Apple has released iOS 26.5.1 and macOS 26.5.1 with narrowly focused bug fixes: the iOS update addresses an iPhone 17 and iPhone Air charging problem, while the enterprise-focused macOS update resolves unexpected shutdowns on M5 Macs running certain content-filtering network extensions. Adam Engst also warns that Office 2019 for Mac will enter read-only mode on 13 July 2026 due to a certificate expiration, forcing users to investigate other options. Looking for a new display? Adam points to RetinaDesk, a site offering in-depth reviews of 5K and 6K monitors from a Mac perspective. Adam also experiments with Google’s CC, an AI agent that sends daily email briefings, and explains why it didn’t stick for him. Finally, we share links to Adam’s appearance on the Command Control Power podcast discussing AI security and the Mac community, plus a look at Jony Ive’s design for a ludicrously expensive Ferrari. Notable Mac app releases this week include Agenda 23, Mimestream 1.10, and Piezo 1.9.9.
iPhone 17 and iPhone Air owners should update to iOS 26.5.1 promptly—it fixes a bug that blocks USB charging when the battery is nearly dead. macOS 26.5.1 addresses an enterprise-only shutdown issue.
On 13 July 2026, an expiring security certificate will force Office 2019 for Mac into read-only mode. Microsoft has shown no interest in releasing a fix, leaving users to upgrade or switch to alternatives.
Shopping for a 5K or 6K Retina display for your Mac? Parish Khan’s RetinaDesk site offers detailed, Mac-focused reviews of every monitor that hits Apple’s 218 PPI density threshold, plus comparison tools and buying guides—all tested on current Apple silicon hardware.
Feeling buried in email? Google’s experimental CC tool uses AI to send daily briefings about your most important messages and calendar events. Here’s what worked in Adam Engst’s testing, what didn’t, and who might benefit.
Watchlist
Date-focused note-taking app adds a new Safari Web clipper extension. ($Free or $34.99 annual subscription for Premium features, free update, 64.9 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Turns on Private Push feature by default for those running macOS 26 Tahoe and later. ($49.99 new, free update, 12.6 MB, macOS 12+)
Maintenance update for the “charmingly simple” audio recording tool. ($29 new, free update, 12.8 MB, macOS 14.4+)
