Amber Neely

Reviews Editor

Amber has worked at various publications and outlets since 2008, discussing how to use technology to its fullest. While working at BrightHub, she taught readers how to familiarize themselves with programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

She worked at MacNN and Electronista from 2015 until 2017, reviewing software, apps, games, and tech accessories. In 2019, she signed up with AppleInsider, where she covers all things Apple, with a focus on tech reviews, Apple TV+ developments, and environmental concerns surrounding big tech.

She has bylines in MacWorld, Food Network Magazine, Vogue, The PennStater, and more.

Amber graduated from Penn State Behrend with a degree in environmental sustainability and conservation. In her free time, she enjoys exploring public parks, creating art, and listening to music.

Latest Articles from Amber Neely

Apple releases 18.5 updates for tvOS, HomePod

Apple has just rolled out tvOS 18.5, and as anticipated, it's another standard minor update focused on quality-of-life upgrades.

Amber Neely | 2 hours ago

watchOS 11.5 rolls out focusing on stability and quality updates

It's time to update your Apple Watch, as Apple has just released watchOS 11.5 to the public.

Amber Neely | 2 hours ago

Apple's spooky 'Mac to School' ads highlight must-have Mac features for students

Apple is getting ahead of the back-to-school rush with a trio of creepy, college-themed ads aimed at students — just in time for graduation season.

Amber Neely | 5 hours ago

After everything, Epic Games submits new 'Fortnite' to US App Store review

Epic has resubmitted "Fortnite" to Apple for review, aiming to bring the game back to the U.S. App Store nearly four years after the developer violated its agreement, and Apple pulled the title.

Amber Neely | 3 days ago

Inside Apple Weather: get the most out of Apple's own forecasting app

Apple's Weather app has existed for a long time, and has evolved a great deal in the last few years — here's everything you need to know to master the Weather app.

Amber Neely | 3 days ago

Apple Silicon Mac owners can now take full advantage of some Razer hardware

After a nearly six-year absence, Razer has finally brought back Razer Synapse mouse and gaming peripheral configuration utility for Mac — kind of, at least.

Amber Neely | 3 days ago

Apple gearing up for WWDC with profiles of four Swift Student Challenge winners

From preserving tradition to improving disaster response, four 2025 Swift Student Challenge Distinguished Winners used Apple's tools to build app playgrounds that educate, empower, and connect people worldwide.

Amber Neely | 4 days ago

Nintendo Pictochat-inspired iMessage app lets you text your friends like it's 2004

Relive the early 2000s and chat using a new Nintendo DS Pictochat-inspired iMessage app.

Amber Neely | 5 days ago

Five new family-centric games debut on Apple Arcade in June

Apple Arcade is set to get five new games in June, including an "Uno" game, another new Lego game, and "What the Car" makes its debut on the Apple Vision Pro.

Amber Neely | 6 days ago

Inside the App Store: getting the most from Apple's app marketplaces

Apple's App Store has been around for 17 years, and there's a rich history and a wealth of apps to discover. Here's what you need to know, and how to get started with it.

Amber Neely | 6 days ago

Parallels Desktop 20.3 update adds Touch ID and OBS support

Parallels Desktop is now updated to version 20.3, featuring new enhancements such as OBS support, Touch ID authentication, and improved legacy emulation that makes the virtual machine experience even smoother.

Amber Neely | 1 week ago

How Apple's use of eucalyptus in Apple 2030 is controversial

Apple invests quite a bit of time, money, and effort into its environmental initiatives, but it's hard to see whether or not its efforts are making an impact.

Amber Neely | 2 weeks ago

Tactical, turn-based RPG 'Sunderfolk' uses iPhones, iPads as controllers

"Sunderfolk," a new couch co-op game, has arrived for multiple platforms. While it doesn't run on Mac, it does require players to use iPads or iPhones as a controller for game night.

Amber Neely | 2 weeks ago

Get a free Apple Watch 'Global Close Your Rings Day' pin at retail stores

Celebrate "Global Close Your Rings Day" by earning Message app stickers and badges, a limited-time Apple Watch activity award, and score a commemorative pin at retail stores.

Amber Neely | 2 weeks ago

NAD told Apple to modify or discontinue certain Apple Intelligence feature claims

Apple's artificial intelligence rollout has been anything but smooth, so much so that the BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division spurred the company to rethink its claims to customers.

Amber Neely | 2 weeks ago

Apple cuts more than 60% of its global greenhouse gas emissions

Apple continues to make progress on its previously announced Apple 2030 goal, hoping to become carbon neutral over the next five years.

Amber Neely | 3 weeks ago

How India's emerging filmmakers use iPhone 16 Pro Max

Four Indian filmmakers in the MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone project explain how the iPhone 16 Pro Max has helped them to create their short films.

Amber Neely | 3 weeks ago

Apple about to launch accessory discount with in-store recycling promotion

Apple will soon encourage customers to bring their old gear in to an Apple Store that wouldn't qualify for store credit to get a discount on AirPods, AirTags, and more.

Amber Neely | 3 weeks ago

Apple rebrands its advertising business as 'Apple Ads'

As Apple expands its advertising business, the company has renamed its former "Apple Search Ads" to "Apple Ads," reflecting the expansion of ad placement.

Amber Neely | 4 weeks ago

China calls Trump's trade war a joke, jumps tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%

In the latest trade back-and-forth, China has surged its tariff rate on US goods from 84% to 125%, at the same time saying it won't negotiate if the U.S. continues to engage in "trade blackmail."

Amber Neely | 1 month ago

US iPhone production's main challenge is a century of big business labor decisions

Despite repeated political promises recently saying otherwise, because of federal wants and big business needs over the last 100 years, the U.S. lacks both the low-cost labor and specialized manufacturing workforce needed to bring iPhone production home.

Amber Neely | 1 month ago