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• Federal Court of Australia orders Apple to open up its iOS ecosystem in Australia to third-party app stores
• Apple is also ordered to restore Epic Games' Fortnite back onto the Australian App Store
• Apple denies it has a monopoly in Australia and plans to appeal the decision

The Federal Court of Australia has ordered Apple to fully open up its iOS ecosystem in the country to third-party competitors, with Justice Jonathan Beach ruling that the tech giant misused its market power to maintain a monopoly over app distribution and in-app payments.

The ruling has also ordered Apple to restore the video game Fortnite and other Epic Games apps back onto the Australian App Store, six years after the Cupertino tech giant banned the game for bypassing Apple’s payment systems.

Both orders are set to take effect at noon Australian Eastern time on March 1, 2027.

“In response to regulatory or judicial constraints imposed in connection with the App Store that are anything other than detailed, prescriptive and precise, Apple has systematically implemented practices that seek to circumvent the practical effects of those constraints,” the ruling read.

Beach also said that Apple “devised and pursued a deliberate and comprehensive strategy of foreclosure in relation to iOS app distribution.”

An Apple spokesperson told TechRadar that the company “does not have a monopoly position in Australia or in any market around the world. We respectfully disagree with many findings in this case, including a market definition that has been rejected by other courts.

“We will request a stay and appeal the outcome to seek a resolution that respects our intellectual property and protects the safe, secure experience that consumers and developers expect from the App Store.”

Apple has until February 15 to appeal this decision.

TechRadar has also contacted Epic Games for comment, though Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the ruling.

The Australian Epic v Apple antitrust remedies were just issued, and are a huge victory for consumers and developers. We are studying the verdict and will share more soon.The Court has freed Fortnite in Australia and it will return alongside the Epic Games Store…soon. https://t.co/Ib1FIu1z9tOctober 22, 2026

Apple and Epic Games have been going back and forth in courts ever since the former removed Fortnite from the Apple App Store in August 2020 for selling the in-game currency V-bucks in a way that would circumvent Apple’s 30% commission fee on in-app purchases.

Last year, the US Supreme Court also ruled that Apple engaged in anti-competitive conduct and pricing. A separate ruling in 2024, meanwhile, forced Apple to allow US customers to add links and buttons inside their apps that bring them out to a website where they can input credit card information, though it ultimately didn’t grant Epic Games’ petition to open iOS to competing stores and payments. Sweeney, at the time, called the ruling “a sad outcome for all developers”.

(Image credit: Epic Games)No more loopholes?

With Apple looking to appeal this ruling, these changes are far from guaranteed to happen in March next year, but it would be interesting to see if the tech giant will adopt a similar “compliance through friction” strategy in Australia.

The 2024 ruling above saw Apple implement a 27% commission on transactions completed on those external websites, a disclosure warning and restricted developers from using traditional buttons or persuasive calls-to-action language.

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to allow third-party app stores, sideloading (installing apps through websites) and alternative in-app payments. Apple, instead, found workarounds like implementing a “Core Technology Fee” (charging developers that opt out of the App Store 50 euro cents per first annual install regardless of whether the developer made any money), using convoluted and multi-step installation processes for third-party app stores and requiring alternate app store developers to secure a $1 million standby letter of credit.

Justice Beach called them “deterrence tactics”, saying the fees blocked “any genuine prospect of competition” and explicitly addressed those “disproportionate frictions”, non-neutral disclosure sheets and discriminatory fees in the ruling.

The ruling outlines specific bans that Apple has to follow:

• implementing the Core Technology Fee
• 27% commissions on on transactions done through external websites
• disclosure sheets
• forcing developers into new, bundled contracts just to use alternative distribution
• requiring developers to also display Apple’s In-App Purchase (IAP) button alongside their preferred payment method
• forcing developers to appoint Apple as their legal "agent" for marketing and delivery.

Some potential workarounds that Apple may explore could be under the guise of “security standards”, using user interface design to discourage users and aggressive geofencing, or we could even see something completely different.

In any case, this is far from the last time that Apple and Epic Games will face each other in court, with Apple’s appeal to the US Supreme Court scheduled for sometime during its October 2026–2027 term. The EU is still actively investigating Apple while Epic Games continues to challenge Cupertino’s policies under the DMA.

The Apple iPhone Duo is the rare Apple product that has not received universally glowing or negative reviews. Opinions are split over its lack of Face ID support, iPhone 17 Pro-grade cameras (but without the telephoto lens), and slightly hefty frame when folded. It's also generated more interest in an iPhone than I've seen in years, and when I followed my exhaustive, generally positive review with a pair of AMAs (Ask Me Anything) on Threads and X, I was flooded with questions. My Threads post alone has 1,300 comments.

Granted, not every question was about the Duo. Many took the "Anything" part literally and asked me about everything from my hairline to their favorite color. I played along as I fielded myriad queries about Apple's first folding device. Over 24 hours, I reiterated many points from my review, which I doubt many read, but I also learned a thing or two I missed while testing the product.

Post by @lanceulanoff View on Threads

Here are some of the highlights:

For my iPhone Duo review, I placed the folded phone on multiple MagSafe charge stands and holders. The MagSafe magnets sit on the back, right under the camera array, and the Duo fits perfectly on each stand. With charge stands, the Duo instantly slips into the redesigned Standby mode. I love it.

(Image credit: Future)

Someone on Threads asked me if I had tried unfolding the Duo and putting it on a MagSafe stand. So I did and quickly found that the weight of the half not attached to the charging stand made the entire phone rotate ever so slowly on the MagSafe charger. So, while you could use the unfolded Duo on a MagSafe charging stand, it is not recommended.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

After someone else asked if they could still use their MagSafe Wallet, I found that the Duo's back is too short to accommodate the standard MagSafe Wallet.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

With its two differently sized screens, the iPhone Duo is unique in the iPhone lineup, and there were reasonable questions about how features like vertical Wallpaper images work across the cover and inner display.

@LanceUlanoff How do wallpapers work? If you have a vertical photo on the outer screen does it not work on the inner one?October 22, 2026

I didn't know, so I set the cover wallpaper as a vertical photo I took with the Duo of the Empire State Building, and I gotta say, I love the handoff between displays. The Cover display showed the iconic building, and when I opened the Duo, it showed more of the photo.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

There were a lot of questions about the Duo's split-screen capabilities, like if I could open more than two apps (no, but you can do a PiP video overlay), and if you could drag and drop content from one screen to another (you can).

(Image credit: Future)

Some wondered if you could run the same app on both screens. You cannot, but if you want to maximize your social media, I found that you could run TikTok and Instagram Reels in side-by-side windows. It's social media turned up to 11.

@lanceulanoff

♬ Ashes Over Atlas - Hank Deluca

During my review, I tried running the Kindle app, but the app wasn't optimized for the device and looked tiny and useless. Someone asked me about "iBooks," which is now known as Books.

(Image credit: Future)

As a first-party app, it's optimized for Duo, of course. Flipping virtual pages on the 7.6-inch inner display is a transporting experience.

@lanceulanoff

♬ Still Glass Horizons - Whispering Wanderer

Many wondered whether I hated the matte finish on the inner display (I don't), but I also got a ton of questions about the crease and the inner display's overall durability. A few wanted to know if I'd scratched it, either purposefully or by accident, with my fingernail. I had not, honestly; I don't even see fingerprints on the matte display.

(Image credit: Future)

A couple of people asked about the visibility of the crease and whether that area of the screen bounced or wobbled when I touched it. So I tested it by opening the phone and pressing down on the essentially invisible crease. No movement.

@Kevinpogee04 Honestly, there's no give https://t.co/tFB5zamnSCOctober 22, 2026

Many had obviously heard that not every app is optimized for the new inner display. In my review, I noted that LinkedIn and Gmail were particularly poor fits and later found that Adobe Acrobat still wasn't optimized. But developers are constantly delivering updates, so apps that didn't work yesterday look great today.

(Image credit: Future)

Still, people wanted to know how apps deal with the handoff from the 5.4-inch outer display to the 7.6-inch inner one. Optimized apps handle it smoothly; most simply expand without losing context.

Some, like DeckMan and Toastie, playfully use the two screens to create entertaining interplays. DeckMan, for instance, turns the duo into a virtual portable tape deck.

FutureFuture

An almost equal number shared their concerns about the size of the 5.4-inch cover display. It's actually not that small, but Apple's decision to place the Dock vertically on the right-hand side means that you lose a lot of pixels to what is often empty space. Others complained about the lack of support for left-handed users (they kept asking me if I was left-handed). Some are even bothered by the dock's placement on the much larger inner display. You can't move it, and this will probably remain a key issue for many potential Duo owners.

(Image credit: Future)

Every single iPhone model now supports Face ID, with the notable exception of the new Duo. It's probably the single biggest Duo misstep, and many asked me if I was having trouble adjusting to using Touch ID again. Initially, I was, but I have gotten used to it. I hope the next Duo brings back facial recognition.

I probably got a dozen or so questions about battery life. Some reviewers have criticized the Duo for subpar battery life if you mainly use the larger inner screen. I did not find that, but I did field quite a few battery life questions from concerned potential buyers. I told them what my tests found: all-day battery life in a variety of situations.

I struggled a bit when people asked me to compare the Duo to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. I get it; they want to know if they should stick with what they know or, perhaps, try the awesome new thing. It's not easy, though, to directly compare the single-screen iPhone 18 Pro Max with the dual-display Duo. But leaving aside the screens, if you focus on, say, the cameras, you might stick with the 18 Pro Max, which offers a telephoto and a variable-aperture main camera. The Duo is also heavier than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which might be a deal-breaker for some.

(Image credit: Future)

There were also a healthy number of comparisons to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup, especially the similarly sized and shaped Galaxy Z Fold 8. A few asked me to compare the cameras. Turns out that both the Z Fold 8 and Duo have just two external cameras: wide and ultra-wide, and the Z Fold 8 has just a couple of megapixels per camera on the Duo. Ultimately, it's a wash on the camera front.

(Image credit: Future)

I got just as many questions about the cameras' quality, including the 12MP Center Stage camera on the outside and the 4MP inner camera. I found it interesting that many knew not to directly compare it to the new iPhone 18 Pro Max lenses and instead focused on the more comparable iPhone 17 Pro's wide and ultrawide. In my testing, I found the imagery was just as good as what I got from that now year-old device. I do, however, miss the telephoto lens.

(Image credit: Future)

One person actually asked how this iPhone Duo is different from the Surface Duo that Microsoft launched in 2019 and discontinued in 2024. I gently explained that while the Surface Duo's inner screen had two displays, the iPhone Duo offers one flexible inner display.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple hasn't said much about Apple Pencil support, but that may be because the Duo currently only supports the Apple Pencil USB-C. Why? It's the only one that you can still charge separately from, say, a tablet. Apple Pencil Pro needs the iPad to charge. The Duo cannot charge another device. As one Threads user put it, "Which basically means that my Pencil Pro is useless?" Mine too, my friend, mine, too.

Birdbuddy’s latest feeders offer free AI bird-species detection at the lowest prices ever. Here’s what you get.

A series of judgments and settlements don’t seem to be slowing Meta’s provocative privacy practices.

Carbon-X can analyze DNA sequences while running on your laptop at home.

It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, but it’s hyper specificity toward business owners and professionals.

Trust this genuine FTC warning. And maybe just don’t answer your phone.

The lodging platform is updating its policies around what hosts can require of guests.

If you struggle with doomscrolling when you should be sleeping, this new Brick could help.

Skerritt was Captain Dallas in Alien, Viper in Top Gun, and a small town sheriff in the TV series Picket Fences.

(Image credit: Chris Delmas)

The judge found the department's field operations to identify noncitizens who voted likely violated the Voting Rights Act, which bars voter intimidation.

(Image credit: Frederic J. Brown)

Customers on T-Mobile One accounts from 2017 through 2019 could get a free 5G phone, credit toward a more expensive 5G phone or their last month’s payment and $25 gift card.

If it takes more time to review and approve a simple email than it would for me to write it myself, the whole promise of agentic AI falls flat.

B12 is a powerful AI platform with a focus on speed and support, blending the power of artificial intelligence with a human touch to help professional service providers create polished websites. Founded in 2015, the company's mission is to be one of the best AI website builders, alongside being an all-in-one platform that enables professionals and businesses to attract, win, and serve clients online.

Unlike standard self-serve builders, B12 combines automated generative AI layout creation with human design and copywriting assistance. Beyond website creation, it functions as a centralized operations hub featuring built-in scheduling, client intake, invoicing, eSign, and email marketing.

We were impressed by the quality of the AI-generated website drafts and how B12 equips you with an array of tools to engage visitors and run your business. I found B12 ideal for professional service providers—such as consultants, accountants, lawyers, coaches, and local service agencies—who need a polished web presence paired with back-office client management tools, but don't have the time to build or write a site from scratch.

On the downside, B12 comes off as a bit more expensive than some of the best website builders. While comprehensive, the sheer number of features could overwhelm some users. The platform is also geared towards service-based small businesses, so it may not be the best fit for every type of website. For example, the support for dedicated ecommerce platform like Shopify isn't as deep or as natively integrated as rival website builders.

Overall, I found B12 to be a compelling option for service providers and small businesses that want a full-featured website without spending countless hours building one from scratch.

B12 AI website builder: Plans and pricing

B12 follows a straightforward pricing structure with a focus on transparency, eliminating the need for add-ons or tacked-on hidden fees. B12 offers structured tiers tailored around business operational features rather than basic bandwidth caps.

• Starter ($0/mo): Free plan allowing you to build a site, intake clients, and accept payments. However, it includes prominent B12 branding on your site and invoices.
• Website ($20/mo billed annually / $24 monthly): Removes B12 branding and adds a custom domain, online scheduling, and customized client intake forms.
• Website + client engagement ($67/mo billed annually / $78 monthly): Everything in the Website plan, alongside extras including 300 monthly AI credits, custom email address, and up to 30 launched products.
• Professional ($169/mo billed annually / $199 monthly): Adds automated email marketing, contact management, contracts, eSignatures, and enhanced design support.
• Advanced ($339/mo billed annually / $399 monthly): Unlocks access for up to 5 team members and premium workflow delegation tools for growing businesses.

Hidden fees

B12 maintains a transparent pricing structure with no hidden platform add-ons, as core operational features like invoicing and scheduling are natively included. However, businesses seeking a completely hands-off setup can opt for B12’s optional "Do-it-for-you" professional design onboarding service, which carries a one-time setup fee of $1,999. Standard merchant processing fees also apply when collecting online payments.

Value comparison

B12 is significantly more expensive than standard DIY website builders like Wix or Hostinger. However, its inclusion of agency-level human design consulting and built-in client management tools—which would otherwise require separate subscriptions to scheduling, invoicing, and e-signature software—makes it a compelling value for service professionals.

Also, note that the entry-level plan, called Starter, is free and allows users to build their own website, intake clients, and receive online payments. But, like most free website builder plans, this option includes B12-branded banners on the site and invoices. Basic, on the other hand, priced at $49 per month or $42 per month when billed annually, includes features like a custom domain, online scheduling, and client intake forms, without any platform branding.

B12 AI website builder: Real-world testing

In my 30-minute test build, B12 delivered one of the fastest initial setups I’ve experienced. After answering a few basic questions about my business name, industry, and services, the AI engine generated a fully structured, multi-page draft complete with relevant copy, industry-tailored images, and working contact forms in under 60 seconds. The remaining 29 minutes allowed ample time to fine-tune section layouts, adjust branding colors, and configure online booking slots.

Editor

B12 uses a structured block-based section editor rather than a freeform, pixel-perfect drag-and-drop builder. It's great at being clean and responsive by default. It prevents users from breaking layout alignment and automatically formats client tools (forms, invoices, schedules) to match your brand styling.

Having said that, design freedom is intentionally restricted. You cannot freely move elements anywhere on screen, and the platform lacks support for traditional e-commerce catalogs or inventory integrations like Shopify.

AI

B12’s generative AI quickly drafts entire web pages, section layouts, and contextual copy based on short business descriptions. Additionally, its integrated ChatGPT-powered AI writer assists with generating blog posts, taglines, and marketing emails directly inside the dashboard.

Other standout AI tools that come packaged with the website builder include hybrid human and AI support, which gives you direct access to professional human design, copywriting, and SEO consultants to refine your AI-generated site. There's also an integrated service suite. Native scheduling, client intake forms, invoicing, and eSignatures are built into the core dashboard without requiring third-party plugins.

B12 AI website builder: Features

(Image credit: B12)

With its bevy of tools and expert support, B12 simplifies the process of creating, launching, and managing a website. It has a range of specific offerings that cater specifically to service-based businesses. Here’s a look at some of its standout features.

AI-generated website draft

B12's AI technology instantly generates a personalized website draft tailored to your industry in just 60 seconds. This draft includes relevant content, images, and a layout optimized for your business, providing a solid foundation to build upon.

Customizable design

Using the user-friendly B12 Editor, you can easily customize your website's design, color scheme, and content to match your brand. Alternatively, you can collaborate with B12's team of professional designers and copywriters to refine your site further.

Client engagement tools

B12 offers a suite of integrated tools to help you engage with clients and manage your business more efficiently. These include contact forms, online appointment scheduling, invoicing, and email marketing features, all seamlessly integrated into your website.

SEO optimization

From the start, B12 websites are search engine optimized to improve your online visibility. The platform also provides website analytics, allowing you to track your site's performance and make data-driven decisions to enhance your online presence.

Expert support and maintenance

B12's team of web design, copywriting, and SEO experts are available to help you create, launch, and maintain your website. This ongoing support ensures that your site remains up-to-date and optimized for the best chance of success.

B12 features outlined

Feature

Details

Free tier

B12-branded site, client intake, online payments

SEO tools

Built-in technical SEO, meta tags, and traffic analytics

Email marketing

Native audience segmentation and campaign builder (Professional plan+)

AI Site/Copy Tools

60-second AI draft generator and ChatGPT-powered AI text writer

Blogging/CMS

Simple blog engine with AI article drafting

B12 AI website builder: Setup

(Image credit: B12)

To begin, you'll need to register for an account on the B12 website. The registration process is quick and easy, requiring only your basic information and a valid email address. Once your account is created, B12's onboarding process will guide you through the initial setup, helping you familiarize yourself with the platform's features and capabilities.

When using B12 for the first time, AI-powered systems will generate a personalized website draft based on your industry and preferences. This draft serves as a starting point for your website, which you can then customize using the B12 Editor. The editor allows you to modify your site's design, color scheme, and content to align with your brand and vision. If you need assistance during this process, B12's team of design and copywriting experts is available to help you refine your website.

Configuring your B12 website is simple, thanks to the platform's user-friendly interface. You can easily add and manage pages, integrate your social media accounts, and set up essential features like contact forms and online scheduling. B12 also offers a range of built-in tools to help you engage with your audience and run your business more efficiently, such as email marketing and invoicing.

The platform is designed to grow with your business. You can easily update your website's content, add new features, and expand your online presence as needed. B12's team of experts is always available to provide support and guidance, ensuring that your website remains up-to-date and optimized for success.

Maintaining your website is a breeze, thanks to the automatic software updates and security measures. B12 takes care of the technical aspects of running your website, allowing you to focus on growing your business. With its comprehensive suite of tools and dedicated support team, B12 can help you create and manage your AI-powered website with ease.

B12 AI website builder: Help and support

(Image credit: B12)

Customers can reach B12's dedicated Customer Success team through multiple channels, including chat, email, and scheduled phone calls. The support team is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ET, and strives to respond to inquiries within one business day.

B12's support team is known for its efficiency and customer-friendly approach. They take the time to understand each customer's unique needs and provide personalized assistance. When scheduling a call, the support team member reviews the customer's site beforehand to identify potential issues and formulate solutions, resulting in faster resolution and more thorough answers. Many reviews highlight the excellent work of individual team members, citing their expertise and dedication.

In addition to direct support, B12 offers a comprehensive Help Center with articles and guides covering various topics, from getting started with the platform to advanced features like email marketing and integrations. The self-service resource allows customers to find answers to common questions and learn the best practices for using B12's website builder.

B12 AI website builder: Final verdict

B12 is a premium AI-powered website builder designed specifically for service providers. While it isn’t a good fit for professionals or businesses outside this demographic, it still manages to carve out a niche for itself with its feature-rich platform and excellent support.

Competitor alternatives Include:

• Wix: Ideal if you want complete, pixel-perfect design control and a massive app store alongside built-in booking and invoicing engines.
• Squarespace: A great alternative if you want sleek, designer-grade visual templates with strong native scheduling and blogging tools at a lower monthly price point.
• GoDaddy Website Builder: Best if you need an affordable, beginner-friendly AI builder that gets a basic service website up and running as quickly as possible.

Skip it if:

• You want to run a physical or digital product e-commerce store with shopping carts and shipping integrations.
• You are on a tight budget and want a cheap, self-serve DIY website builder.
• You require absolute, pixel-perfect drag-and-drop design control over every page element

Overall, I really like the level of support on offer here, with the option to consult with dedicated design, copy, and marketing experts to help take your website to the next level. If you're a service-based business or consultant who wants an AI-generated site backed by real human design experts, paired with native tools to schedule appointments, send invoices, and collect e-signatures, B12 is the way to go.

B12 AI website builder: FAQsIs B12 suitable for e-commerce websites?

No, B12 is not designed for traditional e-commerce stores that sell physical goods with shopping carts, inventory tracking, or shipping rules. Instead, it focuses exclusively on service-based businesses, offering built-in tools to bill clients, process online payments, and issue invoices.

How does B12 combine AI with human design help?

B12 uses its AI engine to generate an initial, fully populated website draft in about 60 seconds. Once the draft is created, you can customize it yourself using the B12 Editor, or you can work directly with B12’s team of professional design, copywriting, and SEO consultants to refine and polish your site before launching.

Can I try B12 for free before committing to a paid plan?

Yes, B12 offers a free Starter plan that allows you to build a website, receive online client intake, and accept payments. However, the free plan includes B12 branding on your published website and client invoices. To remove the branding and connect a custom domain, you will need to upgrade to a paid tier.

What business management tools are built into B12?

Unlike traditional website builders that require third-party app installations, B12 includes native client management tools right out of the box. Depending on your plan tier, these include online appointment scheduling, custom client intake forms, invoicing, payment processing, e-signatures, contracts, and email marketing.

Is B12 hard to set up and maintain?

Not at all. B12 uses a structured, section-based editor rather than an overwhelming, freeform drag-and-drop system. Technical tasks—such as software updates, SSL security, hosting, and basic technical SEO—are handled automatically behind the scenes so you can focus on running your business.

Webflow is an advanced, visual web development platform that bridges the gap between traditional no-code page builders and front-end coding. Based on my hours of testing, Webflow competes well in an increasingly crowded market with many of the other tools featured in our best website builder roundup. Yet while Wix remains our top pick for most users, Webflow targets a different audience entirely with its advanced feature set.

I find Webflow ideal for web designers, agencies, freelancers, and scaling businesses that require complete control over design, custom animations, and responsive layouts without relying on hand-coded development pipelines.

Rather than using arbitrary, absolute drag-and-drop elements, Webflow’s visual designer acts as a graphical user interface (GUI) for writing production-ready, semantic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It couples visual layout controls with a native CMS, e-commerce engines, and managed hosting.

Overall, Webflow delivers exceptional creative freedom, but this does come with a level of complexity that may overwhelm beginners.

Webflow: Pricing & plans

When you start using Webflow, you’ll have the option to choose between site plans and workspace plans. (Image credit: Webflow)

Webflow separates its pricing into Site Plans (hosting a specific site) and Workspace Plans (team collaboration and staging).

Site Plans

• Starter ($0/mo): Free forever; includes a webflow.io subdomain, 50 CMS items, and 1 GB of bandwidth. Excellent for learning the interface.
• Basic ($14/mo billed annually / $18 monthly): Custom domain connection, 150 static pages, and 250k monthly visits (no CMS content).
• CMS ($23/mo billed annually / $28 monthly): Adds 2,000 CMS items, 3 content editors, site search, and 250 GB of bandwidth.
• Business ($39/mo billed annually / $49 monthly): Unlocks 10,000 CMS items, 10 content editors, file upload forms, and 400 GB of bandwidth.
• E-Commerce Plans

E-Commerce Plans

• Standard ($29/mo billed annually): Supports 500 store items, 2,000 CMS items, and a 2% transaction fee.
• Plus ($74/mo billed annually): Unlocks 5,000 store items, 0% Webflow transaction fee, and unbranded emails.

Hidden Fees

While Webflow’s advertised plan rates appear straightforward, several secondary costs can quickly increase your total investment. The most common additional expense comes from Workspace seat licenses, as adding agency members, developers, or client accounts to your primary workspace requires upgrading to paid account seats that run between $16 and $35 per seat each month.

Furthermore, Webflow focuses heavily on front-end design, meaning advanced backend features often require ongoing paid subscriptions to third-party tools. Businesses that need membership portals, complex automated workflows, or user-access control typically end up paying extra monthly fees for integrations like Memberstack or Zapier. Finally, if you run an online store, standard merchant processing fees through payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal will apply to every transaction alongside Webflow’s hosting fees.

Value Comparison

Compared to traditional site builders like Wix or Squarespace, Webflow carries a higher price tag once you scale to CMS and team tiers. However, compared to hiring dedicated front-end developers, its ability to convert visual designs directly into clean, exportable code makes it an incredible value for design-focused professionals.

It's also worth noting that Webflow offers one of the best free website builder plans. It includes everything you need to try Webflow. There’s no credit card required for setup and you can use it for an unlimited time. It includes access to a Webflow.io domain, 50 CMS items, and 50 form submissions.

Webflow: Real-world testing

In my 30-minute test build, I attempted to build a multi-section landing page from a blank canvas. Unlike beginner-friendly drag-and-drop editors, Webflow requires you to manually build out containers, sections, div blocks, and flex/grid containers before inserting content.

While a pre-built template allowed me to customize a sleek three-page agency layout in roughly 20 minutes, building from scratch within 30 minutes proved nearly impossible for anyone unfamiliar with box-model web mechanics.

Editor

Webflow’s interface mirrors professional software like Photoshop or Figma, mapped directly to front-end code. It shines with its pixel-precise visual control over CSS Grid, Flexbox, custom animations, hover states, and responsive the breakpoints, but it could be better in terms of its ease of use. The learning curve is steep.

Beginners cannot simply drag an image anywhere on screen without breaking layout hierarchy, and there is a hard limit of 100 static pages per project.

Here's a picture of a free Webflow template (Image credit: Webflow)AI

Like many other AI website builders, Webflow offers an AI assistant to help you get things done. For example, Webflow's AI assistant will allow members of your team to quickly design and generate new styled content by using conversational prompts. Additionally, tools like Webflow Optimize provide AI-driven A/B testing and content personalization directly within the designer workflow.

Webflow's AI assistant can also generate a full CMS item with contextually relevant content based on a simple prompt. This will be a huge time saver for agencies and businesses looking to spin up realistic content for new pages.

Webflow: Features

Webflow offers an impressive feature set that rivals professional development tools while maintaining visual accessibility. (Image credit: Webflow)

Webflow offers an impressive feature set that rivals professional development tools while maintaining visual accessibility. Some standouts include Webflow University - a free, industry-leading educational hub with hundreds of video courses that teach visual web development concepts from the ground up. Its clean code export is also impressive. On paid Workspaces, you can export your site's raw, optimized HTML/CSS/JS code to host anywhere.

Elsewhere, the platform's Designer interface provides holistic CSS controls, including advanced layout options like CSS Grid and Flexbox, custom animations, and responsive design tools. You can create complex interactions, manage global design systems, and even add custom code when needed.

E-commerce functionality covers essential online store needs, though it's not as comprehensive as dedicated platforms like Shopify. You can manage products, customize checkout experiences, and integrate with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. However, advanced e-commerce features like subscription billing or complex inventory management require workarounds or third-party integrations.

AI additions include an AI Assistant for generating page sections, Webflow Optimize for conversion testing, and an AI Site Builder in beta. These tools speed up common tasks without replacing the need for design expertise. The pricing reflects this feature richness. While more expensive than basic builders, the professional capabilities justify the cost for users who need design flexibility and clean code output.

Webflow features outlined

Feature

Details

Free tier

Unrestricted time, webflow.io domain, 50 CMS items

ECommerce

Customizable checkout, product variants, inventory setup

SEO tools

Native schema, auto-generated sitemaps, 301 redirects

AI Site/Copy Tools

Section generation, AI content creation, Webflow Optimize

Blogging/CMS

Highly custom database structures (Collections)

App marketplace

Growing hub of third-party plugins (e.g., Adobe Express)

Code export

Export raw HTML/CSS/JS zip files (Workspace plans)

Webflow: Security

Webflow has a high level of security compared to other web hosts (Image credit: Webflow)

Webflow provides enterprise-grade security features that protect both websites and user data. All sites receive automatic SSL/TLS encryption, with the platform having transitioned to TLS 1.3 encryption in 2022 for enhanced security. The hosting infrastructure includes DDoS protection and automatic backups, ensuring your website remains accessible and recoverable in case of issues.

Additional security measures include PCI-DSS compliance for e-commerce sites and two-factor authentication for account access. Webflow's cloud-based architecture means security updates and patches are applied automatically, reducing the maintenance burden on users while keeping sites protected against emerging threats.

Webflow: Support

Webflow offers multiple support channels, though the quality and availability vary by plan tier. (Image credit: Webflow)

Webflow offers multiple support channels, though the quality and availability vary by plan tier. All users can access the comprehensive Webflow University, which provides detailed tutorials, courses, and documentation covering everything from basic design principles to advanced development techniques. The community forum is active and helpful, with both Webflow staff and experienced users providing assistance.

Paid plan users receive email support, with response times varying based on plan level. Business and Enterprise customers get priority support with faster response times and dedicated account management. However, phone support isn't available across all plans, which some users find limiting compared to competitors.

The platform has also introduced AI-powered customer support tools and help desk integrations, allowing businesses to provide better support to their own customers through Webflow-built sites. While the company's own support is generally helpful, the learning curve means you'll likely need to invest time in their educational resources regardless of your plan level.

Webflow: Final verdict

No matter what stage you’re at with building a website, there’s a lot of options on Webflow that could take your website to the next level. The downside is that you can’t export CMS content; however, you will have access to plenty of free materials.

Competitor alternatives include:

• Wix Studio and Squarespace: Two of the top competitors to Webflow. Wix Studio does offer a free trial for an unlimited time, but it doesn’t even compare to Webflow’s free storage space. Wix Studio includes 50 MB while Webflow offers 10 GB.

Choose Webflow if: You are a web designer, agency, or business owner who wants absolute creative control, custom responsive animations, and clean, developer-grade code output without hand-coding.

Skip Webflow if: You are a complete beginner looking for a simple, instant drag-and-drop setup. You don't understand (or want to learn) basic web design principles like Flexbox, CSS Grid, and responsive breakpoints. Or you need an all-in-one platform with built-in native email marketing and advanced built-in e-commerce tools out of the box.

Webflow comes with an entire library of video resources, hundreds of free templates, and you can use the free version for an unlimited time. The interface is also very organized - it doesn’t feel like you’re using a cheap web host. Templates look professional and everything is well organized. Overall, Webflow is a great web host, especially if you want to learn new tricks for making website building a lot easier.

Webflow: FAQsIs Webflow suitable for beginners?

Webflow has a steeper learning curve than traditional website builders like Wix or Squarespace. While you don't need coding skills, understanding web design concepts like responsive breakpoints, flexbox, and CSS properties will help you succeed. The platform offers extensive educational resources through Webflow University, but expect to invest several weeks learning the interface and best practices.

Can I migrate my existing website to Webflow?

Webflow doesn't offer automated migration tools from other platforms. You'll need to rebuild your site using Webflow's Designer interface, though you can import content through CSV files for blog posts and other structured data. The process requires manual work but gives you the opportunity to improve your site's design and performance during the transition.

What are Webflow's main limitations?

Webflow has several notable limitations including a 100 static page limit per project and 10,000 CMS items per site. The platform also requires a stable internet connection since it's entirely cloud-based. E-commerce features, while solid, aren't as comprehensive as dedicated platforms like Shopify. Version control is only available on Enterprise plans, which can complicate team workflows.

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An exclusive TechRadar investigation into Google’s Chrome Web Store has revealed more than 350 untrustworthy VPN extensions targeting Russian users, with many imitating well-known brands. Combined, these tools have amassed over 218,000 users.

It’s not the first time potentially dangerous VPN extensions have been discovered. Earlier this year, Palo Alto revealed a significant number of dangerous VPN extensions that could leak users’ internet traffic. Alarmingly, we discovered that 89 of those extensions are still active and available.

So, why are there so many shady VPN extensions specifically targeting Russians, and what are the risks of using these low-quality products?

‘A game of whack-a-mole’

In total, we discovered that there are 369 Russian VPN extensions available on Google’s Chrome Web Store that fail basic transparency and professionalism tests.

Almost every single extension we analyzed lists a throwaway, anonymous personal Gmail address rather than a professional developer contact. And it appears these operators are running large clusters of extensions — just 70 developers are responsible for all of the extensions we found, with one email address associated with 24 individual apps.

Nearly three-quarters of these VPNs host their privacy policies on Telegram’s anonymous Telegra.ph platform, which hides the true owner of the service, and almost half (47%) have more reviews than users, which may indicate review manipulation.

Perhaps most egregiously, we found over 120 extensions using a name associated with a legitimate brand.

The most frequently hijacked name was Happ — a custom proxy client widely used in Russia — which was co-opted by more than 15 extensions. Among major international commercial providers, we found seven extensions imitating Windscribe and five impersonating ExpressVPN.

Both companies told TechRadar that they are aware of copycat extensions appearing on the Chrome Web Store and said they frequently ask Google to remove them when they are found.

Cherlynn Cha, Head of Security Operations at ExpressVPN, said that “copycat extensions put people at risk” because they give people a “false sense of security”. The company added that it employs an "enforcement partner” to scour the web for unauthorized use of the company’s name.

However, enforcement can be challenging. Rebecca Rosenberg, Head of Growth at Windscribe, said: “It’s pretty much a game of whack-a-mole now, the copycat is pulled and two more pop up.”

And the data backs that up. One email address we uncovered is linked to 14 apps, with the precise number constantly changing as their extensions are removed and new ones take their place.

Why are unprofessional VPN extensions a threat?

Unlike many other extensions, VPNs have the potential to access a huge amount of sensitive data. In fact, a VPN extension asks “for more access than almost anything else in the store,” Rosenberg said.

A VPN works by encrypting and re-routing your internet connection through one of its servers. While a legitimate VPN improves your digital privacy, it also means you are transferring all your trust from your internet service provider directly to the VPN creator.

In theory, the anonymous developer could see everything your ISP normally monitors. Think: websites visited, time stamps, and your home IP address.

It’s “a lot of trust to hand over," Cha said. Rosenberg added that giving your data “to an anonymous developer with a personal email and a privacy policy that doesn't load is the opposite of privacy”.

(Image credit: Future)Ongoing security concerns

Without detailed dynamic web testing of all the extensions, it’s impossible to know which may be harmful to users and which are purely unprofessional. However, Palo Alto previously found more than 350 apps that were linked to harvesting user data via traffic interception.

In our tests, 89 of these extensions were still available to Russian users, while email addresses associated with the extensions have continued to launch more apps since initial discovery.

One email address — ‘vale99505@gmail[.]com — was first flagged by Palo Alto in July. According to the company’s threat intel notice, the address was associated with extensions that do not provide “typical encrypted protection like reputed VPN extensions”, adding that the “threat actor” running the apps “has access to all communication”.

According to our most recent tests, six extensions linked to this address are still available for download.

At the time of publication, Google had not responded to requests for comment. TechRadar has shared the full list of extensions with the company and will monitor their availability in the coming weeks.

Windscribe said that Google “should absolutely be doing more” to protect its users from encountering untrustworthy VPN extensions on its Chrome Web Store, while ExpressVPN confirmed the company is in favor of “stronger verification for privacy and security tools”.

Stopping the rise of untrustworthy VPN extensions is important for everyone. But it’s no surprise that this specific network is focussed on Russia.

Why target Russians?

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities in Russia have launched an unprecedented crackdown on digital freedom. Thousands of websites have been blocked in the country, including international media, social media and gaming platforms.

In response, VPNs have become a crucial tool for millions of people, which has subsequently prompted coordinated efforts by the government to regulate and restrict access to these vital privacy and security tools.

Most recently, this has included the plan to use AI to detect and block VPN traffic in the country.

In this context, developers looking to make a quick profit may spin up cheap VPN solutions that are poorly designed, entirely fake, or designed to harvest user data to sell to third-party advertisers.

But there’s a darker potential: malicious actors may be intentionally designing VPN extensions to trick Russians into downloading software that can actively monitor their internet browsing behavior.

While there’s no evidence that these extensions are linked to authorities in the country, amid growing concerns about state surveillance and deteriorating internet freedoms, taking extra care when selecting a VPN in Russia today certainly seems sensible.

How to defend yourself today

There are several steps you can take to make sure you’re downloading a legitimate version of a VPN extension:

• Check the developer’s name and website before downloading anything
• Check that the privacy policy is accessible, informative and related to the app
• If you know which VPN you want to download, go straight to the provider’s website
• Look out for the ‘Established Publisher’ badge on the Chrome Web Store
• Check for any unnecessary permissions like ‘geolocation’

It’s worth remembering that a VPN Chrome extension also only protects your activity in your browser. Anything you do outside of the browser won’t be encrypted so it’s worth using a well-respected VPN where possible.

And, like most things, if a product is free, it’s worth being skeptical. As Cherlynn Cha told us: “Be wary of free VPNs. Running a VPN network costs real money. If a service is free and it’s not clear how it makes money, your data may be what’s paying for it.”

How we found shady Russian VPN extensions

We compiled our data using a variety of sources, primarily an in-house web scraping tool that identified VPN extensions on the Google Chrome Web Store targeting Russian-language users. We collected metadata including user counts, developer contact emails, and privacy policy URLs.

We then filtered the dataset to remove legitimate, verified corporate VPN providers. The remaining extensions were analyzed for untrustworthy signals, such as using personal email addresses, unprofessional privacy policies and copying established VPN brands.

We also cross-referenced our data with threat intelligence research published earlier this year by Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 to verify how many malicious extensions previously flagged remained active.

All data and user counts are accurate as of October 12, 2026. Extensions are frequently removed and new copycats are constantly appearing. We continue to monitor their accessibility in the coming weeks.

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• Hide.me VPN has introduced a completely redesigned dashboard for both its Android mobile and Android TV applications.
• The powerful SmartGuard feature, designed to block intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious websites, is also now available on the Android TV app.
• This update also brings stability improvements to the WireGuard and SSTP protocols, alongside new speed indicators to help pick the fastest servers.

Hide.me VPN has just rolled out a major update for its Android users, focusing on making its applications cleaner, faster, and much safer to use on the big screen.

The update introduces a completely redesigned dashboard, available across both Android mobile and Android TV. This visual overhaul makes it significantly easier to navigate your connection settings and find the optimal server for your needs with just a few taps.

But the biggest news for avid streamers is the arrival of SmartGuard on the Android TV app.

Previously limited to other platforms, SmartGuard is Hide.me's comprehensive online security tool built specifically to block intrusive ads, stop hidden trackers, and keep you away from malicious websites that can compromise your privacy.

Smart TVs and streaming boxes are notorious for tracking user behavior and monitoring what you watch to serve heavily targeted advertisements. With this update, Android TV users finally get the same robust ad-blocking power that mobile users have enjoyed. It makes it much harder for third-party snoopers and malicious actors to steal your information while you sit on the couch and stream your favorite shows.

WireGuard tweaks and IPv6 support

Hide.me has also bundled several vital technical enhancements into this release to keep your connection as stable and fast as possible.

For starters, fans of the lightning-fast WireGuard protocol will benefit from new stability enhancements and MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) optimization.

In simple terms, this ensures your data encryption remains rock-solid even if your mobile connection is unstable. If you regularly switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data networks while gaming or browsing, these tweaks will help keep your connection drop-free.

Hide.me has also improved its SSTP protocol support by adding hostname and IPv6 global address compatibility. To top it off, the update brings new speed indicators to the dashboard so you can easily identify the fastest servers at a glance, plus the addition of the Korean language to the app's supported list.

How to get the update

If you already have Hide.me installed on your Android smartphone, tablet, or Android TV, this update should roll out automatically depending on your device's auto-update settings.

For new users looking to take the revamped application for a spin, you can download the latest version directly from the Google Play Store. The provider also offers a robust free tier, meaning you can test out its strict no-logs policy and robust encryption without handing over your credit card details.

• New report finds clear mismatch between employer perception and worker sentiment
• Hybrid workers experience the most difficulty with collaboration tools
• Half of workers say they use unapproved tools over workplace software

New research from Ricoh has found businesses to be investing heavily in AI for workers, but those workers aren't exactly experiencing the productivity gains advertised on the tin.

There's a clear mismatch, with 91% over business decision-makers believing their AI investments are delivering the expected value, but one in two (53%) workers actually find those AI tools are creating friction or additional work.

Another half (55%) even go as far as saying the time spent managing poor technology interferes with their productivity.

Workers aren't being given the right AI tools

Ricoh analyzed four key workplace technologies – AI tools, communication and collaboration tools, data access tools and workflow management tools – and found AI to have the least impactful productivity boost.

An overwhelming majority (90%) of decision-makers also feel optimistic about how connected their tools and systems are, and yet three in four (76%) employees are calling out for systems that work better together.

"Fragmented technology, data and workflows create avoidable complexity that many employees are left to navigate themselves,” IDC Workplace Solutions Group VP Amy Loomis explained.

Despite a rise in remote working, just 14% of WFHers feel that they have collaboration difficulties, compared with 16% of office workers. The biggest snag is among hybrid workers (25%), who feel that disconnected systems are making it hard to collaborate with colleagues across multiple environments.

As a result, nearly half (45%) of workers admit to using non-approved tools like shadow AI at least monthly, which Ricoh argues creates a governance nightmare with employers struggling for visibility.

Still, with four in five (81%) decision-makers admitting that they're investing in new technology faster than they support worker adoption, there's a clear recognition that employers are falling short.

"Organizations need to better orchestrate the technology, information and workflows they already have," Ricoh North America Chief Digital Services and Delivery Officer Bob Lamendola explained, urging workplaces to slow down and concentrate on where new tools like AI can actually be useful.