Apple engineers exploring ways to improve the Apple Pencil got a patent for a stylus tip that can change its shape or stiffness. The goal might be to make a paintbrush for an iPad so digital painting feels more like the real thing.

It’s a concept the company has looked into for years.

In a major enhancement to Apple Music for Windows PCs, Apple rolled out support for Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio. This long-awaited feature brings the immersive audio experience that Apple users have enjoyed since 2021 to the Windows platform for the first time.

This setup is simple but effective. The MacBook Pro workstation user added a Dell display that brings the setup to a whole new level, with a spacious screen sporting 4K resolution visuals.

Vision Pro Guest mode is how you can share your Vision Pro with someone else. Because if you own one of Apple’s new AR/VR headsets, everyone you know is inevitably going to want to try it on. That’s where Vision Pro Guest Mode comes in.

With the release of visionOS 2.4 and iOS 18.4, setting up Guest Mode is much easier than before. The old way still works — but to make sharing your headset more seamless, you should follow the instructions below. There’s a little bit of setup, but then it should be smooth sailing.

This is how to set up a guest user on Vision Pro. Keep reading or watch our video.

When building a new PC or upgrading your current system, the cost of Windows can be a significant part of your budget — but a Windows 11 Pro key can help. While Microsoft officially sells Windows 11 Home for $139 and Windows 11 Pro for $199, there are several legitimate ways to obtain Windows for less. And in fact, you might even be able to get one for free.

Here’s how to save money on Microsoft software without compromising on functionality, including shopping with our favorite third-party discount seller, CdkeySales.com, which often offers Windows 11 CD keys on sale.

President Donald Trump’s newly announced 54% tariff on Chinese imports sent shock waves through the tech industry, with Apple potentially facing billions in additional costs. This raises an urgent question for consumers: Should you rush to buy that new iPhone or MacBook before prices skyrocket?

You might want to accelerate the timing of that upgrade you had in the back of your mind. But those who aren’t desperate to upgrade might benefit from playing the waiting game. See the ins and outs below.

April 4, 1975: Microsoft is founded by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The software company destined to become a tech behemoth — and a major Apple frenemy.

A few years later, Microsoft will break through to the mainstream with Excel and Word, becoming a key developer of Macintosh software. Then comes the Windows operating system, looking suspiciously Apple-like. After Windows arrives, Microsoft and Apple will embark upon a long-running feud.

Expanding its commitment to American manufacturing, Apple plans to establish the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit in summer 2025. It comes in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), the school said Thursday. And offering in-person and virtual training, it will work with small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide.

“The Apple Manufacturing Academy will train businesses across America to implement smart manufacturing techniques that are creating opportunity and shaping the future of technology,” said Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations.

“Apple is proud to work with suppliers in all 50 states — and starting this summer, we’re excited to work with Michigan State University to expand American manufacturing leadership and help even more companies innovate and grow,” he added.

Apple TV+ controlled 8% of the U.S. streaming market in the first quarter of the year, according to market analysts. That’s the same share it had a year ago, showing Apple’s recent difficulties outcompeting its rivals.

One might think that three months of new episodes of the mega hit Severance would have pushed up the Apple TV+ share of the market, but it got only a small bump over the previous quarter.

Still, that doesn’t mean the number of subscribers to Apple’s video service isn’t growing. While its share of the market is fairly static, the size of the whole streaming market keeps increasing.

Apple Arcade subscribers got a treat April 3 as the gaming service adds six fun new titles to its growing catalog of more than 200 ad-free games. So look out for some updated icons: RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic+, Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE and Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve.

Update: The fresh games are now ready to play on Apple Arcade.

Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few helpful tricks Siri can do — besides setting timers and sending texts. Granted, there’s a lot of things Siri can’t do, especially with the recent news that the smarter, more capable Siri promised with Apple Intelligence and the total LLM-powered overhaul are both significantly delayed.

Nonetheless, after many hours of research, I have come across six neat things you can ask Siri you might find surprising or handy. Keep reading our list or watch our video.

April 3, 2010: The first iPad hits store shelves after months of anticipation. The tablet Apple CEO Steve Jobs called “magical and revolutionary” at its unveiling earlier in the year quickly becomes a major success.

Following years of rumors, Jobs initially showed off Apple’s first tablet on January 27, 2010. But the wait for the iPad is finally over … at least for people in the United States. (The iPad’s international debut won’t happen until May.)

Apple pushed iOS 18.5 beta 1 to developers within days of iOS 18.4‘s public release. While the latter packed several notable new features, the first iOS 18.5 beta sports relatively few changes.

Below are all the changes we have discovered in iOS 18.5 beta 1 so far.

President Donald Trump’s new import tariffs will hit Apple hard. The president slapped all major manufacturing countries that Apple operates in with heavy import tariffs Wednesday in a bid to reshape international trade.

“It’s our declaration of economic independence,” Trump said during a speech at the White House announcing the tariffs. “Today we are standing up for the American worker and we are finally putting America first.”

This move undermines Apple’s efforts in recent years to diversify its supply chain away from China. The White House says the reciprocal tariffs will go into effect on April 9.

Apple once again released an AirPods Max firmware update that adds support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio to the USB-C headphones.

Apple originally said it would release the free update on Monday, but it didn’t actually become available until late Wednesday.

You can easily change the default browser on your iPhone if you prefer to use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge or any other alternative. Maybe you use a PC at home and want your bookmarks, history and passwords to sync to your iPhone. Or maybe you simply prefer something other than Apple’s Safari browser.

Whichever browser you set as your iPhone’s default will open when you tap on a link from Messages or Mail, get AirDropped a URL, scan a QR code, search the web with Siri and perform other tasks. This doesn’t mean Safari will be deleted, however. Apple’s stock app will remain installed on your iPhone if case you decide to switch back (which is super-easy).

Here’s how to change the default browser on your iPhone — and transfer your bookmarks and data, too. Keep reading or watch our quick video.

With the big Refresh sale in full swing with Logitech peripherals deals, now’s the time to jazz up your workstation with an array of great gear. After all, a setup is never really done, is it? The Swiss peripherals giant is moving keyboards, mice, webcams, headsets, earbuds, USB microphones and more at great prices in the big sale. You can score up to around 30% off on some items. And surprisingly, one sale item gets reduced by $125, a staggering 56% off. See below.

April 2, 1980: Microsoft releases its first hardware product, the Z-80 SoftCard. A microprocessor card that plugs into the Apple II, it allows the computer to run programs designed for the CP/M operating system, a popular OS for business software.

Arriving several years before the first version of Windows, the Z-80 SoftCard quickly becomes a big hit for Microsoft.

Hooray for (super-) simple solutions. Today’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air user runs both laptops with Studio Display. But how does he switch between them? Sure, he could employ cabling and software fixes to run both at once, but in this case simple hardware in the form of a dual vertical laptop stand comes to the rescue.

Billing it as “the world’s first truly portable network attached storage (NAS) device,” StationPC launched PocketCloud NAS on Kickstarter this week. The compact device blew through its crowdfunding goal with more than 40 days still to go, virtually assuring it will go into production, according to a StationPC representative.

So PocketCloud, available at a steep discount to early buyers, offers Apple enthusiasts a way to manage their growing media libraries and important files without relying solely on iCloud or external hard drives.

“PocketCloud revolutionizes portable data management with a sleek, compact design that eliminates the complexities of traditional NAS systems,” StationPC said. “Its modular backup system ensures secure on-the-go storage and seamless synchronization when docked. With intuitive controls, robust durability, and high-speed transfers up to 800 MB/s, it’s ideal for photographers, content creators, and everyday users.”

Even if you’re a savvy digital citizen, your MacBook, iPhone and iPad could probably use an extra layer of security. Why? Because hackers and antiviruses become more sophisticated every day. Instead of relying solely on your Apple devices’ built-in protection, take things up a notch with a comprehensive security solution: McAfee Total Protection.

An all-in-one antivirus, text scam blocker, VPN, identity monitor and more, McAfee Total Protection provides you and your devices extra peace of mind when you’re browsing, streaming or gaming. This security solution has won numerous awards for its complete digital protection measures. And now, Cult of Mac readers can grab a two-year subscription covering up to five devices for less than $20 (regularly $149).

Apple’s smart glasses are years from launch. But Meta plans to roll out a more sophisticated version of its popular Ray-Ban Meta glasses later this year.

It will reportedly support hand gestures and feature a screen to display pictures and apps.

Visa reportedly wants to take over Mastercard’s partnership on the Apple Card. The company has allegedly offered Apple $100 million to make it happen.

Apple ended its partnership with Goldman Sachs over the Apple Card. It currently seeks a new banking partner and card issuer.

Apple Watch users can now install watchOS 11.4, an update that improves wake-up alarms and makes a few other tweaks.

Apple announced on Monday that the update was available, but didn’t actually release it until Tuesday.

Popular iOS game emulator Delta released version 1.7, bringing live online multiplayer functionality to Nintendo DS games, the app said Thursday. Delta emulator with online multiplayer makes for a significant development for retro mobile gaming enthusiasts. Anyone who loves playing classic titles like Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown and Mario Kart should be delighted.