, the iPhone 16e is now MIA. You'll find the iPhone 16 on Apple's website, but not the 16e. In typical Apple fashion, it doesn't like giving you the cheaper, older model as an option. That said, it's still a more than usable phone that's on the list of supported devices for iOS 26. iPhones typically get the latest software feature updates for up to seven years. If that holds true for the iPhone 16e, then it should be supported until at least 2030, possibly as late as 2032.

M4 MacBook Air



Every one or two years, Apple releases an upgraded MacBook Air; 2025 was no different, with the M4 MacBook Air unveiled in March. As has been the case for the past couple of years, this was just a spec bump — slightly more powerful chip, better webcam, but it's effectively the same laptop as the M3 and M2 that came before. Perhaps the most notable change was making 16GB of RAM the baseline configuration rather than 8GB. On the heels of the M5 MacBook Air release in March 2026, however, it (like the iPhone 16e and other previous-year products) dropped off Apple's website into oblivion. The only place you will find it is in the Certified Refurbished section, if stock is available.

It's roughly the same situation as with the iPhone 16e. The M4 MacBook Air will likely continue to receive macOS updates until at least 2030, possibly 2033 at the latest. And again, it's not far behind Apple's bleeding-edge hardware offerings. Unless you're a professional who needs the absolute max horsepower for your workloads, then the M4 is going to serve you very well for a long time. You might be able to find the M4 MacBook Air for a lot less — though bear in mind that because of high RAM prices, that could be challenging.

MacBook Pro (M4 Pro and Max)



Generally speaking, Apple puts out its MacBook Pro models shortly after the yearly iPhone release in the fall, and then waits until spring of the following year to put the same chip in the latest MacBook Air. One major hardware difference (aside from a better screen, better speakers, etc.) that sets the MacBook Pros apart from the MacBook Air is the more powerful Pro and Max variants. The MacBook Pro M4 Pro and MacBook Pro M4 Max models, released in October 2024, are already a distant memory; you cannot buy the M4 Pro and M4 Max variants brand-new on Apple's site, only in the Certified Refurbished section.

Doing the math, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro and Max could possibly lose macOS support before the M4 Air in late 2029, or 2032 if lucky. That said, this is an absolute beast of a machine for virtually any heavy-duty workload — video editing, app development, 3D rendering — so buying one today is not a bad idea. Grab one over a newer, more expensive M5 model equivalent if you can find a good deal.

Upgrading such an expensive device when updates end in 2032 would be painful if you don't need to. Luckily, there are options when official support ends. You may be able to update to the latest version of macOS — even if your Mac isn't officially supported — with OpenCore Legacy Patcher. Asahi Linux may also be available for the M4 family by that time.

M3 iPad Air



Don't want to spend a financially irresponsible amount of money on the overpowered iPad Pro M5? The iPad Air is the next best thing. Since 2024, Apple has bequeathed M-Series chips to the mid-range iPad Air lineup, and the latest version released in 2026 gets the M4 chip. It's two years late, but considering the power of the M4 chip and the $599 starting price tag of the Air? That's still overkill for most. So unfortunately, the cheaper last-gen M3 iPad Air released in March 2025 is no longer an option from Apple's website, except where refurbished.

Naturally, people probably upgrade their tablets less than they might even update their computers, since running the Netflix app in bed does not require top-tier silicon. The third-gen iPad Pro released in 2018 is still on the iOS 26 update track, meaning it's been receiving official support for at least eight years. Following that logic, the M3 iPad Air could possibly continue to get feature updates into 2033 and maybe even beyond. Buying this one used once the price goes down even a year or two from now wouldn't be a bad idea.

Apple Studio Display (2022 model)



Released in 2022, the Studio Display is a 27-inch monitor at a 5K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The $1,600 asking price makes it decidedly pro-only. If that's only the amount of money you'd spend on a very expensive computer, though, there are plenty of alternatives that won't break the bank. In 2026, Apple refreshed the Studio Display's internal hardware — not the panel — so the 2022 models are gone from Apple's site, Certified Refurbished options notwithstanding.

The Apple Studio display gets semi-regular firmware updates to fix issues rather than provide new features, with the latest releasing in 2023 and requiring macOS Sonoma 14. A monitor is naturally a device people don't update very often and keep as long as they can. It's likely the now-outdated 2022 Studio Display will work well for a long, long time even if no further firmware updates are released, so there probably won't be an issue buying a used one in the future.

Pro Display XDR



If you thought the Studio Displays were expensive, then the Pro Display XDR took it to another level with its $6,000 price tag in 2019 — and that didn't include the extra-special $1,000 stand. It was a 32-inch 6K monitor at 60 Hz. Was/is it worth it? For most people, probably not, but to each their own. Its seven-year run as Apple's most premium display is over now that the Studio Display XDR has released. In most ways, the Studio Display XDR is a proper upgrade and not a slight spec bump like with the normal Studio Displays. Camera and speakers, more dimming zones, stronger backlight, variable refresh rate, the works.

Similar to the Studio Display, the Pro Display XDR gets firmware updates. The last one was in December 2020 and supports macOS 10.15.6 and above. If you can find an old Pro Display XDR for a price you consider to be reasonable, then it should continue to work for you for many years to come — same as with the Studio Display.

Mac Pro



In 2019, Apple overhauled the Mac Pro with a removable aluminum casing over a modular tower and a $6,000 price tag starting out. This was, as you may remember, the computer that sold add-on wheels that cost as much as an iPhone SE and was manufactured in the U.S. rather than abroad. Obviously Apple was marketing this particular machine to the pro-est of the pros, e.g. filmmakers rather than YouTubers. Whether or not the price was justified, this was an incredibly powerful machine for the time, yet Apple only updated it once more in 2023 with the M2 Ultra chip. Rumors swirled circa 2025 that the Mac Pro was already queued up for retirement, and in 2026 that was officially confirmed. The entire Mac Pro lineup is dead, RIP.

The reason why is simple: Apple Silicon has gotten so good that another Mac specced with the same chip can achieve near identical performance. YouTuber Marques Brownlee proved this, pitting the Mac Pro against a Mac Studio, a box a fraction of the price and size. Coupled with the fact that the Mac Pro stopped supporting PCIe video cards, all but a small minority had no good reason to buy it. It's hard to tell how much longer Apple will support the current 2023 Mac Pro since every M-series chip still supports the latest macOS, but needless to say, a Mac Studio or MacBook Pro is a cheaper, smaller, and functionally identical option.

iPad mini 4



The iPad Mini 4 released back in 2015, and lost iPadOS support in 2022 with the release of iPadOS 16. Since 2024, the iPad mini has been officially vintage. In a nutshell, that means updates get more sparse and first-party repairs (like a battery replacement) depend on whether Apple has the parts on hand. That's now over as of 2026. The iPad Mini has been knocked down to the obsolete list.

It's worth nothing that vintage and obsolete devices don't lose updates entirely. Apple will occasionally patchmajor vulnerabilities on older operating systems. iPadOS 15 (the last OS the iPad Mini 4 supports) got its latest security update in March 2026, so the iPad Mini 4 has effectively been supported software-wise over a decade. This is not uncommon, as Apple has provided minor patches to older iPhones that have long since been very obsolete. Even assuming Apple patches all major security vulnerabilities, continuing to use an iPad mini 4 may present obstacles; for example, it may be difficult to install older versions of apps that now require iOS 16.

Apple TV HD (32 GB)



Apple TVs have been around since 2007 and continue to be an excellent streaming box, particularly if you're in the Apple ecosystem. It's a device Apple has provided sparing hardware updates to, so buying an older model or a used one is usually a safe choice that will likely last for years. As proof of that, the latest Apple TV 4K released in 2022 and we still haven't gotten an update. Unfortunately, owners of the 2015 Apple TV HD (specifically the 32GB version) will have to say goodbye to software feature updates.

tvOS 26 will likely be the final update for the Apple TV HD 32GB version. It's now officially listed on Apple's website as obsolete. However, this may not be the end of the world for Apple TV HD owners. Since Apple TV HD is updated to tvOS 26, it will likely continue to work just fine for at least several more years until the streaming apps you use cease updates on any device below tvOS 27.

iPhone 4 and 5



We want to stress again that just because a device has become obsolete and stopped receiving feature updates doesn't mean it's completely unusable. Proof of that is the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 released in 2010 and 2012. They both received their final updates in 2014 and 2019, with iOS 7 and iOS 10 — iOS 10 got its final update in 2019. For most people, these phones would be way too old to tolerably use, even if you could get updated versions of the apps you need to run on them. But surprisingly, Apple did not retire them until 2026.

The 4 and 5 are now officially obsolete. If you are still somehow rocking one of these in the current year, it would take a miracle to install apps and get it repaired. Further, security experts advise against using them. Save these phones for vintage collection purposes, not for a daily driver.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max



It may come as a complete shock to some that the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max — phones that just released last year in 2025 — are on the chopping block somehow. You see, Apple takes any chance it gets to encourage you to spend more money, and one of the ways it does this is by making it impossible to buy last-gen Pro versions of its iPhones as soon as the latest Pro version releases. In the fall of 2026, you will no longer be able to buy the 17 Pro and Pro Max, brand-new, from Apple.

In 2025 when the 17 Pro series appeared on shelves, the 16 Pro series disappeared. The same thing happened with the 15 Pro the year before that. And the 14 Pro the year before that. You get the idea. This is made more frustrating by the fact that (if rumors prove to be true) Apple will now only release Pro iPhones in the fall and save the more affordable baseline iPhones and iPhone e for the spring of the following year.

AirPods Max 1



The first-gen AirPods Max originally came out in 2020, receiving only a minor update (USB-C in place of Lightning and some new colors) in 2024. Reviews were mostly positive, but even its users (myself included) admitted the device was in dire need of an overhaul to fix a handful of annoying issues and design choices. In 2026 Apple finally unveiled the AirPods Max 2, but this was only to give it the latest and greatest H2 chip and wired sound support. That was basically it, though the price stayed the same.

Now, you can no longer buy the AirPods Max brand-new from Apple. Firmware-wise, the original AirPods Max had been lagging behind in updates for some time already, with the Lightning version in particular two major firmware versions behind. If you can find a first generation pair for a good discount and you're okay with its limitations, go for it. Just be aware you're going to miss out on all H2 chip-exclusive features.

iPad (11th generation) and iPad mini 7



For those who are looking for something even cheaper than the iPad Pro and iPad Air, there exists the baseline iPad and the smaller but more expensive iPad Mini. The iPad 11th generation released in 2025 and the iPad Mini 7 released in 2024. They're great tablets and support the latest version of iPadOS. You can't go wrong buying either. However, the rumor mill is churning, suggesting that both may be replaced in 2026 — so if you had your eye on a new iPad, it might be best to wait.

This is the only instance where we have no hard evidence, only rumors, to back up our contention. These rumors seem to be stronger than previous internal murmurings because code leaks have pointed to new versions with upgraded chips. Aside from the obvious spec bump, this would bring the iPad into the fold of Apple Intelligence and the iPad Mini would get an OLED screen. We'll have to wait and see. It's possible one or both could show up in 2027 instead, but all indicators point toward an imminent release.

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Apple / Apple’s iPad phaseout has begun
« Last post by javajolt on April 27, 2026, 08:13:59 PM »
With a touchscreen MacBook and folding iPhone coming, Apple's tablet will be obsolete before we know it.


Image: Foundry

Later this year, the MacBook Pro is expected to undergo one of its most significant transformations ever with a touchscreen OLED display. At around the same time, the iPhone Fold will bring a tablet-sized screen to Apple’s handset for the first time.

For years, Apple has resisted the temptation to replicate iPad features on its other devices. The iPad Pro can basically mimic a MacBook thanks to its M-series chip, Magic Keyboard, and iPadOS 26, but none of Apple’s other devices can compete with the iPad’s capabilities. The iPhone is too small. The Mac is too keyboard-centric.

However, while Apple’s laptops and tablets have been largely evolving along parallel lines, they’re now seemingly en route to an intersection. The looming strategy shift suggests that Apple is thinking differently behind the scenes. iPads and MacBooks are actively borrowing hardware and software features from each other, and, at this pace, they could realistically become a single product within a few generations.

Similar to how the iPhone rendered the iPod redundant, Apple’s upcoming touchscreen products appear to be starting to dig the iPad’s grave.

A new Pro in town

Over the past few years, Apple’s tablets have gained laptop-like features, allowing users to use them as hybrid desktop machines. The iPad Pro now boasts the latest M5 Mac chip, a landscape-positioned front camera, and support for the Magic Keyboard, which includes a responsive trackpad. The next-gen model could even introduce an advanced thermal management system to sustain more demanding processing. It’s pretty clear that Apple wants the iPad to look and function like a laptop at this point.

Meanwhile, the redesigned MacBook Pro will likely offer a slimmer shell and OLED touchscreen, bringing its form factor closer to an iPad Pro. That’s not to mention that Apple code has revealed in the past that the company is testing 5G-enabled MacBooks, so the overhauled model could potentially pack an in-house cellular modem, too.


A touchscreen MacBook is one step closer to making the iPad Pro irrelevant. | Foundry

So, in terms of hardware, we’re looking at two very similar machines. But hardware isn’t what sets the MacBook and iPad apart; it’s software. iPadOS 26 already introduced a ton of macOS features, including a proper cursor, a menu bar, traffic light buttons, background tasks, more flexible app windows, etc. The operating system now also runs certain desktop-class apps from Apple and third parties, such as pro media editors.

Nevertheless, it’s ultimately a mobile OS that doesn’t support sideloading apps, Mac-only software, terminal commands, extensive file management, and so on. On the other hand, the touchscreen MacBook Pro will reportedly offer a touch-tuned UI that dynamically adapts to user input. The OS will seemingly offer larger buttons when users tap on the display and revert to the classic look when opting for point-and-click input.

In this case, macOS 27 could effectively bridge the software gap between Macs and iPads by offering the best of both worlds: advanced desktop features and a simpler layout for touch controls.

The Neo is the new Air

With the MacBook Neo selling for $599 (or $499 from the education storefront), Apple is enticing students and youngsters to opt for a Mac instead of an iPad as their first school device. For the same price, they can either buy an 11-inch iPad Air or a MacBook Neo. For getting work done, the choice is obvious.


Kids who might have wanted an iPad Air will likely opt for a MacBook Neo now. | Foundry

If the touchscreen Pro is successful, it’s almost certain to expand to the Air and the Neo, making it even harder to justify buying an entry-level iPad. We’ve seen it before with the iPhone X, which started as a higher-end model alongside the iPhone 8, but quickly expanded to cheaper iPhones, such as the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, and eventually the cheapest iPhone 16e.

The same goes for the iPad mini, which is in danger of being eclipsed by the iPhone Fold. For one, iPadOS is increasingly gaining desktop-like features that make more sense on larger screens. And those who want a small book-like tablet will surely opt for an iPhone Fold instead, which is expected to cost roughly what you’d pay for a mini and an iPhone Pro.

A slow demise


It’s likely that the Mac will be around longer than the iPad. | Foundry

Of course, Apple isn’t just going to suddenly stop making iPads next year. While most of Apple’s revenue comes from iPhones, Services, wearables, and Macs, the iPad continues to dominate the tablet market, and it’s not going anywhere just yet. The touchscreen MacBook Pro launching later this year or in early 2027 is just another step. It took Apple some 15 years to retire the iPod following the original iPhone’s debut, and it will likely take a similar path here.

But the writing is on the wall. After more than 15 years, the iPad is finally facing some serious competition, not from third-party tablet makers but from Apple itself. And as we’ve seen before, that story never ends well.

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Dark Cherry leads the lineup with a classy, bold look.


Image: Foundry

It’s iPhone leaks season again. In just a couple of months, Apple is expected to unveil three new phones: the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, and a new foldable iPhone now rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. But as always, one of the most important questions for buyers will be, What colors will Apple release this time?

Like last year, Macworld has received information from a source familiar with Apple’s supply chain regarding the color options for the iPhone 18 lineup. We can now reveal an inside look at the colors Apple is planning to release in 2026, along with our own renders to show what to expect.

Dark Cherry is the hot new trend

Every year, Apple introduces a new signature color for the iPhone Pro models. With the iPhone 17 Pro, the color that stood out the most was the vibrant Cosmic Orange. What about this year’s models?

While other sources have previously reported on a “Dark Red” color, the information we’ve heard suggests that Apple has been working on a Dark Cherry option to serve as the headline new color for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Previously, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other leakers had suggested that Apple has been experimenting with a shade of red for this year’s phones, but we can reveal the hue will be much closer to wine than fruit punch.

While Dark Cherry color won’t be as bright and striking as Cosmic Orange in person, it will still be unique enough to distinguish it as the new iPhone 18 Pro. As always, Apple is expected to discontinue the current lineup of colors, including Cosmic Orange.


The iPhone 18 Pro could come in three all-new colors. Image: Foundry

Apple has also been reportedly experimenting with two other new color options for this year’s Pro lineup. One of them is Light Blue, which would resemble the current Mist Blue color of the base iPhone 17. The other color in development is a dark shade of gray. Finally, our source also reports on the existence of a silver variant of the iPhone 18 Pro, similar to the current generation.

Once again, our source notes that the colors are all in development, but since the iPhone 18 Pro hasn’t gone into mass production yet, Apple still has time to change them. Also, bear in mind that Apple doesn’t always offer four color options for the Pro models, so one of these hues could be dropped.

Last year, both Macworld and the reliable leaker Sonny Dickson reported that Apple had also considered launching the iPhone 17 Pro in black or steel gray. However, those color options never saw the light of day.

Here are the Pantone color codes our says are being used internally by Apple:

   • Light Blue (Pantone 2121)

   • Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076)

   • Dark Gray (Pantone 426C)

   • Silver (Pantone 427C)

We used these codes to generate the image above. Of course, colors may look a bit different in real life due to the material and lighting conditions.

A very familiar design with minor changes

Macworld’s sources also had access to the CAD drawings of the new iPhones. These documents support the rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will look very similar to their predecessors, with only minor changes.

Most notably, the renders show a smaller Dynamic Island on the screen, which has been rumored to be one of the changes for this year’s models. This means the display will have more screen space for content when the Dynamic Island isn’t showing Live Activities.


The Dynamic Island could be smaller on the iPhone 18 Pro. Image:Foundry

Another interesting change noted by our source is that, in one of the renders, the gap between the glass cutout on the back and the camera bump is a bit smaller. Our source was unable to verify whether this is an old render, or if Apple is moving forward with a design change.

Last year, a Weibo leaker known as Instant Digital reported that Apple would adopt a new process to minimize the color difference between the glass and the aluminum frame, so perhaps that change also involves reducing the gap between the glass and the camera bump at some point.

More neutral colors for the foldable iPhone

We’ve also received details about the color options for the rumored foldable iPhone. The device, which will reportedly look like an iPad mini when unfolded, won’t come in fun colors like the base iPhone and may have even fewer options than the iPhone Pro.

For the foldable iPhone, Apple has been working on a classic silver and white model, as well as an Indigo option similar to the iPhone 17 Pro’s Deep Blue.


The iPhone Fold will reportedly come in a dark Indigo option. Image:Foundry

The source also corroborates leaked CADs and renders showing the potential design of the foldable iPhone, which is expected to feature two rear cameras, a selfie camera on the outer display, and another selfie camera in the upper-left corner of the inner display. The schematics seen by our source reveal that the foldable iPhone will be just 4.7 millimeters thick when unfolded, making it significantly thinner than the 5.6mm iPhone Air.

The iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone are all expected to launch in September, while some analysts suggest that the foldable model will hit stores at a later date. The base model of the iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and a new Air have been rumored to arrive in the first half of 2027, which has also been confirmed by our source.

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The perks a WhatsApp Plus plan could bring include: changing themes, changing icons, pinning more than three chats, and custom ringtones.

Meta has confirmed that it is working on a new "WhatsApp Plus" premium subscription tier for its messaging app, which will include perks such as the ability to send premium stickers, change the app’s theme and icon, pin up to 20 chats, and access custom ringtones. Subscribers will also get access to an "Update/Upgrade List" for their contacts.

Speaking to TechCrunch, Meta said that WhatsApp Plus is currently running as a "small test to gather feedback and ensure we’re building something people find genuinely valuable". The company did not specify pricing for the subscription, but WABetaInfo says it could cost around €2.49 per month in Europe, with a one-month free trial offered to some users.

WhatsApp Plus is part of Meta's latest mission to introduce subscription tiers across its services. Apart from WhatsApp Plus, the company is currently testing "Instagram Plus" in select countries like Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. In Mexico, the service costs users roughly $2.20 USD per month.

Instagram Plus has several perks, including the ability to segment followers into multiple lists beyond just "Close Friends". Subscribers can also see exactly who has viewed their stories more than once. The plan gives users more control over their Stories, letting them preview a story before it goes live, extend its expiration from 24 to 48 hours, and even "spotlight" a story to push it to the top of their followers' feeds.

In other Meta news, CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly the subject of an internal project to build a photorealistic AI clone of himself. The company is training this digital "Zuckerbot" on his voice, tone, mannerisms, photos, public statements, and recent strategic thinking. The AI is being designed to hold real-time conversations, give advice, and help staff "feel more connected" to the founder.

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