Feed aggregator

The Games app is a new video game hub that will come preinstalled on Apple devices. Will this be Game Center all over again?

A new design and new features are coming. Here's what's new.

Commentary: Photos tabs are back, baby!

Apple just announced major free upgrades coming to Apple Intelligence-compatible devices, set to arrive as part of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 later this year.

The new AI features coming to these devices were sporadically showcased throughout WWDC 2025, so we've compiled a list of all the major announcements to give you a breakdown of every Apple Intelligence announcement at the event.

Unfortunately, Apple didn't showcase the Siri AI upgrade we'd been hoping for, but the Cupertino-based company did unveil a lot of new software improvements powered by Apple Intelligence.

Here are the six major Apple Intelligence upgrades announced at WWDC 2025.

1. Live Translation

(Image credit: Apple)

Live Translation "helps users communicate across languages when messaging or speaking," and is integrated directly into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app.

Live Translation will be able to automatically translate messages, add translated live captions to FaceTime, and on a phone call the translation will be spoken aloud throughout the conversation, completely removing language barriers using AI.

Privacy won't be an issue either, as Apple says the new translation tool runs on Apple's own AI models and "users’ personal conversations stay personal."

2. Genmoji and Image Playground upgrades

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Apple launched Genmoji and Image Playground as part of the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, and now the company is improving its generative AI image tools.

Users can now turn text descriptions into emojis as well as mix together emojis and combine them with descriptions to create something new. You'll also be able to change expressions and adjust personal attributes of Genmojis made from photos of friends and family members.

Image Playground is now getting ChatGPT support to allow users to access brand-new styles such as oil painting and vector art. Apple says, "users are always in control, and nothing is shared with ChatGPT without their permission."

3. Visual Intelligence can now see your screen

Visual Intelligence might've already been the best Apple Intelligence feature, but now the exclusive iPhone 16 AI tool is even better.

At WWDC, Apple announced that Visual Intelligence can now scan your screen, allowing users to search and take action on anything they’re viewing across apps.

You'll be able to ask ChatGPT questions about content on your screen via Apple Intelligence, and this new feature can be accessed by taking a screenshot. When using the same buttons as a screenshot, you'll be asked to save, share the screenshot, or explore more with Visual Intelligence.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

As someone who loves Gemini's ability to see your screen, I'm incredibly excited to see how Visual Intelligence tackles its newfound power that lets it analyze what you're doing on your device.

4. Apple Intelligence on Apple Watch

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The world's most popular smartwatch just got AI functionality in the form of Workout Buddy, a workout experience with Apple Intelligence that "incorporates a user’s workout data and fitness history to generate personalized, motivational insights during their session."

Apple says the new feature is a "first-of-its-kind workout experience" and will offer "meaningful inspiration in real time" to keep you motivated on your exercise.

Once Apple Intelligence has analyzed your workout data, "a new text-to-speech model then translates insights into a dynamic generative voice built using voice data from Fitness+ trainers, so it has the right energy, style, and tone for a workout."

Workout Buddy is the first exclusive Apple Intelligence feature on Apple Watch and will require an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone nearby. At launch, Workout Buddy will be available in English and across the following workout types: "Outdoor and Indoor Run, Outdoor and Indoor Walk, Outdoor Cycle, HIIT, and Functional and Traditional Strength Training."

5. Third party apps have Apple Intelligence access

(Image credit: Apple)

While this announcement might not grab any headlines, it's a big one for the future of Apple Intelligence: Developers now have access to Apple's Foundation Models.

What does that mean exactly? Well, app developers will be able to "build on Apple Intelligence to bring users new experiences that are intelligent, available when they’re offline, and that protect their privacy, using AI inference that is free of cost."

Apple's example is an education app using the Apple Intelligence model to generate a quiz from your notes, without any API costs.

This framework could completely change the way we, users, interact with our favorite third-party apps, now with the ability to tap into Apple's AI models and make the user experience even more intuitive.

6. AI-powered Shortcuts

Last but not least, Apple announced Apple Intelligence powers for the Shortcuts app. This is a major upgrade to one of the best apps on Apple devices, allowing users to "tap into intelligent actions, a whole new set of shortcuts enabled by Apple Intelligence."

Apple says "Shortcuts are supercharged with Apple Intelligence," and you'll also be able to tap into ChatGPT to superpower your Shortcuts.

Just like the Shortcuts app, the true power here will come down to user creations and how people tap into this new ability. As someone who uses Shortcuts on a daily basis, I'm incredibly excited to see how Apple Intelligence improves the experience.

7. Everything else

(Image credit: Apple)

Alongside these six major announcements, Apple also announced that Apple Intelligence will scan and identify relevant actions from your emails, websites, notes, and other content, and then automatically categorize them in the Reminders app.

Elsewhere, Apple Wallet can now "identify and summarize order tracking details from emails sent from merchants or delivery carriers. This works across all of a user’s orders, giving them the ability to see their full order details, progress notifications, and more, all in one place."

Finally, Messages is getting Apple Intelligence poll functionality, which can detect when a poll might come in handy. The Messages app is also getting AI-generated backgrounds that can be created for each conversation using Image Playground.

The new language translation feature will function across the Messages, FaceTime and Phone apps.

A redesigned interface, an AI powered workout buddy, and a few more surprises... Here's your first look at the next big software update coming to the Apple Watch.

• Apple has revealed a new unified design for nearly all of its software platforms
• The new design centers on a digital 'material' called Liquid Glass
• The design makes heavy use of translucent elements that simulate refraction

Apple has revealed a major visual redesign for its upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26 software updates.

Announced at WWDC 2025, the new software design language puts emphasis on transparency and fluidity, incorporating a new digital ‘material’ called Liquid Glass that virtually refracts light and dynamically reacts to user movements.

According to Apple, iOS 26 will be the biggest update to the visual identity of Apple's iPhone software since iOS 7 was released in 2013.

Image 1 of 3

Apple's new Liquid Glass design interface (Image credit: Apple)Image 2 of 3

Apple's new Liquid Glass design interface (Image credit: Apple)Image 3 of 3

Apple's new Liquid Glass design interface (Image credit: Apple)

Apple notes that the rounded and transparent elements of visionOS served as inspiration for the new software design, which also remodels app icons somewhere between the look of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

Additionally, a new clear theme will debut on iPhone and iPad, expanding on the previously available light, dark, and color tint modes.

The WWDC keynote is ongoing at the time of writing – be sure to check in with our WWDC 2025 live blog for the latest updates. Let us know what you think of the new Liquid Glass-based design in the comments below.

Apple has announced the latest version of macOS at WWDC 2025, its yearly developer conference.

According to Apple, the new version of macOS Tahoe 26, the operating system used by MacBooks and Macs, is coming later this year, but before then an early beta version has been made available for developers to help ensure their apps work well with the new operating system. We show you how to download the macOS Tahoe 26 developer beta if you want to give it an early try.

After that, Apple will launch a public beta that allows anyone with a compatible Mac to test out the operating system - though you should only do this with the understanding that this is an early version of the software and could lack features and could include bugs (after all, the reason for releasing a beta version is for people to help test out the software and highlight problems).

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

As usual, macOS Tahoe 26 will be a free update for everyone with a compatible Mac or MacBook, so for most people I recommend holding on tight for the official launch around October or November, as by that point most, if not all, of the bugs and issues found in the beta version will have been fixed.

Until then, read on for all the info we know about macOS Tahoe 26 so far, plus the new features we're most excited about.

(Image credit: Apple)Cut to the chase

• What is it? The latest operating system for Macs and MacBooks
• How much is it? As usual, it's free for compatible Macs
• When is it out? Developer Beta out now, public Beta out in July 2025, final release autumn 2025

What Macs and MacBooks are compatible with macOS Tahoe 26?

These are the all the Mac and MacBook devices that will be able to run macOS Tahoe 26 according to Apple:

MacBook Air M1 or later

MacBook Pro 16-inch 2019 or later

MacBook Pro 2020 or later

MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports

iMac 2020 or later

Mac mini 2020 or later

Mac Pro 2019 or later

Mac Studio 2022 and later

(Image credit: Apple)A new look

The rumors were right - Apple has overhauled the look of macOS (as with its other operating systems), with a unified design language which means that macOS, iPadOS and iOS will look similar.

Known as 'Liquid Glass', this part of the user interface doesn't just look good, it reacts depending on the task you're performing.

The Dock, sidebar and toolbars of macOS 26 Tahoe have been redesigned, with the menu bar now completely transparent. The idea behind this appears to be to make the user interface blend into the background, giving prominence to whatever you're working on on the screen.

App icons have also been given a new look to fit in the the Liquid Glass design, and these will also change depending on if you're using the light or dark macOS theme.

Apple is also expanding on the customization options of macOS 26 Tahoe, so it should be even easier to make the operating system suit your style.

(Image credit: Apple)A new numbering convention

At WWDC, Apple announced the official name for the latest macOS: Tahoe. Once again, based on a landmark in Apple's native California.

More surprisingly (if you weren't keeping up with the rumors), Apple also confirmed that there will be a new numbering scheme for macOS and its other operating systems. Instead numbering according to version (the current version is macOS 15), it will now be based on year, so there will be no macOS 16, but macOS 26, as well as iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and more.

This is quite a change, but it shows how serious Apple is about making all of its operating systems feel like they are parts of the same ecosystem.

Spotlight in the... spotlight...

Spotlight has been a key part of macOS for ages, allowing you to find and open up applications that you've installed. At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS Tahoe 26 will feature the 'biggest update ever' to Spotlight, with all search results across apps, files, folders, messages and more are all listed together and 'ranked intelligently based on relevance to the user.'

Advanced filter controls should help you narrow down your results, and Spotlight will also be able to search for files stored on third-party cloud drives, such as Google Drive or OneDrive.

You'll also be able to perform actions straight from Spotlight - so you can send an email, play a media file and more without having to open the app first. These can also be used via keyboard shortcuts, and according to Apple, Spotlight will learn from how you use your Mac, and will offer you personalized actions for tasks you perform often. The example Apple gives is quickly sending a message to someone you regularly talk to.

Live translation

As you might expect, Apple has put plenty of AI features into macOS Tahoe 26, and perhaps the most interesting (and useful) is Live Translation, which will automatically translate messages depending on the language of the person you're talking to (and their reply will be translated for you).

During FaceTime calls, live captions will also be shown, and if you're old school and still use the Phone app, you can see a translation of what they are talking about - and all of this is done on-device so conversations remain private.

(Image credit: Apple)Make calls from the Phone app direct from macOS Tahoe 26

A running theme of WWDC 2025 seems to be making Apple's ecosystem of devices work better together, and with Continuity, the app that allows you to access your iPhone through your Mac, you can now use the Phone app to answer phone calls on your Mac, rather than having to pull out your iPhone out of your pocket.

The Phone app in macOS 26 is designed to be instantly familiar to iPhone users, and you'll be able to access recent calls, favorite contacts and your voicemails - plus handy features like Call Screening and Hold Assist.

(Image credit: Apple)

If someone from an unknown phone number rings, Call Screening will answer the call and ask for information, letting you decide whether or not to answer the call.

If you are put on hold, Hold Assist will save your spot in line, so you can work on your Mac until your turn comes up. Handy!

(Image credit: Apple)Mac gaming gets better with Apple Games app

Gaming on a Mac is no longer the joke it used to be thanks to a steady stream of AAA games coming to macOS, and with macOS Tahoe 26, it looks like gaming could get even better.

A new app, called Apple Games, will act as a launcher for all of your games, as well as highlight new games that suit your tastes. It's not clear if this app will only show games you've bought and installed from Apple's App Store, or if you'll be able to add games from other services, such as Steam. Hopefully it'll be the latter.

A Game Overlay, familiar to PC gamers using Windows 11 and Steam, is also included with the Apple Games app, and will allow you to quickly change your settings and chat with friends without leaving the game.

A new Low Power Mode should also make playing games on a MacBook less demanding of the battery, so you should be able to play unplugged for longer - though I hope it doesn't have too much of an impact on game performance.

The referendum, which sought to reduce the time it takes to become a naturalized citizen from 10 years to five, failed because fewer than 50% of eligible voters took part in two days of voting.

(Image credit: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE)

The ban, which revives a controversial measure from Trump's first term, took effect Monday morning. Here's what to know about who's affected, who's exempt and how foreign leaders are responding.

(Image credit: Yuki Iwamura)

New York Times event in 2023, announced on Monday that the company would be split, with its streaming and Hollywood studios on one side, and its cable properties on the other. The company currently includes HBOMax, Warner Bros. movie and television studios, and CNN among its properties.'/>

Warner Bros. Discovery is to split into two, separating streaming and studios from its cable channels. The company has been burdened by debt and the decline of cable TV.

(Image credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

The newest iPhone system boasts a new look, new name and a host of features to look forward to.

Nintendo claims that only USB-C cameras work with the new Switch 2, but many users found that to not be the case.

In a public letter, hundreds of scientists expressed their dissent to the Trump administration's policies affecting the National Institutes of Health and called on its director to support the agency.

(Image credit: Alex Wong)

Deltarune fans have been waiting over five years for the release of the third chapter in developer Toby Fox's role-playing game, but the wait is finally over. To coincide with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Fox has released not one but two more (of the seven total) chapters of the indie gem, with the four chapters releasing as a launch title for Nintendo's long-awaited console.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, PC
Release date: June 4, 2025 (June 5, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2)

Both were well worth the wait. Fox's charming adventure is the perfect companion for the new console, offering a surreal, personable world (well, worlds) filled to the brim with memorable, chaotic characters, brilliant writing, and tons of heart. Undertale fans will find a lot of familiarity here.

But, thanks to the overhauled battle system, the addition of party members, and a cast of bizarre new (and returning) characters, Deltarune is as welcoming for new players as it is for long-time Fox fans.

After over 15 hours with Deltarune, I'm itching for more – to return to its bewitching world and the characters I've grown to love across its four chapters. The wait for the last three chapters, likely to be released one to two years apart, is going to be excruciating.

Wake up

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

Straight off the bat, Deltarune lets you know this is not a story you have much control over. You begin Chapter 1, creating your "vessel," choosing their arms, head, legs, and... uh... favorite blood type.

It feels a bit fishy, but hey, if it's anything like Undertale, I knew to be prepared for weirdness. And I was right. Upon finishing your character, it's discarded: "No one chooses who they are in this world," a mysterious voice tells you.

Best bit

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

Those who played Undertale will find a lot of references to its universe in Deltarune. From characters like Toriel and Alphys to in-game item references (the sign in Kris' hallways says: "It's you") and even the name "Deltrarune" (an anagram of Undertale), there's a clear connection between the two worlds.

Instead, you're Kris, child of Undertale's Toriel, except the Undertale and Deltarune universes are not directly connected. They're parallel, with characters and references to Undertale appearing throughout Deltarune, but this Toriel is not the same as the one we knew.

This Toriel is Kris' doting mother, ushering him to school, where he's late. The punishment? Being teamed up for a group project with Susie, the class bully/badass monster. Sent on a mission by their teacher, Alphys, to find chalk (Susie ate it), the pair stumble across a closet that leads to the Dark World, where they meet adorable dork (and prince) Ralsei, who tells them they're part of a prophecy. Kris, Susie, and Ralsei are the Lightners, the heroes that will seal the Dark Fountains prophesied to destroy the world (both light and dark).

Across the three chapters, Susie, Ralsei, and Kris make their way through unique Dark Worlds to seal the fountains, meeting peculiar (and often hilarious) characters on their way and uncovering more about the link between the Dark and Light worlds.

Friend or foe?

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

The juxtaposition between Deltarune's Light and Dark Worlds is palpable. The Light World is an idyllic town with a diner, hospital, school, library, and friendly animal-like inhabitants (some of which will be familiar faces to Undertale fans.) Once Kris and Susie enter the Dark World, however, things get much weirder.

Chapter one sees Kris, Susie, and now Ralsei facing off against perhaps the worst bad guy in history – and I don't mean that in a ‘he's so fearsome’ way. Lancer, the young son of a tyrant king, tries his best to intimidate the heroes but spectacularly fails again and again, eventually having to get help from Susie. The writing throughout Deltarune is laugh-out-loud funny, with each character bubbling with personality and acting in unpredictable, unique ways.

For example, grumpy Susie initially hates being a hero and tries to pummel any characters you encounter – regardless of whether you want her to. But, as Ralsei warns you early on, acts of kindness are the most profitable in this game. You're actively encouraged to show mercy to the weird and wonderful ‘enemies’ you encounter. "Nah," says Susie.

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

But, throughout the four chapters, you grow to love Susie as she gradually lowers her walls, learns to be a ‘good’ hero, and awkwardly courts her crush, school nerd Noelle. Likewise, all the returning characters develop through the four chapters, opening up about their backgrounds, insecurities, and more. So, by the end of chapter four, I felt I knew these characters. These bizarre animal-like creatures were friends, I knew how they'd likely respond to something, what they'd say, or how they were feeling in a situation. They felt like real friends – a feeling I've not had with a game before.

So much of that is down to the writing. While there's a lot of it, and an auto-play feature would be helpful rather than clicking a button after each paragraph, the writing manages to capture and present the personalities of every character you meet seamlessly – both friends and foes. It never feels shoehorned, either.

You want to know more about each and every character because they're so interesting and unique, and you know the unveiling will likely have you laughing out loud. That's why you're so taken off guard when an emotional beat hits, like Susie's realization that her Darkner friends, Ralsei and Lancer, can't just go to school with her in the Light World. A tough pill to swallow when her Light World reality is much lonelier.

Alongside the writing, it's the design of Deltarune's characters and world that brings this adventure to life. Across the chapters, you'll go toe-to-toe with water coolers, mice, flamboyant weather people, and a three-headed cat that loves trees, boys, and sports as you traverse various Dark Worlds. In the first chapter, you work through a forest-like setting, the second sees you navigating a cyber world, the third takes you to a TV World (where you're a contestant on a deadly game show), and the fourth sees you working through a church-like setting. These pixelated worlds are stunning, with their atmospheres further boosted by unique, chiptune soundtracks. I dare you not to feel good listening to the Cyber City World tune.

Each of these worlds has its own, eccentric boss that you can't help but love. The bosses in chapters one to three are all pretty bad at their jobs and encounters with them result in some of the game's funniest moments, like chapter two's Queen who is obsessed with her "Sweetie Honey Darling Gravy" Noelle, but continually hides from her adoring peon Berdly. It's absurd, and utterly brilliant.

Acts of kindness

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

Ralsei's emphasis on acts of kindness is pivotal in Deltarune, because, unlike other RPGs, you are encouraged not to fight your opponents. This was a large part of Undertale's unique battle mechanics but is much more apparent here.

While Deltarune's encounters look similar to Undertale's and focus on turn-based combat, the battle system has been overhauled. Now, rather than fighting alone, you fight alongside your party members: Ralsei and Susie.

When you encounter an enemy, you're given several options: Fight, Act, Item, Spare, or Defend. While you can fight enemies, you ideally shouldn't. Not only is that because it's not quite in line with the game's ethos, but also because the foes you are kind to, and ultimately spare, can be recruited (officially in chapters two to four), with recruited allies helping you out in some way in the chapter's endgame. The recruited allies also move to Castle Town, your Dark World town base, with some building new shops you can take advantage of.

So, how do you win? Well, you kill them with kindness. By that, I mean, you use your turn to make each of your party members Act, which can involve flirting, talking, or complimenting your opponent, and increasing the Mercy meter of the enemy until they reach 100, allowing you to Spare and recruit them. Alternatively, you can tire them out and use Ralsei’s Pacify magic ability to spare them.

These enemies won't go easy on you during the encounter, however. They attack using the Bullet Board seen in Undertale. While in the Bullet Board, you must move around your soul (a heart icon) to avoid the enemy's bullet hell attacks. If you can Graze the bullets, and get close to them without getting hit, a white heart icon appears, and you gain TP (Tension Points) that allow you to use more powerful Acts and Magic.

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

The Bullet Board can be hard to get to grips with. While you're encouraged to move bit by bit, avoiding the bullets can be near impossible at times – potentially because the Switch 2’s controls are less accurate than a mouse and keyboard. It's a frustrating mechanic that I disliked in Undertale, too, but a critical aspect of all encounters.

What I do like is the extra mini-games that can crop up in encounters, like an ability that requires you to catch the mouse to increase the mercy bar, or to "knock the socks" off an enemy by shooting its... socks.

In between turns, your opponent will likely say and do ridiculous things, which makes these encounters much more entertaining as, especially in chapter one, they can feel a bit repetitive. Fortunately, unlike Undertale, Deltarune doesn't have random encounters, but chapter one's battles definitely get repetitive after a while. This issue eases up a bit in the following chapters, though, with fewer of the same enemy types and the recruit feature offering an incentive to work toward.

It feels like Deltarune finds its footing in chapters two to four and addresses any concerns about repetition we may have had in chapter one. As you progress through chapters, you come across new tools to use, Magic to utilize, and different obstacles and mini-games to complete, making each chapter feel unique but familiar.

Dark vs. Light

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

I can't sing Deltarune's praises loud enough. Toby Fox has created a refreshing witty, charming adventure that isn't afraid to be tongue-in-cheek and weird. At the same time, Deltarune's full of heart. Its emphasis is on the power of kindness and empathy for others, but its benevolent message is wrapped in a bizarre, coming-of-age RPG that is a joy to play.

There's no denying Undertale is the foundation upon which Deltarune is built, and the memorable pixelated gem Fox is building on that foundation is a stroke of genius. Keeping up that momentum across the next three chapters, however, will be the real challenge. And for fans like me, the years of waiting between them will be just as difficult.

Should I play Deltarune?Play it if…

You love narrative-driven games with interesting characters
Deltarune has some of the best character development I've seen in a game. From the heroes themselves to the random enemy encounters, and bosses, every character is memorable and brimming with personality. If you want to sink your teeth into a story where the characters are the heart of the adventure, you can't go wrong here.

You want a lot of variety
Deltarune's four chapters offer unique characters, bosses, worlds, music, and mechanics, so if you want one game that almost feels like four different ones in a single package, it's well worth picking this up.

Don’t play it if…

You hate bullet hell games
As explained, the Bullet Board mechanic in Deltarune's encounters is tough to navigate. This is a bullet hell game, even if you take the path of kindness, so if you don't like that genre, or prefer unchallenging games, this may not be for you.

You don't want to wait for the whole story
Deltarune is an episodic RPG, consisting of seven chapters. Right now, only chapters one to four are available, with chapter five due to release in 2026 and the remaining chapters' release date TBC. If you want to play the entire thing at once, maybe hold off until every chapter has been released – though you'll be waiting a while.View Deal

Accessibility

Deltarune offers a few simple (but welcome) accessibility options. In the Config menu, you can select 'Controls' to remap the controls to a configuration best suited to your needs.

The Config menu also offers the ability to enable Auto-Run, which I advise for everyone. By default, Auto Run is toggled off, requiring you to hold the run button (B on Switch 2) to run. Kris moves slowly, but this can also prove tricky for those with dexterity issues. Enabling Auto Run means Kris runs everywhere without the need to hold the button.

I would have loved to see more accessibility options, especially for encounters. Some moves during encounters require you to quickly move the left toggle back and forth of the button bash, which proved especially challenging for me due to a recent wrist/thumb injury. The ability to hold a button or auto-complete these actions would be ideal.

How I reviewed Deltarune

I played Deltarune for 15 hours, with each of the four chapters taking around three to four hours to complete.

While I focused on the main story, I made sure to take the time to explore the game's various side routes where possible. Having previously completed Undertale, I was able to compare this game to Toby Fox's previous offering to give insight into the key similarities and differences between Deltarune and Undertale.

I reviewed Deltarune Chapters 1-4 on Nintendo Switch 2 with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, primarily playing in the console's TV mode with my Samsung Q80T QLED TV. I occasionally switched between the Pro and the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip but found the Pro controller to be much more comfortable to use.

First reviewed June 2025

Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference - aka WWDC - is upon us once more, and the 2025 edition looks like it could ring in some big changes for Apple. The rumor mill says that there are major redesigns planned for iOS on the iPhone, as well as iPadOS, macOS, WatchOS for the Apple Watch, and even tvOS for the Apple TV streaming box. Lots of people will be hoping for news on Apple Intelligence too (although I wouldn’t hold my breath on that if I were you).

But, in the words of the immortal Spice Girls - I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want – and that’s more games for the Mac. I am that rare breed of creature known as the Mac Gamer. It’s a small, select group, mainly consisting of me and Whoopi Goldberg, but it’s growing all the time and after decades of completely ignoring games on the Mac it looks as though Apple is finally showing some interest.

Game On

Apple has never liked games. John Carmack, one of the creators of Doom and Quake at id Software, once said that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs “didn’t think very highly of games”, and Jobs’ attitude meant that Apple effectively ignored gaming on the Mac for decades (“I never took it personally,” said Carmack).

That state of affairs didn’t really change until WWDC in 2023. After making headlines with the debut of the Vision Pro headset, Apple very quietly released a new software tool called the Game Porting ToolKit (GPT) that was designed specifically to help developers produce Mac versions of their PC games.

Apple's MacBooks can play the latest games - though you might need to do a bit of graphical tweaking if you're not running the latest Apple Silicon, (Image credit: Apple)

This seemed to mark a real change in Apple’s attitude towards games, and the launch of GPT did help to bring a few AAA titles to Mac for the first time, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Control, Death Stranding, and multiple Resident Evil games. But the fact remains that most A-List PC games never get released on the Mac at all, so here’s my wishlist for the Mac games scene at WWDC in 2025.

More Powerful Hardware

Even the best Macbooks and Macs have often been mocked for lacking the power to play games with modern 3D graphics – in fact, Macs couldn’t even handle ray-tracing until Apple introduced its M3 processors about 18 months ago.

Even now, many Mac games still require very expensive, top-of-the-range Mac models in order to run at high graphical settings. There are some pretty good gaming PCs available for less than £1000/$1000, and Apple needs to bring real gaming power to more Mac models in order to create a larger audience for new Mac games.

In Apple's defense, though, there's no denying that the best gaming laptops can get pretty expensive - and many people need a single lightweight system for work as well as gaming, not a desktop-replacement powerhouse machine that can't last more than two hours away from a wall outlet. So the potential is there; Apple just needs to step up.

More Tools For Games Developers

The Mac operating system (aka macOS) relies on a piece of Apple software called Metal to handle 3D graphics in games. In contrast, PC games generally rely on Microsoft’s DirectX graphics software instead, and converting – or ‘porting’ - DirectX games to run on Macs is a huge technical challenge for game developers.

Sonic Dream Team was a major recent Apple Arcade release. (Image credit: Sega / Sonic Team)

That’s where the Game Porting Toolkit comes in, as it is specifically designed to help with this conversion process. Apple did introduce GPT 2.0 at WWDC in 2024, so releasing another update at this year’s WWDC would reaffirm Apple’s commitment to gaming. Apple could also simply buy Codeweavers, the developer of the open-source CrossOver software that GPT is partly based on (codeweavers.com). The CrossOver team has enormous experience in getting Windows games to run on Macs, and that could help Apple to smooth the path onto the Mac for many PC-based games developers.

Open Up The App Store

At the moment, many Mac games are only available via Apple’s own Mac App Store. Even if you’ve already bought Control: Ultimate Edition on Steam or the Epic Games Store then you’ll find that you still have to buy the Mac version separately on the Mac App Store – so you’re effectively paying twice for a game that you already own. Games on the Mac App Store also tend to be more expensive than on Steam or Epic – where the PC version of Control: Ultimate Edition is currently on sale at a bargain price.

Baldur's Gate 3 was a big win for Mac gamers, but it's not as if Windows players can't enjoy the iconic title. (Image credit: Larian)

This applies to lots of other Mac games too, so Apple really needs to allow developers more freedom to sell their Mac games outside the Mac App Store. Unfortunately, Apple’s long-running legal battle with Epic over selling Fortnite on the App Store suggests that this is pretty unlikely. However, games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Hades 2 do allow you to buy the game once on Steam and then download either Mac or PC versions as required, so that’s something I’d like to see from more games in the future.

Revamp Apple Arcade

Apple makes billions of dollars from its subscription services, and Apple Arcade was meant to provide an Apple alternative to gaming services such as Microsoft’s Game Pass for Xbox and PC. But while Game Pass tempts players with newly-released hit titles such as Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Apple Arcade is full of aging mobile games like Angry Birds that were originally designed for the iPhone or iPad.

The selection of 'Role-Playing Games' currently on Apple Arcade is... feeble at best. (Image credit: Apple)

The selection of Mac games is seriously underwhelming, so Apple needs to work with game developers to bring some heavyweight A-list titles to Apple Arcade. Mac users know that Apple often makes splashy announcements at WWDC about forthcoming games for the Mac, but it needs to continue that commitment for the other 51 weeks of the year if it really wants the Mac to be taken seriously as a gaming platform. Zigazig ah!

• Indian police conducted raids at 19 locations to target scammers
• Six people were arrested, and numerous equipment seized
• The operation targeted elderly Japanese victims

Indian and Japanese law enforcement, with the help of Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU), have taken down a major financial fraud network and arrest six people suspected of running the entire operation.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently conducted raids at 19 locations across the country and dismantled a large network that includes tech support schemes.

The network mostly targeted older adults in Japan (aged 60 and above) and included two illegal call centers. Besides the arrests, both digital and physical infrastructure was seized, including computers, storage devices, digital video recorders, and phones.

Chakra V

The fightback started with the Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), a Japanese nonprofit dedicated to combating cybercrime, which identified the cybercriminal operation impersonating Microsoft, flagging it to the tech giant.

The operation, known as Chakra V, was large and well-organized, the report notes - it revolved around fake pop-ups tricking people into thinking their computers were broken, and providing a phone number to “call Microsoft” and have the issues fixed.

However the calls were actually being made towards the scammers, who would trick the victims into installing remote desktop software, or malware, and use this to steal sensitive files and money.

The operation included pop-up creators, search-engine optimizers, lead generators, logistics and technology providers, payment processors, and talent providers.

Microsoft also said that the introduction of Gen AI made scaling the operation infinitely easier and thus - more dangerous.

“These actors used generative AI to scale their operations, including to identify potential victims, automate the creation of malicious pop–up windows, and perform language translations to target Japanese victims,” Microsoft explained.

“This activity highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals and underscores the importance of proactive global collaboration to protect victims.”

You might also like

• Microsoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam forever
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
• We've rounded up the best password managers

The media conglomerate will divvy up its assets in movies, TV, gaming and other areas into two companies: Streaming & Studios and Global Networks.

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan: two-minute review

The Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan is the latest generation of the brand’s original bladeless fan, boasting some upgraded features in a desktop format. As one would expect from the brand, the Dyson Cool CF1 is firmly at the premium end of the desktop fan scale, with a list price of £249.99. We’re still waiting on pricing and launch specifics, and will update as we learn more, but so far we know that the Cool CF1 won’t be available in Australia until later in 2025, or in the US until 2026.

Setting up the Dyson Cool CF1 was simple, as it comes in just two parts – though the rotating base made it a little tricky for me to click the loop amplifier into place. I had mixed feelings about whether it makes a suitable desk fan, as the 14-inch / 360mm loop amplifier could prove a tight squeeze on smaller desks or nightstands. That being said, the height and compact diameter of the fan’s base meant I had no issues incorporating it into my workstation.

(Image credit: Future)

The Cool CF1 desk fan has a clean and modern aesthetic, making it instantly recognisable as a Dyson. I liked the combination of the satin silver and gloss white finishes, but found it needed regular dusting, though this can often be the case, even with the best fans.

With 10 fan speeds, sleep mode, oscillation, and a timer, there were plenty of features to play with. The Cool CF1 doesn’t have any smart capabilities, though, so I had to rely on the onboard buttons and the remote control. Both proved simple to use when operating the Cool CF1, but the responsiveness when using the remote was inconsistent, especially if I wasn’t pointing it at the fan head-on.

In terms of the overall performance of the Dyson Cool CF1, it did a great job. The airflow was smooth and proved very efficient as it helped me stay cool as I worked away in a stuffy office. I appreciated how easy it was to adjust the angle of the fan, giving me more control over the direction of the airflow.

(Image credit: Future)

I was very pleased with how quiet the Cool CF1 was, with sound levels ranging from whisper-quiet at speed one to moderate rainfall on the highest speed setting, which is particularly impressive considering how strong the airflow is. While the Cool CF1 sounds a little unusual while oscillating, I had no problem dropping off when using sleep mode.

If you’re a diehard Dyson fan, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the Cool CF1. It has the classic Dyson aesthetic, plus it quickly and quietly delivers efficient cooling. The remote could be better, and I’d have liked to see a companion app for more convenient control at this price point, but the great performance from the fan itself means it’s still a worthwhile investment.

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: price & availability

• List price: $TBA / £249.99
• Launch date: May 2025 (UK)
• Available now in the UK. US and Australia release dates TBA

Released in the UK in June 2025, the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan has a list price of £249.99 and is available for purchase at Dyson, John Lewis, and AO. In terms of availability in other regions, all we know so far is that the Cool CF1 won’t be available until later in 2025 in Australia and 2026 in the US. I’ll provide an update as soon as I learn more about the specific release dates and pricing.

This is a pretty premium price tag for a desk fan, though this likely won’t come as a surprise if you’re already familiar with the brand. I must admit I’ve found some Dyson offerings to be somewhat overpriced in the past, and I can’t say I’d want to pay this for a desk fan myself, but the build quality and performance of the Cool CF1 are worth the cost if it’s within your budget.

There are far cheaper options out there that can still help you chill out at your desk, like the bladed MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator, for those in the UK, though the cheaper price comes with compromises; namely that it’s heavier, only offers 90-degree oscillation, and it’s nowhere near as attractive.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: specs

Type

Bladeless desk fan

Speeds

10

Oscillation

15, 40, 70 degrees

Timer

Yes

Dimensions

5.9 x 14.2 x 217 inches / 150 x 360 x 550mm

Weight

4lb / 1.8kg

Control

Onboard buttons and remote control

Timer

Yes

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: design and features

• Sleek and modern aesthetic
• Collects dust and fibers
• Basic but easy-to-use controls

The Dyson Cool CF1 comes in just two parts, so it was pretty straightforward to set up. Assembling the fan was simple in theory, as all I needed to do was push the bottom of the circular loop amplifier onto the base unit and twist anti-clockwise until I heard a click. It proved a little trickier in practice, however, due to the rotating base and the glossy outer finish, but I got there eventually.

Apart from the inside of the ring, which is a satin-finished silver color, the Cool CF1 has a glossy white exterior. I tend to appreciate a gloss surface, as this finish tends to be easy to clean, which was fortunate in the case of the CF1, as it appeared to be statically charged and attracted any dust or fibers that happened to be in the vicinity. As easy as it was to clean, my efforts felt a little futile as it would gather more dust very quickly.

(Image credit: Future)

I’m on the fence about whether the 14-inch / 360mm diameter loop amplifier makes the CF1 a little impractical for a desk fan. I found it to be a bit of a space invader, but as it sits eight inches / 200mm off the tabletop on a base of just 5.9 inches / 150mm in diameter, I was able to fit it on my workstation and my nightstand. It is at least easier to accommodate than the old-school bladed fans I’ve owned over the years, and as it weighs 4lb / 1.8kg, it proved easier to move around, too.

In terms of onboard controls, there are two push buttons and a dial/button combo under the little LCD screen on the front of the fan's base. The two push buttons control sleep mode and oscillation, and the dial can be turned to cycle through the ten fan speeds or pushed to power the fan on or off.

(Image credit: Future)

A remote control is also included, so it was fairly easy to switch up the settings even when the fan wasn’t within reach. It offers the same functions as the onboard buttons, along with a button to cycle through the timer durations, which range from half an hour to eight hours.

The concept of the curved and magnetized Cool CF1 remote control is to stick it to the top of the fan. While this makes it easily accessible, it looks out of place and disrupts the sleek aesthetic, especially as each end of the remote is clear, showing the circuitry within. That being said, I still managed to forget where it was, so it clearly isn’t that much of an eyesore. Speaking of losing the remote, it’s a shame the Cool CF1 isn’t compatible with the MyDyson app, as it’d make life much easier for those times I’ve gotten comfy and realised the remote’s still sitting on top of the fan.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: performance

• Satisfyingly strong airflow
• Patchy remote performance
• Quiet enough to fall asleep with

It didn’t take long to feel the cooling effects from the Dyson Cool CF1 on the lowest setting when I had it about 2 ft / 600mm away from me on my desk in our stuffy reviews office. As I’m only 5 ft 2 inches tall, I found that the stream of cold air hit me in the face, even if I adjusted the angle. While this was great for keeping my makeup from melting off my face, it proved a bit of a sensory nightmare for me, so I made good use of the oscillation.

The airflow felt smooth, and it was satisfyingly strong, to the point where I’m pretty sure it gave me brain freeze when I tried it on the highest setting. I tested how far away I could still feel a cool breeze on the lowest, highest, and middle fan speed settings, and found that it was still noticeable when I was 2ft / 600mm away from the CF1 on setting one, 7ft / 2m on setting five, and 11ft / 3.3m on setting ten.

The three oscillation choices were convenient for a desk fan, as I could choose the 15-degree option to keep the cool breeze around me, 70 degrees to circulate the air a little more, or 40 degrees for something in between. I did wish the CF1 could remember my last-used setting, though, as I had to cycle through each time.

(Image credit: Future)

It was really easy to tilt the fan upwards or downwards, even when it was oscillating. This simple angle adjustment proved a real asset, especially when using it next to my bed on warmer nights, as it allowed me to fine-tune the fan’s position for the maximum cooling effect.

The simple onboard controls and remote made it simple to control the Cool CF1. The dial mechanism felt pretty satisfying; there was clear feedback each time I bumped the fan up or down a speed, so I didn’t even need to look at the screen.

The magnetic hold on the remote control felt just right, as the remote would stick to the top of the fan even if I was a bit absent-minded when placing it down, but was still really easy to pick up again. I’ve got to say I wasn’t thrilled with the remote’s operation, however. I found that the fan didn’t respond at times, even at pretty close range, and this worsened if the fan was rotated away.

The timer function worked as expected, and I liked that I could easily view the time remaining at any point by pressing the timer button on the remote. It was easy to cancel the timer by double-clicking the button.

(Image credit: Future)

Noise level is an important consideration, especially at nighttime, which is why I always do a sleep test whenever I’m testing fans or a potential best air purifier. If I happened to be using a higher fan speed setting before toggling sleep mode, the Cool CF1 would drop to speed setting four. I was happy to find that I could still increase the fan speed when in sleep mode, and the display would still turn itself off, which bodes well if I need it on a particularly toasty night.

For context, I have a British king-size bed, roughly the size of a queen, for those in the US, and I placed the CF1 on the nightstand on the opposite side to where I was sleeping. As speed four was the default for sleep mode, I kept the fan at that setting and set the oscillation to forty degrees. I’m quite sensitive to sound, especially repetitive ones, so I picked up on the whirring from the oscillation, which sounded a bit like I was settling down inside a document scanner, but it wasn’t overly loud. In fact, this bedtime setup had a reading of just 35dB, which is the equivalent of a whisper, so I was able to drop off and sleep undisturbed.

I was very impressed with the sound levels in general, with the CF1 giving an impressively quiet reading of 27dB on the lowest setting. Even on its highest setting, which kicks out a lot of air, it was only emitting 45dB of sound, comparable to the sound of moderate rainfall, and just a meagre 5dB louder than the bladed MeacoFan 260c on its lowest fan speed.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

This isn’t a desk fan for the budget-conscious, and there are certainly cheaper alternatives out there, but if you’re willing to pay the Dyson price tag, you’ll be more than happy with the overall quality and cooling performance.

4/5

Design & Features

Typically on-brand for Dyson, this fan looks well made, with a pleasingly sleek and modern aesthetic. It offers useful features to help fine-tune the airflow, but it loses a point for the lack of app connectivity and the slightly questionable design of the remote.

4/5

Performance

Aside from the hit-and-miss remote performance, I was really happy with the CF1. It produced a strong and consistent flow of air, which did a great job of cooling me down without making a racket.

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want fine-tuned airflow
With 10 fan speeds, three oscillation settings, and adjustable vertical angles, it’s delightfully easy to get customized cooling.

You want a quiet night
The CF1 was whisper-quiet when I had it in sleep mode, and measured just 45dB when running full blast, making it a good choice for summer nights.

You love the Dyson aesthetic
With smooth lines and metallic elements, this fan is undeniably Dyson, so you can get a taste of the premium label without shelling out on one of the higher tech models.

Don't buy it if...

You’ve got limited surface space
This fan can’t be considered compact due to the wide loop amplifier. If your desktop and nightstand real estate is taken up by monitors or large lamps, I’d suggest looking at a floor-standing format like the Dreo Smart Tower Fan 519S instead.

You’re on a tight budget
While it’s currently the cheapest model in their air treatment range, this fan's price tag still comes with the Dyson premium. If you’re looking to save some pennies, I’d check out brands like Govee or Meaco, whose offerings won’t make such a dent in your wallet.

You like your products smart
At this price point, I can’t help but find it a little stingy that Dyson didn’t design the CF1 to be compatible with the MyDyson app, especially considering the disappointing remote performance.

Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan review: Also consider

Dyson Cool CF1

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo

Shark TurboBlade

Price

$TBA / £249.99

$149.99 / £129.99

$299.99 / £249.99

Speed settings

10

5

10

Oscillation

Up to 70 degrees

No

Up to 180 degrees

Timer

Up to 8 hours

No

Up to 12 hours

Controls

Onboard push buttons and dial, remote control

Onboard buttons

Onboard button, remote control

Companion app

No

No

No

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Cordless up to 12 hours, Misting

Natural Breeze, Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost

Dimensions

5.9 x 14.2 x 217 inches / 150 x 360 x 550mm

8.7 x 8.4 x 11.5" / 22 x 21 x 29cm

11.8 x 31.6 x 44.8" / 300 x 800 x 1,120mm (max)

Weight

4lb / 1.8kg

4lb / 1.8kg

15lb / 8.8kg

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
Not only is this fan and mister combo compact enough to use as a desk fan, its cordless capabilities mean it can be used on the go, too. The pairing of the built-in battery, which offers up to 12 hours of use, and the misting function makes it a great choice for summer weather. If you’d like to learn more, why not take a look at our full Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo review?

Shark TurboBlade
If you want to save on desk space and would like a bladeless format without the price tag of a Dyson tower fan, then I suggest taking a look at the TurboBlade. It’s height adjustable, offers multi-directional airflow, and can oscillate up to 180 degrees, so you can really customize your cooling. Check out our full Shark TurboBlade review for more information.

How I tested the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan

• I used the Dyson Cool CF1 in multiple locations
• I judged the setup process and how easy the fan was to use
• I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I used the Dyson Cool CF1 in our reviews office, my home office, and my bedroom for one week. I evaluated the assembly process and build quality closely before using it passively and in specific tests that allowed me to assess the available features.

I assessed the airflow by checking the distance I could still feel a good breeze on different settings. I used a decibel meter on my phone to check the noise levels, taking the readings from around 2ft / 600mm away, ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.

I checked the timer worked as expected, and tested out the sleep mode to see whether the Dyson Cool CF1 was quiet enough for me to be able to sleep well with it running overnight.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

These are our favorite HP laptops from the company's OmniBook, Pavilion and Transcend lines -- all tested and reviewed by CNET editors.