NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

NOW’S THE TIME to set your intentions for

THE TEAM

Andrew Cottle Art Editor There are 42

Most popular apps and games of 2025

The people have spoken — or at least, they’ve downloaded these apps a lot

News in brief

A bite of the Apple

Apple in 2026

Apple is about to have one of its best ever years, according to rumors swirling around Cupertino

> THE SHIFT

JOHN–ANTHONY DISOTTO loves the multitasking ability of iPadOS 26, but thinks that Apple needs to put more effort into explaining how it all works

Mac|Life

EDITORIAL EDITOR Rob Mead–Green PRODUCTION EDITOR Steve Wright

50 GREAT FREE APPS!

for Mac, iPhone, iPad, & Apple Watch WRITTEN BY CARRIE MARSHALL for Mac, iPhone, iPad, & Apple Watch WRITTEN

Free apps for your Mac

Sensational software that doesn’t cost a thing

More free Mac apps

There are even more gratis Mac apps out there!

Watch apps

These free Apple Watch apps are rather hand–y

Indispensable iPhone apps

The best iOS apps, from creativity to productivity

Amazing apps for iPad

The best apps for your iPad’s bigger canvas

42 AMAZING APPLE PROJECTS

Inspirational ideas for Mac, iPhone, and iPad

The Ultimate Apple fitness guide

Apple’s devices are not just getting faster; in combination with a range of apps, they are also helping you to get fitter

Master Spotlight in macOS Tahoe

Apple has overhauled the way you find and access files in macOS 26

Change the way your Mac looks

Give your Mac a makeover with Tahoe, the most customizable macOS ever

Go even further with iMovie

Explore advanced editing tools such as titles, transitions, and compositing

Manage tasks and reminders

Get on top of your to–do list with the FirstSeed Tasks management app

Check out new AI shortcuts

macOS Tahoe brings new Apple Intelligence–powered shortcuts to Mac

Master Visual Intelligence

Identify images and work with content

Find new books and TV shows with Fable

Discover fresh favorites on the page or screen

Use the revamped Notes app on iPhone and Apple Watch

Notes is smarter and easier than ever in iOS 26

The iPhone plateau

Discover what’s in the big bump introduced at Apple’s “Awe dropping” event

EXPERT ADVICE

Our resident genius Howard Oakley solves your Mac and iOS problems

Mac hardware

We’re here to help solve your hardware issues

macOS

Shine a spotlight on the solutions to your most irritating Mac problems

Affinity by Canva

A complete creative studio for zero cost

Ruark MR1 Mk3

High–end desktop speakers with plenty of power

Signature Slim Solar+ wireless keyboard K980

A comfortable keyboard that’s always good to go

Arlo Essential 3 2K Pan Tilt Security Camera

Versatile, but the price is disappointing

Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Mouse

An affordable, go–anywhere mouse

Best of the best

Can’t find the hardware or app you’re looking for in our reviews section? Then check in here — we’ve highlighted the best in every major category, as voted for by us

Apple Intelligence

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Volume 20, Issue 02 MAC|LIFE (ISSN 1935–4010) is