Latest news with #M1Pro
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
macOS 26 Beta 5 is Here: The Changes You Need to See
The macOS 26 Beta 5 update introduces a wide array of enhancements aimed at refining Apple's desktop operating system. From improved system performance and storage efficiency to visual updates and app-specific refinements, this release reflects Apple's ongoing dedication to delivering a polished user experience. However, it is not without its challenges, as certain issues may affect usability. Below is a detailed exploration from HalfManHalfTech of what this update brings to the table. Watch this video on YouTube. System Performance and Storage Optimization The macOS 26 Beta 5 update is a substantial download, requiring 15.25 GB of storage on M1 Pro devices. One of its most notable improvements is the reduction in macOS storage usage, which has decreased from 26.73 GB to 23.9 GB, freeing up additional space for your files and applications. This optimization is a welcome change for users managing limited storage capacity. The build number has also been updated to 25A5327H, indicating enhanced system stability and performance. Despite these advancements, some challenges persist. For instance, indexing during restarts remains an issue, potentially causing temporary sluggishness in system responsiveness. While the overall performance improvements are significant, users should remain aware of these lingering concerns when updating. Refined Visual Design Apple continues to refine the visual aesthetics of macOS with Beta 5, further enhancing its signature design language. The liquid glass theme, a hallmark of macOS, is now more prominently featured in app icons and menus, creating a sleek and modern appearance. Additionally, dynamic wallpapers have been expanded, with new options such as 'Tahoe Morning,' 'Tahoe Evening,' and 'Tahoe Night,' which adapt seamlessly to the time of day. Other visual updates include a refreshed Macintosh HD icon and smoother animations within the Control Center. These changes collectively contribute to a more immersive and visually engaging user experience, aligning with Apple's focus on design consistency and attention to detail. App-Specific Updates Several built-in macOS apps have received meaningful updates in Beta 5, enhancing their functionality and usability. These updates aim to streamline user interactions while introducing subtle design improvements: Apple Music: A new splash screen has been added, though minor translucency glitches persist, which Apple is expected to address in future updates. A new splash screen has been added, though minor translucency glitches persist, which Apple is expected to address in future updates. Contacts: The layout has been redesigned, with the search bar repositioned for easier access and improved navigation. The layout has been redesigned, with the for easier access and improved navigation. Freeform and Notes: Both apps now feature splash screens that highlight their core features, making it easier for users to understand their capabilities. Both apps now feature splash screens that highlight their core features, making it easier for users to understand their capabilities. Safari: Updated to version 26.0, though the compact tabs feature remains unavailable, leaving some users awaiting further refinements. Updated to version 26.0, though the remains unavailable, leaving some users awaiting further refinements. AirDrop: The app icon has been redesigned with richer colors and a new orientation, aligning it with the updated macOS design language. The app icon has been redesigned with and a new orientation, aligning it with the updated macOS design language. Sound Settings: The input/output selection interface has been enlarged, improving usability and accessibility for users managing audio devices. These updates reflect Apple's commitment to enhancing the functionality and design of its core applications, making sure a more seamless experience for users. Behavioral Adjustments macOS 26 Beta 5 introduces several behavioral changes that may subtly alter how users interact with the system. These adjustments are designed to improve usability and consistency across the operating system: The F8 key no longer opens Apple Music, and its functionality is currently inactive, leaving its future role uncertain. no longer opens Apple Music, and its functionality is currently inactive, leaving its future role uncertain. System settings have been reorganized, particularly in the app section , for better clarity and navigation. , for better clarity and navigation. Inconsistencies in the iCloud icon design have been resolved, contributing to a more cohesive visual experience. have been resolved, contributing to a more cohesive visual experience. App animations and transitions have been refined, resulting in smoother and more uniform interactions throughout the system. While these changes may seem minor, they collectively enhance the overall intuitiveness and fluidity of the macOS experience. Developer Tools and Enhancements For developers, macOS 26 Beta 5 introduces updates to Xcode, now in version 26 Beta 5. This release includes builds optimized exclusively for Apple Silicon, making sure better performance and compatibility for developers working on macOS applications. These enhancements are particularly beneficial for those using Apple's custom hardware ecosystem, as they streamline the development process and improve efficiency. Known Issues and Challenges Despite its many improvements, macOS 26 Beta 5 is not without its flaws. Users should be aware of the following known issues, which may impact certain workflows or device performance: NFS Shares: Network File System (NFS) shares may cause system crashes or kernel panics , potentially disrupting workflows that rely on networked storage solutions. Network File System (NFS) shares may cause , potentially disrupting workflows that rely on networked storage solutions. Battery Life: Some users have reported concerns about battery performance, with devices overheating during extended use, particularly under heavy workloads. These challenges highlight the importance of proceeding with caution, especially for users who depend on specific features or require optimal battery performance for their daily tasks. Final Thoughts on macOS 26 Beta 5 macOS 26 Beta 5 represents a significant step forward in Apple's ongoing efforts to refine its desktop operating system. With improvements in system performance, visual design, and app functionality, this update aims to deliver a more polished and engaging user experience. However, users should remain mindful of the known issues, particularly if they rely on NFS shares or are concerned about battery performance. As Apple continues to iterate on macOS 26, future updates are expected to address these challenges while building on the progress made in this release. For now, macOS 26 Beta 5 offers a glimpse into the evolving capabilities of Apple's desktop platform, showcasing its potential to enhance productivity and usability for a wide range of users. Master macOS 26 Beta 5 with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Source & Image Credit: HalfManHalfTech Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
The best laptops for photo editing, according to expert editors and photographers
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Shopping for a laptop is already hard enough due to the sheer number of options. But your task gets even more difficult when you need a laptop for a very specific purpose, like photo editing. This demands even more research and scrutiny on your part, which may sound like a tall order. Talk about analysis paralysis. If you're in the market for a photo editing laptop and are having a hard time making the final decision, you're in luck, because we're here to help you choose something you'll love. In fact, not only have we tested all of the top powerhouse laptops, but we even brought in some backup — to give us some more insight into buying a laptop for photo editing, we reached out to Tommy Yonash, a Brooklyn-based documentary and portrait photographer, and Joseph Maldonado, a photographer for Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis. "Honestly, it comes down to three things for me," Yonash told us. When shopping for the best laptops for photo editing, he recommends prioritizing something with fast processing speeds, a great battery life, and something that's lightweight and portable so you can take it on the go. Maldonado agrees that speed is vital to having a good photo editing experience. "It just has to be able to process the images quickly," he said. "I don't enjoy a laptop that slows down while bouncing between different photos." Yonash told us that he uses a MacBook Pro for photo editing, as it's a great marriage of all three of those important specs. "I work between the M1 Pro and the M1 Air, both of which have held up great over the years, but the Pro has usually been my go-to for its better battery life," he added. While the M1 line of MacBook laptops can still be found pretty cheap at various retailers, Apple has since released the MacBook Pro and Air with the latest and greatest M4 chips, which are much faster. For photo editing laptops specifically, we recommend going current-gen to get the best bang for your buck. SEE ALSO: The best laptops for video editing, according to an experienced editor Yonash maintains that speed, portability, and battery are the most important specs when shopping for photo editing laptops, but out of those three, processing speed will always win out. "Since I don't do too much editing on the go, I would have to say speed or processing power is the number one most important feature," he told us. "Nothing kills editing flow like a laggy computer." Maldonado concurred on this point, but also added that a great display and plenty of storage are also a necessity. He said that a minimum of 1TB of SSD storage will serve you well. After all of our research, testing, and expert interviews, we found that the M4 MacBook Air will be the best photo editing laptop for most people (and if you want to splurge a bit, go for the Pro). We know that not everyone is an Apple die-hard, though, so we included laptops from beyond the Apple ecosystem as well. Below, our top picks for the most reliable photo editing laptops.
