Apple’s battery replacement prices are going up by $20 to $50

For the MacBook (the 12-inch computer introduced in 2015, though Apple’s site only lists battery service options for the 2016 and 2017 models) and MacBook Pros, the $199 replacements will be going up by $50, to $249.
For iPhones, it’s simple — Apple’s site says “the out-of-warranty battery service fee will be increased by $20 for all iPhone models prior to iPhone 14.”

Apple releases iOS 16.2 with always-on display changes and tighter security

Apple is finishing 2022 by releasing major software updates for its devices. The upgrades are headlined by iOS 16.2, which should be particularly useful for the security-conscious. The new version adds an Advanced Data Protection option that brings end-to-end encryption to more of your iCloud data, including device backups, Messages content, notes and photos. And like it or not, Apple is limiting AirDrop sharing — you’ll now have 10 minutes to swap files with "everyone" before the feature reverts to contacts-only. The restriction first arrived in China, allegedly in a bid to appease officials trying to stymie protests, but may be useful if you’re worried someone might push unwanted content to your device.
This is also a particularly important update if you’re an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max owner. You can now hide your wallpaper and notifications when the 14 Pro’s always-on display kicks in. Yes, that makes it behave more like some Android phones, but it could also reduce distractions (some say it still looks like the phone is awake with the wallpaper on) and bolster privacy. Live Activities are now available for MLB, NBA and Premier League games on all iPhones courtesy of the TV app, although you’ll need one of the 14 Pro models to see them on your home screen through the Dynamic Island.
Other improvements largely focus on new apps and expected revisions. The long-promised Freeform digital whiteboard app is finally here, offering a visual collaboration tool for brainstorming sessions and meetings. Apple Music’s karaoke mode is now available and the Weather app now includes a news section. If you use your iPhone to control a smart household, you’ll be glad to know that Apple has given the Home app with a new architecture that promises to be faster and more reliable. This may be helpful now that Matter devices are ready (Apple added Matter support in iOS 16.1).
The company has simultaneously released iPadOS 16.2 and macOS Ventura 13.1. Not surprisingly, these bring cross-platform feature additions like Advanced Data Protection, Freeform and the revised Home app. WatchOS 9.2, meanwhile, adds the Home update as a workout for cyclists and runners wanting to improve their performance on a previously-completed route. These updates won’t offer as many conspicuous changes as on the iPhone, but they should still be worthwhile if you’re immersed in Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple’s 512GB Mac mini M1 drops to a record low of $750

This might be your best opportunity yet to get a modern Mac desktop below sticker price while still having enough storage for everyday use. Amazon is selling the Mac mini M1 with a 512GB SSD at a record low of $750. That’s well under the official $899, and enough of a savings that you’ll have plenty of money for peripherals. Just note that it might arrive after Christmas if you’re buying it as a gift.

This Mac mini is still a capable desktop. It’s speedy for daily use and media editing tasks, and it should remain quiet even under more demanding workloads. It’s also the most practical desktop Mac if you either want to use your own monitor or have USB-A devices you aren’t ready to give up. Apple first pitched the Mac mini as an ideal gateway computer for newcomers to the platform, and that’s arguably true even today — you can bring your own peripherals and get started with little trouble.
There’s no denying that the Mac mini M1’s two-year-old design has its limitations. It won’t be as fast as newer computers, including Apple’s own Mac Studio, and the 8GB of RAM in this configuration isn’t ideal for heavy-duty use. You may also want to consider the iMac M1 if you like the simplicity of an all-in-one. At this price, though, it’s easier to justify over more recent Mac desktops if you either have your own peripherals or want some flexibility in your setup.
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Here’s everything Apple announced at WWDC 2022

Apple packed a lot into its annual developer’s conference keynote. On the WWDC stage, company execs touted the latest improvements coming to iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 in the fall, plus forthcoming enhancements to macOS, watchOS and others. Apple also announced new hardware at the keynote this year: a new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro powered by the new M2 processor. Here are the biggest announcement to come out of WWDC 2022.

Apple’s latest iMovie update adds new features to help you create videos more quickly

Written by Jay Peters From The Verge Original Article: https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/12/23022253/apple-imovie-3-0-update-storyboards-templates-magic-movie iMovie 3.0 is available now for iPhone and iPad. | Image: Apple Apple’s new iMovie 3.0 update for iPhone and iPad has a major new Storyboards feature that’s designed to make it easier to create videos in the app with pre-built templates. The app will […]

DuckDuckGo’s privacy-centric browser arrives on Mac

Some other perks include a built-in password manager (that DuckDuckGo says it’s working on bringing to the mobile app), the ability to import passwords, history, and bookmarks from other browsers, as well as its Smarter Encryption tool that directs you to sites that use encrypted HTTPS connections more often.
DuckDuckGo says it will clear them on 50 percent of sites, while automatically selecting the option that blocks or minimizes the cookies that track you.