Claude hits #1 on the App Store as users rally behind Anthropic’s government standoff — 9to5Mac

While the long-term consequences of this disagreement are unclear, Anthropic appears to be winning in mindshare, at least for now, in terms of app downloads among iPhone users.

If Anthropic was a publicly traded company ten times their current valuation, would they still stand out against the US government? Asking for a fictional friend at Apple.

Apple Reportedly Expects ‘Major Rush’ of Customers This Week:

The new product likely to receive the most interest is the rumored lower-cost MacBook, which is described as an “incredible value” within Apple, according to the newsletter. Apple believes that a more affordable MacBook will help to “drive a serious number of switchers from Windows machines and Chromebooks,” wrote Gurman.

Somehow, I think that if the price is really competitive, Apple’s bet is that services will subsidize this entry-level MacBook price.

Apple believes low-cost MacBook will be an ‘incredible value,’ tempting switchers: report — 9to5Mac

Internally, the low-end MacBook is being described as an “incredible value,” with Apple believing the launch is going to drive a serious number of switchers from Windows machines and Chromebooks. It could even compel iPhone users without computers to buy their first Mac.

I’m trying to convince my wife to buy one as she finds the iPad to be lacking for certain tasks. I suggested that we buy one of those new entry-level MacBook to try it out without much obligation as we can return the thing in less than 14 days.

Why Objective-C:

Anyone new to Objective-C thinks it’s difficult and maybe a bit harsh because [[those squareBrackets] lookInsane:YES].

Once you get past that, which takes a day or two given a good-faith effort, you’ll realize how small a language it is, how easy to hold in your palm and turn around and understand all sides of it. And you’ll appreciate how easy it is to make good decisions when you don’t have a surplus of language features to choose from.

I had many great moments writing in Objective-C (2009-2013) while experimenting with iPhone app development. As someone who learned a bit of C++ in university computer science courses, I thought Objective-C was indeed more approachable. When I peek at Swift code these days, my thinking goes like this: “I’m too old for this shit!”

Samsung Launches Galaxy S26 Ultra With Built-In Privacy Display and New AI Features — MacRumors

New to the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a built-in “Privacy Display” that makes it harder to view what’s on the screen when looking at the phone from a side angle. It’s clear when looking at it head on, but someone sitting next to you will have a hard time seeing your phone’s display. Privacy Display works at the pixel level, controlling how pixels disperse light. It can be set to activate only for certain apps or situations like entering a PIN, and there are partial and maximum privacy options.

I want Apple to copy this. So clever and quite useful for someone like me who commutes on public transport.

I like this image for a few reasons. First, it feels a bit like the early nineties, with some mid-century design elements. But this PowerBook Duo station on the integrated desk reminds me of when I was working at an Apple Dealer; I could use a PowerBook Duo in this exact configuration. It was a great and novel product at the time.

The recent rumors about Apple incorporating touch support into macOS for the M6 MacBook Pro, expected around fall 2026, seem a bit odd. I’m somewhat skeptical about Apple’s abilities lately, particularly after the Liquid Glass reveal. Incorporating an adaptive touch mode on the Mac feels unusual to me. In recent years, Apple made so many changes to macOS to make it look more like iPadOS. I wonder why it needs to add adaptive UI on top of that. And, introducing an M6 MacBook Pro less than 12 months after introducing new M5 models also feels strange.