Hardware

NVIDIA's smuggling problem is getting worse

US officials have reportedly highlighted gaps in NVIDIA's due diligence over smuggling.

Apple is reportedly building a smart home camera that won't record video footage of you or anyone else

The device will apparently use AI to analyze activity in your home without actually filming it.

What to expect at Microsoft's Windows, Surface and AI event on October 7

We'll definitely hear about the NVIDIA RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra, but what else?

Native Union

Native Union Phone Sling Buy for $12.50 (Reg. $25) What we love These things work with all closed-bottom cases iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel, or otherwise and are actually more attractive than the official Apple straps if you ask me. I love this sort of braided rope look. If youre into these things, the Native Union Sling at $12.50 is definitely worth a look. more

Tesla rolls out an emergency drive-away feature after Supercharger shooting

Tesla's new feature will let you drive away with the Supercharger still connected in case of emergencies.

Land the 45mm Pixel Watch 5 at one of the best prices ever, now $138 off (Best Buy open-box)

Deals on the new Pixel Watch 5 have been relatively light thus far. We have seen some price drops but nothing nearly as good as this 45mm Pixel Watch 5 in Matte Black at $138 off the list price in excellent open-box condition at Best Buy. more

Fall Prime Day Amazon gear deals are flying: All-new Fire TV Stick 4K 50% off, Echo gear up to $100 off, more

Amazons early fall Prime Day deals are soaring now with loads of notable discounts already live on its in house Echo and Ring gear. Alongside the launch of the all-new Kindle devices yesterday and the $35 all-new Amazon Kindle Click Bluetooth Page-Turn Remote at $35, it has also just unveiled its all-new Fire TV Stick 4K with a major 50% off launch discount. All of that joins some deep discounts on Echo smart speakers at up to 50% off, the latest Echo Show smart displays at up to $100 off , loads of eero mesh routers, all-time lows on the latest Ring doorbells at up to $100 off. Check it all out below. more

Gemini 4 Argon matches GPT-6 Astra and hallucinates far less in early tests

Googles Gemini 4 Argon is level with OpenAIs GPT-6 Astra in early independent tests. It scored 53 on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, the same as GPT-6 Astra and one point ahead of GPT-6.1 Sol, Artificial Analysis said. Anthropics Claude Opus 5.5 still leads the index, with 58. The score is 23 points above Gemini [] This story continues at The Next Web

Apple is selling a $19 fix for iPhone Duo creasing

Macworld Apple has done as much as it can to minimize the visibility of the crease on the iPhone Duo, including multiple shifting display layers and a matte nano-texture surface that reduces glare and makes the crease less visible. But physics is what it is, and you just cant fold and unfold a display thousands of times without any visible crease forming. The good news is, Apple has another solution to help mitigate that: a replaceable outer layer. Speaking to @angietutorials on TikTok , Apples VP of hardware engineering, Kate Bergeron said, the matte layer does a really nice job of, Ill say minimizing the crease, but theres a cover layer on top and weve done a significant amount of engineering work to help that wear in as long a manner as we can, to make sure you get the most out of that layers performance. Its actually replaceable, which is a really nice thing for the customer, that you can peel off that layer and get a new one. The AppleCare service and repair site has already been updated with the costs of some repairs for the iPhone Duo with AppleCare+, and it looks like its only $19 to get the cover layer replaced. Just note, the top cover layer is not user replaceable like a screen protector would be, though, so dont go peeling off your iPhone Duo display by yourself. Apple does not yet list the cost of this service if you dont have AppleCare+, but it is common for outer glass repairs or replacements to cost $100-150 more without coverage.

OpenAI says Trump

The AI industrys new pact with Donald Trump is only a start, according to one of the firms that signed it. Ashley Gold reported the comments for Semafor. Companies are going to have to make it more specific, on how theyre going to operationalize it, said Chris Lehane, OpenAIs chief global affairs officer. TNW is [] This story continues at The Next Web

Amazon pledges $1bn over five years to US data centre communities

Amazon will spend more than $1bn over the next five years in US communities that host its data centres. Matt Garman, chief executive of Amazon Web Services, announced the programme, called Built Together, in a post on Friday, along with new commitments on power, water and transparency. The money will go to three areas: education [] This story continues at The Next Web

M5 MacBook Air models up to $150 off in early fall Prime Day sale

Outside of some official Apple refurb deals that sell out very fast, Amazons early fall Prime Day sale has delivered the best deals on Apples current-generation M5 MacBook Air and we are tracking as much as $150 off select models right now. more

Best iPhone 18 cases for iPhone 18 Pro

Macworld You waited months for Apples new iPhones to arrive, but its worth protecting that big investment from day one. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are tougher than previous generations, but they can still be scratched, chipped or damaged in a drop. A good case also does more than protect your phone: it can improve grip, add a stand or wallet, support MagSafe accessories and give your iPhone a completely different look. There are thousands of iPhone cases to choose from, ranging from inexpensive silicone shells to rugged cases built for serious drop protection. Price isnt always a reliable guide to quality, either: a cheap case can split, yellow or develop faulty buttons, while spending more doesnt necessarily mean youll get the best case for your needs. Thats why we hand-test and compare as many iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases as we can. We consider protection, materials, build quality, grip, raised screen and camera edges, MagSafe compatibility, weight, useful extras such as stands and card storage, and how the case feels in everyday use. Where manufacturers make specific drop-protection claims, we include those too so you can compare different levels of protection. In this guide weve grouped our recommendations into clear , colorful , protective and leather or faux-leather cases, with options at a range of prices. Best clear cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Best fun cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Best protective cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Best leather cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Best wallet cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Which type of iPhone case to choose Apple gives you a handful of finishes; a case gives you thousandsan easy way to make an iPhone 18 Pro look like yours. You can choose a clear case that shows off the iPhones original color but adds vital protection, or choose a case with more personality. Protection is key, and some cases will add higher levels of defense than others. Beyond looks, think about how you use your phone. Want hands-free video? Look for a case with a built-in stand . Want to leave your wallet at home? Choose one with a card storage wallet . And if you charge wirelessly, check for MagSafe compatibility most cases now offer it, and its worth confirming before you buy. Best clear cases for iPhone 18 If you want to keep your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max looking like Apple intended you could leave it unprotected without a case, or simply choose a clear case that shows off the iPhones color while protecting it from everyday knocks and drops. Apple iPhone 18 Pro Clear Case Premium clear case Pros Made by Apple Shows off iPhone 18s color Cons Basic protection Ugly on Pro / Pro Max Expensive Price When Reviewed: $49 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49 View Deal $49 View Deal $49 View Deal $49 View Deal $49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 29g Camera edge: 2mm Button covers: Plastic Colors: Clear Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max This simple, rigid iPhone 18 protective case from Apple is thin and light. If you buy your iPhone in the Apple Store you might just choose an Apple case, and you can be sure its well made, but we think there are better choices than just giving yet more cash to Apple. They can afford to lose a case sale, believe me. But price is not the only reason to look elswhere. The point of clear cases is that they shouldnt disguise the color of your iPhone that you chose when you purchased it. However, Apples Clear Case has a prominent white MagSafe ring that aligns with the charging coil beneath the iPhones Ceramic Shield back. Its white whatever color of iPhone 18 Pro or Max that you ownits a shame Apple didnt color-match this to each phone but that would have meant creating four different versions. To be fair, its less obtrusive than the Apples Clear Case for iPhone 17 Pro. The Apple Clear Case is made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and other flexible materials, with a scratch-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. While its more protective than silicone cases and features a robust-looking 2mm camera lip, you can find tougher cases, which we have reviewed below. Zagg Crystal Palace & Santa Cruz Cases Quality family of clear cases Pros Shows off iPhone 18s color Differing levels of protection, function Anti-yellowing Metal accent models Price When Reviewed: From $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Zagg $29.99 View Deal $54.99 View Deal $54.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes, except basic Lite Weight: From 36g Raised screen edge: 2mm Camera edge: 1.2mm Drop protection: 10 feet (Lite models), 13 feet (Crystal Snap, Santa Cruz) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Clear Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Zagg has a whole range of popular scratch-resistant clear case models for the iPhone 18 Pro series, including the Crystal Palace Snap, available with and without a kickstand) and a simpler Lite option without MagSafe and lower but still impressive drop protection. Zaggs ClearGuard tech reduces the yellowing that affects many clear cases surprisingly quickly. The Crystal Palace Snap ($54.99 / 39.99 with kickstand, $49.99 / 34.99 without) has textured sides for better grip, MagSafe, and 13ft drop protection. The Crystal Palace Lite Snap ($39.99 / 24.99) has MagSafe, 10ft drop protection and no kickstand. The entry-level Crystal Palace Lite ($29.99/ 19.99) lacks MagSafe and kickstand but still offers 10ft drop protection. Both use PC and TPU, but the construction is fundamentally different. The premium Crystal Palace Snap uses a single, solid piece of PC across the back and sides to create a harder, more scratch-resistant clear case, with TPU used strategically so that there are no seams between the back and sides. The Lite version uses significantly more TPU, relying on a PC back plate combined with flexible, TPU sides. That makes it lighter and less expensive, but more susceptible to yellowing over time than PC. If clear is sort of what you want but still a bit boring, Zagg adds metallic accents to its the Graphene-fortified Zagg Santa Cruz ($59.99 / 44.99 with kickstand, $54.99 / 39.99 without), giving the clear case an elegant edge and vibrancy with 13ft drop protection, MagSafe and kickstand. Mous Clarity clear case Customizable clear case Pros Shows off iPhone 18s color Customizable bump, stand, button colors Anti-yellowing Price When Reviewed: From $64.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mous $64.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Optional Weight: From 39g Raised screen edge: 1.8mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Button covers: Plastic; Metal option Colors: Clear (Black or Stone sides) Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max The Mous Clarity clear case shows off the device beneath with a UV anti-yellowing finish, but the sides do have their modesty hidden beneath a choice of either Black or Stone color frame. In the corners, AiroShock protection is a defense against drop impacts. The scratch-resistant layer is molded into the panel itself, not merely sprayed on top. You can buy as the clearest non-MagSafe ($64.99 / 54.99) or MagSafe compatible with logo ($69.99 / 59.99). For extra customization and a dash of flair, you can mix and match your case with different colors of metal kickstand, camera guard and metal buttons. Decoded Clear Case and Hybrid Stand Cases Add color frosting or kickstand Pros Shows off iPhone 18s color Frosted versions Kickstand option Anti-yellowing Price When Reviewed: $58 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Decoded $58 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 39g Raised screen edge: 1.2mm Camera edge: 1.2mm Drop protection: 10 feet (3m) Button covers: Plastic (Clear); Metal (Hybrid) Colors: Clear, Frosted, White, Frosted Sapphire, Frosted White Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max The Decoded Clear Case is available in totally clear or with a frosted hue if you want to add a dash of color. Built with GRS-certified recycled polycarbonate and shock-absorbing TPU it features 10-foot (3m) drop protection, plus a decent-height camera ring and raised screen lip. Embedded UV stabilizers are built directly into the polycarbonate, absorbing and neutralizing harmful radiation before it can yellow the clear material. For the same price as the Clear Case you can opt for a similar Hybrid Stand Case that features a built-in rotating aluminum-alloy kickstand that flips out to prop up your iPhone for hands-free display and folds flat when handheld or sitting tucked into your pocket. Best colorful cases for iPhone 18 Apples choice of iPhone 18 Pro colors is, shall we say, limited. Burgundy is nice but its no Cosmic Orange, and third-party case designers have had a lot more fun so you can personalize your new iPhone from a choice of thousandsfrom simple silicone cases to some pretty crazy designs. I do question the sanity of some of the designers at work here, but read on to enter a fairly wild world of fancy. Apple iPhone 18 Pro Silicone Case Apple's soft touch case Pros Made by Apple Color range Price When Reviewed: $49 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49 View Deal $49 View Deal $49 View Deal $49 View Deal $49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 30g Button covers: Silicone Colors: Burgundy, Olive, Crisp Blue, Navy, Magenta, Black Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max If youve got any money left after shelling out for the latest iPhone, Apple will gladly take your last pennies for one of its own iPhone 18 cases. Its Silicone Case comes in six fetching colors. Apples silky, soft-touch silicone case for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feels great. On the inside, theres a soft microfiber lining for softer device protection. Its got the Apple logo on it, which you wont find elsewhere. Theres no ugly MagSafe block as found on Apples Clear Case as the silicone case creates its own choice of colors. The Silicone Case colors for the iPhone 17 range were more vibrantbut we like the 18 Pros punchy Magenta pink, in case Burgundy is just too dark for your tastes. Casely Cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Hundreds of colorful designs Pros Massive choice of styles Optional protection levels Cons Low camera edge Price When Reviewed: From $40 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Casely $40 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 39-56g (Classic); 46-62g (Bold Case) Raised screen edge: 1mm-3mm Camera edge: 1.5mm Drop protection: 8 feet (Bold Flex), 10 feet (Align) Button covers: Plastic Colors: 500 different designs Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Casely makes several types of case for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The Classic case is lighter, slimmer and more flexible with a glossy finish (1mm raised screen and camera edges), while the Bold Flex case is more protective (with 8-foot drop protection) and comes with a matte finish and 3mm raised edge. The Align cases offer an even more premium defense, with claimed 10ft drop protection and a soft-touch grip, and There are nearly 500 designs to choose from. Some I wouldnt dare take out of my pocket but everybodys different, right? There are psychedelic patterns, Beatles cases, psychedelic Beatles cases, plain/plaid/gingham/checkerboard/mirrored/marbled cases, impressionist cases and some just plain crazy styles from a Stephen King kindergarten. Casely also offers Grippy , a silicone suction phone mount with MagSafe that securely fastens to flat, glossy surfaces such as mirrors and windows for hands-free photo and video shooting or browsing. Casetify iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Cases Customizable cases for everyone Pros So many designs Optional protection levels Optional stand Price When Reviewed: From $42 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $42 View Deal Casetify 52 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 69g (Ultra Case) Raised screen edge: 1.4 to 1.8mm Camera edge: 0.54 to 2.2mm Drop protection: 8.2 feet (Impact), 11.5 feet (Ultra Impact), 32.8 feet (Bounce) Button covers: Plastic Colors: 1,000s of different designs Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: All iPhone 18 Pro series Fancy making your iPhone 18 Pro look like an old-school camera, or feature ripple or cloud effects, cartoons, Spiderman, drunk cats, polka dots, stars, and more? Yes, drunk cats. Not only does Casetify have an enormous range of thousands of iPhone case designs, but it offers many with different levels of protection: the slim Impact Case (for everyday defense of up to 8.2-foot drop protection); Ultra Impact Case (heavy duty with extra corner cushioning, thicker bumpers, and more pronounced raised edges, for up to 11.5ft drops); and Bounce & Ultra Bounce Cases (even stronger shock-absorption tech, with up to 32.8-foot drop protection). You can also choose to include an integrated camera ring that flips out as a stand when you need it and folds flat when you dont. Casetify Maybe the most bizarre/fun case for the iPhone 18 Pro/Max is the Casetify Cloud Case , pictured above. Built with a premium soft-touch silicone, and offering 6.6ft. drop protection, this case features a Michelin-Man-like protective puffed bumper and body with an ergonomic grip. The raised bezel from the screen is a mighty 2.1mm with 2.4mm raised camera ring. Available in Cotton, White, Sky Blue, and Marshmellow Pink, it is sadly not MagSafe compatible as most of the other Casetify cases are. Zagg Milan, Luxe and Sedona Cases for iPhone 18 Pro Fashionable yet protective cases Pros Range of styles and models Kickstand option Price When Reviewed: $54.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $54.99 View Deal Zagg $54.99 View Deal $54.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 34g Raised screen edge: 2mm Camera edge: 1.2mm Drop protection: 16 feet (Sedona), 13 feet (Milan), 10 feet (Luxe) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Obsidian, Glitter, Polka, Ethereal, Navy, Pink, Mint, Navy, Gray, Green and more Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Zagg embraces fashion with its Milan range of iPhone cases, from ethereal waves to polka dots with many varied styles to choose fromwe are particularly taken by Ethereal Wave and Essence, but were not sure all the choices are exactly super-model. The Milan case can be purchased with or without a kickstand but all are MagSafe compatible, with a textured grip and robust 13ft drop protection. The Sedona series of cases feature more deep, muted tones than the sometimes wild Milan, but still with super-tough 16ft drop protection. It comes with a secure grip and kickstand option. The Luxe Case features lesser but still effective 10ft drop protection and is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials in a handful of diverse colorways. Nomad Sport Case Smooth and grippy at the same time Pros Smooth backplate Grippy bumpers Price When Reviewed: $55 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $55 View Deal Nomad $55 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 47g Raised screen edge: 1mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Drop protection: 8 feet (2.4m) Button covers: Metal Colors: Driftwood, Lunar Gray, Black, Rosewood Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max The minimalist Sport Case features both a satin-smooth backplate and grippy bumpers to make it less easy to accidentally drop but still easy to pull from a pocketsome cases force you into an embarrassing tug of war as you try to extract it from your trousers. Interchangeable Stellar Orange buttons are included, which is a fun touch. With 2.2mm thick bumpers, its drop protection is 8 feetso perfect for placing on the top of your head even if you are very tall. ESR Classic Hybrid Case for iPhone 18 Pro Affordable protection with great flexible stand Pros Frosted or clear Flexible Stand Drop protection Wide color range Price When Reviewed: $33.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal ESR $29.99 View Deal $33.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 47g Raised screen edge: 1.2mm Camera edge: 2.4mm Drop protection: 16 feet (5m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Clear, Black, Blue, Bubblegum Pink, Deep Burgundy, Misty Blue, Orange Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max ESRs Classic Hybrid Case for the iPhone 18 Pro series offers a clear or frosted TPU, PC and acrylic body that offers super-robust 16-foot drop protection plus an adjustable Flex stand that is an effective zinc-alloy camera-lens guard when not acting as the stable stand. On top of the varied color options, stand and protective functions, it is attractively priced. The Clear version of the ESR Classic Hybrid Case is best if you want to stick to Apples original iPhone color, and the MagSafe logo is much less obtrusive than on Apples own Clear Case. Above we see Apples new Burgundy next to the now sadly departed orange color in Apples new iPhone family. OtterBox Figura and Lumen iPhone 18 Pro Cases Smooth, minimalist cases Pros Soft and smooth finish Choice of designs Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal OtterBox $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 27g Colors: Crema, Black, Eros (pink), Polus (blue), Terra (brown), Pois Green, Tortoise, Garden, Petals Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max A simple minimalist iPhone 18 Pro series case, the OtterBox Figura Case is the brands most affordable case while still offering a covered camera plateau and raised edges, plus MagSafe compatibility. It has a soft, smooth texture, and we like the plain but Apple-simple Crema color (first pictured above)although there are a bunch to choose from and not all are as plain. The similar but lower-profile OtterBox Lumen Case (Black only, shown on right of the picture above) is the lightest at just 34g. As with the Figura case, drop protection is down to 1x but that should still save you from casual drops and knocks. The OtterBox Commuter (3x), Sole (5x), and Defender Pro (7x) also reviewed here offer higher levels of drop protection. Torras Ostand cases Punchy looks and great stand Pros 360 precision stand Various protection levels Wonderful color choices Cons So many models to choose from Price When Reviewed: From $42.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal Torras $42.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 47g Raised screen edge: 1.2mm Camera edge: Up to 1.45mm Drop protection: 8 to 16 feet (2.4m to 5m) Colors: Many, many Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Aside from its stellar array of fun color choices, what (ahem) stands out about the Torras Ostand range of iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases is its 360 precision Ostand that rotates all the way around for stable hands-free support. Turning it can get addictive like with a fidget spinner. The cases themselves are well built and come in all sorts of hues. Hats off to the buzzing naming teams for color titles such as Dusk Purple, Violet Summit, Polar Slate, Amber Brown, Raspberry Mist, Moon Jellyfish, Blueish Mint, and more. The cases arent just fun to look at, they feel great in the hand, too. Youll need a while to inspect the whole range, which offers maybe too many models to choose from. These include the entry-level Ostand Q3 Spin (also available as a clear case), with claimed 8ft drop protection and raised screen and camera guards. The Ostand Q3 Air Pro is my favoriteit has an anti-slip side texture to improve hand grip, Air Pro Tech protection with a dual-layer airbag system (Air Duet) that absorbs impact in stages: the outer airbag intercepts impact, while the inner airbag disperses residual shock. It claims 16.4ft drop protection. Torras The Ostand Q3 VegSkin features a refined leather-inspired touch, the Ostand Gradient Air available in Dusk Haze, Alaska Aurora, or Arizona Glow, and the Ostand Q3 Air Football Limited (pictured above) has options that match national soccer jerseys, including USA, Argentina, England, Portugal, and Germany. You dont have to be a football fan to chose this case, you might just be fond of the flags. UNIQ Lyden DS, Elix and Keva Mv cases for iPhone 18 Stylish form and function Pros Good-looking slim cases Flexible 360 spinner kickstands (Elix and Keva) Price When Reviewed: $37.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price UNIQ $37.90 View Deal $45.48 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Optional Weight: From 39g Raised screen edge: 1.3mm (Lydon/Keva); 1.5mm (Elix) Camera edge: 2.3mm (Lydon); 2.9mm (Keva); 3.2mm (Elix) Drop protection: 8 feet (Lydon/Elix); 13 (Keva) Button covers: Metal Colors: Deep Maroon, Sage Steel, Sandy Brown, Charcoal Grey, Cloud Stone, Volt Orange, Carbon Black Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max UNIQ has a wide range of premium cases for the iPhone 18 series. Made from redefined, UV-resistant Verda vegan leather, the Lyden DS Case has a firm protective backplate and decent-sized aluminum camera bezel and side buttons, plus a soft microfiber lining to prevent scratches. It has a claimed drop protection of 8 feet (2.5m). The Elix Case has a dirt-resistant, leather-textured VeluxeSkin silicone exterior with the same durable protection, and adds a flexible Mvion spinner kickstand that can flip 180 to adjust your viewing angle and rotate 360 to find the right orientation. The camera lenses are further protected with a shield around them. Made with lightweight but super-tough impact-absorbing Aramid Fiber, the Keva Mv Case takes durability a step further, with 13-foot (4m) drop defense. Its Mvix spinner kickstand is even smoother than the one on the back of the Elix. Mous Printed Collabs cases Clear case with printed designs Pros Wide range of 100 designs Customizable bump, stand, button colors Anti-yellowing Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mous $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Optional Weight: From 39g Raised screen edge: 1.8mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Button covers: Plastic Colors: Many designs (Black or Stone sides) Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max You can order from Mouss wide range of designs, printed on durable, rigid iPhone 18 Pro/Max cases with the companys AiroShock tech, similar to the companys Clarity clear cases but with less of the iPhones original color showing throughthese designs are more fun. Choose from Stripes and Checks, Floral, Animal Prints, Polka Dots, Serpent, and Fruits. Our favorite is called Deconstruct, which acts as if you can see the circuitry inside your iPhone. That would make it even clearer than the clear case, which is a bit of a mind-bender. Burga iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases Stylish fade-resistant designs Pros Over 500 original designs Protective options Fade-resistant hard shell Price When Reviewed: from $59.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal Burga $59.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Optional Weight: From 46g Raised screen edge: 1.7mm Camera edge: 0.6mm; 0.8mm (Elite) Button covers: Plastic Colors: 500+ designs Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Another enormous range of designs is available from Burga, a favorite of my daughter and with a plethora of out-there patterns and pictures. There are over 500 to choose from, so give your self time to scroll. There are also three different case types: Tough, Elite, and Elite Mirror. Tough is a classic glossy, lightweight hard shell case, while the Elite features higher end structural benefitsincluding CloudGuard shock absorption, microfibre lining, and improved side grips. The Elite Mirror a reflective surface and premium metallic camera bezels. Burga has another case type called the Puffy Elite that has a squishy texture made with a soft, bouncy, and touchable exterior, but there were no puffy cases for the 18-series at the time of writing, mores the pity. Best protective cases for iPhone 18 As pretty as some iPhone cases are, your principal consideration should be protection. Most decent cases offer reasonable protection, but these protective cases have extra robust features while often adding as little bulk as possible by using the latest, strongest materials. Kevlar is the material used to make bulletproof vestsits also known as Aramid Fiber but I wouldnt try turning a rifle on it. Graphene is even stronger, and would probably make Superman wince trying to snap it in half. Other protective iPhone cases dont worry so much about thinness, and bulk up to protect your iPhone from the worst disasters that can befall it. These might suit you if you work in riskier environments or are an active outdoors iPhone user. Material matters too: Graphene (elastic yet harder than diamond and up to 200x stronger than steel, according to case makers) or Kevlar (the material used to make bulletproof vests) for serious durability. Kevlar is a type of Aramid Fiber , a strong, heat-resistant synthetic material that gives the material incredible strength and stability. OtterBox Defender Pro, Sole & Commuter Cases Serious multi-layer protection Pros Grippable rubber edges Three- or two-piece designs Super protection level Price When Reviewed: From $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $53.85 View Deal OtterBox $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 50g (Pro XT); 63g (Pro) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black, Blue, Green Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max You have to work to get the maximum protection for your iPhone. You construct the OtterBox Defender Pro cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max from either two or three protective pieces. OtterBox claims it has been tested to 7x military-grade protection levels, which is a grander claim than any other case maker. The slimmer two-part Defender Pro XT case remains reasonably thin but lacks the grippier sides of the three-part non-XT model. Its back is clear, although some versions have a pattern on top. Both feature shock-absorbing corners that dont bulge out too much as on some ultra-protective cases. The final third layer on the Defender Pro provides grippy sides and back to help prevent phone drops in the first place. These cases include a clever cover for the USB-C charging port to stop fluff and other debris entering and causing charging problems down the line. With 5x military-grade protection, the OtterBox Sole Case is a one-part design with a high-ridge tread around the case edge that feels rugged and adds grip. Theres an Xtra Hot Pink version for adventurous pinkies, who will also appreciate its removable, colorful finger loop. OtterBox Also highly protective, the OtterBox Commuter Case , pictured above, comes with a new retractable finger grip that tucks away flat when you dont need it and opens with a single finger when you do ($59.99) and without ($49.99). Military-grade protection is down from 7x to a still-impressive 3x as commuters are less at risk of wandering into combat zones on the way to the office. Its a slimmer dual-layer design with an inner rubber cover to absorb impacts and a rigid outer shell for bangs and scrapes, and again the charging port is covered. Also available at Amazon . Zagg Rainier and Teton Cases for iPhone 18 Pro Extreme 22-foot drop protection Pros High 22-foot drop protection Rainiers high raised screen edge Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Zagg $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 68g Raised screen edge: Up to 2.75mm Camera edge: 1.2mm Drop protection: 22 feet (6.7m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black, Pop Pink, Wild Green, Sandstone, Navy Blue, Moss, Aubergine, Electric Orange Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Zagg has two super-protective cases, each with 22ft drop protection. Both the Rainier and Teton cases (who dreams up these names?) are put together in a two-piece construction with reinforced frame and rugged case with impact-absorbing bumpers. Both feature a dual-orientation kickstand that lies flush with the case when folded in. In terms of looks, the Teton has a plainer design and the Rainier is colored on the sides and edges. The difference is also pronounced at the vulnerable edges with the Ranier boasting a 2.75mm raised edge around the screen compared to the Tetons shorter but still above-average 2mm. Zagg markets its Teton iPhone case as engineered for harsh environments and rough terrain, and it comes with a holster for outdoor carrying. Rokform Rugged and Crystal Nothing looks tougher Pros Super protection level Magnetic case Bike/Car mount system Cons Chunkier than others Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal Rokform $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 75g Raised screen edge: 2mm Camera edge: 1mm Drop protection: 6 feet (1.8m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black, Semi-Clear Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Available only in black ( Rugged Case ) and a black and admittedly barely clear ( Crystal Case ) Rokforms cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max appear to have only one thing on their minds, and thats super protectionbut theyre actually more clever than that. For protection, few cases look as toughthe build pairs a shock-absorbing TPU inner shell with a rigid polycarbonate outer shell and reinforced corners that push impact away from the screen and camera for true 360-degree defense. The sides are textured for better grip. Theres undoubtedly added bulk but it still adds only 4.15mm thickness. If you want to see a little of the iPhones own color, the Crystal Case has the same defensive highlights but a semi-clear design. On the tough back of each case, the companys RokLock twist-lock system attaches to a full range of bike, motorcycle and vehicle mounts. With your iPhone safely inside the Rokform Rugged, you can crash your bike knowing that only you might get hurt. ESR Cyber Tough Magnetic Case Solid colors, solid stand, solid design Pros High protection level Built-in kickstand Color options Cons Protection comes with a little bulk Price When Reviewed: From $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal ESR $29.99 View Deal $33.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 72g Raised screen edge: 1.7mm Camera edge: 2.4mm Drop protection: 26 feet (8m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Deep Burgundy, Misty Blue, Orange, Space Gray, Olive Green Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max ESRs most robust case is the Cyber Tough for the iPhone 18 Pro series. Drop protection is upped to 26 feet with its triple-layer shockproof structure featuring a rigid PC back, flexible TPE bumper, and PORON foam to absorb and disperse impacts. The adjustable Flex stand pulls out from the zinc-alloy camera-lens guard, making sure its hidden when not in use. Despite being so tough, the case is still available in a wide range of colors including a striking orange that shakes its fist at Apples culling of Cosmic Orange in the 18 lineup. Nomad Rugged Leather Case Refined robustness Pros 15-foot drop protection Matte fingerprint-resistant backplate TPU bumpers & camera ring Price When Reviewed: From $69 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69 View Deal Nomad $69 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 47g (Pro); 55g (Max) Raised screen edge: 1.85mm Camera edge: 0.7mm Drop protection: 15 feet (4.6m) Button covers: Metal Colors: Norte, Balandra, Arroyo Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Nomads most protective iPhone 18 case is the aptly named Rugged Case. It has a combination of durable polycarbonate frame with fortified corner bumpers to protect your iPhone 18 from all angles. Drop protection is an impressive 15 feet, in case you like taking your iPhone out while climbing ladders or leaning out of windows. The backs feature eye-catching topographic maps based on Californian watersports spots famous for surfing and kiteboarding. UAG protective cases for iPhone 18 Pro Pros High protection levels Killer looks Price When Reviewed: From $55.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal UAG $59.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 50g Drop protection: 18-25 feet (5.5m to 7.6m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Deep Burgundy, Misty Blue, Orange, Space Gray, Olive Green Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max If Judge Dredd had enough credits to buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max, hed probably head to UAG for its Monarch Pro Kevlar Case , with its chiseled corners and reinforced camera protection, plus impact-resistant TPU frame, inner hex pattern, and ballistic and tactile Kevlar inlay. UAG claims an impressive 25ft (7.6 meters) drop protection. Terminators T-1000 would probably go for the clearer UAG Plyo that is lightweight but still has a TPU shock-absorbing frame and durable polycarbonate backplate. Another almost-clear case is the ultra-light UAG Pathfinder with its sleek, translucent 18ft drop design particularly eye-catching in the Active Neon colorway. Robocop will choose the UAG Forged Carbon Fiber Case for its striking hand-laid forged carbon chip grain and 16ft drop protection. Mous Limitless cases Tough and attractive Pros Wide color range Upgradeable camera bump, stand, buttons Cons Some parts sold separately Price When Reviewed: From $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 41g Raised screen edge: 1.8mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Button covers: Plastic; Metal option Colors: Many colors Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Mous offers a range of protective cases to its iPhone 18 Pro series range, with its flagship Limitless Case, plus slimmer Aramid Fiber Ultra Thin and Super Thin cases. Limitless (from $69.99) is available in a range of colors and styles including the famous Mous Walnut finish to pretend your phone is carved from part of a tree, Black Leather, Speckled and of course Dark Cherry (the old and frankly better name for Apples Burgundy) for the iPhone 18 Pro and Max. Other colors include Marine and Sky (different shades of blue) Stone, and Sage (green). The Limitless case is built from stiff, interlocking AiroShock impact-absorbing materials that reduce torsion or twisting during impact, adding structural rigidity. During purchase you can swap in a Camera Guard (sold separately) for full camera-bump coverage, or a Camera Kickstand for hands-free viewing. You can also upgrade to sandblasted and anodized, machined aluminum buttons to color match your case. Mous offers a Super Thin Case (with 1.3mm sides and 2mm back, and slightly lower 1.2mm raised screen edge) plus the lightweight 30g Ultra Thin Aramid Case (0.7mm sides and 1.7mm back) made from a material more commonly found in ballistic protection. Torras Ostand Q3 Rugged Defensive but still fun Pros High protection levels Kickstand More fun color options Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.29 View Deal Torras $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 60g Raised screen edge: 1.4mm Camera edge: 0.8mm Drop protection: 16 feet (5m) Colors: Jet Black, Island Blue, Plum Purple, Sunrise White Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max We mentioned the Torras Ostand cases earlier, and all offer decent everyday protection and more, but the Ostand Rugged likes to think of itself as the best when it comes to top-line defense. It is built with a flexible TPU bumper, dual-layer TPU air cushions at the top and bottom, 1.4 mm raised bezel around the screen, and a rigid 3mm rubberized matte PC back panel for impact protection and more comfortable grip. The fantastic Island Blue and Sunrise White colorways make it stand out from other super-tough iPhone 18 casesshowing that you dont have to look like a military armored vehicle to be tough, you can look a bit like a toddlers toy too. Pitaka Cairn, Summa and Edge Cases Aramid Fibre patterns Pros Woven aramid fiber design Smooth texture High protection level Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Pitaka $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 33g (Cairn, Summa), 20g (Edge) Raised screen edge: 0.1-0.3mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Drop protection: 4 feet (Summa), 8 feet (Cairn) Colors: Burgundy, Sunset Moment, California Dream and Twilight and Midnight Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Pitaka is known for its tough woven aramid fiber cases with a pleasant silky-smooth texture. Distinctive colors include Sunset Moment, California Dream and Twilight and Midnight patterns, but there are also plainer and latticed patterns to choose from if the pretty patterns give you a headache. The Pitaka Cairn Case is the toughest, made from a combination of aramid fiber and shock-absorbing TPU. The four corners feature an arched design that creates space around the phone, acting like built-in air cushions. On impact, they should deform to absorb shock. The sleek Pitaka Summa Case has a slightly slimmer profile but the robust same aramid fiber shell. The super-thin Pitaka Edge Case leaves more of the sides exposed but still offers solid protection despite being only just over 1mm thick and weighing less than 20g. It uses what Pitaka calls Mammoth Resin fused with the aramid fiber to reinforce structural integrity. Speck Candyshell Icon Case for iPhone 18 Playful grippers Pros Wide color range No-slip grips Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal Speck $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 41g Drop protection: 13 feet (4m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black Licorice, Sour Apple, Vanilla Forest, Berry Taffy, Grape Soda, Tangerine Sour, Bubblegum Pop, Blue Raspberry Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Available in eight splendidly named bold colorsSour Apple anyone?the slim CandyShell Icon series from Speck is both playful and robustly protective, with dual-layer impact-absorbing shock corners providing up to 13 feet of drop protection without the adding a lot of bulk. To stop drops happening in the first place, the cases feature comfortable but no-slip inverted grips. Smartish Gripmunk and Gripzilla Cases for iPhone 18 Seriously grippy Pros Contoured finger grooves and textured sides Air-pocket corners Price When Reviewed: 24.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19.99 View Deal $24.99 View Deal Smartish $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Optional Weight: From 40g Raised screen edge: 1mm Camera edge: 1mm Drop protection: 6 feet (1.8m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black Tie Affair, Moving Mountains, Liquid Sky, Blues on the Green, So Jaded, Very Cherry Blossom Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max The clue is in the name of these iPhone cases: the best defense for dropping your phone is not to drop it in the first place, and grippy textured sides and backs will help you keep your phone in hands and not spiralling to the hard floor (or worse) beneatha friend of mine dropped her iPhone in the toilet at a Hungarian music festival Remarkably it was found a few days later, but she couldnt face using it again after that incident! The slim Gripmunk Case has the textured sides, as well as cushioned air-pocket corners and raised edges to protect your phone if even the grips dont do the trick. The Gripzilla Case goes further with special finger grooves as well as the grippy sides, plus the same air-pocket corners and raised edges to guard your screen and camera. Both some in an interesting and refreshing selction of designs. Best leather and faux-leather cases for iPhone 18 Looking for a more luxurious look? There are many fine leather cases, more animal-friendly vegan leathers, and cases made from fully recycled materials such as Apples own TechWoven fabric made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Nomad Leather Cases Traditional, Modern, Clear, Back Pros Stylish Horween and Modern/Traditional options Price When Reviewed: From $69 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59 View Deal Nomad $69 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 35g Raised screen edge: From 1mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Drop protection: 8 feet (Modern) Button covers: Metal Colors: Saddle, Rustic Brown, Black, Burgundy, Olde Dublin Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Nomad has four different types of leather cases for the iPhone 18 Pro series, including one that has leather only on part of the backplate. The Traditional Leather Case is available in Camino or Horween leathers with a full wrap from sides to back. Adding further protection, the Modern Leather Case has a grippy TPU bumper and 8ft drop protection. The interesting hybrid Clear Leather Case has has a clear polycarbonate body thats UV-blocking to stop yellowing, but also a leather back that hides the MagSafe elements that spoil that Apple Clear Case. If you like your iPhone 18s color and slimness more than most, the Mag Leather Back is an ultra-thin, precision-cut 2.2mm case-back that snaps on with micro-suction patches and an integrated magnet array. You lose any side protection but gain back the iPhones original thin frame. Apple iPhone 18 Pro TechWoven Case Apple's leather alternative Pros Tactile leather alternative Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59 View Deal $59 View Deal $59 View Deal $59 View Deal $59 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices MagSafe compatible: Yes Button covers: Metal Colors: Burgundy, Olive, Taupe, Chambray Blue, Mulberry, Black Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Apple has created its own custom technical woven fabric thats made from 100% recycled polyester. It looks great as it features multiple colored yarns woven togetheron a Jacquard loomthat creates a dimensional texture with a rich depth of color. There are six colors to choose from. As with its Silicone Case, Apples range is muted rather than vibrant. Look elsewhere for some fun, but TechWoven is certainly lovely to look at. Again, being an Apple case, you get the famous logo shown off at the back. To give a better grip, the TechWoven Cases sides are coated with a lightly textured thermoplastic polyurethane. Native Union Neo Case for iPhone 18 Classy leather alternative Pros Super smart looks Cross-grained leather alternative Price When Reviewed: From $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal Native Union $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: From 38g Raised screen edge: 1.3mm (ReClassic); 1mm (Neo, Active) Camera edge: 0.8mm Drop protection: 6 feet (ReClassic); 12 feet (Neo) Button covers: Metal (ReClassic, Active); Plastic (Neo) Colors: Various (see below) Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Similar to Apples TechWoven Case for iPhone 18, Native Unions (Re)Classic Case has an equally tangled name but top-end premium build, made from beautifully textured recycled animal-free leather-like materials that are resistant to stainsa common complaint on Apples first TechWoven cases. It features 6ft (1.8m) drop protection with raised edges. Both the polycarbonate frame and microfiber lining are recycled for good measure, with metal buttons. As with Apples case, the colors are muted: Tan, Black, Burgundy, and Navy With a slightly higher 10-foor (3m) drop limit and tougher TPU frame, the Native Union Action Case is also crafted from animal-free leather, and features a reinformed camera block for lens protection. Available in Navy, Black, Sandstone, and Slate-Green Staying with an Apple-like theme but away from anything leather-like, Native Union has named its entry-level hard-backed case, Neo . While you cant fit a MacBook Neo in itcheck out the companys stylish sleeves for thatits a great option for either the 18 Pro or Pro Max iPhones with an anti-slip textured grip and what it calls Air Chamber Impact Absorbtion Technology for 12ft (3.6m) drop protection. We particularly like the Neos softer color range of Azur, Lemon, and Candy, plus Black if you must. Native Unions cases are designed to pair with the companys Wallet, City Sling, and City Grip wrist straps. ESR iPhone 18 Pro Max Atelier Case Vegan leather, zinc-alloy stand Pros Soft Vegan Leather Flexible Stand Drop protection Price When Reviewed: $42.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal ESR $42.99 View Deal $42.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 47g Raised screen edge: 1.85mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Drop protection: 12 feet (3.7m) Button covers: Metal Colors: Black, Deep Burgundy, Light Gray, Misty Blue Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max ESRs Atelier Case brings a mixture of a refined leather feel with robust protection, including drop protection up to 12 feet via its TPU frame, microfiber lining, and raised edges. Despite its vegan provenance it has a leather-like grain to fool cowboys and fashionistas. Id never heard of the word oleophobic before researching this case. Its a microscopically thin protective coating made of fluoropolymer materials that resists daily stains layer . One of its standout features is the Flex Stand that pulls out from the protective camera guard and adjusts from 15 to 69 for easy viewing in either portrait or landscape orientation. Troubadour Leather Cases Actual leather with mod option Pros Stylish Wallet option for 18 Pro and Max Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $47.20 View Deal $59 View Deal Troubadour $59 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 40g Raised screen edge: 1mm Camera edge: 1mm Button covers: Metal Colors: Black, Basalt, Tan, Obsidian Green, Terracotta Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Previously sold under the Mujjo brand name, the Troubadour Leather Case for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max is crafted from full-grain, velour Danish calfskin, vegetable-tanned and processed with waterless DriTan technology. As there are no plastic coatings, the leather acquires a patina over time. Inside theres a satin-soft Japanese microfiber lining. Troubadour, which makes some of Macworlds favorite MacBook bags , also sells a Modular Case model featuring a removable magnetic back panel that allows you to switch between two modes. With the magnetic panel removed, a leather bumper protects the sides and corners while leaving the back of the phone bare. MagSafe accessories, such as the $49 / 49 MagSafe 3 Card Leather Wallet Stand , sit snugly inside the cavity rather than stacking on the back, keeping the profile slim in hand and in your pocket. Casebell Vintage Luxe and Timeless Cases Personalize your leather Pros Personalization options Nice color range Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Casebell $79 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 40g Raised screen edge: 1.15mm Camera edge: 1mm Button covers: Metal Colors: Racing Green, Stone Gray, Sky Blue, Umber, Dark Brown, Noir Black, Burgundy Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Casebell uses two leathers: Vintage Luxe is vachetta, vegetable-tanned in Tuscany; and Timeless Luxe is Italian nappa full-grain leather. Both are designed to age with a patina. A luxury microfiber lining protects against scratches and dust. Burgundy is dyed through in the same wine dark red as the iPhone 18 Pro/Max, and deepens with age rather than wearing off the way a coated finish does. Sky Blue matches Apples Glacier. Wed have loved Apple to make a Racing Green iPhone just like one of the Casebell casesfingers crossed for the iPhone 19 or whatever Apple decides to call the 20th anniversary iPhone. This case stands out with its personalization options with custom embossing in gold, silver, or blind emboss (up to 4 characters). Best wallet cases for iPhone 18 The iPhone is the new wallet with Apple Pay available digitally, but if you prefer to still carry physical credit, travel, cash, or ID cards you can buy iPhone cases with a wallet attachedor alternatively buy one that clamps on magnetically. Nomad Modern Leather Folio for iPhone 18 Classy leather wallet folio Pros Wallet folio Can protect iPhone screen Holds 3 cards and cash Horween and Camino Leather versions Price When Reviewed: From $99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nomad $99 View Deal $119 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Can be affected by cards Weight: 70g (Pro); 81g (Pro Max) Raised screen edge: 1mm Camera edge: 0.5mm Drop protection: 8 feet (2.4m) Button covers: Metal Colors: Black, Taupe, Chocolate Brown, Midnight, Rose Quartz (Silicone) Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Nomad offers its Leather Folio in either Camino or Horween leathers. Horween leather is more expensive as its handcrafted by the historic Horween Leather Co. in Chicago, and presents a patina more quickly than Camino. There are three card slots and a compartment for cash, receipts or other important paper stuff. While you cant remove the whole wallet flapas you can on Decodeds Detachable Wallet Case reviewed belowyou can detach the magnetic clasp on the Nomad for a slimmer profile. Drop protection is claimed at up to 8 feet (2.4m). Decoded Leather Detachable Wallet Case remove wallet flap if you fancy Pros Detachable wallet folio Can protect iPhone screen Holds 3 cards and cash Leather and Silicone versions Price When Reviewed: $93 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Decoded $93 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: Can be affected by cards Weight: 40g Raised screen edge: 1.2mm Camera edge: 1.2mm Drop protection: 4 feet (1.2m) Button covers: Metal Colors: Black, Taupe, Chocolate Brown, Midnight, Rose Quartz (Silicone) Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Decoded makes its Detachable Wallet Case in either ECCO Leather or Polyurethane Silicone. On either, the wallet attaches and detaches magnetically. You take the wallet off and you keep a slim back cover, and then put it back on and you carry your cards again with the three-card plus cash compartment wallet folding over the iPhones screen in a folio-style. Its a neat magnetic option for when you dont need to carry your cards around, although not as 100% reliable as the Nomads fixed wallet wing. Drop protection is claimed at up to 4 feet (1.2m). While it can be used for wireless charging with the wallet in place, Decoded notes that if your iPhone doesnt start charging or charges slowly, you should take the wallet off and put it back on when you are done. The case itself can stay on your iPhone. Smartish Wallet Slayer Case for iPhone 18 Slim, static card holder case Pros Holds 4 cards and cash Kickstand option Price When Reviewed: From $34.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Smartish $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide MagSafe compatible: No Weight: 39g (Pro); 45g (Pro Max) Raised screen edge: 1mm Camera edge: 1mm Drop protection: 6 feet (1.8m) Button covers: Plastic Colors: Black Tie Affair, Walnut Woods, Liquid Sky, Blues on the Green, So Jaded, Very Cherry Blossom Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max This side-loading design is different to the examples above, holding up to four cards plus cash with no moving parts. There are two models: Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 and Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 where the saffiano-textured vegan leather card holder doubles as a kickstand. The backplate design wraps nicely round the case sides. FAQ 1. What is Apples Ceramic Shield protection for iPhones? Apple introduced Ceramic Shield with the iPhone 12 in 2020, developed jointly with glassmaker Corning, and its been standard on every iPhone since (excluding the budget SE line). Its made by fusing nano-ceramic crystals into glass, then dipping it in molten salt so potassium ions swap places with smaller sodium ions, creating a compressive surface layer that resists cracking. This gave the original iPhone 12 four times better drop performance than the iPhone 11. Ceramic Shield 2 arrived with the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025, keeping the same crystal-infusion and ion-exchange process but with a refined composition thats roughly three times more scratch-resistant than the first generation, while retaining similar drop protection. On the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Ceramic Shield 2 protects the front, while the back uses Ceramic Shield. 2. Why do you need an iPhone case? Your iPhone is a precision device that lives in an unpredictable worldpockets, bags, countertops, pavement. A case is what stands between an accidental drop and a cracked screen or shattered back. Its not a small risk either: plenty of new iPhone owners crack a screen within the first ten weeks of ownership ( source ). The IP68 rating means real dust and water resistance, but thats a lab resultreal life is messier. Add in the daily wear of being pulled in and out of a pocket, plus UV exposure over time, and the damage adds up quietly. A case wont make your iPhone indestructible, but it absorbs the everyday hits so you dont end up paying for a repair or a replacement. 3. Will the iPhone 18 Pro fit a case for the iPhone 17 Pro? The iPhone 18 Pro series are virtually identical to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Even my iPhone 16 Pro fits in an 18 Pro case, and it works just fineit looks a bit weird at the back, but otherwise fits nicely. On the other hand, a 17 Pro or 18 Pro wouldnt fit in a 16 Pro case because of the rear camera positioning. Rokform told Macworld that its iPhone 18 Pro case lineup is compatible with iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro models. However, its older iPhone 17 Pro case lineup is not compatible with iPhone 18 models due to camera plateau design differences. Cases designed with tight tolerances might therefore have a problem as the camera plateau on iPhone 18 Pro/Max is about 0.5mm taller than on iPhone 17 Pro/Max. Leading case manufacturer OtterBox reports that its iPhone 18 Pro/Max cases are also compatible with iPhone 17 Pro, so the cases can be used interchangeably between those two models. New cases are custom-built for each device to guarantee a perfect fit and protection, so buying a case built specifically for your iPhone model is the safest option. Check our roundup of the Best iPhone 17 Cases and Best iPhone 16 Cases for the older models. 4. Do I need a screen protector if I use a case? Yes, its still worth using a screen protector even if you have a case, as the two provide different but complementary protection. A case protects the back, corners, and edges of your iPhone, while a screen protector is designed to protect the display itself from scratches and cracks. Tempered-glass screen protectors can help absorb direct impacts and protect against everyday scratches and abrasions. A case with a raised screen lip offers some protection if your iPhone lands face down, but it cant prevent every object or surface from making direct contact with the screen. 5. What type of iPhone case offers the best protection? When it comes to maximum protection for your iPhone, the clear winners are rugged cases built with multi-layer materials and military-grade drop ratings. Rugged cases typically combine a hard polycarbonate outer shell with a shock-absorbing TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) inner layer, reinforced corners, and raised edges around both the screen and camera to prevent direct surface contact on drops. While silicone and leather cases offer decent everyday scratch protection, they simply cant match the impact resistance of a purpose-built rugged case. When choosing a protective case, look for: Raised screen edge around the front (at least 1mm) to keep the screen safely off surfaces. Raised camera edge (0.5mm minimum, some go up to 3.6mm). MIL-STD-810G certification a U.S. Department of Defense standard for durability. Reinforced corners for impact absorption. MagSafe compatibility if you wirelessly charge. 6. Do I need an iPhone case for iPhone 18? Many consumers damage their devices each year, with cracked, chipped or shattered screens the leading reason for iPhone repairs. A screen protector is an important first line of defense, but a case with a raised screen edge can much better protect the display from everyday knocks and drops, and tough sides and back will reduce the risk of damage from an accidental fall. Ceramic Shield 2, introduced with the iPhone 17 generation, protects the front of the iPhone 18 Pro and offers three times better scratch resistance than the iPhone 16 Pro. The back uses Ceramic Shield, which Apple says offers four times better crack resistance than the back glass used on earlier models. The 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are the best-protected iPhones yet, but a case is still worth buying. It helps keep that pristine finish looking new and, when its time to trade up, a well-protected iPhone can retain far more resale value than the cost of the case itself. How we test iPhone cases When we receive new cases, we test them for fit, button feel, grip, MagSafe strength and alignment, raised-edge camera and screen protection, bulk, weight, and day-to-day handling. Where we are unable to test a case ourselves, we assess it based on its specifications and our experience with other cases from the same manufacturer that have impressed us. We report manufacturers claimed drop-protection metrics. As we have listed iPhone cases only from trusted companies we feel safe in these claims but note that measurement is the makers own and not ours or Apples.

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Back in 1986, a Princeton philosopher named Harry Frankfurt published a short essay with a title you dont expect to see in an academic journal, On Bullshit. It stayed largely inside academic circles for the better part of twenty years. Then in 2005 Princeton University Press decided to reprint it as a tiny hardcover, 67 [] This story continues at The Next Web

Halo and the missed opportunity for the Mac

Macworld Halo , officially known as Halo: Combat Evolved , was released for the Xbox in 2001. Its regarded as the game that perfected the first-person shooter on the console, after GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64 had provided the first successful blueprint four years earlier. Yet things could have turned out very differently. Originally, Halo was unveiled for the Mac at Macworld Expo in July 1999. Alongside other titles, Halo was set to become a flagship for gaming on the Mac . This was no coincidence: the developer, Bungie had made a name for itself on the Mac in previous years with Marathon and Myth . Gaming on the Mac wasnt exactly a novelty back then. And so Jason Jones, co-founder of Bungie, presented the first gameplay footage of Halo, complete with Martin ODonnells now-iconic theme tune, on a Mac, specifically, the Power Macintosh G3. Jones was introduced by Steve Jobs himself, who also announced that Halo would be released early next year, (early 2000). But things turned out differently. 27 years on, the first gameplay footage from Halo: Combat Evolved seems almost prehistoric. Microsoft buys Bungie At the same time, Microsoft was planning something quite different. In PC gaming, Apples direct competitor had long since established itself and was setting its sights on game consoles. Microsoft wanted to shake up that market, which at the time was dominated by Nintendo, Sony (PlayStation) and, to a lesser extent, Sega (Dreamcast). To succeed, the company had to win gamers over to its platform and offer an attractive game library featuring top-class titles at the consoles launch. The unveiling of Halo at Macworld Expo came at just the right time. On the one hand, the title promised to breathe new life into the first-person shooter genre; on the other, it was backed by a team that, whilst not as large or well-known as id Software ( Doom , Quake ), nevertheless already had a solid portfolio to its name. So Microsoft bought Bungie, along with Halo , and the game was not released for the Mac and only for the Xbox in late 2001. Halo: Combat Evolved did eventually come out for the Mac in 2003, but no further Halo installment has since made it onto an Apple platform natively, even though the series was originally intended for it. You can only play all the titles on Apple devices via the cloud, but to do so youll need either Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now. At least that means you can even play Halo on your iPhone. The best for (almost) everyone Halo could have given Mac gaming the boost it needed, but Apples gaming dilemma is of its own making. One game wouldnt have made any difference. It would also be presumptuous to believe that Halo alone could have elevated the platform to a relevant level. After all, many other gamessome of which were already better known at the timewere announced back in 1999. Looking back, Microsofts acquisition of Bungie was a great success. Microsoft managed to break into the console market and took Segas place, whose Dreamcast flop in 2001 also sealed the companys fate as a hardware manufacturer. Halo , on the other hand, established itself as the flagship title for first-person shooters on consoles and brought Bungie immense fame and success within the games industry. Following its split from Microsoft in 2007 and a partnership with Activision since 2010, the studio has, as of 2022, been owned by none other than Sony, Microsofts biggest rival in the console market. And Apple? The company hasnt completely abandoned its gaming ambitions, but the whole endeavor has been languishing for years. Although Apple makes a decent profit in the sector, it does not operate like a traditional gaming company and almost exclusively as a marketing platform, earning its revenue primarily through commissions from the App Store and in-app purchases. The subscription fees for Apple Arcade wont feature prominently in the balance sheet. Still, even without Halo , Apple is posting new record profits year after year. On the whole, things have gone quite well for all three parties involved.

New Mexico wants Meta to pay $40 billion in penalties for Cambridge Analytica scandal

New Mexico's attorney argued that the penalties Meta has to pay need to be significant enough to make an impact on the company.

French state-owned Bull doubles supercomputer output at Angers factory

Bull, the French state-owned supercomputer maker, has doubled production at its factory in Angers, western France, after an 80 million rebuild. The plant now assembles 12 racks a month, up from six, executives toldReuters, which first reported the expansion on Thursday. Output could rise to 24 racks next year if demand continues to grow. Bull [] This story continues at The Next Web

Stop renting access to Word and Excel with a one-time Office 2024 license for $113

Macworld TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC for $112.97 (MSRP $149.99) through October 4, with lifetime access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you only need the core Office apps, you dont necessarily have to sign up for Microsoft 365 and keep paying for access. Microsoft Office 2024 Home gives you the desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with a one-time purchase , and its currently available for $112.97, down from its $149.99 MSRP. This version of Office comes with Word Excel PowerPoint The layout is clean and familiar, but easier to use. The Ribbon automatically adjusts to show only what you need, and you can pin your favorite tools to the Quick Access Bar. Accessibility options are better, too, making it easier to create documents everyone can read. Real-time co-authoring makes it simple to work on a file with others, and built-in comments help when you need feedback. Office 2024 also adds AI features such as text suggestions in Word and improved data handling in Excel. Dont get stuck paying for apps youll never own. Until October 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for PC or Mac for $112.97. Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

For 2 days, a lifetime subscription to this popular ad blocker is just $11

Macworld TL;DR: Block ads and trackers on up to nine devices with a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan , just $11 (reg. $169.99) through October 4. Banner ads, pop-ups, and autoplay videos clutter pages on your Mac and iPhone, and plenty of them track what you do along the way. AdGuard blocks those ads and trackers across your whole household, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $11 (reg. $169.99). Once AdGuard is running, banners, pop-ups, and video ads disappear from the pages you visit. Trackers and activity analyzers get blocked too, so your browsing data stays hidden from them. AdGuard also blocks malware and phishing websites to keep your devices safer. Parents can turn on parental controls to restrict adult and inappropriate content on their kids devices. One Family Plan works on up to nine devices at once, including Macs on macOS 10.15 or newer and iPhones on iOS 12 or newer. Windows PCs and Android phones running Android 7 or newer work with it as well. Stop sitting through ads on every device in your house. Get the AdGuard Family lifetime subscription on sale for $11 (reg. $169.99). Sale ends October 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT. AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

Lamtto RC37 CarPlay Auto Display review: For old cars

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Bright 11-inch screen Pre-installed apps Four audio output options Two different mounting methods Rear camera included Fast response times Cons May not fit in every car Camera installation requires a bit of fiddling Touch controls can also be used whilst driving Our Verdict Anyone looking to retrofit an older vehicle with CarPlay and who has sufficient space in the cockpit will find the Lamtto Car Infotainment System to be a solution featuring a large screen, flexible audio output and, as a bonus, a back camera. Price at time of review This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Price Today Price When Reviewed $139.99 Best Prices Today: Lamtto RC37 11 Smart In-Cell CarPlay & Android Auto Display Retailer Price Lamtto $140 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide When CarPlay was first released, I wasnt interested, partly because of its limited availability. It was only found in newer cars from more exotic brands. That has changed; many new cars offer CarPlay connectivity, though there are some car companies that arent offering it. Ever since I tried out CarPlay in my second car, Ive come to view CarPlay more favorably. In fact, Id hardly want to be without it now. However, my 2008 Renault Kangoo was made before CarPlay became a thing in 2014. The car was retrofitted with a Bluetooth receiver that uses the unused interface of the CD changer (the car really is old!). Ive been able to listen to music from my iPhone through the cars impressive sound system. This is where the Lamtto RC37 Car Infotainment System comes into its own. Unlike other retrofit systems, it connects to the cars stereo via Aux, FM, or Bluetooth. My car doesnt have a 3.5-mm jack input, and FM transmitters only work locally at best, where you can still find a free frequency at the edges of the bands and theyre usually useless when on the move, requiring readjustment of the frequency for every transmission area. More than just a CarPlay screen The Lamtto comes with three further interesting features: a rear car camera (something my old car wouldnt even have dared to dream of), a high-resolution 11-inch screen, and pre-installed entertainment apps. You can stick the 11-inch display onto the dashboard or attach it to the windscreen using a suction cup. I opt for the suction cup, which makes the solution more flexible, as its removable, but it does obstruct the field of vision slightlysome may be able to quite literally, look past it. If I tilt the screen significantly lower or mount it on the shelf in front of the radio, Ill lose sight of it. Sticking the stand on the passenger side is a bad idea because of the airbag. Ill eventually find the right spot for it. Setup is absolutely straightforward: switch it on, connect it to the iPhone, launch CarPlay, and youre done. The Lamtto has a plug that fits into the cigarette lighter socket. This socket also features a USB-A port, which can be used to change and iPhone. When operating the touchscreen, I found that the suction-cup mounting is less than ideal. The screen always gives way too much when touched. A stand would be the better solution, but then you have to consider a proper mounting area that is accessible and doesnt block your windshield. Thats more of a problem with the car and not with the Lamtto kit. At least, thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you can adjust the volume from the steering wheel. And, of course, the connected iPhone responds to Siri. The system has TikTok, YouTune, and Netflix. Theyre off-limits while driving, even if its the front passenger using them. Drivers can use them when the car is parked, but this is only of interest to anyone who takes longer driving breaks and whose car battery has sufficient charge. The screen is a nice size, but it can be a bit of a nuisance in your field of vision. Macwelt Fiddly setup required for rear camera The Lamttos rear camera is a feature that take it to a whole new level. This isnt connected wirelessly, but via a cable to the Lamtto display. The manufacturer recommends mounting the camera on or above the license platea central position, close to the ground. Youll need to figure out how to thread the cameras cable through your car without it getting in the way of your windows or your doors. The camera switches on automatically when the car is put into reverse. For this to happen you need to attach an additional cable to the positive terminal of the reverse lights of your car. When this lights up, the display receives a signal and shows the cameras image. That setup is a bit too fiddly for me to do and Id rather leave it to a professional, wholl also help me position the display correctly in the car. Within a very short time of turning on the ignition, the Lamtto device is ready to go, has launched CarPlay, found the iPhone, and resumed the music from where I last left off. Exactly how it should be. Should you buy the Lamtto RC37? The Lamtto Car Entertainment System retrofits older vehicles with CarPlay and also offers a rear camera. The bright 11-inch display can also a disadvantage if you cant find the right spot to mount it. If you have an 11-inch iPad, you can experiment with it in your car to see if the display would fit and where it wouldnt get in the way. Fitting the device in the car and setting it up is completely straightforward once youve chosen the right spot. Installing the rear camera requires a steady hand, the sort that car mechanics have. The pre-installed entertainment apps such as YouTube, Netflix, TikTok and YouTube Music are of interest to those who take longer breaks (such as overnight) in a car park. Even in a traffic jam, and even if the screen is directed only at the front passenger or those in the back seats, watching videos in the car is strongly discouraged.

Florida county finds 11 unpermitted Flock cameras with unidentified owners

St. Lucie County thought it had 52 Flock cameras, but found many more that were unaccounted for and unpermitted.

OpenAI fires three employees who allegedly shared info with an external AI safety group

You can't make this stuff up.

Samsung launches its first clip-on earbuds in South Korea

A global rollout will follow, although we don't yet know the details.

Yozma

Once again since early September, you can score up to $700 exclusive savings on Yozma electric dirt bikes using our code 9TO5TOYS100 at checkout. Theres the Yozma IN 10 Electric Mini Dirt Bike down at $999 shipped , using the above code, while the larger Yozma IN 10 Pro Electric Dirt Bike is down at $1,699 shipped . Down from $1,599 and $2,399 to $1,099 and $1,799, the savings are all the better with our exclusive code that cuts an additional $100 off the tag. Youre getting $600 and $700 markdowns here for the second-lowest price on the IN 10 and the all-time lowest price for the IN 10 Pro. Head below to learn about their features, including their rider height ranges. more

Police may have new ways to access data on locked iPhones

A training video reportedly demonstrates how police can evade an Apple security feature.

Save up to 25% on EcoFlow

With Amazons early fall Prime Day deals in full swing, we found some savings hitting EcoFlows more compact power solutions, like the 288Wh TRAIL 300 DC Portable Power Bank Station down at $149 shipped, beating the TRAIL 300 Plus DC station at $189 shipped. more

Here are 10 early fall Prime Day deals I have in my cart right now: Apple, Switch 2 games, smart home, more

The early fall Prime Day deals are now live, and by the thousands. That does not mean they are all good, but it also does not mean Im not going to be getting a jump on some very specific deals now. Some of the actual official prices are now live and some of the early deals are actually quite notable, if you know what to look for this guide might help the cause, allow you to stay focused offers only available next week, and land some new gear before the rush. Down below youll find 10 items that I have sitting in my Amazon cart right now. more

Sony gives the regular PS5 a new AI-powered graphics boost with QSSR

Sonys latest AI upscaling technology could make compatible PS5 games look sharper and more stable, giving standard-console owners a cheaper way to improve visuals without upgrading to Pro hardware.

Expand your LEGO cityscape with this Yellow Backhoe Loader set with first-time discounts to $24

LEGO City Yellow Backhoe Loader set Buy for $24 (Reg. $30) What we love You can expand your LEGO Cityscape with added construction equipment with this Yellow Backhoe Loader set. It gives you the namesake loader, which has realistic functions for raising the boom, tipping the bucket, deploying stabilizer legs, and more plus, it comes with two minifigures, three boulders, rubble pieces, and a toy gem. more

Judge dismisses lawsuits claiming Google's AI Overviews siphon web traffic

Google may have a monopoly in search, but neither lawsuit made a compelling case the company was leveraging it.

This $100 iPad is the best way to beat the RAM pricing surge

Macworld Aple iPad 8th Generation 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; }); })(); These days, finding an affordable iPad is darn near impossible. If you want to get one for your kids, then spending a ton of money is definitely not on your to-do list since its likely to get dropped or damaged. Well, weve found a solution: This Apple iPad 8th Gen is only $110 at Woot but if you use code APPLETEN , itll take off another 10 percent, bringing it under $100. Its not new (Woot says its in Grade A Refurbished condition) and wont get the latest features, but its about a third of how much youd pay for a new iPad today. The 10.2-inch Retina display is sharp and bright enough for movies, e-books, and homework apps. Inside, the A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine was a big upgrade for this model. When it came out, it made the 8th-gen iPad much faster than the version before it, and it still handles games, streaming, and everyday apps without much fuss. Back in 2020, we called it the best affordable tablet you can buy , and thats definitely the case right now. The tablet wont support iOS 27 or Apple Intelligence, but youre getting a perfect device you dont have to worry about when you hand it over. Think about it: Sooner or later, every parent hits the same moment on a long car ride or a rainy Saturday: the kids want your phone, and youd really like it back. A tablet of their own solves that, but handing a pricey new iPad to a seven-year-old is a gamble most of us would rather skip. Well, at $110, you wont wince every time your kid gently puts it on the table. Because its refurbished, youre also giving a perfectly good device a second life instead of buying new, and a landfill somewhere will thank you. Its guaranteed to be free of major dents and dings, plus it comes with a 90-day warranty in cases theres anything wrong with it. For under $100, this older iPad model is an easy pick if you want a kid-friendly first tablet or a simple spare iPad for the house without paying full price.

9to5 readers can score an exclusive 15% off the new UAG iPhone 18 Pro cases, Watch bands, more

If youre into the robust, protective cases, UAG is one of our favorites. The brand has been in the game a long while, delivering its own unique take on shape angular designs inspired by military equipment in some cases, and you can now use our exclusive 9to5 code at checkout to knock 15% off sitewide including the new iPhone 18 Pro models. more

Score Baseus 70W 3-port charger with FREE 100W stealthy black zinc alloy braided USB-C cable

Courtesy of Baseus official Amazon storefront, Prime members can now pick up the brands EnerFill 70W 3-port GaN charger for $26.99 shipped. Thats $13 less than what folks without a Prime membership will have to fork over for this unit. The listing highlighted here also includes a FREE stealthy black Baseus zinc-alloy USB-C cable, giving you a more complete setup for the same price. If you dont need the extra cable, you can instead use promo code W45E3W9Z at checkout to grab the charger on its own for just $19.99 shipped, which is an even better price if you already have cables covered. Head below for more details. more

Get GPT-5.5 Pro, Claude, Gemini, and more for life for just $100 with 1min.AI ($540 value)

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan for $99.99 (MSRP $540), with flagship AI models, writing and image tools, PDF and document features, and audio and video creation. more

NYC's click-to-cancel rule is now in effect to save consumers from subscription hell

Can the rest of the country have this please?

Hands-on with Flexispot

I was on the hunt for a new bed frame recently and those Japanese joinery models really caught my eye, but so did the price. These things can get very expensive, however Flexispot a brand that has delivered by home office with wonderful seating arrangements for years also makes some Japanese joinery frames at a much more affordable rate . Here are my hands-on impressions. more

This 7,000mAh power bank doubles as wall charger with built-in plug and USB-C cable at just $30 today

LISEN power bank with wall plug and built-in USB-C cable Buy for $30 (Reg. $48) What we love This LISEN charger combines a 7,000mAh battery with a built-in 3.3-foot USB-C cable and an additional USB-C port, letting you top up two devices at the same time. It can deliver up to 35W of output, which is plenty for fast charging phones and other smaller gadgets on the go. Theres also a foldable wall plug built into the unit, so you can use it like a regular wall charger whenever an outlet is nearby and keep the battery topped up at the same time. more

Pandora claims 'we haven't made this decision lightly' after raising prices

The SiriusXM service joins a long list of streamers that have increased rates this year.

This power strip packs widely-spaced outlets, 10-foot reach, USB-C, more for $14 (Reg. $25)

ORICO 1.7-inch Wide 7-in-1 USB-C Power Strip (10-foot) Buy for $14 (Reg. $25) Clip the on-page 30% off coupon. What we love We featured a deal on this power strip last week, but it was the 5-foot model. Todays offer delivers the 10-foot edition for only $14 Prime shipped. The headlining feature here is that all of the AC outlets are widely spaced apart in an attempt to help everything fit and play nice. more

Drop this 38-inch leatherette pad on your desk from $14.50 Prime shipped

Aothia 38-inch PU Leather Desk Pad Buy for $14.50 (Reg. $16) What we love You probably know by now that Im a big fan of desk pads. I have an oversized one on my desk right now and couldnt be happier. One of the things that I love most is that if something spills or there is any mess whatsoever, I can wipe the desk pad down and know that the surface underneath is safe and sound. more

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: The difference one year can make

An iterative upgrade once again for Samsung's laptop-sized tablet line.

Integrated USB-C power strip, lighting, cable tray, more headline this 65-inch standing desk at $170 (Reg. $350)

HUANUO 65-inch L-Shaped Standing Desk Buy for $170 (Reg. $350) What we love This desk packs a punch for this price. Not only is it spacious, it also wields an integrated power strip with USB-C, but also packs lighting that delivers a subtle glow. Youll even benefit from an included cable management tray. more

Get that power strip off the floor with two under-desk trays down at $12.50 a pop

DELAMU Under-Desk Cable Management Trays (2-pack) Buy for $25 (Reg. $30) What we love This is just one way you can get a surge protector off the floor and out of sight. This particular listing bundles two for $25, which works out to $12.50 a pop. Was locked in place, the brand touts that these can handle up to 15 pounds each. more

Ninja appliances are getting up to 46% early Prime Day savings, like the 8-in-1 Flip oven at a $150 ($100 off)

With Amazons early fall Prime Day deals in full swing, you can find the popular Ninja Flip 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo back down at $149.94 shipped, matching the price direct from the brands website . Down from a $250 full price, this has consistently been the most seen rate appearing during this year with discounts, aside from a May drop to $160. After it appeared in early September, youre now getting another chance at $100 savings for the best price we have tracked in 2026. Below, youll also find a large collection of the brands appliance deals rounded up for you. more

Slide Switch 2 in this hardshell carrying case while it

JSAUX Slim Switch 2 Carrying Case Buy for $17 (Reg. $20) What we love I picked up a carrying case like this shortly after I purchased my Nintendo Switch 2. This type of console is made for portability, so its my go-to option when I travel, and a case like this can help you tote it more safely while on the go. more

HUANUO FlowLift Pro floats two displays above your desk for $45 (Reg. $60)

HUANUO FlowLift Pro Dual Monitor Mount Buy for $45 (Reg. $60) What we love Ive been all-in on monitor mounts and arms like this for years now. Not only does it help in terms of ergonomics, but it also looks better when you can hide cables within the arm and float a couple of displays for a more modern aesthetic. more

Audible thinks you want to have an AI-generated conversation with Dracula's beleaguered servant

The platform is rolling out Interactive Stories starting with Bram Stoker's classic.

Forget the umbrella and grab this packable rain jacket instead for only $19

COOFANDY Packable Rain Jacket Buy for $19 (Reg. $25) What we love Instead of packing an umbrella, you could just keep this rain jacket ready and waiting. It features a packable design with a bag included. Which is not too shabby for $19 Prime shipped. more

These quick-dry golf shorts are priced as low as $20 right now

COOFANDY 7-inch Quick Dry Golf Shorts Buy for $20 (Reg. $26) What we love For many of us, buying shorts right now is likely out of the question as fall closes in on us. That said, if you live in a warmer climate here is a nice drop worth considering. Pricing kicks off from $20, which isnt bad for a pair of golf shorts if you ask me. more

Leak reveals four colors for Apple

Macworld If the latest reports are correct, were less than two weeks away from Apple revealing its long-rumored home hub device. If youre excited about it and already making plans on how to incorporate it into your home, then youll appreciate the latest report that reveals the colors of the new device. According to a post by itspdfu (who has previously posted leaks that have panned out), Apple will offer four colors for the new device: Rose Pink, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight. The information was gleaned from a feature itspdfu discovered called Photo Face, which displays four background colors that seemingly match the color of the device. Apples Home device may come in four finishes: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink. The Photo Face setup screen picks its preview art based on the hardware color the device reports. The devices housing may also show in setup screens once device assets are available. https://t.co/8h4iF9OEsG pic.twitter.com/oRRTijUdkO pdfu (@itspdfu) October 1, 2026 Notably missing from the color choices is black, but Space Gray could come close enough, depending on the shade Apple uses. Starlight is a light bronze finish that has been offered on the MacBook Air, iPad, and AirPods Max. Apple has offered Rose Gold and Pink devices in the past, but Rose Pink is a new name. However, there were rumors that the iPhone 13 Pro Max was going to come in Rose Pink, but that color never shipped. The Home hub is expected to have a 6-inch display and come in two forms: a design reminiscent of the iMac G4, and another that is mounted to a wall. Its not clear if Apple will reveal the new smart home products at an event, but rumors point to October 13 as a possible launch date.

Engadget's best of 2026

The highest-rated devices that we reviewed this year in a variety of categories.

Jio Fiber

Anyone using their internet + IPTV + landline offer ? Rumours are all of these will be bundled under 1k

Samsung suddenly jacks up the prices of Galaxy S26 phones

RAMageddon comes for us all.

Broadcom to lend Anthropic up to $42bn for its chips, Reuters reports

Broadcom has agreed to lend Anthropic up to $42bn to help pay for its AI infrastructure, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing Anthropics IPO prospectus. The loan could cover about a third of the $125.2bn Anthropic has committed to a five-year lease of tensor processing units (TPUs), the AI chips Google designs with Broadcom. Echo Wang, [] This story continues at The Next Web

Get this 45-piece DEWALT screwdriver bit set with a connectable tough case for just $10 right now

DEWALT 45-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set with Tough Case Buy for $10 (Reg. $28) What we love Its always handy to stock up on drill bits, and this package gives you a 45-piece set within a tough case to keep them organized. Whats more, the case comes with a connectable design for any other similar boxes you have, clipping together for a more convenient way to keep it all organized. more

Kanu AI raises $11.7m to turn how staff work into software they own

Kanu AI has come out of stealth with $11.7m in funding. The Seattle startup builds software that runs inside a customers own cloud. Accel, BMW i Ventures and a16z speedrun joined a round led by Trilogy Equity Partners, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Companies have spent decades buying software built around someone [] This story continues at The Next Web

Newsom vetoes smart glasses privacy bill

The language of the bill was overbroad, in Newsom's opinion.

Japanese court rules human voices are protected in landmark AI case

Humans vs AI: It's time to d-d-d-d-duel.

First deal knocks 20% off Belkin

Belkins early fall Prime Day deals are starting to show up, and we just spotted the brands newer 16-in-1 Triple Display docking station down at $199.99 shipped . This model only hit the scene a few months ago alongside Belkins 14-in-1 dual-display dock, carrying a $250 price tag. Todays offer marks the first discount weve tracked on the 16-in-1 model, taking 20% off to save you $50. The 14-in-1 dual-display version is also 20% off right now, dropping to a new low of $175.99 shipped from its usual $220 price. Head below for more details. more

Metaview raises $60m to put AI agents across the whole hiring process

Metaview, a London and San Francisco startup that builds AI agents for recruiting, has raised a $60m Series C led by Insight Partners. GV, Intrepid Growth Partners, Seedcamp, Vertex Ventures US, Plural and Garuda Ventures also took part, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. The round comes a year after its previous one [] This story continues at The Next Web

When everyones responsible, no one is: the AI champion problem

Find a champion. Protect 20% of their time. Wait for it to spread. One of the people in the room with me had run that play before, in the era of robotic process automation. Their leadership agreed to protect 20% of an AI champions time. A month later, the manager had taken it back. There [] This story continues at The Next Web

This M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $500 off might be the best early fall Prime Day deal yet

The early Amazon fall Prime Day sale is flying with thousands of price drops, but there is one particularly notable Apple deal we want to highlight before it disappears. Theres no telling how things might go with the latest MacBook Pro lineup for Prime Day next week, but you can already score a giant $500 off this M5 Pro 2TB model. more

Xbox is not for sale, CEO Asha Sharma tells The New York Times

Asha Sharma was asked whether her endgame at Xbox was divestiture, Zachary Small reported for The New York Times. The question came in a profile of Microsofts gaming chief published on Wednesday. Xbox is not for sale, Sharma said. We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for success, and we will [] This story continues at The Next Web

MI5 says over 100 UK academics worked on projects funded by China

MI5 has told UK universities to review any work with the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI). It says the institute funds research for Chinas Ministry of State Security (MSS). More than 100 UK-linked academics have worked on its projects, according to MI5. MI5 published the warning on Wednesday as an Espionage Alert. It is [] This story continues at The Next Web

Secure your Nintendo Switch Sports Resort pre-order discount before release this month

The next big first-party Switch 2 release lands in exactly 3 weeks from today and might want to consider securing a discounted pre-order Nintendo Switch Sports Resortbeforehand. The physical copy is still available at $10 off as of the time of writing (price appears in the cart and is also live at Walmart if Amazon sells out), but it has already sold out once and might very well again before release. These early pre-order Switch 2 discounts have all dried up once the game releases too, and theres no telling how much longer the pre-order deal will remain. The same goes for the deals on Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Metroid Ravenous at $10 off , but you have signfincatly more time to land the latter. Secure you Switch Sports Resort pre-order discount while you still can, more Zelda Ocarina of Time remake pre-order discount now live at Amazon more

Tackle up to 1.5 miles with Greenworks

As part of the Amazon early fall Prime Day deals, you can score the budget-friendly Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Electric Dual-Line String Trimmer with a 2.0Ah battery down at $89.99 shipped, beating out the brands direct website pricing by $10 . Down from $150, weve mostly seen this model keep above $110 during 2026, though there was a fall to $100 during Junes Prime Day, as well as $90 back at the start of the year. The deal here is bringing back that 2026 low with $60 savings, giving you a more affordable trimming solution. Weve also rounded up some additional string trimmer deals below, or you can shop all the brands tool deals in the official Amazon storefront here. more

Amazon-exclusive limited-edition Bissell Little-Green Bordeaux portable deep cleaner just hit a new $113 low

Update 10/1: Amazon has dropped the price further on this limited-edition model to a new all-time low of $112.63 shipped. Joining the waves of Amazon early fall Prime Day deals, you can find the Amazon-exclusive Bissell Little-Green Limited Edition Bordeaux Portable Deep Cleaner down at $116.75 shipped right now. This is a new model that just hit the market on Amazon earlier in September, with it having been cascading down from its $130 full price since mid-month, dropping first to $121 and further until $118 where it rode out until now. The savings have increased up to $13 here, giving you a new all-time low price on a limited-edition model. Of course, you can always go with the standard Little-Green cleaner that is currently down at a $95 2026 low . more

Best time to buy AirPods in 2026: Buy now or wait?

Macworld If youre planning to buy AirPods, timing your purchase can make a big difference to how much you pay. Apple rarely discounts AirPods itself, but retailers frequently cut prices particularly around Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. October 2026 is an interesting time to buy because Apple has recently refreshed much of the range. The AirPods 5 launched in September 2026, joining the AirPods Pro 3 , introduced in September 2025, and the AirPods Max 2 , which arrived earlier in 2026. That means there is relatively little reason to wait for an imminent replacement if you want one of Apples current range of AirPods . There is, however, a very good reason to wait a few days if youre reading this at the beginning of October: Amazons October Prime Day sale takes place on October 6 and 7, and AirPods regularly receive substantial discounts during major sales events. In this guide well explain when the best time is to buy each AirPods model, whether you should buy now or wait, which older AirPods are worth considering at clearance prices, and the times of year when youre most likely to find a bargain. When to buy AirPods: At a glance When AirPods 5 AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Max 2 October 2026 Buy during Prime Day Buy during Prime Day WaBuy during Prime Day November 2026 Buy during Black Friday sales Buy during Black Friday sales Buy during Black Friday sales December 2026 Buy Buy Buy Early 2027 Buy Buy Buy Best AirPods deals right now U.S. AirPods Pro 3 : $234 ($15 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 5: $129 ($0 off, MSRP $129) AirPods Max 2: $479 ($80 off, MSRP $549) U.K. AirPods Pro 3 : 200 (19 off, RRP 219) AirPods Max 1 : 424 Clearance What is the worst time to buy AirPods? The worst time to buy AirPods is generally immediately before a major sale, or just before Apple replaces the model youre considering. Thats particularly relevant right now. Amazons October Prime Day sale takes place on October 6 and 7, so paying full price for AirPods just a few days before the sale would make little sense unless you need them immediately. What is the best time to buy AirPods? Major sales events are generally the best time to buy AirPods. Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday are particularly worth watching because Apples headphones and earbuds frequently receive significant retailer discounts. The savings can be substantial. AirPods Pro 3 have previously dropped from their $249 MSRP to $169, while AirPods Max 2 have already been available for $399 rather than $549. That doesnt mean you should never buy between sales. If the AirPods you want are already close to their historical low, theres little reason to wait simply because another sales event will eventually arrive. Should you buy AirPods now or wait? For most people, yes but wait for Prime Day if you can Foundry For most people, October 2026 is a good time to buy AirPods but wait until the October 67 Prime Day sale if you can. Apple has recently refreshed the standard AirPods and AirPods Max ranges, while AirPods Pro 3 are only around a year old. That removes much of the risk that comes with buying immediately before a product refresh. The bigger question is therefore not whether a new generation is about to arrive, but whether you can get the current model at a good price. Read our AirPods Buying Guide to understand how the different AirPods compare and find out which is best for you. Model Our advice AirPods 5 Buy, but wait for Prime Day if possible AirPods Pro 3 Buy, particularly when discounted AirPods Max 2 Buy only if you specifically want Apples over-ear headphones; look for a substantial discount AirPods 4 Clearance purchase only AirPods Pro 2 Consider only at a significant discount Should you buy AirPods 5 now or wait? Buy but wait for a Prime Day discount if you can. We recommend: Apple AirPods 5 Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $129 at Amazon | $129 at Apple | $129 at B&H The AirPods 5 only arrived in September 2026, so theres little reason to wait for another generation. They are also much easier to recommend than the AirPods 4 they replace because Active Noise Cancellation is now standard. AirPods 5 start at $129 with a USB-C charging case. Apple also sells a $149 version with a Wireless Charging Case, which adds wireless charging, a speaker for Find My, volume adjustment by swiping the stems and slightly longer battery life. The new generation also brings improved sound and stronger noise cancellation. Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. We think the $149 Wireless Charging Case version is the better choice for most buyers because it costs only $20 more and adds several useful features. Our recommendation : Buy AirPods 5 if you prefer an open-ear design. If you arent in a hurry, wait until Prime Day on October 67 to see whether either version is discounted. Should you buy AirPods Pro 3 now or wait? Buy particularly if you find them well below $249. We recommend: Apple AirPodsPro 3 Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $229 at Best Buy US | $234 at Amazon | $235 at B&H AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025 and remain Apples most capable earbuds. They improve on AirPods Pro 2 with a more comfortable and secure fit, stronger noise cancellation, improved battery life and a heart-rate sensor. They also have a significant battery-life advantage over AirPods 5, lasting up to eight hours with ANC enabled compared with four or five hours for the two AirPods 5 packages. AirPods Pro 3 additionally support Apples Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features. Their $249 price is much higher than the $129/$149 AirPods 5, but discounts can dramatically narrow that gap. AirPods Pro 3 have previously fallen as low as $169, making sales events particularly attractive times to buy. Our recommendation : Buy if you want the strongest noise isolation, longer battery life, a secure in-ear fit or Apples health and hearing features. At full price, compare carefully with AirPods 5; at a substantial discount, AirPods Pro 3 become much more compelling. Should you buy AirPods Max 2 now or wait? Buy if you specifically want AirPods Max but look for a discount rather than paying $549. We recommend: Apple AirPods Max 2 Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $479 at Walmart | $495 at Best Buy US | $509.99 at Amazon AirPods Max 2 are relatively new, so waiting for an imminent replacement isnt the main concern. The bigger issue is value. The second-generation model adds the H2 chip and features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation. Sound quality, Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode remain excellent. However, our review found that Apple failed to address several longstanding complaints, including the headphones weight, Smart Case and inability to be switched off manually. That makes the price particularly important. AirPods Max 2 cost $549, but the updated Prime Day roundup has already recorded a $399 deal $150 below MSRP. Our recommendation : Dont wait because Apple isnt expected to update the AirPods Max soon. Instead, wait for a good discount unless you particularly want them immediately. Should you buy AirPods 4? Only at a substantial clearance discount. We recommend: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: $89 at Walmart | $149 at B&H | $149.99 at Best Buy AirPods 5 have replaced AirPods 4 and now include Active Noise Cancellation as standard while starting at the same $129 MSRP previously charged for AirPods 4 without ANC. That makes older AirPods 4 difficult to recommend unless retailers cut their prices significantly. The standard model fell to $99 during Prime Day, but now that AirPods 5 cost $129, wed want to see an even lower clearance price before choosing the older generation. Our recommendation : Buy the ANC equipped version only if the price is exceptionally low. Should you buy AirPods Pro 2? Only at a significant discount. We recommend: AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $173.99 at Walmart | $239 at Best Buy US | $249 at Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still capable earbuds, but AirPods Pro 3 improve the fit, battery life and noise cancellation and add heart-rate sensing. The older model can still make sense if retailers are clearing stock at a sufficiently low price. But the closer its price gets to a discounted pair of AirPods Pro 3, the less attractive it becomes. Our recommendation : Consider AirPods Pro 2 only if theyre substantially cheaper than AirPods Pro 3 and you dont need the newer models heart-rate feature. Should you buy older or refurbished AirPods? Screenshot Foundry Older AirPods can make sense when retailers are clearing stock, but compare the price with the model that replaced them rather than focusing on the percentage discount from the original MSRP. You should also be careful when buying an older generation simply because it appears heavily discounted. The percentage saving can be misleading if the replacement model offers significantly more for a similar price. AirPods 5, for example, start at the same $129 price originally charged for AirPods 4 without ANC, but now include Active Noise Cancellation as standard. You should be particularly cautious when buying AirPods from marketplaces or unfamiliar sellers. Counterfeit AirPods can closely resemble genuine products, and unusually low prices particularly on second-hand marketplaces can be a warning sign. If youre considering an older model, check the exact generation, charging case and condition, and make sure the seller is reputable. When does Apple release new AirPods? Unlike the iPhone, AirPods dont follow a simple annual update schedule. AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025, AirPods Max 2 followed in 2026, and Apple introduced AirPods 5 in September 2026. Because the three main AirPods families have all been updated relatively recently, the current lineup doesnt present the obvious wait because a replacement is imminent problem that sometimes occurs with Apple products.

More evidence emerges of an imminent Apple device launch

Macworld Following a report Wednesday that Apple is planning to launch three new smart-home products on October 13, more evidence has emerged to indicate that something is indeed coming soon. According to a report from MacRumors , Apple retail stores have received packages that arent to be opened until October 8. The site claims it has multiple sources that confirm Apple Stores around the world have received confidential boxes with instructions to not open them until October 8. The boxes appear to contain new visual merchandise, which enables workers to update labels, graphics, and product layouts in stores around the release of new products. Of course, Apple is also launching the iPhone Duo this month, with in-store availability beginning on October 23. However, as MacRumors notes, its unlikely that there would be secrecy around those displays, as the product has already been announced and new store displays are very much expected to go up around that time. Weve heard about stores receiving displays ahead of events and launches before, but its rare for Apple Stores to get information about new devices before the general public. So if the report is accurate, a date of October 8 would indicate that Apple plans to announce something next week rather than, or in addition to, October 13. Its also worth noting that Apple Stores dont generally advertise new products until theyre available for purchase or at least on display. So if stores are changing their signage for October 9, it would indicate that something new will be available. Apple is expected to launch at least three new smart-home devices, including an updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, as well as a new smart-home hub . Its not uncommon for Apple to space out announcements on multiple days when there isnt an official event.

Tenways sale offers $405 FREE bundle with the premium AGO X mid-drive all-terrain e-bike at $1,999, more

Tenways has launched a Holiday Season Warmup Sale with up to $905 savings on three e-bikes, as well as an extra $100 savings when buying two, and the usual $150 extra savings for military, first responders, medical providers, and teachers. The most premium of the included models is the AGO X Mid-Drive All-Terrain e-bike with a FREE $405 bundle at $1,999 shipped . Weve mostly been seeing it taken down to this same rate throughout 2026, with some rare falls further to the $1,899 low. At this price, this is the largest bundle inclusion weve seen this year, with it usually only coming with a $307 bundle, but youre getting a FREE bumbag and travel coffee cup thrown in, too. Head below to browse the complete lineup of deals. more

Amazon introduces new Kindle Paperwhite, Colorsoft and entry-level models

Amazon's new Kindle e-readers come with flat-surface displays and new colors.

HP's Omnibook 5 features an OLED screen and costs $699

It also lasts up to 42 hours on a single charge.

Amazon's latest Kindle accessories bring physical buttons back to its ereaders

BookTok will probably rejoice.

Twelve South launches new Airfly Drive wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adapter

Just after launching some early fall Prime Day deals, Twelve South is ready to launch its all-new Airfly Drive today. The latest entry in the Airfly lineup, the new CarPlay and Android Auto adapter is live and available for purchase at $39.99 .Theres a ton of no name brands out there making something similar (and usually much less elegant than this), but Twelve South has arrived. more

A complete gaming PC for under $500? This entry-level CyberPowerPC prebuilt with FREE mouse and keyboard is just $495 today

Alongside Amazons now-live early fall Prime Day deals, Woot is offering an AMD-powered CyberPowerPC gaming desktop for $494.99 Prime shipped (a $6 delivery fee applies otherwise). Just be sure to use promo code APPLETEN at checkout to see the discounted price. This is an entry-level configuration that typically sells for around $1,000, with Walmart currently listing the same PC at $949 and similarly specced systems at Amazon also hovering around that mark. Woots deal, however, drops it below $500 to deliver some serious value for your money. Its not going to compete with higher-end gaming rigs, but it makes a lot of sense as a starter desktop if youre getting into PC gaming and dont want to spend four figures right away. Head below for more details. more

Google DeepMind watermarks AI proteins as Demis Hassabis warns of biosecurity risks

Google DeepMind has unveiled a groundbreaking technique named SynthID Bio to watermark proteins created by AI. This innovative approach seeks to bolster biosecurity as synthetic biology harnesses the power of artificial intelligence. By embedding an invisible digital tag into biological sequences, functionality remains intact. This tool is poised to help researchers fend off potential biosecurity threats from AI-generated sequences, enhancing safety in the swiftly advancing realm of synthetic biology.

Anthropic says China

GLM-5.3, an open-weight model from the Chinese lab Zhipu AI, can build working cyber exploits on its own almost as well as Claude Mythos Preview, Anthropic said on Tuesday. Its safeguards can be bypassed with simple techniques in up to 100% of tests. Anthropics Frontier Red Team published the findings in a research post. Zhipu [] This story continues at The Next Web

Belkin early fall Prime Day deals now live from $13: 25W MagSafe chargers now at new all-time lows

The early fall Prime Day sale at Amazon is flying now and today we are tracking a number of new discounts and all-time lows on some of the latest Belkin 25W UltraCharge MagSafe charging stations, as well as a host of its USB-C wall chargers. There are some particularly rare discounts, and new Amazon all-time lows live here on the stations alongside deals starting from just $13 Prime shipped on the charger blocks. Scope them all out right here and in detail down below. more

Use.ai puts 10+ AI models in one app and reaches 1 million monthly users

Every new AI model creates another reason to switch. For users who have already built up months or years of conversations, preferences, files and personal context inside one platform, moving to a better model can also mean starting again. Use.ai was built around the idea that people should be able to switch between the intelligence [] This story continues at The Next Web

Maximor rebrands as Hyphenate after 86x revenue growth

Maximor, the autonomous finance company, has rebranded as Hyphenate. The new name reflects the companys expansion across the office of the CFO and follows 86x revenue growth over the past 12 months. Finance software spent the last decade breaking the office of the CFO into point solutions. There was one for close, another for billing, [] This story continues at The Next Web

iPhone Duo Guide: Everything you need to know about Apple

Macworld The iPhone Duo , Apples first foldable iPhone , will be available to pre-order on October 16 and goes on sale October 23 . Buyers can begin Apples Get Ready process on October 12, allowing them to choose their configuration and prepare payment, trade-in and delivery details before orders officially open. The Duo opens like a book from a compact 5.4-inch phone into a much larger 7.6-inch device. Apple describes the internal screen as its largest-ever iPhone display, with 50 percent more screen area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max , while the outer display provides more than 90 percent of the screen area of an iPhone 18 Pro . The biggest change is obviously the folding design , but Apple has done more than simply add a hinge. The iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 , which adapts to different positions and orientations with fold-specific interface and multitasking features. These include Split View, hands-free FaceTime and video, StandBy without charging, and layouts that move seamlessly between the two screens. Apple Pencil USB-C support is also coming later in 2026. The other major changes are the 7.6-inch nano-texture inner display , Touch ID replacing Face ID , an A20 Pro processor with vapor-chamber cooling , and a dual-battery system designed around the two halves of the phone. Apple has also introduced camera features that exploit the second screen, including Duo Preview, Smart Take, Kid Cue and Duo FaceTime. Much of the pre-launch reporting proved accurate: the Duo name, book-style design, roughly 7.7- and 5.4-inch screens, Touch ID, two 48MP rear cameras, two front-facing cameras, A20 Pro, C2 modem, MagSafe and the white/dark-blue colours were all anticipated. iPhone Duo at a glance Apples first folding iPhone , with 5.4-inch outer and 7.6-inch inner displays. Touch ID replaces Face I D, with the fingerprint sensor incorporated into the side button. A20 Pro with vapor-chamber cooling , including a new 2nm manufacturing process. Dual-battery architecture , giving up to 44 hours of video playback on the outer display. Fold-specific iOS and camera features , including Split View, Duo Preview, Smart Take, Kid Cue and hands-free use. iPhone Duo: Top 10 features Foldable design Book-style titanium design with precision hinge Inner display 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion Outer display 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion Processor A20 Pro, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU Neural Engine Dual 16-core Neural Engine Authentication Touch ID in side button Rear cameras 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra Wide Battery Dual batteries; up to 44 hours video on outer screen Connectivity C2 modem, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, second-gen UWB Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB iPhone Duo release date: When will it go on sale? Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026 , but unlike the iPhone 18 Pro models it wont arrive until October. From Monday, October 12 , Apple will let customers Get Ready for iPhone Duo pre-orders . Through the Apple Store app, buyers will be able to choose their preferred color and storage capacity, select a carrier, arrange a trade-in or financing, choose AppleCare+, and enter payment and delivery information in advance. That should make placing the final order considerably quicker once pre-orders open. Pre-orders begin on Friday, October 16 , at 1 p.m. in the U.K. and 5 a.m. Pacific in the U.S. The iPhone Duo officially goes on sale one week later on Friday, October 23 , in more than 70 countries and regions, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, India and Japan. A further 28 countries and regions will get it on October 30. Pre-order iPhone Duo at Apple U.S. Pre-order iPhone Duo at Apple U.K. It will be available directly from Apple online and through Apple Stores, with carrier availability varying by market. Initial supplies may be limited.A late-September supply-chain report claimed Apple and its manufacturing partners were still experiencing relatively low production yields for the new folding design. iPhone Duo design: What does it look like? The iPhone Duo opens up like a book. Apple The iPhone Duo uses a book-style folding design . Closed, it is unusually short and wide for an iPhone, measuring 84.1mm wide, 117.8mm tall and 11.3mm thick . Open it and the width expands to 164.6mm , while thickness reduces to just 5.2mm , making it Apples thinnest iPhone when unfolded (taking that mantle from the iPhone Air). It weighs 254g . The outer screen measures 5.4 inches , while the folding inner panel measures 7.6 inches . Both are Super Retina XDR OLED displays with ProMotion up to 120Hz, Always-On display support and up to 3,000 nits outdoor peak brightness. The internal display also has a nano-texture surface designed to reduce reflections and make the crease less noticeable. The frame and hinge cover are made from Grade 5 titanium . Apple uses a mirror-polished finish on the enclosure and a micro-blasted finish on the 3D-printed hinge cover. Ceramic Shield protects the rear, while Ceramic Shield 2 protects the outer display. The phone retains an IP68 rating despite its folding construction. The hinge from the outside. Apple There are just two colors: Star White and Night Sky , essentially confirming the pre-event reports of silver/white and a very dark blue. For more information read about the iPhone Duo colors. Action button and Camera Control There is Camera Control , giving access to exposure, depth, zoom, cameras, styles and tone. It can also launch the new Siri Camera mode. However, Apples Duo doesnt feature an Action button . The regular iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max retain both the Action button and Camera Control, so this is one hardware-control compromise of the folding model. Accessories Apple is also launching two dedicated accessories for the foldable: The iPhone Duo Case at $79/79 The Duo Folio with Kickstand at $129/129 Both will be orderable from October 16. Face ID, Touch ID and the notch Perhaps the most surprising difference between the iPhone Duo and Apples other flagship iPhones is that there is no Face ID . Instead, Apple has brought back Touch ID , with the fingerprint sensor incorporated into the side button. It works whether the Duo is folded or unfolded, and Apple Watch can also be used to unlock the device. This confirms one of the most persistent pre-launch rumors. The internal display therefore does not need the TrueDepth sensors used for Face ID. Its FaceTime camera sits beneath the display and disappears when it isnt being used , giving the inner screen a largely uninterrupted surface. The inner camera itself is hidden below the display rather than sitting permanently in a visible camera cutout. And yet, despite this and the absence of Face ID, there is still support for Dynamic Island . iPhone Duo cameras: What cameras does it have? There are two cameras on the rear. Apple The Duo has a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system , comprising: Camera Resolution Equivalent focal length Aperture Fusion Main 48MP 26mm f/1.6 2x crop from Main 12MP 52mm f/1.6 Fusion Ultra Wide 48MP 13mm f/2.2 Outer front camera 12MP f/2.2 Inner FaceTime camera Apple does not specify resolution f/1.8 The Duo does not have variable aperture . Variable aperture is exclusive to the 48MP Fusion Main camera in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The biggest camera features for iPhone Duo Duo Preview The outer screen can show a live preview while somebody else is being photographed, allowing the subject to adjust their pose and framing. Smart Take and Kid Cue Smart Take detects when everybody is ready and automatically captures the shot. Kid Cue uses animations on the outer screen to encourage children to look towards the camera. Two-screen shooting The folding design supports unusual shooting configurations, including using the main cameras for selfies or group photos while seeing the composition on the other screen. Duo FaceTime can also put nearby participants onto the outer display. Other notable camera features include 48MP macro photography, a 2x optical-quality crop from the Main camera, an under-display inner FaceTime camera, Dual Capture for simultaneous front-and-rear video, and 4K Dolby Vision recording at up to 120fps. Rear cameras The 48MP Fusion Main has an f/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift stabilization and can shoot 24MP or 48MP images. It also provides a 12MP, 2x optical-quality crop equivalent to a 52mm lens. The 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide has a 13mm-equivalent lens, f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree field of view. It also supports 48MP macro photography and is the same Ultra Wide camera used by the iPhone 18 Pro family. That means the Duo does not match the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max camera system. Those phones add a dedicated 48MP Fusion Telephoto and variable aperture on the Main camera, making the Pro models much more flexible for photography despite costing substantially less. Pre-event reports were divided between a Main + Telephoto and Main + Ultra Wide arrangement. Apple ultimately chose Main + Ultra Wide , confirming the earlier reports that a dedicated telephoto could be sacrificed to save space. Front cameras On the outside is a 12MP Center Stage camera with an f/2.2 aperture . It supports Center Stage, automatic portrait/landscape framing, Dual Capture, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5 and 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 60fps. Inside is an under-display FaceTime camera with an f/1.8 aperture. Apple does not specify its megapixel resolution. It supports Center Stage for video calls and records at up to 1080p/60fps. Its major advantage is visual rather than photographic: the camera effectively disappears beneath the display when it isnt being used. iPhone Duo video features The Main camera records 4K Dolby Vision at 24, 25, 30, 60, 100 or 120fps , with 4K/120fps also available for slo-mo. Cinematic mode reaches 4K/60fps and Action mode up to 2.8K/60fps. Dual Capture can record at up to 4K/30fps. Apples specifications also do not list ProRes or Apple Log recording for the Duo. Those remain more Pro-oriented capabilities rather than part of Apples foldable camera proposition. The Duo does support Spatial Audio recording , Audio Mix, Dolby Vision HDR and Apples computational photography features including Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Photographic Styles 3, smart focus tracking and Apple Intelligence-powered editing. Apple does not list conventional Spatial Video capture in the Duo specifications. iPhone Duo processor: What processor does it use? Watch video on the screen. Apple The iPhone Duo uses the A20 Pro , the same processor as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It is manufactured using a 2-nanometer process , a major step forward in transistor density and efficiency. Apple combines it with a new chip packaging design inspired by its M-series Mac processors. The package connects the A20 Pro directly to a custom vapor chamber to transfer heat away from the processor more effectively. The A20 Pro includes: 6-core CPU: two super cores and four efficiency cores 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators Dual 16-core Neural Engine Hardware-accelerated ray tracing A dedicated display engine capable of operating both Duo displays Compared with the A19 Pro, Apple says the CPU is up to 20 percent faster , while the GPU is up to 40 percent faster and more power-efficient . The Dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers twice the compute power , while unified-memory bandwidth rises by 50 percent . Apple also claims that the complete thermal system gives the Duo up to 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro . That sustained-performance figure is particularly important for a folding device because prolonged gaming, multitasking and AI workloads generate considerably more heat than short benchmark bursts. iPhone Duo RAM: How much memory does it have? Apple has not disclosed how much RAM is inside the iPhone Duo . Before launch, supply-chain reports consistently pointed to 12GB of RAM , which would make sense given the demands of running two displays, simultaneous applications, Siri AI and larger on-device AI models. Apple does reveal that A20 Pro has 50 percent more unified-memory bandwidth than A19 Pro , which should help the Duo move data more quickly between the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. Extra memory is particularly useful on the Duo because iOS 27.1 can display multiple apps simultaneously and because Apple Intelligence and Siri AI increasingly run generative models locally rather than relying entirely on cloud processing. iPhone Duo connectivity An expensive desk calendar. Apple Apple has put a significant amount of its own communications silicon into the iPhone Duo. It uses Apples new C2 cellular modem , replacing Qualcomm silicon. Apple says C2 introduces AI-powered improvements to cellular quality and reliability and supports mmWave 5G in the U.S. The N1 wireless networking chip provides: Wi-Fi 7 with 22 MIMO Bluetooth 6 Thread networking The USB-C port also supports USB 3 data transfers at up to 10Gbps and DisplayPort video output. The Duo also has Apples second-generation Ultra Wideband chip , NFC and precision dual-frequency GPS. It is eSIM-only worldwide , something that had been widely rumored before launch. Eliminating the SIM tray gives Apple additional internal space for its batteries. Satellite capabilities include: Emergency SOS via satellite Roadside Assistance via satellite Find My via satellite Messages via satellite Battery, MagSafe and charging: Whats available? Instead of one battery spanning the body, the iPhone Duo contains two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries , with one high-energy battery fitted into each half of the device. Apples energy-balancing algorithms make them operate as a single battery system. Apple rates battery life at: Up to 24 hours of typical use Up to 44 hours video playback using the outer display Up to 31 hours using the inner display Up to 37 hours streamed video on the outer screen Up to 26 hours streamed video on the inner display Apple has not disclosed the batteries combined capacity in mAh. The pre-launch rumor of approximately 5,000-5,500mAh therefore remains unconfirmed. Wired charging can take the Duo to 50 percent in around 20 minutes with a 60W-or-higher USB-C adapter. Despite earlier uncertainty, MagSafe is supported , with wireless charging at up to 25W . Qi2 charging also reaches 25W. Apple says a 35W-or-higher adapter and MagSafe charger can bring the battery to around 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes. iPhone Duo price: How much does it cost? The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and 1,999 in the U.K. for 256GB. Prices are: Storage Price 256GB $1,999/1,999 512GB $2,199/2,199 1TB $2,599/2,599 2TB $3,199/3,199 The 256GB starting capacity means Apple has not created an unusually low-storage entry model simply to make the headline price look lower. iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro pricing The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199/1,199 , while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299/1,299 . That makes the Duo approximately $700/700 more expensive than the Pro Max at entry level. That premium buys the folding display, precision hinge, titanium structure, second screen and more complex dual-battery design rather than superior cameras: in several areas the iPhone 18 Pro models are actually better equipped. Reports before the launch suggested the Duo could cost anywhere from around $1,999 to $2,399 at entry level, largely because of the folding OLED display, hinge mechanism, titanium components and other expensive parts. Apple ultimately landed at the very bottom of those predictions. Should you buy the iPhone Duo? The iPhone Duo is the iPhone to buy if you genuinely want a phone and small tablet in one device. Its 7.6-inch display, multitasking features, A20 Pro performance and clever fold-specific camera modes offer capabilities no other iPhone has. But at $1,999/1,999 it is enormously expensive, and there are significant compromises: no Face ID, no dedicated telephoto camera, no variable aperture and no Action button. For photography, battery life and conventional everyday use, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to be the better-value flagship. Buy the Duo because you want the folding experience, not because it is simply the best iPhone . Read: When is the best time to buy an iPhone and our iPhone Buying Guide .

Vegetable seller caught printing fake notes in Gujarat after watching Instagram reel, police seize more than 200 notes

A Rajkot vegetable vendor has been arrested after police allegedly found counterfeit Rs 100 and Rs 500 notes along with equipment used to produce them at his home. Investigators said Kishan Solanki learned the process after seeing an Instagram reel and later communicating with a trainer on Telegram. Police allege he circulated around 40 fake Rs 100 notes through small purchases.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 up to $546 off the list prices today (Best Buy open-box)

The early fall Prime Day sale at Amazon is carrying all-time low pricing on Galaxy Z Fold 8 at $250 off, but we are circling back to some excellent condition open-box offers at Best Buy this morning. Prices have now dropped again on select models 256GB up to $441 off and 512GB models up to $546 off . Details below. more

Trump tells Axios that Jay Clayton would make a good AI czar

President Donald Trump has said that Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton would make a good AI czar, Axios reported on Tuesday. Trump has said he wants to name a czar within three or four days. Maria Curi of Axios asked Trump who he wanted for the role. He said he had someone in mind. [] This story continues at The Next Web