HomePass is an app that lets users easily store and manage all the setup codes for their HomeKit accessories. Since its introduction in 2018, the app has been updated multiple times with new features. Now with its latest update, HomePass for HomeKit also lets users store Matter accessory setup codes.

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SmartGym for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch had a big year in 2022 with some impressive updates and even won an Apple Editors’ Choice Award. Out today with its first major update for 2023, Smart Gym now has redesigned routines and exercises, a new Monthly Summary, a new Monthly widget, new App Shortcuts, “Up Next” on the main screen, and more.

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Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac just got better with the addition of Projects. Learn more and get started today.

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The post 9to5Mac Daily: January 19, 2023 – New HomePod 2, iOS 16.3 details appeared first on 9to5Mac.

All of today’s best deals are ripe for the picking this Thursday, with a rare price cut on Apple’s latest Magic Keyboard arriving with Touch ID in tow at $140. That’s alongside the colorful Anker Nano Pro 20W USB-C charger which is even more popular now that it’s on sale for $13 to join this 25% off sidewide sale from Zagg on all things MagSafe, iPhone accessories, and Apple must-haves. Hit the jump for all of the best deals and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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The post Deals: Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID hits $140, iPhone accessories from Anker and Zagg, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple is facing a third class action privacy lawsuit, after the company was found to be collecting analytics data from iPhone users even after they refused permission.

Apple insists that all developers ask permission to collect analytics data, but security researcher Tommy Mysk discovered last year that the company wasn’t playing by its own rules …

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The post Class action privacy lawsuit #3 for Apple over iPhone data collection appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Kicking off the calendar year with its first big update, popular iOS app for kids Pok Pok Playroom has received new content to learn about and celebrate the Lunar New Year.

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The post Pok Pok Playroom award-winning iOS app for kids gets Lunar New Year update appeared first on 9to5Mac.

On this day, in 1983, Apple Computer introduced the Lisa. One of the first personal computers to implement two new leading-edge ideas – a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and a mouse. But its ill-fated $10,000 price tag doomed it from the start.

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The post On this day in history: Before the Macintosh, Apple Computer introduced the ill-fated Lisa appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Yesterday’s (re)launch of the new HomePod was a pleasant surprise, but for those in the UK it was accompanied by a less-pleasant one: the UK price of the HomePod mini has risen by a tenner. And that wasn’t all …

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The post UK price of the HomePod mini quietly increased as new HomePod launched appeared first on 9to5Mac.

A web developer has created a Siri GPT-3 mashup that is intended to demonstrate the potential for a truly smart voice assistant.

The AI system was able to make sense of conversational speech – including some in which the required action was implied rather than directly stated …

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The post Siri GPT-3 combo aims to create a truly smart voice assistant [Video] appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple still manages the occasional surprise, and yesterday was an interesting example. Almost two years after discontinuing the original HomePod, Apple launched a new HomePod.

Or, rather, it basically re-released the original HomePod, at the same price the company was last charging for the discontinued model …

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The post The new HomePod is basically the old HomePod – with new hope appeared first on 9to5Mac.

We didn’t have long to wait for 2023 Mac mini Geekbench scores, for both M2 and M2 Pro variants. As you’d expect, they show pretty dramatic performance gains over the M1 model launched back in November of 2020.

The base model M2 machine gets a relatively modest bump in the single-core test, but a much larger one for multi-core …

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Multiple users of the popular cloud file platform Dropbox have been complaining about a new bug that causes AirDrop to no longer work for Dropbox files on macOS Ventura. The complaints follow the release of a new update to the Dropbox app for Mac that enables support for macOS Monterey 12.5 and later.

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Apple TV+ today presented at the winter Television Critics Association press tour, unveiling much of its spring content slate with first looks at a dozen new original series. The service also finally confirmed that the third season of its hit comedy Ted Lasso will premiere in the ‘spring’.

New shows featured include Shrinking, The Reluctant Traveller, Hello Tomorrow, The Big Door Prize, and dramas Dear Edward, City on Fire, The Last Thing He Told Me, and Extrapolations.

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Nomad is out today with a clean and minimal design to protect your AirPods Pro 2. The Modern Leather Case features a lanyard and speaker cutout, LED light pipe, and more in your choice of Nomad’s full grain or Horween leather.

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The post Nomad’s new Modern Leather Case for AirPods Pro 2 dresses up the look without covering speaker and lanyard appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple may have just introduced a new HomePod today, but more is still in the works. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is working on a “slate of devices” for the smart home, including new displays and a faster Apple TV set-top box. One of these products is “essentially a low-end iPad” meant to control HomeKit and handle FaceTime calls.

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The post Bloomberg: Apple developing ‘iPad-based’ HomeKit smart display and combo HomePod + Apple TV with camera appeared first on 9to5Mac.

So what happened was… kind of unbelievable. Siri on an Apple Watch called emergency services from a gym in Australia, prompting 15 armed police officers to show up expecting an active shooter.

What has to be the most unlikely set of circumstances for a false alarm happened in Australia on Tuesday.

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As one of its final releases of the year, Satechi in December released its new Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand. This unique offering delivers a complete charging station for your Apple kit in a design that can fit right in the palm of your hand, while also delivering a premium metal build. But is the final package premium enough to warrant the $100 price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is on the case.

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The post Tested: Satechi’s new Duo Wireless Stand pairs premium form with versatile charging function appeared first on 9to5Mac.

In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the original vs HomePod mini too.

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The post Here’s how HomePod 2 compares to the original and HomePod mini appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Following the release of iOS 16.3 RC to developers and public beta users earlier today, Apple is now rolling out a firmware update for the second and third generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Today’s updates follow firmware updates that were released for the AirPods family in November 2022.

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The post Apple now rolling out firmware update for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple this week introduced a new generation of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is now powered by the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. In addition to the hardware improvements, these machines come with new wallpapers – and you can download them right now here without having to buy a new 2023 MacBook Pro.

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The post Download the new 2023 MacBook Pro wallpapers right here appeared first on 9to5Mac.

For the first four versions, Apple Watch couldn’t always display the time like a basic watch could. That’s been solved since the Apple Watch Series 5, and now there’s even an that can tell time when turned off.

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The post Apple Watch Ultra never really turns off appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Have you ever walked to your Tesla and forgotten your phone & keycard? Have you ever just wanted to take your Tesla around the corner quickly without needing your iPhone? Well, now you can fully control your Tesla with the new Watch App for Tesla – no key fob, keycard, or iPhone is needed.

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The post Hands-on: This app lets you fully control your Tesla from your Apple Watch appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple may have announced a second-generation full-size HomePod today, but it’s not abandoning the original model just yet. The company has released the final beta of HomePod software version 16.3, and it includes a handful of changes for the HomePod mini, the original HomePod, and even optimizations for the HomePod 2.

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The post HomePod software 16.3 adds updated volume controls for original HomePod, new Siri features, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

All users can now enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection, an opt-in feature to get end-to-end encryption for almost all data stored in iCloud, including messages, photos, and device backups.

The feature is activatable once users upgrade to iOS 16.3, currently in developer beta, with a public release of the new software update expected to arrive next week.

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Apple on Wednesday confirmed that iOS 16.3 and other software updates will become available to the public next week. Ahead of this, the company has just released RC (Release Candidate) builds to developers and public beta users.

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The post Apple releases iOS 16.3 RC to developers ahead of public release next week appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac just got better with the addition of Projects. Learn more and get started today.

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The post 9to5Mac Daily: January 18, 2023 – Apple Headset rumors, Twitter API changes appeared first on 9to5Mac.

iOS 16.3 is set to be released next week, according to Apple. This update first entered beta testing in December and includes a handful of changes and features, though it’s a minor update in comparison to other updates from Apple over the last few months.

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The post iOS 16.3 coming next week with these new features for iPhone appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple’s App Store provides great benefits for IT teams. First and foremost, it provides a centralized location where users can find many apps available for Apple devices, making it easy for IT teams to find and deploy the apps they need. 

The App Store also helps IT teams simplify the distribution of apps to specific users, especially when the IT teams leverage the powerful combination of an Apple-specific mobile device management (MDM) solution with the App Store’s Volume Purchase Program. 

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The post How businesses can (and should) manage apps on Apple devices appeared first on 9to5Mac.

We’ve made it halfway through another work week, and with Wednesday now underway we’re checking out three notable Apple offers. First up, Apple Watch Series 8 all-time lows return with $50 discounts attached to pair with this offer on Apple’s MagSafe charger at $30. But the real highlight is on Apple’s new M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, which come bundled with a $100 gift card when you pre-order. Hit the jump for all of the best deals and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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The post Apple Watch Series 8 $50 off in Wednesday’s best deals, M2 Pro MacBook Pro pre-orders, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

One of the features of the new full-size HomePod is an integrated temperature and humidity sensor. As it turns out, this feature is also rolling out soon to HomePod mini users as well, with Apple activating a sensor that was sitting dormant inside the smart speaker. A future software update will also add support for the Sound Recognition feature…

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The post HomePod mini software update will activate hidden sensor and Sound Recognition feature appeared first on 9to5Mac.

The 27-inch iMac used to be one of the most popular models in Apple’s line-up, and a lot of people still view them with great affection even today. If you wanted a Mac but didn’t need portability, the machine combined all-in-one simplicity with a beautiful design and a great screen in a decent size.

But the iMac Pro was quietly discontinued in March 2021, with the non-Pro model suffering the same fate a year later. Not everyone was happy about this, and reports of a new iMac Pro persist, but I’m honestly not sure there’s a role for either Pro or non-Pro versions any longer …

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The post A 27-inch iMac is redundant, especially with the new M2 Mac mini appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple launched a new full-size HomePod today, two years after the original model was discontinued and not replaced. If you’re planning to buy a new HomePod, there’s one thing to keep in mind: creating a stereo pair requires two of the same HomePod models. Here’s what that means.

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The post PSA: HomePod stereo pairs won’t work between first and second-gen speakers appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple is continuing its trend of releasing special-edition Apple Watch and iPhone content and products for Black History Month in February. Today, Apple has officially announced a new Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a matching watch face and iPhone wallpaper, plus Apple Maps Guides, TV/film and Podcasts collections, and more.

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The post Apple celebrates Black History Month with special-edition Apple Watch Sport Loop, new watch face, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple has announced the second-generation HomePod, a successor to the full-size model that was discontinued without a clear replacement two years ago. The new HomePod has a $299 starting price, improved smart home features, temperature and humidity sensors, and more. The new HomePod is available to order today and will begin arriving on February 3.

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The post Apple unveils new full-size HomePod with refined design, new color, $299 price, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Heat was added to the Spotify vs. Apple battle today, when seven other companies and organizations co-signed a letter calling for “swift and decisive” regulatory action to be taken against the Cupertino company.

Spotify told the European Commission that it has been almost four years since the company filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, and accused the commission’s executive VP and former competition regulator of “failing to act decisively” …

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The post Spotify vs. Apple battle heats up, with call for ‘swift and decisive’ regulatory action appeared first on 9to5Mac.

The competition regulator in Russia has fined Apple $17M, after an antitrust investigation concluded that the company broke the law by not allowing app developers to link to payment options outside of the App Store.

The size of the fine is based on the company’s App Store turnover within the country, which is currently lower than usual due to Apple’s compliance with financial sanctions against Russia …

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The post Russia has fined Apple $17M in latest antitrust action; size of fine limited by sanctions appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple’s relationship with China has been described as “untenable,” as the company faces criticism from senators on both sides of the political aisle. But unraveling that relationship will take more than 20 years, according to one former Apple engineer tasked with finding ways to automate production.

There is some good news today, as more than a dozen key Apple suppliers were granted permission to expand their work in India, but ironically this only served to underline the company’s dependence on China …

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The post Apple’s relationship with China ‘untenable’ but will take 20 years to unravel appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple is yet to announce its first mixed reality headset, but we’ve already heard plenty of rumors about the company’s long-term plans when it comes to this new product. The Information, which has been providing multiple details about Apple’s new AR/VR headset, reported on Tuesday that Apple’s engineers are already working on a more affordable version of the new device.

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The post Apple reportedly developing cheaper mixed-reality headset, postpones AR glasses appeared first on 9to5Mac.

After leaving Apple, Matt Rogers founded Nest with Tony Fadell and stayed at Google for several years following the acquisition. Mill is a new company from Rogers that offers a “kitchen bin” with a monthly subscription that can “de-stink your kitchen, stop wasting food, and make a positive impact.”

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The post Mill is a $33/mo trash bin by a Nest cofounder that reduces food waste appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple on Tuesday unveiled the new generation of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is now powered by the faster M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. In addition, the new laptops also feature Wi-Fi 6E for the first time on a Mac. But, unsurprisingly, some apps will need an update to fully support the new Wi-Fi technology.

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The post PSA: Some macOS apps will require an update to fully support Wi-Fi 6E on new Macs appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple’s latest MacBook Pro laptops are powered by the new M2 Pro and M2 Max custom silicon. Along with a more powerful CPU and GPU, the MacBook Pro machines support up to 96GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6E, 8K output via HDMI, and more. Read on for our in-depth M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pro comparison for how everything stacks up against its predecessor.

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The post MacBook Pro comparison: How the new M2 Pro/Max improves over the M1 versions appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple officially unveiled its new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips today, debuting first in new MacBook Pro and Mac mini updates. These new chips mark the expansion of the M2 chip to Apple’s higher-end Macs for the first time, but just how much of a performance boost should you expect? Here’s what Apple says.

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The post M2 Pro and M2 Max chips: Here’s how much faster Apple says they are appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple’s new M2 Mac mini is a good value for a desktop computer.

$500 gives students and educators access to Apple’s best consumer processor performance and a desktop operating system. That’s vastly more affordable than $1300 iMac even after you consider the cost of a mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

But it’s not 1995 anymore. Students use laptops, not desktops. Apple hasn’t had its M2 Mac mini moment with MacBooks, and I think the iPad is the reason.

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The post Where is the Mac mini of MacBooks? appeared first on 9to5Mac.

FoodNoms, a nutrition tracking app we’ve covered a few times here at 9to5Mac, is getting a big update. FoodNoms 2 is rolling out today with a number of new features, including a new design, robust syncing with the Apple Health app, and much more. “FoodNoms 2 is the biggest update to FoodNoms yet,” developer Ryan Ashcraft says.

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The post FoodNoms nutrition tracker for iPhone revamped with new design, Apple Health syncing, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple Store employee efforts to unionize have been growing and along with that, Apple has been accused of illegal union-busting tactics. Now after pressure from a coalition of investors, Apple has shared that it will undergo a third-party audit to check if it is complying with its human rights policies.

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The post Apple agrees to third-party audit of labor practices amid union-busting charges appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple has scheduled three new Apple Watch Activity Challenges that will begin next week and run through the end of February. These challenges require you meet certain fitness goals using your Apple Watch. This time, Apple is celebrating Heart Month, Lunar New Year, and Black HIstory Month.

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The post Apple kicking off new round of Apple Watch Activity Challenges next week appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Both users and developers of Twitter’s third-party clients were surprised last week when many popular apps like Tweetbot stopped working out of the blue. Since then, not even Twitter or its new owner Elon Musk (who likes to talk a lot on the social network) have addressed this issue. Today, Twitter continues to disrespect developers, this time with a weak explanation of what’s going on with its API.

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The post Twitter continues to disrespect developers with weak explanation on third-party clients not working appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac just got better with the addition of Projects. Learn more and get started today.

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The post 9to5Mac Daily: January 17, 2023 – New MacBook Pro and Mac mini unveiled appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple on Tuesday updated the Mac mini with the M2 chip, and also introduced another version with the new, more powerful M2 Pro chip. However, despite the new chips, the Mac mini still has the same design introduced a decade ago. And according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Mac mini won’t be getting a new design anytime soon.

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The post Kuo: Mac mini unlikely to get new design anytime soon; 3nm M3 Pro and Max chips expected next year appeared first on 9to5Mac.

All of Tuesday’s best offers are now up for the taking, with the best value in Apple’s current Mac stable arriving thanks to a $199 discount on the oh-so popular M1 MacBook Air. That’s alongside a rare chance to save on iPad Air 5 at $500, which is finally on sale after seeing stock shortages throughout the holiday season. Then go check out these Belkin MagSafe charging stands and other Apple accessories at 15% off. Hit the jump for all of the best deals and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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The post Deals: M1 MacBook Air $199 off, iPad Air 5 $500, Belkin MagSafe gear 15% off, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.