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Avatar for Michael Potuck

Michael Potuck

michaelpotuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 5,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, detailed comparisons and tutorials.

Michael has also appeared on the 9to5Mac Watch Time podcast with Zac Hall and TWiT’s Tech News Weekly.

Reach out to Michael with tips, deliberations, typos, or feedback at potuck@9to5mac.com

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How to turn on double tap-like gesture control on almost any Apple Watch

use double tap on any Apple Watch

One of the main new features of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is something called “double tap” which lets users control the wearable by pinching their thumb and pointer finger. While the full functionality and new UI of the feature are indeed limited to the newest hardware, anyone with Apple Watch Series 3 and later can turn on double tap-like gestures to get the feature working for many of the same use cases right now, here’s how.

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M3 MacBook Pro vs Air: How they compare and buyer’s guide

macbook-pro-vs-air-compared

Apple’s MacBook lineup was overhauled with the M3 MacBook Air models arriving in March 2024 and the latest MacBook Pro laptops coming with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips at the end of 2023. Join along for our in-depth look at MacBook Pro vs Air to see what’s similar and different and a buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice.

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Best Thunderbolt monitors for Mac and what sets them apart from USB-C displays [March]

Best Thunderbolt monitors BenQ 32

In 2024, there are more Thunderbolt monitors than ever. While Apple currently offers two options, its displays at $1,600-$5,000+ won’t be the right fit for everyone. Luckily, there are more affordable, solid choices from LG, BenQ, and Samsung. Below, we’ll cover the best Thunderbolt monitors for Mac as well as what you get with a Thunderbolt monitor vs a USB-C monitor.

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Here’s how to protect against ‘GoldPickaxe’, the first iPhone trojan [U]

protect against iPhone trojan GoldPickaxe

An Android trojan called GoldDigger surfaced last year that can steal biometric data and more from victims to compromise their bank accounts. Now the threat has evolved into the GoldPickaxe trojan that can infect iOS and Android. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to protect against the first iPhone trojan, here’s what you should know.

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Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac [March]

Best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays Mac Samsung 5K

USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really expanded over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it also offers the more affordable Studio Display. But there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Let’s look at the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400-$1,600 range.

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iOS 17.4 includes 4 important security fixes, 2 were exploited [U]

Regain clarity with CleanMyPhone by MacPaw — the new AI-powered cleaning app that quickly identifies and removes blurred images, screenshots, and other clutter from your device. Download it now with a free trial.


iOS 17.4 is here for all users and comes with lots of changes including new emoji, a CarPlay update, EU App Store changes, quantum security for iMessage, and more. However, there are also important security fixes with the release. Here are all the details.

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Colorware delivers a retro makeover with limited edition ‘Apple Number 2 Pencil’

Regain clarity with CleanMyPhone by MacPaw — the new AI-powered cleaning app that quickly identifies and removes blurred images, screenshots, and other clutter from your device. Download it now with a free trial.


Colorware is out with a fun new product today – Apple Number 2 Pencil. The makeover transforms Apple’s high-end stylus to look just like a classic pencil. Read on for the details and how much it will cost you.

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iPhone 12 users are running out of time to use Apple’s free service program

Regain clarity with CleanMyPhone by MacPaw — the new AI-powered cleaning app that quickly identifies and removes blurred images, screenshots, and other clutter from your device. Download it now with a free trial.


Apple first launched its service program to fix faulty iPhone 12 and 12 Pro devices at no cost in 2021. Now after almost three years, the recall is coming to a close. Follow along below for all the details, including checking if your device is eligible.

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Do’s and don’ts for cleaning your dirty iPhone (and why you should make it a habit)

Regain clarity with CleanMyPhone by MacPaw — the new AI-powered cleaning app that quickly identifies and removes blurred images, screenshots, and other clutter from your device. Download it now with a free trial.


Studies have found our smartphones are usually dirtier than a toilet seat, carrying tens of thousands of bacteria, so creating a habit of regularly cleaning your iPhone is a healthy move. But what’s safe or best to use? Let’s look at how to clean iPhone with step-by-step do’s and don’ts.

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