ADAM ENGST 27 July 202623 comments

ADAM ENGST 27 July 2026

MagSafe is an impressively flexible technology, as I found out while researching and testing products for “Going All in on MagSafe for the iPhone in the Office, Bedroom, and Car” (6 May 2024). One common use for MagSafe didn’t make it into that article, however: the MagSafe grip. Because the MagSafe magnets are super strong, companies have developed widgets that expand, flex, and rotate to create a more confident connection between your fingers and your phone. I have long been curious about these grips, but between the cost and uncertainty about whether I’d find it useful, it took me a while to try one: the Snap Grip from ohSnap, which I’ve been using since January 2026.

How the Snap Grip Works

Physically, the Snap Grip is a thin aluminum ring measuring just 3 millimeters thick, less than the iPhone’s camera bump, though that’s immaterial if you use it with a MagSafe case. The MagSafe magnets are in the ring, the inside of which contains a plastic base and rotating disc, connected by flexible, interlocking plastic struts.

The idea is that you attach the ring to the back of your iPhone magnetically, pop up the disc from its collapsed position, and insert one or two fingers into the struts to hold the iPhone securely, rotating the disc to your desired viewing position. The disc can also snap into one of two small protrusions at an angle to transform into a stand.

Here’s how each of those works:

• Two fingers: I find the two-finger grip the easiest to engage and most intuitive, with my index and middle fingers sandwiched between the disc and base on either side of the flexible struts.
• One finger: I don’t think I have particularly fat fingers, but getting my index finger in between the interlocking struts is a tight fit. Because of that, I don’t find myself using a single-finger grip. But it does work, and if your fingers are smaller than mine, you might prefer it.
• Stand: By angling the disc as far as it goes, you can tuck its edge under one of the protrusions, creating a triangle that holds the phone at an angle for hands-free viewing. I’m showing it in landscape orientation here, but it also works in portrait, though there’s more wobble when you touch the screen.

Usage Patterns

Even though I’ve been using the Snap Grip for 7 months, I’m writing about it only now because, frankly, it hasn’t become a significant part of how I use my iPhone. That’s not a criticism of its industrial design or manufacturing—it’s extremely cleverly designed, solidly made, and easy to use. It also meets its design goals successfully: it adds minimal bulk to the iPhone, works well with a MagSafe case, and doesn’t interfere with sliding the iPhone into a pocket. You can even use it to attach the iPhone to any magnet-compatible metal surface.

My main problem with the Snap Grip, it turns out, is that it doesn’t solve a problem that I have very often. I had thought the Snap Grip would be a helpful way to hold my iPhone while I’m using the Webscorer app to time races, since I have to hold it for up to a few hours at a time. In real-world use, however, I discovered that timing with Webscorer is largely a two-handed operation, since I need to tap in bib numbers on the keypad at the bottom of the screen and tap a time button at the top. That’s enough of a stretch for my thumb that I need to move my right hand while my left hand provides most of the support for the iPhone. I could have used the Snap Grip with my left hand, but it simply didn’t seem necessary.

At nearly all other times, I’m not holding my iPhone long enough to feel the need for additional grip security. Generally speaking, the iPhone lives in my right pocket. I extract it and immediately employ a four-fingered grip: my pinky under the bottom edge of the iPhone, the next three fingers splayed across the back, and my thumb hovering over the screen. The Snap Grip doesn’t get in the way of that approach, but opening it up and inserting my fingers requires two hands, so I never find myself doing it. (After I wrote this, my friend Paul Kafasis sent me a video showing how he could pop his Snap Grip open and insert his fingers using only one hand—now I have a challenge!)

Nor did I find it all that useful as a stand. I generally read a magazine or alt weekly newspaper at breakfast and lunch, and while I could read on my iPhone, I seldom do. If I used the iPhone more for reading at the table, the stand would be welcome.

The one place I have become fond of using the Snap Grip is when reading in bed at night. I read nearly all books in Libby on the iPhone because it’s handy and the line length is comfortably short. I can hold the iPhone without the Snap Grip, but keeping my hand in the same position for 30–45 minutes gets tiring. So the Snap Grip lives on the bedside table and every night, I attach it to the back of my iPhone, stick my fingers in, and read a book for a while. Having it attached to my hand is much more comfortable than having to cradle it carefully or exert any pressure to hold it. When it’s time for bed, I pop the Snap Grip off and attach the iPhone to the KUXIU X55 MagSafe charging stand. Although it does attach to the charging stand and appears to charge, ohSnap recommends temporarily removing it to charge wirelessly. I suspect that even if it’s charging, the extra material would reduce MagSafe’s already mediocre charging efficiency.

The other problem I have with the Snap Grip is that it doesn’t play super well with the Smartish Side Hustle wallet, which attaches to the company’s Gripmunk case via MagSafe. It actually connects quite well—the Snap Grip’s magnets are extremely strong—but it raises the Side Hustle wallet slightly above the Gripmunk case. It’s bulkier in my pocket, and there’s also a gap that makes it easier to knock the wallet off. I tried replacing the Snap Grip with the Side Hustle wallet every time I left the house, but then I often forgot to reattach the Snap Grip when I returned home, which annoyed me when I wanted to read in bed and had to go downstairs to retrieve it.

In short, I like the Snap Grip and don’t regret buying it, even though it hasn’t changed how I hold my iPhone except when reading in bed. The only better option I could imagine ohSnap offering would be a case that integrated the Snap Grip, so there’s no additional bump to get in the way of MagSafe chargers or wallets. The company does sell standard MagSafe cases, but none that integrate a flexible grip.

If you’re looking for something to help you hold your iPhone more securely, the Snap Grip is worth trying. There are various competitors I haven’t tested, but from what I can tell, similarly priced ones don’t offer anything more and lower-priced ones aren’t as good.

The Snap Grip retails for $39.99, but it’s currently on sale for $29.99. There are 20 color combinations, plus 13 flag designs in honor of the World Cup that retail for $44.99 but now cost $39.99.

Malcolm Owen

Sun Jul 26 2026, 10:55 AM EDT · 2 minute read

Apple Glass will require Apple to convince the world it still cares about privacy. 

The eventual launch of Apple Glass is still expected in 2027, but based on how people distrust Meta's smart glasses, Apple may have a challenge ahead of it.

Smart glasses have been rumored to be in development at Apple for quite a while, and aren't expected to emerge from Cupertino anytime soon. But, when Apple actually does ship them, it will have to deal with the problem of privacy.

In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman discusses the privacy implications of smart glasses. Specifically how Apple must work hard to counter the distrust of consumers who are jaded by versions sold by Meta.

Apple will be introducing its first smart glasses at WWDC in 2027, Gurman writes, followed by a consumer release by the end of the year. The summer launch is intended to give developers an opportunity to start building apps before the public gets a chance to buy the hardware.

It's apparently taken so long to get the glasses ready because Apple is concerned with how it maintains its image of maintaining privacy. Something both the engineering and marketing teams at Apple are working on.

A Meta-driven narrative

While Apple's Vision hardware group insists privacy is the top priority, it has to contend with what's already on the market. When it comes to smart glasses, that means the releases from Meta.

Though Meta does get some credit for being a commercial success when it comes to smart glasses, it's only part of the story. Meta's reputation for failing when it comes to privacy protection has become an anchor around its neck.

This has had the result of poisoning the well when it comes to consumers. People are not content with being around people wearing cameras on their head, due to the possibility of being recorded while conducting everyday activities in public.

While the world is used to smartphone cameras being a problem, the stealthy nature makes smart glasses seem worse to consumers. Meta has worked to ally those privacy fears, including using an indicator light that disables recording if it's been tampered with by the user.

The Apple Way

Apple wants to include similar protections, but it does so with a reputation for privacy to uphold. While it could use the same privacy-forward messaging, Apple is also going to try to distinguish itself from rivals in various ways.

The favoring of on-device processing and avoiding features like facial recognition or Meta's "super-sensing" mode should help Apple. Add in a pledge not to use the cameras or recordings for AI model training and steering clear of using third-party contractors to review footage could help too.

Apple's also working on a number of hardware and software-based privacy features, with the glasses in mind.

There's also the prospect of Apple eliminating the camera element, and instead providing access to AI features, calls, and audio without visual assistance. Apple has apparently already prototyped something similar.

Executives have considered the possibility of including cameras, but just for the AI tools to see the world.

This would be similar to the idea of external cameras on the rumored AirPods Pro, so AI can identify real-world items and mention environmental elements to the user. Not for users to take photographs or videos at all.

Apple has a tough challenge ahead of it in convincing the world that its smart glasses aren't privacy-destroying devices. At least the company has a year to refine its plan before it needs to brace users for the release.

Amber Neely

The method and the madness | Image credit: Reddit user peninkling

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The nail polish girlies have found a new favorite tool to use with magnetic cat eye nail polish — the Apple Watch charger.

If you keep up with nail polish trends — and I'm assuming many of you don't —  magnetic nail polishis having a big moment right now. It's interesting, because magnetic polish is hardly new. I remember seeing it hit the shelves of bougier shops in my early 20s, only to trickle down to drugstore brands a year or two later.

What is new, however, are the inventive ways people are using it. Just about anything that has its own localized magnetic field has been used to alter magnetic polish, and now that growing list includes the Apple Watch charger.

Reddit Laquerista peninkling shared some pictures of their newest manicure, which they proudly claimed — and explained — was achieved using the Apple Watch charger. You simply press your finger to the charger, apply your coat of magnetic polish, and wait about one minute for the effect to lock in place.

While peninkling didn't invent the Apple Watch charger method, they certainly did a great job with their take. The result is an absolutely stunning shimmery blue to black gradient. 

Instagram user Sarah Kendall also has taken a crack at the trend. Her video shows the method from start to finish.

For those of you who are looking to recreate peniklings look, you'll want to snag two Mooncat nail polishes. The bottom coat is Mooncat's Getting Even, followed by two coats of Mooncat's Bloodbender.

And for the majority of you who are wondering what on earth magnetic nail polish is, I've got you covered, too.

Magnetic polish, often called cat eye polish, is a nail polish that contains ferromagnetic metallic particles. When you hold a magnet over — or under — the wet nail polish, you can create some stunning effects. 

Once dried, the effect stays locked in place.

Popular effects include a cat eye, done with a bar magnet, velveteen effects done with U-shaped magnets, or simple shapes like hearts and clovers using magnetized wires. Now we can add the Apple Watch charger to the list, too.

And, I'd like to point out that Redditor Glittering-Time-2274 notes a similar effect could be achieved with MagSafe-compatible accessories. They specifically mention a magnetic PopSocket, but I'd be willing to bet you could use your favorite magnetic mount, the MagSafe Wallet, or anything else that sticks to the back of your iPhone.

As someone who does her nails pretty routinely, I can see the appeal. I'll admit that I haven't snagged myself any magnetic cat eye nail polish — yet.

ADAM ENGST 12 July 2026

A while back, a question on TidBITS Talk sparked a lengthy discussion about YouTube downloaders: apps, utilities, and services that let you download YouTube videos to standalone files on your Mac.

My initial reaction to the enthusiasm for YouTube downloaders was puzzlement. I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted to download a YouTube video. In the rare event that I’ve wanted to rewatch something, finding and streaming it again has been trivial. Apart from occasionally viewing something offline, why would so many people want permanent copies of videos that are readily available on YouTube to watch at any time? So I asked just that.

TidBITS Talk readers were quick to share convincing answers, and while I haven’t personally become an inveterate downloader, I can easily see why someone might. Here then are six reasons to download YouTube videos, followed by suggestions for apps that make it easy.

Why Download Videos from YouTube?

All of these reasons revolve around the fact that YouTube, as ubiquitous as it is, can’t meet everyone’s needs at every moment. They include:

• Offline viewing: The most obvious reason you’d want to download videos from YouTube is to watch where Internet access is unreliable, unavailable, or expensive. Readers cited planes and trains, classrooms with spotty Wi-Fi, homes dependent on limited cellular Internet, and repair scenarios without connectivity. Downloading and watching offline also ensures that a presentation will not be derailed by network failures, buffering, or advertisements. Jeff Fischer, silbey, Jolin, David, and MacGuyver described variations on this need.
• Preservation: YouTube is not a reliable archive. Streams of live performances may be available for only a few days, recordings may disappear after copyright complaints, and creators can remove videos at any time. Even when a video remains online, the addition of new videos or tweaks to the search algorithm can make it difficult to locate again. Readers have used downloading to preserve limited-time theatrical performances, rare concerts, long-out-of-print recordings, decades-old school footage, and videos featuring family members. See posts by Halfsmoke, Alan Forkosh, turbineseaplane, and MacGuyver.
• Research and reference: Many videos are informational or training resources rather than entertainment. Readers maintain local collections of photography documentaries, linguistic research material, craft demonstrations, repair instructions, and tutorials they may need to consult years later. A local archive of video is searchable (particularly with the addition of transcripts), independent of YouTube, and available whenever it’s needed. Tommy Weir, P. Boersting, Sherman Wilcox, Jane Sprando, and Jeff Swart offered examples.
• Teaching, presentation, and editing: All you can do with a video on YouTube is play it. In contrast, a downloaded file can be trimmed, incorporated into another project, or queued alongside other material without depending on YouTube during the presentation. Students use clips in documentaries and mashups, instructors incorporate footage into classes, and one reader loops college sports videos at reunion luncheons. See posts from David Tuma, Tommy Weir, josehill, and silbey.
• Better playback control: Local files eliminate YouTube’s advertisements, suggested video overlays, and interface limitations. They can be looped for music practice, replayed repeatedly while following a complicated repair, organized into a curated collection for watching on an Apple TV via Home Sharing, or paused and scrubbed using a preferred player. Ladd, Suman Chakrabarti, Jeff Meyer, and MacGuyver cited these advantages.
• Audio extraction: Sometimes the video track itself is irrelevant. Readers download DJ sets as MP3 files, turn talk-oriented videos into personal podcast episodes, and import rare musical recordings into the Music app. Jolin, adamrice, josehill, and Jeff Swart described audio-oriented workflows.

These categories may overlap to an extent, but you get the idea: there are numerous reasons to create your own local archive of videos.

Recommended YouTube-Downloading Apps

How do you go about downloading a YouTube video? It’s not as though YouTube itself offers a download button. (YouTube Premium does allow offline viewing within its app, but those downloads expire, can’t be transferred to other players, and don’t address most of the use cases above.) TidBITS Talk participants suggested numerous ways to download YouTube videos, but two stand out:

• Downie: Charlie Monroe’s Downie was the clear favorite among Mac users in the discussion. It lets you paste or drag in a URL, use a browser extension, extract audio, and download subtitles or transcripts. Downie also works with many sites beyond YouTube and can handle authenticated downloads. Several people noted that Monroe is extremely responsive to user inquiries, and updates appear frequently. Downie costs $19.99 and is available in Setapp. Recommendations came from Suman Chakrabarti, Halfsmoke, Nalarider, Tommy Weir, Gordon Meyer, Jeff Meyer, Jörgen Olsson, Richard Ripley, Ray, Bill Stanford, Jeff Swart, and osric.
• 4K Video Downloader Plus: Several participants recommended 4K Video Downloader Plus, which can download YouTube playlists, channels, and search results, as well as YouTube Watch Later, liked videos, and private YouTube playlists. It provides control over resolution, file format, subtitles, and audio extraction. As with Downie, it supports numerous other sites, and updates appear frequently. The free version of 4K Video Downloader Plus allows downloading 10 videos per day; the pricing page outlines the differences between the $15-per-year subscription, the $25 lifetime Personal version, and the $45 lifetime Pro version. Jeff Meyer, Ladd, Donnie, David C., and David Bilides provided recommendations.

A few other mentioned solutions included ClipGrab, a free graphical downloader that occasionally succeeds where other apps fail but is still Intel-only; Cobalt, a free browser-based downloader; JDownloader 2, an open source alternative that’s flexible but complicated; Yout, another free browser-based solution that lets you convert online videos to several different downloadable formats; and yt-dlp, an open source solution for those who want a powerful, customizable command line tool (another app, Stacher, offers an optional graphical front end for yt-dlp).

Storing, Cataloging, and Finding Downloaded Videos

As I was writing this article, I realized that no one had said much about what they did with these videos after downloading them. How do people store, catalog, and find these videos in the future?

Several people said they maintained Plex servers and would add downloaded videos they wanted to keep to their Plex library. Although Plex is free, it’s designed to serve media to multiple devices, so it’s more of a commitment than a simple video library.

Although the video players VLC and IINA were mentioned in the discussion, neither came up in the context of accessing a personal archive of stored videos. Nevertheless, it appears that VLC’s Media Library can maintain a list of video files stored in the Finder; double-clicking one plays it. After brief experimentation, I found VLC’s approach frustrating: videos and the Media Library occupy the same window, so closing a video also closes the library, requiring me to reopen it manually each time. Infuse looks like an easier option.

When I asked about this in the TidBITS Talk discussion, most people said they simply stored everything in Finder folders. Michael Painesupplements Finder storage by adding videos to specific playlists in iTunes while not copying the files from his external drive. Tommy Weirstores his research-focused videos in DEVONthink, and I could easily see DEVONthink also making it easy to search through stored transcripts.

Perhaps the Finder is all that’s needed here, though this situation feels ripe for custom app development for those with specific or intensive cataloging needs. If you’re a video packrat, how do you solve this problem?

ADAM ENGST 20 July 202612 comments

Want to live dangerously, get a glimpse of the future, and help Apple find bugs? You can now install public betas of nearly all the OS 27 operating systems: macOS 27 Golden Gate, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and HomePod Software 27. There’s even a public beta of the next version of the AirPods firmware, but none for visionOS 27.

Follow those links for Apple’s lists of what’s new in each operating system; you can also read “WWDC26 Keynote Shows Apple’s Tacit Acknowledgment of External Pressures” (8 June 2026) for thoughts on the tweaks and features that will have the most impact on your Apple experience. At Six Colors, Jason Snell and Dan Moren have already written about the main changes in the macOS 27 and iOS 27 betas.

Now for the obligatory warnings. First, you’ll need compatible hardware, although I doubt that will be an issue for most people interested in testing. For details, see “The Real System Requirements for OS 27” (20 July 2026). Second, install betas only on devices where you can tolerate catastrophic failure that might require wiping the device, reinstalling the operating system, and restoring from backup. Bugs and conflicts are par for the course—that’s the entire point of a beta program. Ideally, you’d dedicate devices to testing, though I suspect many people don’t.

A full backup is essential before installing any beta on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Apple TVs and HomePods store all their data in the cloud, so they can’t be backed up. If you want to revert to a shipping version of one of these operating systems, you must erase and restore from backup. The exception is the Apple Watch, which can’t be restored to a previously released version of watchOS once you install a watchOS 27 beta—it’s a one-way street to the future.

Also, consider not connecting your primary iCloud account with the betas to avoid bugs that might cause synchronization or other upstream problems. You wouldn’t want beta iCloud Drive code to corrupt important data you use on your everyday devices or mess with your iCloud Photos library.

If it sounds like I’m trying to dissuade you from installing the public betas, I am. You could lose data or waste time recovering from problems. But if you’re comfortable with the technical implications and won’t be upset if you lose data or waste time recovering from technical problems, have fun exploring and reporting bugs! I certainly intend to do so between now and when these updates ship, likely in September.

To test one or more of the betas, go to the Apple Beta Software Program, read the FAQ, and sign up for the beta program. Once you’re in, select which betas to install in Software Update, then proceed with the installation.

Finally, remember that the main reason to test public betas is so you can report bugs, so revisit David Shayer’s advice in “How to Report Bugs to Apple So They Get Fixed” (17 June 2020).