02-20-26 -

Dialed Game Tests Your Color Memory
Think you can accurately recall colors? Dialed, a simple browser game, reveals just how unreliable human color memory really is. It offers easy and hard modes, as well as multiplayer competition.Read original article

02-20-26 -

Third-Party Gadgets Bring Find My Tracking to Wallets, Chargers, and More
Apple’s AirTags are indispensable for tracking down a missing purse or wayward suitcase, but the large lozenge shape isn’t ideal for all Find My scenarios. Third-party accessory makers have stepped in with a range of Find My trackers—Julio O...

02-20-26 -

Unite 6.6
Improves toolbar behavior for the site-specific browser that turns websites into full-featured apps. ($29.99 new, free update, 28.8 MB, macOS 12+)

02-20-26 -

BusyCal 2026.1.2
Brings big improvements to the calendar app's menu bar extension. ($49.99 new, free update, 83.3 MB, macOS 11.5+)

02-20-26 -

BBEdit 15.5.5
Works around a bug in macOS 26 Tahoe that would cause intermittent stalls. ($59.99 new, free update, 28 MB, macOS 12+)

02-20-26 -

Default Folder X 6.2.6
Brings a few improvements and bug fixes for the Open/Save dialog utility. ($39.95 new, free update, 28.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)

02-20-26 -

VidBITS: A Hookmark Walkthrough with Luc Beaudoin
Hookmark brings hyperlinking to your Mac, letting you connect files, emails, PDFs, and more. In this hour-long video demo, CogSciApps founder Luc Beaudoin shows how to copy links, create bidirectional hooks, and navigate your workspace efficiently.

02-20-26 -

LittleBITS: Rebooting Our VidBITS Column
We’re reviving VidBITS with a new format—informal video conversations where developers demo their apps while Adam Engst asks the questions TidBITS readers would want answered. Here’s what to expect.

02-19-26 -

PageMaker Creator Paul Brainerd Dies at 78
Paul Brainerd, whose PageMaker revolutionized desktop publishing in the 1980s, has died at age 78. His software gave millions the power to create professionally printed pages, and he also left a lasting legacy in environmental philanthropy.Read or...

02-16-26 -

Apple Announces Unusual Multi-City Apple Experience for March 4
Apple has invited select media outlets to a “special Apple Experience” on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai—an unusual approach that has sparked speculation about rumored new MacBooks, the iPhone 17e, and more. We’ll know soon enough.

02-16-26 -

Zoom Workplace 6.7.6
Improves the macOS status bar icon for better accessibility support and system integration. (Free, 183.1 MB, macOS 10.13+)

02-16-26 -

Microsoft Office for Mac 16.106
Brings updates to Excel and Outlook. ($179.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$129.99 annual subscription options, free update, macOS 13+)

02-16-26 -

SoundSource 6.0.4
Updates the audio control utility to be more responsive during launch and changes to the system output device. ($49 new, free update, 52.3 MB, macOS 15+)

02-16-26 -

Bookends 15.3
Updates the reference management tool to use Liquid Glass when running on macOS 26 Tahoe. ($74.99 new, free update, 127 MB, macOS 11+)

02-16-26 -

Fantastical 4.1.8 and Cardhop 2.4.5
Now prefers Microsoft Graph over Exchange Web Services for newly-added Microsoft 365 accounts. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, various sizes, macOS 12+)

02-13-26 -

AppBITS: Drink More with HiWater
After a fainting spell left Adam Engst with a doctor’s order to drink 100 ounces daily, he turned to HiWater. This elegant iPhone and Apple Watch app tracks hydration and nags you to drink—sometimes too well.

02-11-26 -

OS 26.3 Updates Focus on Bug and Security Fixes
Don’t expect new features in Apple’s OS 26.3 updates, but be sure to install them soon. They patch dozens of security vulnerabilities and address an actively exploited flaw Apple says was used in sophisticated spyware attacks.

02-10-26 -

Support for Old Apple Home Architecture Ends
If you’ve been putting off the Home architecture upgrade introduced several years ago, it’s time to act. Support for the previous version ends on 10 February 2026, and you may be automatically upgraded.

02-09-26 -

How Siri Could Become the Macs New Help System
Apple’s help systems have never quite worked out. But with large language models and richer app metadata, a more helpful Siri could finally become the knowledgeable guide that explains the software we’re already using.

02-08-26 -

Transmit 5.11.4
File transfer app adds support for four-digit octal codes in FTP/SFTP permission rules. ($45 new, free update, 37.6 MB, macOS 12+)

02-06-26 -

Pages, Keynote, and Numbers 15 Go Freemium
Apple has folded Pages, Keynote, and Numbers into its Creator Studio subscription bundle, but the upgrade process has been confusing and the App Store ratings have cratered. Here’s what happened, what’s actually behind the paywall, and what yo...

02-03-26 -

Apples Certificate-Extension Updates Continue for Older Operating Systems
Apple’s latest updates for older operating systems extend certificates so iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation continue to work after January 2027. Meanwhile, iOS 16.7.14 may address a Telstra network issue affecting older iPhones in Austra...

02-02-26 -

Logic Pro 12.0
Professional audio app updated with new AI Session Player and a lengthy list of improvements. ($199.99 new or $129.99 annually with Apple Creator Studio subscription, free update, 2.68 GB, macOS 15.6+)

02-02-26 -

Timing 2026.1
Brings some handy improvements to the time and productivity tracking app. ($108/$132/$192 annual subscriptions, free update, 31.7 MB, macOS 11+)

02-02-26 -

DEVONthink 4.2
Document and information manager updated with full support for macOS 26 Tahoe's Liquid Glass design. ($99 new, free update, 89.7 MB, macOS 13+)

02-02-26 -

Acorn 8.4.1
Makes tweaks to how Animated GIF, Animated PNG, and SVG previews are rendered on export. ($29.99 new, free update, 87.4 MB, macOS 14+)

02-02-26 -

Mimestream 1.9.10
Updates the Gmail-specific email app to fix a 100% CPU utilization loop issue. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12.4 MB, macOS 12+)

02-02-26 -

SuperDuper 3.12
Brings an important security update to the backup app . ($27.95 new, free update, 9.2 MB, macOS 10.13+)

02-02-26 -

Mactracker 8.1.1
Adds detailed information about recent hardware and operating system, including iPhone 17 models and macOS 26 Tahoe. ($Free, 260.9 MB, macOS 11+)

02-02-26 -

Agenda 22
New features for Premium users and a number of improvements for both standard and Premium editions. (Free or $34.99 annual subscription for Premium features, free update, 174.3 MB, macOS 10.14+)

02-02-26 -

SoundSource 6.0.3
Audio control utility makes updates to volume sliders and corrections to interface inconsistencies. ($49 new, free update, 52.2 MB, macOS 15+)

02-02-26 -

Keynote 15.1, Numbers 15.1, and Pages 15.1
Productivity suite upgraded with new features as part of Apple Creator Studio bundle. ($129.99 annual Apple Creator Studio subscription, various sizes, macOS 15.6+)

02-02-26 -

Final Cut Pro 12, Compressor 5, and Motion 6
Variety of feature additions, improvements and bug fixes for the three professional video apps. ($299.99/$49.99/$49.99 new or $129.99 annually with Apple Creator Studio subscription, free update, various sizes, macOS 15.6+)

02-02-26 -

Do You Use It? TidBITS Reader Subscription Habits Revealed
How many subscriptions do you pay for, and are you typical? Our poll results reveal surprising patterns in subscription spending, along with thoughts about why different subscription types provoke such different reactions.

01-30-26 -

Apple Propelled to Record Q1 2026 Financials by iPhone and Services
With its devices and services bringing in over $140 billion in revenue, its earnings per share rising nearly 20% year over year, and the announced return of Ted Lasso to Apple TV, Apple has a lot to celebrate.

01-29-26 -

Make Finder Window Columns Resize to Fit Filenames
Tired of truncated filenames in Finder’s column view? macOS 26 Tahoe adds a checkbox that automatically resizes columns to fit filenames—and you can enable it in earlier macOS versions too.

01-26-26 -

Apple Releases OS 26.2.1 for AirTag 2, Extends Certificates on Older Versions
The new AirTag needs new software—no surprise there. More interesting are the updates Apple pushed to iOS versions dating back to iOS 12, extending certificates that would otherwise expire in January 2027.

01-26-26 -

Parallels Desktop 26.2.1
Maintenance update for the virtualization software focused on Windows-related bug fixes. ($99.99 Standard Edition, free update, 5.4 MB, macOS 13+)

01-26-26 -

New AirTag Offers Expanded Range, Louder Speaker
Apple’s second-generation AirTag arrives with a new Ultra Wideband chip that extends Precision Finding range by 50%, a speaker that’s 50% louder, and Precision Finding support on the Apple Watch Series 9 or later.

01-23-26 -

Siri to Become a Real Chatbot?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple will update Siri with a Google-based language model in iOS 26.4 this spring, then unveil a true chatbot interface in OS 27 at WWDC in June.

01-23-26 -

Tinderbox 11.5.2
Note-taking assistant integrates AI, supports Readwise.io, and improves load times for large projects. ($289 new, free update, 37.3 MB, macOS 11+)

01-23-26 -

1Password 8.12
Password manager adds Dark mode and clear icons for macOS 26 Tahoe. ($47.88 annual subscription, free update, 4.8 MB, macOS 12+)

01-23-26 -

Heres to Unreasonable Standards
Seth Godin argues that the Mac’s success came not from the legendary 1984 Super Bowl ad but from the “unreasonable standards” of designers like Susan Kare and programmers like Bill Atkinson—a timely reminder as criticism of macOS 26 Tahoe�...

01-22-26 -

Do You Use It? Audit Your Subscriptions
Subscriptions have become an inescapable part of digital life, but how many do you pay for? Take our five-question poll to audit your subscriptions, tally your spending, and see how you compare with other TidBITS readers.

01-22-26 -

Acorn 8.4
Brings a couple of handy editing improvements to the image editor. ($29.99 new, free update, 87.4 MB, macOS 14+)

01-19-26 -

GraphicConverter 12.5
Packed with a plethora of enhancements and bug fixes for the Swiss Army knife of graphics programs. ($39.95 new, free update, 273.2 MB, macOS 10.13+)

01-19-26 -

Mimestream 1.9.7
Sets the title of links set to Reminders as the subject of the email. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12.4 MB, macOS 12+)

01-19-26 -

Default Folder X 6.2.5
Brings improvements and (bug) resolutions for the new year to the Open/Save dialog utility. ($39.95 new, free update, 28.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)

01-19-26 -

Mellel 6.6
Word processor introduces a new Citation Inspector window and an Auto Expander feature. ($69.99 new, free update, 109.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)

01-19-26 -

Bookends 15.2.4
Introduces dynamic integration of notes and PDF annotations in Mellel's just-released Citation Inspector. ($74.99 new, free update, 126.4 MB, macOS 10.13+)