MacStories Team

407 posts on MacStories since July 2011

Articles by the MacStories team.

Founded by Federico Viticci in April 2009, MacStories attracts millions of readers every month thanks to in-depth, personal, and informed coverage that offers a balanced mix of Apple news, app reviews, and opinion.


Rogue Amoeba: Powerful Audio Tools for Your Mac [Sponsor]

The folks at Rogue Amoeba are back to sponsor MacStories this week. If you’re not already familiar with them, they’ve been notable makers of powerful audio tools for your Mac since 2002. From professionals to hobbyists to everyday consumers, they’ve got tools to help you with audio.

It’s a cinch to make recordings with the flagship product Audio Hijack, which can now even transcribe audio.

Or, take advantage of SoundSource to gain volume control for each app playing audio on your Mac, as well as the power to apply audio effects and even redirect playback to different devices.

If you want to enhance your microphone’s capabilities, Loopback is the perfect tool. With its virtual audio devices, you can combine app audio and your microphone seamlessly, then bring it into Zoom or any other voice chat app. You can even pair Loopback with the Mac’s best soundboard app, Farrago, to add sound effects or background audio to calls and recordings.

Rogue Amoeba offers free trials for all their apps, and you can set them up in seconds. And if you’re running Apple’s beta OS, you’ll be happy to know Rogue Amoeba’s apps already work on Tahoe.

As a MacStories reader, you can save 20% on any purchase through the end of August by using discount code STORIES2508. Visit their store to get started.

Our thanks to the folks at Rogue Amoeba for sponsoring MacStories this week.


Direct Mail 7: Professional Email Marketing Built Just for Mac Users [Sponsor]

If you run a business, a side hustle, a podcast, or just want to stay in touch with a community, you know how important great email marketing can be. That’s where Direct Mail comes in — a native macOS app that makes it incredibly easy to design, send, and track email campaigns that get results. Unlike web-based alternatives, Direct Mail is designed specifically for macOS, with the speed, polish, and Mac-first integration you expect.

The brand-new Version 7 is a huge leap forward. This update brings a host of new features, including a reimagined user interface, smarter list management, powerful email signup forms, upgraded reporting, and all-new tools to help your emails stand out. Whether you’re sending to 10 people or 10,000, Direct Mail gives you the tools to do it professionally and painlessly.

If you’ve ever been frustrated with clunky, web-based email marketing tools, or just want something that feels right at home on your Mac, check out Direct Mail. It’s free to download and try, with flexible pricing plans to match every budget — including pay-as-you-go options. You can be up and running with your first campaign in just minutes. Our friendly customer support reps are available via live chat to help with any questions, ensuring you’re never stuck. Get started today and expand your reach with powerful, Mac-first email marketing tools.

Our thanks to Direct Mail for sponsoring MacStories this week.


JSAUX FlipGo: An Award-Winning 16” Dual Touchscreen Monitor For Your Mac [Sponsor]

The promise of portable dual monitors has always been compelling, but the execution has consistently fallen short, until now. JSAUX’s FlipGo 16” Dual Touchscreen Monitor breaks new productivity ground for Mac users. Unlike some alternatives, the FlipGo Pro leverages both DisplayLink technology and native connectivity to deliver true dual-screen functionality on Apple silicon Macs with a single USB-C cable.

At its core, the FlipGo represents thoughtful engineering applied to everyday workflows. Its two 16-inch IPS panels deliver genuine 2.5K resolution (2560×1600 total resolution), 100% sRGB color accuracy, and 500 nits brightness. The key innovation lies in the FlipGo’s versatility: switch between UltraView mode for a single expansive workspace, DuoViews for independent dual screens, or ABC mode to create a true triple-monitor setup when combined with your MacBook’s display. You can learn more about the benefits of a foldable dual-screen setup in John’s review of the similar non-touch version of the FlipGo Pro here.

Build quality of the FlipGo Pro is superb and is a big part of why it won an iF Design Award and Red Dot award in 2024. The aluminum construction feels substantial without being cumbersome at 1.6kg, while the magnetic mounting system secures everything when the screens are attached to their stand. Even the hinge mechanism is made from premium materials, making it perfect for professionals to take on the go daily.

For those who value integrated workflows, the FlipGo’s built-in USB hub functionality provides two USB-A 2.0 ports and an additional USB-C port, effectively expanding your MacBook’s connectivity while powering the displays. When connected to external power, it even provides reverse charging to your laptop — a thoughtful touch that eliminates battery drain during extended sessions.

Ready to transform your mobile workspace? Order the JSAUX FlipGo 16” Touchscreen today.

This post includes affiliate links. Learn more here.


Turbulence Forecast: Know Before You Go with 5-Day Flight Turbulence Predictions [Sponsor]

For nearly two decades, anxious flyers have turned to an essential tool before boarding: Turbulence Forecast. This isn’t just another weather app. It’s a specialized service created by experts who have been helping passengers understand and prepare for flight conditions since 2005. Whether you’re a nervous flyer seeking peace of mind or simply want to know what to expect on your upcoming trip, Turbulence Forecast delivers the most detailed turbulence predictions available anywhere.

Turbulence Forecast’s comprehensive approach sets it apart from basic weather apps, with detailed, expert forecasts. These custom reports include an analysis of your specific route, weather patterns, storm systems, and jet stream effects.

The app also features multiple specialized maps: Pilot Reports showing turbulence encounters, Maximum Turbulence Potential maps for route planning, and much more. Turbulence Forecast can generate route forecasts for individual flights and uses a feature called “Drift” to show how forecasts are expected to evolve over time, too. Plus, with an advanced Navigator subscription, you can extend turbulence forecasts up to five days before your trip.

Built for iOS, with full iPad and Android support, the app integrates seamlessly with your travel workflow.

Download Turbulence Forecast on the App Store to start planning smoother flights with confidence. The app is free to download with premium forecasting services and Navigator subscriptions available for those who want the most comprehensive analysis possible. You can learn more about all of Turbulence Forecast’s features on the app’s website.

Our thanks to Turbulence Forecast for sponsoring MacStories this week.


Hello Weather: The Exceptionally Useful Weather App for iOS, Totally Redesigned for 2025 [Sponsor]

One of the most beloved indie weather apps just got a massive overhaul, and it’s worth checking out as your new daily driver. The whole app has been modernized and rebuilt from the ground up, and it feels great.

Hello Weather has always been known for its simple, friendly, super readable design, but the new update pairs that simplicity with more depth, sophistication, and powerful new features.

There are beautiful new summaries and visualizations for over a dozen data points like Wind, Air Quality, UV Index, and Moon phases. That’s along with extended hourly forecasts, excellent forecasts for the week ahead, and tons of little options to tune the app’s icons, themes, and layouts however you like them.

The new update addresses some longstanding feature gaps, too: Hello Weather now has push notifications, a revamped radar, and an excellent refreshed Apple Watch app and complications.

It also supports a dozen different data providers. You can switch from Apple Weather’s forecasts to ultra-detailed info from AccuWeather, Foreca, The Weather Company, and lots more. Stick with the source that’s best for your area, or swap between them to compare forecasts.

Hello Weather respects your privacy, with one of the best data collection policies in the category. The app doesn’t track any user-identifiable data, sell ads, or anything like that. It’s a customer-focused app, thoughtfully designed, and made with care.

Download Hello Weather and start a 7-day free trial.


Direct Mail 7: Professional Email Marketing Built Just for Mac Users [Sponsor]

If you run a business, a side hustle, a podcast, or just want to stay in touch with a community, you know how important great email marketing can be. That’s where Direct Mail comes in — a native macOS app that makes it incredibly easy to design, send, and track email campaigns that get results. Unlike web-based alternatives, Direct Mail is designed specifically for macOS, with the speed, polish, and Mac-first integration you expect.

The brand-new Version 7 is a huge leap forward. This update brings a host of new features, including a reimagined user interface, smarter list management, powerful email signup forms, upgraded reporting, and all-new tools to help your emails stand out. Whether you’re sending to 10 people or 10,000, Direct Mail gives you the tools to do it professionally and painlessly.

If you’ve ever been frustrated with clunky, web-based email marketing tools, or just want something that feels right at home on your Mac, check out Direct Mail. It’s free to download and try, with flexible pricing plans to match every budget — including pay-as-you-go options. You can be up and running with your first campaign in just minutes. Our friendly customer support reps are available via live chat to help with any questions, ensuring you’re never stuck. Get started today and expand your reach with powerful, Mac-first email marketing tools.

Our thanks to Direct Mail for sponsoring MacStories this week.


Direct Mail 7: Professional Email Marketing Built Just for Mac Users [Sponsor]

If you run a business, a side hustle, a podcast, or just want to stay in touch with a community, you know how important great email marketing can be. That’s where Direct Mail comes in — a native macOS app that makes it incredibly easy to design, send, and track email campaigns that get results. Unlike web-based alternatives, Direct Mail is designed specifically for macOS, with the speed, polish, and Mac-first integration you expect.

The brand-new Version 7 is a huge leap forward. This update brings a host of new features, including a reimagined user interface, smarter list management, powerful email signup forms, upgraded reporting, and all-new tools to help your emails stand out. Whether you’re sending to 10 people or 10,000, Direct Mail gives you the tools to do it professionally and painlessly.

If you’ve ever been frustrated with clunky, web-based email marketing tools, or just want something that feels right at home on your Mac, check out Direct Mail. It’s free to download and try, with flexible pricing plans to match every budget — including pay-as-you-go options. You can be up and running with your first campaign in just minutes. Our friendly customer support reps are available via live chat to help with any questions, ensuring you’re never stuck. Get started today and expand your reach with powerful, Mac-first email marketing tools.

Our thanks to Direct Mail for sponsoring MacStories this week.


Albums: Algorithm-Free Listening for Music Lovers [Sponsor]

Albums is the player that cares as much about your music library as you do. Made by music-obsessed solo developer Adam Linder, Albums provides the best alternative to the built-in Music app for true music lovers.

MacStories readers can redeem an extra-long two-week free trial of Albums Premium.

Albums is the infinite, high-tech CD binder or vinyl crate you wish you’d had in high school. Relive the glory days of the iPod with album shuffle, and use robust tagging and filtering options to build the album collections of your dreams—you can even tag music not in your library to check out later.

Beyond playback and organization, Albums is packed with features to enrich your musical life; the Release Feed keeps track of new and upcoming music from artists and record labels in your library; the app tracks your play history and generates regular listening reports; and the Insights tab offers dozens of personalized collections to help you experience your library in a new way.

Albums is deeply integrated with iOS system features, including comprehensive Shortcuts support, a first-class CarPlay app, and interactive widgets. It is available for iOS and iPadOS, with a macOS app on the horizon. Coming up on six years of iterative improvement on the App Store, the app is the best it’s ever been—and only getting better.

When you’re ready to level up your music-listening experience, redeem your two-week trial of Albums Premium. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also check out Adam’s chaotic neutral music-discovery app, Univershuffle, which shuffles all of the music on the Apple Music catalog. Seriously!

Our thanks to Albums for supporting MacStories’ WWDC coverage this week.


Proxyman: Need to Capture HTTPS for Debugging? Try Proxyman! Works with iOS Devices and Simulators. [Sponsor]

Proxyman is the native, high-performance debugging proxy that makes monitoring and analyzing your app’s network stack almost effortless. Built with Swift and Apple Silicon in mind, it runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, so every member of your team can peek under the hood without wrestling with legacy-era UIs.

Proxyman has you covered with a wide array of tools.

Proxyman has you covered with a wide array of tools.

Proxyman’s toolkit goes far beyond simple packet capture. Breakpoints pause requests, so you can tweak headers or bodies on the fly; Map Local and Map Remote let you swap in local files or redirect traffic to staging servers; scripting, diffing, network throttling, and WebSocket support round out a workspace that replaces what was a whole folder full of utilities.

Need on-device debugging? Proxyman for iOS is a standalone app that uses a local VPN to intercept every byte on your iPhone or iPad–no Mac required. View plain-text HTTP and HTTPS payloads, set breakpoints, block calls, or share a log back to the desktop. Face ID and passcode lock keep sensitive data safe, and iPad Split View turns Proxyman into an invaluable companion while you code.

Need to capture HTTPS traffic from iOS Simulators? Proxyman covers it too. Just few click to setup your Simulators and ready to capture it.

Proxyman Capture iOS Simulators

Proxyman Capture iOS Simulators

Licensing is simple. A perpetual Standard License is just $89 and unlocks every premium feature on one device and includes the iOS app. For $99 a Personal License includes the same benefits, plus two devices. Not ready to commit? The free trial lets you pin two domains and create two rules in each tool, giving you plenty of time to see how Proxyman fits with your development setup.

Stop guessing what your app is really sending over the wire. Download the trial today, then grab Proxyman from the Mac download page or the App Store and start shipping more reliable code faster than ever.

Our thanks to Proxyman for sponsoring our WWDC coverage this week.