Check out these killer Mac concepts 🤩

May 29, 2021

Mac concept makers are really strutting their stuff lately. This week we saw two eye-catching concepts that ring true. Get a glimpse of what the next-gen Mac Pro and MacBook Pro might look like in this week's top stories.

And don't miss our interview with one of the concept creators, who tells what he uses to make his realistic images.

If you want slightly less fanciful stuff, we've also got the latest Apple news, reviews and how-tos to keep you busy this long Memorial Day weekend.

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

A concept artist took the rumors about a Mac Pro with Apple Silicon and created a design that might really be what’s on the drawing board.

Plus, more concept magic:

A pro photog/developer accidentally discovers that the tablet's rear-facing camera can focus on objects very close to the lens. This allows the tablet to capture close-up images not possible with an iPhone.

The machine is expected to be offered as a more powerful alternative to the existing M1 Mac mini, which is already faster than most Intel-powered Apple computers.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

The new store in Rome is described by Apple as one of its “most significant restoration projects.”

You may not be surprised to learn there’s very little packed into the computer’s slender aluminum shell. But that doesn’t mean it’s not exciting.

How-tos

Sick of seeing App Store rating requests every time you start using a new app? You can block them completely on iPhone, iPad and Mac so that the pesky popups no longer appear.

Take advantage of the credit card's handy new family-oriented features.

If you’ve grown to love your MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar and all the tools and shortcuts it provides, you likely miss it when you have your machine hooked up to an external display. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Twitter is making it easier than ever for users to get their hands on an elusive blue badge. We'll show you how to apply for account verification from within the Twitter app for iPhone and iPad.

Deals

If you’re looking for a multi-device wireless charger for an affordable price, look no further. This can power up your iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and another device all at once. And it’s now available at a 20% discount.

Plus, more hardware deals:

For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription to the entire 12min Micro Books library at a massive discount off its usual price of $400. Burn through books in 12 minutes, either by reading or listening to 12min's smart synopses.

When it comes to professional-level editing software that’s easy to use, there’s only one option: Movavi.

Plus, more software deals:

When it comes to data science, software development and scripts, Python can do it all as a general-purpose coding language. It's an essential part of every programmer’s repertoire.

Reviews

The strongest rival for Apple’s new AirTag has better range, and is easier to attach. And that's not all.

The show about a family of environmentalist fugitives dives deeper into the unknown this week. Less and less about father Allie Fox feels like a certainty. And his family continues to be put to the test while they search for freedom.

It looks just like a bog-standard reflector at first glance, so would-be thieves will have no idea it’s even there. Sneaky!

This wireless adapter could be just what you need to connect your speakers to Apple Music’s upcoming high-quality lossless audio.

If you were born with butterfingers and you find it hard to grasp your iPhone, you need this little device. It sticks to the back of any smartphone to provide a secure grip -- and doubles as a stand.

This very protective case includes a removable keyboard that makes Apple's tablet even more productive.