An iPad retrieved from the River Thames in London — after sitting underwater and lodged in mud for more than five years — became the crucial piece of evidence that helped police solve a complex international criminal network. The crime ring involved museum heists, luxury robberies and an attempted murder, according to a new report. No big surprise that iPad evidence helps convict criminals — except under these extreme conditions.

The extraordinary case highlights the remarkable resilience of Apple’s iPad technology. It maintained crucial evidence integrity even after years of submersion. The case also demonstrates how digital devices can become key pieces of evidence in solving complex criminal investigations. And that’s even when criminals believe they have successfully disposed of incriminating technology.

Twelve South just launched AirFly Pro 2, which improves on what was already a brilliant AirPods enhancer. Plug it into audio sources that don’t have Bluetooth — like an airliner’s in-seat entertainment system — and you (and a friend!) can listen to them with your AirPods. Alternately, plug it into the AUX port on a car stereo and play music from your iPhone over a wireless connection.

The new version of the Bluetooth audio adapter offers better sound and new controls.

I tested out AirFly Pro 2 with my AirPods, iPhone and other gear. Here’s what I found.

The European Commission issued “guidance” Tuesday on changes it says Apple must make to comply with the interoperability requirements of the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The new mandates would open up the iPhone to work more closely with third-party smartwatches, headphones and TVs.

Apple says the new rules will undercut user privacy and slow innovation, and vows to make its case to the EU. It remains to be seen whether the changes will take effect only in Europe or globally.

Today’s M4 Mac mini setup jumped out at me not because of the powerful little desktop or the gorgeous-but-distracting display wallpaper, but because of all you can see riding on top of the monitor. It features a typical monitor light bar with a pronounced webcam riding on top. But look to the corners and notice something I’ve never seen: two separate LED light panels — Ulanzi lights — mounted there to make the user look better on video calls.

The new Big Time podcast, a fresh take on true crime with captivating stories of audacious dreamers and rule-benders hosted by actor Steve Buscemi, premieres March 24, Apple TV+ said Tuesday.

“I think a lot of people, myself included, are fascinated by folks who look at the rules and think, ‘No, I’ve got a better idea,'” Buscemi said. “Big Time isn’t just true crime — it’s a carnival of chaos, and I’m excited for listeners to tune in.”

The 2025 MacBook Air with Apple’s M4 processor comes as close as you can get to a perfect computer for just about everyone. As I found during testing for this review, Apple crammed tons of power into a svelte, lightweight design. And this combination has never been more affordable.

This latest MacBook Air might look familiar on the outside. But when you get to work, you’ll quickly discover that the M4 is a totally different beast. M3 to M4 is the biggest leap in performance since Apple’s original switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon.

I put the latest MacBook Air through its paces for this hands-on review — read what I learned below or watch our video.

Two lifelong friends have a good thing going, posing as DEA agents and ripping off small-time drug dealers in Philadelphia — until they shake down the wrong house, according to the Dope Thief trailer Apple TV+ dropped recently. Then they and everyone they care about are marked for death.

Clocking in at nearly three minutes, the trailer looks gritty and great, though maybe a little too relentless with the violence. If you’re a fan of intense crime dramas with high stakes, Dope Thief brings the heat. And if you’re looking for something equally thrilling, check out this dope snow crime series review on Cult of Mac. The new eight-episode crime series from Academy Award nominee Ridley Scott debuts Friday, March 14, on Apple TV+.

Update: The first two episode of Dope Thief started streaming Friday. Ridley Scott directs the first one. Reviews so far seems good-to-stellar. Esquire called it TV’s “next great crime thriller.” And surprisingly, a review in The Guardian said it’s like Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets Breaking Bad. In other words, not just grit, but humor.

Don’t underestimate the basic iPad. As I learned while testing the iPad 11 for this review, the newly updated tablet with an Apple A16 processor is an almost shockingly good computer when one considers it costs only $349.

I put Apple’s latest low-cost tablet to the test and came away reminded that one doesn’t need an iPad Pro to be productive. Or have fun.

The classic Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light just made its way to iPhone, iPad and Android. It’s an action-puzzler that’s been around for 15 years on other platforms because it’s so much fun to play.

Is the new port to mobile devices worth your time and a bit of cash? Read on.

The Gorge is the most popular film on streaming for a second week, according to a ratings tracker. The romantic action thriller from Apple TV+ stars Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver… plus a lot of monsters.

And Severance held onto a large audience of innies and outies, just as it has since early January.