One or more backup bugs in macOS 15.2 Sequoia is affecting Apple’s own Time Machine utility, as well as third-party apps SuperDuper and CarbonCopyCloner.
Initially the problem appeared to affect bootable backups only, but it now appears that it is either more general than this, or there is more than one bug affecting Mac backups.
It was a bit of a weird year for Apple’s subscription gaming service. 2024 saw very few notable exclusives launch on Apple Arcade; instead, the service was fleshed out with a number of big games that you can already play on other platforms. It hasn’t been great for showcasing what makes Apple Arcade unique, but on the other hand, it’s hard to complain too much when it means your subscription now includes Balatro and Vampire Survivors. Here’s the best of what came out this year.
Apple Watch enthusiasts and fitness lovers now have a powerful tool to celebrate and share their achievements with the release of the new Apple Fitness Wrapped app, avaialbe as a free download.
The Time Capsule is an Apple AirTag accessory that promises to extend battery life up to a full decade. To use it, simply remove your AirTag's back plate and the coin cell battery and place the entire unit on the contact points inside the Time Capsule. Then, install two AA batteries and screw the cover closed. Elevation Lab recommends Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to maximize runtime, but any pair of AA batteries should suffice.
The global app economy continued to recover in 2024, after an earlier slowdown in 2022 — at least in terms of consumer spending. In 2024, global consumer spending in mobile apps and games reached $127 billion across the App Store and Google Play, up 15.7% from the prior year. However, those increases were driven by Apple’s App Store, as Google Play spending declined, according to new data from app intelligence firm Appfigures.
In a strong year-end book deal, Apple Studios has paid seven figures for the Elliot Ackerman novel Sheepdogs for Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman to develop as a series. The book will be published summer 2025 by Alfred K. Knopf/Penguin Random House. Eleven bidders were in the mix.
In a competitive situation, Apple TV+ has landed a high-profile drama series project for development, sources tell Deadline. Tentatively titled Bananas, it has Oscar Isaac and Ana de Armas set to star and executive produce, and David O. Russell attached to direct and executive produce, I hear. Fifth Season is the studio.
For parents, podcasts can be a welcome alternative to TV or TikTok, and a source of entertainment during long car trips. But for kids, the medium can be something more: a gateway to a love of learning, and a way to practice media literacy skills in a time when they are sorely needed.
If you are taking a break off work, may you have a wonderful holiday. And for the rest of us who are not taking a break off work, may we all have a peaceful week too.
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Thanks for reading.