TL;DR
9to5Mac has launched a new forums section at 9to5mac.com/forums to give its readers a place to discuss Apple topics. The forums use the same account system as the site's existing comments and offer categories, threads, and voting on contributions.
What happened
On Jan. 9, 2026, 9to5Mac announced the launch of 9to5Mac Forums, a dedicated discussion area accessible at 9to5mac.com/forums. The new forums are organized into topic categories covering Apple hardware, software, and services, and they let users start threads, reply to others, and upvote or downvote comments. The forums are integrated with 9to5Mac’s existing commenting system, so readers do not need to create a separate account to participate. The site frames the forums as a space for readers to talk about Apple news, history, tips, and troubleshooting, and expresses a goal of turning the forum into a go-to source for answers and community-sourced guidance alongside its daily coverage. Editors say they will collect user feedback and implement improvements based on what participants request.
Why it matters
- Using the existing comment account reduces friction for participation, potentially increasing engagement.
- Dedicated categories can concentrate discussion around hardware, software, services, and other Apple-related topics.
- A forum can centralize community knowledge, making it easier for readers to find tips and answers alongside news coverage.
- Site-run forums give the publisher a direct channel to gather reader feedback and test new features.
Key facts
- Announcement published Jan. 9, 2026.
- Forums are available at 9to5mac.com/forums.
- Forums include categories for Apple hardware, software, and services.
- Users can start threads, reply, and upvote or downvote comments.
- Forums share the same system as 9to5Mac’s existing commenting platform, so no new account creation is required.
- 9to5Mac positions the forums as a place for discussing news, Apple history, tips, and tricks.
- The editorial team said it will make improvements based on user feedback.
- The article includes an FTC note that the site uses income-earning affiliate links.
What to watch next
- The team says it will make improvements based on user feedback — watch for feature updates and changes the site publishes.
- not confirmed in the source: specific moderation policies, community rules, or enforcement practices for the forums.
- not confirmed in the source: long-term plans for monetization, third-party integrations, or mobile app support for the forums.
Quick glossary
- Forum: An online discussion space organized into topics or categories where users can start conversations and reply to others.
- Thread: A sequence of messages or replies in a forum that all relate to a single initial post or topic.
- Upvote/Downvote: Simple voting tools users can apply to comments or posts to signal approval or disapproval, often affecting visibility.
- Commenting platform: The system used by a website to manage reader comments; in this case, the forums use the same account system as the existing comment system.
Reader FAQ
Do I need a new account to use the 9to5Mac Forums?
No. The forums use the same system as 9to5Mac’s existing commenting platform, so you can use your current account.
Where can I access the forums?
The forums are available at 9to5mac.com/forums.
What can I do in the forums?
You can start threads, reply to others, and upvote or downvote comments across categories covering Apple hardware, software, and services.
How do I give feedback about the forums or report issues?
not confirmed in the source
Rumor Replay: iPhone Fold’s crease-free display, and more Ryan Christoffel Jan 8 2026 Introducing 9to5Mac Forums: A new place to connect 9to5 Staff | Jan 9 2026 – 9:58 am PT…
Sources
- Introducing 9to5Mac Forums: A new place to connect
- 9to5Mac Daily: January 8, 2026 – The future of Apple Card
- 9to5Mac – Focusing on Quantity Over Quality
- 9TO5Mac – Bookmarks for Techs
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