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Bluetti early Black Friday lineup offers new 2,560Wh Apex 200 power station at exclusive $1,044, more from $429

Following the launch of the new Elite 30 Mini Power Station , Bluetti has officially launched its Black Friday Early Access deals , complete with our exclusive bonus savings code, FREE gifts with purchases of certain units, and a lucky draw spin with purchases over $1,000 that can give you various rewards. One notable leader that launched alongside this sale is the new Apex 200 Portable Power Station down at $1,044.05 shipped , after using the code 9TO5TOYS5OFF at checkout, which is not yet available at Amazon. As I stated, this is a brand-new unit that only just hit the market with an initial discount from $1,399 to $1,099, which gets even better with our exclusive code for $355 savings. Head below to check out the full lineup of deals. more

9To5Toys 6 Nov 2026 2:53 am

Google is ditching Firebase Studio soon, and it wants you to use its newer AI tools instead

The company is going all-in on Antigravity and Google AI Studio and hopes developers will do the same.

Engadget 6 Nov 2026 2:31 am

A BioWare documentary is set to arrive next year

Massive Effect: The BioWare Story started filming two years before EA shut down the studio.

Engadget 6 Nov 2026 2:03 am

Super Mario Galaxy Yoshi Figure now just $8 Prime shipped (Save 46%)

Super Mario Galaxy Yoshi 5-Inch Action Figure Buy for $8 (Reg. $15) What we love Whether its gifts for the kids or just for your shelf in the game room, this is an official 5-inch Super Mario Super Mario Galaxy Movie Yoshi figure, complete with a removable hat, sunglasses and satchel, as well as 20 points of articulation. And now its just $8 Prime shipped. more

9To5Toys 6 Nov 2026 1:55 am

Sony revives iconic

Wired headphones are going through a bit of renaissance right now and Sony is reviving its iconic Walkman-style over-ears with the new MDR-3R USB-C Wired Retro On-Ear Headphones . Now available for purchase at $60 for the standard issue set and at $80 for the Stranger Things edition . more

9To5Toys 6 Nov 2026 1:28 am

TikTok just released a standalone Shop app, but it's not in America just yet

It offers exclusive deals and other goodies.

Engadget 6 Nov 2026 1:28 am

Warby Parker seemingly spilled the beans on Google's Android XR smart glasses launch

Intelligent Eyewear is apparently only a week away.

Engadget 6 Nov 2026 1:09 am

The FAA is finally phasing out floppy disks from air traffic control

Seems about time for an upgrade.

Engadget 6 Nov 2026 12:46 am

This AI platform gives you lifetime access to dozens of models, and it

TL;DR: Compare answers from 20+ AI models in one window with a ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan lifetime subscription for $79 (Reg. $619). more

9To5Toys 6 Nov 2026 12:30 am

Google, Meta and TikTok are all suing California to block social media law intended to help kids

Assembly Bill 1709 demands that platforms remove psychologically exploitative features.

Engadget 6 Nov 2026 12:28 am

Microsoft is finally fixing the Xbox PC app

Microsoft is redesigning the Xbox PC app with up to 60% faster launches, simpler navigation, improved game libraries, and a refreshed cloud gaming experience.

Digital Trends 6 Nov 2026 12:25 am

Microscopic teardown reveals secret of iPhone Duo

Macworld The iPhone Duo, which launched last month to mixed reviews , contains a range of technological feats and breakthroughs. One of these is its nano-texture interior screen, which contrasts with the glossy outer screen and helps to conceal the crease that marred so many early (and a fair few more recent) foldable phones. The Duo has been out for a couple of weeks now, which means the repairs site iFixit has had time to perform its usual thorough teardown . And among other discoveries, the team have shed light on how that screen texture works, and how it bears comparisons to the matt finishes on rival products. Spoiler: it compares very well. In a post to Twitter/X this week, iFixit discussed this aspect of the teardown. The site used an Evident DSX2000 microscope at increasing magnifications to examine the Duos nano-texture screen, along with two other matte surfaces: the screen of an e-ink reader and a popular matte screen protector film. At low magnification, iFixit reports, the difference is clear. The e-ink texture blurs everything underneath. The matt protector softens the pixels. The nanotexture lets far more detail through. As the site points out, sharp detail isnt as much of a priority for an e-ink reader as it is for a smartphone, which may explain why the respective makers would be satisfied with this functional difference. But it doesnt explain what physical qualities produce the difference. That is explained at higher magnification. The nanotextures pattern is much smaller and more defined than the protectors, the tweet reports, backing this up with photographic evidence. The e-ink reader, by contrast, has a pillowy texture which is huge by comparison. The e-ink reader (left) has a large, pillowy texture. The iPhone Duo (right) has a much tighter pattern. The photos are clear. The Duos screen features a tight pattern of what look like cells or tiny bubbles, while the screen protector has a swampy, uneven pattern and the e-ink reader features massive polygons. Theres a real difference here. Is the iPhone Duos nano-texture just a matt screen protector with fancy Apple marketing? iFixit asks, before concluding: Verdict: not just marketing. Whats even better is that nano-texure layer is easy to replace. If you have AppleCare+, Apple charges just $19 to replace it when it when it gets worn down.

Macworld 6 Nov 2026 12:10 am

Giant collection of Legend of Zelda hoodies and tees on sale for $17 for launch day

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2 is now officially live and reviews are near flawless. In celebration we are highlighting some discounts landing on official Legend of Zelda merch in Nintendos Amazon storefront and there is actually a giant collection of Zelda tees and hoodies on sale right now for launch day starting from $17 Prime shipped . more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 11:53 pm

Got new Apple gear on the way? Pick up these Beats USB-C cables (60% off)

Macworld Beats USB-C Cables (2-pack) View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Apple has a lot of new things to buy, and they all have one thing in common: cables, specifically USB-C cables. And if youve got some new stuff coming, youre not going to want to use those old frayed cables anymore. Over at Amazon, you can get a two-pack of five-foot woven Beats cables for just $14 . Thats just $7 a piece and a fantastic deal for excellent cables. These cables may have the Beats logo on them, but that doesnt mean you can only use them to recharge your Beats headphones. In fact, theyll work with just about any device in your arsenal, from iPhones to AirPods and even your MacBook. The cables can push up to 60W of power, so theyre suitable for fast-charging a wide range of gadgets. You can even use them in a pinch to transfer data, though with USB 2.0 speeds, youll mostly want to stick to charging. The Beats cables are covered in sturdy braided nylon so theyll live through all the times youll coil them around your hand before throwing them at the bottom of the laptop bag. This also means theyre better prepared to survive the fraying that ruins so many cheap cables. Plus theyre longer than than the cables Apple supplies. At 5ft, you wont have to be on the very edge of your bed while your iPhone is charging. So, dont miss out on the chance to grab these awesome Beats USB-C cables for $14 before the deal runs out.

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 11:42 pm

Now Claude can help with your finances too

But just like with ChatGPT, should you?

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 11:30 pm

iPhone Duo just got a new accessibility feature in iOS 27.3 beta

Reachability helps make it easier to use the foldable with one hand.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 11:29 pm

Add five solo loop Apple Watch bands to your collection for less than $2 each

Adorve Solo Loop Apple Watch Band (5-pack) Buy for $9 (Reg. $13) Prime-exclusive discount. What we love I see bands like this as a great way to keep pricier alternatives protected during workouts, projects, and the like. At less than $2 each, you dont really need to worry about damaging these over time, so consider grabbing them at this affordable price point. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 11:22 pm

Tidy up a messy desk while HUANUO

HUANUO FlowLift Pro Dual Monitor Mount Buy for $45 (Reg. $60) What we love Thanks to the use of the brands MechaSpring tech here, HUANUO touts that this dual-monitor mount offers up to 2x the service life of other mounts. It can handle a couple of 27-inch displays and is ready to clamp onto desks ranging from 0.59 to 3.54 inches thick. Ive been using arms like this for years and truly cannot recommend elevating your monitors enough. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 11:21 pm

Automate more in Apple Home with four Matter smart plugs at just $6 a pop

Linkind Matter Smart Plug (4-pack) Buy for $25 (Reg. $33) What we love I use smart plugs for all sorts of things. One of the more interesting use cases I have come up with includes using them to reboot smart devices every now and then, including my secondary mesh Wi-Fi routers. Face it, everything needs a reboot here and there, and a smart plug can do it much more easily than you having to do it manually. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 11:15 pm

Razer keyboards, headsets, controllers, and more up to 67% off today at Woot with deals from just $10

As part of its now-live gaming sale, Woot is offering a wide selection of Razer gear at up to 67% off . Were looking at deals on a bunch of Razer keyboards, headsets, and controllers , along with offers on a items from other brands as well. The prices for the items included in the sale start at just $9.99 Prime shipped . You can also use promo code PCGAMING at checkout to save an extra 20% off. Everything included in the sale is brand new, and weve rounded up some of the more notable Razer deals below. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 11:07 pm

New EPOMAKER wireless gaming mouse comes with a charging dock and is only $30.50 right now

The official EPOMAKER Amazon storefront is now offering its brand new EM3 Wireless Gaming Mouse with Charging Dock for $30.59 Prime shipped once youve clipped the on-page 15% off coupon. This unit comes in three colorways and just hit Amazons shelves a few days ago and this is the first drop weve tracked. Even at its full $36 price point, the inclusion of a charging dock makes this gaming mouse certainly worth a peek if you ask me. You can learn more down below. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 10:55 pm

Clean up that mess of shoes with this entryway storage bench down at $68.50 shipped

Marsail Shoe Storage Bench Buy for $68.50 (Reg. $76) What we love This may not be the largest discount in the world, but the brand here frequently catches our eye because its full prices tend to be quite competitive already. A deal on top of that drives this even further with todays offer paving the way for you to tidy up the entryway for well under $70. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 10:49 pm

Wide variety of lightweight athletic hoodies fall to $20 at Amazon

G Gradual Lightweight Athletic Hoodie Buy for $20 (Reg. $25) What we love If your wardrobe is not well-equipped for layering up this fall and winter, hoodies like this can work wonders. What I like most here is the wide variety of colorways, allowing you to grab several and call it a day. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 10:36 pm

Score up to $1,100 early Black Friday savings on three Segway EVs: Myon smart e-bike hits $1,600 ($400 off), more from $650

While Segway hasnt launched a full Black Friday lineup yet, we are seeing some early event savings hitting three EVs currently, with one being the Myon Smart Electric Bike down at $1,599.99 shipped . Down from $2,000, this 2026 model hit the scene at the top of the year from CES 2026, with it not getting its first discount until July, when it fell to $1,550 for only a few days before rising up to $1,800, which is the consistent discounted rate weve been seeing since. Now, these early Black Friday deals are giving you $400 savings to land just $50 above that one-time low, making it the best price weve spotted in four months. You can also find the Xafari All-Terrain Fat Tire Cruiser e-bike down at a new $1,300 low , as well as the F3 Electric Scooter down at its $650 2026 low . Whats more, for the e-bikes, buying two of them gives you an additional $200 savings off your carts total. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 10:31 pm

Best time to buy an iPhone in 2026: Buy now or wait for Black Friday?

Macworld If youre planning to buy a new iPhone, should you buy now or wait for Black Friday? The iPhone Duo went on sale on October 23, completing Apples latest launches, but availability and early reports of inner-display failures complicate the decision for foldable buyers. The Duo joins the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max , although limited launch stock means getting Apples first foldable could require patience. Meanwhile, there are some excellent U.K. deals on the discontinued iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as retailers clear remaining stock. If you want premium cameras and performance without paying the latest Pro prices, those older models are worth considering. Apple rarely discounts its newest iPhones directly, and its 2026 price increases have made choosing carefully even more important. Black Friday may bring better offers, particularly through carriers and trade-in promotions, but a strong discount on the right phone can make buying now worthwhile. In this guide, we explain whether now is a good time to buy each iPhone, which models are worth waiting for, and when to expect the best deals. Well help you weigh the appeal of Apples newest hardware against the savings available on older models. When to buy an iPhone in 2026-2027: At a glance When iPhone 18 Pro/Max iPhone Duo iPhone 17/17e iPhone Air 2026 November Buy: Check for deals Check stock and durability developments Buy: Check for deals Buy: Check for deals December Buy: Check for deals Check stock and durability developments Buy: Check for deals Buy: Check for deals 2027 January Buy Buy Wait for next generation Wait for next generation February Buy Buy Wait for next generation Wait for next generation March Buy: Check for deals Buy: Check for deals Wait for next generation Wait for next generation April Buy Buy Wait for next generation Wait for next generation May Buy Buy June Buy: Check for deals Buy: Check for deals July Buy: Check for deals Buy: Check for deals August Wait for next generation Wait for next generation Best times to buy the iPhones in 2026 and 2027. The worst time to buy an iPhone This is generally in the weeks leading up to Apples September launch event, or in the early spring, when new models are expected to be announced. Buying just before a refresh means you could miss out on new features or pay full price for a model thats about to be superseded. The best time to buy an iPhone This depends on where you live: In the U.K., where most iPhones are sold unlocked and off contract, the biggest savings are typically available during major sales events such as Amazon Prime Day (usually in July and October, and occasionally in March) and Black Friday in late November. However, worthwhile iPhone discounts can be found throughout the year if you know where to look. In the U.S., where people tend to buy iPhones through a carrier, the best time to upgrade is often during Black Friday when networks enhance their offers with larger trade-in values, bill credits, gift cards, or discounted service plans. Due to the Black Friday sales, November and December could be a particularly good time to grab a deal on an older iPhone, such as the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max. Should you buy a new iPhone now or wait? Wait for Black Friday, November 27, 2026. Ida Blix September and the months that follow are a much better time to buy an iPhone than earlier in the summer (July and August are usually poor months to buy a Pro iPhone because Apples September launch is so close). The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo have now been unveiled, removing that uncertainty. If you need a phone now, theres little reason to wait for another annual refresh, and the iPhone 17, 17e and Air are also relatively safe purchases because their successors arent expected until spring 2027. See: iPhone 18 and 18e rumors and iPhone Air 2 rumors . The iPhone 17 remains the strongest value, with a 120Hz ProMotion display, A19 chip, dual 48MP cameras and 256GB of storage for $899/899 (although it was previously $799/799). The 18 Pro and Pro Max make more sense if you want the best cameras, performance or battery life, while the Duo is for buyers specifically interested in Apples new folding design. There is, however, one important reason to wait: 2027 could bring a much bigger iPhone redesign . Apple is rumored to be preparing a 20th-anniversary iPhone the iPhone 19 or 20 with a near-all-screen curved design, under-display Face ID, possible solid-state buttons, a thinner and more efficient OLED display, a larger battery and major camera improvements. That could make 2027 a more significant upgrade year than 2026. So if your current iPhone is still serving you well, waiting could be worthwhile. If you need a phone now, wait until Black Friday if price is your main concern. Wondering which iPhone to buy? Read: Best iPhone for our ranked recommendations and our iPhone buying guide for more in-depth information about cameras, displays, performance, storage, battery life and other key specifications across Apples current lineup. Should I buy an iPhone: At a glance iPhone Status iPhone 18 Pro Max Wait for Black Friday discounts iPhone 18 Pro Wait for Black Friday discounts iPhone Duo Check stock and durability developments iPhone Air Wait for Black Friday discounts iPhone 17 Wait for Black Friday discounts iPhone 17e Wait for Black Friday discounts iPhone 16 Avoidunless heavily discounted Current guidance about whether its a good time to buy an iPhone. Best iPhone deals right now If you are based in the U.K. it is possible to buy unlocked iPhones on Amazon and certain models are frequently discounted. If you can get a good discount its always a good time to buy. We are currently seeing fantastic savings on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max you can pay up to 500 less than you would for the equivalent iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. We expect to see similar deals over Black Friday in November. iPhone Deal RRP Lowest iPhone Air, 256GB 799 Get the deal at Amazon 300 off 1,099 (was 999) 699 iPhone Air, 512GB 999 Get the deal at Amazon 300 off 1,299 (was 1,199) 774 iPhone Air, 1TB 1,199 Get the deal at Amazon 500 off 1,699 (was 1,399) 984 iPhone 17e, 256GB 699 at Amazon 699 (was 599) 534 iPhone 17e, 512GB 899 at Amazon 899 (was 799) 769 iPhone 17, 256GB 899 at Amazon 899 (was 799) 737 iPhone 17, 512GB Out of stock at Amazon 1,099 (was 999) 949 iPhone 17 Pro, 256GB Out of stock at Amazon Discontinued (was 1,099) 1,037 iPhone 17 Pro, 512GB 1,099 Get the deal at Amazon 300 less than iPhone 18 Pro Discontinued (was 1,299) 1,199 iPhone 17 Pro, 1TB 1,199 Get the deal at Amazon 600 less than iPhone 18 Pro Discontinued (was 1,499) 1,399 iPhone 17 Pro Max, 256GB 1,049 Get the deal at Amazon 250 less than iPhone 18 Pro Max Discontinued (was 1,199) 1,137 iPhone 17 Pro Max, 512GB 1,199 Get the deal at Amazon 300 less than iPhone 18 Pro Max Discontinued (was 1,399) 1,349 iPhone 17 Pro Max, 1TB 1,399 Get the deal at Amazon 500 less than iPhone 18 Pro Max Discontinued (was 1,599) 1,549 iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB 1,199 at Amazon 1,199 1,199 iPhone 18 Pro, 512GB 1,399 at Amazon 1,399 1,399 iPhone 18 Pro, 1TB 1,799 at Amazon 1,799 1,799 iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB 1,299 at Amazon 1,299 1,299 iPhone 18 Pro Max, 512GB 1,499 at Amazon 1,499 1,499 iPhone 18 Pro Max, 1TB 1,899 at Amazon 1,899 1,899 iPhone Duo Out of stock at Amazon 1,999 Amazon is offering 20 off the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max if you are approved for an Amazon Barclaycard. Should you wait for the iPhone 18? For most people, there isnt a strong reason to wait for the iPhone 18. Apple isnt expected to launch the standard model until spring 2027, so buying an iPhone 17 before the end of 2026 would still give you several months with Apples current mainstream model before its replacement arrives. The iPhone 18 is expected to bring a 2nm A20 chip, potentially 9GB or 12GB of RAM, Apples C2 modem and possibly a new 24MP front camera. Extra RAM could prove particularly useful for future Apple Intelligence and Siri features. However, the rear camera system is still expected to consist of two 48MP cameras, while the display may remain broadly similar to the iPhone 17s 6.3-inch ProMotion panel. There is also some uncertainty over exactly what the iPhone 18 lineup will look like. A September 2026 rumour suggested Apple could effectively merge the standard iPhone and iPhone Air into a single model, rather than continuing them as two separate devices. If that happens, the iPhone 18 could adopt some of the Airs thinner, lighter design while retaining the broader appeal of the standard iPhone. For now, though, that remains speculative. Price is another consideration. With the arrival of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, Apple increased iPhone prices across the range, so the iPhone 17 now costs $899, $100 more than at launch. When the iPhone 18 arrives, it is likely to inherit that $899 price point, while the iPhone 17 could drop back to around $799 at which you may regret buying it at the higher price. Wait if you want the newer A20 chip, potentially more RAM, an improved front camera, or are intrigued by the possibility of a thinner redesigned standard model. Dont wait if you simply want ProMotion, dual 48MP cameras, excellent battery life and 256GB of storage as standard the iPhone 17 already delivers all of that. Should you buy a current or older iPhone? Thinking of buying the current iPhone rather than waiting for a new model? Read on for expert guidance. Should I buy an iPhone 17? Price When Reviewed: $899 (was $799) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,329 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? Yes. The iPhone 17 is a good buy now , especially because it isnt expected to be replaced until spring 2027 . It went on sale in September 2025 , but remains Apples current mainstream model. Its biggest strengths are the 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion display , dual 48MP cameras , and 256GB of storage as standard . Battery life is also strong, making it an excellent all-round choice for most buyers. If you dont need a new phone immediately, though, it may be worth waiting for a deal. The best discounts are likely during Black Friday in November 27 , when retailers and mobile networks often offer lower prices, trade-in bonuses or contract incentives. Waiting until spring 2027 only makes sense if you specifically want the expected iPhone 18 upgrades, such as the A20 chip, more RAM or an improved front camera. Otherwise, the iPhone 17 remains a very strong buy today. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 review Should I buy an iPhone Air? Price When Reviewed: $1,099 (was $999) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? Yes. The iPhone Air is a good buy if its thin-and-light design is the reason you want it . It went on sale on September 19, 2025 , alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Its exceptionally thin titanium design , 6.5-inch ProMotion display and A19 Pro chip make it particularly attractive to buyers who want a large screen without the bulk of a Pro Max. It prioritizes portability and design over camera versatility and maximum battery life. Apple is expected to update the iPhone Air in spring 2027 , potentially alongside the iPhone 18 and 18e, so it has around six months left as the current model.The Air also tends to attract stronger discounts than Apples Pro phones, particularly from third-party retailers. That makes Black Friday one of the best times to buy . Buy now if you find a substantial discount; otherwise buy during Prime Day or Black Friday. Read our full Apple iPhone Air (2025) review Should I buy an iPhone 17e? Price When Reviewed: $699 (was $599) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? Yes. The iPhone 17e went on sale on March 11, 2026 , so it is still relatively new and isnt expected to be replaced by the iPhone 18e until spring 2027. Its biggest advantages are the A19 chip , 256GB of storage as standard, and strong battery life , all at Apples lowest current-generation starting price . Its particularly compelling for kids, older users and anyone who doesnt need ProMotion or multiple rear cameras. Theres therefore little reason to wait for the next generation unless you specifically want whatever upgrades arrive with the iPhone 18e . The more immediate reason to wait is price. As we head toward the holiday shopping season, Black Friday is likely to bring some of the best 17e deals , whether through outright discounts, carrier promotions or trade-ins. Buy now if you need a phone; wait if saving another $50-$100 matters more. Read our full Apple iPhone 17e review Should I buy an iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? Yes. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are excellent buys now if you want Apples best conventional iPhones. Announced on September 9, 2026 and on sale fromSeptember 18. If you need a new phone and want Apples most capable cameras and performance, this is a good point in their release cycle to buy. Their biggest attractions are the A20 Pro chip , the triple-48MP camera system with variable aperture , and much better battery life, particularly on the Pro Max. The 18 Pro is the better choice for most buyers, while the Pro Max is worth paying extra for if you want its 6.9-inch display and class-leading endurance. Buying a new phone and replacing a working iPhone 17 Pro are different decisions, however. Our iPhone 18 Pro review found substantial performance gains, while our battery test showed 12 percent longer runtime for the Pro and 25 percent longer for the Pro Max compared with their respective predecessors. Those improvements strengthen the case for buyers moving from an older phone. If your 17 Pro still meets your needs, though, there is less reason to upgrade: the design and most capabilities remain familiar, with the main new features concentrated in photography. Theres little reason to wait for their immediate replacements, which arent expected until fall 2027 , although Apples 20th-anniversary iPhone could bring a more substantial redesign. If price matters, waiting a few weeks may be worthwhile: the best early deals are likely around Black Friday , particularly through carriers and trade-in promotions. Large outright discounts are unlikely so soon after launch. Read our full Apple iPhone 18 Pro review Should I buy an iPhone Duo? Price When Reviewed: $1999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? For most people, we recommend waiting. Too many popular apps still make poor use of the Duos displays. Check whether your everyday apps have been updated before spending $1,999/1,999. The iPhone Duo went on sale on October 23, starting at $1,999/1,999. Delivery estimates stretched into late January 2027 during preorders. You can check Apples current delivery and pickup estimates using stock-checking sites such as iPhone Stock Checker. The main attractions are its 7.6-inch folding display and Split View multitasking, giving you more space for reading, watching videos and working across apps. Our iPhone Duo review found that apps optimized for the folding display offer useful new ways to work and play. However, many everyday apps appear stretched or surrounded by black bars, making them less convenient than on a conventional iPhone. Our reviewer found the Duo exciting to explore but difficult to recommend until more apps are updated. Even if youre comfortable with the durability tradeoffs, limited app support is another reason to wait. Following reports of cracked inner screens, Apple acknowledged an issue affecting a small number of units on October 26 and advised affected owners to contact AppleCare for a replacement. The cause and failure rate remain unclear, and no formal repair program has been announced. If durability uncertainty concerns you, wait for further investigation and longer-term testing. The iPhone 18 Pro offers a more affordable alternative with more versatile cameras. Black Friday falls on November 27, five weeks after launch. Carrier incentives and trade-in promotions are possible, but we would not recommend waiting solely in expectation of a large outright discount. Compare the total contract cost and delivery date, not just the advertised saving. Read our full Apple iPhone Duo review Should I buy an iPhone 17 Pro or Max? Price When Reviewed: $1,099 (256GB) | $1,299 (512GB) | $1,499 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1099 View Deal $1099.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? If you find a good deal, yes TheiPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could now be among the best-value high-end iPhones if you can find them discounted . They went on sale on September 19, 2025 , but Apple has discontinued them following the arrival of the iPhone 18 Pro range. Their biggest strengths are the A19 Pro chip , advanced triple-camera system , and ProMotion displays , while the Pro Max also offers excellent battery life. They have already been replaced, so the question isnt whether to wait for something newer: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are here now. Instead, compare the saving with what you give up. The newer models add the A20 Pro chip, improved cooling, variable-aperture Main camera and better endurance. If a 17 Pro is only modestly cheaper, buy the 18 Pro instead. But clearance sales and Black Friday could make last years models extremely attractive, particularly if retailers cut several hundred dollars from the original price. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 Pro review Should I buy an iPhone 16 Price When Reviewed: $799 (was $699) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Is now a good time to buy? No, unless you get a good discount The iPhone 16 can still be worth buying, but only at the right price . It went on sale on September 20, 2024 , and its days in Apples lineup are probably numbered: once the iPhone 18 launches in spring 2027 , Apple is likely to discontinue it. Its main advantages are the A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support , versatile dual-camera system , and Camera Control and Action buttons . It remains fast and capable, but its 128GB of base storage and older 60Hz display make it much less appealing at anything close to the price of newer models. That means the decision comes down largely to discounts. Black Friday and clearance sales are likely to offer the best opportunities. If the iPhone 16 is only slightly cheaper than an iPhone 17e or iPhone 17, skip it. If you can find it heavily discounted, however, it can still represent excellent value. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review FAQ 1. When is the best carrier upgrade timing? Apple typically announces new iPhone models in September. Carriers often roll out their most aggressive trade-in offers and promotional deals around this time to entice customers to upgrade. New releases : Waiting for the September (or spring) launch window is generally a good strategy if you want the latest model at a potentially better subsidized price. Check your contract cycle: Many carrier contracts today last 24 to 36 months. If youre nearing the end of your contract, youre in a strong position to negotiate or take advantage of upgrade offers. However, upgrading mid-contract may involve paying off the remaining balance, so its worth checking your specific terms. Consider Apples upgrade plans: Apple has replaced its old iPhone Upgrade Program with newer financing and leasing options. In the U.S., Apple Upgrade lets you lease an iPhone through Klarna and upgrade, buy or return it at the end of the term. In the U.K., Apples Flexible Finance Account offers eligible iPhones on monthly payment plans with the option to upgrade after a set number of payments. Terms and monthly costs vary by model. 2. When does Apple update the iPhone? Apple typically unveils new iPhones at a dedicated Apple event in September . Preorders usually open the following Friday, with devices shipping and arriving in stores a week later. However, some models arrive later: Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Duo in September 2026, but the Pro models went on sale September 18, while the Duo followed on October 23. Apple also launches iPhones earlier in the year, particularly its more affordable models. The iPhone 16e arrived in February 2025 and the iPhone 17e in March 2026. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected in spring 2027. These spring launches are often announced via press release, although Apple has also held spring events . Availability typically follows within one to two weeks, but initial supplies can be limited. Compatible iPhones also receive a major iOS update each year, usually in September, bringing new features that can give an older phone a fresh lease of life. Read our guide to the next Apple event to find out whats coming next. 3. When do iPhone prices drop and by how much? Based on past experience, Apple is very unlikely to reduce the price of a new iPhone during its first year on sale. However, when Apple introduces a new generation of iPhones, it usually cuts the price of the previous years models. That meansSeptember has traditionally been the point when older iPhones become cheaper. Apple also tends to keep launch prices broadly similar from one generation to the next, at least in the U.S., although exchange rates and other regional factors can affect pricing elsewhere. In 2024, for example, Apple reduced the price of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus by$100/100when the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus arrived. The iPhone 16 also fell in price following the launch of the iPhone 17 in 2025. However, because the iPhone 17 doubled the base storage to 256GB, the older iPhone 16 looked less attractive even at $100/100 less. In 2026, the pattern changed. Apple actually raised iPhone prices , blaming higher memory costs. Even the year-old iPhone 17 and two-year-old iPhone 16 increased by$100, showing that older iPhones dont always become cheaper when a new generation arrives. 4. Is it better to buy from Apple or a carrier? In the U.S., buying from Apple is usually the better option if you value flexibility. If you pay in full or use Apples own financing, the iPhone is unlocked, so you can switch carriers or use another eSIM when traveling. Apple also accepts trade-ins and, importantly, many AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon promotions are available when buying through Apple. However, an iPhone bought from Apple but financed through an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon device-payment plan is locked to that carrier until it has been paid off. An iPhone bought outright from Apple isnt. The main reason to buy directly from AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon is to take advantage of a particularly good promotion. U.S. carriers frequently advertise large trade-in credits or free iPhones, especially when you add a line or switch networks. The catch is that the discount is usually provided as monthly bill credits over 24 or 36 months, so if you leave early you can lose the remaining credits. In the U.K., Apple sells iPhones unlocked and SIM-free, allowing you to shop separately for a SIM-only plan from EE, Vodafone, O2, Three or an MVNO. This makes it easier to switch networks and can work out cheaper over the life of the phone than bundling the handset and airtime into a single contract. Apple isnt necessarily the cheapest place to buy, however. Amazon U.K. and other retailers frequently discount SIM-free iPhones, and there can be substantial savings during sales events such as Black Friday. Networks can also offer compelling promotions, including enhanced trade-in values, discounted airtime, generous data allowances or lower monthly payments. But make sure you compare the total cost of the contract, rather than focusing on the headline monthly price. 5. When are the best iPhone deals? The earliest you could expect to get a discount on the newest iPhones is around Black Friday at the end of November, so you might be planning to hold out until then. However, the deals we tend to see, if any, are usually for older handsets. See our round-up of Best Black Friday iPhone deals for more. Nor should you expect to get a discount in an Apple Black Friday sale . Apples Black Friday sale usually only takes the form of vouchers with select product purchases, rather than a discount, and it is unlikely that the newest iPhone would qualify as in previous years new iPhones havent been included. Note that while shopping events like Black Friday get all the attention, thats not the only time you can get discounts on Apple products: we see discounts all the time. Another event where we see good iPhone deals is Prime Day, which happens in June or July and October every year. So take a look at the iPhone deals for Amazon Prime Day sale to see what you might be able to save. In our experience, we dont tend to see discounts on the newest handset until the spring and these are always from third-party resellers, never from Apple. In fact, we dont tend to see the iPhone discounted in the U.S. very often, most of the discounts we see are in the U.K. where unlocked iPhones are often sold off-contract at a good discount. 6. Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone? Yes, buying a refurbished iPhone is absolutely worth it for most people, especially if you want to save money without sacrificing quality. Buying refurbished is a great way to pick up a bargain while still getting a premium device. You can typically save 15% to 30% compared to buying new, and sometimes much more on older models. A common misconception is that refurbished is the same as buying a used phone from a stranger, though. Its not. A used phone is sold as-is, with no guarantee it will work properly. A refurbished phone has been professionally inspected, tested, and repaired if needed, and it comes with a warranty. If you want the highest quality, Apples own refurbished store is the gold standard. 7. How to check iPhone stock near you If the iPhone you want has a long delivery estimate, independent stock-checking services can help you find availability elsewhere. Apple Inventory Check lets you search Apple Store stock by country, location, model, color and storage capacity. It covers Apples current iPhone range, including the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and older models. Checking nearby stores or choosing a different color or capacity could help you get your phone sooner. Confirm availability through Apple before traveling. For more options, see our guide to iPhone stock-checking services . Conclusion: When is the best time to buy a new iPhone? The worst time to buy is usually between July or August, mainly because with new iPhones on the horizon the price of the older handsets are likely to drop very soon. If you want the newest iPhones then the best deals dont tend to come before the spring and summer months. If you are happy to buy an older iPhone then you will probably see decent deals around Prime Day and Black Friday but deals happen all year round. We hope this article has proved helpful in reaching an informed buying decision. Remember that good prices can be found all year round, if a retailer is feeling generous and you know where to look: read our guide to the best iPhone deals for more on that. Wondering how long Apple supports iPhones for? Read How long do iPhones last.

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 10:28 pm

EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale offers DELTA 2 Max 440W solar bundle + FREE bag and TRAIL 200 DC station at $1,529, more

EcoFlow is quite busy right now between the launch deals on its TITAN Whole-Home Backup Ecosystem and the DELTA Gen4 Series , not to mention the early Black Friday Sale that now has a 48-hour flash period with deals on four units. Among the options, theres a nice bundle opportunity to score the 2,048Wh DELTA 2 Max Power Station with 2x 220W solar panels , a FREE protective bag ($79 value) plus, you also get a FREE 192Wh TRAIL 200 DC power station ($119 value) all at $1,529 shipped . This beats out the deal for the station, panels, and TRAIL unit at Amazon by $50. The station and solar panels alone go for $1,579 at full price, and while we saw the cost go lower earlier in the year, its mostly kept at this rate (or as high as $1,599 at Amazon) since August, with Octobers Prime Day dropping it to $1,499 for a short period. The deal here gives you $50 off the typical bundles going rate, but provides $198 in additional savings ($248 total) with the two FREE items added. Head below to check out the other flash sale offers while they last. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 10:05 pm

Lyft's new subscription bundles in DoorDash's DashPass for $10 per month

DashPass members can get Lyft Go at no extra cost.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 9:59 pm

Sony's MDR-3R wired headphones are steeped in retro aesthetics

Sony has refreshed a headphone design that dates back to 1979.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 9:30 pm

Instagram's Edits is now on desktop as a Mac app

Meta's CapCut competitor already has more than 50 million users.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 9:30 pm

Save up to 39% on these three LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets, like the Mos Eisley Cantina at a $54 low

Amazon currently has some LEGO SMART Play sets getting discounts right now, like the SMART Play: Mos Eisley Cantina down at $53.99 shipped. Its been down from $80 for quite some time, having kept at $65 since the end of July and dropping lower to this rate at the end of October. The deal here gives you a $26 markdown off the MSRP, landing it at the best price we have tracked. You can also find the SMART Play Yodas Hut and Jedi Training down at $42.99 shipped, as well as the SMART Play Throne Room Duel & A-Wing down at $124.99 shipped right now, too. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 9:25 pm

Philips Hue Bridge Pro bundle with 3 bulbs and Tap Dial Switch hits Amazon all-time low at $150

As part of the early access Philips Hue Black Friday deals, we just spotted a seriously notable all-time low on this Hue Starter Kit . You get a Philips Hue Bridge Pro , three A19 E26 Smart Bulbs , and a Tap Dial Switch for $150 the Hue Bridge Pro costs up to $150 on its own via the official site. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 9:08 pm

Twelve South launches new 65W Cablesnap Retractable USB-C Travel Charger

Twelve South has been on a roll lately with the launch of its new Airfly View wireless audio transmitter with display and the super popular Airfly Drive Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter , but today it has launched the all-new Twelve South Cablesnap . The 65W Retractable USB-C Travel Charger is now available for purchase and you can get a closer look below. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 8:57 pm

Originally $220 Keychron OnePlus 81 Pro metal keyboard hits new $88 all-time low (60% off launch price)

As part of its $99.99 shipped , which is the lowest it has fetched there, but Woots offer has it for less. This is the lowest price we have tracked for this keyboard, and its now going for $12 less than its previous low. Head below for more details, along with deals on other keyboards at Woot right now. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 8:45 pm

WhatsApp is taking on Partiful with expanded Events feature

The change will allow invites to be sent to guests without WhatsApp accounts.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 8:30 pm

Official 2026 Pok

Official Pokemon 2026 Holiday Calendar, 24-Piece Set Buy for $24 (Reg. $40) What we love Trainers can score their own officially-licensed advent calendar loaded with mini Pokmon figures and more down at the lowest price we have tracked in the Target early Black Friday sale right now. Pack includes a mix of 24 Holiday-themed figures and accessories. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 8:15 pm

EcoFlow launches DELTA Gen4 Series power stations and bundles with up to $1,435 savings from $1,214

Alongside EcoFlows early Black Friday deals , as well as the TITAN Whole-Home Backup Ecosystem launch , the brand has also just launched its latest DELTA 3000 Gen4 3,072Wh Portable Power Station with extra savings down at $1,214.05 shipped , after using the code DG4EDM at checkout, as well as the larger DELTA 3800 Gen4 3,763Wh model down at $1,614.05 shipped , using the same code plus, the first 500 orders on both models get a FREE trolley. These new models will run for $1,699 and $2,199 at full price once these launch deals end, with the code giving you a combined $485 and $585 markdowns right out of the gate. Head below to learn all about them and to browse their various bundle options. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 7:54 pm

Apple reportedly slashes employee AI usage limits amid

Macworld Apple took its time jumping on the AI bandwagon, announcing Apple Intelligence as late as 2024 (nearly three and a half years after the release of DALL-E, and one and a half after ChatGPT) then delaying some of the platforms flagship features for years after that. But these days the company is a committed proponent of truly helpful AI thats centered around you and your needs, as it writes on the dedicated Apple Intelligence page on its website. Product pages for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo extol their ability to handle AI workloads, and similar language is used to market the iMac, iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 12, HomeView, and pretty much every other product Apple sells. Former CEO Tim Cook said AI is critical to Apples products back in 2023 , while new boss John Ternus told Wired last month that the company is absolutely going to leverage AI to build incredible products. However, as much as it encourages customers to enjoy the benefits of AI, Apple has seemingly soured on excessive use of the technology by its own employees. In a new report, Bloomberg claims the company has begun reducing employee budgets for artificial intelligence usage as part of a cost-cutting effort. Citing anonymous people with knowledge of the change, leaker Mark Gurman says Apple last month reduced the daily AI spending cap for some engineers from $300 to $200, and is planning to make further cuts which could see limits drop as low as $100. Many groups outside of engineering already face a $100 daily cap, but Apple has considered reducing that limit to as little as $25 for some teams, Gurman adds. Staff who believe these limits will impede their ability to do their job can ask for an exemption. The spending limits relate to the tokens used by AI providers to track the volume and nature of usage, and to set fees. Complex, data-intensive tasks such as debugging code may cost more tokens than the lighter usage typical among consumers. Some Apple employees will therefore need to be more conservative in the data-processing demands they place on AI. But others, apparently, wont need to change anything about their approach. Gurmans sources claim that few workers were using their full $300 daily allowances, making the previous limits unnecessarily generous, which suggests the savings obtained through the measure will be small. Aside from those public comments praising the usefulness of AI, this is a surprising stance from a company which in its most recent financial disclosure announced its best fiscal year ever. But Apple has long been a company obsessed with spotting and eliminating unnecessary costs, with Cook (who came from an operations background) famous for his ability to optimise a supply chain. Last months initial AI spending cut, while it happened on Ternuss watch, may have been a decision made, or at least floated, while Cook was still in charge. But the plan to cut deeper shows that Ternus is just as keen as his predecessor on running an efficient company. And after all, as he said in the Wired interview linked above, We dont want to ship AI for AIs sake. When were doing it right, people wont have to think about whether it was AI that made this happen or more traditional software. What matters is, did we build something that they really love?

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 7:41 pm

Official PlayStation Store Black Friday sale now live: Over 2,200 titles up to 75% off

While we are still awaiting word on the hardware and physical game November PS5 deals, the official PlayStation Store Black Friday sale is now live with thousands of titles at up to 75% off . more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 7:37 pm

Apple iMac M6 review: Faster, more expensive and deeply in need of a refresh

Most buyers would be better off with a Mac mini and a bigger external display.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 7:30 pm

MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display review: Lighter, brighter, but the touchscreen doesn't add much

Apple's touchscreen laptop is a notable evolution of the MacBook Pro at a much higher price.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 7:30 pm

MacBook Pro M6 review: A slight upgrade, but still the most accessible MacBook Pro

The M6 MacBook Pro is more of the same, but that's still pretty great.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 7:30 pm

Touch on the new MacBook Pro is a delight, with some surprises

Macworld Apples new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display isnt just the best display ever put in a laptop . Its also Apples first-ever touchscreen in a Mac and the first time macOS has supported Touch as an input option. Its a feature we longtime Mac users thought wed never see, mostly because Apple has a history of saying it wont happen . But it has happenedand on the expensive laptop Apple sells, no less. While the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display has plenty of other features to attract customers, which I will outline in my upcoming review, the touchscreen is one of the most interesting features to come to the Mac in years and is sure to be a major consideration for buyers when choosing which laptop to get. However, macOS with Touch isnt the same interface that you can just reach out to control with your fingers. Apple has enhanced and optimized macOS to accommodate Touch, making the overall experience satisfying. Here are my observations after spending a few days with it. No lag or delay Apple did not simply take a Touch input sensor, slap it on top of the OLED, pack it all up, and ship it. For the optimal experience, the Touch sensor is incorporated into the OLED panel, just as it is with the iPad Pro. That makes it perform more like a tablet than a usual touchscreen laptop. Touch is very responsive, with no noticeable delay between a gesture and response. Roman Loyola/Foundry It also means theres no lag when touching the screen. Tap the screen, and youll get an instant reaction from macOS: buttons, menus, sliders, icons, the Dock, you name it. Everything reacts the instant you touch it. UI clarity My major concern about the touchscreen MacBook Pro was whether Apple would do enough (or anything) to adjust macOSs longstanding UI elements for Touch input. Some elements in macOS need to be larger to make them easier to touch; others need to be shifted to create more space; and still others need a complete rethink. A touch UI that demands cursor-style precision means you have to concentrate to do the most mundane of tasks. Thats tiring. Left: Contextual menu when using the trackpad. Right: Contextual menu when using Touch. Foundry In macOS 27.2 on the new MacBook Pro, Apple has enhanced macOS to accommodate Touch. Throughout the OS, elements appear when using Touch and return to the normal view when using a mouse or trackpad. The first thing youll notice is the set of traffic lights that appear in the upper right corner of windows to close, minimize, or expand windows full-screen, respectively. When tapped, the red, yellow, and green buttons magnify to make the target easier to hit. Even menu items adjust by expanding a bit to add space between the items so theyre easier to tap with your finger. Another example is checkboxes, which let you tap on the accompanying text to select as well as the box itself. Traffic lights are enlarged to make them easier to touch. Roman Loyola/Foundry UI confusion Almost all of the time, I can navigate through macOS just by using Touch. Apple thoughtfully considered the elements that I encountered to make them easy to touch, with one exception: video files. The ability to watch a tiny version of the video by clicking on the Play icon in the center of the videos icon gets in the way of opening the file. Double-tapping to open the video file often resulted in the video playing in the icon, not actually opening the file. Its one of the things that hasnt been adjusted to accommodate Touch, and it needs a retool. I also found that the mindset for Touch on macOS is separate from iOS. My experience with Apples touch-based UI is mostly with iOS, so I thought that macOS Touch would work similarly. But Apple decided to stick to macOS conventions, as illustrated by opening an app. In iOS, opening an app is a single tap. In macOS, a single tap selects the app, just as a single click does with a mouse or trackpad. You need to double-tap to launch the app. Even enlarging the icons to 128-by-128 pixels didnt make opening video files any easier. Roman Loyola/Foundry Gesture support Multi-Touch gestures on the Mac support the same gestures that are on the trackpad and, for the most part, your iPhone and iPad. Its all smart and effortless, especially if you already use these gestures on a trackpad: Swipe with two fingers to scroll up, down, left, or right. Use three fingers and swipe left or right to switch desktops. A four-finger swipe up opens Mission Control. A four-finger swipe down opens App Expos, etc. Pinch-to-zoom even works. Rotate, where you use two fingers in a rotating motion, also works, but this gesture was awkward for me to do on a standing screen. I think its easier to do on a trackpad or, say, an iPad thats lying flat. Rotate gestures are supported, but not always comfortable to do. Roman Loyola/Foundry Screen wobble Apple re-engineered the MacBook Pros hinge to make the screen more stable while touching it. The hinge provides enough resistance when youre pressing relatively softly against the screen. Push hard enough, and the screen falls back, but most of the time, youre not going to need to push that hard. In the animation above, you can see the screen wobble as I do the rotation gesture, but its exaggerated since I repeated the gesture several times and inadvertently pressed harder than usual. If you tap lightly, you wont see the display move, but most people will tap hard enough to see a wobble. However, my regular taps caused the display to shake slightly, which was noticeable but bearable. The wobble is significantly less than a regular MacBook Pro, however, and after the first few taps, I barely noticed it. Fingerprints Its a consequence of using any touchscreen: the display will end up with fingerprints smeared all over it. Like an iPad, theyre not noticeable when the display is on, but when the display goes dark or turns off, ugh. Its gross. Fingerprints are unavoidable. Roman Loyola/Foundry This is just a fact about touchscreens we have to live with. Even with Apples oleophobic coating, there just isnt a practical way to prevent fingerprints from appearing at all. There are personal habits that can be practiced to minimize the mess: clean your hands before using the touchscreen, wipe your hands frequently, dont eat while using a touchscreen, etc. Or you could use touch-friendly gloves, or even wear latex gloves (I tried it and it works), but thats not practical (and its ridiculous). Have a microfiber cloth handy to clean the display; Apple unfortunately doesnt include one unless you spring for the nano-texture coating, but they sell one for $9 . Amazon sells a six-pack of Koala Lens Cleaning Cloths for $10 . The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Displays Touch works only with fingers, not with an Apple Pencil or any third-party stylus. Other than fingerprints, using your fingers doesnt offer nearly the same precision as using a stylus, so its closer to using an iPhone rather than an iPad or a graphics tablet. A very good start Apple isnt marketing the MacBook Pro as a Touch-first device. Rather, Touch is something users can turn to when the situation calls for it. But its promising nonetheless. This first version of the Macs Touch UI is smooth, reliable, usable, and even fun. Its a good start, and I hope Apple invents ways to take advantage of Touch, evolving it beyond being a touch interface on top of macOS.

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 7:30 pm

This new Belkin MagSafe wallet actually fits the iPhone Duo properly, now up for pre-order

Theres no shortage of MagSafe accessories out there, but the iPhone Duos shorter and wider design means a lot of gear made for regular iPhones doesnt fit quite as neatly. Belkin is tackling that with its new Magnetic Wallet , which is purpose-built around Apples latest foldable. Its now up for pre-order at $49.99 shipped , and it might be worth picking up if youre existing wallets dont quite fit very well. Head below for a closer look and more details. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 7:29 pm

Score a current iPad Air for less than the new iPad mini ($100 off)

Apple has unleashed its new starting from $650 right now. OLED iPad mini pre-order from $699 New SmartFolio for iPadmini (A20Pro) $79 more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 7:16 pm

Spotify is coming to United's seatback screens

The streaming service's entire library of content will be available in the air.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 6:30 pm

This Super Mario Tap-Activated Diorama Light is down at $45 today

Paladone Super Mario Tap-Activated Diorama Light Buy for $45 (Reg. $56) What we love The tap-activated collection Mario lamp is about as good for the kids as it is for the game room. It is USB-powered and features three brightness levels, but the real selling point for me is the sort of diorama-style design straight out of the Mushroom Kingdom. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 6:14 pm

Latest Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) now up to $120 off

The early Black Friday deals are flying on the latest Pixel gear and Google smart home releases. Alongside the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold , as well as $100 off all Pixel Watch 5 models. However, you can also add the latest Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) down at one of its lowest price to date at $220 shipped plus, we just spotted Best Buy excellent condition open-box units at over $120 off. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 5:49 pm

Score Keychron mechanical keyboards from just $20 in Woot

Woot is now offering a wide selection of Keychron mechanical keyboards at some of the better prices weve seen on them in a while. The sale covers both wired and wireless models at up to 63% off , with prices starting at just $19.99 Prime shipped . You can also use promo code PCGAMING to save an extra 20% off if youre a new customer. Unlike some of Woots other sale events that mix in refurbished or open-box units, everything in this event is new, and youll also find deals on other gaming keyboards from Razer and HyperX . Head below for more details. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 5:32 pm

Apple Watch Ultra 4 with the new Translucent Ocean Band is nearly $100 off right now

We caught some notable clearance deals on the now previous-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 yesterday, but one of the more notable early Black Friday deals we have tracked thus far is the return all-time lows on the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 . There are several configs marked down right now, but Amazon has now brought back the nearly $100 price drop on the Natural Titanium model with the new one-size-fits-all Translucent Ocean Band . more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 5:20 pm

These Finder tips will make you a Mac pro

Macworld The Finder in macOS is where you spend the most time when using your Mac. It is the most important tool for managing files and folders; its the basis for installing and launching apps; its where you can manage iPhones and iPads; and a lot more. Its the foundation for the macOS interface and for using your Mac hardware. Many Mac users have been using the Finder every day for decades, often without making full use of its capabilities or customizing it to suit their own needs. You should make the most of your UI experience. Here are ten tips on how to get more out of the Finder. Customize the toolbar This is a very simple thing to do, but hardly anyone does. You should adjust the Finder toolbar to suit your own needs. To do this, open a Finder window and right-click on the toolbar. Youll see the Customize Toolbar option in the context menu. Select it, and a window will appear with additional functions and tools. You can click and drag icons to where you want them in the toolbar. The AirDrop icon, for example, is useful if you transfer files often: once its been added to the Finder, you simply select an item and send it straight away. The buttons for burning blank discs, ejecting media, and accessing servers can also be useful, depending on your needs. Foundry You can also easily change the order of the icons. Simply click on one while holding down the Command key. To remove it from the toolbar, simply drag it out. Quick Commands for photo editing and your own scripts Quick Actions are small tools that you can access via the context menu (the menu that appears when you right-click an item). They allow you to quickly convert PNG to JPEG or create a PDF, for example. Six system services are provided by default, though the options available in the context menu depend on the selected file type. For example, if you right-click on a video, you can access a function to trim the video. This is quicker and easier than using QuickTime Player. For photos, you can quickly convert them to other formats such as JPEG; you can combine several PDFs into a single PDF file using Create PDF ; rotate a photo; and remove the background from a photo (though this doesnt always work). For image files and PDFs, theres also the option to add annotations. This opens a window with the tools familiar from Preview, allowing you to add lines, red arrows, and other annotations. Foundry You can enable and disable these useful extensions under General > Login Items & Extensions > System Services . To do this, click on the i icon there. Theres even a way to add your own Quick Actions: to do this, simply select Quick Action as the file type in Automator and create a workflow such as resizing a photo to a specific width. Once created, the workflow is immediately available via the context menu. Rename multiple files You dont need to resort to a tool like Renamer to rename dozens of files or folders. The Finder also has a built-in function for renaming files. However, its somewhat hidden. To access the feature, select multiple files and choose Rename from the context menu. If you selected just a single file, you can only change the name within the Finder; the file will be selected for you automatically. However, if youve selected multiple files, a separate new window opens with several options. Foundry Here you can choose from several renaming options; you can add text, replace text, or rename all files according to a new format. When replacing text, simply enter the original text and the new text in the two fields. When adding text, you can choose to add it at the beginning or the end, as a prefix or suffix. The Format option is more complex, offering three choices: here you can choose between two numbering styles and adding the current date. Manage the clipboards Starting with macOS Tahoe, old clipboard contents can be saved by the system on request and are searchable via Spotlight. Youll need to enable this feature first via the Spotlight system setting. You can also select a retention period; options are 8 hours, 30 minutes, and 7 days. Once enabled, you can enter a search term into Spotlight to search the clipboard text. Alongside other results, youll then see a list of previous clipboard entries, marked with two small boxes. You can also press Command+4 or select Clipboard after opening Spotlight. You can valso iew the current clipboard select Edit > Show Clipboard from the menu bar in Finder, and the current clipboard will be displayed in a simple window. Foundry Hide all items on the Desktop Apple now offers so many options for the Desktop and Dock that some people lose track of them all. For a long time, I overlooked the fact that the Desktop & Dock system setting can hide all items on the desktop completely. To do this, go to the Desktop & Dock system settings and, under Show items , untick the box next to On the Desktop . You can later show all folders and files again using the same function. Foundry List invisible files and folders The Mac actually has countless invisible folders and files on your system. Most are used by the system and are best left hidden, otherwise, your folders can quickly become cluttered. Sometimes, invisible files are left behind when you uninstall an app or delete a file. All you need to do is press Command+Shift+. to see invisible files. The first time you press the key combination, you see all hidden files and folders in the selected folder. Press it again, and theyll disappear again. Hide files or folders You can make a file or folder invisible via Terminal: enter the command chflags hidden and add the pathdrag and drop the file or folder into the Terminal window to do this. Connect to a server The Finder is also responsible for allowing you to connect via the network: to other Macs, the company server or even a Fritzbox with NAS functionality. Available servers are often listed automatically in the Finder under Network . You can connect manually via Go > Connect to Server . Even FTP is supported, but you can only download data. Uploads are not possible, and FTP servers using the SFTP or FTPS protocols are not supported. However, the FTP function is not always reliable and has often caused problems. It is not without reason that many experienced users prefer to use an FTP client such as Cyberduck for every FTP connection. Make better use of Smart Folders Smart Folders are very powerful, but unfortunately can be too fiddly. These ingenious folders are essentially saved search queries that update dynamically. You can save these folders once created and conveniently pin them to the sidebar. By default, however, the Finder links all search criteria using only simple AND conditions, as is familiar from Spotlight or the Google search engine. Foundry But the folder becomes truly smart with so-called Boolean operators. For example, when youre looking for all image files but also all video files, or all files that are neither image files nor video files. (This might sound like a fiddly logic puzzle to you right now, but it can be very useful!) Apple has hidden this option a little, presumably so as not to overwhelm beginners. First, create a smart folder as usual, for example, via File > New Smart Folder . Then click the + icon, and you can define the criteria for the items you want to appear in the folder. Click the + icon to add more definitions. Click the Save button to set the Smart Folder, and then when you open the folder, it will show all the items that fit the criteria you defined.

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 5:00 pm

Amazon officially partners with Uber Eats: $0 delivery fees for all Prime members, $20 off first 2 orders

Amazons Prime membership comes with loads of perks, not the least of which is access to its massive Prime Day deals and free delivery. However, it has just announced a new partnership with Uber Eats Prime members nationwide can now order from Uber Eats directly on Amazon with $0 Delivery Fees. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 4:55 pm

PSA: AirPods 5 deal live today, don

The early Black Friday sales are flying all over the place now, but Amazon is still delivering the best price on the best wireless earbuds Apples AirPods Pro 3 at $50 off . The new AirPods 5 arrived this past September for folks looking towards a more open and affordable Apple solution, and the first cash discount has arrived on those as wellbut you should probably ignore it. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 4:43 pm

Home Depot Black Friday 2026 tool sale starts today: Up to $200 off, FREE gift with purchase, more

As we detailed previously, the official Home Depot Black Friday sale is now live and in full swing. Today, however, it is scheduled to deliver a host of new battery power tools from top brands like DEWALT , Milwaukee , Makita , RIDGID , its in-house RYOBI gear, and more everything is now live. Black Friday deals under $25 Black Friday deals under $50 Black Friday deals under $100 Black Friday deals under $200 more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 4:32 pm

Amazon teams with Uber Eats for new Prime perks

Order on Amazon's platforms and (sometimes) skip the delivery fees.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 4:30 pm

Target early Black Friday sale now live: Pok

Target has now launched its official 2026 early Black Friday sale . Running from now through Saturday alongside a fresh batch of Black Friday Deals of the Day right through the month of November, the early 3-day sale event is now delivering thousands of price drops on apparel, kitchen upgrades, a FREE $15 Target Gift Card with $50 household items purchases, BOGO 50% off select grocery purchases, loads of Pokmontoys and collectibles , LEGO, and more. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 2:52 pm

No Java, no subscription: this Mac database app is $129.97

Macworld TL;DR: Query MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle from one native Mac app with a lifetime SQLPro Studio subscription for $129.97 (reg. $219.99). Most database tools that work with more than one engine run on Java instead of natively on macOS. If you want a faster native app for all of your databases, try SQLPro Studio , a Mac database client with a lifetime subscription on sale for $129.97 (reg. $219.99). SQLPro Studio is a 100% native Mac app that runs faster than Java-based database managers. One app connects to MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and SQLite, plus cloud databases on Amazon RDS, Microsoft Azure, and Heroku. You can stop switching to a different client every time a project uses a different database. When you run several queries at once, SQLPro Studio shows every result set side by side with its errors and messages, so you can see right away which query failed. Autocomplete and syntax highlighting make long queries easier to write. App Store users give SQLPro Studio 4.6 out of 5. One subscription works on up to five Macs running macOS 10.12 or later, and updates are included. Use one fast, native Mac app for every database you work with. Through November 8, an SQLPro Studio lifetime subscription costs $129.97. SQLPro Studio: Lifetime Subscription (macOS Only) See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 1:30 pm

Watch Apple

Macworld If you pre-ordered a new MacBook Pro, youre probably counting down the hours until it arrives. While you wait, you can get a look at it in action during a unique livestream from the Downtown LA Apple Store At 11 pm ET, British singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer Labrinth will compose a song from scratch using the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display and Logic Pro. The whole process will be livestreamed on YouTube directly from the Apple Store, allowing viewers to watch his creative inspiration unfold in real time and ask him questions as he works. The YouTube description merely says Labrinth will be experimenting with some new ways of making music, but its safe to assume Apples new touchscreen interface will be the star of the show. At the Pro and Tell experience, which also took place in LA, Apple demoed the new Touch capabilities of Logic, including playing a keyboard on the screen. You can watch the livestream on Labrinths YouTube channel below and listen to the completed song next week on Apple Music.

Macworld 5 Nov 2026 8:31 am

Your computer can

When you think of archives, you probably think of dusty old boxes of paper documents, photos, diaries, letters and flyers, filed away in storage. But increasingly, our archival materials are digital, and material from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s is often stored on formats like floppy disks and CD-ROMs.

Phys.org 5 Nov 2026 5:30 am

Snap has more than 30 million paid subscribers across Snapchat+ and other plans

Power users seem more than willing to pay for AI-powered effects.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 4:25 am

Mid-week Apple Book and audiobook deals up to 88% off

Todays lineup of the best Apple Books deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Hidden Prey (Unabridged), High Treason, Cosmos Confidential: Bill & Neils Excellent Bromance, Four Minutes: A Thriller, Out of Range, The 6:20 Man, A Darkness More Than Night, A Game of Fear, and more. The latest Apple Watch Ultra 4 is nearly $100 off , alongside some serious clearance deals on Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $250 off , but we also have the return Amazons pre-order discount on the new Apple HomeView and a $50 price drop on AirPods Pro 3 too. The books await below. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 2:41 am

Xbox Cloud Gaming could soon let players use their smartphones as controllers on TVs

Xbox Cloud Gaming already lets you play console games on a compatible smart TV without owning an Xbox. But theres still one piece of hardware you need to get started. A controller. Microsoft is now testing a way to get around that requirement, allowing players to use their Android phone or iPhone as a virtual []

Digital Trends 5 Nov 2026 2:29 am

Official Apple iPhone 18 Pro/Max cases are up to 40% off at Amazon right now

While we are still awaiting some solid price drops on the official iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand and the basic iPhone Duo Case , there are plenty of deals live on Apples iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases. Youll find our roundup of all of our favorite models from all sorts of the best brands out there, but if you are looking to go with an official offering there are plenty of models now sitting at up to 40% off the list prices. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 1:58 am

Xbox is testing two new controller options for Cloud Gaming

The Nano Controller is adopting a Google Stadia trick.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 1:34 am

Turn your Android phone into a handheld with ASUS

We just spotted a deal at Amazon that drops ASUS ROG Tessen Android mobile gaming controller down to $60 shipped . This is originally a $110 unit that has more recently been going for $130. Todays deal delivers a 50% discount, which takes $65 off its usual going rate to land it $4 below its previous all-time low. This is the lowest price we have tracked for this gamepad, so be sure to snag it after getting more details below. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 12:41 am

Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership comes with a $45 Shop Card to spend during Black Friday

TL;DR: New Gold Star Members can join Costco for $65 and receive a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card . more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 12:37 am

Twelve South CableStay USB-C Cable and Anchor drops to $26

Twelve South CableStay USB-C Cable & Anchor Buy for $26.50 (Reg. $30) What we love An admittedly quirky tech accessory, it can be handy for folks who happen to need a neat and tidy way to keep a USB-C cable in place on a table top. CableStay is a weighted and adjustable anchor with a built-in USB-C cable that can make for a fun stocking stuffer or inexpensive gift over the holidays. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 12:33 am

Nintendo's main Switch cartridge supplier is leaving the ROM business

This is potentially terrible news for those who love physical media.

Engadget 5 Nov 2026 12:09 am

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Poker Ya Joker, Despotism, Potion Permit, more

Todays best Google Play app and game deals are ready, including This Aint Even Poker, Ya Joker, Potion Permit, Slime Legends Survivor, Despotism 3k, Three Kingdoms: Grand Strategy, Can You Escape: The Collection, My Car My Life, and more. We still have the best deal ever on the 2026 Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL,and $100 off all Pixel Watch 5 models, but if you have your eye on Galaxy Z Fold 8 , they are now $300 off with a FREE $200 store credit . The apps await below. more

9To5Toys 5 Nov 2026 12:01 am

Huge $750 discount strikes Samsung

As part of its now-live early Black Friday deals , Best Buy is offering the 16-inch Galaxy Book 4 Edge Snapdragon X Elite Copilot+ PC down at $699.99 shipped . This model carries a $1,450 listed price, so youre looking at a massive $750 discount on it right now. Todays deal marks the return of the lowest this config briefly hit earlier this year during a Samsung flash sale. It delivers some serious value at $700 with a large AMOLED touchscreen, 16GB of RAM, and so on. You can save even more with Best Buys open-box and refurbished units starting as low as $630 right now, but that only $70 less than a brand new one highlighted here. Head below for more details. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 11:46 pm

Stocking stuffer alert: 2026 Apple Polishing Cloth back in-stock at $9 Prime shipped

The 2026 next-generation Apple Polishing Cloth is making a triumphant return and is now back in-stock . After completely selling out at Amazon, you can now once again purchase the only way to properly clean a foldable iPhone display or the new touchscreen MacBook score one now for $9 Prime shipped before they are gone for good. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 11:26 pm

God of War Laufey is delayed until May 20

Santa Monica Studio will use the extra time to push the game to its fullest potential.

Engadget 4 Nov 2026 11:20 pm

Black Friday 2026 sale schedule: Key dates to watch out for

We have already begun two collate the most important sale dates for Black Friday 2026, but with so brands and retailers ready to, and already, launching sale events, we are bringing everything together in one easy to digest list for you here. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 11:13 pm

Check out this fold-flat 240W USB-C phone stand for $13, or grab two for $10 each

JSAUX 240W USB-C Phone Stand Buy for $13 (Reg. $16) What we love If you want a way to not only prop up your phone, but also charge it as quickly as possible, this stand is worth a peek. It boasts a minimalistic fold-flat design that expands to prop up your device, but also refuels it via USB-C. What I love here is that it wields a 240W cord, making this a forward-thinking solution thats ready to top off your phone as quickly as possible. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 10:59 pm

Two retractable USB-C cables headline this car charger, now only $16.50

LISEN Retractable Dual USB-C Car Charger Buy for $16.50 (Reg. $18) What we love By no means is this a massive discount, but it does pack quite a bit of value at full price, so just about any markdown is warranted. Youre looking at a car charger that delivers not one, but two retractable Type-C cables. Youll also find USB-A and USB-C ports. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 10:52 pm

Redditor uses AI to get Switch games running natively on Apple TV

The TVPort project is another example of people using Claude Code to bring software to other platforms

Engadget 4 Nov 2026 10:45 pm

Bluetooth is going to get a lot faster in 2027

Bluetooth HDT's rollout will benefit a wide range of wireless devices and how they communicate.

Engadget 4 Nov 2026 10:44 pm

Modernize fall trimming with Fanttik

Fanttik Y10 Pro Cordless Electric Pruning Shears Buy for $80 (Reg. $100) Automatic 20% off coupon applied at checkout. What we love Over the last six years, I have planted a lot of trees in my yard and either leading into or exiting the winter season, I need to do a bit of trimming. If youre anything like me, youll consider grabbing a tool like this to make the job a bit easier. Its much more modern than many alternatives too, with a USB-C rechargeable design, color display, and more. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 10:42 pm

Mid-week Apple TV deals up to 88% off: Family Guy, loads of Godzilla films, Disney classics, more

Alongside the return of Amazons pre-order discount on the new Apple HomeView , todays lineup of the best Apple TV deals is now ready to roll with Family Guy, Fantasia, loads of Godzilla and Kong flicks, Jason Bourne, La La Land, the Lara Croft Tomb Raider Collection, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, and more. Just be sure to dive into the $50 price drop on AirPods Pro 3 , Apple Watch Ultra 4 at nearly $100 off , and some banger clearance deals on Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $250 off more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 10:33 pm

Elon Musk spent nearly $500 million on the midterms and lost big-time

This was the Cybertruck of elections.

Engadget 4 Nov 2026 10:31 pm

Best AirPlay speakers for iPhones and Apple Music

Macworld Apples HomePod and HomePod mini are obvious choices for Apple users, but there are plenty of alternatives that work with your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Whether you want a compact kitchen speaker, a multi-room setup or a stereo system for music and TV, you could find features and value that better suit your needs. AirPlay makes it easy to stream audio from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to a compatible wireless speaker, while AirPlay 2 lets you play music across multiple rooms. You can listen to your own music library or stream from Apple Music , Spotify and other services. We explain how AirPlay works and what it offers later in this guide. Our picks cover a range of designs, features and budgets to help you choose the best speaker for your Apple devices. For Apple Music and Siri, start with the HomePod mini 2 or choose the full-size HomePod for richer sound. The Audio Pro A28 W is a good option if you want separate stereo speakers and a TV connection, while the Sonos Era 300 is our pick for Dolby Atmos music. AirPlay 2 support is a priority for the speakers in this roundup, particularly if you want to build a multi-room system. We also include portable options for listening around the house or away from home, clearly identifying which support AirPlay and which rely on Bluetooth so you can choose the right connection for the way you listen. Best speakers for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV 2026 Weve tested the best speakers you can buy to use with your Apple products below, so read on to find out which AirPlay speakers are best. HomePod mini 2 Best compact speaker for Apple Music Pros Impressive sound for its size Apple Music voice control Flexible stereo and multiroom playback Cons Limited improvement over original Requires constant external power Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $149 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Why we like it: Its a compact sound system offering effortless Apple Music playback. The HomePod mini 2 suits iPhone owners who want a compact speaker for Apple Music, with Siri voice control and multiroom playback. At $149/149, its pricier than its predecessor. Our colleagues at Macwelt found its sound slightly clearer and punchier, with impressive results for its size, but the improvement is too small to justify replacing a working original. Setup requires an iPhone or iPad and Wi-Fi, with settings managed through Apples Home app. You can ask Siri to play Apple Music, send audio using AirPlay, or transfer playback by bringing a compatible iPhone close. Touch controls handle playback and volume. Original minis and mini 2s work together for multiroom listening, but stereo pairs require matching models. At 84.3mm high, 97.9mm wide and 335g, it fits easily on a shelf or bedside table. Wireless connections include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Theres no battery: its suitable for moving between power outlets indoors. On compatible Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later, it also works as the default speaker. You can also use four HomePod mini 2 speakers for TV surround sound with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, arranging them as matching front and rear pairs. Alternatively, use two second-generation HomePods at the front and two mini 2 speakers behind you. Macwelt found latency reduced, but still excessive for recording instruments. For better stereo separation, buy two matching minis; for stronger bass and bigger sound, consider the full-size HomePod. Existing owners should keep their original minis unless they need the new audio options or forthcoming Siri AI. Sound Glows animated lighting also works on the original, so that alone is no reason to upgrade. Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) Best HomePod for sound quality Pros Rich, detailed, room-filling sound Dolby Atmos music playback Easy setup and stereo pairing Cons Siri can be frustrating No wired audio input Price When Reviewed: $349 (was $299) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Why we like it: It offers rich, immersive sound with powerful bass and Dolby Atmos support. The second-generation HomePod suits Apple Music subscribers who want fuller sound than the mini can deliver, particularly for a living room or an Apple TV setup. At $349/349, the premium buys stronger bass, greater detail and Dolby Atmos support. In our testing, its presentation was rich, immersive and better balanced than the original HomePod, with particularly pleasing results across classical, pop and rock. Setup is straightforward: plug it in, bring an iPhone close, select a room and wait a few minutes. Settings live in Apples Home app, while Apple Music playback requires a subscription. Control music through Siri, your iPhone or the touch surface; our reviewer found phone control intuitive but Siri frustratingly prone to choosing the wrong songs. AirPlay supports other audio apps and multiroom playback alongside HomePods and minis. Measuring 168mm high and 142mm wide, and weighing 2.3kg, its compact enough for a shelf but needs a permanent power connection. Theres no battery, so think occasional moves between rooms rather than outdoor portability. Connections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and Thread, but no wired audio input; the power cable is detachable (the first-generation wire was attached, but could become detached). The full-size HomePod is worth the extra over a mini if bass, room-filling sound and spatial audio are your priorities. If your budget allows, two second-generation HomePods create a more immersive stereo system: our reviewer found the results stunning, particularly with Apple TV. Stereo pairs must use the same HomePod model and generation, but different models can play together in a multiroom setup. If you already have two second-generation HomePods, you can add two HomePod mini 2 speakers as rear surrounds, provided you also have a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K running the latest software. Read our full Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) review Audio Pro C10 MKII W Best for sound quality Pros Clear, detailed, powerful sound Versatile wireless and wired connections Useful app and preset controls Cons Deep bass lacks impact No USB-C audio input Price When Reviewed: $425 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Audio Pro $425 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Why we like it: It offers clear, detailed sound with versatile connections. The Audio Pro C10 MKII W suits listeners who want a main music system with more connection options than a HomePod. Our reviewer preferred its clarity and precision even to Apples full-size speaker. Vocals sounded smooth, strings and percussion retained their detail, and dense rock arrangements remained distinct. Its 80W output comfortably handles living-room listening, although the deepest bass could have more impact. The Audio Pro app provides streaming services, EQ and room correction, while six preset buttons recall saved playlists or radio stations without reopening the app. For Apple Music, use AirPlay 2 from your iPhone, iPad or Mac; our reviewer used an iPad successfully. AirPlay 2 also enables multiroom playback with HomePods and compatible speakers from other brands. Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect broaden its appeal beyond Apple households. Measuring 166 320 180mm and weighing just over 4kg, this is a speaker to leave in one room. It needs mains power, has no battery, and doesnt have a water-resistance rating. Connections include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, RCA input and a subwoofer output, but no USB-C audio. It earns its premium over a HomePod mini through sound quality, power and connectivity. Against HomePod 2, our reviewer favored its clarity and precision; RCA input and a subwoofer output add flexibility. Choose HomePod 2 for Siri and Dolby Atmos. Paired minis merit consideration for stereo separation. Read our full Audio Pro C10 MKII W review Audio Pro A28 W Best stereo speakers for music and TV Pros Expansive, detailed stereo sound HDMI ARC for TV audio Flexible streaming and multiroom support Cons Needs space and connecting cable No USB-C or 3.5mm input Price When Reviewed: $650 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Audio Pro $650 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Why we like it: You get spacious stereo sound and flexible connections for music and TV. If you prefer separate stereo speakers, the Audio Pro A28 W is an excellent option for music and TV sound. Our reviewer found its presentation more spacious and immersive than a single HomePod, with smooth vocals, weighty bass and clear percussion even in busy tracks. Its combined 150W output filled the room comfortably without approaching maximum volume. Setup involves connecting the left speaker to mains power and linking it to the right using the supplied speaker cable. Bluetooth provides a quick connection, while Wi-Fi enables AirPlay 2 playback from Apple Music and other iPhone, iPad or Mac apps. Multiroom support includes Audio Pro, AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. The Audio Pro app offers a 10-band equalizer and sound presets, while an included remote handles playback and input selection. Each sturdy MDF cabinet measures 238 150 200mm, and the pair weighs 6.43kg. They need bookshelf or stand space, and their connecting cable makes moving them less convenient than relocating a single speaker. Theres no battery or published water-resistance rating. Wired connections include RCA, optical and HDMI ARC for a TV, plus a subwoofer output; USB-C and 3.5mm inputs are absent. Choose the A28 W over a HomePod mini if you want a powerful main music system with separate stereo speakers and wired connections. The HomePod 2 offers Dolby Atmos, built-in Siri and suits smaller spaces and tighter budgets. Read our full Audio Pro A28 W review Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition Best premium all-in-one music speaker Pros Powerful, detailed, room-filling sound Stereo from one enclosure AirPlay 2 multiroom support Cons Large and expensive No wired audio inputs Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $899 View Deal $899 View Deal $899 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Why we like it: Its a distinctive all-in-one wireless speaker offering powerful, detailed sound. The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition suits Apple Music listeners who want a powerful main music system without separate speaker cabinets. Its distinctive enclosure houses left and right channels alongside a dedicated subwoofer, with 240W of amplification. Our reviewer praised its precise strings, rich cellos and clear vocal harmonies, while rock tracks had weighty guitars and crisp electronic detail. For network setup, the Bowers & Wilkins Music app guides you through naming the speakers location and connecting to Wi-Fi; an account and email verification are required. The app provides streaming services, bass and treble adjustments, and lighting controls. Apple Music plays through AirPlay 2, which also enables multiroom listening with compatible speakers, including HomePods. Alternatively, Bluetooth supports standalone playback without network setup. Theres no built-in voice assistant. At 650mm wide, 210mm high and 194mm deep, and weighing 6.6kg, this needs a substantial shelf or sideboard. It requires mains power, has no battery, and, it seems, no water-resistance rating. Bluetooth includes AAC and aptX Adaptive, but there are no wired audio inputs: the USB-C port doesnt accept music playback. Its bass, power and built-in stereo channels justify spending more than on a mini. Against the HomePod 2, it offers stereo from one enclosure and Bluetooth playback, but costs more and lacks Siri and Dolby Atmos. Choose HomePod for those features; Zeppelin for a dedicated music system. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review Sonos Era 100 Best for building a Sonos system Pros Clear, room-filling stereo sound AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth playback Flexible Sonos multiroom system Cons No Dolby Atmos support Wired input needs extra adapter Price When Reviewed: $219 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Why we like it: It offers flexible connectivity and an expandable multiroom system. The Sonos Era 100 suits listeners who want a compact music speaker with room to build a multiroom system. Its two angled tweeters deliver stereo sound from one cabinet, while a substantial woofer supplies convincing bass. In our listening tests, Enyas layered vocals sounded light and shimmering, electronic details remained crisp, and rumbling drums gave the presentation weight. Initial setup requires Wi-Fi and the Sonos app, even if you subsequently use Bluetooth. The app manages services and settings, including Trueplay room tuning and adjustable EQ. Apple Music plays through AirPlay 2 from an iPhone, iPad or Mac. You can group compatible speakers through AirPlay or build a Sonos multiroom system, while touch controls handle playback, volume and grouping. Measuring 182.5 120 130.5mm and weighing 2.02kg, it fits comfortably on a shelf or kitchen counter. It needs mains power and has no battery, making it suitable for occasional moves between rooms. Sonos describes it as humidity resistant; dont treat that as waterproofing. Connections include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, with line-in or Ethernet available through separately purchased USB-C adapters. Spend more than on a HomePod mini for the Era 100s stereo presentation, Bluetooth and optional wired input. Choose HomePod 2 if Dolby Atmos and built-in Siri matter more; the Era 100 doesnt support spatial audio. In our listening tests we felt that two Era 100s widened the stereo soundstage though. JBL Cove M1 Best compact alternative to HomePod Pros Warm, detailed, engaging sound Straightforward setup and AirPlay playback Stereo and multiroom support Cons No Dolby Atmos support No wired audio input Price When Reviewed: $229.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price JBL $229.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Why we like it: It offers warm, detailed sound with AirPlay, Bluetooth and flexible multiroom playback. The JBL Cove M1 suits Apple users who want a compact AirPlay speaker with the option to expand into a multiroom system. At $229.95/199.99, its an accessible entry point to JBLs Cove range. Our listening tests found warm strings and delicate electronic chimes on Madonnas Frozen, followed by sharp percussion and an energetic guitar riff that kept the music moving. Setup is straightforward: the JBL One app connects over Bluetooth, then prompts for your Wi-Fi password. Once connected, you can play Apple Music through AirPlay 2 without returning to JBLs app. Bluetooth provides another playback option, while built-in Alexa handles voice requests. Theres a switch to disable the microphone if you prefer. Available in black or white, the M1 measures 184mm high and 125mm wide and deep, making it easy to accommodate on a desk or shelf. Three tweeters and a 105mm woofer fit inside. It requires mains power, so its suited to moving between rooms rather than taking out. Connections include dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but theres no 3.5mm or USB-C audio input. Consider it over a HomePod mini if you want Bluetooth playback, Alexa or integration with JBLs MK2 soundbars. Two M1s can form a stereo pair, and multiroom playback is supported. HomePod 2 offers Dolby Atmos and built-in Siri; the M1 is a compact alternative if those features matter less than connection flexibility and expanding a JBL system. Sonos Roam 2 Best portable AirPlay speaker Pros Clear sound with convincing bass Lightweight, waterproof, backpack-friendly design AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth playback Cons Modest ten-hour battery life Wi-Fi setup proved fiddly Price When Reviewed: $179 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sonos $139 View Deal $178 View Deal Adorama $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Why we like it: You get clear, lively sound in a lightweight, waterproof, genuinely portable speaker. The Sonos Roam 2 suits listeners who want one speaker for home listening and days out. Our reviewer found impressive clarity and respectable bass for its size, with fuzzy rock guitars, energetic keyboards and crisp percussion all handled confidently. Wi-Fi playback sounded clearer than Bluetooth, making AirPlay worthwhile when youre at home. Getting started over Bluetooth is straightforward thanks to a dedicated pairing button. For Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Sonos multiroom listening, use the Sonos app. Our reviewer encountered difficulties with separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, although playback worked well once connected. Apple Music streams from your Apple devices through AirPlay 2 at home or Bluetooth outdoors. Physical buttons control playback and volume. At 168 62 60mm and just 430g, it slips easily into a backpack. Its IP67 rating protects against dust and immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Battery life reaches ten hours at moderate volume. Charging works through USB-C or a compatible Qi wireless pad, but theres no wired audio input, and a power adapter isnt included. Choose it over a HomePod mini if battery power and outdoor durability matter: this is genuinely portable, rather than simply movable between outlets. HomePod 2 makes more sense for a permanent living-room system where bigger sound and Dolby Atmos take priority. A stereo pair offers another home-listening option. Read our full Sonos Roam 2 review Sonos Era 300 Best for Dolby Atmos music Pros Powerful, immersive Dolby Atmos sound Detailed vocals and substantial bass AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth playback Cons Bulky and expensive Wired input requires extra adapter Price When Reviewed: $499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adorama $449 View Deal $449 View Deal Sonos $449 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Why we like it: It offers immersive Dolby Atmos music with detailed vocals and substantial bass. The Sonos Era 300 suits Apple Music subscribers who want to explore spatial audio or expand a Sonos system. Its six drivers project sound forward, sideways and upward, creating an expansive presentation. Our listening tests revealed deft percussion, weighty guitar riffs and shimmering cymbals on the Atmos mix of the Beatles Come Together , with plenty of bass underpinning the detail. Setup requires mains power, Wi-Fi and the Sonos app, which provides Trueplay room tuning and EQ controls. For Apple Music in Dolby Atmos, add the service to Sonos and start playback through its app. AirPlay 2 offers convenient playback from Apple devices and multiroom listening with compatible speakers. Touch controls handle playback and volume, while Bluetooth provides another connection option. Measuring 185 260 160mm and weighing 4.47kg, this needs a permanent spot with room around its drivers. Theres no battery; its intended for indoor listening, with humidity resistance rather than outdoor waterproofing. Connections include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C for optional line-in or Ethernet adapters, sold separately. Its spatial audio capabilities justify spending more than on a HomePod mini if immersive music is your priority. HomePod 2 also offers Dolby Atmos, with built-in Siri and a smaller enclosure; the Era 300 adds Bluetooth and optional wired input. Two Era 300s widen stereo separation, while TV surround use requires a compatible Sonos soundbar. A single Era 300 isnt a standalone Atmos soundbar replacement. How to choose an AirPlay speaker Theres a lot to think about when buying an AirPlay speaker so make sure you read this buying advice before splashing the cash. Music streaming & compatibility Having your favorite music follow you around your home is great, but conventional multi-room speakers often have significant limitations. Many, for example, will only work with a limited number of streaming services that are built into the apps provided by each manufacturer. As you might expect, most will work with Spotify , while Tidal and Deezer also get a lot of support. But for some reason, Sonos is one of the few manufacturers of multi-room speakers that also supports Apple Music . In fact, some speakers only provide apps for iOS or Android mobile devices, which means that you cant even play music from a Mac. The other big problem with conventional speakers in the past was that you have generally had to buy them all from one manufacturer when assembling a multi-room setup because rival speakers were incompatible and wouldnt work together. AirPlay vs AirPlay 2 The speaker market changed dramatically in 2018 with the release of Apples updated AirPlay 2 software. Released to coincide with the original HomePod launch, AirPlay 2 has also been licensed to a number of well-known manufacturers, which means theres now a wide range of compatible speakers available. In fact, every model in our top 10 works with AirPlay 2. The first version of AirPlay, released back in 2010, was like a souped-up version of Bluetooth, allowing you to stream audio from any app on your Mac or iOS devices to any AirPlay-compatible speaker and freeing you from reliance on the manufacturers apps. AirPlay also uses a Wi-Fi connection, which means a higher bandwidth than Bluetooth and better sound quality not to mention longer range. The simplicity and versatility of AirPlay is great, but like Bluetooth its original version was only designed to work with one speaker at a time. AirPlay 2 takes Apple into the multi-room market, with the ability to stream music to several speakers in different rooms. (Alternatively, you can create a HomePods stereo pair in the same room.) But the real game-changer with AirPlay 2 was interoperability, the ability to link together speakers from different manufacturers for the very first time. This means you can mix and match speakers around your home picking, for instance, a HomePod as your main living-room speaker, a Sonos in the bedroom, and a portable speaker for drinks in the garden and have them all linked up to play music simultaneously. Which version of AirPlay is supported? The important thing to remember is that there are now two types of AirPlay speaker. Some older models will use the original version of AirPlay which is limited to streaming music to one speaker at a time but new speakers (and certainly all the speakers in this article) focus on AirPlay 2. Some will have the AirPlay logo on the packaging, but this doesnt specify whether its AirPlay or AirPlay 2. Its therefore important to check which version is supported by any speaker before buying. Given that AirPlay 2 has been around for three years, it would be surprising to see a manufacturer release an AirPlay 1 speaker right now, but it doesnt hurt to check. You dont want to get caught out. Its also worth mentioning that some older AirPlay speakers can be upgraded to work with AirPlay 2 as well. Libratones new Zipp 2 uses AirPlay 2, but its possible to download a software update for the older first-generation Zipp speakers that adds support for AirPlay 2. Unfortunately, thats not the case with all AirPlay speakers, and some models are stuck with basic AirPlay. Sound Quality vs Price The fact that Apple licenses both AirPlay and AirPlay 2 to other manufacturers has other advantages too. Namely, the option to choose from a wide range of (often lower-cost) third-party speakers from companies like Sonos and Ikea. At the other extreme, some really expensive hi-fi systems in the pipeline offer AirPlay 2 support for audiophiles and home cinema buffs. These options give you flexibility: you can spend heavily on a really high-quality speaker for your living room, for example, while opting for a less expensive model in the kitchen. Indoors vs Outdoors Some manufacturers provide more specialised speakers too, such as soundbars that you can use with your TV, or sub-woofers that can provide a bass boost for parties, or for sound effects when watching films. Some even include rechargeable batteries and lightweight, portable designs so you can pick them up and carry them from room to room which is certainly cheaper than buying a new speaker for each room or take them out into the garden for a barbecue. Connectivity Connectivity is another key issue. The HomePod has been criticised for relying on Wi-Fi for streaming, with no option for quick and easy Bluetooth streaming for Android and other non-Apple devices. It doesnt have a 3.5mm audio connector either, which would allow you to use it with a CD player or other audio devices. Fortunately, many AirPlay and AirPlay 2 speakers provide a greater range of connectivity, allowing you to play music from a wider range of devices than the HomePod. Sonos has even announced it will be releasing an AirPlay 2 amplifier soon that can form the centrepiece of a serious home entertainment system. In other words, AirPlay 2 is here to stay. Bluetooth only options Weve reviewed a few Bluetooth-only speakers that dont offer AirPlay, but are still good options to consider, especially if you are looking for something portable: Beats Pill Read our review Price When Reviewed: $149.99 Best Prices Today: $99.95 at Amazon | $99.95 at Walmart | $99.99 at B&H The Beats Pill suits listeners who want a portable speaker for camping, barbecues and days by the pool. Our reviewer found it reasonably loud and good-sounding below maximum volume, but bass lacks depth and heavy processing makes music sound constrained when pushed. Its better suited to casual outdoor listening than critical listening at home. Apple Music plays from your phone over Bluetooth or through USB-C, which also supports lossless audio. Basic playback and volume controls are straightforward, but powering off and pairing two Pills require less obvious button combinations. Our reviewer found these controls confusing and noted that the Android Beats app provides more help than iPhone settings. The bottle-shaped enclosure fits wherever you might carry a water bottle, while a silicone covering helps protect against knocks. Its IP67 rating provides water and dust resistance. Beats claims up to 24 hours of battery life; our reviewer didnt complete a rundown test but comfortably managed an afternoon at substantial volume. USB-C handles charging and can also top up your phone. Choose the Pill over a HomePod mini for battery-powered outdoor use, rather than home multiroom listening: it lacks Wi-Fi and AirPlay. Two Pills can play in stereo or share playback in Amplify mode. HomePod 2 is the better fit for a permanent indoor system with fuller sound, Dolby Atmos and built-in Siri. Buy the Pill for portability, durability and endurance. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $399 at Bang & Olufsen The Beosound A1 suits listeners who want a compact, durable speaker for travel, beach trips and outdoor gatherings. Our reviewer found its midrange powerful and precise, with clear vocals, firm percussion and enough energy for demanding rock tracks. High frequencies occasionally get lost in busy arrangements, however, and the deepest bass lacks the impact of larger speakers. Apple Music plays from your phone over Bluetooth, with AAC support for Apple devices and aptX Adaptive for compatible Android hardware. Theres also USB-C audio, allowing a laptop to play music through the speaker while charging it. It has no Wi-Fi or AirPlay, so it wont join an AirPlay multiroom system. Measuring 46mm high and 133mm across, and weighing 576g, the aluminum enclosure slips into a bag. A rubber base helps prevent slipping, and a leather wrist strap makes carrying easier. Its IP67 rating protects against dust and immersion in one meter of water for 30 minutes. Battery life is rated at 24 hours at medium volume, although a carrying case isnt included. Choose the A1 over a HomePod mini if outdoor use, battery endurance and wired laptop playback justify the extra expense. HomePod 2 makes more sense for a permanent indoor system where fuller sound, Dolby Atmos, Siri and multiroom playback matter most. The A1s appeal is taking your music with you. How we test speakers at Macworld We test speakers in home environments to assess how they perform in everyday use. Our reviews cover design and build quality, ease of setup, sound quality and additional features, with the emphasis varying depending on the type of speaker. For sound quality, we listen for detail, clarity and tonal balance, including how naturally voices and instruments are reproduced. We pay particular attention to bass performance, especially with smaller speakers, assessing whether it lacks weight or overwhelms the rest of the sound. Most listening takes place at moderate volumes, but we also turn speakers up to check for distortion. We assess how easily each speaker connects to an audio source and whether that connection remains stable during use. Where a companion app is available, we consider how straightforward it is to navigate and use the speakers features. For smart speakers, we also test how reliably they recognize and respond to voice commands. Our recommendations draw on this hands-on testing and our reviewers experience, taking account of each speakers price, features and intended use.

Macworld 4 Nov 2026 10:22 pm

Already-affordable mesh shoes drop even lower, use this code to bag them for $22.50

Bruno Marc Casual Mesh Shoes Buy for $22.50 (Reg. $37) Apply code 25NGUNUP during checkout. What we love Lately these shoes have been going for $34-$37, but todays markdown paired with the promo code above drops them even further. At $22.50, youre looking at an affordable way to get a fresh pair of kicks in your closet. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 10:22 pm

The MacBook Neo just got its biggest price drop ever

Macworld Apple MacBook Neo View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Apples budget-friendly MacBook Neo has been on shelves for about eight months now, and the price has moved in the wrong direction. Not only have we not seen anything in the way of significant price cuts on the laptop, but Apple also raised prices by $100 in June to a $699 starting price. But at long last, you can save a few bucks on one: Amazon is selling the MacBook Neo in silver or pink for $30 off . It may not seem like a lot, but its barely gotten a $10 discount after the summer price hike, so this is especially notable. Apples most affordable laptop is the perfect all-day companion for kids, students, and casual users. Its powered by Apples A18 Pro chip thats fast enough to keep up with all of your daily tasksworking with documents, browsing the web, and even using Apple Intelligence for summarizing notes and polishing your emails. You get up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge, so you wont need to worry that you forgot your charger when youre already in the car halfway to school or work. Of course, the Neo has Apples iconic design with a stunning 13-inch Liquid Retina display that delivers gorgeous images in crisp detail and vivid colors, and a gorgeous all-metal body. Its available in four colors, but only silver and Blush (pink) are included in this sale. But whatever color you choose, the Neo is a fun and powerful laptop that you can get for a fraction of what youd pay for any other model. We know that $30 doesnt sound like much of a discount, but its the best weve ever seen. So go grab one before its gone.

Macworld 4 Nov 2026 10:10 pm

Tap into Qi2.2 25W wireless charging speeds with this 10K MagSafe power bank at just $35 (Save 56%)

Baseus Picogo Qi2 25W MagSafe Power Bank Buy for $35 (Reg. $80) Apply code M4JLY1W2 during checkout. What we love Baseus PicoGo AM52 is a slim 10,000mAh power bank that supports Qi2.2 wireless charging at up to 25W for compatible iPhones. It also has a USB-C port that can push up to 45W for faster wired charging, giving you a bit more flexibility when you need it. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 9:23 pm

Moto Tag 2 Google Find Hub trackers back to all-time lows at $17.50 each (Up to 33% off)

Motorola delivered some of the most compelling Google Find Hub trackers to date this year, and with the discounts now back in stock, you can land a single down at $20 Prime shipped or a 4-pack that brings the price down to $17.50 each. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 9:09 pm

All Pixel Watch 5 models at $100 off right now, but this one is $200 off

Alongside the ongoing and particularly notable early Black Friday deals at up to Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold (we also uncovered some open box deals for a whole lot less than that), we are also tracking $100 off all Pixel Watch 5 models. Youre looking at many of the best prices to date on Google latest wrist computers, but we also wanted to highlight this offer on the Polished Silver model it is now $200 off via Best Buy. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 8:40 pm

This special-edition 8BitDo Retro 87 mechanical keyboard just plunged 50% to one of its best prices yet at $60

We just spotted a deal at Amazon that drops the Mecha BREAK-themed 8BitDo Retro 87 TKL keyboard to $60 shipped . This special-edition model spent much of the year fetching closer to $100 before recently jumping back up to its full $120 price. Todays deal delivers a straight-up 50% discount on its usual price, offering a $60 savings on a new keyboard for your battlestation. This is one of the lowest prices weve tracked for this particular variant, landing within just $7 of the all-time low it hit earlier this year. Head below for more details. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 8:18 pm

Mid-week iOS app deals and freebies: Potion Permit, ThreeKingdoms, The Room Old Sins, more

Alongside the ongoing $50 price drop on AirPods Pro 3 , your mid-week lineup of the best iOS game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Potion Permit, ThreeKingdoms The Last Warlord, RPG Fantasy Chronicle, To the Moon, The Room: Old Sins, Beastie Bay DX, and more. We also have the return of Amazons pre-order discount on the new Apple HomeView , $100 off AirPods Max 2 , the latest Apple Watch Ultra 4 at nearly $100 off , and some seriously notable clearance deals on Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $250 off (more details on those right here ). The app deals await below. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 7:57 pm

Best Apple Watch 2026: Series 12 vs Ultra 4 vs SE 3

Macworld Choosing the right Apple Watch depends on your budget, lifestyle and which features matter most to you. As of September 2026, Apples lineup consists of the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch SE 3, although the various combinations of case size, material, color and band can make choosing one seem like a bit of a minefield. The Apple Watch Series 12 is the best choice for most people, combining a tougher display and more advanced heart-rate sensing with an S11 chip and 24-hour battery life. The larger and more rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 is designed for endurance sports and outdoor adventures, offering precision GPS, diving features and up to 50 hours of battery life. The Apple Watch SE 3 remains the best-value option for buyers who want the core Apple Watch experience and can live without features such as ECG and the latest health sensors. Apple updated the Series and Ultra models in September 2026, but the SE was unchanged. However, the SE 3 only arrived in 2025 and includes significant improvements over its predecessor, including an always-on display, temperature sensing and the same S10 chip found in the Series 11. You may also find older models at a discount, but check that the saving is worthwhile and bear in mind that watchOS 27 no longer supports every older Apple Watch. See our roundup of the best Apple Watch deals for the latest prices. In this guide, well explain the differences between the current models and help you decide whether you need to spend more on the Series 12 or Ultra 4 or whether the SE 3 offers everything you need. Well compare their features, specifications and prices, as well as explain the choices of sizes, case materials, colors and bands, so you can buy the Apple Watch that best suits your needs. Best Apple Watch: At a glance recommendations Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if Buy the Apple Watch Series 12 if Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if Charging You regularly spend 2+ days away from a charger. You charge your watch daily without issue. You dont mind charging your watch daily. Activity You are a runner, hiker, cyclist, or diver. You are a general fitness user or casual athlete. You want everyday fitness and activity tracking. Display You need the brightest display (3,000 nits) for outdoor visibility. You prefer a lighter, less bulky watch. You want an always-on display at the lowest price. Health & Safety You want satellite communication for safety. You want the best value for the core health features. You dont need ECG or advanced health sensing. Need You need the toughest, most durable build (titanium, sapphire crystal). You want a choice of sizes (42mm or 46mm) and materials (aluminum, ceramic). You want an affordable watch for a child or older relative. Apple Watch Series 12 Best Apple Watch for most people Pros Advanced heart-rate sensing Tougher Ceramic Shield display Readiness score Cons Battery life and charging varied in our testing No satellite connectivity Live Rewind and Siri Recap still pending (in developer beta) Occasional sluggishness during testing Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $389.99 View Deal $389.99 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Apple Watch Series 12 is Apples mainstream premium smartwatch and the best choice for most people. Its S11 chip powers a redesigned heart-rate sensor system that measures your heart rate every five seconds throughout the day. It also enables Audio Intelligence features including Sound Recognition, Live Rewind and Siri Recap. Live Rewind and Siri Recap are available to test in the watchOS 27.3 developer beta, released on November 3, 2026. Both initially support English. The design remains familiar, but Apple has introduced new finishes: Light Gold and Dark Bronze replace Silver and Rose Gold on aluminum models, while Radiant Gold replaces Gold on titanium versions. Ceramic cases also return in Night Blue and Pearl White. Prices still start at $399, although some configurations cost more than their Series 11 equivalents. Key advantages and limitations Aluminum models now use Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is 60 percent more durable than the Ion-X glass used on the aluminum Series 11. Apple claims battery life remains at 24 hours, but outdoor workout tracking increases to 10 hours and the watch can charge to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. In our Apple Watch Series 12 review , we recorded 51 and 40 hours of battery life across two runs an average of 45.5 hours, compared with 47.5 hours for Series 11. Charging also varied: our Apple Watch Series 12 reached 58% and 72% after 30 minutes in separate tests, falling short of Apples claimed 80%. These results show that endurance can comfortably exceed Apples 24-hour rating, but they dont demonstrate a consistent improvement over Series 11. Actual battery life depends on usage. In the watchOS 27.3 developer beta, Live Rewind displays the previous 15 seconds of speech as text when you double-press the Digital Crown. However, assigning that gesture to Live Rewind means the traditional App Switcher is no longer available, making multitasking less convenient. The Series 12 also lacks the Ultra 4s satellite connectivity, 50-hour battery life and brighter, more rugged display. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 12? The Series 12 is the best option for anyone who wants Apples latest health and smart features without the size or price of the Ultra 4. Its advanced heart-rate sensing, Readiness score, tougher display and relatively compact design make it particularly attractive to health-conscious users and anyone upgrading from a Series 9 or older. The new health features make Series 12 worth considering, but our review found variable battery life and charging, plus occasional sluggishness. Compare a discounted Series 11 if those health upgrades are not essential to you. Who shouldnt buy one? Series 10 and 11 owners probably wont gain enough to justify upgrading, especially because the quoted 24-hour battery life is unchanged. Outdoor adventurers who need satellite connectivity, extended workout tracking or maximum battery life should consider the Ultra 4 instead. Should I buy an older version of the Apple Watch Series? A discounted Series 10 or 11 could offer better value if you dont need the new health sensing or Audio Intelligence features. The Series 9 is also still compatible with watchOS 27. Avoid the Series 8 and older models unless they are exceptionally cheap, because they cannot run watchOS 27 and will miss out on future feature updates. Read our full Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm) review Apple Watch Ultra 4 Best Apple Watch for adventurers and endurance athletes Pros Exceptional 50-hour battery Advanced outdoor capabilities More frequent health measurements Cons Large and heavy Expensive for everyday users Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $699.99 View Deal $774 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is Apples most rugged and capable smartwatch, designed for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. It retains the Ultra 3s 49mm titanium case, 3,000-nit display, Action button, dual-frequency GPS, satellite connectivity, 100-meter water resistance and recreational diving support. Inside, the new S11 processor powers the redesigned heart-rate sensing system also found in the Series 12. It measures heart rate every five seconds throughout the day and enables Audio Intelligence features including Sound Recognition, Live Rewind and Siri Recap. Live Rewind and Siri Recap still pending are currently in the developer beta of watchOS 27.3. Key advantages and limitations Battery life is the Ultra 4s biggest improvement, increasing from 42 to 50 hours under normal use. Extended Workout mode provides up to 25 hours with full GPS and heart-rate measurements, while Max Extended Workout mode can track outdoor runs and walks for up to 45 hours. Charging is faster too, with a 15-minute charge providing up to 18 hours of use. Satellite connectivity, precision dual-frequency GPS, diving support and the bright display make it particularly well suited to demanding environments. However, its 49mm case is large and heavy, while charging to 80 percent takes around 45 minutes, compared with approximately 30 minutes for the Series 12. The external design is also largely unchanged. Pricing remains at $799, twice the Series 12s starting price. Who should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 4? Choose the Ultra 4 if you need the longest Apple Watch battery life, highly accurate GPS, satellite connectivity, diving support or extended workout tracking. It is particularly suited to runners, hikers, cyclists, divers and anyone who regularly spends more than a day away from a charger. Its extended battery life could also appeal to travelers and people working long shifts, even if they dont participate in extreme sports. Who shouldnt buy one? Most people will be better served by the smaller and less expensive Series 12. It provides the same S11 processor, redesigned heart-rate sensing and principal Audio Intelligence features without the Ultras bulk or $799 price. If you dont need satellite communication, precision GPS, diving support or exceptionally long workout tracking, you are unlikely to benefit from the additional expense. Should I buy an older Apple Watch Ultra? The Ultra 3 remains a strong alternative if substantially discounted, although its battery lasts up to 42 rather than 50 hours. The Ultra 2 is the oldest model compatible with watchOS 27 and may also be worth considering at the right price, but it lacks some newer connectivity and battery improvements. Avoid the original Ultra unless it is exceptionally inexpensive, because it cannot run watchOS 27. Apple Watch SE 3 Best budget Apple Watch Pros Excellent value for money Useful always-on display Fast, capable S10 chip Cons Missing advanced health sensors Shorter 18-hour battery life Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $249 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apples most affordable smartwatch and the best-value model in the current lineup. Introduced in September 2025, it brought substantial improvements over the SE 2, including an always-on display, the S10 processor used by the Series 11, temperature sensing, fast charging and 64GB of storage. It also supports Double Tap and Wrist Flick gestures, on-device Siri and media playback through its speaker. The aluminum case comes in Midnight or Starlight, but there is no longer a Silver option. Prices start at $249/219, although it can fall as low as $199 during sales. Key advantages and limitations The SE 3 provides the essential Apple Watch experience, including fitness and sleep tracking, Sleep Score, heart-rate alerts, temperature-based cycle tracking, sleep apnea notifications, Fall Detection and Crash Detection. Its Ion-X display glass is four times more crack-resistant than that of the SE 2, while cellular versions add 5G connectivity. Battery life remains limited to 18 hours, although Low Power Mode extends this to 32 hours. Fast charging reaches approximately 80 percent in 45 minutes, and a 15-minute charge provides around eight hours of use. The SE 3 lacks ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, hypertension notifications and the redesigned Health Sensing System found on the Series 12. Its 1,000-nit display, thicker bezels and limited material choices also make it feel less premium. Who should buy the Apple Watch SE 3? The SE 3 is ideal for first-time Apple Watch buyers and anyone who wants fitness tracking, notifications and safety features without paying for advanced health sensors. It is also a strong option for children when using the cellular model with Family Setup, and for older users who could benefit from Fall Detection, Emergency SOS and heart-rate monitoring. Who shouldnt buy one? Choose the Series 12 instead if you want ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, hypertension notifications, more advanced heart-rate sensing or a brighter, more premium display. Buyers who need multi-day battery life, satellite connectivity or specialist outdoor features should consider the Ultra 4. Should I buy an older Apple Watch SE? No. The SE 2 cannot run watchOS 27 and lacks the SE 3s always-on display, temperature sensing, faster charging, newer gestures and additional storage. Even at a substantial discount, its reduced software lifespan makes it difficult to recommend in 2026. Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) review watchOS 27 features: Whats new and what requires Series 12 or Ultra 4 Apple released a new version of the software that runs on the Apple Watch watchOS 27 on September 14, 2026, but not every new feature is available on every supported watch. Some improvements are software-led and work across compatible models, while others depend on the S11 chip and redesigned sensors in the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. The hardware-dependent health features unique to the 2026 Watches include background heart-rate measurements every five seconds and HRV (heart rate variability) measurements every five minutes . The Series 12 and Ultra 4 also gain the Readiness app , which analyzes recent activity, training load, sleep and health data to produce a daily recovery score. Other exclusives include daytime resting heart-rate and HRV data in Vitals, a real-time chart in the Heart Rate app, more accurate all-day step counting and a Steps complication that updates on the watch face. The S11 chip also enables Apples Audio Intelligence features . Automatic Music Recognition uses Shazam to identify nearby songs and display them in the Smart Stack, while Sound Recognition can detect doorbells, alarms, sirens and crying babies without relying on the iPhone. Live Rewind displays a transcript of the previous 15 seconds of conversation after a double-press of the Digital Crown; it does not save an audio recording. Siri Recap produces high-level summaries of conversations. Live Rewind and Siri Recap are available to test with the watchOS 27.3 and iOS 27.3 developer betas, released November 3, 2026. These features require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 16 or later, excluding iPhone 16e. They initially support English and are not yet available in the EU. Other watchOS 27 features are more widely available. These include the Dynamic App Grid , redesigned Find My app , menopause and perimenopause tracking, Call Context and Workout Buddy improvements. Apple has also introduced the Longevity section and Health Age . Compatibility is considerably more restricted than it was with watchOS 26. Series 9 and Ultra 2 are now the oldest supported models, while the SE 3 is the only compatible SE. The Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE 2 and original Ultra cannot install watchOS 27. Anyone considering a discounted older Apple Watch should therefore choose a Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2 or Ultra 3 if receiving current feature updates is important. See: These Apple Watches are now obsolete. Apple Watch comparison chart: Apple Watches specs compared Apple Watch SE 3 Apple Watch Series 12 Apple Watch Ultra 4 Price from $249/219 $399/369 $799/749 Screen size 40mm or 44mm 42mm or 46mm 49mm Display Always-on, up to 1,000 nits Always-on LTPO3, up to 2,000 nits Always-on LTPO3, up to 3,000 nits Weight from 40mm: 26.3g; 44mm: 32.9g 42mm: 32.2g; 46mm: 39.5g 63g Materials Aluminum Aluminum, titanium or ceramic Grade 5 titanium Colors Midnight, Starlight Aluminum: Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, Space Gray; Titanium: Radiant Gold, Natural; Ceramic: Pearl White, Night Blue Natural, Black Processor S10 S11 S11 Battery life Up to 18 hours; 32 hours in Low Power Mode; 080% in about 45 minutes Up to 24 hours; 38 hours in Low Power Mode; 080% in about 30 minutes Up to 50 hours; 84 hours in Low Power Mode; 080% in about 45 minutes Extra features Double Tap and Wrist Flick; on-device Siri; speaker media playback; 64GB storage Single Tap, Double Tap and Wrist Flick; Siri AI; Audio Intelligence; Readiness; Precision Finding; depth gauge; water-temperature sensor; media playback Series 12 features plus Action button, precision dual-frequency GPS, satellite communication, Siren, dual speakers, three-microphone array and extended workout modes Health features Heart-rate monitoring; high, low and irregular rhythm notifications; temperature sensing; Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates; sleep stages; Sleep Score; sleep apnea notifications Health Sensing System; high-frequency heart-rate and HRV tracking; ECG; Blood Oxygen; hypertension notifications; Readiness; daytime Vitals; advanced Cycle Tracking; Sleep Score; sleep apnea notifications Same advanced health features as Series 12 Safety features Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, Fall Detection and Crash Detection Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Check In and Backtrack Series 12 safety features plus Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite, and Siren Water features Water resistant to 50 meters; suitable for swimming Water resistant to 50 meters; depth gauge to 6 meters; water-temperature sensor; suitable for swimming and snorkeling Water resistant to 100 meters; depth gauge and recreational diving to 40 meters; water-temperature sensor; suitable for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and high-speed water sports Connectivity Precision L1 GPS; optional 5G/LTE cellular Precision L1 GPS; optional 5G/LTE cellular; second-generation Ultra Wideband Precision dual-frequency GPS; 5G/LTE cellular; second-generation Ultra Wideband; satellite connectivity Which size Apple Watch should you choose? Choosing the right Apple Watch size depends on your wrist, how much display space you want and which model you prefer. Apples current lineup ranges from the compact 40mm Apple Watch SE 3 to the rugged 49mm Ultra 4. Model Available sizes Case dimensions Best for Apple Watch SE 3 40mm or 44mm 40mm: 40 34 10.7mm; 44mm: 44 38 10.7mm Smaller wrists, lighter watches and budget-conscious buyers. The 40mm version is the smallest current Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 12 42mm or 46mm 42mm: 42 37 9.7mm; 46mm: 46 40 9.7mm The best balance of display size and wearability for most people. Apple Watch Ultra 4 49mm 49 44 12mm Athletes and adventurers who want the largest display, most durable construction and longest battery life. The Series 12 ceramic cases are slightly larger: approximately 43mm and 47mm rather than 42mm and 46mm. Apple Watch Series 12 (46mm) Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $539.99 at Amazon | $539.99 at Walmart | $549 at Apple United States Foundry Consider your wrist size and comfort The watch should feel secure without dominating your wrist or restricting movement. The 40mm SE 3 is the best option for particularly small wrists, while the 42mm Series 12 provides a larger display in a case that remains manageable for most people. If possible, try both sizes in an Apple Store before buying. Consider display size and readability A larger screen makes text, notifications and onscreen controls easier to see and use. The 49mm Ultra 4 has the largest display, but its 63g titanium case is substantially heavier than the aluminum Series 12 or SE 3. The 46mm Series 12 offers a spacious display without the Ultras additional bulk. Consider whether you need the Ultra Dont choose the Ultra 4 solely because it has the largest screen. Its size makes most sense if you also need its rugged titanium construction, satellite connectivity, precision dual-frequency GPS, diving support or 50-hour battery life. For everyday use, the Series 12 will generally be more comfortable. Check band compatibility Apple Watch bands arent universally interchangeable. Bands designed for smaller cases generally fit the 38mm, 40mm, 41mm and newer 42mm watches, while larger bands work with 44mm, 45mm, 46mm and 49mm models. However, the older 42mm case belongs to the larger band family, so check the compatibility information before reusing or ordering a band. Aluminum, titanium or ceramic: Which Apple Watch material is best? Foundry Another consideration when buying an Apple Watch is its case material, which affects its durability, weight, appearance and price. Apple currently offers aluminum, titanium and ceramic cases, although the available materials depend on the model. Aluminum: Best for most people Aluminum is the lightest and most affordable choice. It is the only material available for the Apple Watch SE 3 and the entry-level option for the Series 12, helping to keep their starting prices at $249 and $399 respectively. It is a good choice for everyday wear, fitness and sleep tracking because it feels lighter on the wrist than the premium alternatives. The SE 3 uses Ion-X display glass, which Apple says is four times more crack-resistant than that of the SE 2. The aluminum Series 12 has the tougher Ceramic Shield 2 display, which Apple claims is 60 percent more durable than the Ion-X glass used by the aluminum Series 11. Titanium: Best for premium durability Titanium is available with the Series 12 and is the only case material offered with the Ultra 4. It provides a more premium finish and is paired with highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystal rather than the glass used on aluminum models. The Series 12 titanium case is available in Natural or Radiant Gold. It is a good option for anyone who wants a more luxurious and durable everyday watch without moving up to the much larger Ultra. The Ultra 4 uses a rugged Grade 5 titanium case in Natural or Black. It is designed for outdoor adventures, endurance sports and diving, with a 49mm case, 100-meter water resistance and recreational diving support. However, its size and 63g weight make it less comfortable for smaller wrists and sleep tracking. Ceramic: Best for distinctive styling Ceramic returns as a premium Series 12 option in Pearl White and Night Blue. It has a glossy, distinctive finish and uses a sapphire crystal display, but it is heavier and considerably more expensive than the aluminum version. The ceramic cases are also slightly larger than the other Series 12 configurations. Which material is best for Apple Watch? For most buyers, aluminum offers the best balance of price, durability and comfort. Choose titanium if you want a more premium finish, sapphire crystal or the Ultra 4s specialized outdoor capabilities. Ceramic is primarily a style-led luxury choice for buyers who want the most distinctive Series 12 and are prepared to pay more for it. Which Apple Watch strap should you choose? Eugen Wegmann The right Apple Watch strap depends on how you intend to use your watch. Apple offers options for everyday wear, sleep tracking, exercise, water sports and formal occasions, while third-party manufacturers provide an even wider range of styles and prices. Strap Best for Key characteristics Sport Band Everyday wear, workouts and swimming Durable rubber with a secure pin-and-tuck closure. Water and sweat resistant, but less breathable than fabric. Sport Loop Sleep tracking and all-day comfort Soft, lightweight and breathable nylon with an adjustable hook-and-loop fastener. Nike Sport Band Running and intense workouts Similar to the Sport Band but perforated for improved ventilation. Nike Sport Loop Running and everyday wear A breathable fabric alternative to the Nike Sport Band. Solo Loop Everyday wear and sleep Stretchable silicone with no clasp or buckle. Comfortable, but choosing the correct size is essential. Braided Solo Loop Comfort with a smarter finish A stretchable woven band that feels more premium than the standard Solo Loop. Alpine Loop Hiking and outdoor adventures Durable double-layer textile with a secure titanium G-hook. Designed for the Apple Watch Ultra. Trail Loop Running, hiking and all-day wear Apples lightest Ultra strap, with a pull tab for quick adjustments. Ocean Band Swimming, diving and water sports Water-resistant elastomer with a corrosion-resistant titanium buckle. Milanese Loop Work and formal occasions Metal mesh with a magnetic closure, offering a smart appearance and precise adjustment. Link Bracelet Formal and premium wear Apples premium metal bracelet, with removable links for adjusting the fit. Modern Buckle or Magnetic Link Smart everyday wear More formal alternatives to the sport-focused straps, available for selected case sizes. Herms straps Luxury and fashion Premium woven, rubber and metal designs made in collaboration with Herms. For most people, the Sport Loop is the best all-round choice because it is light, breathable and easy to adjust. Its softness also makes it particularly comfortable for sleep tracking. For workouts and swimming, choose a Sport Band or Nike Sport Band . The perforated Nike version provides better ventilation during intense exercise. Divers and regular swimmers should consider the Ocean Band , while runners and hikers may prefer the lighter Trail Loop or more rugged Alpine Loop . For work or formal occasions, the Milanese Loop , Link Bracelet , Modern Buckle and Magnetic Link provide a smarter appearance. Apples Herms collection offers the most luxuriousand most expensiveoptions. Before buying, check that the strap supports your Apple Watch case size and wrist measurement. Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop straps require particularly careful sizing because they cannot be adjusted with a clasp. Third-party straps can offer excellent value, but quality, fit and fastening security vary considerably. Do I need a cellular Apple Watch? Whether you need a cellular Apple Watch depends mainly on how often you plan to leave your iPhone behind. For most buyers, the answer is no: a GPS-only Apple Watch offers better value and can already do a great deal without an active connection to an iPhone. Away from your iPhone, a GPS Apple Watch can still track workouts, monitor health, record location data, use Apple Pay and play music or podcasts downloaded to the watch. When connected to a known Wi-Fi network, it can also send and receive messages, make calls and use many online services. See our guide to Everything an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone . Cellular becomes useful when you regularly leave your iPhone at home but still want calls, messages, music streaming, navigation and notifications. This makes it particularly valuable for runners, cyclists, swimmers and gym users who dont want to carry a phone. It can also provide reassurance when you are walking alone or exercising away from Wi-Fi, because the watch can contact emergency services after a fall or crash using its own mobile connection. A cellular model is also the right choice when setting up an Apple Watch for a child or older relative who doesnt have an iPhone. Apple Watch For Your Kids, previously called Family Setup, allows a family members watch to be configured from another persons iPhone. A cellular plan enables calls, messages and location sharing when the watch is away from the managing iPhone. The drawbacks are cost and redundancy. A cellular Series or SE generally costs more than its GPS equivalent, and you must also pay your network provider a monthly fee. If your iPhone is nearly always in your pocket or bag, the watch will normally use its connection instead, leaving you paying for cellular service that you rarely need. See: I switched to a cellular Apple Watch to prove I didnt need one . Our recommendation : The Ultra 4 includes cellular as standard, so there is no GPS-only version. For the Series 12 and SE 3 , choose cellular only if you expect to leave your iPhone behind regularly or need Family Setup. Otherwise, save your money and buy the GPS model. For a more detailed comparison, see The pros and cons of a cellular Apple Watch . Can you use an Apple Watch without an iPhone? Yes, but with important caveats. An Apple Watch can do a surprising amount without an iPhone nearby, but an iPhone is required for the initial setup and to manage some settings. You cannot set up an Apple Watch using a Mac, iPad or Android phone. The exception is Apple Watch For Your Kids, previously called Family Setup. This allows a parent or guardian to use their iPhone to configure a cellular Apple Watch for a child or another family member who doesnt have an iPhone of their own. Once it has been set up, an Apple Watch can perform many tasks without its paired iPhone nearby and some dont require an internet connection at all. These include: Tracking workouts and activity: Record runs, walks and other exercises, close Activity rings and collect GPS data. The results sync with the iPhone when it reconnects. Monitoring health: Measure heart rate, track sleep, log medications and use other health features supported by the particular watch. Playing downloaded media: Listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks stored on the watch using Bluetooth headphones. Using Apple Pay: Make contactless payments without an iPhone or internet connection once Apple Pay has been configured. Using offline tools: Set alarms and timers, use the stopwatch and compass, and view photos that have been synced to the watch. Other features require either Wi-Fi or a cellular connection when the iPhone isnt nearby. With an internet connection, the watch can make and receive calls, send messages, check email, stream music and podcasts, use Maps and access online apps and services. Fall Detection and Crash Detection can recognize an incident without your iPhone nearby, but contacting emergency services requires a suitable connection. Most Apple Watches need cellular coverage or Wi-Fi calling with an internet connection. Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 4 also support Emergency SOS via satellite in supported countries and regions, including the U.S. and U.K. This allows emergency texting when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage are unavailable, and can relay automatic Fall Detection or Crash Detection alerts if you are unresponsive. Satellite connectivity requires being outdoors with a clear view of the sky and horizon. An Apple Watch therefore cannot completely replace an iPhone, but it doesnt need to remain beside it throughout the day. For a complete breakdown, read all the things an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone . How we choose the best Apple Watch Macworlds Apple Watch recommendations draw on more than a decade of hands-on experience. Our writers have tested and reviewed every generation since the original Apple Watch, comparing each new model with both its current rivals and previous generations before deciding whether it deserves a recommendation. Our assessment focuses on the factors that make a meaningful difference in everyday use: Real-world testing: We assess comfort, build quality, display visibility, performance, battery life, charging, health sensors, fitness tracking and software features. We also consider how well the watch performs during everyday activities, workouts and sleep trackingnot simply how its specifications compare on paper. Value and upgrade potential: A newer or more expensive Apple Watch is not automatically the best choice. We consider whether its improvements justify the price, whether owners of recent models would benefit from upgrading and whether a discounted previous-generation watch offers better value. Honest recommendations: We clearly identify compromises such as limited battery life, missing health sensors, a bulky design or features that most people are unlikely to use. We dont recommend a product simply because it has the most impressive specifications. Advice for different buyers: There is no single Apple Watch that suits everyone. We recommend the Series 12 for most buyers, the SE 3 for those seeking the best value, and the Ultra 4 for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers who need its longer battery life, rugged construction and specialist capabilities. Our final recommendations therefore combine extensive testing, expert judgment, price analysis and practical buying advice. The aim is not merely to identify the Apple Watch with the longest feature list, but to help you find the model that provides the right balance of features, comfort and value for the way you will actually use it. FAQ 1. Is now a good time to buy an Apple Watch Now is a good time to buy an Apple Watch because the brand-new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 went on sale on September 18, 2026. However, our recommendation is to wait for Black Friday sales towards the end of November for the best deals. See: Should I buy an Apple Watch now or wait? 2. What is the difference between the Series 12 and SE 3? The Apple Watch Series 12 offers a brighter, tougher display, premium aluminum, titanium and ceramic cases, and the newer S11 chip. It also includes advanced health features such as ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, high-frequency heart-rate sensing and the Readiness app, plus exclusive Audio Intelligence features. Battery life is rated at 24 hours. The $249/219 SE 3 uses the S10 chip, lasts 18 hours and provides essential fitness, sleep and safety features, but lacks the Series 12s advanced sensors and premium materials. 3. Can you swim while wearing an Apple Watch? Yes, you can swim while wearing an Apple Watch, but the level of water resistance varies significantly depending on the model. The Apple Watch Ultra models are the most water-capable in the lineup. They are water-resistant to 100 meters and are suitable for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (up to 40 meters), and high-speed water sports. The Ultra models also include a depth gauge (up to 40 meters) and a water temperature sensor, making them a genuine companion for divers and endurance swimmers. Apple Watch Series 12, Series 11 and Series 10 are water-resistant to 50 meters and suitable for shallow-water activities such as swimming. They also support snorkeling to 6 meters, but should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other high-velocity water sports. Water resistance can diminish over time. The Apple Watch SE 3 is also water-resistant to 50 meters and is considered swimproof. Follow these steps to enable Water Lock: Before swimming, press the side button to open Control Center. Tap the water-drop icon to enable Water Lock. After swimming press and hold the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and eject water from the speaker. 4. Should I buy an old Apple Watch model? Buying an older Apple Watch can be a great way to save money, but in late 2026, you need to be much more careful than in previous years. The biggest factor is software support, as watchOS 27 dropped support for several relatively recent models. Apple made a significant change with watchOS 27. The update drops support for the Apple Watch SE 2, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8 and the original Apple Watch Ultra. If you want a watch that will continue to receive the latest features and security updates, you must buy a model with at least an S9 chip. This means the oldest supported models are now the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, both from 2023. If you are shopping for an older Apple Watch our recommendation is to buy refurbished watches from Apple. Read Should I buy a refurbished Apple Watch? for guidance. Another good option is to look for previous-generation Apple Watch models in major sales events, such as Black Friday. Take a look at the best prices right now in the boxes below. Apple Watch Series 11 Price When Reviewed: From $399 Best Prices Today: $379 at Walmart | $479.95 at Best Buy US Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $255.16 at Walmart | $329 at Best Buy | $399 at Adorama Apple Watch Ultra 3 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: $649 at Best Buy US Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $471.49 at Walmart | $599.97 at Best Buy US | $761.11 at Amazon

Macworld 4 Nov 2026 7:51 pm

Rare deal hits Star Fox Switch 2, last day to score Ocarina of Time pre-order discount

The reviews are in, and just as we thought, the new Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is brilliant. It releases tomorrow and today is your last chance to score the $10 pre-order discount before it is gone forever and back at full price starting tomorrow (it is now only live at Walmart and it might never go on sale again). However, for those who already secured a copy, we also wanted to point out the rare deal now live on the 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 Star Fox remake it will drop to the $42.99 Amazon all-time low in the cart. This is matching the lowest price we have tracked after it disappeared over the weekend a few days ago. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake $60 (Reg. $70) | Walmart With commemorative Textured Foil Cover Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 $43 (Reg. $50) Amazon low Zelda Ocarina of Time remake completely sold out at Amazon, but you can still score the pre-order deal right here more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 7:42 pm

Home Depot early Black Friday deals now live: BOGO FREE tools, DEWALT $170 off, $1,250 off appliances, more

Home Depot is running deals all month long, and today we are checking in with the early Black Friday offers now live. It is already running a host of appliance Doorbusters , up to 50% off select saws , as much as $170 off DEWALT electric tools , and a FREE tool or battery offer with select purchases, plus much more. more

9To5Toys 4 Nov 2026 7:27 pm