Rare Prime Day sale knocks this must-have AirPods Pro upgrade down to just $20

Macworld A few months ago, I wrote about how an inexpensive pair of memory foam eartips (typically around $25 on sale) totally changed my relationship with my AirPods Pro 2. Comply foam tips made my AirPods Pro more comfortable and kept them from falling out of my ears. They also block out more outside sound, improving the noise-cancelling performance. Its one of the best inexpensive accessories Ive ever bought, and I wont use AirPods Pro without them. This is an inexpensive accessory to begin with, but its also on sale for Prime Day. You can get the original Comply foam tips for $20.37 (18 percent off), or the TrueGrip variety for $21.47 (28 percent off). Both are all-time low prices, but I suggest the latternot only is it a steeper discount, but the TrueGrip variety comes with a little tip removal tool thats worth the extra buck. Since then, a number of our readers have written in to tell me that they are just as transformative for them. One reader said, Not only did they make AirPods Pro 2s BETTER for me, they enabled me to use them AT ALL. Another said, I am no longer concerned that an AirPod is going to fall out of my ear. In fact, I now regularly forget that Im even wearing them when not listening to content or making a phone call. Comply now makes a new TrueGrip MAX variant where the primary improvement is improved durability, but those are not on sale for Prime Day. But if you have issues with your AirPods staying in your ears, we recommend grabbing a pair of these Comply foam tips to see if they work for you.

Live Prime Day deal tracker: The best discounts on Apple products & accessories

Macworld Prime Day runs this Tuesday to Friday, but the very best Apple deals wont hang around for long, and new deals will pop up throughout the event. Macworld editors are keeping tabs on the best picks at Amazon and alternative retailers, making sure you dont miss the top bargains, or inadvertently purchase a dud. Stay tuned to our live blog for real-time updates on the Prime Day deals you need to know about on Apple products and accessories. Do note that you must be an Amazon Prime day member to take advantage of the deals, but you can sign up to a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime . More Prime Day coverage from Macworld Best Apple Prime Day Deals Best Mac Prime Day Deals Best MacBook Prime Day Deals Best iPhone Prime Day Deals Best iPad Prime Day Deals Best Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Best AirPods Prime Day Deals Best Mac Monitor Prime Day Deals Best Mac Storage Prime Day Deals Best Apple Accessory Prime Day Deals See all our Prime Day Apple Deals coverage Macworld Prime Day 2025 Live Deal Tracker Michael.Simon This smart kettle is at an all-time low If youre a coffee or tea connoisseur, I cant recommend this Govee Smart Electric Kettle enough. Down to $54 , an all-time low and $10 cheaper than the $64 I paid, itll keep your water at a precise temperature, start on a schedule, and shut down instantly, all with your iPhone. Plus its matte-black design will look great on your counter. Link copied SHARE 1 hour ago , By Michael.Simon Apple dual-port USB-C charger for $20 off Dual-port USB-C chargers are indispensible and Apples is one of the best out there. At $59, its a little too high to recommend, but its down to $39 right now . Overnights, vacations, wherever you go itll keep your devices chargedand you wont even notice its in your bag. Even if you already have one, it cant hurt to snag a second. Apple Link copied SHARE 3 hours ago , By Michael.Simon AirPods 4 for $60 off AirPods 4 with ANC are a fantastic affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, but this deal has us doing a double-take. Amazon knocked them down to just $119 on the first day of Prime Day , a straight-up ridiculous savings of $60. I cant recommend a better pair of earbuds with active noise cancellation at this price range so go grab a pair. Foundry Link copied SHARE 4 hours ago , By Michael.Simon AirTags are just $17 each Apples AirTags are probably its most underrated product and have saved me from losing my keys more times than I want to remember. Normally $99 for a 4-pack, which is a great price already, you can get them during Prime Day for $68, just $17 per AirTag . Youll need a keyring holder to attach them to your keys, but theyre cheap too . Tada Images / shutterstock.com Link copied SHARE 5 hours ago , By Michael.Simon AirPods Pro 2 are $100 off for the first time We know, AirPods Pro 2 are always on sale at Amazon. But theyve never ever been this low. Amazon is selling the AirPods Pro 2 for just $150 , an insane price for a really great set of earbuds . Its so good, Im tempted to buy a second pair just to have as a spare. Link copied SHARE 5 hours ago , By Michael.Simon All-time-low on the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 You can get deals on the Series 10 , but the best Apple Watch bargain Ive found so far is this Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $150 off . This watch has everything you could want , including cellular, and if I didnt already have an Apple Watch, this is definitely the model Id buy. Apple Link copied SHARE Michael.Simon Welcome to our Prime Day live blog Stay tuned for top tips on the best deals found by Macworld editors. Were going to be tracking deals from the very start of Prime Day, so keep coming back for the best picks! Link copied SHARE

Our favorite iPad is cheaper than ever for Prime Day

Macworld Prime Day has landed and were seeing record-low prices on all sorts of Apple gearand iPads werent left out. The iPad Air is on sale for $479 right now, the very best discount weve ever seen for the tablet. The M3 iPad Air is a gorgeous tablet that we adore. With a four-star rating and our Editors Choice award , we found the iPad Air had an outstanding performance, gorgeous display, and excellent battery life. Its ready for iPadOS 26 , coming this fall, and you can pair it with the Apple Pencil Pro, which is also on sale for $30 off . Even though we noted that its only slightly better than the previous model, its still the best tablet you can buy at this price range. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models are on sale right now in either Wi-Fi or Cellular options, so you can have your pick. Whichever you choose, the M3 iPad Air is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable tablet for fun, gaming, streaming content, and whatever else you want to use it for. So get the 11-inch M3 iPad Air 125GB for $479 or the 13-inch model for $680 this Prime Day , the best prices weve yet to see for these tablets! Oh, make sure to also check out the other amazing Prime Day iPad deals we found. Snag an 11-inch iPad Air for $479 Buy now at Amazon Get a 13-inch iPad Air for $119 off Buy now at Amazon

AirPods 4 with ANC crash to $119 for Prime Daygo get em now!

Macworld Even at full price, we really like the AirPods 4 with ANC as an affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, but at this price, theyre impossible to pass up. Amazon has slashed the price of the AirPods 4 to $119 , a savings of $60, and by far the very best price weve seen for these buds. This discount is that much more impressive considering the previous best price was just under $150, so being able to get them for $30 under that is just crazy. How crazy? Theyre actually cheaper than Apples regular price for the model without ANC! The AirPods 4 with ANC are absolutely fantastic, earning a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed them . We were utterly impressed with the overall audio quality and just how good noise canceling is, considering there are no silicone tips involved to create that seal. Our testing found the buds deliver not just good noiuse cancellation, but also great clarity and volume when talking, while the Conversation Awareness feature really is a star as it detects your voice and lowers the volume automatically to whatever youre listening to. Battery life is also great, even when ANC is involved, delivering some 4 hours of listening time and another 20 hours when using the included charging case. With ANC off, youll get 5 hours of playtime and 30 in the case. The case can be charged wirelessly, so you can finally get one of those fancy 3-in-1 wireless chargers for your desk. Stop wasting time and get the AirPods 4 with ANC for $119 as theres no way were getting a better price before maaaaybe Black Friday. Make sure to check out the other amazing Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals we dug up. Save $60 on the AirPods 4 with ANC Buy now at Amazon

Amazon Prime Day 2025: When is Prime Day and how to get the best deals

Macworld Summer is nearly here, and that means beaches, baseball, and everyones favorite sale, Prime Day! Amazons annual Prime Day will be held from July 8-11, and there may be no better time to get your hands on Apple gear. Read on for all the details. When is Prime Day 2025? Amazon has announced that Prime Day will run between July 8 and July 11, which is similar to the time frame to Amazons usual summer sale event. However, this is the first time Prime Day will last four days, meaning there will be even more opportunities to save. There will likely be another Prime Day Sale later in the year: Amazon has also run a sale in October in recent years. Best Prime Day Deals so far Prime Day is here and there are already loads of Apple deals to get right now: U.S. Prime Day Deals Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $149 ($100 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 4: $89 ($40 off, MSRP $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): $119 ($60 off, MSRP $179) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $399 ($150 off, MSRP $549) iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128 GB) : $379 ($120 off, MSRP $499) 11-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB): $479 ($120 off, MSRP $599) Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : $280 ($119 off, MSRP $399) PRIME DAY DEAL Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : $310 ($119 off, MSRP $429) PRIME DAY DEAL Apple Watch Ultra 2 w/Milanese Loop : $649 ($250 off, MSRP $899) 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $849 ($150 off, MSRP $999) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (512GB) : $1,429 ($170 off, MSRP $1,599) 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $2,249 ($250 off, MSRP $2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB RAM, 1TB) : $3,596 ($403 off, MSRP $3,999) M4 Pro Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,259 ($140 off, MSRP $1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB): $1,149 ($150 off, MSRP $1,299) U.K. Prime Day Deals iPhone 16e (128GB) : 494 (105 off, RRP 599) PRIME DAY DEAL iPhone 16 (128GB) : 698 (100 off, RRP 799) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : 179 (50 off, MSRP 229) AirPods 4 (with ANC): 149 (30 off, MSRP 179) iPad (A16, 128GB) : 284 (45 off, RRP 329) PRIME DAY DEAL iPad (A16, 512GB) : 560 (69 off, RRP 629) PRIME DAY DEAL 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 750 (49 off, RRP 799) Apple Watch Ultra (2nd gen) : 659 (140 off, RRP 799) PRIME DAY DEAL Apple Watch Series 10, 42mm : 295 (104 off, RRP 399) PRIME DAY DEAL Apple Watch SE (2nd gen), 44mm : 215 (34 off, RRP 249) PRIME DAY DEAL 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 849 (150 off, RRP 999) PRIME DAY DEAL 15-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 1,029 (170 off, RRP 1,199) PRIME DAY DEAL 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,619.97 (184 off, RRP 1,799) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,749 (250 off, RRP 1,999) 14-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM , 499 (100 off, RRP 599) PRIME DAY DEAL M4 Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM , 692 (170 off, RRP 799) PRIME DAY DEAL M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,205 (194 off, RRP 1,399) PRIME DAY DEAL M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,349 (150 off, RRP 1,499) Apple Pencil Pro : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) AirTag (4-pack): 84 (35 off, RRP 119) PRIME DAY DEAL Magic Mouse (white) : 59 (20 off, RRP 79) PRIME DAY DEAL Where to find the best Prime Day deals on Apple products Right here! Well be covering scouring Amazon for the best Apple deals during Prime Day . So just stay tuned to Macworld and well tell you which deals are worth your time. Below you will find links to our product-specific deals round-ups. Best Apple Prime Day Deals Best Mac Prime Day Deals Best MacBook Prime Day Deals Best iPhone Prime Day Deals Best iPad Prime Day Deals Best Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Best AirPods Prime Day Deals Best Mac Monitor Prime Day Deals Best Mac Storage Prime Day Deals Best Apple Accessory Prime Day Deals See all our Prime Day Apple Deals coverage FAQ 1. What is Prime Day? Prime Day is Amazons twice-a-year shopping event that happens in July and then again in October. During the Amazon sale event a ton of tech products get their best discounts. Oftentimes, these discounts are better than well see on Black Friday and we expect to see great discounts across the board for Apple tech, from iPads to MacBooks, Apple Watches, and everything else. We also see loads of discounts on storage, monitors, chargers, and smart home tech. If youre also into Amazons brands (Kindle, Ring, Echo, etc.), expect fantastic deals for those too. Recently the sale has lasted 48 hours, but in 2025 Amazon is running the Prime Day sale for four days! 2. What do you need to do to get access to Prime Day deals? As its name suggests, the best Prime Day deals are strictly for Amazon Prime members. So, if youre paying for a subscription to get free shipping and faster deliveries, as well as a bunch of other perks, youre already good to go. If youre not already subscribed, you can start a 30-day free trial , just make sure the trial extends through the Prime Day dates. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or you could pay $139 for the whole year. If youre a student , you can get it for as little as $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Discounts are also available for people who receive government assistance. If you dont want to sign up for another subscription, there will still be plenty of discounts that come with such requirements. But youll miss out on the best prices, Lightning Deals, and of course, 2-day shipping. 3. When was Prime Day in previous years? In previous years, Amazons Prime Day event lasted for 48 hours, and always started on a Tuesday. Lets check out the exact dates: 2024 : July 16-17 and October 8-9 2023 : July 11-12 and Oct 10-11 2022 : July 12-13 and October 11-12 2021 : June 21-22 2020 : October 13-14 The first year Prime Day was held was in 2015 when Amazon wanted to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a bang. The sale was so successful that it stuck around and were happy it did because the discounts are impressive and many brands use Prime Day as the chance to lower the price more than they usually would. 4. Do you need to subscribe to Prime to shop on Prime Day? Yes and no. Let us explain. As the name suggests, Prime Day was designed as a special sale event to reward Prime members with special prices. So, youd need to have a subscription to the service ( $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 per month or $139 / 95 / AUD$59 per year). If youve never been a member, you can also sign up for the 30-day free trial to cover the Prime Day deals. However, there are loads and loads of deals available during the event when a subscription to Prime is not necessary. They will just be straight-up discounts that anyone can enjoy. Whether or not your favorite products from Apple and other big brands will fall into this category remains to be seen. 5. Will there be discounts on Apple products for Prime Day? We usually see great discounts on pretty much all products from Apple. Newer devices dont see huge discounts, but older products, including MacBooks as well as iPads and AirPods often do. Amazon will also run deals on Apple accessories, including Apple Pencils, keyboards, and mice, as well as stands, chargers, and cables from third-party accessory makers such as Anker and Logitech.

Buying a new Mac? Heres why you should switch from a MacBook to a desktop

Macworld With Prime Day savings offering gobs of money off some of the best Macs, now is a great time to buy a new Apple computer. One of the biggest decisions youll have to make when buying a new Mac is whether you should buy a desktop model or opt for a laptop instead. Apples laptops might seem like the best choice, with a combination of portability and price, but Apple also offers a great selection of desktops, from the teeny-tiny M4 Mac mini to the all-in-one iMac. So the next time youre shopping for a new Mac, consider joining Team Desktop and opting for one of Apples less portable Macs instead of a MacBook. Stationary comfort Lets face it, hunching over a MacBook for hours on end does your body no favors. Youll typically use your laptop on an arm-level surface, whether thats a desk or on your lap, and that means youve got to crane your head downwards to see its screen. Over time, that can cause serious pain in your back and neck. MacBooks are great when youre traveling, but theres nothing like a comfy desk chair and an eye-level monitor. Apple Believe me, I know. I used a laptop all through my college years, and by the end of it, I dreaded sitting down at my desk to work because of the pain that would inevitably accompany it. In the end, I had to ditch the device and get a desktop instead so that I could create a more ergonomic setup. That meant a monitor at eye level and a separate keyboard positioned just right. Sure, you can hook up a monitor to a MacBook or get a riser to avoid this ergonomic nightmare, but a lot of people donteither they dont have a spare monitor, want a more compact workstation, or think its just too much cost and hassle to set up. With a desktop Mac, you have a far more comfortable arrangement, letting you dodge the backache and neck pain for good. Power trip Ever since Apple switched to its own Apple silicon chips, the Mac has come on leaps and bounds. But while both form factors offer plenty of grunt, desktop Macs have a lot more headroom for top performance. Thats because when portability isnt a concern, Apple can use more spacious cases to eke out higher performance. A larger case means more space for effective cooling systems, and that in turn gives your Macs chip more breathing room. You can see that in desktop Macs like the Mac Studio, which comes with an M3 Ultra chip that would likely run too hot to sit comfortably in a tightly packed MacBook. And its also true of the M4, which can run at higher sustained speeds in the Mac mini due to its fans. And theres another benefit of having a larger case: more ports. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro only have two thin edges to fit ports, as well as less internal space for these components to go. On a desktop Mac, theres more room to play with, and they typically come with a greater number and wider variety of expansion slots. Multiple displays will open your eyes to the beauty of a desktop setup. Apple Seeing is believing When you buy a MacBook, the display comes as part of the deal, up to 16 inches. But you get that too if you buy an iMac, but here, the included screen is far more expansive, stretching to 24 inches. That gives you a much more enjoyable workspaceand much less squinting to boot. And if you get a Mac mini, you can connect any display you want since the computer barely takes up any room. You could connect a MacBook to a large display, of course, but that means youd need to buy a second monitor. And even if you did that, a MacBook plus a monitor takes up more space on your desk than an all-in-one package like the iMac. Apples all-in-one is a sleeker, more streamlined solution. And youll get a keyboard and a mouse too. Plug in and play Speaking of hooking up accessories, you already have, this is one great benefit of a desktop Mac. Devices like the Mac mini and Mac Studio can be connected to any monitor, mouse, and keyboard you like, giving you great flexibility in crafting your ideal setup. You dont need to rely on what Apple deems to be the perfect keyboard and trackpad experience. You can play by your own rules. This works with a MacBook as well, but it doesnt quite feel optimal. If you use a separate mouse and keyboard, you cant just make the MacBooks trackpad and keyboard disappear, meaning they needlessly take up space on your desk. And if you want to use the MacBook in clamshell mode to combat this issue, thats more hassle to set up. None of that works quite as well as just using a desktop Mac. You can also easily hook up or dock and arrange things the way you want on your desk without needing to continuously plug and unplug your devices to create the ultimate workstation. Its a small convenience we know, but its one that desktop Mac users wouldnt give up for anything. Accessories will make your desktop personal and take your desktop Mac to the next level. Apple All-around value Because some desktop Macs, such as the Mac mini and Mac Studio, dont come with a display, mouse, or keyboard, their asking prices start much lower. The Mac mini, for example, costs as little as $599, while the cheapest Apple laptop, meanwhile, is the MacBook Air, which will set you back almost twice as much. Granted, you might need to buy peripherals for the Mac mini, but if you already have them, you can take advantage of some great savings. The iMac, meanwhile, is more expensive at $1,299, but it also includes a 4.5K display, Magic Mouse or Trackpad, and a Magic Keyboard. Its almost impossible to match that price with a MacBook Air and separate peripherals. The elephant in the room, of course, is the Mac Pro, and its base price of $6,999 is eye-wateringly expensive, especially for an M2 Ultra chip. But its the outlier in Apples lineup, where desktop Macs generally offer a more affordable way to access peak performance. Just look at the Mac Studio: its M4 Max model starts at $1,999. The M4 Max MacBook Pro? Thatll set you back at least $3,199. Never in the red Because Apple assumes youll be stationary when working on a desktop Mac (even if the Mac mini is small enough to be portable), it also assumes you dont need a battery. Every desktop Mac, therefore, has a plug, which means you dont need to worry about it running out of juice. As well as that, you also dont need to be concerned with degrading the battery of a desktop Mac. Batteries inevitably undergo wear and tear over many years of usage, and that eventually leads to MacBooks not lasting as long on a single charge as they used to. Got a desktop Mac instead? Then thats never a concern.

Best MacBook Prime Day 2025 deals

Macworld If you are wondering if MacBooks are on sale for Prime Day, you will be glad to learn that yes, you can find savings on MacBooks at Amazon. Huge savings, in fact! Sales on MacBooks are normal for most of the year, but the best deals tend to happen during Amazons big sales events. With Amazons Prime Day running for four days from Tuesday, July 8, and continuing until it all ends on July 11, this could be a great time to save money on a new Mac laptop. And we are already seeing big savings! Below you will find links to the best MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals on Amazon. Be sure to check this page often, as the deals change all the time. Note that as these models go out of stock, Amazon may offer a refurbished model in place, or may redirect to a different model, so do check for this. The MacBooks picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. If its an iMac or Mac mini you are after, check out our separate round-up of the best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals . We also round up the Best Apple Prime Day deals . And dont miss our first-ever live blog with running deals all day long! Best Prime Day MacBook deals These are the best savings right now. You can find even more deals on specific MacBook models in the sections below. U.S. MacBook Air & MacBook Pro Prime Day deals 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $849 ($150 off, MSRP $999) 15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $1,049 ($150 off, MSRP $1,199) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (512GB) : $1,429 ($170 off, MSRP $1,599) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999) 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $2,249 ($250 off, MSRP $2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB RAM, 1TB) : $3,596 ($403 off, MSRP $3,999) U.K. MacBook Air & MacBook Pro Prime Day deals 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 849 (150 off, RRP 999) PRIME DAY DEAL 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 1TB/16GB RAM) 1,215 (184 off, RRP 1,399) 15-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 1,029 (170 off, RRP 1,199) PRIME DAY DEAL 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,429.97 (170 off, RRP 1,599) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,619.97 (184 off, RRP 1,799) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,749 (250 off, RRP 1,999) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM, 2,149.97 (245 off, RRP 2,399) 14-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM, 3,119.97 (379 off, RRP 3,499) @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld If you arent sure which MacBook to buy, read our MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro comparison . For more MacBook Air deals, see Best MacBook Air deals , and for more MacBook Pro deals, see Best MacBook Pro deals . Foundry Amazon Prime Day: Best MacBook accessory deals Prime Day is also a great opportunity to save some cash on some accessories for your MacBook. Perhaps you need a spare charger for your MacBook. Or perhaps you want a dock, a printer, or a bag. If we spot a good deal, well list it here. We also have separate round-ups for the Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals and Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac . Plus, find a cut-price Apple keyboard, mouse, or trackpad: Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals . U.S. Mac accessory Prime Day deals AirTag (4-pack): $68 ($31 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $20 ($9 off, MSRP $29) Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m) : $21.99 ($7 off, 29) Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m) : $21.99 ($7 off, MSRP 29) Apple 35W Dual USB-C compact Port Power Adapter : $50 $9 off, MSRP $59) Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter : $39 $20 off, MSRP $59) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) U.K. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard : 75 (24 off, RRP 99) PRIME DAY DEAL Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Magic Mouse (white) : 59 (20 off, RRP 79) PRIME DAY DEAL Magic Trackpad (black) : 129 (20 off, RRP 149) AirTag (4-pack): 84 (35 off, RRP 119) PRIME DAY DEAL AirTag (single): 28 (7 off, RRP 35) Prime Day: How can I get the best MacBook deals? Throughout Prime Day, most deals will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AU$6.99 every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as access to sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and all the content available on that service. Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

Apples F1 tactics are a one-way ticket to disaster

Macworld Apples ongoing fight with regulators over App Store rules can get pretty confusing at times. Sometimes its hard to know whether regulators are being over-zealous in their required changes, or when Apples rules are simply patently unfair. But this week we have good news! At least one issue is a lot simpler because we now have the perfect example of why Apples anti-steering policy and the companys subsequent ham-fisted efforts to Wait, is it a mixed metaphor to say hamstring here or is it just chefs kiss kind of perfect? Ham-fisted means the company is being rough and imprecise in its dealings, much as if it had honey-baked hams for hands. Hamstringing is when you cut someones knee tendons, known as the hamstrings, in order to impede them. So, Apple is clumsily attempting to impede developers. Verdict: not mixing metaphors. What was the Macalope saying? Oh, Apples ham-fisted efforts to hamstring developers using payment methods outside the App Store by throwing up warning messages is nothing but fear-mongering. And since it was brought to us by a small company you may not have heard of, let the Macalope just put on some novelty-sized glasses and pretend to be reading the name off a long, perforated sheet of green and white dot matrix printer paper as if he is a scientist in a 70s disaster film Says Apple. Huh. If youd like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters , including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast , David Prices weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors. IDG That cant be right. Ah, but it is. As MG Siegler first noted on Threads last week (tip o the antlers to Daring Fireball ), Apple has been caught not practicing as it preached. And not mildly but in a more televangelist who preaches against the perils of liquor not only gets caught drunk driving but is later found to own a craft bourbon distillery on the side kind of way. As part of its F1 The Movie marketing blitz, Apple put full-screen ads for buying tickets to the movie in the TV app on iOS 18. Thats gross enough coming on the heels of Apple basically putting notifications about the movie everywhere but, well, the Macalope was going to say Pages but honestly, hes not sure the company didnt put F1 notifications in Pages. To make matters worse, however, clicking the link to buy tickets in the ad sent users to a purchase page in a way that is remarkably devoid of any of the kinds of warnings about buying things on the web that Apple is forcing developers to put in their apps when they do exactly the same thing. These are the requirements that Apple is currently appealing a 500 million Euro fine for inflicting on developers. TheEuropean Commissionannounced the fine in Aprilunder its Digital Markets Act, saying that the iPhone maker ran afoul of rules related to allowing developers to steer users to make purchases outside of its store. If the EUs lawyers have not taken note of Apple apparent nonchalance with the having of cake and also being able to eat it, they might want to jot down some notes. According to Apple: the EC is mandating how we run our store and forcing business terms which are confusing for developers and bad for users. As opposed to the very non-confusing terms Apple is mandating, which require all kinds of warnings when being directed to purchase digital goods via a website but not needing any when doing the same for physical goods. Mmmkay. Also, its literally the job of the EC to tell companies how to run their businesses in its member nations. So, complaining about it mandating how you run your store is like complaining about a home plate umpire keeping track of balls and strikes. It is ironic that it is the companys over-the-top push on F1 that is tripping it up. Hey, we tried to tell Apple the F1 promotions were over the top. It wouldnt listen. Much like on the anti-steering policy.

Best iPad Prime Day 2025 deals

Macworld Amazons annual Prime Day sale is longer than ever this year, lasting until Friday, July 11, which means youll have even more time to grab a great deal on a new iPad. All of Apples tablets, from the iPad Air and Pro to the mini and 11th-gen iPad, are already seeing some of their best prices ever. The Prime Day iPad deals picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. Of course, Prime Day isnt just for iPads. If youre looking for a new Mac, Apple Watch, storage or display to go with your Mac, check out our separate round-up of the Best Apple Prime Day deals . And dont miss our first-ever live blog with running deals all day long! Prime Day 2025: Best iPad deals Some deals are better than others, here are the bigger savings to be had on a new iPad this Prime Day. Look below this section for more deals on the different iPad models from iPad mini to iPad Pro. U.S. iPad Prime Day deals iPad (A16, 128GB) : $280 ($50 off, MSRP $349) iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128 GB) : $379 ($120 off, MSRP $499) PRIME DAY DEAL 11-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB): $479 ($120 off, MSRP $599) PRIME DAY DEAL 13-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB) : $679 ($120 off, MSRP $799) 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB) : $899 ($100 off, MSRP $999) 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB) : $1,353 ($146 off with coupon, MSRP $1,499 U.K. iPad Prime Day deals iPad (A16, 128GB) : 284 (45 off, RRP 329) PRIME DAY DEAL iPad (A16, 512GB) : 560 (69 off, RRP 629) PRIME DAY DEAL iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB) : 453.97 (45 off, RRP 499) 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 560 (39 off, RRP 599) 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 750 (49 off, RRP 799) For more standard iPad deals from other stockists and resellers take a look at the iPad deals round-up that we update monthly. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Prime Day 2025: Best iPad accessory sales Grab a bargain on an accessory to go with your new iPad. U.S. iPad accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Apple Magic Keyboard case (13-inch iPad Pro) : $339 ($10 off, MSRP $349) Amazon is inflating the typical price here! Apple Magic Keyboard case (13-inch iPad Air) : $294 ($25 off, MSRP $319) Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad : $199 ($50 off, MSRP $249) AirTag (4-pack): $68 ($31 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $20 ($9 off, MSRP $29) Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m) : $21.99 ($7 off, 29) Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m) : $21.99 ($7 off, MSRP 29) Apple 35W Dual USB-C compact Port Power Adapter : $50 $9 off, MSRP $59) Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter : $39 $20 off, MSRP $59) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $149 ($100 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 4: $89 ($40 off, MSRP $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): $119 ($60 off, MSRP $179) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $399 ($150 off, MSRP $549) Beats Solo 4 : $100 ($100 off, MSRP $200) Beats Solo Buds : $60 ($20 off, MSRP $80) Beats Studio Pro : $180 ($170 off, MSRP $350) Beats Pill : $100 ($50 off, MSRP $150) Powerbeats Pro 2 : $200 ($50 off, MSRP $250) U.K. iPad accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th gen) : 197 (52 off, RRP 249) PRIME DAY DEAL Apple Magic Keyboard case (13-inch iPad Pro) : 329 (20 off, RRP 349) Apple Pencil (USB-C ): 65 (14 off, RRP79) Apple Pencil Pro : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) AirTag (4-pack): 84 (35 off, RRP 119) PRIME DAY DEAL AirTag (single): 28 (7 off, RRP 35) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : 179 (50 off, RRP 229) AirPods 4: 113 (16 off, RRP 129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): 149 (30 off, RRP 179) Beats Solo 4 : 149 (50.95 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Studio Buds+ : 174.99 (5 off, RRP 179.99) Beats Studio Pro : 175 (174 off, RRP 349) Beats Pill : 122 (27.99 off, RRP 149.99) Beats Solo Buds : 69 (10 off, RRP 79.99) @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld Take a look at all the Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals weve seen. Prime Day 2025: How can I get the best iPad deals? Many deals during the Prime Day sale will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign up for a membership if you dont already have one. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AU$79 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AU$6.99 every month. New users can sign up for a30-day free trialthat can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as Prime Day sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and Prime Music, as well as other benefits. Prime Day 2025: Our favorite deals Throughout the Prime Day sale, we constantly check Amazons listings to find the best deals. Weve tested all of the models we recommend here and only select the very best dealsso if you see an iPad listed here, youll know its at or near its all-time low price. And its not just iPads. For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

Best Apple Watch Prime Day 2025 deals

Macworld Amazons annual Prime Day sales event is a fantastic opportunity to find a good deal on the Apple Watch, and this year, youll get even more time to save. Amazons Prime Day sale runs a whopping four days this year, from today to Friday, July 11, and were already seeing some great Prime Day Apple Watch deals. The Apple Watch models picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont recommend buying something that we wouldnt buy ourselves. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. There are numerous case and band options with the Apple Watch, but make sure the combination you want doesnt mean you miss out on a tasty discount. You can always buy a new band down the road. For more coverage of Amazons deals, check out our round-up of the Best Apple Prime Day deals as well as our main Prime Day page . And dont miss our first-ever live blog with running deals all day long! Best Apple Watch deals for Prime Day 2025 Apple is gearing up to launch the Apple Watch Series 11 , SE 3, and Ultra 3 in September, but rumors suggest these new products wont bring any must-have features. So the Series 10, Ultra 2, and SE 2 are excellent options, especially at discounted prices. Several Series 10 models are $100 off right now, and while we dont know if Prime Day will bring even lower prices, that is as low as weve ever seen. Plus, all models will get an update to watchOS 26 in the fall with loads of smart new capabilities. Our main tip: avoid the cellular model unless you really need it. It costs more than the standard model and it isnt necessary to have cellular capabilities on your Apple Watch . U.S. Apple Watch Prime Day deals Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm) : $200 ($79 off, MSRP $279) Apple Watch Ultra 2 w/Milanese Loop : $749 ($150 off, MSRP $899) U.K. Apple Watch Prime Day deals Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra (2nd gen) : 659 (140 off, RRP 799) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10, 42mm : 295 (104 off, RRP 399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm : 325 (104 off, RRP 429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen), 40mm : 185 (34 off, RRP 219) Amazon, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen), 44mm : 215 (34 off, RRP 249) @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld Prime Day 2025: How can I get the best Apple Watch deals? Amazon runs two Prime Day sales a year. The first is typically in July and the second in October in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. The motive behind the sale is to encourage customers to join the companys Prime subscription service. For this reason, the sale is officially open to Prime members only, and youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. (Youll find, however, that some individual deals are available to non-members.) Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 on a monthly basis. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial which can be canceled at any time during the trial window. Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to all the content available on the Prime Video streaming service. Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Prime Day coverage, check out our roundups of the best deals across every Apple and Apple-related product line: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

Best iPhone Prime Day Deals 2025: Unmissable bargains!

Macworld If youre in the market for a new iPhone, Amazons Prime Day sales might be a good time to find a dealwith a few caveats. In the U.K., you can find the latest iPhones at Amazon and at other resellers. With Prime Day upon us we are seeing discounts on the iPhone 16 series and on the older iPhone 15 models. If you arent sure which iPhone to buy take a look at our iPhone buying guide and our comparison of every iPhone . If you are in the U.S., you wont see deals on new iPhones (only renewed/refurbished items), but there are still plenty of savings on iPhone accessories, which we will also include below. The iPhone models and accessories here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed every Apple product we recommend and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. For all the best Prime Day deals on Apple products see our roundup of the Best Apple Prime Day deals . Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals If youre in the U.K. the iPhone Amazon often offers a discount on the full price of an iPhone. These deals are usually even better for Prime Day. In fact, there is 105 off the newest Apple iPhones. These are the best iPhone deals we are seeing right now: iPhone 16e (128GB) : 494 (105 off, RRP 599) PRIME DAY DEAL iPhone 16e (512GB) : 594 (105 off, RRP 699) PRIME DAY DEAL iPhone 16e (512GB) : 794 (105 off, RRP 899) PRIME DAY DEAL iPhone 16 (128GB) : 698 (101 off, RRP 799) iPhone 16 (512GB) : 998 (101 off, RRP 1,099) iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) : 799 (100 off, RRP 899) iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) : 1,099 (100 off, RRP 1,199) iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) : 898 (101 off, RRP 999) iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) : 1,198 (101 off, RRP 1,299) iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) : 1,298 (101 off, RRP 1,399) iPhone 15 (128GB) : 598 (101 off, RRP 699) iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) : 698 (101 off, RRP 799) For more discounts take a look at our iPhone 16 deals in the U.S and iPhone 16 deals in the U.K and iPhone 15 deals. @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld Prime Day: Best iPhone accessory deals While Amazon doesnt sell the latest iPhone in the U.S. outside of the partnership with Boost Infinite, Prime Day can be a great time to get iPhone accessories. Here are the best sales were tracking. Have a look at our round up of Best iPhone 16 cases for 16 & Plus, 16 Pro & Pro Max and The best iPhone 15 series cases to see if there are any bargains to be had. Were tracking Apple subsidiary Beats alongside AirPods here, but you could also grab a bargain on some headphones by checking our roundup of the Best earbuds for iPhone and best over-ear headphones . U.S. AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $149 ($100 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 4: $89 ($40 off, MSRP $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): $119 ($60 off, MSRP $179) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $399 ($150 off, MSRP $549) Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m) : $21.99 ($7 off, 29) Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m) : $21.99 ($7 off, MSRP 29) Apple 35W Dual USB-C compact Port Power Adapter : $50 $9 off, MSRP $59) Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter : $39 $20 off, MSRP $59) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) Beats Solo 4 : $100 ($100 off, MSRP $200) Beats Solo Buds : $60 ($20 off, MSRP $80) Beats Studio Pro : $180 ($170 off, MSRP $350) Beats Pill : $100 ($50 off, MSRP $150) Powerbeats Pro 2 : $200 ($50 off, MSRP $250) U.K. AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : 179 (50 off, RRP 229) AirPods 4: 113 (16 off, RRP 129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): 149 (30 off, RRP 179) AirTag (4 pack) : 84 (35 off, RRP 119) Single AirTag : 28 (7 off, RRP 35) Beats Solo 4 : 108 (91.95 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Studio Buds+ : 99 (80.99 off, RRP 179.99) Beats Studio Pro : 166.25 (182.75 off, RRP 349) Beats Pill : 89 (60.99 off, RRP 149.99) Beats Solo Buds : 46 (33.99 off, RRP 79.99) Prime Day: How can I get the best iPhone deals? Many items in the Amazon Prime Day Sale are only open to Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or$14.99/8.99/AUD$6.99every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. Youll also get free one or two-day delivery and access to Amazon Prime Video and all that content. One tip when you click on a good dealeven if its from a Macworld pageis to check that the product isnt redirected to a refurbished model, and the current manufacturers price is listed, as that can make the price drop look a lot better than it is. In order to take advantage of some Prime Day deals, you need to be an Amazon Prime member. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 on a monthly basis (but can be canceled after 30 days) and gives you two-day free delivery and access to Prime Video. Prime Day 2025: Our favorite deals For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

AirPods are down to incredible all-time-low prices for Prime Day 2025

Macworld If youre looking for a new pair of AirPods, Amazons twice-yearly Prime Day sales are a great time to look for a discount. Amazon often has AirPods on sale for well below Apples MSRP, but when big sales events like this come around, you can often get a pair for an all-time-low price. The AirPods picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend and we wont tell you to buy something thats not actually worth your money. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. For the tastiest discounts across Apples entire product range, see our roundup of the best Prime Day Apple deals . And dont miss our first-ever live blog of Prime Day deals with running deals all day long! Amazon Prime Day 2025: Best AirPods deals Apple is rumored to update the AirPods Pro later this year, but grab this $150 deal without any fear of missing out. And the deals on AirPods 4 and AirPods Max are all-time-great too. U.S. AirPods Prime Day deals AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $149 ($100 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 4: $89 ($40 off, MSRP $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): $119 ($60 off, MSRP $179) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $399 ($150 off, MSRP $549) U.K. AirPods Prime Day deals AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : 179 (50 off, MSRP 229) AirPods 4: 113 (16 off, MSRP 129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): 149 (30 off, MSRP 179) @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld Amazon Prime Day 2025: Best Beats deals If you dont want AirPods, Apple also sells a line of Beats headphones and earbuds, including the popular over-ear Solo 4 and PowerBeats Pro 2 , which were updated earlier this year. Beats headphones have many Apple features and can often be found for far less than AirPods. U.S. Beats Solo 4 : $100 ($100 off, MSRP $200) Beats Solo Buds : $60 ($20 off, MSRP $80) Beats Studio Pro : $180 ($170 off, MSRP $350) Beats Pill : $100 ($50 off, MSRP $150) Powerbeats Pro 2 : $200 ($50 off, MSRP $250) U.K. Beats Solo 4 : 108 (91.95 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Studio Buds+ : 99 (80.99 off, RRP 179.99) Beats Studio Pro : 166.25 (183.74 off, RRP 349.99) Beats Pill : 89 (60.99 off, RRP 149.99) Beats Solo Buds : 46 (33.99 off, RRP 79.99) AirPods Pro and AirPods 4. Petter Ahrnstedt Amazon Prime Day 2025: How to get the best AirPods deals Amazons annual Prime Day sales take place in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. Many deals are exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership. New users can sign up for a30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. Prime membership costs $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99/8.99/AU$6.99on a monthly basis. As well as getting free two-day shipping, Prime customers also get access to Prime Video and Music. Amazon isnt the only place to buy AirPods , so its wise to shop around. If you dont have Prime or would like to look elsewhere, check out our price comparisons below to see how retailers compare for each model. Wondering which AirPods to buy? Take a look at our Best AirPods buying guide. Also, if it doesnt have to be AirPods, take a look at how other over-ears compare to the AirPods Max , and our favorite AirPods alternatives . Amazon Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

Wow Wow Wow! AirPods Pro 2 are $150 for the first time ever!

Macworld If youre shopping for AirPods this Prime Day , you can stop now. Apples AirPods Pro 2 are down to their lowest price ever $149, a whopping $100 off and a ridiculously low price for a fantastic set of earbuds. Even at $249, AirPods Pro 2 get our full recommendation, with incredible noise cancellation, excellent battery life, and fantastic sound. Youll also get a slew of software features, including Hearing Health that provides a clinical-grade hearing test and the worlds first software-enabled Hearing Aid feature, Transparency mode, and Conversation Boost . Granted, these AirPods Pro arent new anymore, but there isnt much more you could want from a pair of Bluetooth earbuds. Compared to the original 2019 model, they have longer battery life (6 hours vs 4.5 hours), better audio quality, and 2X noise cancellation with Adaptive Transparency mode. And you also get IP54water and dust resistance as well as lossless audio when paired with Vision Pro and a USB-C charging case. But all you need to know is that theyre cheaper than ever. So go grab a pair before this deal is gone forever. Buy now at Amazon

Best Apple Watch: Which Apple Watch to buy in 2025

Macworld Apple released only one new Apple Watch in 2024: the Apple Watch Series 10. It offers a refined design and a few modest upgrades over the Series 9. Apple did not update the Ultra 2, and instead just added a new color option. You can also still buy the Apple Watch SE from 2022. In this guide, we will help you decide which Apple Watch is best for you. Well compare the features, specs and price as well as offer advice on choosing cases, colors, and straps in our Apple Watch comparison chart so you can be confident you are choosing the right Apple Watch. Heres what you need to know before buying an Apple Watch. What can an Apple Watch do? Practically every Apple Watch ever made has offered the same set of basic functions. Apple Watch can be used in conjunction with an iPhone (or separately if the user has a cellular contract) to: Make or take phone calls Read and send text messages Read and send emails Listen to music or podcasts Receive notifications relating to iPhone and Apple Watch apps Use apps, such as Maps for navigation, a calculator or a compass Track fitness, including steps and calories burned Monitor your health, including heart rate Detect a fall or car crash Tell the time especially if your watch has an always-on display (they dont all offer that) Act as a flashlight (or torch) Pay via Apple Pay Track your sleep The Apple Watch doesnt need an iPhone to work, but it helps, and it is needed for initial setup. See: Does an Apple Watch work without an iPhone? Theres another choice to be made. Do you need an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity or not? We examine GPS versus cellular in a separate article, read: Should I buy a cellular Apple Watch . Also read: You probably dont need an LTE Apple Watch . If you choose a cellular version of the Apple Watch youll be able to leave your iPhone at home and use your Watch for making calls, receiving texts, and streaming music. Apple Watch can also support Family Setup if you are looking for a Watch for someone who doesnt have an iPhone. Find out whats coming: 2025 Apple Watch rumors: Series 11, Ultra 3, and new SE news Apple Watch comparison chart Apple Apple Watch SE 2 Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Price from $249/219 $399/399 $799/799 Screen size 44mm or 40mm 46mm or 42mm 49mm Display 1,000 nits 2,000nits 3,000 nits Weight 40mm from 26.4g / 44mm from 32.9g 42mm from 30g / 46mm from 36.4g 61.4 g Materials Aluminium Aluminium or Titanium Titanium Colors Midnight, Starlight, Silver Aluminium: Silver, Rose Gold, Jet Black. Titanium: Slate, Natural, Gold Natural or Black Processor S8 S10 S9 Battery life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours, Faster charging 0-80% in 30 mins Up to 36 hours, Fast charging 0-80% in 1 hour Extra features Siri, Find iPhone, Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, PrecisionFinding for iPhone, Depth gauge to 6m and water temperature sensor, speakers and media playback, microphone with voice isolation Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, PrecisionFinding for iPhone, Customisable Action button, Depth gauge to 40m and water temperature sensor, scuba to 40m, Dual speakers, media playback and three-mic array with beamforming Health features Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Cycle Tracking, Sleep stages BloodOxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stages BloodOxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stages Safety features Emergency SOS, FallDetection and Crash Detection Emergency SOS, FallDetection and Crash Detection Emergency SOS, FallDetection and Crash Detection, Siren Water resistance 50 meters, Swimproof 50 meters, Swimproof 100 meters, Swimproof, High-speed water sports, dive to 40m Connectivity L1 GPS, cellular option L1 GPS, cellular option Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5 GPS), cellular only Best Apple Watch Right now Apple sells three different Apple Watches, although there are different combinations of case and wristband that can make it seem like a bit of a minefield.These is the newest Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Series 10 (2024), and the older Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023), and the Apple Watch SE 2 (2022). Generally, each Apple Watch offers a few more features than the one that came before it. Below we will run through the features available on each Apple Watch so you can see what you are getting for your money. Apple isnt the only place where you can buy an Apple Watch, and if you shop around you can still buy older models that Apple doesnt sell.To get the best deal on an Apple Watch take note of the best prices shown below, you might also like to look at our roundup of the Best Apple Watch Deals . Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros 1 to 3,000 nits brightness Ultra capabilities for extreme sports Tough exterior Cons Still uses S9 as wasnt updated in 2024 Only one size Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Blue $470 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Blue $670 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Black Alpine loop Green $720.61 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket This is the second generation of Apple Watch Ultra that launched in 2023. In 2024 there was a minor update to the color options on offer. The Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate Apple Watch. Its designed for athletes and adventure, so it isnt a watch for everyone, but it goes beyond the standard Apple Watch with features for divers (depth gauge, water temperature sensor, water resistance to 100 meters) and features for hikers such as precision dual-frequency GPS. The Apple Watch Ultra is constructed from tougher materials: a titanium case and a sapphire crystal cover for the screen.However, the Apple Watch Series 10 shares now offers a Titanium option, depth gauge and water temperature sensor, so the difference isnt as great as it was between the Series 9 and the Ultra. But there are still a lot of superior features offered by the Ultra. The Ultras battery life is better than the standard Apple Watch series at 36 hours for the Ultra and 18 hours for the Series 10 (and the Series 9 and 8 before it). You can eke out even more battery life in the Ultra too, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode (Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch 8 to 10 models results in 36 hours of battery life). The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra features the S9 chip. The S9 is superior to the S8 in the original Apple Watch Ultra, with 60% more transistors, a four-core Neural Engine that is twice as fast than the S8, and 30 percent faster graphics. The newer Apple Watch Series 10 has the S10 chip, but there is very little difference between the S10 and S9. The original Ultra has the Action Button, to make controlling the Watch a bit easier, but the second-gen model goes a step further. Thanks to the Double-Tap gesture (also in the Apple Watch 9 and 10) you wont have to touch the screen to control the Watch, useful if your other hand isnt free. Just tap your thumb and index finger together and the gesture is recognized by the watch (via sensors and algorithms) so that the primary action of whatever app is showing will be triggered. You will also be able to use on-device Siri to do like ask Siri to open Watch apps or check or input data. Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Pros Bigger, easier-to-read display Faster charging Refined design Cons Still only 18 hours battery life Blood Oxygen unavailable in the U.S. Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Series 10 is a modest set of improvements over the Apple Watch Series 9. Notably, the watch is now a tiny bit thinner and larger, just enough to make the display fractionally bigger (42mm up from 41mm or 46mm up from 45mm) and slightly easier to read (its got wider viewing angles, too). Performance hasnt changed and neither has battery life, still rated at 18 hours, but theres a new water temperature sensor and the ability to sense depth up to 6 meters. The premium model is now encased in titanium instead of Stainless Steel, which results in a big weight reduction. The titanium Series 10 is barely heavier than the aluminium model, while the stainless steel Series 9 was a lot heavier. The Series 10 charges faster, too. It will go from 0-80% in 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes, which is enough of a change to make a real difference. If you have a Series 8 or Series 9 this isnt an upgrade you need, but its probably the best Apple Watch to get if its your first one or youre coming from a much older model, unless you live the sort of life of adventure that necessitates the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Read our full Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) review Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Pros Cheapest Apple Watch Crash detection Fall detection Cons Lacks health sensors: no ECG, no O2 Smaller screen Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $189 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $119.30 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $130.49 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $131.67 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $131.67 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band White $138 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $147.73 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport loop Starlight $238.14 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices The Apple Watch SE, which arrived in 2022, is the second generation SE, with the first being introduced in 2020. The 2022 Apple Watch SE introduced new features and component improvements compared to the original. Like the Series 8 and subsequent Watches, it offers Crash Detection and an improved Compass app. The heart sensor in the SE (old and new) is second-generation, while the Series 7 and above offer a third-generation heart sensor. The SE also lacks the body temperature sensor for cycle monitoring.You also dont get Blood Oxygen monitoring or the ability to perform an ECG. The SE comes in two sizes, but the screen is slightly smaller than the screen on the Series 10 and older at 44mm and 40mm, rather than 46mm and 42mm. This means the screen is a little bit more cramped, especially when compared to the Ultras 49mm screen. Speaking of the screen, the SE doesnt offer an always-on display like the other watches, so if that is likely to be a point of frustration for you its a good reason to upgrade. Battery life is the same 18 hours as the Series 10. Read our full Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) review How the new Apple watches compare Thats an overview, but in a little more detail heres how the features of each Apple Watch compare. Dimensions The Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest Apple Watch sold by Apple. To accommodate the 49mm screen the watch measures 49mm by 44mm by 14.4mm. It weighs from 61.4 grams depending on the color chosen. The Apple Watch Ultra is big and heavy. If you have slim wrists you might prefer a smaller case, in which case Apple offers the option of a large and smaller variant of each watch with the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE.With the Ultra only one size is available. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers either a 46mm or 42mm screen. To accommodate the 46mm screen the watch measures 46mm by 39mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 36.4 grams for the aluminium option, 41.7 grams for titanium. For the 42mm screen the watch measures 42mm by 36mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 30 grams for the aluminium option, 34.4 grams for titanium. The Apple Watch SE (2) offers either a 44mm or 40 screen. To accommodate the 44mm screen the watch measures 44mm by 38mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 32.9 grams. For the 40mm screen the watch measures 40mm by 34mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 26.4 grams. Display The bigger the watch the bigger the screen, of course. Or at least thats what you might think. In fact, the display area of the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is fractionally bigger than the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2. Heres how those two compare: Apple Watch Ultra 2: 410502 pixels, 1,185 sq mm display area, 3,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm): 416496 pixels, 1,220 sq mm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm): 374446 pixels, 989sqmm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE (44mm): 368448 pixels, 977 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE (40mm): 324394 pixels, 759 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Its not just size that matters with the screens though. The 3,000 nits brightness on the Ultra means it should be easier to read in particularly bright light, for example, when skiing.This beats the Series 10, which offers 2,000 nits, as did the Series 9, but the Series 10 also offers wide-angled OLED screen which helps when viewing the screen at an angle. The SE offers 1,000 nits brightness. A bigger screen means you can see more text. Apple Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer an Always-On display so you can always see the time without having to wake it. This is a feature that was also shared by the Apple Watch Series 5 and later. The Apple Watch SE doesnt offer an Always-On display. Design There may be three variants of the Apple Watch, but there are a number of combinations that mean that there are more design differences than you might expect. As we explained above, there are five sizes to choose from if you consider all models: 49mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 40mm. In addition to the sizes, Apple uses two different materials for the cases: aluminum for the Watch SE; aluminum or titanium for the Series 10; and titanium for the Ultra 2. For each case there is a choice of colors: Aluminium comes in midnight, starlight, rose gold, and silver. Titanium is available in gold or natural on the Series 10, or natural and black on Ultra 2. As well as a choice of case color, you also have a vast choice of straps or bands to go with the Apple Watch, some are only compatible with certain Watch sizes. See: Do Apple Watch straps fit all models? Some add a considerable expense to the cost of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Ultra has a choice of three straps designed to be rugged and suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts, these new straps can be used with the larger Apple Watches as well. Take a look at all the watch straps on offer on Apples site . We discuss the best Apple Watch straps and Apple Watch straps: how to find the perfect size separately. Durability Various elements of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 design help it withstand altitudes, high temperatures, low temperatures, immersion, freeze/thaw, shock, and vibration. So if you want a watch that can be worn at a depth of 40 meters (its certified for scuba diving) the Ultra 2 will be the one for you. Also making the Ultra a little better able to withstand knocks is a sapphire front crystal display, around which raised edges of the case provide protection. The Apple Watch Series 10 also features strong sapphire glass with the TItanium models (and the 9 and 8 did on the Stainless Steel models). Theres Ion-X screen glass on the aluminium models. The Apple Watch Ultra can be used by divers Apple All three watches are Swimproof according to Apple, but they are not equal in this respect. The Apple Watch 10 and SE have a water resistance rating of 100 meters and Apple suggests that they can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. The Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 50 meters and includes a Depth gauge and water temperature sensor. With these feature its no surprise that Apple states that the Ultra can be used for recreational scuba diving, however Apple adds that Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters and also points out that water resistance can diminish over time. The Ultra offers the same IP6X dust resistance as the Series 10. The SE doest offer this certification. Health and Safety features All the Apple Watches offer Car Crash detection, a feature that arrived in 2022. Apple Cycle Tracking : Just like the Series 10, the Ultra offers temperature sensing for Cycle Tracking, which was a new feature introduced with the 2022 Watches that should help women trying to get pregnant identify when they have ovulated. Blood Oxygen : Youll also find the Blood Oxygen app (which arrived with the Series 6) in the Ultra and Series 10 Watches. Measuring blood oxygen can alert the wearer to any reduction of oxygen in their bloodstream and can help with management of conditions like asthma.This isnt available in the SE. Due to a patent battle, this feature is disabled in Apple Watches sold and used in the United States, though it may return via a software update in the future. ECG : The Apple Watch 10 and Ultra offer the ECG app (introduced with the Series 4). The 2022 SE cant perform an ECG (electrocardiogram), but it can notify you of high and low heart rate and irregular heart rhythm, as can the other Watches. Crash Detection : In 2022 Apple Watches gained the ability to detect a car crash. This feature means that if you are in a severe car crash while wearing any Apple Watch from 2022 or above, the Watch will detect the impact and dial emergency services if you are unresponsive (youll get a 10-second warning). Fall Detection : Another safety features that is shared by all the Apple Watches is Fall Detection (the feature arrived with the Apple Watch Series 4). If the watch identifies that you have fallen it will sound an alarm and display an alert so you can confirm if you are ok. If you arent ok the watch can call the emergency services. If you dont have a cellular plan for your Apple Watch you will need your connected iPhone to be nearby for the call to be placed. Siren : This safety feature is unique to the Ultra (1 and 2). That model can play a 86-decibel siren that is audible up to 600 feet (182 meters), handy if you get lost on a mountain. Compass & Backtrack : Speaking of mountaineering, the new 2022 Watches gained an improved Compass app with and Backtrack feature that should help you avoid getting lost. The Apple Watch Ultra 9 and 2) could be better at this job though because it features a new dual-frequency GPS that should make it better at positioning you because it wont be affected by tall trees and buildings. If you are frustrated that your Watch cant pinpoint your exact location when you are trying to use it for directions amid tall buildings this is a feature for you. Sleep Tracking : The Apple Watches can also track your sleep and wake you up. Since watchOS 8 the Apple Watch has been able to track your breathing rate, notifying you of possible health issues. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 offer Sleep apnoea notifications . Specs Chip: The 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the S9 chip and the Series 10 has the S10 chip, but they appear to be identical in performance. The S8 chip in the SE (as well as in 2022s Series 8 Apple Watch and the original Ultra) didnt offer a significant power boost over the S7, which itself wasnt a lot better than the S6. While the S6 delivered just a 20 percent boost in performance over the Series 5, which launched in 2019. GPS: Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE have L1 GPS, while the Apple Watch Ultra (1 and 2) offer Precision dual-frequency (L1 and L5) GPS. L1 GPS is the standard GPS, but it can be blocked by tall buildings and other obstacles. L5 GPS is more advanced and should cope better with buildings blocking the satellite signal. U2: The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 both offer an upgraded ultra-wideband chip that will improve their ability to track the location of an object, such as the iPhone 15. This improves on the U1 chip in the Series 8 and Ultra 1. Note the Apple Watch SE is the only Apple Watch that doesnt even include the U1 chip. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is better in the Series 10 and Ultra: the SE offers only 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n. I Cellular : If you have a cellular contract, the Apple Watch 8, 9, 10 and Ultra models offer 5GHz Wi-Fi, but the SE only 4G LTE. Double Tap on Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch 9 and 10 makes engaging with the Watch easier. Apple Battery life The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers 36 hour battery life (as did the original Ultra). This is much more than the other Watches 18 hours. The Series 10 offers faster charging (0-80% in 30 minutes), an improvement over prior models fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes). That 36-hour figure for the Ultra can be even higher though if you use the Low Power Mode you should be able to get up to 72 hours, according to Apple. This same Low Power Mode brings the Watch 10 battery life to 36 hours. Thats battery life measured in typical use, but athletes and other users might not be quite so typical. Apple says that therell be enough battery power to get users through a triathlon (thats a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon of 26.2 miles). The problem for other Apple Watch users is that the battery would probably run down if you were tracking such extensive exercise. Check out our roundup of the best Apple Watch chargers and docks . Which Apple Watch to buy As you can see from the above, its not a simple case of being able to say a particular Apple Watch is the winner. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 clearly has the best features and if you are off up a mountain, diving in the ocean, or heading out for a marathon, then the Ultra is the way to go. But its big, perhaps too big, and it has a big price attached to it. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers some enticing new features, and is probably the best choice for most users that dont have specific need of the rugged outdoor qualities of the Ultra. The Apple Watch SE is Apples cheapest Apple Watch, starting at $249/219, which will be a big point in its favor, but its not the cheapest Apple Watch ever sold. Apple used to sell the Apple Watch Series 3 for just $199/179 for the 38mm version. The 2022 SE is cheaper than the 2020 generation though, which started at $279/269. Along with a lower price, the SE also offers features such as Car Crash detection, but it lacks some of the health-related features that people are looking for. Its the health-related features that will probably stand out as the main differentiator between the SE and the Series 10, and this hasnt changed from the previous generation. If the ability to check blood oxygen, take an ECG, and temperature monitoring, are important to you then it has to be the Series 10. If those arent something that you think you need then the SE will be quite sufficient. If you are after a bargain though, we recommend that you look for a deal on an older Apple Watch. We often see the Apple Watch Series 9 on sale and we think its just as good as the 10, unless you really wanted a slightly bigger display. Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $299 at Amazon | $299 at Walmart | $399 at Adorama Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $799 at Apple | Not Available at Adorama Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $189 at Walmart | $249 at Adorama | $249 at Apple United States

macOS 26 Beta: Whats in the latest macOS beta and how to get it

Macworld Every year, Apple updates the Mac operating system. The current version of macOS is macOS 15.5, but development of macOS 26 (not macOS 16) is well underway. Apple runs a beta program, which means developers and registered public testers can try out new features before they are released to the general public later in the year. The beta process doesnt stop with the full release of macOS in the fall. After macOS 15 Sequoia arrived on Macs in September 2024, development continued with new features rolled out every couple of months. The same will be true of the macOS 26 development cycle. In this article, well explain what you need to do to get your hands on a copy of the new beta of macOS 26, how to install it, and what you should bear in mind if you want to avoid problems. (If you would prefer to use the latest official release of macOS, heres how to update macOS on your Mac .) Update July 7, 2025: Apple released macOS 26 beta 3 to developers, but theres a catch: its only available for Intel macs at the time of this writing, due to a distribution issue. Its not yet clear when it will be available for Apple Silicon macs, but it should be very soon. macOS beta: Latest version The most recent version of the macOS 26 Tahoe beta is beta 3. It was released on July 7, 2025. Following WWDC 2025 on June 9, the macOS 26 developer beta is now available to download for those signed up to the program. the macOS 26 name is part of a coherent annual naming system along with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 . Karen Kahn / Foundry macOS beta: Public beta release date Apple has confirmed that the public beta will arrive in July. In 2024 the public beta became available on July 15, so we anticipate a similar time frame. macOS beta: Next beta update New betas tend to arrive every one to two weeks, and more frequently as the full release data approaches. The beta testing program will continue to run after the new macOS 26 software launches in September or October 2025, with Apple continuing to roll out new features. Foundry How to get the macOS beta To get the developer version of the macOS 26 beta you need to be running macOS Sequoia, and be registered for Apples developer program, either having paid $99/79 to enrol in Apples Developer program ( here ) or with a free developer account (follow the instructions below for how to register for that). Alternatively, if its the public beta you are after, you just need to sign up for the Public Beta program on Apples beta webpage , signed the NDA , and enrolled your Mac. Details of how to do that are below. As long as you are a registered developer, or enrolled in the public beta program, when the relevant macOS Beta becomes available, it will also show up on your Mac. Before you download the beta, a few warnings: We strongly advise that if you arent a developer, you dont download the developer beta. We also strongly recommend that you back up your Mac before you upgrade to the macOS beta. We recommend that you do not run the macOS beta on your primary Mac; ideally, run it in a separate volume . This should minimize any risks to you. How to get a free Apple developer account If you just want a free Apple Developer account so you can access the beta you can get this via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Heres how to do it via the Apple Developer app on an iPhone: Get the Apple Developer App from the App Store . Open the app on your iPhone. Tap on Account. Tap on Sign In. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. If you wish to actually publish applications to the App Store or receive support, youll need to pay $99/79 per year for a paid account. You can compare the free and paid accounts here . How to register for the macOS public beta The macOS public beta is accessible to anyone with a valid Apple ID. To register, go to the Apple Beta Software Program page. Select the Sign Up option. Sign in using your Apple ID. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the registration process. Enrol the Mac you wish to run the beta on via this Apple page . How to download macOS beta Open Software Updates on your Mac. (System Settings > General > Software Updates.) You should see two options: Automatic Updates and Beta Updates. Click on the (i) beside Beta Updates. You can now turn on Beta Updates (if they werent already on). Choose the beta you want to download: public or developer. If your account is tied to a different Apple ID than your usual one, you can change that here. Click Done. Now your Mac will check for updates and eventually show the latest macOS Beta as an upgrade. Click on Upgrade Now. Foundry Do I need the macOS Beta Access Utility? Only if you are running macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier. Apple changed the way it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. If you arent yet running that version of macOS you will need to download the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility or macOS Public Beta Access Utility in order to download betas. If you were already running an earlier macOS Public Beta youll find the new macOS beta as an upgrade via Software Update. Just click on Upgrade Now. You may have to update to the latest version of your current beta before you can do so, if not follow the steps below to get the beta access utility. If you are enrolled in the Developer Program, go to Apples beta download page . Click on Install Profile to download the new macOS Developer Beta Access Utility to your Mac. If you are enrolled as a public beta tester, download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility . Go to Downloads on your Mac and click on the macOS Beta Access Utility to open it. Double-click on the dmg file and the installer will run. Once the new macOS beta is installed Software Update will check to see if there are any updates. Click Update and the latest version will download. Youll see a prompt to install the latest macOS beta, click on Continue. Agree to the Ts&Cs (more on them below). Click Install. Once you are running the beta the updates will come through to your Mac automatically, you just need to click to install. You will receive a notification when the next update to the beta is available. Updates will be available via Software Update (in System Settings/System Preferences) FAQ 1. Who can run the macOS beta? Anyone can run the macOS beta, but to do so you do need to register for either the developer beta, the pubic beta, or both. Apple offers both developer and public beta programs for macOS, enabling all interested users to test pre-release versions of the operating system. While both betas provide early access to new features, they cater to different user profiles based on technical expertise and risk tolerance. Beta software tends to be buggy so the more stable public beta version may be preferable, but even that will not be bug free. In the past, the developer beta was only available to developers who had paid to join Apples Developer Program (which costs $99/79). However, for a couple of years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered developers with free developer accounts. We explain how to get a free developer account below. If you decide you no longer want to run the beta version of macOS read this: How to remove the macOS beta . 2. macOS public beta vs developer beta Since 2023, the Developer Beta has been available to anyone who registers as a developer, even if they arent a paid-up member of Apples Developer Program. As a result, people with a basic free developer account can download the new macOS developer beta (we show you how to register below). Whether you should download the developer beta if you arent a developer is another question. We dont recommend you install the developer beta if you arent a developer. Instead, our recommendation is to use the public beta (the first version of which usually arrives in July). There are a few differences between the public and developer betas. The public beta is not the same as the beta that is released through the developer program. The public beta typically launches after the developer beta has undergone initial testing and refinement Developers get updates to their beta first, and possibly more frequently. But you should keep in mind that betas are by nature not stable, and because the public beta comes after the developer beta it could be a little safer to install. The most significant difference is probably the motive of the testers: Developers usually have the aim of ensuring their apps work when the updated macOS is released to the general public, while public beta testers are essentially helping Apple detect bugs and offering feedback on the features. Because of this developers may get to test new features not available in the public beta. If you want to get the public beta the first thing you need to do, if you havent already, is join Apples beta programs read this for more information: How to become an Apple beta tester. 3. Is the macOS beta stable? By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Therefore its not advised that you install it on a Mac that you rely on. If you have a second Mac that isnt mission-critical then install it there. We strongly recommend that you dont risk all by putting the macOS beta on your primary macOS, especially not in the early days of the beta development. If you dont have a second Mac there are a couple of ways you could run macOS beta on your Mac without running the risk of losing data or finding your Mac stops working: We recommend installing it on a partition which these days is really a volume (and is much easier to create than a partition was). Read about how to do that here: How to dual-boot Mac: Run two versions of macOS on a Mac . Alternatively, you could install the macOS beta on an external drive and run it on that. We discuss the safety of the macOS beta and the risks you might be taking in more detail in a separate article. If the stability of the beta worries you then you are probably better off waiting until the final version is out, or at least waiting until testing has been happening for a few months before getting the beta. 4. How to prepare your Mac for the beta Update your software : We recommend you have the latest full version of macOS installed, although Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later. Make space: Wed recommend at least 15GB of available space because the macOS betas tend to be very large. If you end up requiring more space read: How to free up space on Mac . Note that we always recommend that you have at least 10% space free on your Mac at any time, so if you dont have that expect problems! Back up : Before you install a beta on your Mac you should make a backup of your data and files. You can find out how to use Time Machine to back up your Mac . We also have a round-up of suitable backup solutions . 5. How to send feedback to Apple Should you come across an error or a bug you should use the Feedback Assistant app to provide feedback to Apple. Launch the app and follow the appropriate steps, selecting the area about which youre providing feedback and then any specific sub-area. Then describe your issue in a single sentence, before providing a more detailed description, including any specific steps that reproduce the issue. Youll also be able to attach other files. Youll also have to give permission for the Feedback Assistant app to collect diagnostic information from your Mac. It wont always be obvious whether something is a bug or just not as easy to use as you might have hoped. Either way, if your feedback is that something appears to work in an illogical way, Apple will want to know that. If you are having trouble with a third-party app you can let Apple know by reporting it through the 3rd-party Application Compatibility category in the Feedback Assistant. However, wed suggest that you also provide feedback to the apps developer who will no doubt be grateful. 6. Will I be able to update from macOS beta to the final version? Beta users will be able to install the final build of the OS on release day without needing to reformat or reinstall. 7. Can I talk about the beta publicly? According to Apple and the license agreement all beta testers must agree to, the beta is Apple confidential information. By accepting those terms, you agree not to discuss your use of the software with anyone who isnt also in the Beta Software Program. That means you cant blog, post screenshots, tweet, or publicly post information about the public beta software. However, you can discuss any information that Apple has publicly disclosed; the company says that information is no longer considered confidential. 8. How to downgrade from the macOS beta You can always revert to an earlier version of macOS, though depending on how you back up, its not necessarily a painless process. Start by making sure the data on your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and install the latest public version of macOS. When you first startup your Mac you can use the Migration Assistant to import your data from the backup. Heres a more detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta we also have a tutorial on downgrading to an older version of the Mac OS . macOS Sonoma beta timeline To get an idea of what to expect for the macOS 26 beta time line, heres how the macOS Sequoia beta rolled out in 2024. The first version of the macOS 15 Sequoia developer beta arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024. Beta 2 arrived on June 24. The first public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024. Developer beta 4 was released on July 23. The second public beta also arrived on July 23, 2024. Developer beta 5 arrived on August 5 followed by the third public beta. Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024. Developer beta 7 and the fifth public beta of Sequoia were released on August 20. On August 28, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8 and the sixth public beta of Sequoia. The release candidate of Sequoia arrived on September 9. The full version of Sequoia arrived on compatible Macs on September 16. There were actually two versions of the developer beta running concurrently. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta included Apple Intelligence features that are only available on M-series Macs (a iOS 18.1 beta was also in development separately with Apple Intelligence features for compatible iPhones). Apple started work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta on July 29. macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta 2 arrived on August 12. macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta 3 was released to developers on August 28. Initially, this beta was only for developers, but Apple released a macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024, following the release of Sequoia to the general public. Eventually, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 release candidate was released on October 21, and a second release candidate 2 was released on October 24. The final version of macOS Sequoia 15.1 arrived on compatible Macs on October 28. After the macOS Sequoia full release, the beta continued: macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta arrived September 19, 2024 macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta- arrived October 23, 2024. Including a second set of Apple Intelligence features). Official release of 15.2 was on December 11. macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta arrived December 16, 2024. Including the ability to create Gemoji. Release Candidate available on January 2. macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta arrived on February 19, 2025. Included Mail updates and Proximity Pairing with the iPhone. Release Candidate available on March 28. macOS Sequoia 15.5 beta arrived April 2, 2025. Apple released the Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 to developers. Out May 12, 2024.

Whoa, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has never been this cheap before

Macworld Prime Day came early for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as this gorgeous smartwatch has dropped to a brand-new low price of $649 . Thats $150 off one of the best wearables you can get right now. There are so many things to love about the Ultra 2 , starting with its huge display and rugged black titanium design. Theres a built-in GPS and cellular connectivity, as well as the customizable Action button. Its also got an array of sensors so its great at tracking workouts, hiking trips, and just about any sporting activity you partake in, including swimming and diving. Its not just how many steps and movements, but also your heart rate, sleep duration, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and more. The battery is also way better than what you get in a regular Apple Watch, lasting for up to 36 hours on a single charge. And if you find yourself in an emergency, you can call for help, sound an 86db alarm that can be heard up to 600 feet away, or use Fall or Crash Detection to alert emergency services. In short, if youve been waiting for a good Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal , nows the time to get it. Save $150 on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Buy now at Amazon

Only Apple Watch can be trusted to count calories accurately, report finds

Macworld When Apple launched its first smartwatch in 2015, there was a sense that the company didnt exactly know what the device was for. But within a few years, it carved out an identity focusing mainly on health and fitness, with millions of owners using their Apple Watches to track metrics such as steps taken, minutes of exercise each day, and how often they stand. Nearly every other smartwatch soon followed Apples lead, and they all promise to help you get fit and stay healthy. A new report, however, has cast doubt over the accuracy of one of the main algorithms used by fitness watches: measuring calories burned. A reporter for MailOnline [paywalled] tested devices by seven major manufacturers under scientific conditions, and found that only one came within 10 percent of the correct result. Fortunately for Apple Watch wearers, that one device was the Apple Watch Series 10. The reporter visited a lab in London with the facilities to measure calorific usage to a high degree of accuracy. The lab measured his basal metabolic rate (BMR), ran a Dexa scan for body fat percentage, and took various other preliminary medical readings that would not be available to a fitness wearable. He then took a VO2 test while using a stationary bike and wearing a heart monitor strap and oxygen mask. All of this effort produced a calorific figure thats about as accurate as possible, and could be compared with the readings taken by the fitness watches. Most of the wearables (including the Apple Watch) underestimated the calories burned. Heres the percentage of the correct score that they each gave, from least to most generous: Decathlon CW500 S: 37% WHOOP 5.0: 66% Fitbit Charge 6: 72% Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra LTE (47mm): 78% Oura Ring 4: 86% Apple Watch Series 10 : 92% Garmin Vivoactive 6: 112% As you can see, Apples smartwatch came closest to the correct score, beating Garmin (the only overestimator) by four percentage points and Oura by six. Why the inaccuracies? Because, firstly, fitness wearables have to work with the data they have, which is limited. And, secondly, because some of the equations they work from were developed more than a century ago and are not very accurate, MailOnline says. Wearables are popular because people think its personalized data, says Owen Hutchins, who runs the My Vital Metrics lab used for the test. Unfortunately, the reality is that theyre using a whole bunch of algorithms to predict younot to measure you. Apple recommends calibrating your watch to improve the accuracy of your distance, pace, and calorie measurements by walking or running at your normal pace for about 20 minutes with the Outdoor Walk or Outdoor Run selected in the Workout app. Apple says this will improve the accuracy of your calorie calculations in the Workout app, and the calorie, distance, Move, and Exercise calculations in the Activity app.

AirPods are already down to all-time-low prices ahead of Prime Day 2025

Macworld If youre looking for a new pair of AirPods, Amazons twice-yearly Prime Day sales are a great time to look for a discount. Amazon often has AirPods on sale for well below Apples MSRP, but when big sales events like this come around, you can often get a pair for an all-time-low price. The AirPods picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend and we wont tell you to buy something thats not actually worth your money. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. For the tastiest discounts across Apples entire product range, see our roundup of the best Prime Day Apple deals . Amazon Prime Day 2025: Best AirPods deals Apple is rumored to update the AirPods Pro later this year, but we still recommend grabbing a pair of the current generation if the price dips below $200. The AirPods 4 were just updated last year, so we dont expect updates until at least next year. The AirPods Max is due an update, but rumors suggest 2026 is more likely. U.S. AirPods Prime Day deals AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 4: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): $149 ($30 off, MSRP $179) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $480 ($69 off, MSRP $549) U.K. AirPods Prime Day deals Were not seeing any deals at all on Amazon U.K. just yet: all four models are currently being sold at RRP. But we expect this to change during the Prime Day sale. Watch this space! AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : 229 (RRP) AirPods 4 : 129 (RRP) AirPods 4 (with ANC) : 179 (RRP9) AirPods Max (USB-C) : 499 (RRP) AirPods Pro and AirPods 4. Petter Ahrnstedt Amazon Prime Day 2025: Best Beats deals If you dont want AirPods, Apple also sells a line of Beats headphones and earbuds, including the popular over-ear Solo 4 and PowerBeats Pro 2 , which were updated earlier this year. Beats headphones have many Apple features and can often be found for far less than AirPods. U.S. Beats Solo 4 : $100 ($100 off, MSRP $200) Beats Solo Buds : $60 ($20 off, MSRP $80) Beats Studio Pro : $180 ($170 off, MSRP $350) Beats Pill : $130 ($20 off, MSRP $150) Powerbeats Pro 2 : $200 ($50 off, MSRP $250) U.K. Beats Solo 4 : 149 (50.95 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Studio Buds+ : 174.99 (5 off, RRP 179.99) Beats Studio Pro : 175 (174 off, RRP 349) Beats Pill : 122 (27.99 off, RRP 149.99) Beats Solo Buds : 69 (10 off, RRP 79.99) Amazon Prime Day 2025: How to get the best AirPods deals Amazons annual Prime Day sales take place in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. Many deals are exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership. New users can sign up for a30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. Prime membership costs $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99/8.99/AU$6.99on a monthly basis. As well as getting free two-day shipping, Prime customers also get access to Prime Video and Music. Amazon isnt the only place to buy AirPods , so its wise to shop around. If you dont have Prime or would like to look elsewhere, check out our price comparisons below to see how retailers compare for each model. Wondering which AirPods to buy? Take a look at our Best AirPods buying guide. Also, if it doesnt have to be AirPods, take a look at how other over-ears compare to the AirPods Max , and our favorite AirPods alternatives . Amazon Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac

Keep it simple and save: Office 2019 just works (now $40)

Macworld Was 2019 just six years ago or sixty? Whatever your outlook on the passing of semi-recent time, one things for sure: Tech has been advancing at a rapid pace. If your software doesnt have AI, does it even exist? For those of us who are over the overpriced upgrades and simply want to type up a doc, make a quick spreadsheet, or throw together a sleek presentation without being helped by bots of all shapes and sizes, this Office 2019 deal will bring sighs of relief. For just under $40 during the current price drop, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is available through this lifetime offer. Thats Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classicall the essential tools, ready to install, no subscription or buzzwords in sight. The Mac version of Office 2019 was designed to take full advantage of your Apple devices beautiful Retina display, full-screen view, and native macOS features. Its a productivity classic everyone, from freelancers to students to small business owners, will appreciate, without having to fight through the AI bells and whistles. Buying software and actually owning it isnt merely a memory. No monthly fees, no auto-renewals, no surprise charges on your credit card. Just a one-time payment, instant download, and plenty of access to those ubiquitous apps. Go back to basics with this lifetime license for MS Office 2019 while its on sale for $39.97 (MSRP $229). Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Best Apple Prime Day deals: Huge discounts on Macs, iPads, AirPods & more!

Macworld Summer isnt just about beaches, pools, and baseball. Its also time for Prime Day, and Amazons big annual sale is even bigger this year, running a whopping four days, from Tuesday, July 8, until midnight on Friday, July 11. As always, the deals will be coming and going quickly, so be sure to bookmark this page as well be monitoring the latest best prices on Macs, iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, and more. Since Amazons last big sale in October, Apple has released some new products, so be on the lookout for super discounts on older iPads and MacBooks, as well as price cuts on the newest models. And of course, youll also find great deals on AirPods, Apple Watches, Macs, and everything else Apple sells. Well gather the best deals we see in this article, along with some tips for getting the best bargains. Read on for the best deals on AirPods, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, Mac and Apple Accessories in the U.S. and U.K. Prime Day AirPods deals Apples AirPods Pro are due for an update this fall , but we still recommend grabbing a pair on sale for under $200and keep an eye out for prices that dip even lower, possibly under $180. We dont expect updates to the standard AirPods or AirPods Max until at least 2026, so now is a great time to buy those models. U.S. AirPods Prime Day deals AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 4: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC): $149 ($30 off, MSRP $179) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $480 ($69 off, MSRP $549) U.K. AirPods Prime Day deals We arent seeing any deals on Amazon U.K. yet, but we expect to during the Prime Day sale. AirPods (4th gen, no ANC, 2024) : 118 (11 off, RRP 129) at AO.com See: Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals . Foundry Prime Day iPhone deals If youre in the U.S., Amazon is not the place to go to buy a new iPhone 16 (though there are occasional deals on renewed models); however, in other countries, including the U.K., you will find the latest iPhones at Amazon at lower prices. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 in September , so we expect big discounts on the iPhone 16 models as Amazon looks to clear out stock. iPhone 16e (128GB) : 549 (50 off, RRP 599) iPhone 16e (256GB) : 849 (50 off, RRP 899) iPhone 16 (128GB) : 698 (100 off, RRP 799) iPhone 16 (512GB) : 999 (100 off, RRP 1,099) iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) : 799 (100, RRP 899) iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) : 1,099 (100, RRP 1,199) iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) : 898 (100, RRP 999) iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) : 1,198 (100, RRP 1,299) iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) : 1,298 (100, RRP 1,399) iPhone 15 (128GB) : 598 (100 off, RRP 699) iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) : 698 (100 off, RRP 799) iPhone 15 Pro (1TB) : 1,349 (RRP was 1,499 DISCONTINUED) For more deals see our Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals . To see if other resellers are offering better deals, and to see the best on-contract offers, take a look at our Best iPhone deals roundup . Prime Day iPad deals Apples entire iPad lineup has been updated in the past 14 months, so we expect to see all models on sale with all-time-low savings. Just note, the cheapest iPad with an A16 processor doesnt run Apple intelligence like the other models, so youll miss out on the upcoming new Siri features. But for under $300, its still a fantastic deal and look for at least $100 off the other models. To see if other resellers are offering better deals, take a look at our Best iPad deals roundup . U.S. iPad Prime Day deals iPad (A16, 128GB) : $299 ($50 off, MSRP $249) iPad mini (128 GB) : $399 ($100 off, MSRP $499) 11-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB): $499 ($100 off, MSRP $599) 13-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB) : $699 ($100 off, MSRP $799) 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB) : $899 ($100 off, MSRP $999) 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB) : $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP $1,299) U.K. iPad Prime Day deals iPad (A16, 128GB) : 315 (35 off, RRP 349) iPad (A16, 512GB) : 589.97 (40 off, RRP 629) iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB) : 453.97 (45 off, RRP 499) 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 559.97 (39 off, RRP 599) 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 750 (49 off, RRP 799) For more deals, see our Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals . Apple Prime Day Apple Watch deals Apple is expected to launch a new Apple Watch Series 11 in the fall, so there will be fantastic deals on the current model as Amazon looks to clear out stock. Early discounts are knocking up to $100 off, which is among the best prices weve ever seen. U.S. Apple Watch Prime Day deals Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm) : $200 ($79 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 2 : $649 ($150 off, MSRP $799) U.K. Apple Watch Prime Day deals Were not seeing any deals on new Apple Watches on Amazon U.K. yet, but we expect to. For more deals, see our Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals . Apple Prime Day MacBook deals Apple has updated its entire MacBook lineup with the M4 processor, so we expect to see significant savings of up to $500, depending on the model and configuration. Of note, all models start with 16GB of RAM, and all M4 MacBook Air models are $100 cheaper than their M3 counterparts. There may be an M5 update launching later this year, but rumors suggest it will merely be a spec bump, so grab a deal while you can. U.S. MacBook Prime Day deals 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $849 ($150 off, MSRP $999) 15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $1,049 ($150 off, MSRP $1,199) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (512GB) : $1,429 ($170 off, MSRP $1,599) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999) 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $2,249 ($250 off, MSRP $2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB RAM, 1TB) : $3,596 ($403 off, MSRP $3,999) U.K. MacBook Prime Day deals 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 899 (100 off, RRP 999) 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 1TB/16GB RAM) 1,279.97 (119 off, RRP 1,399) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,429.97 (170 off, RRP 1,599) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,609.97 (184 off, RRP 1,799) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,832 (167 off, RRP 1,999) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM, 2,149.97 (245 off, RRP 2,399) 14-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM, 3,119.97 (379 off, RRP 3,499) For more deals, see our Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals . Also, have a look at our best MacBook Pro deals and Best MacBook Air deals to see if there are better prices elsewhere. Foundry Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Apple updated the Mac mini with a new design and M4 chip late last year as well as the iMac. We dont expect either model to get an M5 this year, so these Prime Day deals are a great time to buy. U.S. Mac Prime Day deals M4 Mac mini (256GB) : $546 ($53 off, MSRP $599) M4 Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $914 ($75 off, MSRP $999) M4 Pro Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,262 ($137 off, MSRP $1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB): $1,185 ($114 off, MSRP $1,299) M4 iMac, 10-core GPU, 256GB : $1,269 ($230 off, MSRP $1,499) U.K. Mac Prime Day deals M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM , 528.98 (70 off, RRP 599) M4 Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM , 729 (70 off, RRP 799) M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,269 (125 off, RRP 1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,179 (120 off, RRP 1,299) M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,349 (150 off, RRP 1,499) M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 512GB RAM ) 1,550 (149 off, RRP 1,699) For more deals, see: Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals . Check other resellers at Best Mac mini deals and Best iMac deals . Amazon Prime Day Apple Accessories deals Even if you dont need a new MacBook or iPad, you can still get a great Prime Day deal on U.S. Apple accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) : $69 ($10 off, MSRP $79) Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Magic Keyboard Folio : $199 ($50 off, MSRP $249) Apple Magic Keyboard (11-inch iPad Air) : $269 ($30 off, MSRP $299) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable (1.8m) : $73 ($56 off, MSRP $129) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. Apple accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard : 84 (15 off, RRP 99) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Magic TrackPad : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation) : 248 (1 off, RRP 249) Apple Pencil (1st Generation) : 48 (20 off, RRP 99 ) Apple Pencil (USB-C ): 69 (10 off, RRP79) AirTag (4 pack) : 92 (27 off, RRP 119) Single AirTag : 28 (7 off, RRP 35) Apple TV 4K, 128GB : 158 (11 off, RRP 169) Amazon Prime Day Beats Prime Day deals If you dont want AirPods, Apple also sells a line of Beats headphones and earbuds that have many of the same features for less. Plus they come in a variety of colors. U.S. Beats Prime Day deals Beats Solo 4 : $100 ($100 off, MSRP $200) Beats Solo Buds : $60 ($20 off, MSRP $80) Beats Studio Pro : $180 ($170 off, MSRP $350) Beats Pill : $130 ($20 off, MSRP $150) Powerbeats Pro 2 : $200 ($50 off, MSRP $250) U.K. Beats Prime Day deals Beats Pill : 122 (27.99 off, RRP 149.99) Beats Solo 4 : 149 (50.95 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Studio Buds : 174.99 (5 off, RRP 179.99) Beats Studio Pro : 175 (174 off, RRP 349) See our Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals . How to get Prime Day discounts While its called Prime Day, some of these discounts above are available to everyone. For the ones that are exclusive to Prime members, youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or$14.99/8.99/AUD$6.99every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time. Youll also get free one or two-day delivery and access to Amazon Prime Video and Music, as well as other perks. The products picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not worth it. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. The products here are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the more popular configuration for each product type. One tip: When you click on a good dealeven if its from a Macworld pagecheck that the product isnt redirected to a refurbished model and that the current manufacturers price is listed, as that can make the price drop look a lot better than it is. And if a product here is listed as sold out on Amazon, we recommend checking back periodically as Amazon has been known to restock Prime Day deals throughout the sale. Amazon Prime Day: More Apple bargains For more Prime Big Deals Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

Why Im skipping the iPhone 17: Five reasons you should wait too

Macworld Once upon a time, Apple used to make significant changes to the iPhone every two years. A new model (iPhone 4, 5, 6, etc) would launch with an overhauled look, followed by an S variant that boosted performance and smoothed out any imperfections. Thats no longer the case. Primarily due to the iPhones maturity, iterative annual upgrades have become the norm. After all, theres only so much it can improve year over year. And despite what you may have read about this years phones , the new lineup is looking to be more of the same, even with the introduction of a new Air model. Thats why if youre planning to get a new iPhone , you may want to wait for next years iPhone 18 series . Unlike the iPhone 17 , 2026s lineup is set to bring some of the biggest design and functionality upgrades in years, which could make the iPhone 17 feel decidedly ho-hum. Something in the Air In September, Apple will reportedly launch the iPhone 17 Airan ultra-slim handset with a whole new form factor. Exciting, right? Maybe not. First-generation devices are often riddled with flaws, and a year later, the iPhone 18 Air will almost certainly address any issues with a refined and polished design. Beyond that, there seem to be few compelling reasons to opt for an iPhone 17 Air. The sleek device will likely have a mediocre battery life, a single rear camera, fewer speakers, and other compromises for a premium price tag. With most people popping their phone into a case anyway, will a super-slim iPhone really be worth it? Now that the EU has confirmed that Apple is permitted to release portless smartphones, the iPhone 18 Air could potentially take advantage of that. The end result would be a lighter, incredibly thin iPhone that, unlike the 17 Air, may justify the shortcomings and expense. The iPhone 17 Air might be super-thin, but thats nothing compared to a folding model. Foundry Above the fold Weve been hearing about a folding iPhone for years, but it finally seems like its coming. But not this year. In 2026, Apple is expected to debut its first foldable smartphone (enter the iPhone 6 Plus joke here), rivaling Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold and changing the iPhone as we know it. The 5.5-inch device is rumored to pack a 7.8-inch inner display, mimicking an iPad mini when opened. It would easily be the most dramatic and exciting iPhone change since the iPhone X in 2017, and many Apple fans are going to want to jump on board as early adopters. Lens flair Even if youre skipping the iPhone 17 Air and its single camera, the iPhone 17 Pro isnt looking to deliver much in the way of meaningful camera upgrades, other than a 24MP front-facing sensor and a 48MP telephoto lens. However, a more substantial camera boost could arrive next year. At least one iPhone 18 model (presumably the Pro Max) will boast a variable aperture lensa perk long limited to high-end professional cameras. If true, iPhone users will get to mechanically control how much light reaches the sensor for the first time. This could elevate portrait shots by improving the applied depth of field effect, as well as minimizing overexposure. Most smartphone users dont rely on a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera for capturing their everyday moments. Porting a variable aperture lens to the iPhone could dramatically enhance the photo-taking experience. The iPhone 17 Pros camera will be very good, but the real big changes are rumored to be coming next year. Foundry A cut above Apple introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, and its quickly become one of the handsets best features, with quick access to timers, scores, background tasks, and so on. But when its not in use, its still somewhat unsightlyand thats not expected to change this year. Next year, however, Apple will reportedly switch to under-display Face ID sensors, which will likely shrink the Dynamic Island noticeably. The conflicting reports make it hard to predict whether the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a smaller Dynamic Island or a hole-punch design, but its safe to assume itll look more futuristic and bring the iPhone a step closer to the flawless, glass slab vision coming in 2030. Chip shift For many casual users, Apples annual chip upgrades arent all that important. iPhones from years ago still run fluidly and perform in a lag-free manner, and a slightly faster processor wont really impact the daily experience meaningfully. However, there may be a bigger boost with the iPhone 18 models. In 2026, Apple is expected to unveil the A20, switching from a 3nm to a 2nm manufacturing process. As a result, the iPhone 18 Pro models could be significantly more capable and power-efficient. But thats not allthe iPhone 18 lineup is also expected to adopt the second generation of Apples in-house 5G modem. Unlike the C1 predecessor included with the iPhone 16e, the C2 chip could support mmWave connectivity and bring other enhancements to the table. With the iPhone 17 line likely sticking to Qualcomms hungrier modem and 3nm A19 processor, its safe to assume the iPhone 18 will have a superior battery life. Next years iPhone lineup will likely have Apples second-generation modem. Foundry Iteration now, innovation later In just 12 months, Apples iPhone 18 series will likely offer some of the most distinct changes in ages. Were rumored to be getting an all-new folding form factor that caters to multitaskers, along with a potentially improved Air model as well as other significant enhancements. Meanwhile, what will the iPhone 17 bring? A thin body? A tweaked rear camera bump and a price hike? We think youll be better off buying a discounted iPhone 16 and waiting till 2026 to get something really new.

Best external SSD for Mac: expand your Mac storage

Macworld Solid-state drives aka SSD used to be really expensive, but prices have really fallen in the past few years, and you can now pick up fast, reliable SSDs that cost only slightly more than their hard drive counterparts. Even the slowest SSDs are generally faster than mechanical hard drives. As well as being faster than conventional hard drives, SSDs are lighter and sturdier too, making them ideal for use with a laptop when youre traveling. Thats reflected in the drives that we review here, most of which are small and light enough to slip into your pocket. However, the latest SSDs can also offer up to 8TB of storage, which makes them a good option for use with a desktop Mac in an office as well. And they can help to reduce cable clutter too, as they generally take their power from a USB port on your Mac, rather than requiring a separate external power supply. In this article weve included the best external SSDs for everything from blazing-fast performance, to budget options, to portability, and more. Best SSD for Mac 2025 LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 Fast and rugged Pros Supports Thunderbolt 5 Impressive performance Rugged design with IP68 Five-year warranty Cons Expensive Requires M4 Pro or Max Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $399.99; 4TB: $599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $279.99 View Deal $279.99 View Deal $279.99 View Deal Seagate (Lacie) $399.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pro5 looks almost identical to the previous-generation Rugged SSD Pro, which uses Thunderbolt 3. The only visible difference between the two drives is the fact that the Pro5 is wrapped in a dark-blue rubber sleeve, rather than the somber black of its predecessor. That rubber sleeve is designed to provide extra protection for the drive, and the Pro5 is even sturdier than before, with an IP68 rating for water and dust-resistance. LaCie claims the Pro5 can survive immersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, survive being dropped from a height of 3m (10ft), and survive being run over by vehicles weighing up to two tonnes. Theres a five-year warranty too. It measures 17mm thick, 98mm wide and 65mm deep and weighs 150g, which is a little more than its 100g Rugged Pro predecessor. It comes in 2TB or 4TB capacities. Its not cheap, starting at $399.99/359.99 for 2TB or $599.99/579.99 for 4TB. The Pro5 does use a standard USB-C connector, so its still backward-compatible with older Macs, but if you want to get the full performance of the Thunderbolt 5 interface youll need a MacBook Pro or Mac mini with M4 Pro or M4 Max processor as these are the only chips to support the standard. The older Rugged Pro is still on sale, so make sure you look for the Pro5 model if you want Thunderbolt 5 performance. We found that the standard USB-C cable we use for our Time Machine back-up drive didnt provide enough power for the Pro5, so it might be worth investing in a spare Thunderbolt 5 cable. The Rugged SSD Pro5 is the fastest Thunderbolt drive weve tested so far, and along with its rugged, portable design its an excellent option for creative users who want to exploit the full speed of their new Thunderbolt 5 Macs. Read our full LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 review SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 Impressive, affordable performance Pros USB4 provides good performance Competitive price Rugged design Cons Lacks full Thunderbolt support Large Price When Reviewed: $280 for 2TB, $430 for 4TB Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sandisk $279.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Since parting ways with Western Digital SanDisk has launched a collection of new products. Among these were SanDisks Extreme Portable SSD, an affordable entry-level drive included below, and the Extreme Pro With USB4. The Extreme Pro With USB4 is available with 2TB or 4TB of storage. It resembles its predecessors, featuring rounded corners, orange trim, and a cut-out for attaching a lanyard. A USB-C cable is included. Its a little larger than previously: 11.9mm thick, 58.7mm wide, and 140mm long. Making it almost as large as the iPhone 16e and heavier than it. The drives main body is made of forged aluminium, wrapped in a silicon sleeve for added protection. SanDisk claims it can survive a 2m drop and is IP65 water and dust resistant. They also provide a five-year warranty. The Extreme Pro With USB4 is larger than other SanDisk drives, measuring 11.9mm thick, 58.7mm wide, and 140mm long. Its almost as large as the iPhone 16e and heavier than it, but still small enough to fit in a pocket or bag. Its sturdy design makes it suitable for travel and outdoor work. The main attraction is USB4 performance. SanDisk quotes a maximum write performance of up to 3700MB/s and read performance of up to 3800MB/s. We tested the drive with a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 4, achieving strong performance of 3400MB/s for both read and write. We also tested the drive with a new Mac mini with Thunderbolt 5 and were surprised to see a significant jump in write performance to 4400MB/s, which remained consistent despite repeated tests. Read performance remained unchanged at 3400MB/s. Professional users requiring top performance with large video or graphics files may prefer a solid-state drive with full Thunderbolt support, but the Extreme Pro With USB4 offers impressive performance at an affordable price, making it suitable for most users who need a fast, sturdy portable drive for Time Machine backups. Read our full SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 review OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 fast Pros Fast 6GBps reading & 5GBps writing via Thunderbolt 5 Rugged and weatherproof Cons Expensive Requires M4 Pro/Max Mac for full 80Gbps performance Limited compatibility Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $399.99; 4TB: $599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349.99 View Deal OWC $400 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket You can take full advantage of the Thunderbolt 5 ports on your M4 Pro Mac mini or M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro and possibly circumvent Apples avaricious storage upgrade pricing with OWCs Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 external SSD. Thunderbolt 5 itself is backwards compatible with older Thunderbolt specs, but its not nearly as backwards compatible as wed like. For example, to utilize a Thunderbolt 5 drive your M-series Mac need to be running macOS Sonoma or later. Thunderbolt 3 Macs with Intel chips must run Sequoia or later. But only the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips will give you the full Thunderbolt 5 experience. You may have seen 120GBps quoted in some articles as Thunderbolt 5s top speed, but thats only unidirectional for displays. Bi-directional, as with storage, is limited to 80Gbps. Benchmarks showed anywhere from 5.2GBps (Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed Test), to 6.5GBps reading (AmorphousDiskMark), to near 7GBps reading and 5.57GBps writing (ATTO). Its fast. The OWC Envoy Ultra is a larger chunk of black metal, measuring about 0.75 inches thick, 2.8 inches wide, and 5 inches long. The Envoy Ultra weighs in at 10.5 ounces or so. It has a captive cable, which is for weatherproofing (its not IP-rated). This does make it a bit harder to put away. Alas, writing was considerably slower, only around 1.5GBps. The Envoy Ultra costs $400/356 in its 2TB form and $600/598.49 at 4TB. It carries a three-year warranty. If you want, and can afford the absolute fastest storage for your new Thunderbolt 5 Mac, then this is a heck of a lot cheaper than Apples rapaciously priced internal storage and nearly as fast. Read our full OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD review SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD Compact and portable design Pros Rugged design Competitive price Good performance USB-C interface, with USB-A adaptor included Cons No Thunderbolt support Not completely water-resistant Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $99.99; 2TB: $149.99; 4TB: $249.99; 8TB: $549.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.9 View Deal Western Digital (1TB) $99.99 View Deal $102.99 View Deal $104.99 View Deal $104.99 View Deal $104.99 View Deal $137.99 View Deal $203.34 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This SanDisk model offers a sturdy design and up to 8TB of storage. The external design hasnt changed over the years, it still comes in a perforated black case made out of silicon that provides plenty of protection, and theres the same hook for a lanyard. The 8TB version is slightly larger than the previous model, but its still slim and light. There arent many rival drives that provide that much storage in such a compact and portable design. This model uses the same USB-C connector as its predecessor, with support for USB 3.2 (Gen 2). Theres a USB-C cable included in the box, and even a USB-A adaptor! Speeds are 1000MB/s and 1050MB/s for write and read performance respectively, as previously. And our tests found that the two drives produce very similar results when running the Black Magic Disk speed test, with the Extreme Portable reaching 946MB/s for write performance and 910MB/s for read performance. The main difference is that this update for 2025 is even tougher than before, boasting an IP65 rating for resistance to water and dust. This model provides more storage capacity too, starting at 1GB and going up to 8TB. SanDisk has several portable solid-state drives that look similar and have similar names. The Extreme Pro Portable looks identical and has a faster USB4 interface, but only offers up to 4TB storage. The less expensive Portable SSD, isnt particularly fast. Check the name before you buy. Its a good option for anyone that needs to store large, high-res photo or video files on their MacBook when theyre working outdo. Read our full Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD (2025) review Kingston XS1000 Affordable and lightweight Pros Very competitive price Pocket-size design Weighs only 28.7g Cons No Thunderbolt interface No bundled software Cable is USB-A-to-USB-C Price When Reviewed: 1TB $84.99; 2TB $139.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Kingston $64.90 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We liked the sturdy little XS2000 drive that Kingston launched back in 2022, but it was pretty expensive and used a version of USB known as USB 3.2 Gen 22, which isnt fully supported on the Mac at the moment. Drives that use Gen 22 will still work with a Mac, but the Mac wont get the full speed that the drive is capable of. However, the XS1000 is a more conventional USB-C drive, using standard USB 3.2 Gen 2, so its a good, affordable option for Mac users who just want a compact, lightweight backup drive. The XS1000 is one of the smallest and lightest SSDs that weve seen so far in fact, it looks more like a little USB thumb drive, rather than a high-capacity backup drive. It measures just 13.5mm thick, 32.5mm wide and 69.5mm long, and weighs only 28.7g, so you can easily slip it into your shirt or trouser pocket when youre traveling. Its not quite as rugged as the more expensive XS2000 which had an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance but the plastic and metal casing feels sturdy enough to cope with a few knocks when youre traveling, and Kingston provides a five-year warranty as well. Its very competitively priced too, costing $84.99/74.99 with 1TB of storage, or $109.99/99.99 with 2TB. The drives USB interface provides a quoted write speed of 1000MBs, while the read speed is slightly higher at 1050MB/s. It didnt quite match those speeds in our tests, but its write speed of 875MB/s and read speed of 950MB/s will still be fine for routine back-ups with Time Machine. Our only complaint is that Kingston only includes a USB-A-to-USB-C cable with the XS1000, so youll need to buy an adaptor or a new cable if your Mac only has USB-C. Professional users might prefer a faster drive, or a more rugged design, but if you just want an affordable backup drive that can go traveling with you then the XS1000 is great value for money. Adata SE920 USB4 SSD High performance Pros High data transfer rates Good fan Cons No transport bag No rubber feet Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $140 I 2TB: $200 I 4TB: $380 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adata $159.99 View Deal $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Adata SE920 External SSD is a high-performance USB4 SSD for those who need rapid data transfer speeds. It combines passive and active cooling with a compact metal housing for passive cooling, and a micro-fan with openings for active cooling. The user can actually activate the fan by pressing on the housing. If you are working on a project such as a video or image edit, or another task that could require a lot of drive access over a period of time, then switch on the fan. The rest of the time you can probably leave it. The SE920 is primarily designed for Windows users, evident from the formatting in the NTFS file system and the backup software for Windows, but this shouldnt be a problem for experienced Mac users. The SE920 is quickly reformatted in APFS using the macOS Disk Utility. Data transfer rates measured with Aja System Test Lite were impressive. The SE920 achieved 2992MBps for writes and 3161 MBps for reads. Data rates are stable over a longer period and the thermal design works perfectly. All this comes at a good price. We recommend the SE920 to any content creator. Read our full SE920 External SSD review SanDisk Pro Blade System For professional and creative users Pros Thunderbolt 3 interface (compatible with USB-C) Ultra-rugged design Professional-level performance Cons Very expensive Doesnt support Thunderbolt 4 Price When Reviewed: $49.99 for dock I $159.99 w/1TB Mag I $219.99 w/2TB I $339.99 w/4TB Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Western Digital $49.99 View Deal $164.99 View Deal $164.99 View Deal $213.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We normally organize reviews of portable drives and desktop drives separately, but the new SanDisk Pro Blade is a modular SSD storage system that is very much designed for professional and creative users, and allows you to switch between portable and desktop modes as required. You can start by buying the Pro Blade SSD Mag , which is a solid-state storage module that is available in 1TB, 2TB or 4TB sizes (the 1TB was discounted from $179.99 to $119.99 at the time of our review). The SSD Mag is pre-formatted in APFS format for Mac users, and is tough enough to withstand being dropped from a height of 3 meters or 9.8 foot, and withstand 4000lb (1814kg) crush pressure, making it ideal for outdoor use. However, the SSD Mag modules cant connect to a computer on their own, so SanDisk provides two options for portable and desktop use. For portable use you can buy the Pro Blade Transport , which is a compact case for the SSD Mag, and is equipped with a USB-C port for connecting to your Mac. The Transport measures just 130.4mm long, 71.5mm wide and 16mm thick, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or a carrying case just like any other portable drive. Its also possible to connect the Transport to a camera that has a USB-C interface so that you can record high-res video rather than having to carry lots of smaller SD memory cards. When you get back to the office you also have the option of inserting the SSD Mag modules into the Pro Blade Station ($499.99/490.99). This desktop storage system doesnt include any built-in storage of its own, but it has four slots that allow you to insert SSD Mag modules (not included) providing up to 16TB of high-speed solid-state storage. The Pro Blade Station has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, with one used to connect your Mac, while the other port can be used to daisy-chain additional storage devices if required. The Pro Blade Station is fairly expensive given that it doesnt include any storage of its own but it gives you the option of creating a high-speed, high-capacity SSD storage system for use in your office, whilst also being able to remove the individual SSD Mag modules and use them as portable drives whenever you need to. Western Digital which owns SanDisk these days claims that the Pro Blade Station can provide read and write speeds of 3000MB/s and 2600MB/s respectively. Our tests actually recorded a read speed of 2600MB/s and write speed of 2300MB/s, but thats still one of the fastest SSD drives weve ever seen, making it a good option for creative users who need a fast storage system that they can use both in the office and on the road. Read our full Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport review LaCie Rugged SSD Pro Pros IP67 ruggedized Fast NVMe/Thunderbolt 3 performance Operates via Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.0 Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $419.99 (1TB), $739.99 (2TB), $1049.99 (4TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $184.99 View Deal $239.99 View Deal $274.99 View Deal LaCie $419.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket LaCies Rugged drives have been popular with Mac users for many years, thanks to their combination of high-performance and that now-familiar orange sleeve that helps to keep the drive safe when youre working outdoors. However, the Rugged range has mostly used conventional hard drives in the past, which are slower than the latest solid-state drives, as well as being bigger and heavier. Welcome the Rugged Pro SSD, which is primarily aimed at creative users. (We look at the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 above, which is a newer model that supports Thunderbolt 5). The Rugged SSD range starts at around $180 / 180 for a model with 500GB storage, but we were able to review the SSD Pro, which stands out from the rest of the range with its matte-black sleeve. Its pretty expensive, costing $419/249.99 with 1TB of storage, and a hefty $739.99/379.99 for the 2TB model and $1,049.99/999.99 for 4TB, but it justifies that price with an even tougher design and the latest, super-fast solid-state drives designed for professional video work. (U.K. prices dropped in 2024 but US prices dont seem to have followed suit. Luckily you can get good deals at various resellers). Switching to a solid-state drive means that the SSD Pro is now the smallest model in the Rugged range, measuring just 3.8in/98mm long, 2.5in/65mm wide and 0.6in/17mm thick. It only weighs 100g/3.5oz, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag when youre traveling and barely even notice that its there. Despite its compact design, that new black sleeve is seriously tough and rated IP67 for resistance to water and dust, allowing it to survive in 3.2 foot/1m of water for up to 30 minutes. It can cope with being dropped from a height of 9.8 foot/3m, and can even resist the weight of a two-tonne car driving over it. It includes a five-year warranty in case anything does go wrong, which includes one visit to LaCies data-recovery labs if you need to retrieve important data. The Rugged SSD Pro includes just a single Thunderbolt 3/USB-C interface, but most of its high price is down to the use of the latest NVMe solid-state drives, which provide top performance for high-end video applications, such as editing 8K or super-slow-motion video files (which can be enormous, as they shoot at up to 240 frames per second on the latest iPhones). The drive didnt disappoint, recording consistent write speeds of 1780MB/s, and an even faster 2480MB/s for read speeds with both figures leaving just about every other SSD drive weve ever tested trailing in its wake. And, when backing up our iTunes music library, the Rugged SSD Pro blew us away by backing up 5GB of music files in just five seconds look away for a couple of seconds and youll miss it! Of course, not everyone will need that sort of performance especially at this price but if you work with high-res video and need a fast, tough drive for outdoor work then the Rugged SSD Pro is in a class of its own. Read our full LaCie Rugged SSD Pro review LaCie Portable SSD Pros Small and stylish Solid construction Cons Middling performance Price When Reviewed: 500GB $129.99; 1TB $209.99; 2TB $369.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $64.99 View Deal LaCie $129.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The LaCie Portable SSD is an option for people who dont need James Bond levels of security. Available with 500GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage, the Portable SSD has a new design compared to its predecessor. Rather than sharply angular corners and edges of the now discontinued LaCie Mobile SSD, the compact Portable SSD has smoothly round corners perhaps following Apples recent fetish for rounded corners on icons in Big Sur and Monterey. Its smaller and lighter than previous drives from LaCie too, measuring just 0.4in/10.6mm thick, 1.9in/50mm wide, and 3in/80mm long, and it weighs a mere 1.5oz/45g, so its ideal for carrying around with your MacBook or iPad when youre traveling. The drive has a single USB-C interface, and includes a USB-C cable, but the low cost means that there are no added extras, such as an adaptor for older Macs that have USB-A (3.2) connectors. LaCie hasnt cut any other corners, though. The Portable SSD has a solid, sturdy design that should be able to cope with a few bumps in a backpack or briefcase, and it performs very well too. LaCie quotes read and write speeds of 1000MB/s, but repeated tests with the BlackMagic speed test app showed the Portable SSD comfortably cruising along at around 1,300MB/s with no trouble at all. That combination of speed, compact design and competitive pricing makes the Portable SSD a great option for anyone that needs a portable backup drive for their Mac or iPad. Read our full review . Samsung T5 EVO Pros Compact, lightweight design Sturdily built Provides up to 8TB storage Competitive price Cons Modest performer Only supports USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $189.99; 4TB: $$229.99; 8TB: $479.00 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Samsung (2TB) $189.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket T5 EVO isnt as fast as some of its SSD rivals, but its great as a general-purpose backup device and provides a faster and more portable alternative to a conventional hard drive. Unlike many solid-state drives, it provides up to 8TB of storage, making it a good option for people who need a lot of storage space for their work files, photos and videos. Its competitively priced, starting at $189.99/146 for 2TB of storage. The drive is compact, just 17mm thick, 40mm wide and 95mm long, and weighing 102g. Theres a chunky metal ring on one end that can be used to attach the drive to a backpack or belt. It doesnt have the armor-plated protection of Samsungs T7 Shield, but the T5 EVO doesnt cut corners on build quality. The drive is metal and then wrapped in a rubber sleeve to provide extra protection. It doesnt quote an IP rating for resistance to water and dust though. Its not the fastest back-up drive you can buy, and while theres a USB-C port for connecting to a Mac or PC, it only supports the relatively old USB 3.2 (Gen 1) standard, and Samsung quotes fairly modest speeds of 460MB/s for both read and write performance. Our tests showed that the drives write performance was right on the nose with a speed of 460MB/s when running the Black Magic disk speed test, although read performance was slower at 370MB/s. T5 EVO will be a great option for laptop users who want to ditch an old hard drive and replace it with a more portable solid-state drive that provides plenty of storage. Lexar Armor 700 Pros Competitive price Up to 4TB storage Rugged, weather-resistant design Cons No Thunderbolt support Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 22 Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $150 I 2TB: $230 I 4TB: $400 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $209.99 View Deal B&H $209.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Lexar makes a wide range of memory cards and solid-state drives that are very much aimed at creative users, and its Armor 700 drive provides fast, high-capacity storage in a rugged design that will be ideal for outdoor photo-shoots or filming. As the name suggests, the Armor 700 is sturdily built, boasting an IP66 rating for water and dust protection. This means that the drive can withstand powerful jets of water (but not complete immersion under water), and is tightly sealed to prevent dust or other particles from penetrating the drive. Its also wrapped in a shock-resistant rubber sleeve that can cope with being dropped from a height of three metres. The drive is available with 1TB, 2TB or 4TB of storage, so it provides plenty of storage for your Time Machine backups when youre on the road. Lexar also includes an app called DataShield that allows you to create an encrypted folder on the drive for storing sensitive files and data. The Amor 700 is equipped with a USB-C interface, with a USB-C cable and USB-A adaptor included in the box. Lexar states that the drive provides read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, but it does require a device that supports USB 3.2 Gen 22 in order to achieve those speeds (yes, USB standards are a complete mess these days). Apple doesnt support that specific version of USB, which means that Macs, iPhones and iPads with USB-C will only get a maximum speed of 1000MB/s. Our tests actually recorded scores of 910MB/s for write performance and 925MB/s for read performance, but thats more than adequate for routine backups when youre out and about. Lexar also states that this is fast enough to record 4K ProRes video from an iPhone 15 or 16, and the Armor 700 is still competitively priced when compared to rugged drives such as LaCies Rugged SSD. Professional users who really need top performance may prefer a drive that supports Thunderbolt such as LaCies high-end Rugged Pro but Thunderbolt drives are still very expensive, making the Armor 700 a good option for people on a tighter budget. You cant buy direct from Lexar, though, so its worth shopping around online to find the best price. Verbatim TurboMetal SSD Pros Good data transfer rate Quiet fan Cons Data rate drops during long data transfers No operation without fan Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $154.10 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Verbatim TurboMetal SSD is a classic NVMe drive with a length of around 106mm, a 55mm wide and 18mm thin metal housing, and weighs 150g. Like many USB4 enclosures, it uses an active fan and cooling slots for cooling. The fan is temperature-controlled and starts automatically when the temperature rises. Verbatim specifies a USB4 data transfer rate of 3600MBps for writing and 3700MBps for reading. However, we achieved 2664MBps for writing and 3123MBps for reading on an M3 MacBook Air in a 4K test with Aja System Test Lite. These are not bad values, but the best USB4 drives weve measured achieve slightly higher writing speeds but not higher reading speeds. The M4 Max Mac Studio showed much better values, with 2869MBps for writing and 3499MBps for reading. In a 30-minute endurance test with the Backmagicdesign Disk Speed Test, the fan started after 10 minutes. The TurboMetal got too warm after around 9 minutes in the data transfer rate, which dropped significantly to below 1000MBps. Shortly after starting the fan, the temperature of the SSD levelled off again, and the data transfer rate rose to its original value. The runs only when it has to. During the endurance test, the data transfer rate dropped briefly but stabilised immediately. DriveDX measured the temperature at around 46 degrees Celsius after using the fan, which remained on. The TurboMetal Portable SSD is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities with a 20cm USB4 cable. Its formatted as FAT32, so Mac users should reformat it to APFS. The included software is only for Windows. The TurboMetal SSD is a discreet USB4 drive. The data transfer rates are suitable for everyday use, but some SSDs offer better speed. The regular dips indicate thermal protection, but they shouldnt affect most applications. Read our full Verbatim Turbometal Portable SSD review SanDisk Professional Pro-G40 Pros Thunderbolt 3 interface (compatible with USB-C) Ultra-rugged design Professional-level performance Cons Very expensive Doesnt support Thunderbolt 4 Price When Reviewed: 1TB $299.99; 2TB $449.99; 4TB $699.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $184.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal Western Digital $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Many portable drives use a standard USB-C port for connecting to a Mac or PC, but SanDisks Pro-G40 opts for a high-speed Thunderbolt 3 port to provide maximum performance for professional users who need to work with large video and graphics files (and, of course, its backward-compatible with USB-C as well). The Pro-G40 was first released in 2022, and was already on our list of the best SSD drives for Mac, but this current model provides both improved performance and higher capacity for your work files. The design hasnt changed though, with a compact, portable drive that measures just 12mm thick, 58mm wide and 111mm long. It weighs just over 120g depending on the capacity you choose so you can slip it into a jacket pocket or into a carrying case alongside your MacBook with no trouble at all. The drive is also extremely tough, with a sturdy metal case that is rated IP68 one of the highest ratings possible for resistance to water, dust and other particles. Western Digital, which now owns the SanDisk brand, also claims that the drive can survive drops from a height of 3m, and can withstand crushing pressure of up to 4000lbs. The drive even includes a five-year warranty as well. The 2022 version of the Pro-G40 provided read and write speeds of 2700MB/s and 1900MB/s respectively when using the Thunderbolt cable included in the box, but the current model is rated at 3000MB/s for read and 2500MB/s for write speeds. Our tests showed it to be absolutely spot-on for write performance, consistently hitting 2500MB/s. The read performance didnt quite hit the quoted 3000MB/s, settling at just over 27000MB/s, but thats still far faster than most USB-C drives, and provides the sort of performance that professional users need for backing up their work files. That combination of high performance and ultra-rugged design does mean that the Pro-G40 is quite a bit more expensive than many USB-C drives, so its probably overkill if you just need an affordable portable drive for backing up personal files. However, professional users will be pleased to find that the price of the Pro-G40 has been reduced recently, with the 1TB model now costing $299.99/294.99, while the 2TB version is $449.99/441.99. And, as mentioned, theres a new 4TB version to provide extra capacity, priced at $699.99/687.99. Read our full SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 review SanDisk Desk Drive Pros Good performance Up to 8TB capacity Compact design Cons Requires mains power No additional ports Price When Reviewed: 4TB: $379.99; 8TB: $699.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $289.99 View Deal $289.99 View Deal $289.99 View Deal Western Digital $379.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The lightweight, compact design of solid-state drives makes them a great option if you need a portable back-up drive to use with your MacBook when youre traveling. However, portable SSDs do tend to have limited storage capacity, often with a maximum of just 1TB or 2TB. In contrast, the SanDisk Desk Drive provides both high-speed SSD performance and high capacity too, starting with a minimum of 4TB for $379.99/359.99. If thats not enough then you can also step up to 8TB, for $699.99/663.99. As the name suggests, the Desk Drive is very much designed for desktop use in an office, and its larger than most conventional SSDs, standing 40.2mm high and 99.2mm on each side, and weighing 268g. The drive itself is still small and light enough to slip into a backpack or traveling bag along with your MacBook, but it does require a mains power supply as well, so this isnt a drive that is going to leave the office very often (we did try to power it through a USB-C port on our MacBook Pro, but that didnt work). Its also a little disappointing that the Desk Drive just has a single USB-C port for data transfer. At this price, a couple of extra ports would have been a useful bonus, especially for MacBook models that only have a couple of USB-C ports of their own. We didnt have any complaints about the Desk Drives performance, though. SanDisk quotes a speed of 1GB/s, although the results we got were closer to 925MB/s and 910MB/s for write and read speeds respectively. Thats not as fast as some high-end SSDs that are designed for professional users such as SanDisks own Pro Blade system but its still a lot faster than a conventional hard drive, and the Desk Drive will be a very good option for people who simply need a fast backup drive that provides plenty of storage for photos, videos and work files. Seagate OneTouch SSD Pros Ships with USB cables that cover both USB-C and USB-A Sturdily built Cons Doesnt offer hardware encryption options Price When Reviewed: 500GB $94.99; 1TB $169.99; 2TB $309.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Seagate $94.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Seagates OneTouch hard drives are a popular choice with many users. The OneTouch SSD is the smallest and lightest portable drive weve ever seen and is available in black, silver or blue. When sitting flat on the desk it measures just 2in/50mm wide, 2.7in/70mm deep and a mere 0.4in/10.6mm thick. And it weighs only 2.6oz/74g, so you can easily slip it into your pocket and carry it around with your laptop or iPad when youre traveling. Its sturdily built too, with Seagate claiming that it can withstand being dropped from a height of 6.5 foot/2m. The OneTouch drive has a USB-C interface, but Seagate includes both USB-C and USB-A cables so that you can use it with most Macs and PCs straight out of the box. It works with Apples Time Machine for automatic backups, but Seagate also includes its own ToolKit app, which has a sync option for backing up specific folders. The drive also includes a one-year free subscription to the Mylio photo-organizer app, and four months with Adobes CC Photography plan, normally $9.99/9.98 a month on an annual plan (read our guide to getting the best deal on Adobe Creative Cloud ). The drive is available with 500GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage, so it provides plenty of room for backing up large libraries of photos, videos or music. It doesnt quite match Seagates quoted speed of 1GB/s, but it recorded read and write speeds of 835MB/s and 915MB/s respectively in our tests, which still put it among the fastest solid-state drives that weve tested recently. And, with its ridiculously light and compact design, the OneTouch will be ideal for backing up all your important files when youre on the move. LaCie Rugged Mini SSD Pros Compact, rugged design Up to 4TB storage 3-year warranty Cons Expensive No Thunderbolt interface Requires USB 3.2 Gen 22 for maximum performance Price When Reviewed: 500GB = $89.99; 1TB $129.99; 2TB $234.99; 4TB $439.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Lacie $84.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Continuing LaCies Rugged range of hard drives and SSDs. These have long been popular with people who need a sturdy back-up drive that can cope with rough weather and conditions when working outdoors, but the Rugged drives have always tended to be rather large and bulky like the Rugged SSD Pro (above) so LaCie has produced a more compact option in the form of the new Rugged Mini SSD. As you might expect, the Rugged Mini looks very much like its rugged relatives, with LaCies distinctive bright orange rubber sleeve helping to keep the drive safe. But, of course, its a lot smaller than previous models, measuring just 17.3mm thick, 66.9mm wide, 105mm long. It only weighs 114g as well, so you can easily slip it into a jacket pocket or backpack when youre traveling. Despite that compact design, the Rugged Mini is still tough enough to cope with some rough treatment. Its rated IP54 for water and dust resistance, so it should be able to cope with life outdoors if youre working on location for a photo- or video shoot. And, thanks to that rubber sleeve, it can handle drops of up to 3m and even survive being driven over by a 1-tonne truck. And if thats not tough enough, the drive comes with a three-year warranty that includes LaCies Rescue Data Recovery Service, to help restore any lost data. The drives USB-C port will work with any Mac or PC that also has USB-C or Thunderbolt. But, like a number of drives that weve seen recently, it uses a version of USB known as USB 3.2 Gen 22, which isnt fully supported by Macs at the moment. This means that Macs wont be able to get the full 2000MB/s speeds supported by that interface, and our tests confirmed this, recording write and read speeds of 900MB/s and 970MB/s respectively. Weve seen stronger performance from some rival drives, but those speeds should be perfectly adequate for routine backups when youre on the road, and the sturdy design of the Rugged Mini makes it a good option for people who need a drive that they can use outdoors on a regular basis. Pricing is a little confusing, though. In the US, the Rugged Mini costs $84.99/74.99 (1TB), $109.99/99.99 (2TB), and $159.99/149.99 (4TB). Weve seen much lower prices from Amazon and other online retailers, so its definitely worth shopping around before buying. WD My Passport SSD Pros Lightweight Offers USB-C and A Hardware encryption Cons Expensive Remarkably short cable Software issues Price When Reviewed: 500GB $59.99; 1TB $74.99; 2TB $179.99; 4TB $319.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Western Digital $59.99 View Deal $84.99 View Deal $89.99 View Deal $94.99 View Deal $138.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Western Digitals Passport drives have always provided portable, lightweight designs, and the My Passport SSD combines compact design with strong performance and additional security features. Available in a variety of colors, the My Passport SSD provides up to 4TB of solid-state storage, although the 1TB model that we review here costs $74.99/94.99. The drive measures just 0.35in/9mm thick, and weighs 1.6oz/46g, so its small enough to slip into a jacket pocket when youre on the move. However, its also tough enough to survive being dropped from a height of two metres. The drive is equipped with a USB-C interface, but WD includes a USB-C cable and a USB-A adaptor with the drive, so you can still use it with older Macs that dont have USB-C. The solid-state drive provides good performance too, recording a write speed of 935MB/s and read speed of 908MB/s, making it a great option for backing up your important files on the move. Its secure too, as WDs Discovery app allows you to set a password for the drive in order keep your files safe. Theres a second app as well, called WD Unlocker, which is built into the drive itself, and allows you to enter the password so that you can use the drive with another Mac or PC if you need to. When the drive was first introduced there were complaints that the WD apps hadnt been properly updated to 64-bit code for the latest versions of the macOS, but we tested the drive with our office Macs and didnt encounter any problems. Read a full review over on our sister site Tech Advisor. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield Pros Rugged & shock resistant Password protection USB-C cable and a USB-A adaptor included Cons The standard T7 is cheaper and may be sufficient for your needs. Price When Reviewed: 1TB $129.99; 2TB $219.99; 4TB $389.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $109.99 View Deal $109.99 View Deal $109.99 View Deal $118.21 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $160.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There are three versions of Samsungs T7 . The standard T7 is a compact, lightweight SSD that looks very similar to the old T5 although it boasts higher performance, so make sure you check the model numbers before buying. We tested the T7 Shield, which is a more rugged model, wrapped in a sturdy rubber sleeve designed for outdoor use. Both of those models can use Samsungs Portable SSD app to add password protection for your files, but theres also a third model called the T7 Touch that has a built-in fingerprint sensor for extra security and convenience. Available in black, blue or silver, the T7 Shield costs $129/110 with 1TB of storage, but we are seeing great discounts now its been out a while. It has a USB-C interface for connecting to your Mac, but Samsung includes a USB-C cable and a USB-A adaptor so that you can use it with older Macs that have USB-A. The rugged protective sleeve means that its a little larger than the other T7 models, measuring 0.5in/13mm thick, 2.3in/59mm wide and 3.4in/88mm long, and weighing 3.4oz/98g. Even so, its still small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or backpack with no trouble at all, and many people will appreciate the extra protection that it offers. The T7 Shield is rated IP65 for water- and dust-resistance, and Samsung claims that the shock-resistant rubber sleeve can survive drops from a height of three meters. Its a good performer too. Samsung quotes read and write speeds of 1,000MB/s, but our tests with the Blackmagic disk tool actually recorded a read speed of 1,780MB/s, and a write speed of 1,300MB/s, which makes the T7 Shield a great backup option for people who need to work outdoors with their laptop. OWC Express 1M2 USB4 SSD Pros Very high data transfer rates High-quality housing Good cooling without a fan Cons Short connection cable Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $219.99 I 2TB: $299.99 I 4TB: $529.99 I 8TB: $1,299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price OWC $219.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The OWC Express 1M2s cooling fins alone account for around half of the overall height of this external SSD. The aluminum housing is quite large at 5.2 by 2.8 by 0.9 inches (13.2 by 7.1 by 2.3 centimeters) and the very high-quality metal housing also has sufficiently large rubber surfaces on the underside. To test for speed, we used two benchmarks, Aja System Test Lite and Blackmagicdesign Disk Speed Test. The results are impressive: 2736MBps (write) and 2980MBps (read) in Aja System Test Lite. The values with Blackmagicdesign Disk Speed Test were around 100MBps higherit cracked the 3000 MBps mark in the read test. Read our full OWC Express 1M2 USB4 SSD review How we test Mac SSDs We test SSD drives with our Mac running the latest version of macOS. We format the drive before we begin and then we run benchmarks and perform real-world operations to determine its speed relative to other similar drives. We also look at longevity and durability we want to make sure that a drive wont die after a few months of use, so the build and construction matters. Portability is also considered, assuming the drive is designed to be portable. Why you should trust Macworld At Macworld been putting Mac hardware through its paces for decades. We know how to root out the strengths and weaknesses of a SSD drive using a combination of rigorous benchmark testing and real-world hands-on use. How to choose an SSD: Buying advice Youve read our recommendations of the best SSDs for Mac owners on the market right now. But how did we reach these decisions, and what general advice should you follow when selecting the best SSD for your needs? SSDs vs hard drives Cost per gigabyte is themain stumbling block. You might pay $200 for a 1TB portable SSD, whereas a 1TB external hard drive costs around $25. This is because hard drives use relatively cheap spinning platters to store data. SSDs employ NAND memory chips. They are pricier, but also faster and allow for much smaller enclosures. If you decide in favor of hard drives, see our roundup of the best Mac hard drives . Which connectors to choose Another thing to take note of is whether the SSD connects via Thunderbolt 5, 4 or 3, and USB 4 or USB-C, USB 3 or USB 3.22. The latter is one to avoid if you are a Mac user because Apple supports only 10Gbps with USB 3.2, meaning 3.22 20Gbps SSDS are constrained to half their potential. There are some SSD drives that support the new Thunderbolt 5 standard, which brings speeds of up to 80Gbps if you have a Mac with M4 Pro or M4 Max. Weve looked at some Thunderbolt 5 equipped SSDs below. How fast can you expect SSD file transfers to be? The top external SSDs can read and write at up to around 550MB/s. However, to get these speeds you need a port on your Mac or MacBook that can handle this bandwidth. If youve got a Mac model with a Thunderbolt/USB-C port, youre set. While external SSDs use USB 3.1 standards rather than Thunderbolt, the port also supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2, which is what were after. Most modern Macs have a Thunderbolt 4 port, but some MacBook Pro models already have Thunderbolt 5 (Pro and Max versions) as does the Mac mini with the Pro chip, and the Mac Studio. Thunderbolt 4 is almost exactly the same as Thunderbolt 3 was, but it has stricter implementation requirements and some changes for PC users which just bring it into line with what Mac users already had. Thunderbolt 5 is the highest-performing interfaces for external storage. We explain everything you need to know about Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 and 3 vs USB4 separately. Thunderbolt 5 is a big step up from Thunderbolt 4. Bandwidth doubles from 40Gbps to 80Gbps, display connections go as fast as 120Gbps. Thats up to three times more bandwidth than previous existing connectivity solutions. How much storage do I need? Recent external SSDs tend to come in three or four capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and you might even find 8TB. Youll want to think carefully about the capacity you need, as the cost difference between 500GB and 1TB models is usually stark. There arent the same relatively minor price leaps seen in 1-4TB hard drives. We cant answer this one for you, but its a good idea to do a quick mental calculation. For example, 4K footage from a Panasonic Lumix GH4 camera eats up 4GB every five minutes. Video editors who work in 4K need a lot of storage. However, if you just need to back up or carry around some movies and photos, a smaller-capacity model may well do the trick. Check out your Macs own storage capacity and use that as a guide. We recommend about twice that number because it allows you to make a full back up and store some incremental backups too. Just dont assume that the lowest-cost drives provide the best value. Its usually the case that the higher the capacity the better the price per gigabyte is. The best value is usually the highest capacity, but that also means a higher price, so you probably want something in the middle of that, depending on your needs. 2.5in or ultra-portable? SSD performance varies from around 300-500MB/s read speeds all the way up to 3000MB/s, but there are three basic physical forms of SSD. And two can be considered portable. Naked SSD boards plug directly into PCIe or SATA interfaces. These are the kind you might use to replace the SSD in a laptop, or add to a desktop. They are not really portable. 2.5in SSDs offer a mix of portability and internal use, and are the cheapest way to get a portable drive. They have a plastic casing, avoiding damage to the components, but use SATA connectors rather than USB. You can buy an enclosure to get more protection and that all-important USB or Thunderbolt interface, or even just use a SATA-to-USB cable. We use one of these cables in the office to ferry around test files on a 2.5in SSD. For the ultimate portable experience you need a pocket SSD, though, not one based on 2.5in drive dimensions. These are designed to be used with USB or Thunderbolt connectors, not those found inside a Mac or MacBook. Youll mostly find this kind below. They are incredibly small and convenient. However, they are more expensive than 2.5in-style drives, so you may want to consider the larger type if lower spend is a top concern. Shock-proof and rugged? Other features to look out for include IP-ratings for weather protection and password protection for your important files. SSDs are more durable than hard drives. They have no moving parts, and wont be damaged if they are moved or knocked while writing data. While modern hard drives have some level of shock protection, its still a big issue. You can treat an SSD pretty mean before it starts complaining. Some portable SSDs even offer water resistance. You can also get ruggedization in a specialized drive enclosure, if you choose to go down the 2.5in drive route. This is a huge portability benefit. But if they are sat still all day, are SSDs more reliable than HDDs? Hard drives tend to fail mechanically. For example, the motor that spins the platters might burn out. SSDs memory cells age, which can lead to failure. Both kinds require specialist recovery. As ever, back up important data. However, for our purposes, as people who occasionally have to fling drives in rucksacks and plug them in while sat in an airplane seat, SSDs are the clear winner. Software Just remember to check that any apps provided by the manufacturer work with Macs and well as Windows PCs.

Best monitor Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts

Macworld Looking for a great deal on a new display or monitor to use with your Mac or MacBook? This Amazon Prime Day, youll have a great opportunity to pick up a new monitor to use with your Mac mini or MacBook, as Amazon is discounting some of our favorite monitors. The sale starts on July 8 and runs until July 11, which is longer than usual, but we still recommend you act quick to grab the biggest bargains. Amazon Prime Daylets Prime subscribers take advantage of great savings. See our roundup of the Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals for our pick of the best Prime Day deals on Apple products. To take advantage of the deals, you will need Amazon Prime membership (which costs $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 a month but can be canceled after 30 days). If you dont already have a Prime membership, you can sign up for the free 30-day trial . The monitors picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed most of the monitors we recommend, and the ones we didnt, we referenced our companion sites, including PCWorld, as well as our prior knowledge of the company. In short, we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. Best Amazon Prime deals for monitors and displays Below you will find some of the best deals weve seen for Amazon Prime Day so far this year. Click on Review if you would like to read our review of the monitor on offer. In addition, you may like to read our round-up of the best Mac monitors. U.S. Prime Day deals on Mac monitors For the best monitor deals on Amazon right now, go to Amazons Monitors store. Or click here for the display deals specific to Prime Day. Samsung M8 : $645 ($54 off, RRP $699) REVIEW Dell U2723QE UltraSharp 27-inch 4K : $480 ($160 off, MSRP $639.99) REVIEW Dell UltraSharp U3223QE 31.5-inch 4K : $836 ($84 off, MSRP $919.99) REVIEW Acer KB272 27-inch Monitor : $142 ($13 off, MSRP $155) Samsung T35F 27-inch Monitor : $100 ($50 off, MSRP $150) Dell S2425HS 23.8 Inch : $130 ($30 off, MSRP $150) U.K. Prime Day deals on Mac monitors For the best monitor deals on Amazon right now go to Amazons Monitors store . Or click here for the display deals specific to Prime Day. Samsung M8 : 449 (80 off, RRP 529) REVIEW BenQ GW2790QT : 246.97 (34 off, RRP 280) REVIEW BenQ PD2725U, 27-inch : 697.99 (200 off, RRP 899.99) REVIEW ALOGIC Clarity 27-inch UHD 4K Monitor : 585 (114 off, RRP 699.99) REVIEW Samsung S65TCUWQHDViewFinity 34-inch : 484 (168 off, RRP 652) REVIEW LG 32MR50C-B, 32-inch Curved Widescreen Monitor : 139 (55 off, RRP 194) LG 27MR400-B, 27 Inch, Full HD : 86.99 (23 off, RRP 109.99) Samsung LU32J590UQPXXU UJ590 32-inch 4K : 286.98 (53 off, RRP 339.99) Samsung ViewFinity S65TC : 484.73 (115 off, RRP 599) REVIEW Dell U2723QE UltraSharp 27-inch 4K : 494 (46 off, RRP 540) REVIEW Amazon Prime Day: Best Mac accessory deals Prime Day is also a great opportunity to save some cash on some accessories for your MacBook. Perhaps you need a spare charger for your MacBook. Or perhaps you want a dock, a printer, or a bag. If we spot a good deal well list it here. We also have separate round-ups for the best Amazon Prime Day Mac storage deals .U.S. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) : $58 ($21 off, MSRP $79) Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Magic TrackPad : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) Magic Keyboard : 84 (15 off, RRP 99) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Prime Day: How can I get the best deals on Mac monitors? Once Prime Day begins, most deals will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AU$6.99 every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as access to sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and all the content available on that service. For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac

Best Mac Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts

Macworld If youre in the market for a new Mac, the good news is Amazon Prime Day is coming soon! It runs from July 8 to July 11. In our experience, you can get discounts on Macs all year round, but some of the best Mac discounts fall during Amazons sales. The Amazon Prime Day sale is a great way to save some money when buying a new Mac. We see some of the best Mac deals during Prime Day, plus, the sale comes at a time when you might be thinking about back-to-school shopping, making its July timing ideal. Below you will find links to the different types of Mac desktops available on Amazon, so it will be easy to find the best deals. If you arent sure which Mac to buy read our Mac buying guide where we compare every Mac and MacBook. The Macs picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. During the Amazon Prime Deals, we will be tracking the sales, so be sure to check this page often as the deals change constantly. We also have a round-up of all the Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals so check it out if you need other Apple gear. If you want a deal on a MacBook we have included them below, as well as in our Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals roundup. Best Prime Day Mac deals These are the biggest savings we have found on all Macs. You can find even more deals on specific desktop Mac models in the sections below. U.S. Mac Prime Day deals M4 Mac mini (256GB) : $547 ($52 off, MSRP $599) M4 Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $914 ($75 off, MSRP $999) M4 Pro Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,261 ($138 off, MSRP $1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB): $1,184 ($114 off, MSRP $1,299) M4 iMac, 10-core GPU, 256GB : $1,269 ($230 off, MSRP $1,499) U.K. Mac Prime Day deals M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM , 528.98 (70 off, RRP 599) M4 Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM , 729 (70 off, RRP 799) M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,269 (125 off, RRP 1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,179 (120 off, RRP 1,299) M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,349 (150 off, RRP 1,499) M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 512GB RAM ) 1,550 (149 off, RRP 1,699) For more Mac mini deals see Best Mac mini deals and for more iMac deals see Best iMac Deals. Apple doesnt sell the Mac Studio on Amazon. If you want to save money on a new Mac Studio, take a look at our Mac Studio deals roundup , or check out the Apple Refurbished Store in the U.S. or the Apple Refurbished Store in the U.K . Best Prime Day MacBook deals These are the biggest savings we have found on all MacBooks. You can find even more deals on MacBooks in our separate round-up of the Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals . U.S. MacBook Prime Day deals 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $849 ($150 off, MSRP $999) 15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $1,049 ($150 off, MSRP $1,199) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (512GB) : $1,429 ($170 off, MSRP $1,599) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999) 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $2,249 ($250 off, MSRP $2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB RAM, 1TB) : $3,596 ($403 off, MSRP $3,999) U.K. MacBook Prime Day deals 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (256GB) 899 (100 off, RRP 999) 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (1TB) 1,279.97 (119 off, RRP 1,399) M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,429.97 (170 off, RRP 1,599) M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,609.97 (184 off, RRP 1,799) M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,832 (167 off, RRP 1,999) M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM, 2,149.97 (245 off, RRP 2,399) M4 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) M4 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM, 3,119.97 (379 off, RRP 3,499) Prime Day 2025: Best Mac accessory deals Prime Day is also a great opportunity to save some cash on some accessories for your MacBook. Perhaps you need a spare or just a beefier charger for your MacBook. Or perhaps you want a dock, a printer, or a bag. If we spot a good deal, well list it here. We also have separate round-ups for the Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals and Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac . Plus, find a cut-price Apple keyboard, mouse, or trackpad: Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals . U.S. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) : $58 ($21 off, MSRP $79) Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard : 84 (15 off, RRP 99) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Magic TrackPad : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) Prime Day 2025: How can I get the best Mac deals? Once this Prime Day begins, most deals will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 monthly. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as access to sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and all the content available on that service. Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Prime Big Deals Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

These six iOS 26 hints all but confirm the iPhone 17 Air

Macworld Last month, Apple released the iOS 26 developer beta , letting testers try out upcoming features before the OS launches this fall. As expected, the early code references unreleased Apple products, such as what appears to be the AirTag 2 and AirPods Pro 3 . Thats not all! A closer look at iOS 26s user-facing changes suggests that an iPhone 17 Air is coming later this year. Liquid Glass design Apple has long envisioned its ideal smartphone to resemble a sleek glass slab; it would do away with the screen bezels and visible sensor cutouts. While the iPhone 17 Air wont adopt this flawless look, it is expected to initiate the next significant hardware evolution. For starters, the ultra-thin iPhone could be only 5.5mm thick. This would crown it as the slimmest iPhone yetand potentially the lightest. Hardware changes on their own, however, are not sufficient to execute a truly elegant look. iOS 26 will power the iPhone 17 Air out of the box, and the operating systems fresh user interface is prepared for the big moment. Liquid Glass is Apples latest design language and OS 26s most notable highlight. As its name suggests, the UI now mimics flexible glass material that heavily relies on translucency and refraction. Liquid Glass is visible across the entire system, including the Lock Screen, app icons, widgets, alerts, notifications, menus, navigation bars, and more. Despite it being a first developer beta, interacting with it has made my iPhone feel more modern than ever, and itll only get more fluid with the next builds. Paired with the iPhone 17 Airs rumored form factor, Liquid Glass is bound to make the experience seem more futuristic. Simplified Camera app Another design change that hints at an Air iPhone 17 variant is the revamped Camera app. With iOS 26, Apple has hidden most of the shooting modes and options to simplify the increasingly cramped layout. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly launch with a single rear lens, and, naturally, itll miss out on some of the camera features offered by the higher-end iPhone modelssuch as spatial and ProRes recording. Most iPhone 17 Air customers will likely use the camera to shoot regular, everyday photos and videos. Its not meant to match the Pro iPhone camera systems superior quality and perks. And thats exactly what iOS 26s overhauled Camera app presentsthe basic photo and video capturing modes. Foundry Adaptive Power Mode One of the main drawbacks with extra-slim smartphones is their smaller batteries, and the iPhone 17 Air will likely be no different. While iOS is a relatively energy-efficient OS, dropping the batterys capacity, as one might expect, will decrease the usage time. To mitigate its impact, iOS 26 brings an all-new Adaptive Power Mode that aims to increase battery life. For those unfamiliar, the traditional Low Power Mode throttles your iPhones performance and kills certain background activities to save energy. Its too irritating to keep on at all times, as the iPhones sluggishness becomes quickly noticeable. On the other hand, Adaptive Power Mode makes smaller adjustments to your iPhones performance based on how you use it. Its impact is supposedly subtler, making it a viable option to keep on at all times. Battery Intelligence Given the shorter battery life, 17 Air users might need to charge their iPhones more than once a day. To make the charging cycle more predictable, iOS 26 introduces a long-overdue feature dubbed Battery Intelligence. It presents the estimated charging duration to reach 80% (then 100%) when connected to a charger. This will simplify planning and help users avoid going out before their batteries are fully charged. Foundry Easier mic selection Other potential iPhone 17 Air shortcomings will include fewer hardware components. Beyond the missing ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, the ultra-slim phone could pack inferior speakers and microphones. Fortunately, iOS 26 makes it easier to rely on AirPods as dedicated microphones and switch between different audio input devices. This will help casual content creators bypass the built-in mics and shoot videos that dont necessarily sound muffled. Foundry Flexible apps Lastly, the iOS 26 SDK supports flexible app UIs that automatically adapt to new screen sizes. When Apple launches fresh hardware with unique dimensions, third-party apps will no longer get letterboxed. Instead, the system will optimize their windows to match the new displays by default. While this change could primarily be preparing for foldable iDevices, the iPhone 17 Air will reportedly launch a new 6.6-inch size. So, apps updated for iOS 26 should look great on day oneeven if the devs havent specifically built them for the iPhone 17 Air. A new interface for a new era Apples unprecedented jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26 isnt merely to streamline its operating systems version numbers. Its also to mark the major shift in its software design and philosophy. iOS 26s Liquid Glass interface kickstarts the next iPhone chapteran era dominated by devices that will only get sleeker and more powerful. The new battery management tools also help users escape the consequences of basic physics and prepare for even more compact gadgets, like the Apple Glasses, aka Apple Vision Air.

Sorry Android users, these Google Photos features are coming to iPhones first

Macworld Google has announced a UI redesign for its Photos app on iOS, updates that are being made available on the iPhone before they are released on Android. Google states that the updates make for a simpler, more modern, and more intuitive UI. The changes include: A new light mode and the ability to match the iPhones setting of light or dark mode. Identification of date, time, and location at the top of a photo. Some actions have moved to the three-dot menu . Photo stacks and bursts now have simpler management with a three-dot icon associated with a selected thumbnail. Tapping it allows you to manage the stack. New badges offer a variety of actions, including changing the photos category, playing or pausing a Live or Motion photo, saving a shared photo to your library, or backing up a photo and managing your storage. The Google Photos update includes changes to the three-dot menu (left) and streamlined UI for managing your photos. Google The updated UI is now available for iOS in version 7.35 and will be coming soon to Android. The Google Photos app is available in the App Store ; if you already have it, you can get the update by opening the App Store, tapping your account icon in the upper-right corner, then scrolling down to see your available app updates.

Apple Arcade in July: Four new games are available this month

Macworld Gaming subscription services are all the rage now, but Apple Arcade isnt a little different from the likes of PlayStation Plus, EA Play, or Xbox Game Pass. If youve got questions about it, weve got plenty of answers. Updated July 3, 2025: There are four new games added to Apple Arcade this month: Angry Birds Bounce , Crayola Scribble Scrubbie+ , Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+ , Suika Game+ . What is Apple Arcade? Apple Arcade is a gaming subscription service for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AppleTV that features several hundred games. The games are a mix of genres and styles, and include original games youll only find on the service and others that can be found on the regular App Store or even other platforms. Apple Arcade isnt a streaming service like Xbox Live Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW. Games must be downloaded onto your device in order to be played. What do I need to run it? Apple Arcade was made available as part of iOS 13, iPad OS 13, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina or later. Some of the more visually-intensive games may only run well on newer hardware, though, and some Mac games require macOS 11 (Big Sur). How much does Apple Arcade cost? Apple Arcade costs $6.99/6.99 per month, and youll also get a one-month free trial or you can get three months free if you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac. To claim your free trial click here . You can get Apple Arcade for less than $6.99 a month if you subscribe for a year upfront. A year of Apple Arcade is $49.99/49.99 (so $4.16 a month). If youre currently on the $6.99 month-to-month plan and want to switch to the annual plan and save some money, you can do so on youriPhone or iPad. Open the App Store app, then tap your account icon in the upper right. Tap Subscriptions , then tap the entry for Apple Arcade . Here, you can switch to the annual plan. Apple Arcade is also included in the Apple One subscription bundles , which range from $20 a month to $38 a month and include access to Apple Music and Apple TV and iCloud storage. There is also a month free trial of Apple One. To claim the trial, or sign up for Apple One, click here . How do I sign up for Apple Arcade? There isnt an Apple Arcade appits built into the App Store. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac open the App Store and look for the Apple Arcade tab at the bottom of the screen (or in the left column on macOS). A sign-up screen with a Try It Free button will appear. After the trial youll be charged either the monthly or annual fee, depending on your selection. When subscribing, youll need to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID or Face ID to sign in, and youll have to confirm your subscription purchase a few times. Once youre done with the sign up, the Arcade section of the App Store shows what games are available to you. To access a game, tap on it in the App Store, then tap the Get button. When the game is done installing on your device, the Get button turns into a Play button, and you can tap it to launch the game. The game app icon will also appear on your devices Home page. On the Apple TV, there actually is an Arcade app. Open that to see the sign-up offer. Youll also find an Arcade tab within the App Store. Does my subscription include family sharing? Yes. One $6.99 per month subscription can be shared between up to six people (including you). How do I cancel Apple Arcade? First off, keep in mind that if you cancel Apple Arcade (either before your free trial is up or after subscribing), you wont be able to keep playing the games unless you re-subscribe. If youre okay with that, you can use the same process you use to cancel any other subscription service. Heres the easiest way to do it on the iPhone and iPad: Open the App Store app and tap on your profile photo in the upper right. In the screen that pops up, press Subscriptions near the top of the page. Youll then see a list of active subscriptions, and Apple Arcade should be listed there. Tap it. Youll either see Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription toward the middle of the page that appears. Tap whatever option is available , then Confirm Cancellation . And heres how to cancel Apple Arcade on the Mac: Open the App Store app and then press the icon with your profile photo in the lower left. The Account window will appear, and you should then click View Information at the top of the window. Enter your password when/if prompted. When your Account Information appears, scroll down to the Manage section and click the Manage link to the right of Subscriptions . When the list of your active subscriptions appears, click Edit to the right of Apple Arcade . Toward the middle of the page that appears, youll see a button that says either Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription . Click it, then click Confirm Cancellation and Confirm . Do Apple Arcade games have in-app purchases? No. In Apples words, since every game includes access to the full experience, including all game features, content, and future updates, no additional purchases will be required. Even games that have in-app purchases on the App Store wont have any in Apple Arcade. Do Apple Arcade games have ads? Also no. On a related note, Apple says Apple Arcade has no ad tracking. Is Apple Arcade a game streaming service like GeForce NOW or Xbox Game Streaming? No. All Apple Arcade are downloaded. Are there demos for Apple Arcade games? No, and theyre not really necessary. Like App Store apps, games download quickly and can easily be removed if you dont want to keep it anymore. Apple partly envisions Apple Arcade as a way of letting players try out games with more freedom than the App Store currently allows (which is basically none). In Apples words, rather than pay upfront for each game, a subscription to Apple Arcade will give players the opportunity to try any game in the service without risk. The service has a free trial, though, as weve seen with other Apple subscription services. Am I able to keep playing Apple Arcade games if I cancel my subscription? No. As with most subscription services, you only have access while youre a subscriber. Can I use controllers with Apple Arcade games? Yes. In additional to traditional MFi (Made for iOS) controllers, you can pair some specific Bluetooth controllers for either PlayStation or Xbox with either your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Since many Apple Arcade games are playable on Mac and Apple TV (where controller support is more common), many games will support them. Some games, especially those that are also available in the broader App Store and only for iPhone or iPad, have no controller support. Recently Apple relaxed the requirements for MFi controller certification, which may have grown out of the Apple Arcade negotiations. How often are new games released? Games are typically released on the first Friday of each month. There are some rare exceptions. What games have been released so far? There are over 200 games available for Apple Arcade, and the list grows all the time. Title Publisher Release Date A Fold Apart Lightning Rod Games 04/17/20 A Monsters Expedition Draknek Limited 09/10/20 A Slight Change of Sawblades+ Yong Kian Chin 05/02/24 Agent Intercept Prodigy Design 09/19/19 Air Twister YS Net Inc. 06/24/22 Alba: A Wildlife Adventure ustwo 12/11/20 All of You Alike Studio 11/06/20 Altos Odyssey: The Lost City Team Alto / Snowman 07/16/21 Altos AdventureRemastered Team Alto / Snowman 03/25/22 Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+ TAITO Corporation 11/07/24 Amazing Bomberman Konami 08/05/22 Angry Birds Bounce Rovio 09/03/25 Angry Birds Reloaded Rovio 07/16/21 Asphalt 8: Airborne+ Gameloft 08/27/21 Assemble With Care ustwo 09/19/19 ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree Wildboy Studios 09/19/19 Badland Party HypeHype Oy 05/06/22 Balatro+ Playstack 09/26/24 Baldo: The Guardian Owls Naps Team 08/27/21 Ballistic Baseball Gameloft 10/18/19 Barbie Color Creations+ StoryToys Limited 12/05/24 Battleheart Legacy+ Mika Mobile 11/04/22 BattleSky Brigade: Harpooner BattleBrew Productions 09/19/19 BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team Oh BiBi 02/01/24 Beyond a Steel Sky Revolution Software 06/26/20 Beyond Blue E-Line Media 04/17/20 Big Time Sports Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 Blackjack by MobilityWare+ MobilityWare 01/05/24 Bleak Sword Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Bloons TD Battles 2+ Ninja Kiwi 03/07/24 Boggle: Arcade Edition Zynga 12/05/24 Bold Moves+ Red Games Co. 06/09/23 Bridge Constructor+ Headup GmbH 02/04/22 Butter Royale Mighty Bear Games 01/24/20 Card of Darkness Pendleton Ward 09/19/19 Cardpocalypse Versus Evil 09/19/19 Castle Crumble Orbital Knight 02/03/23 Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls Konami 09/17/21 Cat Quest II The Gentlebros. 09/19/19 Charrua Soccer Batovi Games 02/07/20 Chess Universe+ Tilting Point 05/04/23 ChuChu Rocket! Universe Sega 09/19/19 Cityscapes: Sim Builder Playstack 05/04/23 Clap Hanz Golf Claphanz 04/02/21 Clue: The Classic Mystery Game+ Marmalade Game Studio 03/24/23 Construction Simulator 2+ Astragon Entertainment 04/15/22 Cooking Mama: Cuisine! Office Create Corp. 06/17/22 Cornsweeper Robert Morrison 01/05/24 Cozy Grove Spry Fox 03/18/21 Crashlands+ Butterscotch Shenanigans, Inc. 01/14/21 Crayola Adventures Red Games Co. 03/07/24 Crayola Create and Play+ Red Games Co. 10/29/21 Crayola Scribble Scrubbie+ Red Games Co. 09/03/25 Crazy Eights: Card Games+ MobilityWare 03/06/25 Creaks Amanita Design 07/10/20 Cricket Through the Ages Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Crossword Jam+ PlaySimple Games 10/20/23 Crossy Road+ Hipster Whale 10/08/21 Crossy Road Castle Hipster Whale 02/28/20 Cut the Rope 3 SeptoLab UK 10/13/23 Cut the Rope Remastered Paladin Studios 04/02/21 Cypher 007 Tilting Point 09/29/23 Dandara: Trials of Fear+ Raw Fury 12/03/21 Dead End Job Headup GmbH, Ant Workshop 09/19/19 Dead Cells+ Playdigious 12/02/22 Dear Reader Local No. 12 09/19/19 Decoherence Efecto Estudios 10/11/19 Delicious Miracle of Life+ GameHouse 11/24/23 Detonation Racing Electric Square 07/30/21 Dicey Dungeons+ Distractionware 05/02/24 Discolored Shifty Eye Games & Jason Godbey 11/08/19 Disney Coloring World+ StoryToys Entertainment 05/04/23 Disney Dreamlight Valley Gameloft 12/05/23 Disney Getaway Blast+ Gameloft 05/04/23 Disney Melee Mania Mighty Bear Games 12/17/21 Disney SpellStruck Artist Arcade 05/04/23 Doctor Who: An Unlikely Heist Tilting Point 04/07/23 Dodo Peak Moving Pieces Interactive 09/19/19 Dont Bug Me! Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 Doodle God Universe JoyBits 07/16/21 Doodle Jump 2+ Lima Sky 02/06/25 Doomsday Vault Flightless 01/03/20 Down in Bermuda Yak & Co 09/19/19 Downwell+ Devolver 11/17/23 Dread Nautical Zen Studios 09/19/19 Drive Ahead! Carcade Dodreams Fairytale Company 11/07/24 EarthNight Cleaversoft 09/19/19 Episode XOXO Episode Interactive 01/06/23 Exit the Gungeon Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Explottens WRP Pvt. 09/19/19 Fabulous Wedding Disaster+ GameHouse 06/06/24 Fallen Knight FairPlay Studios 10/25/19 Fantasian Mistwalker 04/01/21 Farm It! Tummy Games 03/26/21 Farming Simulator 20+ Giants Software 05/04/23 Farmside The Label 02/17/23 FFIV: The After Years Square Enix 12/09/24 Final Fantasy+ Square Enix 01/10/25 Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake) Square Enix 12/09/24 Finity Seabaa 08/25/23 Food Truck Pup+ Game Start 10/03/24 Fledgling Heroes Subtle Boom 09/19/19 Football Manager 2023 Touch SEGA 11/08/22 Frenzic: Overtime The Iconfactory 06/18/21 Frogger and the Rumbling Ruins Konami 06/03/22 Frogger in Toy Town Konami 09/19/19 Furistas Cat Cafe+ Runaway 10/03/24 Galaga Wars+ Bandai Namco 11/12/21 Game Dev Story+ Kairosoft Co., Ltd 06/18/21 Game of Thrones: Tale of Crows Devolver Digital 08/07/20 Game Room Resolution Games 01/20/24 Garden Tails: Match and Grow Playdots, Inc. 09/16/22 The Gardens Between+ The Voxel Agents 10/14/22 Gear.Club Stradale Eden Games 04/08/22 Getting Over It+ Bennett Foddy 05/04/23 Gibbon: Beyond the Trees Broken Rules 02/25/22 Gin Rummy Classic+ MobilityWare 10/07/22 Goat Simulator+ Coffee Stain Publishing 05/13/22 Grand Mountain Adventure+ Toppluva 04/28/23 Grindstone Capybara Games 09/19/19 GRIS+ Devolver 09/30/22 Guildlings Sirvo Studios, Inc. 11/08/19 Hanx101 Trivia BlueLine Studios Inc. 09/02/22 Hearts: Card Game+ MobilityWare 01/07/22 Helix Jump+ Voodoo 06/05/25 Hello Kitty Island Adventure Sunblink 07/28/23 HEROish Sunblink 07/22/22 Hexaflip: The Action Puzzler Rogue Games, Inc. 09/19/19 Hidden Folks+ Adriaan de Jongh 01/28/22 Hill Climb Racing+ Fingersoft 05/04/23 HitchHiker Versus Evil 03/26/21 Hogwash Bossa Studios 10/25/19 Horizon Chase 2 Aquiris Game Studio 09/09/22 Hot Lava Klei Entertainment 09/19/19 Hot Wheels: Race Off+ Hutch Games 12/05/24 Human: Fall Flat+ 505 Games 03/31/23 HyperBrawl Tournament Milkey Tea Limited 09/19/19 Illustrated BorderLeap 01/13/23 INKS.+ State of Play Games 06/25/21 INMOST Chucklefish Limited 10/11/19 Iron Marines+ Ironhide Irl 05/04/23 Its Literally Just Mowing Protostar 01/10/25 Japanese Rural Life Adventure Game Start 09/15/23 JellyCar Worlds Walaber Entertainment 12/09/22 Jenny LeClue Mografi 09/19/19 Jeopardy! World Tour+ Uken 10/06/23 Jet Dragon Grezzo Co. 06/16/23 Jetpack Joyride+ Halfbrick Studios 07/23/21 Jetpack Joyride 2 Halfbrick Studios 08/19/22 Jigsaw Puzzle by MobilityWare+ MobilityWare 06/10/22 Jumper Jon Ogre Pixel 11/01/19 Junkworld TD Ironhide 09/22/23 Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE Bandai Namco 04/03/25 Kimono Cats HamaNature Studios 03/03/23 Kings League II Kurechi Sdn. Bhd. 09/19/19 Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+ Ironhide Irl 09/03/25 Kingdom Rush Frontiers TD+ Ironhide Irl 11/12/21 Kingdom Rush Vengeance TD+ Ironhide Irl 07/29/22 Kingdom Two Crowns+ Raw Fury 05/04/23 Kingdoms: Merge & Build Cherrypick Games 08/18/23 Kings of the Castle Frosty Pop 01/17/20 Knotwords+ Zach Gage 11/03/23 Laytons Mystery Journey+ Level-5 Inc. 09/03/21 Legend of the Skyfish 2 Crescent Moon Games 04/03/20 Legends of Kingdom Rush Ironhide Game Studio 06/11/21 LEGO Brawls The Lego Group 09/19/19 LEGO Builders Journey The Lego Group 12/19/19 LEGO DUPLO World+ StoryToys 07/07/23 LEGO Friends Heartlake Rush+ StoryToys 05/01/25 LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ Fingersoft 06/05/25 LEGO Star Wars Battles TT Games 09/24/21 LEGO Star Wars: Castaways Gameloft 11/19/21 Leos Fortune+ 1337 & Senri LLC 06/25/21 Lifelike kunabi brother 10/25/19 Lifeline+ 3 Minute Games 02/24/23 Lifeslide Dreamteck 09/19/19 Limbo+ Playdead 05/04/23 Little Orpheus Sumo Digital 06/12/20 Lost in Play+ Snapbreak Games 06/05/25 Love You to Bits+ Alike Studio 08/26/22 Lumen Lykkegaard International 02/05/21 Manifold Garden William Chyr Studio 10/18/19 Marble It Up: Mayhem! Marble it up 11/08/19 Marble Knights WayForward 09/18/20 MasterChef: Lets Cook! Tilting Point 09/03/21 Mind Symphony Rogue Games, Inc. 10/11/19 Mini Motorways Dinosaur Polo Club 09/19/19 Millionaire Trivia: TV Game+ Uken 06/30/23 Monomals Picomy 11/01/19 Monster Hunter Stories+ Capcom 08/06/21 Monster Train+ Good Shepherd Entertainment 09/05/24 Monument Valley 2+ ustwo games 03/11/22 Moonshot A Journey Home Noodlecake 04/22/22 Murder Mystery Machine Blazing Griffin 09/19/19 Mutazione Die Gute Fabrik 09/19/19 My Bowling 3D+ iWare Designs 07/01/22 My Dear Farm+ HyperBeard Inc. 02/06/25 My Little Pony: Mane Merge Gameloft 12/16/22 My Talking Angela 2+ Outfit7 Limited 09/08/23 My Talking Tom+ Outfit7 Limited 08/12/22 My Town Home Family Games+ My Town Games 05/04/23 NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 04/02/21 NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/19/21 NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/21/22 NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/24/23 NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/03/24 Necrobarista Route 59 07/17/20 Nekograms+ Hungry Sky 08/10/23 Neo Cab Chance Agency 09/19/19 Neversong Serenity Forge 05/01/20 Next Stop Nowhere Night School Studio 08/14/20 NFL Retro Bowl 25 New Star R&D 09/04/24 Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis Viacom International 01/21/22 Nightmare Farm Hit-Point Co., Ltd. 10/05/19 No Way Home SMG Studio 01/10/20 NUTS Noodlecake Studios 01/22/21 Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Cornfox & Bros. 09/19/19 Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon Cornfox & Bros. 01/08/21 Octodad: Dadliest Catch+ Young Horses 05/04/23 Oddmar+ Mobje Ltd. 12/03/21 Old Mans Journey Broken Rules 11/18/22 Operator 41 Shifty Eye Games 09/19/19 Osmos+ Hemisphere Games 03/17/23 Outlanders Pomelo Games 09/19/19 Outlanders 2 Pomelo Games 07/03/24 Over the Alps Stave Studios 09/19/19 Overland Finji 09/19/19 PAC-MAN Party Royale BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment 10/18/19 PAC-MAN 256+ BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment 12/05/24 Painty Mob Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Patterned BorderLeap 09/19/19 PGA Tour Pro Golf HypGames 02/06/25 Piano Tiles 2+ Koapps 03/06/25 Pilgrims Amanita Design 10/05/19 Pocket Build+ MoonBear LTD 04/01/22 Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! Game Freak 01/20/23 Populus Run FIFTYTWO 01/29/21 Possessions Noodlecake Studios 09/19/19 PPKP+ Shimada Toshiro 05/04/23 Pro Darts 2022+ iWare Designs 05/27/22 Pro Snooker & Pool 2022+ iWare Designs Ltd. 04/15/22 Projection: First Light Blowfish Studios 09/19/19 Prune+ Joel McDonald 04/29/22 Puffies. Lykkegaard Europe 04/03/25 Punch Kick Duck+ Shaun Coleman 07/03/24 Punch Planet Sector-K Games 09/19/19 Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop Sega 04/04/24 Puzzle & Dragons Story GungHo Online Entertainment 12/05/23 Rabbids Multiverse Ubisoft 06/06/24 Rayman Mini Ubisoft 09/19/19 Red Reign Ninja Kiwi Limited 09/19/19 Redout: Space Assault 34BigThings 10/05/19 Reigns: Beyond Devolver Digital 11/06/20 Retro Bowl+ New Star R&D 06/23/23 Retro Goal+ New Star R&D 06/23/23 Return to Monkey Island+ Devolver 06/06/24 Ridiculous Fishing EX Vlambeer 07/17/23 Riptide GP: Renegade+ Vector Unit 02/10/23 Rodeo Stampede+ Featherweight Games 01/10/25 RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic+ Atari 04/03/25 Rosies Reality RosieReality 11/15/19 Roundguard Wonderbelly Games 03/13/20 Sago Mini Trips+ Sago Mini 04/04/24 Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go Sega 08/29/23 Samorost 3+ Amanita Design 07/08/22 Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time Cartoon Network 08/21/20 Sayonara Wild Hearts Annapurna Interactive 09/19/19 Scrappers Q-Games 04/10/20 Secret Oops! Mixedbag 01/31/20 Sesame Street Mecha Builders+ StoryToys 04/03/25 Shadow Blade+ Crescent Moon Games 03/04/22 Shantae and the Seven Sirens WayForward 09/19/19 Shinsekai: Into the Depths Capcom 09/19/19 ShockRods Stainless Games 10/11/19 Shovel Knight Dig Yacht Club Games 09/23/22 Simons Cat Story Time Tactile Games Limited 04/02/21 Skate City Snowman 09/19/19 Skate City: New York Snowman 01/10/25 Slash Quest Noodlecake Studios 10/01/20 Slay the Spire+ Humble Bundle 07/07/23 Smash Hit+ Mediocre 10/03/24 Snake.io+ Kooapps 05/04/23 Sneaky Sasquatch RAC7 09/19/19 Sociable Soccer Rogue Games, Inc. 11/08/19 Solitaire Stories Red Games Co. 07/02/21 SongPop Party Gameloft 04/02/21 Sonic Dash+ Sega 04/08/22 Sonic Dream Team Sega 12/05/23 Sonic Racing Sega 09/19/19 South of the Circle State of Play 10/30/20 Sp!ng SMG Studio 03/05/21 SpaceInvaders InfinityGene EVO TAITO Corporation 04/03/25 Spaceland Tortuga Games 09/19/19 Spades: Card Game+ MobilityWare 01/07/22 Speed Demons Radiangames 09/19/19 Spek RAC7 Games 09/19/19 Spelldrifter Free Range Games 09/19/19 Spider Solitaire: Card Game+ MobilityWare 10/07/22 Spidersaurs WayForward 09/19/19 Spire Blast Orbital Knight sp. 01/22/21 Splitter Critters+ RAC7 Games 12/10/21 Spongebob SquarePants: Patty Pursuit Nickelodeon 05/28/20 Spyder Sumo_Digital 03/20/20 Squiggle Drop Noodlecake 01/27/23 Star Fetched Crescent Moon Games 11/01/19 Star Trek: Legends Tilting Point LLC 04/02/21 Stardew Valley+ ConcernedApe 07/21/23 Stela SkyBox Labs 10/11/19 Stellar Commanders Blindflug Studios 09/19/19 Steven Universe: Unleash the Light Cartoon Network 11/27/19 Stitch. Lykkegaard Europe 10/28/22 Stranded Sails Shifty Eye Games 09/19/19 Subway Surfers Tag Sybo Games 07/15/22 Suika Game+ Xgimi Limited 09/03/25 SUMI SUMI: Matching Puzzle+ Imagineer Co. 05/01/25 Summer Pop!+ Ocean Games 05/02/24 Summon Quest The Label 04/21/23 Super Leap Day Nitrome 08/06/21 Super Impossible Road Rogue Games, Inc. 09/19/19 Super Mega Mini Party Red Games Co, LLC 11/01/19 Super Monsters Ate My Condo+ PikPok 04/04/24 Super Stickman Golf 3+ Noodlecake 08/06/21 Survival Z Ember Entertainment 02/19/21 Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment 04/02/21 Takeshi and Hiroshi Oink Games Inc. 11/08/19 Tales of Memo Tendays Studio 10/25/19 Talking Tom Blast Park Outfit7 Limited 12/05/24 Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom Bandai Namco 01/05/24 Tangle Tower SFB Games 09/19/19 Temple Run+ Imangi Studios 05/04/23 Temple Run Legends Imangi Stuidios 08/01/24 Temple Run: Puzzle Adventure Scopely, Inc. 09/17/21 Tetris Beat N3twork Inc. 08/20/21 Texas Holdem Poker: Pokerist+ KamaGames 11/07/24 The Battle of Polytopia+ Midjiwan 03/07/24 The Bradwell Conspiracy Bossa Studios 10/05/19 The Collage Atlas Robot House Games Ltd 10/16/20 The Enchanted World Noodlecake Studios 09/19/19 The Game of Life 2+ Marmalade Game Studio 04/03/25 The Get Out Kids Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 The Last Campfire Hello Games 08/27/20 The Loud House: Outta Control Nickelodeon 02/14/20 The Lullaby of Life 1 Simple Game 07/24/20 The Mosaic Raw Fury 11/01/19 The Oregon Trail Gameloft 04/02/21 The Otherside The Label 05/08/20 The Pathless Annapurna Interactive 11/12/20 The Pinball Wizard Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 The Survivalists Team17 10/08/20 Things That Go Bump Tinybop Inc. 10/18/19 Three Kingdoms Heroes Koei Tecmo Games 01/10/25 Thumper: Pocket Edition+ Drool LLC 10/01/21 Time Locker+ Sotaro Otsuka 05/04/23 tint. Lykkegaard International 09/19/19 Tiny Wings+ Andreas Illiger 10/15/21 TMNT Splintered Fate Paramount Global 05/04/23 Transformers Tactical Arena Red Games Co 11/05/21 Trials of Mana+ Square Enix 01/10/25 Tomb of the Mask+ Playgendary 06/06/24 Towaga: Among Shadows Noodlecake Studios 09/19/19 Towers of Everland Cobra Mobile Limited 05/22/20 Turmoil+ Gamious 12/05/23 UFO on Tape: First Contact Revolutionary Concepts 11/08/19 Ultimate Rivals: The Court Bit Fry Games 07/09/21 Ultimate Rivals: The Rink Bit Fry Games 12/12/19 UNO: Arcade Edition Mattel 06/05/25 Vampire Survivors+ Poncle 08/01/24 Various Daylife Square Enix 09/19/19 Very Little Nightmares+ Bandai Namco 05/04/23 Warp Drive Supergonk 11/27/20 Warped Kart Racers Electric Square 05/20/22 Way of the Turtle Illusion Labs 09/19/19 What the Car? Triband ApS 05/04/23 What the Clash? Triband ApS 05/01/25 What the Golf? Fig 09/19/19 Wheel of Fortune Daily Frosty Pop 11/07/24 Where Cards Fall Snowman 09/19/19 Winding Worlds KO_OP 05/15/20 with My Buddy Neilo inc. 05/01/25 Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker Aquiris 04/01/21 Word Laces minimega 09/19/19 Words in Progress Gamious 02/01/24 Words of Wonders: Search+ Fugo Bilisim 05/01/25 World of Demons PlatinumGames 04/02/21 Worlds End Club IzanagiGames 09/04/20 Wurdweb Aran & Adriaan 08/13/21 Wylde Flowers Studio Drydock 02/22/22 Yaga Versus Evil 10/25/19 Zen Koi Pro+ LandShark Games 07/03/24 Zen Pinball Party ZEN Studios 09/03/21 Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes Firefly Games 12/04/20 Zookeeper World Kiteretsu Inc. 09/10/21

Forget iOS 26, take a stroll through Apples garden of OS code names for 2027

Macworld While we know the numbers of Apples upcoming operating systems iOS 26 , iPadOS 26 , macOS 26 Tahoe , etc.Apple, like other companies, assigns code names to its products that are used internally for products in development. As noted by aaron613 on X, Apple is shifting to a mostly botanical theme for next years operating systems. According to various rumors, the codenames for Apples 2027 updates have already leaked: iOS 27 Buttercup macOS 27 Honeycrisp watchOS 27 Orchid visionOS 27 Eclipse tvOS 27 Lotus Aaron points out that Buttercup and Honeycrisp were first reported by Mark Gurman, while Orchid, Eclipse, and Lotus were first reported by @nicolas09F9 . Now that you know the code names, its time to play, What! Does! This! All! Mean! Is there a symbolic meaning to any of these names? What does a buttercup flower have to do with iOS and the iPhone? Is Tahoe known for its vast honeycrisp apple farms? (Its not.) Will next years Apple Watch need to be stored in tree bark ? And are we sure that Lotus for tvOS is referring to the national flower of India and Vietnam , and not the car ? Often, tech code names refer to something about the product or have a symbolic meaning (iOS 26s codename was Solarium , which spoke directly to its Liquid Glass interface). But they can also have no hidden meaning, and people make one up after the fact. With this set of code names, its hard to infer any special meaning unless youre actually working on these products and have inside info. I mean, Eclipse for visionOS 27 is kind of obvious, but the others arent. But hey, at least theyre interesting, unlike the code names for the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro models, which, according to a report , are J714c, J714s, J716c, and J716s. Give me Buttercup anytime.

Apples tiny AirTags drop to the lowest price of 2025

Macworld So, has an airline ever lost your luggage? With vacation season in full swing, you have to make sure you always know where your things are at any given moment, which is super easy by popping an Apple AirTag into your bag. And even betteryou can get one of these for $23 right now , the lowest price so far in 2025. These AirTags are super cute, and there are about a million accessories that go with them (including dog collars and kid bracelets, even if Apple doesnt advertise AirTags in that way). Theyre small and come with a battery you can actually exchange. When theyre in range, you can get them to ping by simply using the Find My app, something thats super convenient when you have an AirTag attached to your keys, for instance. When outside Bluetooth range, the tags location can be picked up by other nearby iPhones using the FindMy network, so you can find out their location anywhere in the world. The beauty of these tiny Bluetooth trackers is that they also work backwards. So, if you press the button on the tag, your phone will start pinging. Thats useful when you cant find your iPhone when youre bleary-eyed in the morning (its probably in your pocket). So, stop wasting time and get yourself one of these $23 Apple AirTags and prep for vacation. Buy now at Amazon

BestMacmonitors: The Mac compatible displays we recommend

Macworld The monitor might be the most important part of your Macs setupafter all, you cant use any desktop computer without one and even the 16-inch screen on the MacBook Pro is going to feel cramped if you are having a particularly productive morning. Spread your work out by plugging in multiple monitors to your Mac and extending your desktop over a wider space. Because youll spend a lot of time looking at the display, youll want to invest wisely. Not only will you want a monitor that provides a pleasing experience, but the quality of the images on the screen can also affect your work. However, picking a new monitor can be daunting. Not only are there many manufacturers to choose from, but there are also lots of sizes, resolutions, and features to considerand when we say lots, we mean lots . Were here to help guide you while you shop, and we have some tips on what to look for in a monitor below. Best Mac monitors 2025 These are the best desktop Mac monitors we have tested. We round up the best portable displays for Mac separately if you want to take a larger display out on the road. Weve included Apples Pro Display XDR and the Apple Studio Display, not because they are necessarily the best choice, but for comparative purposes. Apple Pro Display XDR Apple's top-end professional 6K display Pros Phenomenally well-specced Peak brightness of 1,600 nits, stunning picture quality Cons Seriously expensive (but this isnt a consumer display) Stand not included Price When Reviewed: $4,999 (standard), $5,999 (nano-texture glass) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $4899 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 32-inch Resolution: 6K (60163384 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-C Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation stand extra $999/949 Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with stand Apples highly specced Pro Display XDR is a stunning piece of engineering, andwe found it hard to find fault with the picture quality and colour output, but at that price and with these features this is a display for a very specific audience. The XDR is phenomenally well-specced: its 32in and 6K, offering 40 percent more screen space than Apples 5K displays, and offers a peak brightness of 1,600 nits (or 1,000 sustained). But it comes with a seriously eye-watering price tag, especially if you want to include the Pro Stand for adjustability and pivoting. While this is an expensive monitor by consumer standards, but it really isnt a consumer monitor. Its intended for a professional audience. Picture quality is maintained at ultrawide viewing angles, thanks to industry-leading polariser technology. This is so that a creative team can gather round a single monitor and evaluate a photo, video or design project without suffering a loss of consistency. Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W. Neil Bennett Read our full Apple Pro Display XDR review Apple Studio Display Apple's 'affordable' 5K production monitor Pros Handsome design Good image quality Impressive spatial audio 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage Cons High starting price and costly upgrades No HDR or ProMotion Changing stand after purchase requires a service call Price When Reviewed: $1,599 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $1,599 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599.99 View Deal $1639 View Deal $1649 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple 27-inch Monitor 5120 x 1440 LED (MK0U3LL/A) $1356 View Deal Apple 27-inch Monitor 5120 x 1440 LCD (Studio Display) $1357 View Deal $1949 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 5K (51202880 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-C Webcam: 12-megapixel Stand: Tilt. Height-adjustable stand extra $400/400 Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with $1,599/1,499 VESA mount adapter As a production display, the Studio Display is still expensive but is an affordable alternative to the Pro Display XDR. Buyers will enjoy its handsome design, good image quality, and impressive spatial audio, but you can save a lot of money by going with a non-Apple display. Apple displays have always produced very good image quality, and the Studio Display continues that tradition. Colors are rich, contrast is good, and the brightness is suitable for most tasks. The Studio Display has a tilt-adjustable stand, but it does not pivot between landscape and portrait modes, like the Pro Display XDR, although a very expensive WESA mount does add a portrait option. You can get a stand that provides about four inches of height adjustment but it doesnt come cheap. The price tag for the tilt- and height-adjustable stand is a whopping $400/400 more. The Studio Display has six speakers (four force-canceling woofers, and two high-performance tweeters) that sound better than any display weve used. Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W. Roman Loyola Read our full Apple Studio Display review Samsung M8 Smart Monitor (2024) Best 32-inch 4K display Pros Competitive price 32-inch display with 4K resolution Built-in Wi-Fi with support for AirPlayAdjustable stand (height, tilt, pivot) Cons No Ethernet Some features require a Samsung account No support for DCI-P3 Price When Reviewed: $549.99 (originally $999.98) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399.95 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Saumsung $549.99 View Deal $699.99 View Deal $699.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 32-inch Resolution: 4K (38402160 pixels) Connections: Micro-HDMI (with HDMI adaptor), 1x USB-C (video), 1x USB-C peripherals, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, Thread Webcam: HD Stand: Tilt and height adjustable (included) Orientation: Landscape Samsungs M8 Smart Monitor has been a popular choice for home users since its launch in 2022, offering a 32-inch monitor with 4K resolution at a lower price than Apples expensive 27-inch Studio Display. The M80D model, also known as the fourth-generation update, offers several features that make it an excellent value for money at just $699.99/549. The glass panel on the M8 still provides 4K resolution with 400 nits brightness, but the M80D model updates several other features to ensure excellent value for money. The monitor comes in three parts that need to be assembled by hand, and the plastic casing used for the display and the detachable 1080p webcam feels flimsy. However, the M8 is not a mobile device, making it suitable for general day-to-day use when sitting on your desk at home. The M8 supports HDR content and 99% of the sRGB color standard, which is accurate enough for basic graphics work, photo-editing, and presentations. Professional photographers or video-editors who require the more precise DCI-P3 standard will need to look at more expensive alternatives. The M80D model has a different set of connectors, with one USB-C port, one HDMI, and two USB-A ports, whereas previous models had two USB-C and one HDMI ports. However, it still supports Bluetooth for connecting additional peripherals, wi-fi, and AirPlay for Apple devices. This allows users to stream audio to the M8s speakers or mirror the display from their Mac or iPad to the M8 without using a cable. The M8 can be used as more than just a basic computer monitor. It has a built-in entertainment hub, which includes apps for Netflix, YouTube, Xbox gaming service, and a web browser. Some functions are not available to Mac users, such as the ability to pair the display with a Samsung Galaxy watch for fitness data monitoring, and theres an Easy Settings app only available for Windows users. Samsung could improve the on-screen menus and controls for the M8 to make them more straightforward. Despite the build quality not up to Apple standards and the untidy on-screen menu system, the M8 remains an affordable and attractive 4K display for home users, outperforming Apples more expensive Studio display Cliff Joseph. Read our full Samsung M8 (M80D, 2024) review Alogic Clarity 5K Touch Display Best Mac touchscreen display Pros Impressive 5K 60Hz touchscreen Fantastic adjustable stand Cons Fiddly Mac touchscreen software install Hub doesnt daisy-chain extra displays Price When Reviewed: $1,599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Alogic $1439.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 5K (5120 x 2880 pixels) Connections: USB-C (65W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Alogic Clarity 5K Touch offers Mac users a large, premium touchscreen on a monitor that boasts one of the best height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stands that weve tested. Its a precision, 10-point multitouch, One Glass Solution (OGS) touchscreen that combines the monitors protective layer with its input layer via a conductive medium keeps the Clarity Pro Touchs screen as thin as the other Clarity monitors, while maintaining the monitors bright picture. Touchscreens are useful for artists and video professionals, with many pro tools having accurate touch functionality that beats using a mouse. Its a more intuitive way to fine-tune levels and effects in photo-editing or music mixing, in applications such as Adobe Lightroom and Audition, and Apple Pro Logic. Alogic has an optional accessory, the $219 Clarity Fold Stand , to better facilitate comfortable drawing or interacting onscreenthe articulating stand securely holds the monitor raised at an angle like a drafting board. It can rotate 360 so that you can share work with colleagues. We did find the touchscreen setup a little fiddly as you have to install drivers for Mac, but once up and running, the operation was smooth. The height-adjustable stand offers a versatile swivel and tilt experience, and the screen can be used in either landscape or portrait modes. Mac touchscreen alternatives: Pro Touch and Max Touch Size: 27-inch or 32-inch Resolution: 4K (38402160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (65W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: 8-megapixel (retractable) Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait Alogic also offers two 4K touchscreen models, the 27-inch Clarity Pro Touch ($1,399) and 32-inch Clarity Max Touch ($1,599). Aside from the lower resolution and price-tag, the only real other difference is the retractable webcam that automatically raises itself from within the monitor when an app requires it, and then auto-retracts when its no longer needed. The 5K Touch lacks a built-in webcam, with Alogic instead recommending its own $189 Illuminate USB-C Light Bar with 4K Autofocus Webcam . Read our Alogic Clarity Pro Touch review and Alogic Clarity Max Touch review Simon Jary Read our full Alogic Clarity 5K Touch 27in Touchscreen Monitor review BenQ GW2790QT Best budget Mac display Pros Thin frame Sharp and stress-free image quality Cons USB ports difficult to access No high-speed USB ports Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price BenQ $279.99 View Deal $339.99 View Deal $339.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 2K (25601440 pixels) aka HD Connections: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2, USB-C, and the integrated hub offers three USB 3.2 ports and one USB-C port Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt Orientation: Landscape The GW2790QT monitor from BenQ is a 27-inch IPS monitor with a maximum resolution of 2K and a brightness of 350 nits. It offers a color gamut of 99 percent of sRGB and can be selected for gaming, M-Book, or film. The monitors color gamut is good, but homogeneity decreases towards the edges. The monitor features Low Blue Light Plus technology, which filters out blue-violet radiation harmful to the eyes, and automatic adjustment of screen brightness. A display coating is designed to reduce glare. The monitor can be rotated 20 degrees in any direction, tilted 5 degrees downwards and upwards, and the entire screen can be rotated 90 degrees into portrait format. In addition to HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2, the USB-C port provides 65 watts of power delivery for the MacBook, while another DisplayPort is available for connecting a second monitor. The integrated hub offers three USB 3.2 ports and one USB-C port with 5 gigabits per second speed. The monitor has built-in speakers and a microphone optimized for video conferencing, equipped with noise filter and noise cancellation. A USB-C connection to the Mac is required for use. The monitor has a series of buttons for operation, including the integrated microphone, noise filter, Low Blue Light Plus, menu control, and on/off button. For an additional $20, the display comes with a practical Yogi Pad set, which serves as an iPhone holder, universal shelf, and studs for stacking building blocks. While not the fastest monitor, it is suitable for general office use and does not require professional editing. Thomas Bergbold. Read our full BenQ GW2790QT review BenQ PD2730S Best budget 5K Mac display Pros Excellent image quality Handy set of software utilities for color professionals Nano Matte Panel cuts down glare and reflections Height-adjustable stand Cons No webcam 60Hz refresh rate may discourage gamers Price When Reviewed: $1,199.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1399.99 View Deal $1399.99 View Deal BenQ $1499.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 5K (51202880 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 4 (90W PD), Thunderbolt 4 (15W), HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 10Gbps USB-C, 2x 10Gbps USB-A, audio mini-jack Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The BenQ PD2730S 5K Designer Monitor is a 27-inch display thats a new addition to the companys DesignVue lineup of displays geared towards designers, graphics professionals, video producers, and anyone else who demands color accuracy and consistency, and top-notch image quality. Its size and resolution make it a direct competitor to ApplesStudio Display. The PD2730S was a pleasure to look at daily. The detail it produces is sharp and satisfying; I used the display with an M4 MacBook Pro, which has a mini-LED panel (what Apple calls Liquid Retina XDR) and it looks nice, but the PD2730S is much crisper. The colors produced by the PD2730S are great, too. BenQ promotes the PD2730S as a display thats always accurate and has consistent colors thanks to the companys AQColor technology. BenQ also offers two software utilities for adjusting color. The Display ColorTalk app helps you set up your MacBook and the PD2730S so that the colors match between the two as closely as possible. The Palette Master Ultimate app works with hardware calibrators and can be used to create custom color profiles. Both apps are free and helpful to photographers, designers, and anyone else who deals with colors on a professional level. Roman Loyola Read our full BenQ PD2730S review Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Best budget 4K Mac display Pros Manager software Good price-performance ratio Many connections Wide range of setting options Cons Plasticky design Ports difficult to access Price When Reviewed: $599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $404.5 View Deal $489.99 View Deal $499 View Deal $599.99 View Deal $629.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) Connections: 2x USB-C PD, 5x USB-A, gigabit ethernet DP-in/DP-out, 1x HDMI, USB-C upstream (for daisy chain) Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Orientation: Landscape Dell advertises the U2723QE with exceptional contrast. This is made possible by the panels IPS Black technology. Indeed, the screen offers an unusually high contrast ratio of 2000:1: black looks like black, and colors are very clearly distinguishable. Thanks to its wide color space support (100 percent Rec.709, 100 percent sRGB, and 98 percent DCI-P3) it is on a par with modern Apple LCDs. The screen settings can be adjusted using the joystick on the back, or directly from the Mac desktop using the Dell Display and Peripheral Manager software. Here you can quickly adjust the brightness and contrast. There is also the option of defining a schedule for changing the brightness or contrast. If required, users can also define hotkeys for brightness and contrast control. However, the software works on the MacBook, Mac mini, and Mac Pro, but not on the iMac. The ports on the back are hard to reach and not entirely in logical positions. The two connections at the front are also arranged at the bottom, which makes plugging them in from the bottom a gymnastics exercise every time. A side or rear-facing solution like Apples would be better here. But this display does offer a lot of ports, and its a complete USB-C docking station for MacBooks and a good extension for the Mac mini or Mac Studio. Christian Rentrop Read our full Dell UltraSharp U2723QE review Alogic Edge 40 Ultrawide QHD Monitor Best flat widescreen Mac display Pros 34401440 ultrawide screen Accurate color Apple-sensitive styling Built-in USB hub Cons Low pixel density Price When Reviewed: $1,299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Alogic $1299.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 40-inch Resolution: UltraWide Quad HD (34401440 pixels) Connections: 5Gbps USB-C (90W PD), HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x 480Mbps USB-C (5W), Gigabit Ethernet, audio mini-jack Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation Orientation: Landscape Two large screens side by side can be a big productivity booster, but one super-wide screen means no screen separation and removes issues with matching specs, meaning you avoid potential color, brightness, and display quality discrepancies if the two monitors have different specifications. This 40-inch flat ultra-widescreen displayalso available in a 34-inch model saves you from buying two displays, each of which needs a connection to your Mac. It creates a remarkable amount of convenient and ergonomic working screen space for a single monitor to maximize viewable multitasking apps and documents without the bezel gap and setting complications you get with a dual-monitor setup. Picky creatives may prefer a higher pixel density but for general productivity users the 34-inch to 40-inch screen is even more spacious than having two monitors side by side. Simon Jary Read our full Alogic Edge 40 Ultrawide QHD Monitor review BenQ MA270U Best budget rotatable Mac display Pros Great image quality Nano Matte Panel cuts down glare and reflections Height-adjustable stand Cons 60Hz refresh rate may discourage gamers No webcam Price When Reviewed: $459.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $459.99 View Deal BenQ $460 View Deal $499.99 View Deal $499.99 View Deal $513.22 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (38402160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (90W PD), 5Gbps USB-C (15W), 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x 5Gbps USB-A, audio mini-jack Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The MA270U has a Nano Matte Panel front but its not a piece of glass. As the name suggests, its not glossy, so glare and reflections are practically non-existent, even more so than with the pricey Nano texture glass on the Apple Studio Display. A stand is included with the MA270U. Some displays sell the stand separately so theres an additional cost consideration, but thats not the case here. The stand offers a great range of adjustment: -5 to 20 degrees of tilt, swivels 15 degrees left or right, and 115 mm of height. The display can also pivot 90 degrees, a far greater range of motion than the Studio Display. The MA270U can connect to a Mac through HDMI or USB-C. The USB-C connection offers 90 watts of power so it can charge your MacBook at the same time. If you want to use the display as a connection hub, you need to connect to the Mac via USB-C. The one thing thats immediately noticeable with the MA270U is its impressive image quality. Colors are full of life and the detail is excellent. One standout aspect of the image quality is how sharp text appears. This is great for production and design work, but it can even make it more enjoyable to read and write. The BenQ MA270U offers image quality that could satisfy users in a production environmentthats one way of saying that its quality is better than what general users usually get. You might be able to find a 27-inch 4K display thats a little cheaper, but it wont look this good. Roman Loyola The MA270U provides a very affordable alternative to Apples expensive Studio Display, but its sub-$500 price tag does involve some compromises. The 32-inch MA320U is slightly more expensive, but as well as providing a larger screen it also addresses some of the weaknesses of its 27-inch stablemate and produces a brighter display with bolder, crisper colors. Read our review of the 32-inch Ben-Q MA320U . Read our full BenQ MA270U review BenQ PD2706UA Best ergonomic Mac display Pros Competitive price Includes flexible ergonomic arm Supports 100% sRGB Good connectivity Cons Only supports 95% DCI-P3 400 nits max brightness (with HDR) Weak speakers Price When Reviewed: $629.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $479.99 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $629.99 View Deal $629.99 View Deal $629.99 View Deal BenQ $629.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 2K (25601440 pixels) aka HD Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Joint (Rotation) Orientation: Landscape Its a common criticism of Apples own displays that they dont allow you to adjust the height of the screen unless you pay a ridiculous amount for an optional adjustable stand. Most rival displays do allow you to adjust the height, of course, but BenQs 27-inch PD2706UA goes even further. Rather than having a conventional stand, the PD2706UA includes an ergonomic arm that attaches to your desk and allows you to freely adjust the height, tilt and swivel, and even rotate it into the upright portrait mode with just a tap of your finger. You dont have to pay a fortune for this flexibility either, as the PD2706UA provides an attractive 4K display for just $629.99/549.99. The ergonomic arm is designed to either clamp onto the edge of a desk or table, or attach to the circular grommets found on many pieces of office furniture. It does require a little patience to assemble properly, but the free movement of the screen will be a blessing for people who may have problems with their neck or shoulders, or simply for quickly swiveling the display into position to show your work to clients or colleagues. The display provides 4K resolution with support for HDR10, which is good value at this price. Connectivity is good too, with HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces, along with one USB-C connector that handles video and provides 90W output for charging a laptop. It also includes a built-in USB hub that provides three USB-A ports and one USB-C (for data transfer only), as well as BenQs hotkey puck, which sits on your desk and provides a quick dial control for selecting display settings without using the traditional on-screen menus. As always, BenQ keeps Mac users in mind by providing a Mac version of its DisplayPilot app, which provides features such as an M-book mode that is designed to match the color settings on a Mac. The display also supports 100% of the sRGB color space, and 95% of DCI-P3, so it can handle a wide range of graphics and design tasks. Our only real complaint is that the display only provides modest levels of brightness 350nits or 400nits with HDR compared to 500nits for my office iMac. It also works with Benqs Display ColorTalk and Palette Master Ultimate color calibration tools. The built-in speakers are pretty feeble too, but the PD2706UA does have a 3.5mm audio connector so you can use headphones or external speakers if you want to. Some professional users might prefer a more expensive display that supports 100% of DCI-P3, but the PD2706UA will be a good, affordable option if you just need a 4K display for use at home or in the office, with the added bonus of the versatile ergonomic arm thrown in for good measure. Cliff Joseph Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor Display with most adjustable stand Pros Impressive 4K 60Hz screen Fantastic adjustable stand USB-C hub with 90 watts of power Cons No webcam Hub doesnt daisy-chain extra displays Price When Reviewed: $799.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $699 View Deal Alogic $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (38402160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (90W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Alogic Clarity is a stunning 27-inch display with built-in hub and a fantastic height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stand. It will appeal to Mac users with its Apple looks and is even, in some ways, a superior monitor to Apples own Studio Display, although its 4K resolution isnt as sharp as Apples 5K screen. The stand is one of the best weve seen, and easily beats Apples standard monitor stand. It features multiple display connections and can power your MacBook at up to 90W via either USB-C or USB-B. There is also a Clarity Pro model that features a built-in retractable webcam, although we prefer a standalone webcam (check out our favorite Mac webcams ), as well as a touchscreen version reviewed above. Simon Jary Read our full Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor review Samsung ViewFinity S65TC Best curved widescreen Mac display Pros Affordable 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports Good contrast Plenty of screen space 100Hz screen frequency Cons Pale colors Low brightness No webcam Price When Reviewed: $449.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $439.99 View Deal $450 View Deal $499.99 View Deal $724.99 View Deal $799.99 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 34-inch Resolution: WQHD (3440 x 1440 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.0, 2 USB-A ports (and a USB service port for servicing), a DisplayPort (version 1.2), an ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Orientation: Curved landscape The Samsung VIewFinity S65TC is a 34-inch display but its more wide than tall, so its like working on two displays side by side. The S65TC also offers a high refresh rate, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and easy-to-use controls. Its a nice display at a reasonable price. The ViewFinity S65TC supports Thunderbolt 4 and you can use it to connect to a Mac. One of the Thunderbolt 4 ports delivers 90 watts of power (its labeled with a laptop and Thunderbolt icons), so youll want to use that port to connect to a MacBook so it can charge the laptop while connected. If you prefer, you can connect it via the HDMI 2.0 port. The display also has 2 USB-A ports (and a USB service port for servicing the display), a DisplayPort (version 1.2), an ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The S65TCs contrast is quite good, but the color reproduction feels watered down, especially if you put it next to an iMac, for example. Brightness is also in the lower spectrum at 350 nitsthe Apple Studio Displays brightness is 600 nits. Even a MacBook Air has more screen brightness at 500 nits. Petter Ahrnstedt Read our full Samsung ViewFinity S65TC review Spectrum One 4K Gorilla Glass Best Mac-friendly 144Hz display Pros Good image quality HDR support Variable refresh rate up to 144Hz Elegant design Cons Stand sold separately for $99 Blacks arent as deep as Apple Studio Display No built-in speakers, microphone, or webcam Price When Reviewed: $799 without stand Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Dough $799 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (38402160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (100W PD), 2x HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x 10Gbps USB-A, USB-B, audio mini-jack, Gigabit Ethernet Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Spectrum One with Gorilla Glass is worth a look if youre in the market for a display and cringe at the $1,599 starting price of the Apple Studio Display. There are a few trade-offs: its 4K resolution rather than 5K, and it lacks speakers, a microphone, and a webcam. The height-adjustable stand costs an extra $99. Its overall image quality isnt as good as the Studio Display, but its still very good for even professional-level image work. A Mac can also use one of the two HDMI 2.1 ports, but by connecting through USB-C youll also be able to use the display as a hub and its other USB-C port (15 watts), the two USB-A ports, and the 3.5 mm audio jack. It has a few advantages over the Studio Display, such as a variable refresh rate to a maximum of 144Hz, a higher maximum brightness, and it can connect to game consoles at 120Hz. Overall, its a display thats worth the investment. This model is sold on Amazon in the U.K. but with a delivery estimation of more than three months and the European sales are in Euros, so not really one for the U.K. market. Roman Loyola Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor Best vertically stacked dual display Pros Two vertically stacked monitors Ergonomic screen layout Adjustable height and viewing angles 65W USB-C passthrough charging Cons HD not 4K Webcam is too high when both screens are flat Price When Reviewed: $699 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $649.99 View Deal Mobile Pixels $699 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 2x 24-inch Resolution: HD 1080p (1920-x-1080 pixels) Connections: 2x HDMI, 2x USB-C (65W PD), 2x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio In/Out Webcam: Yes Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Stacked landscape The Mobile Pixels Geminos is a monitor curiosity that might take your fancy. Instead of having two screens side by side, the Geminos stacks two on top of each other, with the ability to fold the whole thing down flat if you want to. Having two screens stacked on top of each other will save your neck from frequent twisting plus a bunch of freed-up desk space too. The two joined 24-inch screens are HD rather than 4K so wont suit those who want the deepest, richest colors, but as a productivity option, we applaud Mobile Pixels for the idea and comfortable dual-screen alternative. Setup is a little complicated, and you can buy two separate monitors cheaper, although not stacked vertically, for which you would need a special mount. Theres even a version, Geminos T , with a touchscreen for the lower monitor on Amazon U.S. and Amazon U.K. Simon Jary Read our full Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor review Asus ProArt PA279CV Budget 4K Mac display Pros Accurate image High maximum brightness Menu settings allow calibration USB-C hub with 65 watts of power Competitive price Cons Unimpressive design Luminance uniformity could be better HDR is bright but otherwise falls short No webcam Price When Reviewed: $499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $329 View Deal $349.99 View Deal $399 View Deal $499 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (38402160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (65W PD), 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Orientation: Landscape The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a 4K monitor that offers accurate color and important pro features such as accurate gamma presets. It even has USB-C connectivity, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to upgrade from their laptop display. Its not a great-looking monitor, with larger than average display bevels on the plasticky chassis. Its not luxurious but its fine for an office or workstation. Asus ProArt PA279CV is a sensible choice for content creators who want a color accurate 4K monitor but dont want to clean out their savings account. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 65Wenough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro. Matthew S.Smith Read a full Asus ProArt PA279CV review . BenQ PD3225U Budget 4K Mac display Pros Very large screen Colorfast and bright Thunderbolt connection Cons Only 60Hz Rather meager speakers No webcam Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999.99 View Deal $999.99 View Deal BenQ 1100 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 31.5-inch Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 3, 3x USB-A ports, 1x USB-C port, 1x USB-B port, 2x HDMI 2.0 ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, audio jack Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Orientation: Landscape The BenQ PD3225U 4K display offers high display quality and many practical functions. Its ideal for design, desktop publishing, and photo and video editingits a good all-around display. Thanks to the Thunderbolt connection, it is ideal as a Mac docking station. Using Thunderbolt, the display offers four USB ports and an additional Thunderbolt socket into a practical docking station. The second Thunderbolt port also serves as a daisy-chain connection, which can be used to connect a second monitor. The rest of the ports are located on the rear of the display. The PD3225U also offers two HDMI 2.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.4. Content on the PD3225U is always clearly recognizable thanks to a peak brightness of 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The PD3225Q is also an exceptionally evenly illuminated panel with no halos or similar display problems. The matte screen is coated with an anti-glare coating that largely prevents reflections from light sources. It also works with Benqs Display ColorTalk and Palette Master Ultimate color calibration tools. The PD3225U also supports BenQs own Display Pilot software. This tool allows you to conveniently control the PD3225U from the Mac via the menu bar. Christian Rentrop Read our full BenQ PD3225U review HP E27u G4 Budget HD Mac display Pros Affordable 27-inch display Attractive image with 25601440 resolution HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C inputs 4-port USB hub Cons No webcam No speakers Price When Reviewed: $424 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $408.71 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 27-inch Resolution: 2K (25601440 pixels) aka HD Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Floor, Joint (Rotation) Orientation: Landscape Apples Studio Display and Pro Display are seriously expensive, and theyre very much designed for professional and creative users who need 5K or 6K displays for graphics and video work. Not everyone needs such a high-res display though, and Ive always found that a QHD (quad-HD) display with 2,5601,440 resolution is the affordable sweet spot that works well for both general office work and off-duty entertainment. HPs somewhat clumsily named E27u G4 is a good option here, providing an attractive QHD display with a variety of connectivity features for just $424/286.80. Youre not going to get a top-of-the-range display for that price, and the E27u does lack a few added extras, such as a built-in webcam or speakers. It gets all the basics right, though, with good image quality, multiple video inputs, and a useful built-in USB hub. The displays 250 nits brightness may be relatively modest, but we found that the E27u looks bright and sharp enough for working with productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and also for streaming video from the BBC iPlayer and Apple TV+. And while Apple charges an extra 400 for an upgrade that allows you to adjust the height of its Studio Displaywhich is more than the entire cost of the E27uyou can tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the E27u, and even rotate it into upright (portrait) mode at no extra cost. The E27u includes HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C interfaces for connecting to your Mac, with the USB-C port also providing 65W power to charge a MacBook or other laptop if required. When using the USB-C connection you can also use four USB-A ports to connect devices such a keyboard, mouse or hard drive, and theres also a second DisplayPort interface that will allow you to daisy-chain a second monitor if required. Our only complaint is that theres no audio connector that would allow you to connect headphones or a set of external speakers to the display although HP does sell a special speaker bar that bolts onto the bottom of the screen if you want to add audio ($43.00/40.00). Cliff Joseph How we test monitors Macworld staff and other contributors with decades of combined experience have tested the displays in this round up. We thoroughly test each monitor, evaluating clarity of the image, maximum brightness, contrast ratio, and color accuracy and color gamut and other aspects of image quality. Motion clarity is also important, especially if the monitor will be used for gaming or other graphical applications. We also look at the build quality as well as usability and connectivity, and any special features or modes on offer, especially any that require software that may, or may not work as expected on a Mac. Why you should trust Macworld Macworld prides itself on our experience and expertise when it comes to all things Mac. We conduct in-depth reviews of numerous monitors annually. Our comprehensive recommendations undergo rigorous testing and evaluation by our expert reviewers, who adhere to both performance benchmarks and stringent usability standards. Should I buy an Apple display for my Mac? Apple sells displays for its Macs, and you could go with its offerings, which are included above, but its displays are a quite bit more expensive than what third parties offer. Buying from a different company may mean you may not get a feature that Apple offers, but it may also be a feature that you dont need, depending on how you use the monitor. There are plenty of companies that have great monitors that you can use with your Mac, without having to take out a second mortgage. Our sister publication PCWorld has tested several displays, and we list their top-rated ones that we have been able to confirm work with Macs, alongside the monitors we have reviewed below. Here are our recommendations in order, starting with Apples most expensive. Are there compatibility issues for Mac monitors? There are compatibility issues for plain M1, M2 and M3 Macs, which, unlike M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro/Max/Ultra MacBooks, cant natively connect to more than one external display. Fortunately, there is a solution and we show you how to connect multiple monitors to M1, M2 and M3 Macs in a separate article. How to choose a Mac monitor Display technology is a bit of a movable feast, with a lot of confusing jargon and technical features to wade through, as well as a variety of different interfaces and cables that are used by Apple itself and the various monitor manufacturers. So its worth taking a closer look at some of the factors that you need to think about when buying a monitor for your Mac. Screen size Size isnt everything, as the saying goes, but its a good place to start. Your decision will be influenced by how much desk space you have, and how comfortable you are while using the display. Some people think that a big screen is best, but then when they start to use it daily, they find that its too big. And the same goes for customers who think a small screen is best. If youre looking for a size to start with for your own personal research, we recommend 24 inchesjust like with Apples iMac. That seems like a good size for most people, and its easy to go up or down from that point. Most people tend to go between 24 and 27 inches for home use. For professionalsgraphics, video, audio, even spreadsheetsa large screen will help you be more productive. Think 27 inches and higher. Youll be able to fit more elements on the screen and not waste your time scrolling. If on-screen real estate is valuable to you, consider a multi-display setup. A smaller screen can be used for things like chat, email, web, and more, while the bigger screen is your main workspace. Or get screens of the same size and maximize the space. Screen resolution Screen resolution can go hand-in-hand with screen size. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create what you see on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see. Larger displays tend to have more resolution options, as well as the ability to support higher resolutions. Often, when you find two displays that are the same size but have a wide price difference, its mostly because of the screen resolution. Monitors with high resolutions are more expensive. For example, Apples $1,599 Studio Display is 27 inches, and it has a high screen resolution of 51202880 (5K resolution). On the other hand, LG sells the 27-inch 27UK650-W , but its a 38402160 (4K) resolution display for content creators, and its $350lower resolution, but $1,249 cheaper. (There actually arent other 27-inch 5K monitors available, except for the $1,449 LG UltraFine 27MD5KL-B .) So what screen resolution should you get? Here are some suggestions; these are guidelines that you can adjust based on your preferences. For general purpose use, such as web browsing, email, media viewing, small photo and video projects and viewing: 19201080 or 25601440 (HD) For more-involved content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 38402160 (4K) For pro-level content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 4K or higher Want to use an 8K monitor? Read How to connect an 8K display to your Mac . Connecting a monitor to a Mac How a monitor connects to a Mac can be confusing. The traditional HDMI and DisplayPort connectors used by many monitors are being replacedor complementedby USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. And though USB-C and Thunderbolt cables may look the same, there are actually some important technical differences between them, so its important to check which ports your new monitor uses and make sure you buy the correct cables and adapters. Most recent Mac models have Thunderbolt ports, so if you buy a monitor that has HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces only, then youll need an adapter to connect to the Mac. This can get a bit confusing, but Apple does provide a list of the ports included on most recent Mac models so that you can figure out what you need. Apple also provides a guide to HDMI and DisplayPort technology , which covers Mac models going right back to 2008, so that should provide all the info you need for all the Macs you use at home or at work. Less expensive monitors still tend to use HDMI and DisplayPort, and while its not too costly to buy adapters that will allow you to connect your Mac, we reckon its worth future-proofing your new monitor by getting one that includes at least one USB-C or Thunderbolt port. If a display uses Thunderbolt to connect to the Mac, it may have additional USB-C or Thunderbolt ports so the display can act as a hub. In this case, If you have a device you want to connect to your Mac, you can connect it to one of the ports on the monitor, which is already connected to the Mac and probably in an easier location for access. Look for a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection with power delivery (PD) that can charge your MacBook. A 65W PD will be enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro, but youll need at least 90W for a 15-inch or 16-inch Pro. Read our article on how to connect a second screen to a Mac which explains everything you need to know about how to identify which ports you have, the adapters you will require, and how to set things up. Ergonomics If youre going to spend a lot of time sitting at a desk looking at your lovely new display then you need to keep ergonomics in mind. The ability to tilt the angle of the monitor back and forth, swivel it around for easy viewing, and adjust the height of the monitor in order to avoid an aching back or neck. Some monitors can pivot or rotate in either landscape or portrait mode. As a rough guide, there is a point at about 2 to 3 inches from the top of the screen that should be at eye level. Obviously, eye level varies from one person to another, so its important that you can adjust the screen for your own personal comfort. You may also prefer a monitor that doesnt suffer from glare, or you will be forever repositioning the monitor (or your head) to compensate for that. Other considerations There are other considerations youll want to make when shopping for a monitor. A lot of these come down to personal preference or what you need for the work you do. They include: Color space (gamut): The number of colors a monitor can show. Professionals need specific color spaces. Refresh rate: The frequency when a screen is refreshed. Higher rates produce smoother animations. Webcam: Some displays have a built-in camera you can use for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps, or to record yourself. Speakers: If you plan on frequently viewing or listening to media, a good set of speakers makes for a better experience.

Best iPhone Prime Day Deals 2025: Early Discounts

Macworld If youre in the market for a new iPhone, Amazons Prime Day sales might be a good time to find a dealwith a few caveats. In the U.K., you can find the latest iPhones unlocked at Amazon and at other resellers. Supplies can be limited, and there are usually only small discounts for the newest iPhones, but we are seeing discounts on the iPhone 16 series and on the older iPhone 15 models. If you arent sure which iPhone to buy take a look at our iPhone buying guide and our comparison of every iPhone . If you are in the U.S., you wont see deals on new iPhones (only renewed/refurbished items), but there are still plenty of savings on iPhone accessories, which we will also include below. The iPhone models and accessories here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed every Apple product we recommend and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. For all the best Prime Day deals on Apple products see our round-up of the Best Apple Prime Day deals . Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals If youre in the U.K. the iPhone Amazon often offers a discount on the full price of an iPhone. These deals are usually even better for Prime Day. In fact, we have already seen up to 150 off the newest Apple iPhones. These are the best iPhone deals we are seeing right now: iPhone 16e (128GB) : 549 (50 off, RRP 599) iPhone 16e (256GB) : 649 (50 off, RRP 699) iPhone 16e (256GB) : 849 (50 off, RRP 899) iPhone 16 (128GB) : 698 (100 off, RRP 799) iPhone 16 (256GB) : 749 (150 off, RRP 899) iPhone 16 (512GB) : 999 (100 off, RRP 1,099) iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) : 799 (100, RRP 899) iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) : 899 (100, RRP 999) iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) : 1,099 (100, RRP 1,199) iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) : 898 (100, RRP 999) iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) : 1,198 (100, RRP 1,299) iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) : 1,298 (100, RRP 1,399) iPhone 15 (128GB) : 598 (100 off, RRP 699) iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) : 698 (100 off, RRP 799) iPhone 15 Pro (1TB) : 1,349 (RRP was 1,499 DISCONTINUED) iPhone 14 (128GB) : 495 (RRP was 599 DISCONTINUED) For more deals take a look at our iPhone 16 deals in the U.S and iPhone 16 deals in the U.K and iPhone 15 deals. Prime Day: Best iPhone accessory deals While Amazon doesnt sell the latest iPhone in the U.S. outside of the partnership with Boost Infinite, Prime Day can be a great time to get iPhone accessories. Here are the best sales were tracking. Have a look at our round up of Best iPhone 16 cases for 16 & Plus, 16 Pro & Pro Max and The best iPhone 15 series cases to see if there are any bargains to be had. Were tracking Apple subsidiary Beats alongside AirPods here, but you could also grab a bargain on some headphones by checking our round-up of the Best earbuds for iPhone and best over-ear headphones . U.S. Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($10 off, MSRP $49) AirTags 4-pack: $75 ($25 off, MSRP $99) AirTag: $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $199 ($50 off, MSRP $249) AirPods Max (USB-C) : $479 ($70 off, MSRP $549) Apple 35W dual USB-C Power Adapter : $39 ($20 off, MSRP $59) Beats Solo 4 : $130 ($70 off, MSRP $200) Beats Studio Buds : $100 ($50 off, MSRP $150) Beats Studio Pro : $250 ($100 off, MSRP $350) Beats Pill : $130 ($20 off, MSRP $150) U.K. AirTag (4 pack) : 92 (27 off, RRP 119) Single AirTag 28 (7 off, RRP 35) Beats Solo 4 : 149.99 (50 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Pill : 122 (27 off, RRP 149.99) Beats Studio Pro : 175 (175 off, RRP 349) Prime Day: How can I get the best iPhone deals? Many items in the Amazon Prime Day Sale are only open to Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or$14.99/8.99/AUD$6.99every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. Youll also get free one or two-day delivery and access to Amazon Prime Video and all that content. One tip when you click on a good dealeven if its from a Macworld pageis to check that the product isnt redirected to a refurbished model, and the current manufacturers price is listed, as that can make the price drop look a lot better than it is. In order to take advantage of some Prime Day deals, you need to be an Amazon Prime member. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 on a monthly basis (but can be canceled after 30 days) and gives you two-day free delivery and access to Prime Video. Prime Day 2025: Our favorite deals For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals Best U.K. Apple Amazon Prime Day deals

5 reasons to skip buying a new iPhone 17 this year

Macworld Once upon a time, Apple used to make significant changes to the iPhone every couple of years. A new model (iPhone 4, 5, 6, etc) would launch with an overhauled look, followed by an S variant that boosted performance and smoothed out any imperfections. Thats no longer the case. Primarily due to the iPhones maturity, iterative annual upgrades have become the norm. After all, theres only so much it can improve year over year. And despite what you may have read about this years phones, the new lineup is looking to be more of the same, even with the introduction of a new Air model. Thats why if youre planning to get a new iPhone, you may want to wait for next years iPhone 18 series. Unlike the iPhone 17, 2026s lineup is set to bring some of the biggest design and functionality upgrades in years, which could make the iPhone 17 feel decidedly ho-hum. Something in the Air In September, Apple will reportedly launch the iPhone 17 Airan ultra-slim handset with a whole new form factor. Exciting, right? Maybe not. First-generation devices are often riddled with flaws, and a year later, the iPhone 18 Air will almost certainly address any issues with a refined and polished design. Beyond that, there seem to be few compelling reasons to opt for an iPhone 17 Air. The sleek device will likely have a mediocre battery life, a single rear camera, fewer speakers, and other compromises for a premium price tag. With most people popping their phone into a case anyway, will a super-slim iPhone really be worth it? Now that the EU has confirmed that Apple is permitted to release portless smartphones, the iPhone 18 Air could potentially take advantage of that. The end result would be a lighter, incredibly thin iPhone that, unlike the 17 Air, may justify the shortcomings and expense. Above the fold Weve been hearing about a folding iPhone for years, but it finally seems like its coming. But not this year. In 2026, Apple is expected to debut its first foldable smartphone (enter the iPhone 6 Plus joke here), rivaling Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold and changing the iPhone as we know it. The 5.5-inch device is rumored to pack a 7.8-inch inner display, mimicking an iPad mini when opened. It would easily be the most dramatic and exciting iPhone change since the iPhone X in 2017, and many Apple fans are going to want to jump on board as early adopters. Lens flair Even if youre skipping the iPhone 17 Air and its single camera, the iPhone 17 Pro isnt looking to deliver much in the way of meaningful camera upgrades, other than a 24MP front-facing sensor and a 48MP telephoto lens. However, a more substantial camera boost could arrive next year. At least one iPhone 18 model (presumably the Pro Max) will boast a variable aperture lensa perk long limited to high-end professional cameras. If true, iPhone users will get to mechanically control how much light reaches the sensor for the first time. This could elevate portrait shots by improving the applied depth of field effect, as well as minimizing overexposure. Most smartphone users dont rely on a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera for capturing their everyday moments. Porting a variable aperture lens to the iPhone could dramatically enhance the photo-taking experience. A cut above Apple introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, and its quickly become one of the handsets best features, with quick access to timers, scores, background tasks, and so on. But when its not in use, its still somewhat unsightlyand thats not expected to change this year. Next year, however, Apple will reportedly switch to under-display Face ID sensors, which will likely shrink the Dynamic Island noticeably. The conflicting reports make it hard to predict whether the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a smaller Dynamic Island or a hole-punch design, but its safe to assume itll look more futuristic and bring the iPhone a step closer to the flawless, glass slab vision coming in 2030. Chip shift For many casual users, Apples annual chip upgrades arent all that important. iPhones from years ago still run fluidly and perform in a lag-free manner, and a slightly faster processor wont really impact the daily experience meaningfully. However, there may be a bigger boost with the iPhone 18 models. In 2026, Apple is expected to unveil the A20, switching from a 3nm to a 2nm manufacturing process. As a result, the iPhone 18 Pro models could be significantly more capable and power-efficient. But thats not allthe iPhone 18 lineup is also expected to adopt the second generation of Apples in-house 5G modem. Unlike the C1 predecessor included with the iPhone 16e, the C2 chip could support mmWave connectivity and bring other enhancements to the table. With the iPhone 17 line likely sticking to Qualcomms hungrier modem and 3nm A19 processor, its safe to assume the iPhone 18 will have a superior battery life. Iteration now, innovation later In just 12 months, Apples iPhone 18 series will likely offer some of the most distinct changes in ages. Were rumored to be getting an all-new folding form factor that caters to multitaskers, along with a potentially improved Air model as well as other significant enhancements. Meanwhile, what will the iPhone 17 bring? A thin body? A tweaked rear camera bump and a price hike? We think youll be better off buying a discounted iPhone 16 and waiting till 2026 to get something really new.

Best MacBook Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts

Macworld If you are wondering if MacBooks are on sale for Prime Day, you will be glad to learn that yes, you can get money off MacBooks at Amazon. Lots of money, in fact! Sales on MacBooks are normal for most of the year, but the best deals tend to happen during Amazons big sales events. With Amazons Prime Day running for four days from Tuesday, July 8, and continuing until it all ends on July 11, this could be a great time to save money on a new Mac laptop. Below you will find links to the best MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals on Amazon. Be sure to check this page often, as the deals change all the time. Note that as these models go out of stock, Amazon may offer a refurbished model in place, or may redirect to a different model, so do check for this. The MacBooks picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. If its an iMac or Mac mini you are after, check out our separate round-up of the best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals . We also round up the Best Apple Prime Day deals . Best Prime Day MacBook deals These are the best savings right now. You can find even more deals on specific MacBook models in the sections below. U.S. MacBook Air & MacBook Pro Prime Day deals 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $849 ($150 off, MSRP $999) 15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $1,049 ($150 off, MSRP $1,199) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (512GB) : $1,429 ($170 off, MSRP $1,599) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999) 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $2,249 ($250 off, MSRP $2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB RAM, 1TB) : $3,596 ($403 off, MSRP $3,999) U.K. MacBook Air & MacBook Pro Prime Day deals 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (256GB) 899 (100 off, RRP 999) 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (1TB) 1,279.97 (119 off, RRP 1,399) M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,429.97 (170 off, RRP 1,599) M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,609.97 (184 off, RRP 1,799) M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,832 (167 off, RRP 1,999) M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM, 2,149.97 (245 off, RRP 2,399) M4 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) M4 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM, 3,119.97 (379 off, RRP 3,499) If you arent sure which MacBook to buy, read our MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro comparison . For more MacBook Air deals, see Best MacBook Air deals , and for more MacBook Pro deals, see Best MacBook Pro deals . Foundry Amazon Prime Day: Best MacBook accessory deals Prime Day is also a great opportunity to save some cash on some accessories for your MacBook. Perhaps you need a spare charger for your MacBook. Or perhaps you want a dock, a printer, or a bag. If we spot a good deal, well list it here. We also have separate round-ups for the Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals and Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac . Plus, find a cut-price Apple keyboard, mouse, or trackpad: Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals . U.S. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) : $69 ($10 off, MSRP $79) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard : 84 (15 off, RRP 99) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Magic TrackPad : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) Prime Day: How can I get the best MacBook deals? Once Prime Day begins, most deals will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AU$6.99 every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as access to sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and all the content available on that service. Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Apple Prime Day deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

iOS 26 feature that turns off headphones when you fall asleep isnt limited to AirPods

Macworld At the WWDC25 keynote , Apple announced a new AirPods feature that would enable the headphones to pause when they sense that their wearer has fallen asleep. But its now been discovered that the function is a little more versatile than that suggests. A contributor to the tech site MacRumors has discovered code that indicates the feature is tied to iOS 26, rather than the AirPods line specifically, and suggests that it will work on Apples Beats headphones too. A good thing, since the Beats line-up is broader than the AirPods one and, in the form of the $70 Beats Flex and $80 Beats Solo Buds , boasts two options far cheaper than even the most basic AirPods. Once youre running iOS 26, a new option to Pause Media When Falling Asleep will appear (and should be enabled by default, although this can be toggled in the Settings app once headphones are connected). With this feature activated, any audio thats playing through your headphones will pause when you drift off, saving your place in a podcast or playlist. It will also shut off your headphones and thereby preserve battery life. Apple has not yet revealed how headphones are able to sense when the wearer is asleep, nor have any clues to this been discovered in beta code. One pair of Apple headphones, the Powerbeats Pro 2 , has the ability to monitor heart rate, which would likely be enough, but none of the other models do. In fact, the monitor and sensor arrays vary widely across the Beats and AirPods ranges, so its hard to see how one method could be applied to all of them. We dont expect the feature to extend to third-party headphones, but hopefully Apple will provide more clarity soon. The new feature is part of the new iOS 26 iPhone software update, but to use it youll also need to update your headphones with new firmware as well. For AirPods this can be a slightly mystifying process .

Beat the heat with this advanced hydration-tracking smart bottle

Summer is truly upon us. With heatwaves across the United States, Europe and other regions, the best way to tackle this unbearable weather is by The post Beat the heat with this advanced hydration-tracking smart bottle appeared first on BGR .

Tested: Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case by Belkin

A month ago, Nintendo released its long-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console. While the Big N did a remarkable job with the Switch successor, theres one The post Tested: Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case by Belkin appeared first on BGR .

Best iPad Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts

Macworld Amazons annual Prime Day sale is longer than ever this year, lasting from Tuesday, July 8, to Friday, July 11, which means youll have even more time to grab a great dealespecially if you want a new iPad. All of Apples tablets, from the iPad Air and Pro to the mini and 11th-gen iPad are already seeing some of their best prices ever. The iPad deals picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. Of course, Prime Day isnt just for iPads. If youre looking for a new Mac, Apple Watch, storage or display to go with your Mac, check out our separate round-up of the Best Apple Prime Day deals . Best iPad deals of Prime Day Some deals are better than others, here are the bigger savings to be had on a new iPad this Prime Day. Look below this section for more deals on the different iPad models from iPad mini to iPad Pro. U.S. iPad Prime Day deals iPad (A16, 128GB) : $299 ($50 off, MSRP $249) iPad mini (128 GB) : $399 ($100 off, MSRP $499) 11-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB): $549 ($50 off, MSRP $599) 13-inch M3 iPad Air (128GB) : $749 ($65 off, MSRP $799) 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB) : $899 ($100 off, MSRP $999) 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB) : $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP $1,299) U.K. iPad Prime Day deals iPad (A16, 128GB) : 307.97 (21.03 off, RRP 329) iPad (A16, 512GB) : 589.97 (39.03 off, RRP 629) iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB) : 453.97 (45.03 off, RRP 499) 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 559.97 (39.03 off, RRP 599) 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB) : 749 (50 off, RRP 799) 11-inch iPad Pro (M4, 256GB) : 934.97 (64.03 off, RRP 999) 13-inch iPad Pro (M4, 256GB) : 1,219.97 (79.03 off, RRP 1,299) For more standard iPad deals from other stockists and resellers take a look at the iPad deals round-up that we update monthly. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Prime Day 2025: Best iPad accessory sales Grab a bargain on an accessory to go with your new iPad. U.S. iPad accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Apple Magic Keyboard (11-inch iPad Air) : $269 ($30 off, MSRP $299) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. iPad accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation) : 248 (1 off, RRP 249) Apple Pencil (1st generation) : 58.97 (40.03 off, RRP 99) Apple Pencil (USB-C ): 69 (10 off, RRP79) Apple Pencil Pro : 119 (10 off, RRP 129) Prime Day 2025: How can I get the best iPad deals? Many deals during the Prime Day sale will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign up for a membership if you dont already have one. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AU$79 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AU$6.99 every month. New users can sign up for a30-day free trialthat can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as Prime Day sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and Prime Music, as well as other benefits. Prime Day 2025: Our favorite deals Throughout the Prime Day sale, we constantly check Amazons listings to find the best deals. Weve tested all of the models we recommend here and only select the very best dealsso if you see an iPad listed here, youll know its at or near its all-time low price. And its not just iPads. For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Apple Prime Day deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals Best U.K. Apple Amazon Prime Day deals

Nothing Headphone 1 could be the best AirPods Max alternative for now

Nothing just debuted its first over-the-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone 1, alongside the new Nothing Phone 3. At $299, this product stands out for its The post Nothing Headphone 1 could be the best AirPods Max alternative for now appeared first on BGR .

The gorgeous 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is $200 off right now in any capacity

Macworld If you want the best tablet you can possibly get, look no further than the M4 iPad Pro. And right now, its never been cheaperwith an all-time-low price cut of $200 off , you can get yourself your very own iPad Pro for as low as $1,099. The same discount applies to all other storage capacities as well. The 13-inch iPad Pro has all the features you could possibly want and then some. Its super powerful thanks to the M4 chip and it comes with a gorgeous ultra-thin design built around a stunning OLED display. Its the perfect tablet if you want to be able to use it for both work and fun, if you want to edit images, run project designs, create videos, and so on. When we reviewed this tablet , we gave it a 5-star rating, appreciating the super-thin design, the gorgeously bright display, and overall fantastic performance. Oh, and the battery life, because everyone wants a tablet they can use around the clock. And with iPadOS 26 coming in the fall, with Liquid Glass, Mac-like multitasking and windowing, and a supercharged Files app, its going to get even more powerful. This particular $1,099 configuration features 256GB of storage space, but if you want more of that, you can definitely get some. The 512GB iPad Pro M4 is down to $1,299 , the 1TB model is $1,699 , while the 2TB version is $2,099 . Basically, theres a $200 discount across all models. So, if you want the 13-inch iPad Pro M4 , nows a good time to get it. Get a 256GB iPad Pro M4 for $200 off Buy now at Amazon

Apple India job posts suggest AI search is coming to Siri, Safari, and Spotlight

Macworld Apple published two job openings on LinkedIn and on its job search portal last week. In them, the Bangalore, India, location is looking for two engineers for its machine learning/artificial intelligence team. The two adverts are somewhat vague, but reveal some insights into Apples plans. Our team is responsible for delivering next-generation Search and Question Answering systems across Apple products including Siri, Safari, Spotlight, and more. You will collaborate with outstanding Search and AI engineers on large scale machine learning to improve Query Understanding, Retrieval, and Ranking, developing fundamental building blocks needed for AI powered experiences such as fine-tuning and reinforcement learning. Job posting at Apple The second job advert reads identically, but it is not looking for a senior engineer, just an AI expert. Apples Eddy Cue confirmed in court that Apple is actively working on offering AI-powered search engines as an option in Safari . No details have yet been released. The two job adverts suggest that Apple is planning a mixture of Siri/ChatGPT and an active online search that not only searches information on the web, but also actively provides answers to questions. What is less surprising, however, is that the manufacturer wants to implement the new function for Siri, Safari, and Spotlight. If this is the case, the new search will act as an additional layer over the entire system. Apple promised a personal Siri at the last WWDC 2024, but had to postpone it to an unknown date in the future as it wasnt ready yet. There are no references to this in the job advertisements, but there are also dedicated job adverts for this team on Apples job portal. This article first appeared on Macworld sister site Macwelt and has been translated from German.

Best Apple Watch Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts

Macworld Amazons annual Prime Day sales event is a fantastic opportunity to find a good deal on the Apple Watch, and this year youll get even more time to save. Amazons Prime Day sale runs a whopping four days this year, from Tuesday, July 8, to Friday, July 11, and were already seeing some great discounts on the Apple Watch even before it officially starts. The Apple Watch models picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont recommend buying something that we wouldnt buy ourselves. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. There are numerous case and band options with the Apple Watch, but make sure the combination you want doesnt mean you miss out on a tasty discount. You can always buy a new band down the road. For more coverage of Amazons deals, check out our round-up of the best Apple Deals for Amazon Prime day as well as our main Prime Day landing page . Best Apple Watch deals for Prime Day 2025 Apple is gearing up to launch the Apple Watch Series 11 , SE 3, and Ultra 3 in September, but rumors suggest these new products wont bring any must-have features. The Series 10, Ultra 2, and SE 2 are excellent options, especially at these discounted prices, and will all get an update to watchOS 26 in the fall with loads of smart new capabilities. U.S. Apple Watch Prime Day deals Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm) : $200 ($79 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 2 : $779 ($20 off, MSRP $799) U.K. Apple Watch Prime Day deals Were not seeing any deals on new Apple Watches on Amazon U.K. just yet (although theres a discount on the Ultra 1 from 2022, as you can see below), but we expect to see plenty during the Prime Day sale. Watch this space. Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra (1st gen) : 699 (150 off, RRP was 849 Clearance ) You can also find the Best Apple Watch deals throughout the year in our round-up, which is updated monthly. Prime Day 2025: How can I get the best Apple Watch deals? Amazon runs two Prime Day sales a year. The first is typically in July and the second in October in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. The motive behind the sale is to encourage customers to join the companys Prime subscription service. For this reason, the sale is officially open to Prime members only, and youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. (Youll find, however, that some individual deals are available to non-members.) Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 on a monthly basis. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial which can be canceled at any time during the trial window. Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to all the content available on the Prime Video streaming service. Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Prime Day coverage, check out our roundups of the best deals across every Apple and Apple-related product line: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals Best U.K. Apple Amazon Prime Day deals

Watch out for this crafty iPhone phishing scam

Macworld iPhone owners beware: a new and surprisingly plausible phishing scam is making the rounds, and could easily catch out the unwary. The message, which has been seen by AppleInsider reporters, claims to be from the delivery company UPS. It says a package is ready to be delivered, and encourages the recipient to click on a link to set this up. Of course, the link goes to a fake website where personal data can be harvested. We attempted to deliver your UPS package on [date], the message reads, but were unable to contact you and the delivery could not be completed. Your package needs to be signed for in person, so please reschedule the delivery by doing the following. And then you get the link. iOSs security measures, created for precisely these kinds of situations, mean links in messages from unknown senders arent clickable. But scammers quickly adapted to this, and now use two methods to get round it: they instruct you to either copy and paste the URL into a browser (usually citing nebulous security reasons) or reply to the message with Y (to activate the link) and then reopen it. Replying to a message tells iOS that the other person is a known sender, and links will therefore become clickable. This particular scam is particularly dangerous for a number of reasons. First, its unusually well crafted. I cant spot any typos or grammatical oddities, the fake URL is less obvious than such things tend to be, and the idea of a we couldnt deliver your parcel message is entirely plausible. Second, it has a potentially very wide target audience, because at any one time lots and lots of people are waiting for packages and many of them wont know which delivery company has charge of it. (Even those who arent waiting for a package may think a housemate or family member ordered something.) Finally, the scam has the advantage of urgency, because people really care about their packages and will be alarmed by the messages claim that failing to reschedule the delivery will result in it being sent back to the sender. With Prime Day coming up next week, its particularly timely as well, assuming that most people will be waiting for something to arrive in the mail. If you see the message, report it to Apple and delete it. And whatever you do, dont reply, and dont copy the URL. For more advice on this topic, read Your iPhone isnt as secure as you think (but it can be) .

Ad nauseam: Apple might actually be doomed if this keeps up

Macworld Um what the heck is going on with Apples advertising? Forget the problem with Apple selling ads, which is also a problem. Apple has a problem making ads. Disclaimer: you cant talk about Apple ads without discussing the Get a Mac ads . Legally, the Macalope means. There are any number of local, state, and federal laws that prohibit the discussion of Apple ads without first laying the groundwork of the Get a Mac ads. So, sorry, the horny one would love to just discuss Apples ads of late but no can do. To be clear, the Macalope hasnt checked on this, hes just assuming it based on every discussion of Apple ads to date that hes read. Throughout the late 1990s and the first decade of the 2000s (no, dont get up, weve locked the doors), Apple ran ads that were incredibly good at a time when they desperately needed to be incredibly good. The Macalope doesnt know if you recall, but Apple was famously about to go out of business throughout the 90s. Remember that? It was in all the papers . The Think Different campaign said, Hey, we havent gone out of business! Forget all about that guy in a suit ! We fired him! iMac ads touted Apples difference, the Switch campaign said anyone can use a Mac, and iPod ads continued the message that Apple was cool and until we got to the last truly iconic ad campaign Apple produced , which poked fun at PCs and made Macs look normal. None of this is to say that Apple hasnt produced any good ads since 2009. It just hasnt produced any that are really memorable. Memorable for good reasons, that is. And the last year or so has been pretty rough. Not only has Apple not produced any particularly good ads, its made a number so bad that its subsequently pulled them. Thats not good! They spent a lot of money on those ads! Apple released the Crush ad in May of 2024, in which musical instruments, paints, a metronome, and other objects associated with creative endeavors were crushed into an iPad. Just days later it took the unprecedented step of apologizing for the ad and pulled it. What the company was going for with the ad was Look at all the great things you can do with an iPad! What it got was WE ARE THE DESTRUCTOR. ALL YOUR ARTS PERISH BEFORE US. Ironically, it could have saved that for an AI ad if it was going for a truth in advertising type thing. Dont worry, though. It also screwed up its AI ads! And its AI, come to think of it. Getting the metaphor wrong is a cardinal sin in advertising. Its a cardinal sin in writing, too. Actually, maybe its just a cardinal sin in general. Months later, Apple released a number of questionable ads for Apple Intelligence, ads that featured a bad employee and bad spouse using it to make themselves look better by essentially lying to people. Then Apple had to pull another Apple Intelligence ad featuring Bella Ramsey asking Siri to identify someone based on previously collected information because, ha, funny story, it wasnt able to deliver that feature. This is already a lot of advertising snafus for one company and were not done yet. In June, Apple released Convince Your Parents to Get You a Mac, featuring a comedian from Saturday Night Live as a dimwitted presenter advising kids on how to trick their parents into buying them a Mac. Is that what were doing now, Apple? The company has apparently had second thoughts about this one as its also been pulled. Thats three ads in a little over a year that Apple has pulled. And weve got one more thing to talk about. That would, of course, be the companys over-zealous marketing of its film F1 . Oh, you havent heard of it? Just out of a six-month stint in solitary confinement? Must be nice. The Macalope isnt rending nearly as many garments over this as many others are. It is annoying, unseemly and unnecessary for Apple to resort to marketing one of its products in the Wallet app and via notifications. It is, at least, apparently including a new way to opt out of such ads in iOS 26. Even so, the marketing blitz for F1 has been brutal, everything from surprise appearances at Apple Stores to Happy Meal toys . Regardless of which thing annoys you the most, Apples approach has been excessively ham-fisted, particularly for a movie that, as far as the Macalope can tell, is not in any way about ham (although, its reportedly pretty good, despite the disappointing lack of delicious ham). Apples ads were cute. Even longer ago they were hopeful. Now theyre often cynical. The good news is the advertising part of this is eminently fixable (the AI engineering part much less so). But Apple should really figure out whats going on here and get on it soon. One of the companys long-time strengths is turning into a serious liability.

This 20TB cloud storage lifetime subscription is now the cheapest it has ever been

Macworld Cloud storage subscription fees have gotten out of hand. For some popular platforms, paying monthly doesnt even guarantee youll get enough space for all your files, or that those files will be secure once theyre uploaded. Internxt gives you a simpler, long-term solution. Instead of paying monthly, you pay once and get 20TB of cloud storage that lasts for life. Normally, Internxts 20TB lifetime subscription would cost $4,900, but the price just dropped to $389.97 during Macworlds version of Prime Day. Built for those who value privacy, Internxt is end-to-end encrypted, open-source, zero-knowledge, and GDPR-compliant. Translation? Even Internxt cant access your data. Youll have total control over your files, which are encrypted, fragmented, and stored securely across servers. Itscloud storage that actually respects your privacyand doesnt charge you every month to do it. This lifetime plan gives you 20TB of storage you can access from any device: desktop, mobile, Linux, you name it. And yes, its fast. Internxt is optimized to let you get the most out of your connection speed, whether youre uploading family photos or backing up creative work. Whether youre a freelancer, digital nomad, privacy advocate, or someone whos just plain tired of storage subscriptions, its your one-and-done cloud solution. Its now only $389.97 to get a 20TB Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription , but that wont last long. Sale ends July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

Early Prime Day deal drops Apples A17 Pro iPad mini down to its best price ever

Macworld Prime Day isnt until next week, but theres never been a better time to get your hands on an iPad mini. Ahead of the 4-day Prime Day sale extravaganza, A mazon has dropped the price of the A17 Pro iPad mini down to $399 , its best price yet. The smaller form is one of the main benefits of getting the iPad mini because its 8.3-inch screen can fit just about anywhere. Its also super fast thanks to the A17 Pro chip and a whopping 8GB of RAM, enough to run all of the Apple Intelligence goodies. The gorgeous Liquid Retina display and 12MP Center Stage camera make this tablet fantastic for streaming content, playing games, and participating in video chats. Youll also get 128GB of storage space, which should be plenty for apps and games, photos and videos, and anything else you want to fill it with. So if youve been waiting for the right time to get Apples newest tiny tablet, go grab it now for $100 off because we dont think itll go much lower anytime soon. Get Apple's tiniest tablet for its littlest price Buy now at Amazon

How to recover data from damaged Mac or external drive

Macworld Its all very well telling people to back up their Mac . But human nature means that searching for backup advice is something that usually happens after the worst has already happened. Hopefully, youll be able to fix the damaged drive and get your data back by following our advice, but we will also cover what you need to know about crashing without a backup and how to recover data from damaged hard disk or an external drive. This guide is also relevant if you have accidentally deleted a file. Deleted files can be retrieved too, but only if they havent been overwritten. Once the part of the disk with the data is overwritten, nothing can get it back. How to repair a failed Mac hard disk with Disk Utility If you are very lucky your hard drive or SSD isnt beyond repair and you will be able to fix the problem yourself and therefore get access to your files. Apples Disk Utility application (located in your Macs Applications > Utilities folder) isnt the greatest repair tool for your Macs hard drives, but it can head off small problems before they get worse. If your drive is having problems and you become aware of this before the machine crashes, or if you manage to get it up and running again (or in the case of an external drive your Mac is able to detect it), the first thing to do is launch Disk Utility, select the drive and run First Aid to check the volume for errors. Heres what to do: Open Disk Utility Youll find this in the Utilities folder, inside your Apps folder or by searching for it using Spotlight Search. (Press Command+Space to trigger this). Click on the disk you are concerned about from the list on the left, and then click First Aid. You will see a message indicating that First Aid will check the volume for errors. It will then repair the volume if necessary. Upon initiating this process you will see a warning that First Aid needs to temporarily lock the boot volume. This means that while First Aid is running apps wont be responsive. The process probably wont take long. If during the process Disk Utility detects any issues and its easily fixed, then it should be resolved quickly. If you are able to fix the hard drive or SSD in your Mac (or a external drive) using Disk Utility you will hopefully be able to recover your files. We suggest you back up your Mac at this point before running the risk of the disk failing again. Over the past several years, Apple has updated Disk Utility and changed what the application is capable of. You can easily create disk partitions if desired, and you can also get extensive information about a specific volume by clicking its icon and then clicking the Info button. Also, as of macOS 10.12 (Sierra), Apple has removed the ability for the local copy of Disk Utility to repair permissions, which was both handy in correcting odd software behavior but could also lead to strange behaviors from your applications. You can still repair your Macs file permissions, but youll have to back up from Recovery Mode . We have a complete guide to using Disk Utility here . How to repair a Mac disk from Recovery mode Foundry Disk Recovery may not be such an easy option if you cant actually start up your Mac. But, aslong as the drive failure isnt too terminal, a restart in Recovery mode should be possible. Recovery is a partition on the drive that contains a version of the macOS that you can boot from. Booting from this partition doesnt do anything to the main drive, so theres no need to worry about overwriting documents. To enter Recovery on an M-series Mac press and hold the power button while the Mac starts up. Keep holding the power button until Options appears. Then click on Options and click on the Continue that appears below Option. Select the disk you want to recover (e.g. Macintosh HD). Click Next. Add a password if required. Wait for the Mac to start in Recovery. You can now try to fix your drive using Disk Utility as described in the section above. Note: If you are trying to recover an old Intel-powered Mac you need to hold down Command+R while your Mac starts up. Keep holding those keys until you see either an Apple logo or a spinning globe. For more help, see our complete guide to using Recovery mode . If you do manage to boot from Recovery, youll need another drive to recover files to. You should plan to get an external drive plugged in as soon as you can, so that you can secure your data there. If Disk Utility manages to fix your drive enough to let you boot from it again, be very careful how you use it. If you have lost any data, it is very important to avoid using the drive, as anything that writes files to the drive, may be writing over your lost files. Which would render them unrecoverable. So if you manage to resurrect your sickly drive, quit all your software, including email, to avoid overwriting any list files and attach an external drive and recover any lost files to there. How to recover a Mac using an external boot drive Foundry Older, pre Mac OS X Lion Macs wont even have Recovery mode, in which case you might want to try booting from an external drive running a copy of the Mac OS . This may also be an option to try if you are unsuccessful booting up in Recovery mode on a newer Mac. On older, Intel-powered Macs, plug in the boot drive (set up using the instructions linked to above) and press and hold the Option key. Then choose the external bootable drive. With Apple-silicon Macs press and hold the power button until the bootable drive shows up and choose that as your startup disk. If this works, youre in a pretty good position to proceed, as you will no longer be booting from the faulty disk. You can try running Disk Utility at this point and attempt to fix the faulty drive. Use data recovery software to recover your Mac hard drive Foundry Even if you managed to start your machine from Recovery, or an external boot drive, the volume you are trying to recover still may not show up. In this case, data recovery software may still be able to work with that drive. As long as the OS can still talk to it, and the data is still on the drive, you still have a reasonable chance of recovering it. The annoying thing about data recovery software is that you only really use it if you have been caught without a backup. The developers have you at their mercy, and if you have lost precious data they could charge whatever they can get away with. But it is a highly competitive market too so the pricing structure has evolved at a sort of equilibrium. The good news though, is that developers dont want to you spend lots of money andthen comeback and complain that it didnt work. Thus a vast majority offer a free version that will scan your disk and see what is salvageable. You can then decide of the fragments of your dead drive are worth the dollars to retrieve. All work in a similar way. If the directory telling where files were originally stored is saveable, the rest is easy. But if that isnt the case, the software will scan the data for familiar patterns that would denote a file type. Once they find as file type, theres a good change that the following data will be the file. Highly fragmented hard drives might mean not all files can be retrieved, but given enough time, most will get there in the end. It can be a time consuming process to piece the bits of files back together. But with patience, most files that havent been overwritten should in theory be saveable. If a hard drive is still spinning, and the head is still scanning, there is still hope. Sickly drives can take days to fully scan, and the higher capacity they are, the longer it will take. But if its your wedding photos, or perhaps your Bitcoin vault that is missing, you can afford to wait. We have assessed the top Mac data recovery apps and we recommend the following options: Wondershare Recoverit , Stella Data Recovery , Prosoft Data Rescue and CleverFiles Disk Drill Pro . Wondershare Recoverit Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 month/2 Macs: $79.99 (usually $109.99); 1 year/2 Macs: $89.99 (usually $139.99); perpetual license/2 Macs: $139.99 (usually $169.99) Best Prices Today: $89.99 at Wondershare (annual) Stellar Data Recovery for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard edition: $79.99 (currently $69.99) a year, or $129.99 (currently $99.99) for a lifetime license. Professional version: $129.99 (currently $99.99) a year, or $199 (currently $149) for a lifetime license. Premium edition: $209.99 (currently $99.99) a year, or $319 (currently $199) for a lifetime license. Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Stellar Info (annual) Prosoft Data Rescue Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard license: $79 for a 30-day; Professional license: $399 for one year Best Prices Today: $79 at Prosoft Engineering (30-day license) CleverFiles Disk Drill Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: Basic: Free; Pro: $89; Enterprise: $499 (pay extra for lifetime upgrades) Best Prices Today: $89 at CleverFiles Removing your Macs Hard Drive or SSD Apple A final option if you have had no success with the above, and feel brave enough, is to try removing the hard drive or SSD. This will not be an easy option if you have an SSD. If theres one thing thats annoyed Mac techies in recent years, its the fact that since 2016, Mac models have arrived with the SSDs soldered onto the logic board. There are both pros and cons to this, but the simple fact is that if the onboard SSD goes south, youre looking at replacing the entire logic board. This also puts the user in the position of having to guess what their data needs will be and buy an SSD with a larger capacity than they might initially have thought they needed, which ramps the price up a bit higher. Another major downside to this is that its extremely difficult to remove the onboard SSD, and unless you feel comfortable soldering and resoldering microcircuitry, its not advised to try to remove the unit from the logic board. If you are trying to recover an older Mac, removing the Macs internal hard drive may be an option. If you have the tools on hand, you could try these steps: Power down your Mac. Unplug its cables. Open its case. Find the internal hard drive or SSD and carefully remove it. Put the drive in an external USB casing Connect the external drive to another Mac. Mount the drive, and see what data can be recovered from this. Ive spent half my tech career doing this and it usually works out, although its moderately terrifying to open any Mac up for the first time. Provided the hard drive or SSD is in good enough shape to mount, this lets you dive in, seek out the files you want, and back them up first. Keep in mind that your hard drive or SSD may be experiencing mechanical problems at this point, so treat the drive gently, and try to get the critical files within the first few times mounting it, as this is when the drive will be in the best possible condition. Once the critical data has been backed up, you can return the hard drive to your Mac or replace the drive outright and restore the data as needed later. In conclusion, if you dont need data recovery right now, then do yourself a huge favour and make sure your backup strategy is up and running and fool proof. A little pain now will save you a world of hurt in the future. If you have already lost some data, then the process outlined here will help. But without wishing to pour salt in the wound, now would be a really good time to take a look at your back-up strategy. You can find a very comprehensive backup strategy here: How to back up your Mac. For more advice about backing up your Mac see our round ups of the Best cloud storage services and Best backup software for Mac .

Why Im switching from the MacBook Air to the Probut not until next year

Macworld As a diehard Apple fan and a technology journalist, I try to refresh my gear every year or so to keep up with the latest features. However, while my three-year-old M2 MacBook Air could certainly use an upgradeand Ive got my eye on a new MacBook Pro its going to have to last for another year. Not only are the M5 MacBooks not expected to bring much in the way of new features, but Apple is reportedly set to kickstart a new era with the M6 MacBook Pro as soon as next year. Heres why Im waiting to upgradeand so should you. A new design thats even thinner With the introduction of the first Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, Apple adopted a boxier design with flat edges, thin bezels, and a notch. It has since become the default design for all of its laptops, with the main differences between the MacBook Air and Pro designated by features rather than form factor. The forthcoming Apple design chapter appears to be all about slimness. Weve already got the ultra-thin iPad Pro models, and the iPhone 17 Air is expected to adopt a similar formula later this year. Similarly, the MacBook Pro M6 could follow suit in late 2026 and boast a sleeker body that makes it lighter and more mobile. Consequently, opting for a comparably chunky MacBook now doesnt feel like a very wise decision. A first-of-its-kind display Another expected upgrade for the M6 MacBook Pro is its enhanced display. For the first time on a MacBook, Apple is expected to debut an OLED panel , contributing to true black levels and more vibrant colors. Weve already seen the benefits of OLED on the iPhone and iPad Pro, but theyll be even more noticeable on the MacBooks larger screen. Compared to the MacBook Pro, the iPad Pros tandem OLED screen has greater sustained HDR brightness with all of the same pro-level features we already love: 120Hz refresh rates (ProMotion technology), TrueTone, and the nano-texture option. Compared to my MacBook Air screen, its a whole new worldand one worth waiting for. The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to have an even thinner design like the Air. Foundry Faster performance (with 5G?) It goes without saying that replacing a MacBook Air M2 with an M4 MacBook Pro will remarkably boost the performance, with at least doubling my 8GB of RAM and far faster speeds. However, the M6 chip coming next year looks to be a huge upgrade to my M2 chip that brings substantial improvements to the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine that powers on-device Apple Intelligence features. Apple silicon Macs seem to follow a four-generation performance cycle. Benchmark results indicate that transitioning from an M1 to an M4 chip can enhance CPU capabilities by around 60 percent in both single-core and multi-core tasks. The M4s GPU performance is approximately 60 percent better than that of the M1, and its Neural Engine is about three times faster. As such, by the time the M5 processor debuts, the incremental developments over the years will have stacked up, warranting an upgrade for M1 Mac users. Likewise, it makes sense for M2 Mac users like me to wait for an M6 to get the most bang for their upgrade bucks. And just maybe, Apple will give us a long-requested feature in the M6 MacBook Pro: cellular connectivity. With its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, Apple has control over the cost, performance, and efficiency of the wireless chip, so it can hopefully bring it to the MacBook Pro to unlock 5G connectivity and make working on the go more feasible. Even better battery life M-powered MacBooks are renowned for their energy efficiency and long battery lives. My M2 MacBook Airs battery, despite now having a maximum capacity of 82 percent, still manages to get me through several hours of continuous browsing at full display brightness. However, its shortcomings surface whenever I do heavy work, forcing me to charge it at least once a day. According to Apple, the MacBook Air M2 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the M4 MacBook Pro stretches that to 24 hours. When the M6 MacBook Pro debuts, its safe to assume that the 24-hour limit will have been maintained or improved thanks to improvements in efficiency, the OLED display, and cooling. Even if its just an hour or two, it could mean the M6 MacBook Pro will comfortably make it through several days of work without a charge. The MacBooks notch has to go. Foundry The end of the notch One of Apples most unsung features is Center Stage. When FaceTiming my friends, the camera frame adapts to my movements and ensures that I stay centered at all times. Current MacBook models have already ported this feature, along with the 12MP front camera from the iPhone and iPad. However, they also still have an unsightly notch. There was a time when the MacBooks notch mirrored the iPhones design, but with just one iPhone left with a notch (the 16e), its time to move on. Along with the OLED display, next years MacBook Pro models could also be retiring the controversial notch in favor of a hole-punch camera design. This would free up space in the menubar and look much better with macOS Tahoes new invisible menu bar design. The best things come to those who wait Now that mainstream consumer devices have generally matured, there are two main ways to go about fresh releases. We either upgrade annually and complain about how insignificant the differences are, or we ignore them for a few years and enjoy the bigger, cumulative impact when a replacement is due. A jump from my M2 MacBook Air M2 to an M3 or M4 MacBook Pro would be a nice upgrade, but waiting for the M6 MacBook Pro wont just be a huge upgrade for me, but a full refresh of Apples high-end laptop with a new design, a faster processor, longer battery life, and the most advanced MacBook screen yet. Waiting isnt going to be easybut itll be worth it.

Quickly fix your images with the AI-tools in Adobe Lightroom

Macworld Thanks to the excellent quality of smartphone cameras these days, we take so many pictures when were on holiday, with friends, or just when we see something that we want to remember. Sadly, the results arent always as good as wed hope, and theres the problem of how you can easily share the images with your family or friends. Yes, there are plenty of photo-editing options around that can help fix the problems, but they can be expensive or have too many options and features for someone who just wants to quickly remove something or have the colours and lighting look their best. Well, thats why Adobe offers its Lightroom app all the power to make your photos look professional, with none of the complications. How Adobe Lightroom can instantly improve your photos One of the main aims of Adobe Lightroom is that anyone can get amazing looking photos, no matter their skill level. This is evident with the new features recently added, which use AI-technology to make editing tasks that were previously only available to experts now accessible to even the least technically adept user. Heres some of the highlights of what you can easily achieve with the Intelligent Creative Assistance and Quick Actions capabilities in Adobe Lightroom. Improve Landscape Photos: If youve taken a great landscape shot, but the image isnt as impressive as you expected, the new Scene Enhance feature can quickly save the day. This allows you to select specific parts of the image sea, water, ground, etc. then enhance those elements. This means in only a few clicks you can have the sky be as blue and stunning as you remember in the actual scene. Adobe Easily remove people or items from the backgrounds of photos: The Generative Remove tool is a marvel, as it can instantly identify people and items spoiling the look of an image, then highlight them all so you can have them removed with a single click. Thats not all, the generative part of the name refers to how the AI can fill in the areas where the obstacles were, so that it magically looks like they were never there. Adobe Make portraits looks instantly better: Another of the Quick Actions available in Adobe Lightroom is Retouch Portraits. This tool can automatically detect and suggest enhancements in solo or group portraits. Want to whiten teeth, smooth out skin, remove reflections from surfaces or bring more life into someones eyes? Lightroom can do this in a matter of seconds. Plus, you can apply the enhancements to a single person in the shot, rather than a blanket fix. Adobe Adobe Lightroom makes it so easy to share photos You know the story. After getting back from a holiday with friends, you want to share the photos you captured while away. But this often means scrolling through your camera roll and often missing some of the images due to the clutter. With Adobe Lightrooms mobile apps, the edited images are added to dedicated albums, so youll never lose them again. These albums can also be personalised, with themes to fit the collection youve created. When youre done, they can be shared with a link or QR code, so friends can see the collection. Not only that, everyone can also add their own comments, likes or photos to the album, even if they dont have a Lightroom subscription. Sign up for a free 7-day trial of Adobe Lightroom As you can see, theres so much you can do with Adobe Lightroom , which is no surprise as it was the winner of the 2024 Mac App of the Year in the recent Apple App Store Awards. While a monthly subscription is a very reasonable $11.99/11.99 per month, you dont have to pay a penny to try out all the features, as Adobe offers a 7-day free trial which gives you access to the mobile, desktop and web versions of the app as well as Lightroom Classic. Sign up to Adobe Lightroom today! If you want your photos to look their best, but dont have the time or skills to make that happen, Adobe Lightroom is the answer.

Apple might shift the logo lower on the iPhone 17 Pro so we know where to charge

Macworld Apple is expected to introduce noticeable changes to the iPhone this fall, especially with the Pro models. For the first time, the camera wont be confined to a square in the upper-left corner but will now stretch across the entire back of the device with the flash at the far right. For a company obsessed with symmetry and balance, that change will force another adjustment thats both visual and practical. According to leaker Majin Bu , Apple will reposition the Apple logo thats long been centered on the back of the iPhone, about an inch lower on the back of the Pro models. Majin Bu/X The reason for the change is twofold. For one, it would center the Apple logo visually below the camera bar. Apple cares as much about optical alignment as it does physical alignment, and the camera bar creates an obvious visual layer. Moving the Apple logo allows the camera bar to stand out even more while still giving the Apple logo attention. It also gives a proper target for the MagSafe charger. Ever since Apples magnetic charging system launched with the iPhone 12, the Apple logo has served as a friendly reminder of where the puck should go. Since the iPhone 17 Pros camera bar will push that target lower, the Apple logo will still be a visual indicator of where it needs to go. Since the iPhone 17 Air has a much thinner camera bar and the iPhone 17 doesnt have one at all, Apple will likely keep its logo in the same spot as before. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 at an event in September.

Apple praised for noticeable fixes to iOS 26s performance and stability

Macworld As we keep warning prospective testers , Apples software betas are prone to bugs. Until a big software update is pushed live to the general publicand sometimes even beyond that pointit should be regarded as unfinished, flawed, and liable to go wrong in all sorts of unexpected ways. This particularly applies to a first developer beta, the most speculative and the least finished of an updates run; the one that has been subject to precisely zero testing in the real world outside Apples labs. And so the first dev betas of iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and so on, which became available on the first day of WWDC 2025 earlier this month, were a risky proposition. And the second betas, which landed last week , were eagerly awaited. And it seems they were worth the wait. In a brief coda to his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman outlines the key elements that have changed from the first to the second dev betas. And top of his list is a biggie: The performance and overall stability across all the operating systems have improved to a noticeable degree. This means that they are less likely to cause problems for the devices they are running on, whether that means a minor reduction in speed, the loss of key functions, or a total bricking. This is particularly important because stability worries are one of the key factors deterring testers from installing early betas, which in turn means fewer testing data points and less feedback for Apple. At this point only app developers are allowed to run the betas (even if its an open secret that many non-devs participate anyway) but its crucial for Apple to get the fundamentals right before it opens the public beta in July. And some other off-putting annoyances have been tackled in the second beta. Gurman notes that Apple has adjusted the blur effect in Control Center, an effect which in the first beta had caused legibility issues for both text and icons, and tweaked the Safari interface in iOS to make it easier to access buttons and tabs. The Liquid Glass redesign looks nice enough, but there had been some concerns that it was sacrificing usability for aesthetics, and it sounds like Apple is trying to redress that balance. There will be plenty more changes before iOS 26 launches officially in the fall. There are plenty more things that need to change. But based on the upgrade from first to second developer betas, Apple has made a good start.

With visionOS 26, the wonder of Apples AR is finally real

Macworld I have long complained that, for all its impressive hardware and software technology, the Apple Vision Pro is thus far a failure mostly because Apple doesnt understand AR. Or Spatial Computing, or whatever it wants to call it. Thats been the case for two years, since the Vision Pro arrived in February 2024 and the first major update in visionOS 2. But based on what Apple showed of visionOS 26 at WWDC, I feel like the company is finally starting to understand what a spatial computing experience should be. Floating iPad window syndrome Vision Pro is a device youre supposed to wear on your head for a long time, looking through it (via camera passthrough) with rendered graphics incorporated into and onto real-world objects, rather than just floating in front of you (a heads-up display like most smart glasses). While Apple delivered all the underlying technology to make that happen, the finished product got in its own way at every turn. Its too heavy to wear for very long. and the vast majority of apps are simply floating windows, as if Apples vision for spatial computing was filling your home with giant floating iPad apps. The current Vision Pro experience is a lot of big floating 2D windows, and thats bad. Foundry With the exception of watching movies alone on a giant screen or the odd few-minutes-long spatial video release, the Vision Pro experience has been decidedly 2D . Sure, the 2D windows (apps, virtual Mac displays, whatever) float in 3D space, but the ability to integrate with the real world was entirely squandered. VisionOS 26 puts the space in Spatial Computing With the new visionOS update coming this fall, it feels like someone at Apple got the memo about what apps are supposed to be like in augmented reality. I just dont know why they werent developed this way from the start. Widgets are now persistent 3D objects with customizable frames and depth. So your photos can look like actual digital picture frames, only its little windows into your spatial photos. You can essentially hang a calendar on the wall. Sure, its a calendar widget rather than the Calendar app, and doesnt look like a real calendar, but its at least a spatial experience. How did it take two years for Apple to realize you should be able to put a virtual calendar on the wall? Apple The same goes for the clock widget, which has new detailed clock designs that you can position up against a wall and looks kind of like a real clock, or the Weather widget that kind of looks like a window. I still think Apple should have a Clock app (not widgets) that gives you different size and shape clocks to place in your environment, from grandfather clocks to egg timers. But these changes at least show us that Apple is acknowledging the obvious: that spatial apps shouldnt be 2D floating windows, they should be objects you place in your environment. The clock widget isnt a proper virtual clock app, but its close. Apple Of course, thats just widgets. Apple is also building tools to create spatialized photos in Photos and Safari, as well as third-party apps. Developers will be able to put them in apps like Zillow should make the experience at least somewhat spatial, even though these apps are still just 2D floating windows. Shared experiences The other big problem with Vision Pro has been how solitary it is. Nobody else can see the digital objects you see, of course, but it was far too hard to have a shared experience with someone else even if they were in the same room as you, wearing a Vision Pro of their own. With visionOS 26, youll be able to at least watch the same spatial movie in same room at the same time, and developers can make their apps shared-area experiences too. This means not just you and a remote user looking at the same virtual chessboard, but two local users seeing the same virtual chessboard, in the same position and state in the room youre both occupying. Multiple Vision Pro users seeing and interacting with the same objects in the same environmentthis should have always been there. Apple I dont expect most homes want to spend what it costs for a single Vision Pro, much less two or three, but the core tools to allow multiple users to see and manipulate the same digital objects in the same space should have been there from the start. Game controllers Another area Apple seems to have seen the light is with game controllers. Look, real games, the kind youd expect out of a several-thousand-dollar face computer, need more than just hand-waving. They need buttons and fast, millimeter-precise movement and orientation. In short, games need controllers. Apple isnt making its own controllers, theyre just adding support for Sonys PSVR 2 Sense controllers. Thats probably for the best, but it does mean Sony will have to start selling its PSVR2 controllers separately, which it doesnt do now. And we dont know what theyll cost. Apple couldnt find something cooler to demonstrate PSVR2 controller support than pickleball ? Apple On the right track Vision Pro still has a long way to go before its something I could recommend. There needs to be new, more affordable and much lighter hardware of course, but also quite a bit more on the operating system and app side. Way too much of the experience is still inflicted with floating iPad app syndrome. But visionOS 26 at least gives me hope that Apple is staring to understand what Spatial Computing, or mixed reality, or whatever you wish to call it, is all about. Sure it has lots of quality-of-life improvements and refinements, but most of what Apple is building now seems to be chasing the idea that Spatial Computing is about persistent and shared digital objects, not about running 2D applications in windows hanging in the air. The shift in philosophy has me genuinely excited to see where Apple will be in another year or two, with new hardware and visionOS 27 or 28. I havent felt that way since visionOS released.

You can hear the winds of change in Apples new iPhone ringtone

Macworld In online publishing, as in Hollywood, nobody knows anything. Why did a dashed-off news story get vastly more traffic than a painstakingly honed opinion piece? Who can say. As flies to wanton boys are we to the algorithms; they kill us for their sport. Last weeks mystifying success (not that Im ungrateful, Google!) was a short article about a ringtone . In the first beta of iOS 26, testers discovered a new variant of the Reflection ringtone; in the second beta, this became a usable option. ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix, as it almost certainly wont be called by the time iOS 26 launches to the public in the fall, is a definite improvement on the original, and I thought it was worth a quick story. What I did not expect was for it to go viral. To be clear: not complaining. Then again, maybe theres more significance to the new Reflection ringtone than I realize. The first Reflection was launched as an exclusive for the iPhone X in 2017, and immediately became its defaultand most recognizableoption. That was only the iPhones third ever default ringtone, following Marimba from 2007 to 2013 and Opening from 2013 to 2017. These things dont happen that often, and when they do, they generally signify a major new phase in the iPhones history, whether its a complete redesign of the operating system or the switch from Home button to notch. If were getting a new default ringtone this year, that would suggest that something big is changing. As it happens I dont expect much from the iPhone 17 later this year; as Ive written in a separate article (toiled over for hours, read by hardly anyone) the iPhone 18 launch currently looks like a far more interesting event. So is this mere marketing magic? Is Apple using the sizzle to sell the steak? Yes and no. Im expecting the new iPhones later this year to be skippable, on the basis that the three conventional models will be very cautious iterative updates, and the fourth model, the iPhone 17 Air, will go too far the other way, making too many sacrifices to achieve a startling new design. But its nevertheless arguable that 2025 will turn out to be the inflection point for a new phase in the iPhones history. The iPhone 17 Air will be an entirely new iPhone designan unwise one, in my opinion, but absolutely a new one. And Apple can then iterate on that to produce, hopefully, something more appealing. As technology advances, the reduced-size battery will become less of a handicap; as Apples photographic software becomes steadily more sophisticated, we may be less hindered by the loss of specialist camera lenses. The price might even come down as component costs decrease. Reports suggest, in fact, that the iPhone 17 Air is only the tip of the iceberg of Apples design ambitions. That if it succeeds, and perhaps even if it doesnt, greater things will follow: folding and curved screens; portless chassis; the Dynamic Island shrinking, then becoming a little circle, and then disappearing altogether . After years of design stagnation, the iPhone is ready to go on a journey of discovery. And all of this is symbolised by something as small as a remixed ringtone hidden in beta code. Who knows? Maybe Googles algorithm knows what its doing after all. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Im calling it: The iPhone 17 Air is going to flop . Apples iPhone apps are a waste of time . These 8 alternatives are way better. Love Safari? These 8 reasons will make you consider a switch to Chrome . Mahmoud Itani really wants to switch to a MacBook Pro . Heres why hes waiting till next year . How 30 years of chip transitions paved the way for the spectacular Apple Silicon era . Those Apple AI rumors arent all that Perplexing when you think Intelligently about it , says the Macalope. Podcast of the week On episode 940 of the Macworld Podcast its all about your hot takes ! You have thoughts about WWDC25, Apples new UI design, and more. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube , Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . Reviews corner ESET Home Security Premium review : It does the job, but there are still bugs . Enpass review : Password management for a lifetime. Hide.me VPN review : Easy-to-use Mac and iPhone VPN with a free tier. UPerfect Delta Max Touch review : Folding dual-screen 18.5-inch HD portable monitor . The rumor mill iOS 26 beta 2 seemingly confirms the existence of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air . Apple reportedly has a secret plan to quickly gain ground in the AI race . You have to see these leaked iPhone 17 Air images to believe how incredibly thin it is. Apples CarPlay Ultra has already hit a roadblock . Software updates, bugs, and problems Second macOS Tahoe dev beta fixes a short-lived Mac nightmare . watchOS 26 beta 2 might have the weirdest Apple Watch bug ever. iOS 26 beta 2 is released to developers with a few new tweaks . And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters , including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

Turn your Mac into a multitasking machine with this Windows 11 Pro bundle, now only $25

Macworld Running Windows on a Mac isnt just for the brave anymoreits for the smart. Whether youre dual-booting with Boot Camp, running Parallels, or keeping a Windows environment handy for dev work or app testing, this bundle has you covered. Right now, you can get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro plus a training course for only $24.99 (reg. $237). Thats alifetime licensefor Windows 11 Pro (great for installing on a Mac via virtualization) and a self-paced course that helps you master its features, from productivity-enhancing tips to security tools and customizing system settings. Windows 11 Pro comes with advanced features like BitLocker encryption, remote desktop access, group policy management, and more, which are ideal if youre juggling creative projects, code, or business tasks that call for a PC environment.Microsofts latest OS also comes with Copilot, an AI-powered assistant powered by GPT-4 Turbo that can generate content, answer queries, and evenhelpusersstudyfor tech certification exams. The included course isgreatfor getting up to speed quickly, whether youre new to Windows or want to fine-tune your workflow. Windows 11 Pro may just be the smartest OS, but youll need to know how to navigate it to maximize your user experience. This bundle is a smart, low-cost way to make your Mac even more versatile. But dont waitthis deal wont stick around for long. Grab your Windows 11 Pro lifetime license and the accompanying training course for just $24.99 while supplies last. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro + The Essential Windows 11 Pro Course See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

AI can help you turn your ideas into a literary side hustle

Macworld Writing a book can feel overwhelming, especially when youre staring down a blank page with no clear starting point, but AI can help. Youbooks is an AI-powered platform that helps you turn non-fiction ideas into professional, polished books in a fraction of the time it usually takes. With a lifetime subscription, you get ongoing access to tools that let you generate up to 300,000-word manuscripts tailored to your style, with real research and your own supporting materials built in. Its also only $49 for a lifetime subscription (reg. $540). What makes Youbooks stand out is that its not just using one kind of AI model like other tools do. Instead, it blends the strengths of models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama to create cohesive, well-researched content. You can upload your own documents, define your writing tone, and even include transcripts or blog posts to help guide the final product. The platform performs live internet searches during writing, so your book includes up-to-date facts and stats. Each month, you get 150,000 credits to use toward generating content or uploading source files. When your book is ready, you can download it in a variety of formats, including DOCX, PDF, EPUB, or Markdown, making it easy to edit or publish. Youbooks also grants full commercial rights, so the book is entirely yours to sell, distribute, or share however you like. Right now, its only $49 to get a Youbooks lifetime subscription . Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

These Apple EarPods are only $16 and dont need to ever be charged

Macworld Wireless AirPods are fun and all, but they can be easy to lose if youre not careful, and can run out of juice right in the middle of a run. These Apple EarPods, however, are affordable, always attached to your phone, and never run out of battery. You can get a pair for $16 right now, the cheapest theyve ever been, an impressive 16 percent discount. These old-school earbuds come with a USB-C port so you can connect them to all the most recent iPhone models, as well as pretty much any other device with a USB-C port, including laptops, tablets, and even Android devices. The EarPods have a sleek design thats in line with pretty much all other Apple devices and only come in white. They have a round cable, so youre going to have to be careful about those dreadful tangles. The volume controls are built into the cable, so you can adjust the volume, control media playback, and even answer or end calls without pulling out your phone. Theres an integrated microphone that captures your voice and will even pick up your Siri summons when you need the smart assistant. So snap up a pair of EarPods for $16 (or more) while theyre still on sale. Ditch the AirPods and get some $16 EarPods instead Buy now at Amazon

Synology DiskStation DS925+ review: versatile, expandable NAS drive for small businesses and home workers

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Compact NAS drive provides lots of storage Good performance Expandable design Cons Hard drives cost extra Poorly designed apps Our Verdict The expandable storage options provided by the DS925+ make it a great option for small businesses and home offices that need a fast, reliable network drive. However, Synologys apps and documentation could be a lot simpler and more straightforward for first-time users. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $640 Best Prices Today: Synology DiskStation DS925+ Retailer Price $639.99 View Deal Synology $640 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Synology makes a wide range of high-end NAS systems for corporate and business users, but its also one of the few manufacturers that still caters to smaller businesses and people who work at home. Its latest release is the DiskStation DS925+ , which provides an expandable storage system with plenty of scope to grow in the future. At first glance, the DS925+ looks almost identical to its predecessor called the DS923+ with a sombre black design that provides four drive bays for hard drive or SSD storage. There are also two M.2 slots on the base of the drive that can be used to install SSD modules for a high-speed cache to boost performance. However, the older DS923+ is still sold online by a number of dealers, so make sure you buy the new DS925+ model when ordering online. The upgraded DS925+ includes a faster quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B processor running at 2.2GHz, along with two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports for a high-speed network connection. Synology claims that this makes it significantly faster than its predecessor, offering a maximum write speed of up to 565MB/s and read speed of 522MB/s although, of course, this will very much depend on how your network is configured and the type of drives that you install. Like many of Synologys NAS drives, the DS925+ is sold unpopulated as just an empty chassis, with no drives included. The unpopulated drive costs 575.00/$640.00, so youll need to budget for additional hard drives or SSDs on top of that basic price. You also need to ensure that you select 2.5-inch SSD or 3.5-inch hard drives that have been approved as compatible by Synology. These can be bought direct from Synology itself, or through some of its online dealers. However, you cant buy the DS925+ itself from Synology, so youll need to shop around online for the best deal. The maximum size of hard drive compatible with the DS925+ is 20TB, so its four bays provide a maximum of 80TB of storage (with a number of RAID options also supported). However, theres an expansion module also available, called the DX525, which can be connected to the DS925+ if you want to further upgrade your storage. This costs 467.00/$449.00, and provides five additional drive bays, giving you a maximum of 180TB of storage, so the DS925+ will be able to keep up as your business grows in the future. There are also USB-A (3.2) ports on the front and back panels, which allow you to connect individual external drives if required. But while the hardware design is neat and efficient, Synologys software doesnt make it easy for new users to get started. Theres a label with a QR code included in the box, but this simply takes you to some very long, complicated Help files on Synologys website, which could easily confuse anyone thats using a NAS drive for the first time. There is an app, called DS Finder, that is available for iOS and Android, and this app was able to see the DS925+ when it was connected to our office network. Unfortunately, the app simply told us to use a web browser to download and install the main operating system software, called DiskStation Manager (DSM), that is needed to control the drive. Unfortunately, the web browser option didnt work either, and simply displayed a message telling us to download a separate desktop app for Macs or PCs, called Synology Assistant. That didnt work at first either, although it did at least provide some tips for adjusting the encryption settings on the drive. That worked in the end, and once wed installed the DSM software we were able to switch back to the DS Finder app on our iPad to complete the set-up process for the drive. And, as well as a local network connection, the app also includes an option called QuickConnect that provides a remote connection to the DS925+, so that you can use it as a kind of private cloud for accessing your files when youre away from the office. Foundry Unfortunately, the DS Finder app also tells you to install a number of additional apps in order to manage your files, photos and other features, so Synology really needs to rethink its documentation and its confusing selection of apps and utilities to make them a bit more user-friendly for small businesses and home workers who may not have a trained team of IT staff available to set everything up for them. Should You Buy The DiskStation DS925+ The compact design of the DS925+ makes it a good option for any small business or office, and its expansion options ensure that it can provide additional storage in the future. However, the software side of things is rather untidy, so the DS925+ will be best suited for people who already have a little experience of networking and setting up a NAS drive.

Unreleased Apple product revealed by mysterious code reference

Macworld Apple does its best to keep upcoming product launches a secret, but this isnt always easy. Supply chains have to be briefed, regulatory database entries have to be filed, software for other products has to be updated to work with the new ones. There are lots of clues for eagle-eyed analysts to spot. The latest example of this concerns an unreleased Apple audio product which appears to be on the verge of launch. We dont yet know what it is, but theres a decent chance its the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. According to MacRumors , Apple this week updated its codebase with a numerical reference to an unreleased audio product. This numerical reference is a Bluetooth identifier used to enable wireless headphones to sync with other devices. Apples list of such identifiers includes all of its current audio devices and, as of this week, one mysterious extra entry. The new ID, 8239, applies to no known AirPods or Beats devices, so it almost certainly means Apple is about to launch something new. Apple sells three types of AirPods: the standard models, the AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max. The standard AirPods were updated relatively recently, in September 2024, so its unlikely were about to get another set of those. It could be a new set of AirPods Max, since they came out back in 2020 and were still waiting for the second generation, but again, Apple did technically update them last September to add USB-C and little else . Which leaves the AirPods Pro, whose second-gen model came out in September 2022 and is therefore ripe for an update. (You can read about the upcoming versions of Apples wireless headphones in our new AirPods guide.) But thats not the only possibility. Apple also owns the Beats brand, and we might be about to get a new product from that line. It might even launch a new set of AirPods that weve never seen before. In other words, watch this space, because something interesting is about to happen.

Heres how the next six iPhones camera cutouts are rumored to look

Macworld Ever since the iPhone X arrived in 2017 with a rather large notch, people have been obsessed with the iPhones front camera cutout. Over the years, weve gone from a notch (iPhone X) to a smaller notch (iPhone 13) to the Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro), and back to the notch (iPhone 16e). And now reports say Apple is looking to gradually get rid of the cutout altogether within five years. To recap, Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young reports that Apple will tweak the front camera cutout over the next five iPhone generations before completely removing it in 2030. He claims that the iPhone 17 will have the same Dynamic Island as todays models but that this will shrink next year before Apple puts all Face ID components under the display in 2028. Just like the notch and Dynamic Island were hard to picture before they arrived, it can be hard to imagine what the iPhone will look like with different camera cutouts. Thankfully, Filip Vabrousek has given us a handy visualization of the next six iPhone screens. And in response, Ross Young has replied , Yes. Thanks in approval. Filip Vabrousek/X So based on Youngs findings, these images appear to be accurate. That means the camera will be positioned in the corner rather than centered as they are on Android phones. It should be noted that the front camera isnt centered on current iPhones either (its slightly off-center to the right when looking at it), and the Face ID sensors (which dont exist on Android phones) likely prohibit the camera from being completely centered. Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 with the same-sized Dynamic Islandat an event in September. But if these images are close to the truth, the real fun will start next year .

50 years ago, a single keystroke changed Apple and the world forever

Macworld One of the most consequential developments in the history of computing happened 50 years ago. It set Apple on course to becoming one of the most valuable companies on the planet and changed the face of computing in unfathomable ways. Yet, youve probably never even heard of what went down. Its an often-overlooked moment that had incredible consequences for years to come. Typing on a computer is something we all take for granted. One of Apples key philosophies has long been to get the technology out of your waySteve Jobs and Jony Ive have waxed lyrical on that ideaso day to day, we never really think much about how writing on a computer actually works. We can debate the pros and cons of various displays and even build our own custom mechanical keyboards to tune the experience to our liking. But the fundamental concept of typing on a keyboard and see the characters appear on your screen in front of you is something that is rarely questioned. It wasnt always this way. Back in the early 1970s, the idea that a person could sit down in their own home with an affordable computer that fit on their desk and type characters that were reflected on a connected display felt pretty much incomprehensible to most people. The Altair 8800 is credited with being the first personal computer, but its user interface was anything but personal. Todd Daily/WIkipedia At the time, most computers were several orders of magnitude larger than todays Macs, with the majority of them confined to research labs and secure facilities. A handful of personal computers had been created, like the Altair 8800 in 1974, but their Byzantine operations were farcically difficult to use (the Altair, for its part, required flipping switches and then interpreting the confusing light patterns produced by the device). You had to solder everything together yourself, and even when you were finished, you still couldnt do much. But at the same time as the Altair was making waves in the computing community, two people were working on something far more revolutionary. They would go on to create the first true personal computer, upend the computer industry, and change the world in the process. Cut-price innovation Those people were Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the founders of Apple. By mid-1975, theyd been working for some months on their own personal computer, what would go on to become the Apple I. At the time, Wozniak was employed at HP, and he spent his post-work evenings at his desk figuring out the design of the Apple Is circuit board. After a few months, he had a functioning prototype that was ready to be tested. I typed a few keys on the keyboard and I was shocked! The letters were displayed on the screen. Steve Wozniak That was the big moment. I typed a few keys on the keyboard and I was shocked! The letters were displayed on the screen, Wozniak explained. It was the first time in history anyone had typed a character on a keyboard and seen it show up on their own computers screen right in front of them. For context, many computers at the time required a terminal in order to display characters. You would type your characters into the terminal, which would feed them to the computer and then display the result on its screen. The thing you were typing on was doing none of the processing itself, which is where Wozniaks creation differed. Instead, Wozniaks design comprised the whole package: a computer that could be interacted with directly. And not only that, but hed also managed to do it for an incredibly affordable price compared to the alternatives. For instance, while a computer might only cost you a few hundred dollars in 1975, a terminal could set you back $1,000, or roughly $6,000 today. Wozniak, on the other hand, managed to create a computer with budget parts. The processor he chose cost him just $20, for example, which was a steal compared to the chip in the Altair 8800 that Wozniak said cost almost more than my monthly rent. Not only had Jobs and Wozniak managed to craft a desktop-sized computer, but theyd done so at a low cost that could be passed on to anyone who wanted to buy their own model. That combination of portability and price was the key ingredient in kicking off the personal computer revolution. Changing the world Wozniak felt strongly that he and Jobs should give their computer away for free. They were members of the Homebrew Computer Club based in Menlo Park, whose guiding principle was give help to others. Jobs, however, saw things differently, and eventually convinced Wozniak that they should sell the device and form a business around it. In contrast to the computer world at the time, their goal was to make a computer that was obtainable by everyday people. After all, a computer is hardly personal if no ordinary person can afford it. Both Jobs and Wozniak were convinced that as many people as possible should own a computer. To that end, they priced the Apple I at $666.66, chosen because Wozniak liked repeating numbers (rather than for any satanic purpose). The computer would go on to become one of the first approachable computers designed for personal use. The groundbreaking Apple I is on display at the Computer History Museum. Foundry Nowadays, it might not look like much. It lacked a keyboard, mouse, and display, and it didnt even come with a case. But compared to its rivals, it was groundbreaking. It was small enough to fit on your desk, could be hooked up to a TV and peripherals you already had, and didnt require some esoteric operating procedure, paper cards, interpretation of flashing lights, or any of the other confusing hangups that plagued its forebears. And perhaps most exciting of all, there was that innate ability to combine typing input and processing power. The upshot was that without needing a bulky, expensive terminal, the Apple I could be a more acceptable living room presence than any computer that came before. It forever changed the way computers looked and the way they worked. Without Wozniaks engineering brilliance, the Apple I would never have been born. Without Jobss conviction that it was something that should be sold to the masses, Apple itself might never have succeeded. And none of that would have happened were it not for those fateful few keystrokes that June day in 1975. Learn more about the history of Apple .

TerraMaster D4 SSD review: Fast NVMe, USB4 RAID

Macworld At a glance Pros Easy to populate and use Up to 32TB (8TB SSDs) of external storage Good performance in single (20GBps) or RAID 0 (40Gbps) Cons Paltry paper documentation RAID only via software Our Verdict If you want to add gobs of fast storage to your Mac, theres hardly a better way than TerraMasters four-slot USB4 D4 SSD. You provide the NVMe SSDs, but you get nearly 4GBps transfers from them in RAID 0 and 1.8GBps individually. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $300 Best Prices Today: TerraMaster D4 SSD Retailer Price $299.99 View Deal TerraMaster $300 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket With Apples rather pricey and then some internal storage upgrades, you can get a lot more bang (capacity) for your buck with external solutions. Not that the 4-drive TerraMaster D4 SSD is cheap at $300 sans drives, but even after you add SSDs, its a lot less expensive per GB than what Apple charges you. What are the TerraMaster D4 SSDs features? The TerraMaster D4 SSD is a 4-slot (M.2/NVMe) external enclosure utilizing the 40Gbps USB4 protocol. Thats basically Thunderbolt 4 but with better backward and forward compatibility than USB3.22. You can see the interior in the image below. The D4 SSD measures 5.5 inches deep and tall, by about 2.35 inches wide. Relatively speaking, its a featherweight for a desktop drive, weighing in at roughly 14.5 ounces, including SSDs. Id leave it on its side if its to be placed in any location where humans might inadvertently knock it about. Note the additional screw holes so you can fit shorter NVMe SSDs if you want. I was not in love with the documentation that shipped with the D4, primarily because all they show you is a picture of screwing a 2280 NVMe drive into something that might or might not be the D4. Then there are scan codes for apps, etc. The 40Gbps USB4/Thunderbolt 4 port, thumb screw, and 12 volt DC port on the back of the D4 SSD. I prefer not to use my phone in any way shape or form to set up or access storage devices. And I didnt. Setting up the D4 SSD isnt rocket science. Removing a single thumb screw allows access to the interior and from there its simply the usual M.2 install procedure. TerraMaster absolutely didnt want the D4 overheating as you can tell from the two large fans on the bottom of the unit. Two very large (for the case size) fans keep the D4 SSD very cool and without a lot of noise. How much is the TerraMaster D4 SSD? I already gave away the $300 unpopulated price tag, but factoring in current bargain NVMe SSD prices the D4 SSD with 4TB will be around $600, with 8TB around $800 $850, with 16TB around $1300, and with 32TB approximately $2900. Okay, that seems a bit pricey when I checked last, an internal 8TB SSD in a Max 4 Studio was $2400. Ahem. How fast is the TerraMaster D4 SSD? The speed of the D4 SSD varies with how you use the SSDs inside. If you use them as individual storage devices, youll get roughly 1.6 1.7GBps . If you use macOSs RAID and combine them in a RAID 0 array, youll get well upwards of 3GB per second. Note that while Ive never been a fan of running hard drives in pure RAID 0, I dont have the same trepidation with far more reliable SSDs. I tested the D4 SSD on a M4 Mac Studio both using macOSs software RAID in striped mode 0 and individually. The results were strikingly similar on PCWorlds test bed, though I havent listed those results because of that very redundancy. As usual, Disk Speed Test was far more conservative on its estimation of write speed than AmorphousDiskMark and ATTO. 2.2GBps writing, and 3.3GBps reading. BlackMagicDesigns Disk Speed Test rated the D4 SSD as just a tad slower than the other synthetic benchmarks. AmorphousDiskMark measured the D4 SSD in RAID 0 at 3.85GBps reading and nearly 3.1GBps writing. ATTO had read speeds maxing out at around 3.75GBps and write speeds are 2.9GBps. All the synthetic benchmarks agreed on around 1.5-1.6GBps reading and writing when the SSDs inside the D4 SSD are used individually. dfgh sdfgsdfg Should you buy the TerraMaster D4 SSD? Though Id like it to be a little more affordable, the D4 SSD is still a great way to add a ton of fast NVMe storage to your system. Im sanguine about SSD longevity, so I wont even say run it in mirrored mode for safekeeping. That aside, always back up your essential data.

Get the gorgeous Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black for $70 off right now

Macworld The Apple Watch Ultra 2 isnt all that different than the original Apple Watch Ultra, but we love one thing: the new black titnium color. Unfortunately, it doesnt go on sale as often as the natural titanium color, but today you can get a great deal on one: Amazon is seling the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a black titanium case and black ocean band for $730 , a savings of $69 and the price weve ever seen for this colorway. This is an amazing smartwatch with a ton of features, a super bright screen, and a super slick operating system. When we reviewed the Ultra 2 , we gave it a four-star rating, finding its super great for tracking workouts, hiking trips, and so on. It comes with built-in GPS and cellular connectivity (for a monthly fee) so you always know where you are. Plus, it does a fantastic job tracking steps, distance, as well as calories burned. When cycling or hiking, it performs great, keeping up with your activity of choice, even going as far as to monitor your heart rate. Its also got better battery life than Apples other watches, lasting a whopping 36 hours before it needs a charge. We really like the black ocean band that comes with it, but if you want to personalize your Apple Watch Ultra 2, Amazons Woot warehouse has a slew of deals for various solo loop bands as low as $15 . These come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and are absolutely gorgeous, but make sure to read Apples instructions since theyre specific to each wrist size. Whichever color combination you choose, your Apple Watch Ultra 2 will look super sleek. So go grab an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $730 at Amazon and a Solo Loop band for up to 70 percent off at Woot . Save $69 on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Buy now at Amazon Customize your watch with gorgeous Solo Loop bands Buy now at Woot

Best VPN for Mac 2025: Trustworthy Mac VPNs tested by experts

Macworld If you are concerned about your privacy and security online using a VPN could give you some reassurance. Apple provides various measures in macOS that make Macs more secure , but if you want to ensure that the connection between your Mac and the internet is protected, rather than the computer itself, you need a VPN. Our top choice for Mac users is NordVPN , read on to find out why. PROMOTION NymVPN Forget everything you know about VPN Many traditional VPN services still store logs centrally, meaning your activity could be traced back to you if theyre hacked or forced to hand over data. NymVPN is different. It uses a mixnet a decentralized network that blends your traffic with others, making it virtually impossible to trace who did what. Try NymVPN now and get 5 months free with the 2-year subscription plan! Try now! Using a VPN essentially makes you invisible on the webyour data is encrypted, your IP address is hidden, and you can even make it look like you are surfing from another country. This latter reason is the main reason many people use a VPN: they want to access services that are locked to a particular region, such as accessing U.S. Netflix from the U.K. or BBC iPlayer from the U.S. If you are looking for a VPN to protect your privacy and security online, and to grant you a way to access content as if you are in a different country, we are here to help. There are a lot of VPN providers vying for your business, which can make finding the best one to suit your needs difficult. To help you sort out the right provider for you, weve committed to extensive research and testing of VPN services that cater to Mac owners in our guide to the top VPN services for Mac. Best VPNs for Mac: Reviewed & Ranked Our top choice right now is NordVPN , which we feel stands out in many areas, from speed and privacy to unblocking and ease of use. Get NordVPN here Below you will find the VPN services for Mac that we recommend based on our tests. All of these VPNs will also work on your iPhone and iPad as well, and many with Apple TV, but you might want to check out our separate guides to the best VPNs for iPhone and best VPNs for iPad . 1. NordVPN Fully featured and fast VPN option Pros Easy to use Impressive WireGuard speeds Lots of servers Cons Two separate apps can be confusing Price When Reviewed: Basic plan from $3.09 a month for two years. Usually $12.99. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price NordVPN (Monthly) $3.09 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 5,300 servers 10 simultaneous connections NordVPN is one of the biggest and best-known VPN services. Its a fully featured VPN option thats secure, easy to use, and unbelievably fast compared to its competitors. There are cheaper options, with unlimited connections and more in-depth VPN features, but NordVPN is our top choice right now because it stands out in so many areas, from speed and privacy to unblocking and ease of use. There are more than 5,300 servers (none of which are virtual) available across 60 countries, which sounds great. You probably only care about the servers where you want to unblock content, but the more servers the better as it means you have a better chance of finding one thats not overloaded. You wont have to figure out which one to choose thanks to the handy Quick connect feature that picks the server best suited to your needs. Connections are fast and reliable, and NordVPN unblocks popular streaming services around the world including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You can connect up to six devices simultaneously including your Apple TV. Nord has added support for the faster WireGuard protocol in NordLynx, making it one of the fastest VPN services out there. However, its only available on the IKE version of the app, which only offers a permanently enabled kill switch. To have more control, youll need to download the OpenVPN version, albeit with slightly slower speeds. Nord has an up-to-date independent audit. It also has specialty servers for specific purposes. Nord frequently has deals on offer that save money on the usual monthly price if you take advantage of the two-year plan . NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus and Ultimate. You can get Plus features (data breach scanner and password manager) or the Ultimate tier adds cloud storage and insurance options. Prices change all the time, so take a look at the prices and plans at NordVPN.com . Read our full NordVPN review 2. Surfshark Easy to use, secure VPN Pros Simple to use No device limits Great for streaming services Cons Expensive to renew Price When Reviewed: Starter plan from $1.99 a month for two years + 3 free months. Usually $15.45 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark (Monthly) $1.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 3,200 servers in 100 countries Unlimited simultaneous connections Surfshark is a reliable, affordable option with more than 3000 servers spread across 100 countries. Surfsharks network is one of the widest and most varied of any VPN. Its apps, which work with Macs, iPhones, and even Apple TV, as well as other devices, are easy to use. The macOS app offers light and dark modes, and you can opt to have it shown in the dock or the menu bar. The iOS version of SurfShark offers features like MultiHop and Dedicated IP its not a watered-down versions of their desktop VPN. SurfShark offers three tiers of features at varying price points. SurfShark Starter offers VPN functionality as well as an ad blocker and the option to generate a proxy email address and personal details. SurfShark One adds email and payment detail breach alerts, as well as personal data security reports, antivirus and other malware protection. And the One+ plan adds data removal from company databases and people search sites. When we reviewed Surfshark previously we had some performance issues, but this time around things were a lot better. With WireGuard, SurfShark is the slickest VPN around, removing very little speed from my connection. OpenVPN, where we had problems previously, was much swifter this time around. Whichever protocol we used, we were able to flick between streaming libraries with ease. Those protocols also offer varying degrees of encryption to keep your data secure. The Kill Switch feature is billed as a safety net, Itll shut down your connection if your VPN connection falters, preventing personal data from sneaking out to bad actors. Surfshark is is headquartered in the Netherlands and has a privacy-minded no-logs policy thats regularly audited. Surfsharks process means it logs a small amount of data thats then scrubbed from its servers with 15 minutes of closing the connection. Surfshark confirmed to us in June 2025 that they had their no-logs policy independently verified again and Deloitte confirmed that they dont monitor what our users do online and do not keep logs of their activities. For even more security, the Antivirus Scan feature (available with Surfshark One and One+) can run scheduled background scans if you leave the app open. Ransomware Shield and Webcam Protection can stop your personal folders and hardware camera from falling into the wrong hands respectively, and the app will constantly look to update its database of viruses to cross-reference files. Sign up to Surfshark here. Read our full Surfshark review 3. ExpressVPN Fast, privacy-focused VPN Pros Easy-to-use Broad device support Excellent speeds Cons Illusive ExpressVPN team Expensive Price When Reviewed: From $4.99 a month for 2 years + 4 free months Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ExpressVPN (Monthly) $4.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 2,000 servers 8 simultaneous connections If you want to circumnavigate geoblocking to get access to content not available where you live, protect your data while browsing the web from a public network, and keep your web browsing habits private, ExpressVPN, with its server locations across 105 countries, can do just about all of this with two or three clicks. ExpressVPN is remarkably easy to use, but if you have any difficulties the 24-hour live chat means you can be connected to a real human to discuss issues within minutes. There are native apps on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Android and Windows. Plus you can use it on eight devices at once (the limit was five previously). Like all VPNs there is some speed loss because you are routing via a server in another country, but ExpressVPN does well to mitigate this, dropping less than 13% of download speed in our testing. NordVPN remains faster with a 12% loss in our tests, but ExpressVPNs 13% is still better than most. ExpressVPN offers no fewer than six different choices for protocol. Lightway, the companys own option, is rapid. For improved compatibility you can switch to another version of Lightway or OpenVPN things slowed down with 24% of speed loss with the latter. Theres no Malware protection with ExpressVPN, but you can install a password manager called ExpressVPN Keys. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, so its free from the majority of intelligence-sharing agencies jurisdiction. While it also operates a no-log policy, it doesnt have PureVPNs always-on audit process, but it undergoes audits each year. ExpressVPNs more expensive than many of its contemporaries and doesnt allow access from unlimited devices (just eight). But you get a solid, speedy connection with minimal fuss, and you dont have to tie-in for a two-year deal to get the best value. That latter point is important because VPN legislation can change regularly. See ExpressVPN subscription plans here . Read our full ExpressVPN review 4. ProtonVPN Full of features Pros Simple to use Free plan Great speed Cons Setup on macOS was a little fiddly Price When Reviewed: From $2.99 a month for two years. Usually $9.99 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Proton Technologies (Monthly) $2.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 6,500+ servers in 100+ countries (access servers in 5 countries on free plan, on one device) 10 simultaneous connections ProtonVPNs free tier of membership helps to set Proton VPN apart from some of its rivals. Its naturally limited, with US, Japan, and Netherlands as the server locations and some speed drop but its still pretty usable If you pay for the service it offers a sleek interface, impressive connection speeds and just about enough features to improve your day-to-day web experience without throwing too many complex concepts at new users. Proton VPN Plus offers a host of features, including an ad and tracker blocker and speed of up to 10 Gbps, as well as a 10-device limit. Theres Port Forwarding for downloads and gaming, too, as well as a Kill Switch for disconnecting should the VPN drop out. Some VPN services offer features like dark web data notifications. Proton VPN sticks to the basics and does so very well. The companys no-logs policy confirms it doesnt track sites, IP addresses, communications, or session lengths, nor does it track location-based information. Proton is Swiss-based, and only Swiss court orders can request data from the company, but since it doesnt log data theres very little it can offer to law enforcement. For the privacy-minded, Secure Core, routes traffic through one of the companys Secure servers, minimizing the potential of a data leak. These secure servers are owned by Proton and are located in more than 90 countries. Proton VPN does increase latency, but only by about 29% in our testing on a modest 60 Mbps broadband. In fact, its only about 7% slower when downloading and 5.5% slower when uploading, making it one of the slicker VPNs weve tested. In terms of included VPN protocols, Smart will be ideal for most users, automatically setting the right protocol for your current usage, but WireGuard, WireGuard (TCP), IKEv2 and Stealth are also offered. Proton VPN is an easy recommendation both for new and experienced users. Sign up for Protons subscription plans here . Read our full ProtonVPN review 5. FastestVPN Good for VPN newbies Pros Great pricing, including lifetime plan Impressive speeds and features Cons Fewer servers than some rivals Price When Reviewed: Lifetime special deal: $40, usually $600 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price FastestVPN (Lifetime payment) $40 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 800+ servers in 49+ countries 10 simultaneous connections FastestVPN packs impressive VPN performance, but thats only one facet of what makes it worth a look. Its also relatively cheap compared to many rivals, and has seen a bunch of improvements since we took a look in 2021. The app is sleek and easy to use and offers 10 simultaneous connections. FastestVPN is headquartered in the Cayman islands and has undergone a third-party audit from Altius to confirm its no-logs policy. Since the last time we looked at it its gained a number power user features like multi-hop connections. It also now features an Internet Kill Switch to shut down all traffic if your VPN drops for any reason. You can also use Smart Tunneling to ensure certain apps go via a VPN while others dont. Will FastestVPN help you get around geoblocks? Yes, in fact, FastestVPN highlights certain streaming-focused servers to help get around geoblocking. Youll find a variety of VPN protocols to choose from, with Wireguard, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP options) and IKEv2 available, and Servers have recently been updated to 10 Gbps options, but despite the name, its not the fastest around. However, its so affordable that its hard not to recommend, with a lifetime price of $40 (normally $600), which weve even seen reduced to just $30! FastestVPN does a great job and for a lot less than others. FastestVPN has more than 800 servers, which is a lot but in context, thats dramatically less than NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Rivals do offer a larger server count, but the ease of use, and low barrier of entry, make FastestVPN one of our best VPN picks in 2025. FastestVPN is available on Mac as well as Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and plenty more apps. See FastestVPNs plans here . Read our full FastestVPN review 6. Mullvad VPN All about privacy Pros Privacy-focused sign-up Great for getting around geoblocks Great pricing Cons 5 connections is lower than some rivals Price When Reviewed: $5.26 a month (5) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mullvad $5.26 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 700+ servers 5 connections Mullvad doesnt offer recurring plans, you pay 5 a month whether you sign up for a month, a year or longer. The only price change will be dependent on the exchange rate from euros at that time. This way you arent caught up in a recurring subscription and Mullvad doesnt store your personal information a great example of its privacy-first mindset. You can even buy prepaid cards if you dont want to log payment information, which makes Mullvad the ideal VPN service for anyone looking to leave a minimal digital footprint. Split Tunnelling, multihop connections and even an AI-focused defence mechanism called DAITA are included. Performance is excellent and there are plenty of features that would be paid additions elsewhere. For example, the Kill Switch to cut traffic if the VPN drops, and a Lockdown Mode that forces the user to reconnect via Mullvad if the connection drops. Multihop will bounce your connection via multiple servers, and split tunnelling is available so you can send some traffic via the VPN and ignore it for others. There is also an ad blocker. Its available on Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. Its accessed exclusively from the menu bar on Mac. The iPhone and iPad apps pack plenty of power user features that in some services are limited to desktop, like multihop connections and the DAITA protection. DAITA (Defence against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) will add network noise so data packets are all the same size. The main disadvantages are the five device limit, which is lower than many VPNs, and. a lower server count. It has 700, but this is still lower than the likes of NordVPN with over 7,000. Mullvads servers are all real, not virtual, servers though. Connection speeds are impressive. Mullvad is a fantastic VPN service thats about as privacy-minded as can be. It might not have the most servers, but thats a small price to pay for the service on offer. Sign up to Mullvad here . Read our full Mullvad review 7. Hide.me Pros Free tier Streaming-focused servers included Advanced features Cons Fewer servers than other options Price When Reviewed: From $2.69 a month Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Hide.Me (Monthly) $2.69 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 2,600+ servers in 90 countries 10 simultaneous connections Hide Me is a versatile VPN with a free plan (though limited). It unblocks Netflix libraries globally and keeps data secure. Hide Me is available on various devices, with native apps for Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and iOS. The Mac app has a main window and a Menu bar icon for quick access. The initial setup is straightforward, focusing on quick app usage. Want to quickly connect to a server? Open it and click the Enable VPN button. Its great to see 10 simultaneous connections available, so one plan can cover a familys devices. You can choose where youre connecting from a list of locations or a list of streaming-friendly options. While it offers advanced features like Split Tunnelling and multi-hop servers, these are easily accessible. Split-tunnelling lets you send traffic via the VPN on a per-app basis, while a Kill Switch can stop all traffic when your VPN connection wavers. Multi-Hop connectivity is included in the price, which means your data bounces between servers, further hiding it and making it harder to trace, though it does slow down connectivity. OpenVPN is supported, as expected, but IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP are also available, so you can easily switch to an alternative protocol if needed. We found sub-10% download speed drops across multiple servers, making it one of the slicker VPNs weve tested. Geo-unblocking is great, as Hide Me switches your location to various streaming-friendly servers. Privacy-wise, Hide Me is an Offshore VPN with its headquarters in Labuan, Malaysia, giving it anonymity from the Five Eyes intelligence coalition and other countries. The company has a strict no-logs policy, preventing it from keeping any data from users and their sessions. Theres a free plan with basic features, but it lacks multihop functionality and streaming support. Easy to use, Hide Me is a great service with many features, such as split tunnelling and multihop connections, a device limit of 10 (double some rivals), and excellent streaming support. The only downside is the limited server count. See full Hide.me pricing here Read our full hide.me VPN review 8. Private Internet Access Pros Lots of servers Fast WireGuard speeds Split tunneling works well Unblocks BBC iPlayer Cons Clunky Mac app Based within 14-eyes Price When Reviewed: From $2.19 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $11.99 a month. Unlimited devices. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Private Internet Access (Monthly) $2.19 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 35,000+ servers, 91 countries Unlimited connections Private Internet Access (PIA) is a powerful VPN designed for savvy users, offering power user tools and features such as custom DNS, connection rules, split tunnelling, and more at a lower cost than many competitors. The PIA Mac app offers pretty much everything its Microsoft counterpart does. The app can be used on any device and offers servers in 91 countries. In my testing, the auto setting did a good job of picking servers that balanced speed and privacy. The main window provides information on performance graphs, download and upload speeds, and quick settings for tools like Light Mode, Port Forwarding, and LAN connections. While you can use PIA for getting around geoblocked content on your streaming services, PIA is more privacy-focused than other VPNs, with features like the Advanced Kill Switch, Split Tunnelling, port forwarding, and Multi-Hop server obfuscation. PIA also offers customizable features like automation setup and DNS options. Private Internet Access cant beat the speeds of NordVPN and Surfshark, and its stablemate CyberGhost VPN offers more impressive speeds, but at the cost of some power features. In our testing, we saw a reasonable drop of around 8% on Mac while using the PIA VPN. Upload speeds dropped considerably by around 25%, which may be an issue if you do a lot of uploading. Its zero-log policy has been verified by Deloitte Audit Romania. Despite inconsistent speeds, Private Internet Access is a great VPN for all budgets with a wealth of features for privacy-inclined users. Subscribe to Private Internet Access here . Read our full Private Internet Access review 9. ClearVPN Pros Nice design. Great for getting around geo-blocks. Cons Lacks some features like split tunneling. Not the fastest. Price When Reviewed: Three day trial. Currently $44.99 a year, usually $119.88 a year ($9.99 a month). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (first year, 6 devices) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket More than 50 servers Six device limit MacPaws ClearVPN service is a VPN that lacks many more advanced features offered by its rivals, but on the other hand, its one of the easiest to use. With a nice UI and easy-to-use features its thoughtfully designed for VPN newcomers. It really is as simple as hitting a button to connect. In the settings are options to block ads, keep ClearVPN in the dock, and a Kill Switch so that you can cut traffic from your device if the connection to the VPN is broken. Its all pretty basic stuff, but its offered in such an easy-to-use way that its hard not to appreciate the simplicity. There are also handy keyboard shortcuts to move around the app. There are more than 50 servers, which sounds like a lot, but its dwarfed rivals who have thousands of servers. That means your choices are limited, but at least ClearVPN lets you filter between Optimal Location or jumping straight to something like Disney Plus US or UK. One of the more common power user features for VPNs is split tunneling, which lets some traffic go through the VPN while some goes around it. Thats not supported here. Sadly, MacPaws VPN speeds also need some work. We saw considerable speed drops across multiple servers even closer ones. We saw drops of around 20 to 30 percent in download speed, and around 50 percent for upload speed. Its still fast enough to use Netflix, but its slower than the majority of alternatives out there. Most VPN companies use external auditors to verify that theyre not recording user or session data, but ClearVPN hasnt undergone one at the time of writing. This shouldnt mean anything untoward as the company is headquartered in Ukraine, which falls outside of various surveillance alliances, so it cant be asked to share your data. ClearVPN is priced affordably, but prices and the deals on offer change all the time with VPNs. Look out for low monthly prices that dont lock you in for too long. Theres a six-device limit. If youre new to using a VPN service, ClearVPN makes a compelling case to be your first choice, and stress-free access to Netflix around the globe, its a great starter option. Still, the speed drop and lack of common features like split tunneling likely mean power users should look elsewhere. You can save money by paying for the first year up front, but you can also pay monthly. See full ClearVPN pricing here . Read our full ClearVPN review 10. PureVPN Pros Easy to use Works on multiple devices Additional power user features Cons Obtuse pricing model. Caused many websites to question whether we were human Price When Reviewed: Standard plan from $2.14 a month for two years + 3 free months, $58.05 a year (usually $349.65). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PureVPN (Monthly for first year) $2.14 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 6,500 servers, 78 countries 10 simultaneous connections If youre looking for a flexible VPN service that will get around geoblocking and is easy to use, PureVPN is well worth a look. The basic plan includes the VPN service and nothing more, but you can add a Password Manager and File Encryption tools in the Plus plan. The Max plan adds a Digital Privacy Manager that requests your records be scrubbed by data brokers, blocks web trackers, and recommends ways to maximize your privacy. Whichever plan you opt for youll be able to connect 10 devices at once. PureVPN will run on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, and is easy to use on each to let you connect to over six thousand servers. As far as getting around geo-blocks, we found PureVPN to be as easy as any other service to use. Select a location, load your streaming service or app of choice, and youre off. PureVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands, which is more privacy-friendly than Hong Kong where it operated previously. PureVPN offers one of the more impressive no-logging policies, with an ongoing always-on audit process whereby an auditor can request confirmation of that policy at any time. PureVPN has been winding down its virtual servers, of which it has less control. There are still 23 such servers, but PureVPN is transparent about which servers are virtual and which are physical you can see a small v next to each virtual server on the PureVPN website . At the time of writing PureVPN is offering more than a whopping 80% off its plans if you sign up for 24 months. Two years is a long time in the world of VPNs, but at least means the full monthly pricing wont kick in twelve months time. See PureVPN offers here . Read our full PureVPN review 11. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Pros Killswitch and other advanced features Decent speeds Cons Fewer servers than some rivals Inconsistent geoblocking Price When Reviewed: $39.99 a year for one device Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket More than 245 servers 32 countries Malwarebytes is probably best known for antivirus software and advice (see our review of Malwarebytes Premium for Mac ), but it also offers a standalone VPN service called Malwarebytes Privacy VPN . Its an easy to use app with the right kind of privacy promises as youd expect. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is easy to use and offers speeds that are better than many of its rivals for both downloads and uploads. It also has split-tunnelling via its Connection rules, and a Kill Switch to cut all traffic if the VPN drops out. There are some caveats namely that it features fewer server locations than its rivals, and getting around geoblocks for different versions of streaming services can be a tad inconsistent. Theres no multi-hop server jumping, but the company does have a verified no-logs policy in place which means information isnt held about a users activity. See full Maywarebytes pricing here Read our full Malwarebytes Privacy VPN review 12. CyberGhost Pros Simple to use Decent speeds Plenty of servers Cons Two-year plans are much cheaper Lacking some power user features Price When Reviewed: $2.19 a month for two years + 2 free months. Usually $12.99 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CyberGhost (Monthly) $2.19 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 11,000+ servers in 100 countries 7 simultaneous connections CyberGhost is a user-friendly app that connects to numerous servers worldwide, making it ideal for streaming Netflix from different countries and routing traffic away from untrustworthy open Wi-Fi networks. It offers core features like kill switch support, split tunnelling, and no bandwidth restrictions. CyberGhosts no-logging audit history is thorough, and there is a 45-day free trial available. CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for various platforms, including Chrome extension and game consoles (we tested on Mac and iPhone). The app offers a simple click and go connection process, with a list of server nations and multiple locations. Encryption is standard across servers, and split tunnelling prioritizes traffic where needed. An automated kill switch can cut connections if the VPN drops out, while Block content blocks DNS domains for ads, trackers, and malware. The app does not offer anything like Proton VPNs Secure Core or additional features like a Password Manager, but subscription tiers are based on adding a dedicated IP address. The VPN has over 9,000 servers located in over 100 countries, with plans to expand in South America and Asia in late 2023. CyberGhost VPN has an impressive no-logs policy, meaning no one can access records of your activity while connected to the VPN. The app does not offer the Dark Web monitor offered by NordVPN, but it does have an automated kill switch to cut connections if the VPN drops out. The DNS blocking feature is easy to use but doesnt allow you to choose what to block. CyberGhost offers a compelling package with just one main plan and a 45-day money-back guarantee. Its an excellent VPN for newcomers, with impressive audits, an array of servers, decent speeds, and easy-to-use apps. See CyberGhost pricing here . Read our full CyberGhost review 13. Norton Ultra VPN Pros Antivirus protections Cloud Backup and Password Manager Email tracking quarantine Cons Slower than rival VPNs Inflexible payment options Price When Reviewed: First year is from $39.99 Norton Secure VPN; $49.99 Norton Ultra VPN; $59.99 Norton Ultra VPN Plus. Renews at a higher price of $79.99/$109.99/$129.99. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton (first year) $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Servers in 32 countries Norton has decades of experience protecting devices from cyber threats (read our review of Norton 360 ), but what or its VPN? Nortons VPN plans are, outside of the basic tier, tied into its security software. It also comes with a password manager, dark web monitor, and cloud storage, but the VPN side of things is a little lacking. Perhaps its from testing so many of the best VPN services that weve grown used to a certain set of non-negotiables. Chief among them is browser extension options to allow for quick switching, but at the time of writing, theres no such offering from Norton. Nortons VPN does include plenty of accoutrements that other VPNs either dont have or charge extra for. You can install the app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and all three platforms have apps that work well and run nicely in the background. Norton offers Browser Protection, which scans sites as you browse. Norton also scans files before they land on your device. This worked well in testing, with barely added any additional time to the length of downloads. Theres a password manager, but its tied to the middle subscription tier and above. VPNs naturally decrease your internet speeds as your signal is fired across the globe, and Norton has servers in 32 countries a steep drop from the 111 in NordVPNs portfolio but it does offer four protocols to choose from. IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard are pretty commonly found across the board of rivals, but Norton has its own Mimic protocol which is intended to be ideal for unblocking international streaming services. Sadly, testing on a 70 Mbps connection saw a consistent speed drop-off. As for Mimic, Nortons own VPN protocol, I was disappointed to find some international streaming services simply werent able to be unblocked with it. Norton clarified that Mimic is specifically designed for customers with special use cases who are unable to use WireGuard. We did have more luck with the more standardized protocols. VPNs worth their salt should always focus on privacy as their primary concern, and Norton does a good job, having undergone an audit from VerSprite, a security firm. Its not a bad VPN, and if youre looking for an option that packs a whole host of cyber-security tools into one easy-to-use package, its a great option. Its disappointing that there is only a pay yearly option, where other VPNs have the option to pay monthly. Added to that is a steep jump in price for the second year. See full Norton Ultra VPN pricing here Read our full Norton Ultra VPN review 14. VyprVPN Pros Fast WireGuard speeds Very easy to use Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer Low starting price Cons Comparatively few servers Not clear which servers are virtual Patchy support experience Price When Reviewed: From $3 a month for two years. Usually $10 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price VyprVPN (Monthly) $3 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 70 servers 5 simultaneous connection VyprVPN offers everything most people are looking for in a VPN, without needing to spend much money. You get fast WireGuard speeds, alongside separate protocols focused on reliability, anti-censorship and ease of use. Its also excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content, whether thats local versions of Netflix or BBC iPlayer & ITV Hub from outside the UK. Premium features such as split tunneling and a kill switch are here too, even if the latter cant be customised. VyprVPNs no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the service adheres to a strict Privacy Policy from parent company Golden Frog. More than 700 servers in over 70 countries should be plenty for most people, although theres often only one per country. Its also not clear which of these are physical and virtual. Nonetheless, its still speedy, reliable and affordable. See full VyprVPN pricing here Read our full VyprVPN review How we test VPNs For each VPN service we review, we conduct tests at three different times of the day: morning, afternoon, and evening, using Ookla Speedtest . We start by measuring the speed of our unprotected internet connection before testing the upload/download speeds of the VPN service. These tests are conducted to servers located in North America, the UK, Europe, Oceana, and Asia over an ethernet connection with a service provision of 100Mbps. To test upload and download speeds, we close down all background internet processes on the Mac, using TripMode. The only traffic on the system able to upload or download any data is Ookla. We use this setup to ensure that the numbers that Ookla produced were not stymied by anything else that the computer may have been doing at the time. The speeds Ookla captured were then averaged, providing us with a final numeric score. We then use those scores to calculate a percentage of difference in speeds, which is what youll see in our reviews. Since internet speeds change constantly based on server load, how fast your connection is, and a gazillion other factors, we feel this provides a better picture of what you can expect from a service, on the whole, than merely quoting the exact upload/download speeds we encountered during testing. Speed isnt the only quantifiable metric that we look at. The number of countries that a VPN offers servers in, total number of servers worldwide, and how much itll cost you to connect to those servers on a monthly or annual basis are also taken into consideration when recommending a VPN service to you. Additionally, we conduct hours of research into the VPN providers to find out who owns them, where theyre based, what they do with subscriber information, and whether the provider has a track record of questionable business practices. Why you can trust Macworlds advice The team at Macworld has been testing Mac hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. We put every product through its paces using rigorous benchmarking and hands-on evaluation. Wed never recommend something we wouldnt use ourselves. We conduct through testing of VPNs, focusing on the practicalities of device compatibility (iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, and Mac), the number of devices supported, geo-restrictions and ease of use. We also pay attention to security and validate the privacy promises made by each VPN company. We use the software ourselves so our reviews are based on our own experience with the software and include our own insights and unbiassed opinions. Macworlds VPN specialist Lloyd Coombes has made it his aim to assess every VPN going. What to look for in a VPN A clear privacy policy. A good VPN should offer an easy-to-understand privacy policy that outlines what, if any, information the company collects from its users. Its important that this policy details what they do with this information. Some VPN providers, especially those that offer their services for free, sell their user information to advertisers and other interested parties, just like an ISP does. Choose a provider that offers a level of privacy that suits you. Know where the provider is based. Many countries have no laws demanding that VPN providers maintain logs of their users activity. This makes maintaining your privacy more assurable than it would be if you use a VPN located in a country that requires that user-activity records be maintained. Some companies, in an effort to make their network of servers look bigger or more varied than it actually is, spoof the locations of their servers . The more servers, the merrier. Choosing a VPN provider with a ton of servers around the world is important for a couple of reasons. First, having a multitude of servers to choose from means that you wont be forced to connect to an overpopulated server where the data flows like mud. Second, having a wealth of servers to choose from both at home and internationally means more opportunities for spoofing your location, allowing you to hide where you are or access region-locked content with ease. Multiple payment options. Its a vicious circle. Paying for a VPN with a credit card online before you have access to a VPN could allow your financial information to fall into the wrong hands. Look for providers that offer alternative payment options such as PayPal, Bitcoin, AliPay, or via the Mac App Store. An easy-to-use interface. It takes a lot of digital wizardry to connect to a VPN. Some people want to see how their VPN operates, behind the scenes. Using an open source VPN client like Tunnelblick is great for this. Most folks, however, just want their VPN to work with minimal frustration. Look for a VPN service that offers a Mac client with an easy-to-use interface. Protection for all of your devices. A good VPN service will offer licenses for multiple devices to protect your loved ones computers as well as your personal smartphone and tablet. To this end, before investing in a VPN subscription, make sure that it provides software clients for all of the devices you own. What to avoid when choosing a VPN The price of a VPN might look attractive, but the price can rise over time. Most VPNs will cost less than $3/3 per month if you sign up for a one- or two-year deal. However, once the deal period ends the price often jumps significantly. By the time your deal is up you may not notice the extra cash leaving your bank account so our advice is to set a reminder to shop around a month before your subscription runs out so you can search for a better deal. Best Free VPNs for Mac You may be able to save money if you take a look at our round-up of VPN deals . But, if you were hoping to spend nothing, there are also a number of free VPNs available, just beware that some severely restrict which servers (and therefore countries) you can connect to and the amount of data you can download through those servers. Our recommendation is ProtonVPN, which has a free tier that may be sufficient for your needs. Its important to read the terms and conditions before using a free VPN, as in rare cases they sell your data to third parties to offset the cost of you using it without paying. Its a bigger problem on iPhones and Android where unscrupulous companies try to cash in on the VPN gold rush and offer up poorly put together apps. Stick with our recommendations and youll be safe from these, though. FAQ 1. Do Macs have a built-in VPN? There is a big question. Do Mac users even need a VPN? Since Apple introduced iOS 15 and macOS Monterey in 2021 the company has offered a handy private relay service. iCloud Private Relay acts a bit like a VPN because it encrypts your web-browsing traffic and sends it through a relay to hide your location, IP, and any information about what you were browsing. iCloud Private Relay solves part of the problem that Mac users have used VPNs for in the pastit means that companies cannot build a clear picture of you on the web, thereby protecting your privacy. iCloud Private Relay has some disadvantages: it only works when you are using Safari, you have to be a subscriber to iCloud, and you cant use it to pretend to be surfing from another country in order to access content that is locked to a particular region. Read more here: iCloud+ Private Relay explained . If you are a subscriber to iCloud, and only use Safari, then iCloud Private Relay will provide you with some anonymity when you are surfing the web. You may therefore be thinking that this means you dont need a VPN to hide your location and identity. However, iCloud Private Relay does not allow you to choose an IP address or a region, and you wont be able to make it look like youre coming from another location. So you cant watch geographically locked Netflix content, for example. 2. Whats a VPN? VPN stands for virtual private network . If youre not using a VPN, when your computer connects to the internet, it does so through the local gateway provided by your internet service provider (ISP). Doing this allows you to connect to all of the online services you use everyday. However, connecting this way also allows an ISP to know your physical location based on where you access the internetbe it at home, at work, in a cafe, or at a public Wi-Fi hotspot.This information is often sold to marketers and other parties interested in getting to know more about you and your browsing habits. Worse still, if you connect to the internet through an access point with weak security, such as at an airport, mall, or local library, hackers connected to the same network could intercept personal information like your social media passwords or banking credentials through whats called a man-in-the-middle attack . A VPN service can help prevent all of that. A VPN creates an encrypted digital tunnel between your computer and the server of the VPN service you choose to use. Once this tunnel has been established, your web searches, the sites you access, and the information you submit online will be hidden from prying eyes. This means that your ISP cant log or sell your information and hackers using the same network as you will find it difficult to initiate an attack on you. Almost no one will have any idea of what information youre accessing. For our recommendations of Mac Antivirus Software that we have tested see: Best Antivirus for Mac 2024: Top Security Software Compared . VPN apps are very easy to install and use but for a step-by-step guide, read how to set up a VPN on a Mac . 3. What a VPN cant do A VPN cant protect you from viruses, malware, or ransomware attacks if you choose to download an infected file, or a visit site designed to inject your computer with malignant code. It wont keep spoofed sites from stealing your personal information, if you happen to visit one. So, youll want to bone up on online security best practices . You should know that while using a VPN will allow you to anonymously engage in peer-to-peer file-sharing/torrenting, some service providers may cancel your VPN subscription or turn over your information to the authorities if they catch you trading copyrighted material with others. 4. Should you use a VPN on a Mac? Is it legal? While accessing locked content is a bit of a gray area, due to licensing agreements, we dont blame anyone who is desperate to watch the latest season of their favorite program when it airs in the U.S. rather than waiting for it to come to their country. Paying to watch a streaming service thats not available in your country has to be less morally wrong than actual piracy! For more information on the legalities and whether it is safe to use a VPN read: Is a VPN safe for Mac?

I really want to switch to a MacBook Pro. Heres why Im waiting till next year

Macworld As a diehard Apple fan and a technology journalist, I try to refresh my gear every year or so to keep up with the latest features. However, while my three-year-old M2 MacBook Air could certainly use an upgradeand Ive got my eye on a new MacBook Pro its going to have to last for another year. Not only are the M5 MacBooks not expected to bring much in the way of new features, but Apple is reportedly set to kickstart a new era with the M6 MacBook Pro as soon as next year. Heres why Im waiting to upgradeand so should you. A new design thats even thinner With the introduction of the first Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, Apple adopted a boxier design with flat edges, thin bezels, and a notch. It has since become the default design for all of its laptops, with the main differences between the MacBook Air and Pro designated by features rather than form factor. The forthcoming Apple design chapter appears to be all about slimness. Weve already got the ultra-thin iPad Pro models, and the iPhone 17 Air is expected to adopt a similar formula later this year. Similarly, the MacBook Pro M6 could follow suit in late 2026 and boast a sleeker body that makes it lighter and more mobile. Consequently, opting for a comparably chunky MacBook now doesnt feel like a very wise decision. A first-of-its-kind display Another expected upgrade for the M6 MacBook Pro is its enhanced display. For the first time on a MacBook, Apple is expected to debut an OLED panel , contributing to true black levels and more vibrant colors. Weve already seen the benefits of OLED on the iPhone and iPad Pro, but theyll be even more noticeable on the MacBooks larger screen. Compared to the MacBook Pro, the iPad Pros tandem OLED screen has greater sustained HDR brightness with all of the same pro-level features we already love: 120Hz refresh rates (ProMotion technology), TrueTone, and the nano-texture option. Compared to my MacBook Air screen, its a whole new worldand one worth waiting for. The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to have an even thinner design like the Air. Foundry Faster performance (with 5G?) It goes without saying that replacing a MacBook Air M2 with an M4 MacBook Pro will remarkably boost the performance, with at least doubling my 8GB of RAM and far faster speeds. However, the M6 chip coming next year looks to be a huge upgrade to my M2 chip that brings substantial improvements to the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine that powers on-device Apple Intelligence features. Apple silicon Macs seem to follow a four-generation performance cycle. Benchmark results indicate that transitioning from an M1 to an M4 chip can enhance CPU capabilities by around 60 percent in both single-core and multi-core tasks. The M4s GPU performance is approximately 60 percent better than that of the M1, and its Neural Engine is about three times faster. As such, by the time the M5 processor debuts, the incremental developments over the years will have stacked up, warranting an upgrade for M1 Mac users. Likewise, it makes sense for M2 Mac users like me to wait for an M6 to get the most bang for their upgrade bucks. And just maybe, Apple will give us a long-requested feature in the M6 MacBook Pro: cellular connectivity. With its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, Apple has control over the cost, performance, and efficiency of the wireless chip, so it can hopefully bring it to the MacBook Pro to unlock 5G connectivity and make working on the go more feasible. Even better battery life M-powered MacBooks are renowned for their energy efficiency and long battery lives. My M2 MacBook Airs battery, despite now having a maximum capacity of 82 percent, still manages to get me through several hours of continuous browsing at full display brightness. However, its shortcomings surface whenever I do heavy work, forcing me to charge it at least once a day. According to Apple, the MacBook Air M2 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the M4 MacBook Pro stretches that to 24 hours. When the M6 MacBook Pro debuts, its safe to assume that the 24-hour limit will have been maintained or improved thanks to improvements in efficiency, the OLED display, and cooling. Even if its just an hour or two, it could mean the M6 MacBook Pro will comfortably make it through several days of work without a charge. The MacBooks notch has to go. Foundry The end of the notch One of Apples most unsung features is Center Stage. When FaceTiming my friends, the camera frame adapts to my movements and ensures that I stay centered at all times. Current MacBook models have already ported this feature, along with the 12MP front camera from the iPhone and iPad. However, they also still have an unsightly notch. There was a time when the MacBooks notch mirrored the iPhones design, but with just one iPhone left with a notch (the 16e), its time to move on. Along with the OLED display, next years MacBook Pro models could also be retiring the controversial notch in favor of a hole-punch camera design. This would free up space in the menubar and look much better with macOS Tahoes new invisible menu bar design. The best things come to those who wait Now that mainstream consumer devices have generally matured, there are two main ways to go about fresh releases. We either upgrade annually and complain about how insignificant the differences are, or we ignore them for a few years and enjoy the bigger, cumulative impact when a replacement is due. A jump from my M2 MacBook Air M2 to an M3 or M4 MacBook Pro would be a nice upgrade, but waiting for the M6 MacBook Pro wont just be a huge upgrade for me, but a full refresh of Apples high-end laptop with a new design, a faster processor, longer battery life, and the most advanced MacBook screen yet. Waiting isnt going to be easybut itll be worth it.

Hide.me VPN review: easy to use Mac and iPhone VPN with a free tier

Macworld At a Glance Expert's Rating Pros Free tier Streaming-focused servers included Advanced features Cons Fewer servers than other options Our Verdict Hide Me is likely to be the Goldilocks VPN for many users. It offers a free tier, has a whole host of power features (if you want them), and has a whole host of servers recommended for streaming services. It could do with a few more servers in general, but its a fantastic option. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Hide.Me (Monthly) $2.69 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When Reviewed From $2.69 a month Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Hide.Me (Monthly) $2.69 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Hide.Me is a VPN that ticks just about any box you can ask of it. Theres a free plan to try (although its very limited), and its just as good at unblocking Netflix libraries from the other side of the globe as it is keeping your data obfuscated. Its super easy to use, meaning anyone can log in and get started, but it also has a bevy of more advanced features that include split tunnelling and multihop connections among others. All of this combines into a feature-rich VPN thats ideal for just about anyone, but with the added bonus of a device limit of 10 (double some of its rivals), 24/7 live chat, and a really slick interface. In truth, our only gripe is a relatively low server count (although from our testing, these do tend to be where they say they are) that spoils the fun somewhat. There are still well over 2,500 of them, but with some rivals in our Best VPN for Mac test, breaking the 7,000 mark for the same price, its pretty much the only area of improvement wed suggest for what is otherwise a fantastic VPN. Features & Apps As with many VPN services weve been testing, Hide.Me is available on pretty much any device, with native apps for Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and iOS. Were focusing on the Mac app today, and as with many of its contemporaries, its got a main application window and a Menu bar icon you can use to quickly access it. The initial setup is much less focused on providing you with a whole range of options and simply getting you using the app quickly, and I appreciated how straightforward the process was. It may sound silly, but some VPNs weve tested have had much longer setup processes, and while some will want plenty of tutorialization, theres no real danger of getting lost here. Thats because while Hide.Me does have more advanced features like Split Tunnelling, multi-hop servers, and more (which well come onto), it keeps those out of the way. Want to quickly jump to a server? Just open it and click the big Enable VPN button. Foundry If youd prefer to select where youre connecting, you can do so via a list of locations, or a second list more focused on streaming-friendly options. Its also nice to see 10 simultaneous connections available, allowing one plan to cover a familys devices (or one tech reviewers usage). Split-tunnelling lets you send traffic via the VPN on a per-app basis, while a Kill Switch can stop all traffic the moment your connection to the VPN wavers. Were also pleased to see Multi-Hop connectivity included in the price. This essentially means you bounce your data between a series of servers rather than just one, further hiding your data and making your information much harder to trace, albeit with an impact on the connectivity speed. Foundry Performance Users opt for VPNs for a variety of reasons, but many of them boil down into privacy or geounblocking, and weve got good news on both fronts when it comes to Hide.Me. Privacy-wise, weve found the app to operate with minimal bandwidth drops while maintaining a no logs policy (more on that in a moment). OpenVPN is supported, as you may expect, but IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP are here, too. That means if youre having compatibility issues, its nice and easy to shift over to an alternative protocol. We found sub-10% download speed drops across multiple servers, making it one of the slicker VPNs weve tested. So, what about geounblocking? As you may have expected with a range of streaming-friendly servers included in the list of connection options, Hide Me does a great job of switching your location. In fact, none of the various streaming services we attempted to use were smart enough to catch on, meaning its one of the rare streaming services thats a binge-watchers dream. Foundry Privacy & Security Hide Me is an Offshore VPN, with its headquarters in Labuan, Malaysia giving it anonymity away from the Five Eyes intelligence coalition and just about anywhere else. The company also has a strict no-logs policy, which prevents it from keeping any data from users and their sessions. Unlike some of its rivals, it appears the most recent audit is a decade old, though. Heres hoping for another in the coming months. Pricing and plans While some rivals, like Mullvad, offer a significantly cheaper monthly subscription fee, Hide.Me operates like many other VPNs in that it incentivises longer-term subscriptions with much lower fees. Theres nothing inherently wrong with that, but with VPN legislation and functionality constantly in a state of flux, dont be surprised if functionality waxes and wanes throughout a longer term plan. There is, thankfully, a free plan, and while its lacking a whole host of basic features, itll do in a pinch. It has a handful of locations, but theres no multihop functionality or support for streaming services. Still, were glad its here. You can sign up for two years for as little as $2.69/2.69 a month when billed annually, but otherwise itll set you back $9.99/9.99 per month thats comparable with the industry leaders. Is Hide Me a good VPN? Truly the Goldilocks option for many VPN users, Hide.Me is a fantastic service that offers a whole host of features and excellent streaming support. Heres hoping for more servers soon, because thats the only fly in this porridge at present.

Im calling it: The iPhone 17 Air is going to flop

Macworld Apple knows bestor certainly appears to think so. Steve Jobs famously said the companys job was not to listen to customers, because they would ask, metaphorically speaking, for faster horses rather than cars. Thus, whenever rivals rush to jump aboard the latest bandwagon, whether netbooks or foldables or smart rings or AI chatbots, Apple quietly sticks to its own path, which more often than not proves to be the right one. So when word got out that Apple was working on an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air for launch later this year, and some people in the media responded with skepticism , its unlikely that company executives let this worry them. Everyones entitled to their opinion, but the only metrics for success at Apple Park are customer satisfaction and cold, hard revenue. Which is fair enough, really. Apple has an excellent track record of doing things that are initially unpopular but look sensible in retrospect. It was pilloried for dropping the headphone jack, then other companies followed suit and AirPoids took over the world. Deluxe brick-and-mortar stores made no sense whatsoever in 2001, until the iPad arrived and they were applauded for reinforcing the brand and creating a sense of community. And seemingly every one of Apples hit products has received snarky comments from someone in the media before smashing sales records left, right, and center. Maybe the iPhone 17 Air will be another of those hits. But my qualms about its rumored compromisesmaking sacrifices in areas that will make a real difference in order to benefit those that wontare now backed by some real-world evidence. The 17 Air wont go on sale for another three months, but one of its main rivals came out last month and isnt selling well at all. According to The Elec , Samsungs Galaxy S25 Edge has so far shifted fewer units than its maker expected, that it has already considerably lowered the number of units it was producing. The site doesnt provide sales numbers, but goes on to describe them as weak performance and a nosedive when phones of its type are supposed and expected to sell solidly for their first three months on the market. This follows an early report from SamMobile that the device doesnt seem to have attracted a large enough crowd to satisfy the Korean tech giant despite Samsung doing its best to sweeten preorders with steadily improving deals. Anyron Copeman / Foundry Of course, Apples marketing department would counter that this is good news. That Samsungs failure to deliver on the ultra-slim concept only makes life easier for the iPhone 17 Air when it arrives, and that its the S25 Edges execution that is at fault, not the general idea of a sub-6mm phone. After all, Apple sells a lot more iPhones than any single Galaxy phone and it knows what we want. Maybe thats right. But in those famous cases where Apple dominated a market despite arriving late, the unifying factor is that Apple did something materially different to its incumbent rivals, from the Macintosh with its mouse and windows-based interface to the iPhones software keyboard and user-friendly operating system. What will the iPhone 17 Air do thats significantly different from the S25 Edge? If rumors are accurate, not much. Lets look at where the $1,100 S25 Edge got things wrong. My colleagues on Tech Advisor reviewed the phone last month and criticised its mediocre battery life, slow charging, tendency to run hot, and lack of a telephoto lens. They concluded that customers would be better advised to buy the Galaxy S25+, a more conventional smartphone which offers better specs for less money. Putting aside the overheating issues (although Apples engineers face all the same thermal challenges), its sure to have a smaller battery and weaker camera setup than the other models in the iPhone 17 lineup. Those arent just issues with the S25 Edge; theyre problems with ultra-slim phones. Theyre things you have to sacrifice in order to make a phone that skinny. Then theres the issue of whether people even want a skinny phone. The fourth iPhone model has been something of a flop since its inception, with the iPhone mini and the iPhone Plus both failing to capture much attention. And both of those phones made more sense than a super-thin model. Apple will hope the Cupertino magic can make the iPhone 17 Air a success where the S25 Edge failed, relying on the intuitive qualities of iOS, the stickiness of the companys product ecosystem, the usual privacy and security claims, and some expensive adverts. But its still a skinny phone. You cant advertise your way out of a mediocre battery life. Besides, those positives all apply to the standard iPhones too, which will be a better choice for almost all buyers. They will offer better specs for less money. Its simple engineering reality. Ultimately, Samsung gambled that customers would be so seduced by the design of the S25 Edge that they would overlook its flaws, and lost: reviewers didnt like it, and early signs are that customers dont like it either. Now Apple is ready to put its money on the same dodgy bet, and is sure the outcome will be different. Maybe the company knows best. But maybe, with current technology, ultra-slim phones just suck.

Dont risk your work laptop when this $330 MacBook Pro exists

Macworld You dont need to risk your $2,000 work laptop every time you head to a coffee shop. For just $329.97 (reg. $1,499), you can grab this Grade A refurbished 13 MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, so you can handle email, edit photos, or stream Netflix in buttery Retina resolutionwithout worrying about every little spill or bump. Despite the price tag, this mid-2017 MacBook Pro doesnt skimp on power. It comes equipped with a 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz), 8GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB of fast flash storage. That means quick boot times, smooth multitasking, and enough storage for all your creative projects, side hustles, and digital clutter . The sleek aluminum body in Space Gray gives you all the Apple aesthetics you want, while the Touch Bar and Touch ID add a modern touch of convenience. And with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, youve got flexibility for charging, external drives, or docking stationsplus its still light enough to carry around without feeling like a pack mule. Best of all, this is a Grade A refurb, so it looks and works like a machine that costs much more. Take it to class. Toss it in your travel bag. Keep your nice laptop at work and let this one do everything else. Pick up the refurbished MacBook Pro for $329.97 through June 29. Apple MacBook Pro 13 Touchbar (2017) 3.1GHz i5 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Macworld Podcast: Your hot takes on Liquid Glass, Apples OS names, and more

Macworld On this weeks episode of the Macworld Podcast its all about your hot takes! You have thoughts aboutWWDC25, Apples new UI design, and more. This is episode 940 with Karen Haslam, David Price, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 940 on YouTube Listen to episode 940 on Apple Podcasts Listen to episode 940 on Spotify Your hot takes Here are the hot takes discussed on the show. The UI changes At WWDC25, Apple unveiled the UI changes it will make in its operating systems, which, of course, generated a lot of thoughts online. Some like the changes, while others arent so sure. Its great. Dont worry about it. It looks spot-on. It works fine and this is a Dev beta! Neuwengreen on Threads lmao took 18 years before Apple updated their ios to look like Windows Vista. Apple is really behind Zen Kyosuke on Facebook Im finding all the preview images of Liquid Glass kinda hard to read. Not sure if its the astigmatism or if its an ADA violation Drwhooligan on Blusky Liquid Ass. Sums it up billdavis2439 on YouTube Fear is the mind killer one_wword on TiktTok We will not [like it] tuanistico on Bluesky Rename Apples stuff At WWDC, Apple unified the version numbers of its operating systems to reflect the year. So its now iOS 26, macOS 26, etcetera. In a recent Apple Breakfast column, David proposed that Apple do the same thing with the iPhone. Apple should just call it Apple OS, it all has a common code base, or maybe Apple OS Mac Edition, Apple OS Phone Edition Paul Petitt on Facebook Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review! right here in the Podcasts app . The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel . Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone . Apple

You have to see these iPhone 17 Air leaked images to believe how incredibly thin it is

Macworld Were just a couple of months away from iPhone seasons, and weve been inundated with reports about the changes coming, which include leaked photos of the iPhone 17 Air in protective wrap , video of dummy Airs , and a video of the iPhone 17 Pro Max . Now, a new set of leaked photos gives us another look at just how thin (and thick) the new iPhones will be. Majin Bu on X has posted a few purported leaked photos of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro, both in black. Three things stand out about the photos: the thinness of the iPhone 17 Air, the size of the camera bars on each camera, and the richness of the black on each phone. Majin Bu/X Majin Bu/X The iPhone 17 Air is remarkably thin, and barely thick enough to accommodate the side button. It has a wide camera bar that looks a lot like the ones on the Google Pixel , but its positioned higher on the back of the phone. Theres also a lot of space between the left camera and the right LED flash, which could have something to do with the placement of the Dynamic Island and sensors needed for Face ID. The camera bars and thinness have been reported in previous leaks, and Bus photos are consistent with whats been reported. However, the sheer size of the bar compared to previous iPhone releases is shockingly big, especially on the Pro models. Compared to previous leaks and renders, the polish on these phones seem very similar to how they will look in the real world, and the camera bar is likely to be a very polarizing design element. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced at an Apple event this September. Check out our iPhone 17 guide for all the latest leaks and rumors .

Apples CarPlay Ultra has already hit a roadblock

Macworld Apples next-gen CarPlaynow named CarPlay Ultrahas had a bumpy beginning . After its preview at WWDC 2022 and name change earlier this year, the first vehicles are only just rolling off the lot, and now a new report claims several carmakers are taking their dashboard tech in a different direction. According to the Financial Times , several auto groups that had initially indicated support, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault, have declined to bring the in-car system to their fleet. Of note, all of those cars support Apples current CarPlay system, which is limited to navigation screens. Apple calls CarPlay Ultra the ultimate in-car experience, and boasts about its deep integration with all of the drivers screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster. Unlike CarPlay, each CarPlay Ultra integration is uniquely tailored to the carmakers preferences and offers a fully customizable experience. However, it still requires the driver to have an iPhone and is an option built on top of the carmakers stock system. However, the Financial Times reports that some carmakers are wary about Apples in-car takeover and have balked at the concept. One executive at Renault reportedly told Apple: Dont try to invade our own systems. Aston Martin is the first carmaker to support the system in new cars rolling out in 2025 and will bring the system to existing models as well. Apple has also announced that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis will also bring CarPlay Ultra to their vehicles. Back in 2023, General Motors announced that it would be ending support for CarPlay in favor of its own infotainment system, and Tesla and Rivian have never offered it in their cars. With screens commanding drivers attention full-time, some carmakers want to make sure people know they are driving a Cadillac or Benz rather than an Apple Car.

How 30 years of chip transitions paved the way for the spectacular Apple Silicon era

Macworld With the announcement that macOS Tahoe will be the last Mac OS version to support Intel Macs , Apples preparing to close the books on the third chip transition in Mac history. It doesnt get a lot of attention, but Apple is absolutely the best company in the world at picking up stakes and moving its platforms somewhere else. Over its 41 years of existence, the Mac has run on four entirely different processor architectures (not to mention two different operating system foundations), all the while remaining more or less the same familiar Mac we know and love. This is not an easy feat to accomplish once, let alone three times. Apples gotten very good at this. Twenty years ago, it was the switch to Intel . Five years ago, the switch to Apple silicon started. And of course, way back in the mists of time when I was a brand-new hire at one of Macworlds predecessor publications, Apple made the leap for the very first time. Hard-earned lessons When I wrote about the Macs history of chip transitions as rumors of the Apple silicon transition swirled, I made great pains to point out that Apple had been there, done that, and learned many lessons. My only concern was if there was anyone left at Apple who had lived through the old transitions, or if the company was going to have to figure it out from scratch all over again. After that story was published, I heard from someone inside Apple who assured me that, yes, there were still some people kicking around who had been there when that very first chip transition happened back in the 1990s. That kind of institutional memory was vitally important to Apples transitions in 2005 and 2020, as it turned out. The original Mac came with a Motorola 68000 processor. The 68K was used on all sorts of video games, some Atari computers, as well as the Mac. But in the early 1990s, Apple was frustrated by the slow pace of improvements by its chipmaker and realized that the fate of its platform was dependent on the success or failure of someone else. This story will keep repeating. Apple was doing its own chip research in those days when, in the most unlikely of events, its arch-rival IBM approached the company about collaborating on a next-generation chip design. With almost-jilted Motorola added in as a partner, the AIM Alliance set about building a new set of chips that would become PowerPC. The January/February 1994 issue of Macworld detailed Apples first chip transition from Motorola 68000 to PowerPC. Foundry PowerPC was a next-generation chip with features that differentiated it from the dominant Intel processors of the day. The first Macs with PowerPC chips inside, dubbed Power Macs (of course!), arrived in March 1994. To get to that point, Apple didnt just have to bring its software to a new chip design; it had to enable compatibility with old Mac software. Power Macs ran a (nameless) 68000-series emulator that enabled them to run non-native software at a slight speed penalty. My memory is that the sainted Microsoft Word version 5.1, which was not PowerPC native but was awesome, was still quite usable (though noticeably slower at some tasks) on the new chips. As a first-time transition with a base of users who had committed to the Mac during its first decade, it was a scary time. For a year, we ran a column called Ask Dr. Power Mac, where users wrote in to understand the technical challenges they might face as they upgraded. Apples biggest mistake in this era was that it didnt control its developer tools. Metrowerks, a software company ultimately bought by Motorola, built the definitive PowerPC development environment, CodeWarrior. (Apple would learn a key lesson from this; today, pretty much all development happens in Apples own Xcode.) Within a year, the transition picked up speed, new PowerPC native software shipped, and Apple had a template for any future processor transitions that the Mac might require. (But hopefully not, right?) Everything falls apart Its the summer of 2003, and so far as anyone knows, the PowerPC era is proceeding apace. The new G5 (fifth-generation) processor has been announced, and Steve Jobs has promised that itll eventually reach an all-time record 3GHz speed. The community is excited about the promise of that power coming to Mac laptops as well. During the East Coast Macworld Expo that year, Apple PR proudly takes me on a tour of IBMs chip plant in Fishkill, New York, where the cutting-edge G5 will be produced. That was a major turning point, but not in the way Apple intended. IBM was never able to produce that 3GHz chip for Apple. The G5 wasnt suitable for laptops. And deep inside Apple, a skunkworks project was making sure that the brand-new Mac OS X could run on Intel processors. Twenty years ago, Jobs announced the switch on stage at WWDC: The AIM fellowship was severed, and Apple would move from PowerPC to Intel. This time, Apple gave the technology that translated PowerPC code and ran it on Intel processors a name: Rosetta. The PowerPC software it emulated ran slower, to be sure , but Intel-native universal apps appeared quickly, and faster Intel processors kept appearing at a rapid pace. The Mac had never been faster, and perhaps more importantly, could no longer be negatively compared to the speed of Windows PCs. This period was, in many ways, the most important decade in the Macs history. The growing success of the iPod (and later, the iPhone) put the Mac in front of people who might never before have considered buying one. A new generation of Windows emulators, capable of running at full speed on Intel hardware, provided a fallback for PC users who might need to run a handful of Windows programs. The Mac began to grow rapidly. Doing it for themselves It was good while it lasted, but 15 years after the Intel era began, Apple turned the page. Once again, the company was frustrated by the pace of chip development and its lack of control over one of its platforms. But there was a key difference this time: Apple had, for a decade, been designing its chips for the iPhone and iPad. Developers were building apps in Xcode that compiled and ran on Apples processors. This was, in many ways, the easiest chip transition Apple has made. The tools were there. The developers were familiar with Apples chips. Apple had years of experience to give it the confidence that it could apply what it had learned building iPhone and iPad chips to create powerful Mac variants. The results were immediate: The M1 Macs, when they arrived in the fall of 2020, were the best-reviewed Macs in recent memory. They were so much faster than their Intel predecessors that, in some cases, Rosetta 2, the latest version of Apples code-translation layer, ran Intel apps faster than they did on the original Intel hardware. The rise of the web and mobile platforms meant that Windows compatibility wasnt as important as it was in 2005. And in a pretty amusing wrinkle, Microsoft had already begun its own weird sort of chip transition, building a version of Windows that ran on processors very similar to those being used by Apple. (Its even got its own code-translation layer. Clearly, Microsoft learned from the best.) Which brings us to the final question: If Apple has changed its Mac chip architecture after 10, 11, and 15 years, does that mean the Apple silicon era will also end? Anythings possible, especially in the tech industrybut the big difference is that now Apple designs its own chips, to its own specifications, in tandem with the products it builds. Thats a huge advantage that its never had before. Of course, Apple thought the same when it formed the AIM alliance. And when it tied itself to Intel, which was the worlds dominant chipmaker at the start of that partnership but had been supplanted by TSMC by the time it ended. Life comes at you fast. But, at least for now, the Mac endures as the world and chips change around it.

Heres our first look at the iPhone 17 Pros purported vapor chamber cooling system

Macworld If you havent gotten enough iPhone news lately, heres some more for you. Leaker Majin Bu has posted an image that is purportedly part of the iPhone 17 Pros vapor chamber cooling system. Weve heard for some time now that Apple plans on upgrading to passive cooling inside the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to a vapor chamber system, and this image certainly makes that seem likely. The photo (seen above) shows a printed board with copper plates that have delicate microchannels throughout. The photo shows 12 structures, which would then be cut and stacked (or stacked on other elements) to form the vapor chamber cooling system. Judging by the size and shape, it is meant to cover the entire circuit board, including the processor, memory, networking chips, etc. iPhones are passively cooled (there are no moving parts or fans), and the heat is spread out by a graphene pad and metal enclosure around the battery. The vapor chamber would distribute heat from the chips more effectively, helping prevent hot spots and leading to higher sustained performance for longer intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. Vapor chambers contain liquid that is turned to vapor above a certain temperature, where the pressure pushes it through little micro-channels where the heat is released and the vapor turns back into liquid, returning to the starting point. Its not as good as active cooling (fans moving air around or pumps moving liquid), but it distributes heat much better than simple metal plates do. If it works as expected, you can expect Apple to make note of its advanced cooling system, allowing for higher sustained performance, when the iPhone 17 line is introduced this September.

Apples iPhone apps are a waste of time. These 8 alternatives are way better

Macworld The last few years have seen Apple open up its ecosystem more than any of us previously thought possible, and part of that means you can now change your iPhones default apps with relative ease. For example, instead of being forced into Safari every time you tap a web link, you can have your device open a different browser instead. This newfound choice has opened the door to a host of excellent third-party apps that are ready to step into the void left by Apples default choices, should you wish to change themand in many cases, you should. Here, weve rounded up a few of our favorites. In some instances, you can change your default app choice to one of these options, in others you cant, but you can still use our picks to elevate your iPhone regardless. Heres how you can switch it all up. Ditch: Reminders. Get: Things Apples Reminders app has never really kept up with third-party alternatives, and even when it was overhauled at WWDC 2024, it still left us wanting more. But you dont have to settle for Apples effort. Install Things instead. This well-known app is a great example of what a to-do list app can be. It contains all the power-user tools youd expect, like smart lists, ongoing projects with headings and completable sub-sections, a context-aware plus button for adding and moving tasks, super-smart and speedy search, and more. Things is beautifully designed and offers much more than Apples Reminders. Cultured Code Its also beautifully designed, so much so that it puts even Apple to shame. With delightful interactions and an interface that just works , Things is enjoyable to use, no matter the complexity of your to-do list. Go get Things in the App Store . Ditch: Camera. Get: Halide Apples Camera app works well enough, and it gives you a few controls for tweaking things like exposure, depth of field, and tone. But that might not be enough for seasoned photographers who want more options to shoot the way they want. Halide Enter Halide . This popular photography app comes with everything camera pros need to take their best shots. It lets you disable autofocus, analyze your images with color zebras and waveforms, disable Apples processing and shoot in raw format, and much more. Its built for people who want to get hands-on with their camera app, without Apples interference. Unfortunately, you cant change the camera app thats opened when you press your iPhones Camera Control. What you can do, though, is change which camera app launches from your Lock Screen. To do so, tap and hold your Lock Screen, then tap Customize > Lock Screen . Tap the minus symbol next to one of the two icons in the bottom-left or bottom-right corner of your screen, tap the empty circle, then pick Halide from the list of options and select Done in the top-right corner. Go get Halide in the App Store . Ditch: Calendar. Get: Fantastical Forget Apples Calendar app. You deserve something better for organizing your schedule. That something is Fantastical , and its so good that its hard to know where to start when detailing its advantages. But weve got to start somewhere, so well begin with its beautiful layout, which is so polished that its been bestowed with an Apple Design Award. With powerful views to choose from, youll always have the information you need to hand, no matter which device youre using. Fantasical is a longtime favorite calendar app. Flexibits You can create templates from any event or task, and it bakes task management into your calendar so you always stay on top of your to-do list. With support for calls and meetings, files and attachments, accounts from leading calendar providers like iCloud, Google, Exchange and Outlook, plus strong privacy controls, theres a huge amount to like about it. It works on almost every Apple device, with versions for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, iMessage and even the Vision Pro. Its also compatible with Windows, so you wont miss out if you combine an iPhone with a Windows PC, for example. Go get Fantastical in the App Store . Ditch: Mail. Get: Spark For many years, Apples Mail app felt stuck in the past as competitors raced ahead. Mail got a spruce up at WWDC 2024 with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, but we wouldnt say that its managed to close the gap entirely. One of the apps thats surged past Mail is Spark , and it aims to give you more control over your inbox so that you rule your emails, not the other way around. For example, only senders youve approved will get their messages into your inbox. High-priority mail floats to the top while newsletters and notifications sit below, so you can dive straight into your important work without having to fight your way through the everything else. Spark uses AI to fix grammar, rephrase content, and more. Readdle It also leverages AI to help you get things done faster. That means you get an assistant that fixes grammar and spelling mistakes and can help rephrase your emails with a different tone of voice. And theres much more, from scheduled messages and cloud storage for large files to thread muting and support for encrypted mail. To change your default email app, open the Settings app and go to Apps > Default Apps > Email, then pick Spark from the list. Thats all there is to it. Go get Spark on the App Store . Ditch: Safari. Get: Firefox Sick of Safari? Apples web browser isnt for everyone, and you might find yourself looking outside the companys walled garden for a fresh browsing experience. Chrome may be the obvious pick, and its certainly an excellent browser, but its raised concerns over some of its privacy practices. If thats a worry for youor you just want to try something different Firefox is an excellent choice. As an unashamed Firefox stan, I recommend this browser to anyone within earshot. It comes with privacy built-in, including defenses against trackers and scripts, cryptominers, fingerprinters, and more. Itll put a stop to cross-site trackers following you across the web, and it halts social media data collection in its tracks. Firefox offers built-in privacy features that protect your data. Mozilla Unlike Safari, Firefox works across almost every platform, so you can easily share links and web pages with your other devices, whether thats an Apple product, an Android tablet, a Windows PC, or something else. And its lightning fast, neatly organized, and feature rich. If you want to change your default web browser, open the Settings app on your iPhone and head to Apps > Default Apps > Browser App . You can then choose Firefox from the list. Go get Firefox on the App Store . Ditch: Messages. Get: WhatsApp Put an end to the blue bubble/green bubble debate once and for all by dumping Messages and using WhatsApp instead. This cross-platform app doesnt care whether youre typing on an iPhone, an Android device, or a potatono one misses out on its features. It also packs in voice messages, stickers and emojis, GIFs, and more. And it lets you chat directly with businesses and customer support agents, too. But WhatsApp is much more than just a messaging app. It can also handle calls too, whether you prefer to conduct them over audio or video. That extends to group video calls, too, making it easy to catch up with friends and family no matter where they are. WhatsApp supports different themes to give the app more personality than Messages. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry WhatsApp might be owned by Metanot exactly known for its privacy chopsbut the good news is that every message you send and receive in WhatsApp is protected by end-to-end encryption, so no one can read your texts without your permission (not even WhatsApp itself). To make it your default, go to Apps > Default Apps in the Settings app. There, you can set WhatsApp as your choice in both the Messaging and Calling sections, if you like. Go get WhatsApp on the App Store . Ditch: Passwords. Get: 1Password At WWDC 2024, Apple introduced its own password manager, the (rather plainly) named Passwords. Thats great news if you want a free password manager on your Apple devices, and its got plenty to offer. But weve found its not quite up to scratch compared to other offerings, at least not yet. If you agree, your best bet is to try 1Password instead. This brilliant password manager is all you need to keep all your important info safe. It can autofill login info on sites youve created an account with or suggest rock-solid passwords for those youre just registering with. If any of your logins have been leaked online, itll alert you so you can update your passwords, and it can also analyze your existing logins to find weak and repeated passwords. 1Password is cross-platform, so you can access your passwords on any platform. 1Password It extends beyond just passwords, though. You can save passport details, credit card info, cryptocurrency wallets, drivers licenses, secure notes, and more. It can also be enlisted to enter one-time passcodes, so you dont need to rely on these codes being sent to your inbox or a different authenticator app. To make 1Password your default, open the Settings app and navigate to Apps > Default Apps > Passwords & Codes . Youll also want to go to Genera l > AutoFill & Passwords in the Settings app and enable the toggle next to 1Passsword , then pick 1Password next to Set Up Codes In . Go get 1Password on the App Store . Ditch: Apple Maps. Get: Google Maps Apple Maps has come a long way since its troubled launch in 2012, and these days its easily one of the best mapping apps you can get. But that doesnt mean you should use it. If you want to look elsewhere, Google Maps is a great option. Its simple and clear interface gets out of your way and lets you concentrate on the route, while its accurate directions ensure youre never lost with it by your side. Real-time traffic alerts can help you steer clear of trouble, and its CarPlay integration works beautifully with your vehicle. It offers different overlays for clearer views, plus theres Google Street View if you want to view a location from ground level. It can even show augmented reality directions overlaid on your camera with its Lens feature. Google Maps has a wealth of features youll find handy when travelling. Google And its chock-full of listings for local businesses, restaurants, attractions and more, and each of these listings offers reviews posted by real users, helping you pick your next destination and filter out the noise. Go get Google Maps on the App Store .

Best antivirus for Mac: 14 security apps you can trust

Macworld Many people think Macs dont need antivirus, but they are not immune from viruses and malware dont wait until its too late to protect your Apple computer from threats. Our experts have tested multiple security suites, and in this article outline only the best Mac antivirus programs. These are the security apps they would install on their own Mac or MacBook. Get intego mac internet security x9 Not everyone knows how to check their Mac for viruses , but you dont need to be a security expert to keep your Mac safe. Apple includes basic built-in antivirus protection in macOS, but a good Mac antivirus product adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your Mac safe from new and known malware , blocking ransomware , and protecting older systems from security vulnerabilities caused by outdated software. Check out our winner, the Best Mac Antivirus : Intego Mac Internet Security The most difficult decision for you is deciding which of the many Mac antivirus programs is going to do the best job of keeping you and your data safe, and which ultimately offers the best value. Our Macworld experts are here to help, and no-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac (the clue is in our name). We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective and use a combination of our own testing data and AV Comparatives/AV-Test lab data to ascertain which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. Get intego mac internet security x9 Best Mac Antivirus 2025: Reviewed and Ranked Our top pick right now is Intego Mac Internet Security . But depending on the type and number of devices you want to protect, and your budget, you may prefer one of the other Mac antivirus programs in our list below. Some cover more than Macs, so you can also use them to protect your iPhone , iPad and other devices. You wont find every Mac antivirus product weve tested here, just those who make the grade. 1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Our top Mac antivirus Pros Built for Mac Easy set up Good performance Cons Mac-specific (no Windows/Android protection) Price When Reviewed: From $24.99 for first year, usually $49.99 a year (1 Mac) Using our link Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Integos Mac Internet Security X9 does the job and takes Macworlds top slot with minimal fuss, which is saying something. The application combines strong antivirus in VirusBarrier, solid firewall protection in NetBarrier, and a genuinely Mac feel that doesnt seem as if youre wrestling with a sloppy Windows port to macOS. Setups a breeze, customization runs deep, and there are no pushy upsells. Its ideal for home users, remote workers, and parents needing peace of mind without diving into system-level configuration gymnastics. Integos Mac Internet Security X9 combines the companys VirusBarrier and NetBarrier applications to provide both antiviral protection and network traffic filtering programs.Theres also an Intego Premium Bundle X9 that includes five apps: VirusBarrier and NetBarrier as well as Mac Washing Machine (a Mac cleaner), ContentBarrier (Parental controls) and Personal Backup (a bootable backup). The Mac Internet Security X9 is easy to download, install, and configure. It checks for the latest viral definitions and sets up real-time scanning features and intuitive network monitoring, allowing users to see and work with both incoming and outgoing Internet connections on their Mac. Mac Security X9 offers impressive configuration and customization for the VirusBarrier and NetBarrier tools. VirusBarrier performs well in protecting users from viruses, while NetBarrier acts as a firewall that protects connections. The application allows users to create settings for home, work, or public connections, and allows or deny connections as needed. There are some issues to address, wed like to see a running counter tracking the number of files processed in a VirusBarrier scan and we were disappointed that it allowed traffic to questionable websites linked to spam messages. Mac Internet Security X9 doesnt try to upsell users to Integos other suites and services. The tools in place are effective, work well, and make this utility worth considering. Best of all, Intego Mac Internet Security is built for Mac and is easy to set up and easy to use. Use our link to get the best deal: You can get Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle here . AV Comparatives, June 2024: 99% Mac Malware Protection, 93% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Read our full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review 2. Surfshark One Great Mac antivirus combined with VPN Pros Good speed and performance Impressive anti-virus/anti-malware shielding Identity alert and protection Cons Multi-year contracts Occasional trouble accessing Google services Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.49 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS , Android, Windows Surfshark One has moved beyond the product lines VPN core and smartly layers in anti-malware, private search, and identity protection to boot. Real-time threat blocking performs well, and privacy tools add real value. The subscription model may feel steep, but for privacy-focused users or frequent travelers whose road warrior needs demand theyre protected at all times. This all-in-one suite punches above its weightand impresses, even if you might not have heard of it before. Moving beyond its VPN roots, Surfshark has added additional tools to its package and the result is this combination VPN/anti-malware/alert/private search/identity protection suite. The VPN module (reviewed here: Surfshark VPN review ) includes the usual tools such as geolocation and IP address hiding with more complicated tools such as IP configuration, an Internet kill switch, rotating IP addresses, and Invisible on LAN features. Surfshark Ones real-time protection tool was able to catch dozens of malware installers. Efforts to install malware were stopped with the application quickly quarantining them. While I was able to get a false Adobe Flash Player installation through, Surfshark One was able to isolate the vast majority of everything that was thrown at it. Surfshark Privacy tools include a Search feature that hooks into a private server so that your search history cant be tracked, and the company offers an Alternative ID tool so you can create aprivate identity. A beta identity protection feature can also be used, which can generate a virtual phone number. Theres also email monitoring, credit card monitoring, and ID monitoring with customizable settings to control the frequency at which you receive email updates. Perhaps the biggest hurdle is the VPN style monthly pricing structure which can tie you in for a couple of years. Read our full Surfshark One review 3. AVG Internet Security for Mac Easy to use and effective Pros Caught an impressive number of questionable apps Long trial Easy to use Cons Missed a fake Flash player No indication that scans are happening Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS AVG Internet Security for Mac impresses with its broad feature set, clean interface, and solid malware/phishing protection. Real-time scanning, customizable exceptions, and strong ransomware defense stand out, though some UI clarity is lacking and can make you blink and say What? on occasion. The application is ideal for cautious Mac users who want layered protection without complexity. This, paired with a generous 60-day trial period, makes testing it a no-brainer. AVG Internet Security for Mac is available as a 60-day trial period before billing begins, which is a good reason to try it out. AVG Internet Security offers Computer Protection, Web & Email Protection, Hacks Attacks, and Payment Protection. A Smart Scan feature checks your virus definitions to make sure theyre up to date and scans for viruses and malware. A Ransomware Shield, Network Inspector, and Fake Website Shield features look things over to see where you stand in terms of your overall online presence and security. The set of whitelists and exceptions can be customized to hone in on files you want to scan and leave out areas you want to leave alone. Scans on external drives and specific folders are easy to set up and execute, the scheduling feature works well, the software can set up location configurations, and there are customization options for network security. A quick antiviral scan took a few minutes while a full scan of an entire NVME drive with 821GB of data on it took just over 5.5 hours to complete. Our tests with malware and phishing-based websites went well. The software, combined with macOSs Gatekeeper functionality to stop the vast majority of malware installations, quarantining them quickly and preventing installation. The software also prevented questionable external code from being loaded on suspect websites and blocked phishing sites from loading. AVG Internet Security for Mac caught an impressive amount of viral, phishing, and malware activity and did its job well, all while wrapped in a bright, friendly user interface thats easy to navigate. There are a few places for improvement with AVG Internet Security for Mac. One criticism is that the scheduled scan feature doesnt readily display that the scan is taking place. Also, during testing, the software allowed a fake version of Adobe Flash Player to be installed. If you do override the macOS Gatekeeper and AVG security features and install malware, AVG Internet Security does a good job of removing it. Have a look at its 60-day trial to see what works for you. Alternatively try out the free AVG AntiVirus for the Mac which covers all the bases: blocking viruses and malware from websites, downloads, and email attachments. AV Test, March 2025: 100% AV Comparatives, AV Comparatives, June 2024: 100% Mac Malware Protection, 98% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Get AVG Internet Security or AVG AntiVirus for the Mac . Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 4. Avast Premium Security Great suite of tools at a good price Pros Doesnt impact performance Caught problem test files Cons Slow manual scanning No option for single device license Price When Reviewed: From $34.68 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $34.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: Mac, PC, iOS and Android Avast Premium Security for Mac delivers robust protection with flexible scan options, smart network tools, and strong defenses against browser hacks and ransomware. Its clean interface makes it easy to use, though theres a definite feature gating behind higher tiers, which is annoying. The software is best for Mac users seeking premium protection or savvy users opting for the solid free versions available for download. There are four Mac antivirus products from Avast. The paid for Avast Premium Security and Avast One , and the free Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . Avast Free Antivirus is a free version of Avast Premium Security, while Avast One Essential offers additional features like ransomware protection, privacy protection, and data leak detection. Avast Premium Security is a well-featured suite that protects your Mac from various threats, including browser script hacks, ransomware, and remote attack activity. It includes modules such as Virus Scans, Core Shields, Traffic Monitor, Network Inspector, Email Guardian, Ransomware Shield, and Quarantine, all easily accessible from the home screen. Virus scan options include Smart Scan, Deep Scan, Targeted Scan, or External Storage Scan. The Traffic Monitor shows data usage and bandwidth usage, while Network Inspector scans the network for safety and alerts users when unfamiliar devices join the network. Core Shields prevents fake websites from loading and triggering software. The main frustration with Avast Premium Security is its subscription-based model, but that tends to be standard these days. Some features are only available on the Avast Ultimate subscription tier. Those looking to save money can try the two free Antivirus for Mac solutions, Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . If you want just a virus scanner, we recommend Avasts Free Antivirus, which is the free version of Avast Premium Security. Avast One offers some additional functions and a different interface, but and annoys with intensive advertising for paid functions. You can get Avast Premium Security for Mac here . Also consider Avast One , Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . AV Test, March 2025: 100% AV Comparatives, June 2024: Approved, 100% Mac Malware Protection, 98% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. McAfee Total Protection Good protection for up to five devices Pros Good price point for five devices Secure VPN offers a good set of basic tools Cons Poor ID Protection and WebAdvisor features Laggy performance and system freezes Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android , ChromeOS McAfee Total Protection 2025 covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Its a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. McAfee Total Protection is a well-known antivirus and security software that offers a range of features, including anti-viral, anti-malware, identity protection, VPN, and scheduling tools. However, there are some issues. It excels in its core antivirus and antimalware protection. The Real-Time Protection feature scans mounted external drives on the fly, effectively preventing malware installation despite warnings. It complements macOSs GateKeeper feature by alerting users to suspicious software. The Custom Scan feature allows for targeted scanning of specific folders and local volumes, while the customization options enable the standard behaviour of suspect files, such as quarantine and deletion. The Secure VPN client is a basic VPN that lets you choose a location, activate it, and enable or disable the VPN feature based on your network. It functions well, but its feature and customization options may be limited for hardcore VPN users. However, there are issues. The most concerning bug is that installing McAfee Total Protection 2025 caused our MacBook Pros performance to lag and eventually crash, which required a reboot. Antivirus scans may remove suspect files, but they dont provide file names or locations. Instead, users must return to the home screen and pull up the History window, adding extra steps. McAfee occasionally sends emails informing users of potential data breaches, but these emails lack specific details. This contrasts sharply with haveibeenpwned.com, which allows users to enter their email addresses, view breached data, and suggest password changes. McAfees WebAdvisor feature hasnt been updated in over twelve months and lets users visit suspicious websites from their spam folder without warning. McAfee Total Protection 2025 offers essential features like virus protection and basic VPN functionality. However, it struggles with ID protection, WebAdvisor functionality, system performance. You can get McAfee Total Protection here . Read our full McAfee Total Protection review 6. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Pros High malware detection rate Cons Didnt detect some malware Fewer extra features Price When Reviewed: $29.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) $29.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory. While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, its a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss. Trend Micro Antivirus provides excellent antivirus protection. When tested with Objective See Mac Malware, the application detected and deleted almost all malware, except for a fake Adobe Flash Player extension that macOS removed. A scheduling feature allows daily, weekly, or monthly setup and execution, enabling the application to run autonomously. Folder Shield offers boosted protection for various user folders and allows creating a Trusted Program list. It also scans inserted USB drives by default. The Web Protection module includes Privacy Scanner, Web Threat Protection, and Website Filter elements, which can block controversial content and allow users to add and block trusted websites. The quick access to the logs, which cover scan results, unsafe websites found, filtered websites, updates received, folder shield, and dangerous notifications, impressed me. While this version of Trend Micro Antivirus isnt designed for sysadmins, system logs are useful for monitoring system activity, and the pre-sorted logs are helpful. Unfortunately there are a few issues. The installation was trickier than expected, requiring manual configuration of extensions. The Web Protection feature doesnt effectively warn or protect against websites associated with spam folders, allowing users to access sites offering free prepaid Visa cards, Bitcoin payouts, and online casino gambling. In use, Trend Micro Antivirus stated twice that full disk access wasnt granted during testing despite correct settings, requiring uninstallation and reinstall twice. This may be a bug between Trend Micro Antivirus and macOS Sequoia 15.5. Apple and Trend Micro should collaborate to identify the issue. When working correctly, the application is impressive. It effectively blocked most malware, offered high customization options, and provided ready access to help and feedback boards. While the Web Protection feature could benefit from clearer warnings for scams and phishing attempts, it meets the needs of its target market. AV Test, March 2025: 100% Read our full Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac review 7. Norton 360 Good value antivirus Pros Easy-to-use & effective Multiple device cover Minimal performance impact Cons No backup on macOS Didnt spot threats in zip files Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $49.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Norton 360 for Mac packs solid protection, smart tools like Dark Web monitoring and cloud backup, and thoughtful customization, provided youre willing to dig around through the preferences and settings. It nails most threats, but misses some like OSX.Proton and struggles with .zip scans. The software is ideal for security-minded users comfortable with light troubleshooting and system-level tweaks, but it also may be a bit too intense for casual users whod like minimal setup. Norton 360 is easy to download and install, and works fairly well. It provides protection in Mac OS X 10.10 or later. The Standard package protects one device. For more devices (including Macs, iPhones or PCs), the Deluxe or Select package are required. The software offers 110GB of cloud-based backup, a password manager, a basic VPN client, and Dark Web monitoring. Within Norton 360 for Mac youll find a Startup Manager module, File Cleanup module, and Dark Web protection module. With antiviral monitoring and scanning its easy to create white lists and exceptions as well as schedule scans, including of external volumes like USB thumb drives. However, the application still cant perform scans on .zip files, I had to decompress the text drive of sample infections before it could see them. The VPN is basic but easy to configure your preferred country of origin and initiate a connection. The password manager is reliable and includes a downloadable recovery key. There is an admirable level of possible customization on the firewall, although technical knowledge is needed. In our tests, the software was successful in catching a good amount of viral activity, with 25 individual infections detected on a test drive after scanning it. However, Norton 360 for Mac missed the OSX.Proton malware. Extensions for web browsers and Norton Private Browser are included. These warn about spam and phishing-based websites, but still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links. There are bugs, for example, when using Cloud Backup were we were unable to successfully click the Get Started with Backup button and create an initial backup set for the cloud. AV Test, March 2025: 100% You can get Norton 360 here . Read our full Norton 360 review 8. Avira Prime Well designed antivirus allrounder Pros Easy to use Full VPN Wont slow down your Mac Cons No fine-tuning scan options Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avira Prime (first year, 5 devices) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Avira Prime, the paid version of Aviras free antiviral software Avira Free Security (see our review) , provides several tools.Avira Prime is designed around several modules (Virus Scans, Protection Options, Quarantine, VPN, Passwords, Cookie Cleaner, Identity Assistant, Junk Cleaner, Uninstaller, and Startup Apps). Each module can be customized and configured as needed. The software installs cleanly and requests permission to fully access the hard drive. The Quick Scan can take less than 10 seconds, while a Full Scan took over six hours to look over 800+ gigabytes of files on a one terabyte SSD. The Custom Scan feature allows files and folders to be dropped in for quick scanning as well as external volumes to be scanned through as needed. There is a scheduler so you can program scans in advance. You can minimize Avira Prime and work with other applications as the scan continues which is lucky because the Full Scan took over six hours to complete. Avira Prime located and quarantined several minor worm files, but missed suspect files such as the Wave web browser, which has been implicated in assorted phishing scams. Cookie Cleaner module allows you to view and clean up cookie data, helpfully grouping cookies into different categories to make it easy to remove tracking and ads-based items in different browsers. Junk Cleaner reclaimed a decent 55GB of space when we tried it. Theres also an uninstaller manager for cleaning up deleted apps and managing those that start automatically. Identity Assistant can track your email addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, bank accounts, physical addresses, drivers license, and so on, to check for any illicit activity.The included Password Manager is a combination of local system and browser extensionsplus a web-based management console with its own master password. The password manager and junk files cleaner are included in both free and paid-for versions of Avira. Where Prime differs from the Free Security version is that you get full, use of the VPN service instead of a 500MB per month limit. The VPN can also block malicious website content. You can get Avira Prime here. Also consider Avira Free Security for Mac . Read our full Avira Free Security for Mac review . AV Test, March 2025: 98.2% Read our full Avira Prime review 9. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Pros Doesnt slow down your Mac Effective real-time protection Unobtrusive browsing protection Cons No password manager Limited VPN No identity protection Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac covers: macOS, Bitdefender Total Security covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers fast scans, solid real-time protection, and a clean install process. While it fumbles on some pre-existing threats and Safari phishing defense, its a reliable day-to-day application. Bitdefender is arguably ideal for users wanting basic, no-fuss Mac protection with the option to scale up to Total Security for multi-platform coverage should they desire. Bitdefender has a number of solutions for the Mac, including a free option. Theres Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac , which offers basic protection for up to three Macs, Bitdefender Total Security , which protects up to five devices (macOS, iOS, Windows and Android), and Bitdefenders free Virus Scanner for Mac , which we review here: Bitdefenders free Virus Scanner Review. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is easy to download, install, and assign full drive permissions. It offers a speedy Quick Scan mode that performs a quick overview and locate, quarantine, and remove viral candidates within a few minutes as well as a Full Scan mode which runs in the background so you can continue to work. External volumes such as USB flash drives can be scanned. There isnt much in the way of malware that gets by it. However, we found the applications ability to locate and neutralize malware that was already on the system mixed it missed four significant pieces of malware. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers anti-phishing protection in the form of web browser extensions for the Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. These offered varying degrees of success. Under Safari, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offered no prominent phishing protection, allowing us to visit questionable websites with no warning whatsoever. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers an anti-tracker for web browsers and access to a VPN with basic functionality and a limit of 200MB a day. It encourages you to update to the full version, there are better VPNs for Mac out there. There is a 30-day trial available.There is also the more expensive Bitdefender Total Security which includes Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac as well as coverage for iOS, Android and Windows which offers a license that covers five devices, including Macs, Windows, Android and iOS and has a 30-day trial available. AV Test, March 2025: 100% AV Comparatives, AV Comparatives, June 2024: 100% Mac Malware Protection, 99% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review 10. CleanMyMac Pros Easy to use and a nice interface Subscription or one-time purchase available Cons Left some adware and malware behind Price When Reviewed: $47.40/a year for 1 Mac, $119.95 for 1 Mac (one time purchase) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (first year, 1 device) $47.40 View Deal MacPaw (one time purchase) $117.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Despite its vast marketing campaign which seems to frantically wave its arms at you on every device you own, CleanMyMac shines as a system optimizer with a sleek interface and solid customization. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past. This is best suited for users who want a fast, user-friendly Mac cleaner with some malware protection, not those needing robust, full-time antivirus defense. The thing about CleanMyMac is that it is a Mac Cleaner and optimizer first and an antivirus second, but the fact that CleanMyMacs antivirus protection is built into the suite of tools makes it worth assessing as an antivirus solution. The question is whether if you use CleanMyMac for its primary purpose, will it also protect you from malware? Looking at CleanMyMac as an antivirus tool, we found that the software offers a good level of customization, and its easy to choose between the three scan modes (Quick Scan, Balanced Scan, and Deep Scan), each of them offering quick performance as CleanMyMac scans your hard drive and external drives. Its also easy to configure scan behaviors, such as whether or not to include external drives in your scans or target .DMG files, and whitelists can also be created to exclude specific volumes and folders from the scans. In our tests results were mixed though. The software teamed up well with macOS GateKeeper feature, stopping questionable software that hasnt been signed as safe by Apple from being installed, but it was still possible to get a fair amount of malware past these systems and on to our Mac. The Quick Scan feature caught two elements from CrossRat and a threat in the form of the infamous AdWind malware. The Balanced Scan function was able to root out most of the Elite Keylogger malware. The Deep Scan feature found the remnants of the AdWind malware, but we had to dig that out with a third-party utility. CleanMyMac was able to catch some elements of malware as they were being opened for the first time, but there were questionable chunks of software that remained even after theyd purportedly been removed and the Mac had been rebooted. CleanMyMac also offered no tangible warning against visiting questionable websites and allowed us to click on every questionable link to be found in Gmails Spam folder without warning. The interface is excellent, and MacPaw makes good use of its potentially great MoonLock antiviral engine to catch a fair amount of viral activity, but it still left adware and malware behind. Read our full CleanMyMac review 11. BitMedic Pro Antivirus $10 option Pros Fast, simple to use. One-time $10/10 payment. Good external drive scanning and scheduling tools. Cons Clunky user interface. Buggy, occasional application crashes. Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mac App Store (one off payment) $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but its begun to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection. BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a good antiviral program, albeit with some shortcomings that need to be worked through, not least the fact that this hasnt been updated since 2020. The program, which retails for $9.99/9.99/CA$9.99 on the Mac App Store , which is a real bonus. It features a nice complement of tools, including an Antivirus Scan module, an Adware Cleaner module, a Result Log, a Custom Scan module, a Browser Privacy module, and a System Settings module that allows you to schedule deep scans, customize system behaviors, and create a whitelist of files not to scan. Initial tests with the Antivirus Scan modules quick scan and deep scan went well and BitMedic Pro Antivirus was able to find several phishing-based emails. The application crashed twice during testing though. Frustratingly, there was a lack of specific descriptions as to what the infected files were and their full location, even after a drop-down arrow was clicked. The inclusion of an Adware Cleaner module is a nice touch it performs well, and runs quickly. The Browser Privacy module functions as a quick and easy way to clean up your history, auto logins, bookmarks, remove all extensions, and reset the preferences on your browser, but this is an all-or-nothing option and wed prefer to disable or delete individual extensions. The price point, is very appealing, but there are a few elements that let it down. Read our full BitMedic Pro Antivirus review 12. Sophos Home Premium for Mac Pros Reasonable protection. Reasonably priced for 10 devices. Cons Awkward web-based dashboard interface. Difficulties scanning an external or network volume. Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sophos (first year, 10 device) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows. Its best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination. Sophos Home Premium is a well-rounded anti-piracy/anti-malware suite, its core modules centering around antivirus protection, web protection, ransomeware protection, and malicious traffic detection. The software is available for a good price to protect up to 10 devices. In the past Sophos offered a free version of its Home product with just the antivirus protection and website protection. That was discontinued in late 2021. There is a free 30-day trial. We had some issues installing and getting the software set up. Everything is controlled via the Menu Bar icon and a web-based dashboard and its not always clear it is running. Once youve signed in, its easy enough to customize and configure core elements such as actions that occur when malware is found, scan scheduling, and web filtering, and elements such as accessible scan logs and network file scanning. You can choose between quick scans and full scans, which can take several hours and cover the full extent of the hard drive. While the scan scheduling feature worked well, it only allows you to set schedule times set to every 30 minutes (11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, etc). Scanning an external volume such as a thumb drive or network volume feels is harder than it should. You can configure Web Filtering options to allow blocking for certain categories, such as adult content. The filters work reasonably well and its easy enough to create a whitelist to provide exceptions. Theres room for improvement. Although Sophos Home Premium functions well with macOSs GateKeeper feature and caught and filtered a respectable amount of test malware, it allowed the AdWind malware and an infected copy of Adobe Flash Player to be installed. We had to use another utility to remove the AdWind malware. Read our full Sophos Home Premium for Mac review 13. Eset Home Security Pros Good level of antiviral protection Customization and preference options Cons A few bugs Promised password manager and encryption features missing Price When Reviewed: Essential: $49.99 a year for one device; Premium: $59.99 a year for one device Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ESET (first year, 1 device) $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket ESET Home Security Premium completes its primary task of antiviral and malware prevention well, and theres an excellent level of customization, but several bugs need to be fixed and key features are missing. ESET Home Security offers antivirus, malware protection, Real-time File System Protection, a password manager, and encryption. It downloads and installs cleanly from ESETs website and provides a 30-day trial with an email address. The price varies based on the number of devices and subscription years. It covers Macs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets. An ESET Home app is available for iPhone and iPad. The Settings menu offers various options, including blacklists and whitelists, detection levels, access to logs and proxy servers, reactions to new volumes, and extensive customization. Scheduled scans can be set up for local or cloud drives, and updated software versions can be manually rolled back. A Submit a Sample feature allows users to send suspect files for ESET analysis. ESET Home Security Premium offers mixed protection against viruses and malware. macOS GateKeeper feature and ESETs protection layers prevented most malware installation and ESETs initial scan quietly quarantined suspect files without incident, but it let AdWind malware and a fake Adobe Flash Player through. Some bugs have been fixed since we last looked at ESET in mid 2024, and drive scan times have improved. The scheduler feature now activates scans as promised. However, the software lacks a progress bar or elapsed time readout during scans. The included Password Manager is available only via an app downloaded through the Mac App Store, and the promised encryption features are missing. Despite its ease of use, including scanning target volumes, performing background tasks, and customising settings, ESET Home Security Premium lacks critical features advertised in its marketing. The developers should review the advertised features and deliver whats been promised. ESETs phishing protection is minimal, as it allowed me to visit questionable websites linked to suspect emails without warning. ESET Home Security Premium is effective at preventing viruses and malware, but it has several bugs that need fixing. While it offers good customization and improved scan speeds, features like the Scheduler and phishing protection dont work, and key features like a password manager and encryption tool are missing. Read our full Eset Home Security review 14. Malwarebytes Premium Security Pros Friendly user interface. Impressive scan speed. Reliable malware removal. Cons Left some malware. Lacks custom scan feature. Features from the Windows version not included. Price When Reviewed: Standard: $44.99 a year for one device; Plus (inc VPN): $59.99 a year; Total: $94.99 a year (usually $189.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac is a slick, speedy tool with strong malware detection and a user-friendly interface, but lacks deeper customization, external volume scanning, effective web protection, and Windows-specific features that have yet to make it over to the macOS platform. This is best for casual users wanting set-it-and-forget-it defense with its built-in VPN feature, not for power users needing granular control or airtight, all-surface threat coverage. Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac offers antiviral, VPN, and Real-Time Protection features. There is also a free antivirus from Malwarebytes which we look at here: Malwarebytes Free Antivirus Review. Malwarebytes Premium builds on the free version of Malwarebytes , which is reasonably good at hunting down and removing some of the peskiest viruses and malware, but was thwart with bugs and crashes when we tested it. The paid-for version sports a bright, friendly user interface and a good array of features. It includes quick viral scans, functional scheduling for scans, decent customization elements including whitelist creation, a good VPN client, and Real-Time protection that keeps an eye on whats attempting to be installed. The software performed well, offering speedy scans. Malwarebytes was able to quarantine and remove almost all the malware I installed, although it left elements behind such as the controversial Wave web browser, an incompatible version of MacSecurity, and a fake Adobe Album application. The VPN isnt as customizable as a dedicated VPN client, but it performs well and gets the job done.See our review of the Malwarebytes VPN . There doesnt seem to be a custom scan element that allows you to easily scan an external volume such as a thumb drive, and the Real-Time Protection feature doesnt kick in and scan an external volume once its mounted, nor can you drag and drop a volume into Malwarebytes for it to scan which you can do in the Windows version of Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes offers no warnings against questionable websites and links either. Read our full Malwarebytes Premium Security review Best Free Mac Antivirus Looking for a free antivirus for Mac? Here are our top recommendations that we have reviewed: Avast Security for Mac (read our review) offers a free option alongside the Premium plan. Get it here . Avira Free Antivirus for Mac (read our review) is free and also includes a VPN. Get it here . AVG Antivirus For Mac (read our review) free version offers basic features. Get it here . Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac (read our review) is free to use. Get it here . Intego VirusBarrier Scanner (read our review) free virus scanner. Get it here . Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac (read our review) has a free version as well as a paid version. Get it here . Other antivirus for Mac software tested We test lots of Mac antivirus apps but not all of them make the cut and appear in our round up of the Best Mac Antivirus. We have also reviewed the following: Total AV Antivirus Pro Total Defense Antivirus for Mac ClamXav F-Secure Total for Mac We wouldnt advise installing any program without first checking our antivirus software reviews . And while you will find some free options below, if value for money is your most important criteria you should also check out our best Mac antivirus deals . (For PCs, see our sister site PCWorlds guide to the best Windows antivirus .) How we test Mac Antivirus Each software package is evaluated by creating a clean installation of macOS, cloning it for each antivirus product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This is to ensure that previous app installations dont interfere with new ones sometimes antivirus software treats other antivirus software as an infection. We consider the strength of protection against threats (online and offline), and how well it addresses the ever-expanding types of attacks. We spend time using the software. Ease of use and user interface is important because if the software is too complicated people will not use it, it should be easy to find the tools users need, and alerts should make sense and be relevant. Equally performance really matters because if an app slows down your Mac you are likely to turn that app off. We also look at the features on offer. The best antivirus suites go beyond the basics of real-time protection and deeper scans, adding features like password managers and firewalls, some incorporate a VPN. However, we do assess whether these extras are helpful, or just unnecessary additions. In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware on our Mac, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST . These laboratories test antivirus software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware). The latter doesnt damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus for Mac software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware. We also test Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective. We also evaluate pricing, which more often than not comes in the form of an annual subscription with different tiers of features. We advice on the best options based on value for money. We also track the best Antivirus for Mac deals. Finally, while we gave props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we mark down products if they lack any or all of the following: A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection Ransomware monitoring Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy A high score on Windows malware detection Why you can trust Macworlds antivirus experts Macworld has been here testing Mac software since our conception alongside the launch of the Mac in 1984, so we know Macs better than anyone. When it comes to antivirus apps we recognise that despite Apples built-in systems to combat the threat of malware, in the current climate there is value in adding an extra layer of protection, to that end we continually evaluate the best Mac antivirus software. Our Mac antivirus software reviewers have worked in the industry for decades and have experience working with clients and fixing their problems. How to choose the best Mac Antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy to use interface that works well on a Mac which is one reason why we recommend Integos antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate not just for Mac viruses, but crucially for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses onto Windows using friends and clients. Other things that make one antivirus better than another is the low use of systen resorces especially if your Mac isnt the most powerful model out there. Another factor is the type and number of devices you want to protect are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget will also be a factor. Do you want to tie into a subscription model or would you prefer a one-time payment? Some antivirus apps do still offer this. Different vendors offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you dont need all those extra features. Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison Developer Product name USB scan Ransomware protection Adware prevention Anti phishing protection Email protection Firewall VPN iOS version Parental Controls Support Trial Price Intego Internet Security X9 Y Y N Y N Y N Y Y Y 7 days $49.99/49.99/ ye ($24.99/20.99 /yr deal) AVG AntiVirus for Mac N N N N Y N N Y N N 60 days Free (Paid for version is $2.49 per month for one year / $2.39 a month for two-years / $2.29 a month for three-years) Norton 360 Deluxe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $39.99/34.99/yr McAfee Total Protection Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $34.99/34.99/yr Avast Premium Security Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y 60 days $44.99/39.99/yr Bitdefender Total Security Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $39.97/34.99/yr Eset Cyber Security Pro Y Y N Y Y Y N N Y Y 30 days $49.95/39.95/yr Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $39.99/49.95 Avira Prime Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $99.99/85.99 Best Mac Antivirus: Buying Advice FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and dont require protection. Wed argue that they are wrong, or at very least overconfident. Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren because macOS is a Unix-based operating system, which means it is sandboxed. This is like having a series of fire doors: even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to other areasof the machine. But while they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs, it is not impossible. The Silver Sparrow malware was detected on Macs powered by the M1 processor and infected hundreds of thousands of Macs. And its just one example there have been many more since. You can read more about this topic in our article do Macs need antivirus? More general advice can be found in our Mac security tips ; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should see how to remove a virus from a Mac . 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? All Mac antivirus software packages find viruses using both on-demand- and always-on protection. The former examines individual files either during scheduled scans or when you decide to run one. This can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of files, and some antivirus products will hog your Macs processor power to prioritize the scan, so its worth selecting a convenient time. Always-on malware protection protects you when a scan is not currently active. If malware arrives perhaps via an email or a downloaded file your antivirus software should detect and quarantine it. Quarantining a file involves moving it to a safe folder, allowing you to decide what to do with it. Youll typically receive a notification of the discovered malware, but some Mac antivirus products can be more informative than others in these notifications (something we keep in mind in our testing). The effectiveness of this on-demand and always-on virus protection is absolutely the most important thing when it comes to choosing Mac antivirus, but additional features may also affect your choice. Many Mac security suites now include ransomware protection. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to decrypt them. An anti-ransomware feature will typically block any app from writing to a users home folders, such as Documents or Photos, unless that app has been whitelisted. Some apps, such as Microsoft Word, are pre-approved, and you can whitelist any that you trust. Web protection via browser plugins or extensions is also a common component and aims to stop you (or your children) from visiting infected websites or handing over personal information when you shouldnt. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? One of the add-ons you might find with Mac security products, although also commonly sold separately, is Mac VPN (virtual private network). For many users, these are of interest because they can mask your location and allow you to view things (like streaming series) that are otherwise off-limits in your location. But they also have a very real benefit for security, protecting your internet connection by encrypting it, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. In this day and age we should all be using VPNs and, while wed recommend buying a dedicated Mac VPN product, one built into your antivirus software is better than nothing just be prepared to be nagged to upgrade to the full product. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value is perceived differently by all users: for some the best value Mac antivirus is the free one, and for others, it is the one that is affordable but includes the most useful add-ons. We prefer to consider value in terms of which is the best all-round offering, rather than the budget deal. That said, there are ways you can save money even on the more expensive products. Bear in mind that all antivirus for Mac apps are sold as yearly subscriptions, and often the first year has a hefty discount. When that first year is up, theres nothing stopping you switching to another product and benefiting from that discount again. Alternatively, opt for a three- or even five-year subscription to save even more money and why not: its not like viruses are going to disappear in the meantime and you wont need it. Some of the best Mac antivirus products can also cater to your other devices and not just iPads and iPhones, but also Windows and Android devices. If you have multiple devices in your household, this can present a huge saving. Take a look at our recommendations of the Best Mac Antivirus deals , which includes the cheapest options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. Its important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, dont believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but its worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isnt a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we havent recommended it here, and thats simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper . 6. What cant Mac antivirus protect from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing youre completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. Thats not quite the case. While theres no reason to panic, you should still practice caution and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means youll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computers hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer thats being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a given third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apples virus protection? Its actually very good, and there isnt much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features, but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what theyre doing. Still, the protection is present, its updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS. Although the techies unwritten code tends to be to install a free copy of Malwarebytes on your Mac, keep it updated, and run it on occasion to weed out things macOSs security features might miss and clean them up.

Those Apple AI rumors arent all that Perplexing when you think Intelligently about it

Macworld I dont know if youre in the know like the Macalope but it seems to this antlered observer that Apple may have a bit of an AI problem on its hands. And it might be getting worse. Reuters reports that Apple is being sued by shareholders for allegedly overstating AI progress . Turns out shareholders dont like it when you talk up stuff and then dont deliver on it. Oopsies. Who knew? (Apple actually knew.) Now, shareholders sometimes also sue with no real chance of winning and there is a difference between saying things in a marketing context, such as an advertisement, in which you can make up all sorts of crap, and a financial context, like the companys quarterly investment calls with analysts in which you have to be much more careful about what you say. The investor suits claims: Apple led them to believe AI would be a key driver of iPhone 16 devices, when it launched Apple Intelligence to make Siri more powerful and user-friendly. Anyone who really believed that should not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle, let alone be a big-time money investor type person. How these people get a lot of money in the first place is beyond the Macalope. Unless its by inheriting it in which case he completely gets it. But they said the Cupertino, California-based company lacked a functional prototype of AI-based Siri features Welcome to Vaporgate, the lawsuit. Is Apple now grasping around for an easy way to put its AI problem behind it? Bloombergs Mark Gurman says maybe: Apple Executives Have Held Internal Talks About Buying AI Startup Perplexity . Who among us hasnt gone shopping to try to cure feelings of inadequacy? Todd, you know what the Macalopes talking about. That 3D printer? The table saw? All those classic black and white Criterion Collection movies you never watch because youre too busy watching Cocaine Bear again? Its not a subtle commentary on social mores, Todd! Its about a bear that gets into some cocaine! Anyway, who could deny Apple trying to buy its way out of this situation? Well, Apple, possibly, as it appears this probably isnt really going to happen. The Macalope has had internal talks with himself about buying lots of things he never came close to buying. But also, Samsung, which Gurman says is trying to strike its own deal with Perplexity that would complicate any potential deal with Apple. There is some question as to where this information is coming from. Is Gurman getting this from sources inside Apple, or is coming from Perplexity, as Nick Heer suggests ? p If youd like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters , including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast , David Prices weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors. IDG Heer notes that Gurmans story didnt start this rumor; it was preceded by an analysts call for Apple to buy Perplexity. Well, technically, the analyst said Apple must buy Perplexity, but thats just analyst talk for saying why Apple should or maybe even just could buy Perplexity. If you write a big-time Wall Street piece and its not absolutely pants-on-fire about why Apple has to make its biggest acquisition ever right now or its existence will be retroactively wiped from the timeline, will anyone read it? Turns out no one knows because no analyst has ever done that. Several stories about Apple considering buying Perplexity later, it seems like its maaaybe Perplexity itself calling around and saying, We are a very hot property right now! Apple is in the mix! If you want to buy us, youd better hurry! And also be willing to spend lots and lots of money. So hot right now. [beat] Please, were begging you. Far be it from the Macalope to tell Tim Cook how to spend his money (cough), but trying to magically buy its way out of this situation smacks of the kind of thinking that got it into this situation in the first place. Any time analysts say Apple must do a thing, you can almost assuredly bet that its the wrong thing to do. Like, just an example off the top of the Macalopes head, trying to rush an AI offering to market.

iPhone 17: Everything we know so far about the 2025 iPhones

Macworld It doesnt take long for iPhone rumors to circulate. Its one of the most iconic and influential tech gadgets of all time, and everyone wants to know whats coming next. That Apple is so secretive only heightens the appeal of iPhone rumors and leaks. So it should come as little surprise that iPhone 17 rumors, leaks, and info started to circulate months before the iPhone 16 was even formally announced. Heres everything we know so far, but dont take any of it as solid info: even when early rumors are accurate, plans can change, and nothing is ever certain until Apple announces it. What was announced at WWDC? Apple didnt reveal anything new about the iPhone 17, but we learned that iOS 26 will bring a lot of exciting new features to all iPhone users. A new Liquid Glass design language uses translucent layers and specular highlights to give all the interface elements a glass-like look that adds depth and realism to the user experience a look and feel that will consistent across all Apple devices. Many of the iPhone apps are getting updates as well. The Phone app will feature a Call Screening option for vet incoming calls, and a Hold Assist function to detect hold music and let you know when someone has picked up. Messages will gain the ability to create polls in group texts for quick and easy consensus-taking on dates to meet or places to eat, and the like. Maps will use AI to make navigation more personalized with preferred routes and previously visited places. See our article on how iOS changes everything and what is new in iOS 26 to learn more about these features and many others. iPhone 17 release date: When is the next iPhone coming out? Heres something we do know: The new iPhone lineup is almost always announced in Septemberusually on a Tuesday in the second week of September, to be specific. So we would expect the iPhone 17 line to be announced on or around September 9, 2025 . Heres when the most recent models were released: iPhone 15: September 12, 2023 iPhone 14: Sepember 7, 2022 iPhone 13: Sepember 14, 2021 i Phone 12: October 13, 2020 (delayed due to Covid) Historically, preorders for the iPhone begin on the Friday after the announcement, and the phones ship a week later. On occasion, some specific models may ship a couple of weeks later than others due to production issues. So expect pre-orders around September 12 and on sale from September 19 . iPhone 17: Price We havent yet heard if the iPhone 17 line will cost the same as the iPhone 16 line. Most rumors suggest the Plus model will be replaced by the new super-slim Air model, which will take over its price in the lineup as well: iPhone 17 : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($799) iPhone 17 Pro : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,099) iPhone 17 Pro Max : 6.86-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,199) iPhone 17 Air : 6.65-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($899) This would mean a significant upward shift in overall iPhone pricing, with the Pro model jumping up $100 and a new model replacing the Plus with a price of $100 more than the Pro Max. Now that Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e there may also be an iPhone 17e joining the lineup in September 2025, although we dont know if it will be updated in September 2025, or if that model wont arrive until spring 2026. The price is likely to be $599 for the iPhone 17e, unless Apple introduces an iPhone 17e in place of the iPhone 15, with a price of $699, in which case the iPhone 16e could remain in the lineup with its $599 price tag. iPhone 17: Colors In April, Majin Bu reported that the iPhone 17 Pro models will come in a new and irresistible sky blue color. That would be the second product with that color, following the M4 MacBook Air. The iPhone 16 comes in five colors including Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black.The iPhone 16 Pro comes in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium, which are reminiscent of the classic gold and space gray options. There were rumors that the iPhone 16 would also come in purple, so perhaps thats in the pipeline for 2025. Leaker Majin Bu posted a later story claiming that Apple is testing new Purple and Green colors for the base iPhone 17, though only one may be selected for the final production run. iPhone 17: New slimmer iPhone 17 Air model Several analysts have reported that the existing Plus model will be replaced by a new Slim model with a larger screen size and a much thinner body. Analyst Jeff Pu was the first to report this change (in May 2024), and in the same month, The Information reported on the Slim model , stating that it would be a new even-higher-end model that sits above Pro Max in the lineup and would have a centered rear camera and a smaller Dynamic Island. The much slimmer size will come at the expense of battery capacity, as there just isnt room for a battery as thick as you find in other iPhones. Leaker yeux1122 has said the battery capacity is to be around 2,800mAh , which is more than 20% less than the battery in any iPhone 16 model. A report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in August 2024 claimed the new model will fit between the standard iPhone and the Pro: If you want something snazzier than a standard iPhonebut dont really need the performance, screen size, or cameras of a Pro modelyou can get something that looks much cooler while still having the specifications of a regular iPhone. A report from Jeff Pu in November 2024 claims that the iPhone 17 Air/Slim will be around 6mm thick . Thats thinner than any iPhone so far. The iPhone 16, for context, is 7.8mm thick. The thinnest new iPad Pro is 5.1mm thick. In May, yuex1122 said the phone will be only 5.5mm thick (aside from the camera bump) and weigh just 145 grams, which is According to Koreas Sisa Journal in January 2025, the so-called iPhone 17 Air will be 6.25mm thick and cost in the same price range as the iPhone 16 Plus (starting at $899 U.S.). A medium post from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the thinnest part of the new ultra-slim iPhone is just 5.5mm thick , but its difficult to know what that means without more context. The camera bump, according to Weibo leaker Ice Universe , will be 4.0mm thick , bringing the total phone thickness to 9.5mm at the camera. In October 2024 Pu said he expects the phone to have an A19 chip (not A19 Pro), 8GB of RAM, around a 6.6-inch display, an aluminum body, and a single 48MP rear camera. A leaked image in January reportedly showed the case of the new iPhone 17 Air, with a prominent camera bar design. Majin Bu/X Most recently, an episode of the YouTube channel Unboxed Therapy featured a dummy model version of the phone from a third-party supplier. Its our best look yet at the overall size and thin design. iPhone 17: Cameras All iPhone 17 models have been rumored to feature a 24MP front-facing camera . An October 2024 research note from analyst Jeff Pu added that the iPhone 17 Pro would feature a 48MP telephoto camera along with a new 24MP front camera . According to a later report from Majin Bu , the 48MP telephoto camera will have a zoom of 3.5x (85mm) , with an optical crop zoom mode similar to todays 48MP wide camera, so you can shoot 12MP 7x (160mm) shots before the digital zoom kicks in. A report from The Information in July 2024 claims that at least one model will feature a mechanical aperture , which would be new for iPhones but has been seen in a handful of Android phones so far. Some iPhone 17 models (maybe even all of them) will have a new camera bump , a wide rectangular raised area that stretches across the phone similar in style to Googles Pixel line. According to a leaked image of one iPhone 17 aluminum frame (we dont know from which model), it will be substantial in size. The Pro models are expected to have a camera bar design like the iPhone 17 Air, only larger and with three cameras in the familiar array. According to leaker Jon Prosser, it should look something like this: Front Page Tech / @Zellozi Months later, Mark Gurman clarified in his newsletter that the camera bump wont have a dark interior, but rather the entire area will match the color of the phone. In February 2025, veteran leaker Majin Bu leaked iPhone 17 CAD images that seemed to reveal three different camera designs . The images suggest that there will be not one or two but three different camera module designs on show. The two Pro models will have triple rear lenses embedded in a thick band that runs across the back of the phone, as predicted by Jon Prosser (above). The standard iPhone 17 will stick feature two lenses stacked vertically. And the rumored iPhone 17 Air will offer an iPhone 16e-like single camera lens on the rear in order to reduce costs and keep the chassis slim and light. Sonny Dickson A video posted by Majin Bu in June showed off the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including the new camera array that stretches across the back of the phone. iPhone 17: Rumored specs and features Various rumors suggest that the new iPhones could benefit from the following updates: Design and display The always-on display is supposed to finally be available on the non-Pro models . In addition, some believe that ProMotion will come to the non-Pro models, since the same LPTO technology that enables the always-on display is what makes ProMotion possible, in Apples iPhone implementation. If true, it would be the first time Apple has offered ProMotion on a non-Pro device. Apple is also said to be working with Corning on a new anti-glare and scratch-resistant glass for the iPhone 17 lineup. However, a report in May claimed that Apple had scrapped the new glass due to production issues. Dynamic Island The iPhone 17 Pro Max may have a smaller dynamic island . Rumors have changed back and forthJeff Pu said the dynamic island (or rather, the hardware pill that the island surrounds) will be smaller in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Then Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said it will be the same size as current models. Then leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo said it will indeed be smaller. Processor We dont know much about what chips will power the iPhone 17 line, but we expect the high-end models will get an A19 Pro , while the non-Pro models may get a standard or cut-back version of the A19, or perhaps a more souped up variant of the A18. A persistent rumor claims Apple will use a vapor chamber plate to distribute heat in the iPhone 17 Pro models, and leaker Majin Bu has an image of what is supposed to be some parts of it. Charging In June, 91mobiles spotted a new MagSafe charger compliant with the Q1 2.2 standard. That could mean that the iPhone 17 will support 50W charging over MagSafe, a massive boost over the current 25W capabilities in the iPhone 16. RAM Since Apple bumped every iPhone 16 model to 8GB of RAM due to the demands of Apple Intelligence, rumors have suggested Apple will increase the memory in the iPhone 17 Pro models to 12GB . In a report concerning RAM suppliers , Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple wants the regular iPhone 17 to feature 12GB as well , but supply shortages may be an issue. Wi-Fi When it comes to wireless, the cellular modem is likely to still be supplied by Qualcomm; Apples own efforts to produce a top-tier 5G modem seem to be stalled and likely wont be ready in time for next years iPhone 17 line. Wi-Fi 7 support seems likely, too. iPhone history The iPhone 16 range and the iPhone 16e are the current-generation models available from Apple. Below you can find links to our reviews of all iPhone models, including the latest generation. Learn more about all the new Apple products coming this year and when is the next Apple event . You might also want to check out our advice on when is the best time to buy a new iPhone , our iPhone buying guide , and our comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today . Original iPhone (2007) review iPhone 3G (2008) review iPhone 3GS (2009) review iPhone 4 (2010) review iPhone 4s (2011) review iPhone 5 (2012) review iPhone 5c (2013) review iPhone 5s (2013) review iPhone 6 (2014) review iPhone 6 Plus (2014) review iPhone 6s (2015) review iPhone 6s Plus (2015) review iPhone SE (1st generation; 2016) review iPhone 7 (2016) review iPhone 7 Plus (2016) review iPhone 8 (2017) review iPhone 8 Plus (2017) review iPhone X (2017) review iPhone XR (2018) review iPhone XS (2018) review iPhone XS Max (2018) review iPhone 11 (2019) review iPhone 11 Pro (2019) review iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) review iPhone SE (2nd generation; 2020) review iPhone 12 (2020) review iPhone 12 Mini (2020) review iPhone 12 Pro (2020) review iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) review iPhone 13 (2021) review iPhone 13 mini (2021) review iPhone 13 Pro (2021) review iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021) review iPhone SE (3rd generation; 2022) review iPhone 14 (2022) review iPhone 14 Plus (2022) review iPhone 14 Pro (2022) review iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022) review iPhone 15 (2023) review iPhone 15 Plus (2023) review iPhone 15 Pro (2023) review iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023) review iPhone 16 & 16 Plus review iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max review iPhone 16e review

iOS 26 beta 2 seemingly confirms the existence of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air

Macworld Until it launches in September, Apple wont officially acknowledge the existence of its long-rumored iPhone 17 Air , but the second beta of iOS 26 is already giving us some clues. Hidden in the system code, we found references to a new display resolution that doesnt match any current or previous iPhone model, but it matches the leaked resolution of the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. As seen by Macworld, the second iOS 26 developer beta , which was released on Monday, includes a new version of the iconic clownfish wallpaper with a resolution of 420912@3x, or 12602736 pixels. Theres no iPhone model with such a resolution, at least not yet. But heres where things get more interesting. The new resolution wallpaper we found matches a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last year, which claimed that the iPhone 17 Air would have a screen of around 6.6 inches with a resolution of approximately 12602740. In other words, the wallpaper all but confirms the existence of a new iPhone model with that exact display resolution. Given that iOS 26 will almost certainly be released in September along with the new iPhones, its clear that Apple is already making the final adjustments for the next-generation iPhone. Since other iOS 26 wallpapers dont have that resolution, most likely, the wallpaper was forgotten by Apple within the build released today for developers and shouldnt be seen by the public. According to rumors, the iPhone 17 Air will be just 5.5 millimeters thick, making it the thinnest iPhone ever released. It should weigh around 145 grams, much less than current iPhones. Were hoping to get our first hands-on with the new phone at an event in September 2025, but iOS 26 may have just given us our first concrete clue that the iPhone 17 Air is real and coming soon.

iOS 26 beta 2 is released to developers with a few new tweaks

Macworld As is tradition, Apple released beta versions of its new operating systems to developers on the first day of WWDC on June 9. Beta 1 is for developers onlythe public beta will begin in July, probably after two or three developer-only betas. The first beta release of iOS 26 has everything Apple demonstrated in its WWDC keynote: Liquid Glass , the new Phone app and features, the new Camera and Photos experience , and more. There are plenty of bugs and unrefined areas, as you would expect with the first beta release of a major new operating system update. Not everything is working as it should, and it is not advised to run this version of the OS unless youre a developer or have a high tolerance for buggy or unoptimized software. You can read all about all the new features in our iOS 26 superguide and find out the latest information about the iOS beta including when it will launch and how to install it in a separate story. Update June 23: Apple has released iOS 26 beta 2. This is still a developers-only release. The public beta is scheduled to start in July, likely after one or two more developer-only beta releases. Whats new in the latest beta release Heres whats new in the second beta of iOS 26: It appears to have added something called a Recovery Assistant. Its a mode meant to try to find and fix problems with your iPhone if it wont start up normally. Think of it as the iPhone equivalent of the Mac Recovery Mode. The second beta also makes that previously hidden new ringtone available as Reflection Alt 1. The Control Center has been tweaked to further blur the background and make the buttons a little more opaque, so its all easier to read. iOS 26: How to install the public beta The iOS 26 public beta test is expected to begin in July, but you can sign up now so youre ready for it. Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID. Log in to the Beta Software Program. Click Enroll your iOS device . Open the Settings app, tap General , then Software Update . In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta. It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update. iOS 26: How to install the developer beta Youll need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Heres how to do it via the Apple Developer app: Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store. Open the app. Tap on Account. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 26 superguide .

Best iPad for students 2025

Macworld Preparing for student life can be exciting and stressful. To make things easier, its good to know that youve got the right tech to help you with note taking, writing essays, and so you can kick back with Netflix and games when the work is done. The iPad has evolved in recent years to something that can now act as a laptop replacement for many students, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the most versatile devices you can buy. Choosing the best iPad can be tricky though. Apple currently offers a wide range of models with different prices and features, including the M4 iPad Pro updated in May 2024, the iPad mini A17 Pro that arrived in October 2024 and the and M3 iPad Air and iPad A16 that arrived in March 2025. Three of these iPads are capable of supporting Apple Intelligence , which is Apples AI tool that powers several features, but the iPad A16 doesnt support Apple Intelligence and its features centered around reading, writing and image generation. These AI features may be useful for you as a student, although they may also get you into trouble if you are seen to be using AI to write your essays! Can students get discounts on iPads? The good news is that, yes, students can get money off an iPad when buying from Apples education store in their country. Apple offers money off new iPad purchases to students in higher education all year round. The best time for students to buy a new iPad from Apple is during the summer months because Apple gives qualifying students a free gift such as a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil with the purchase of certain iPads and Macs. So, if youre a student about to start higher education, take advantage of the companys Back To School/Uni event which is running in the U.S. and Canada right now until late September. The offer will start in the U.K. and Europe in July and will run until October. Apple does a similar deal in January-March for Australia, New Zealand and other southern hemisphere locations. Read our guide to Apples Back To School offer . Another bonus if youre a student: you can get Apple Music for half price with free Apple TV+ included. How to get an iPad student discount If you are a student you can buy a discounted iPad by clicking on the link for Apples Education Store where you live: Apples U.S. Education Store Apples U.K. Education Store (in the U.K. you will need to verify your student status via UNiDAYS). Apples Canada Education Store Apples Australian Education Store Depending on your location you may only need to sign up with details of your student status and course and prove your identity. Some countries have less stringent checks than others. In the U.K., for example, you need to be registered with UNiDAYS in order to even see the student prices. We explain how to do this in our article How to get an Apple student discount . To qualify for a discount you need to meet Apples conditions. You either need to be a student in higher education, or a teacher at a teaching institution. The only way to get a discount for a child still at school is to be home educating them or to be a teacher yourself. If you cant get a student discount that doesnt mean you wont be able to get money off a new iPad though. Below we recommend the best iPads for students, and you will find links to the best prices at resellers where you are, some of which may be bigger discounts than those offered by Apple. Also read our round-up of the best iPad deals. How much can students save on an iPad? Students can save as much as $100 in the U.S., 100 in the U.K., $170 in Australia, and $150 in Canada if they buy from the Apple education store. You may find more money off at a third party reseller, see the best prices in the sections below. Product U.S. U.K. Australia Canada iPad (A16) MSRP $349 329 $599 $499 iPad (A16) Student Price $329 309 $559 $469 iPad mini (A17 Pro) MSRP $499 499 $799 $679 iPad mini (A17 Pro) Student Price $449 449 $719 $609 iPad Air (11-inch, M3) MSRP $599 599 $999 $799 iPad Air (11-inch, M3) Student Price $549 549 $919 $729 iPad Air (13-inch, M2) MSRP $799 799 $1,299 $1,099 iPad Air (13-inch, M2) Student Price $749 749 $1,219 $1,029 iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) MSRP $999 999 $1,699 $1,399 iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) Student Price $899 899 $1,529 $1,249 iPad Pro (13-inch, M4) MSRP $1,299 1,299 $2,199 $1,799 iPad Pro (13-inch, M4) Student Price $1,199 1,199 $2,029 $1,649 Apples discounted price for students compared to the usual price. Best iPad for students 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025): Best iPad for students Pros M3 processor Nice selection of color options Cons Its not cheap Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $499.99 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $553 View Deal $579 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The 11-inch iPad Air (M3), with its 11-inch display, modern design, low weight (462g), great cameras, hugely powerful processor, and plenty of colors to choose from, is a great choice for students. Unfortunately, its a bit on the pricey side for a tablet, with the current prices starting at $599/599 ($549/549 for students). Still, its cheaper than a laptop and its the perfect combination of power, storage and features, for a price that isnt unreasonable. This is why we can heartily recommend for those starting out on their studies. The biggest feature of the model introduced in 2025 is the inclusion of the M3 processor. This is the same chip that has powered several Macs. In an iPad Air, it makes the device fly. The camera is a 12MP Wide lens (also like on the iPad Pro), which can record video up to 4K/60fps, and as with other iPads on this list, the front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra-Wide that allows for Center Stage and is sensibly positioned on the longer side of the chassis to allow landscape views for FaceTime calls. While the 2025 iPad Air is missing some of the flagship features of the iPad Pro, such as the 120Hz ProMotion screen, TrueDepth camera, four speakers, and the powerful M4 chip, it offers more than enough for the average user. If you want to turn your iPad into a laptop you can team it with a Magic Keyboard ($299/299), or one of the other iPad keyboards weve looked at. If you prefer a larger display, there is also the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) that comes with all the same specs and features. It starts at $799/799 (or $749/749 for students). We highly recommend the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for students who need premium performance and the best iPad you can buy without the Pro name. Read iPad Air vs iPad Pro to find out how the iPad Air compares to the iPad Pro. How much can students save on the iPad Air? MSRP: $599 / 599 / AU$999 / CA$799 Student: $549 / 549 / AU$919 / CA$729 Students save: $50 / 50 / AU$80 / CA$70 Get the best deal on a new iPad Air . Read our full Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) review iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best for note-taking and reading Pros Small and light More storage Centre Stage for FaceTime calls Cons May feel cramped depending on your needs Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB); $599 (256GB); $799 (512GB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal $489 View Deal $498 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If the most important factor to you is portability theres one iPad in particular that you might want to consider. The iPad mini, updated in October 2024 with the Apple Intelligence-capable A17 Pro, is the smallest and lightest iPad you can buy, weighing in at 293g. Of course, the low weight is a result of the iPad itself being smaller, thanks to the 8.3-inch display (which is bigger than it used to be since Apple got rid of the Home button and relocated Touch ID to the power button on the top edge a few generations ago). The result is a compact but powerful device that doesnt feel too small. We think this screen size is perfect for reading books or taking notes (especially with an Apple Pencil), so it may well be ideal if thats how you intend to use your iPad. And dont let the diminutive form fool you: the A17 Pro chip is the same as that found in the iPhone 15 Pro, so theres no shortage of power on tap. Connectivity is top-notch too, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and 5G networks available, depending on the model you choose. The front-facing camera is an Ultra-Wide lens, so it can track you and keep you in the center of the frame on video calls thanks to Center Stage, while the 12MP Wide camera on the back can capture great photos and videos that could be used in presentations or for media-based assignments. There are three storage options available (128GB, 256GB and 512GB). We are glad Apple has stopped selling the 64GB model as we didnt think that was enough storage. 128GB should be enough for you to store your apps, music, movies, photos, and videos, and if you need more space we recommend iClouds various storage options . One disadvantage is that the mini only works with Bluetooth keyboards, rather than Apples range of iPad-specific keyboard, but whether thats a significant disadvantage is debatableat this size, a built in keyboard would be too small to type on comfortably. Prices start at $499/499 ($449 for students) for the 128GB model (which is what the 64GB model used to cost). The 256GB option raising the cost to $599/599 (down from $649/649 previously), and the 512GB model costing $799/799. In Australia the price of the iPad mini dropped with the arrival of the new model from $829 to $799. How much can students save on the iPad mini? MSRP: $499 / 499 / AU$799 / CA$679 Students: $449 / 449 / AU$719 / CA $609 Students save: $50 / 50 / AU$80 / CA$70 Get the best deal on a new iPad mini . iPad (A16, 2025): Best for students on a budget Pros Air-style design 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display Cons 64GB storage on base model No compatibility for Apple Intelligence New model coming soon (we hope) Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $319 View Deal $334 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPad (A16) model that arrived in March 2025 is the cheapest iPad available from Apple. It features the same design approach as the iPad mini and iPad Air, with Touch ID sensor integrated in the power button on the top edge. This makes room for a larger display thats almost identical in size to the 11-inch iPad Air. However, in terms of the screen technology the two iPads arent equal. The iPad Air sports a fully laminated display, while the iPads display has a slight air gap between the glass and the digitizer beneath. You probably wont notice it at all, but if you intend to use the Apple Pencil for notes (1st-gen 1 and USB-C Apple Pencils are supported) then you may experience slight delays in the tracking. Like the iPad Pro and iPad Air there is a front-facing camera located on the longer end of the panel, meaning it offers a true landscape view thats centrally located. This is much better suited to FaceTime and other video calling apps. The landscape 12MP Ultra Wide camera has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122-degree view; its also compatible with the Center Stage feature that keeps you in the center of the frame even if you move about while on video calls. Apple bestows this iPad with a 12MP f/1.8 rear camera so you can get some great shots and shoot video 4K video at 60fps. If your course requires any kind of video content, then either the front or back optics of the iPad A16 should prove more than sufficient. Plus you can call home and look good doing so. An A16 Bionic processor is at the heart of this iPad, which is the same chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. So theres more than enough power for word processing, note-taking, coding, and most other education apps, not to mention gaming and entertainment duties. Theres a USB-C at the base, so you can use various peripherals and even power an external display if you want the iPad to become more like a fully-fledged computer. However, the A16 is not powerful enough for Apple Intelligence, Apples AI features that are available on the other iPads on sale right now. Whether that matters depends on your needs, but the editing assistance that is one of the Apple Intelligence features may be useful for a student. (This may well be exactly why Apple hasnt included it on the iPad that is the choice of many schools and education institutions). Read about what is in Apple Intelligence . The best news about the 2025 update is that Apple has stopped shipping a 64GB version. Even better, the 128GB iPad is the same price that Apple used to sell the 64GB iPad for. If 128GB isnt enough space for all your movie downloads, music, games, photos and videos, you can get 256GB or 512GB, or theres the option of expanding your iCloud storage so that you can keep stuff safe in the cloud instead. There are four colors to choose from (Blue, Yellow, Silver, and Pink) so you should be able to find one that suits your personality, and for extra functionality, you could invest in the new two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio, although the $249/249 price tag does seem very high. Of course, a standard Bluetooth keyboard will get you the same results for a lot less money. The new iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but as the charging port is now USB-C youll need an adaptor from Apple if youve already bought the Pencil. Otherwise, the dongle is now included in the box when you buy a new Apple Pencil (1st gen). Of course, theres also the compatible Apple Pencil (USB-C) which gets around the dongle madness but lacks the presure sensitivity that artists will crave. See: Apple Pencils compared: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad? As you can see, there are a few caveats, but with its modern design, solid processor, and larger display, the iPad (A16) is a great all-rounder that would prove a wise investment for those heading off to pursue their studies. How much can students save on the iPad (A16)? MSRP: $349 / 329 / AU$599 / CA$499 Students; $329 / 309 / AU$559 / CA$469 Students save: $20 / 20 / AU$40 / CA$30 Read our full Apple iPad (A16) review 11-inch iPad Pro (2024): Best for Power and Performance Pros M4 Processor OLED display Stupidly light and thin Cons Expensive Probably overkill for students Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $895 View Deal $899 View Deal $899 View Deal $909 View Deal $919 View Deal $999 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pro iPads are the pinnacle of Apples tablet range, and as such they feel like the power and price are probably overkill for your average student. That being said, if you want the best, then this is where youll find it. The 11-inch iPad Pro (M4), was introduced in May 2024, boasting incredibly light and thin construction, but with a stupid amount of power inside. In an unprecedented step, Apple introduced the new M4 processor in the iPad before the Mac, making the 11-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Pro the most up-to-date devices in the Apple catalog. The question really, is do you need all that grunt? If youre after an iPad for taking notes, writing essays, watching Netflix, playing some games and using it for video calls home, then the iPad Air is a better balance of power and price. But, for those with money burning a hole in their pockets, and those planning to do a lot of gaming when they should be studying, the 11-inch iPad Pro comes with a new Ultra Retina XDR OLED display that has two layers (Apple calls this Tandem OLED) to produce the brightest panel theyre ever made, kicking out up to 1600 nits. Its also ProMotion, with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Cameras are 12Mp sensors, with the rear unit a Wide lens that can record video up to 4K/60fps, plus ProRes capabilities which would be of interest to video content creators. The front-facing lens also has the TrueDepth array, allowing Face ID, which remains a Pro-only features on iPads. You get Centre Stage for video calls, and the placement of the camera on the longer edge means you get landscape view. The two size variants offer the same capabilities, with 256GB of storage the baseline, and prices starting at $999/999 ($899 for students) for the 11-inch model and $1,299/1,299 for the 13-inch variant. As weve said, the iPad Pros are probably too much for your typical student, but that doesnt mean they arent excellent products for those who can afford them and take advantage of all the power on offer. How much can students save on the 11-inch iPad Pro? MSRP: $999 / 999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399 Students: $899 / 899 / AU$1,529 / CA$1,249 Students save: $100 / 100 / AU$170 / CA$150 Get the best deal on a new iPad Pro . Read our full Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) review Should students buy an iPad or a laptop? Before you go ahead and buy your iPad you may want to consider its suitability for your purpose. As a student you probably have a few requirements: Low price Great apps for things like note-taking, recording lectures and revision Light enough to carry around all-day Keyboard and stylus support Suitable for making video calls home You might be wondering whether a tablet or a laptop would be better for those needs, and if you lean towards the latter, take a look at our guide to the best Macs for students . We think, however, that an iPad is a great choice. It runs many of the apps youll find on a laptop, including Office apps like Word and PowerPoint and the Apple equivalents, and in some cases, an iPad is actually more powerful than a laptop thanks to the super-fast processors Apple uses. Another benefit is that you can have all the books you need for your course on your iPad and carry them with you to lectures and tutorials. You could even photograph pages from books in the library and use optical character recognition to save the text to your iPad. Not only do you not need to lug all your books around with you, but an iPad is also far lighter than even the lightest laptop, so you wont get backache from carrying it to lectures and the library. With battery life of 10 hoursplenty for a day on campusyou arent going to need to find a space beside a plug socket in order to get through a day at uni. Think that having an iPad will mean you have to type on an on-screen keyboard. No! You could sync any Bluetooth keyboard or plug in one of Apples own iPad keyboards and effectively turn your iPad into a laptop. Theres also the Apple Pencil, which could come in useful if you wanted to jot down some notes on your iPad screen in a lecture. See Best stylus for iPad. And when youve finished studying there are loads of games, and apps for video calling your parents. Still not sure? We have more information comparing a MacBook laptop and an iPad . Are iPads good for students? The next question you might want some reassurance on is whether the iPad is the best option for a student. There are a lot of other tablets available, many of which are cheaper than an iPad. So you might be thinking of saving some money. We think if you do so you will regret it. There are many reasons why Apples iPads are so popular: The App Store is heaving with great apps designed specifically for the iPad. Many of those apps will be ideal for students: note-taking apps, apps for converting handwriting to text, apps for recording lectures, timetable management, and of course video calling (so you can stay in touch with mum and dad). There is an ecosystem of great accessories designed to work with the iPad. Apples iPadOS is stable and easy to use, especially if you already have an iPhone. If youve got a Mac you can use an iPad as a second screen, provided youre running Big Sur or later. Apple Intelligence, powered by AI, may simplify your studies by carrying out summarisations of text, creating images for illustrations, and other useful features. Thats all of our student-related buying advice, but if youre buying for someone younger, check out our guide to the best iPad for Kids .

This incredible $299 iPad is your perfect summer beach companion

Macworld With temperatures climbing around the world, youre going to be spending a lot of time at the beach this summer. And the newest iPad is the perfect device to bring alongespecially when Amazon is selling it for $299 right now , a savings of $50 and just a few dollars off its all-time low. The A16 iPad has a gorgeous 11-inch display and a fantastic design available in one of four vibrant colors: silver, yellow, blue, and pink. Even with a basic set of features, its still one of our favorite tablets, with USB-C charging, Apple Pencil support, and, of course, compatibility with the new navigation and customization coming in iPadOS 26 this fall. Its also got fantastic battery life, 128GB of storage, and a speedy processor. The main drawback is that this tablet cant handle any of the Apple Intelligence features, but we dont think youre going to miss them, as we wrote in our 4-star review : The pill is pretty easy to swallow in any case because Apple Intelligences development is behind schedule and well probably have to wait until iPadOS 19 for the promised new AI version of Siri. Alternatives such as ChatGPT,Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are available as apps. Whatever youre planning to do to relax this summer, youre going to want to take along this iPad. So go grab one right now before the price jumps back up. Apple's newest iPad is $50 off Buy now at Amazon

Apple reportedly has a secret plan to quickly gain ground in the AI race

Macworld Most experts agree that Apple faces an uphill battle to compete in the AI race. The companys Apple Intelligence platform arrived late, and felt distinctly underbaked even then; Siri is a punchline and improvements to it keep being pushed back; and rivals are pushing forward with ever more impressive features . Apple would love to find a shortcut to success, and it may have found one. Sources report that the company is giving serious consideration to bidding for the startup Perplexity AI, which would allow it to transplant a chunk of expertise and ready-made technology into Apple Park and leapfrog many of the obstacles it currently faces. Perplexity runs an AI-powered search engine which can already perform the contextual tricks which Apple advertised ahead of the iPhone 16 launch but hasnt yet managed to build into Siri. For example, I ran the following three queries consecutively: Which Warhammer 40k faction is most fun to play? What about painting? How do you define advanced? For the second query, the search engine knew I was asking which Warhammer faction is best for painting, and for the third query, it knew I meant advanced painting and was referring to a phrase in its previous answer. These are simple logical steps, but Siri cant do this without resorting to ChatGPT. Apple would far prefer to have its own tech for such functions, and thus be able to control the user experience entirely. Cupertino executives are understood to have held internal discussions about the idea of buying Perplexity; Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman specifically claims that M&A chief Adrian Perica has spoken about the matter with Eddy Cue and senior members of Apples AI team, although he notes that discussions are at an early stage and may not lead to an offer. Apple also hasnt yet spoken to anyone at Perplexity, which has issued a statement denying all knowledge. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman analyses the potential deal in greater detail. He notes that it would dwarf any previous Apple acquisition: its largest to date was Beats for $3 billion in 2014, whereas Perplexity was recently valued at $14 billion. Historically, Apple has been wary of large acquisitions, whereas rivals, such as Facebook ( buying WhatsApp for $22 billion) and Google ( acquiring cloud security platform Wiz for $32 billion), have spent big to scoop up companies. It could be a mark of how worried Apple is about the AI situation that its considering such a major and out-of-character move. But after a year of headaches and obstacles, it also could pay off in a big way.

UPerfect Delta Max Touch review: adjustable folding dual-screen 18.5-inch HD portable monitor

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Quality dual HD screens Foldable Flexible adjustments Cons Touch basic and sporadic Scant instructions Our Verdict Ignoring the poor touch functions, the Delta Max is a good-looking and well-built and super-adjustable portable extended dual screen that connects to your MacBook for a more spacious screen experience that can be simply folded away to a super-slim package when not in use. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $499.99 Best Prices Today: UPerfect Delta Max Touch Dual Screen Monitor Retailer Price UPerfect $499.99 View Deal $589.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket External displays can transform a MacBook into a workable desktop setup, freeing the laptop user from the constraints of the smaller screeneven the spacious 16-inch display. Portable external displays give the extra benefit of being transportable and easily stored away when not required. The UPerfect Delta Max Touch stands out from the portable external display crowd being a stacked set of two screens, each of which can operate as a touchscreenalthough more on the debatable touch element later. Portable design The Delta Max Touch is a set of two 18.5-inch screens that are joined at a hinged center. They can be adjusted to the best-suited angle depending on your situation, and folded completely to create a slim portable package that can be slipped under your arm or carried in one hand. How much you carry the monitor around may depend on your strength or size of backpack. UPerfect describes the folded dual display as Feather Like. You would need a lot of feathers to match the 5.21lb (2.36kg) weight. That said, it is easily liftable and folds up to a manageable 16.73 10.24 0.79 inches (42.5 x 26 x 2cm). It is simple to carry, but you wouldnt want to hold it in your arms too long or carry it in your backpack for hours. The 18.5-inch dual display is not too much bigger than a 14-inch MacBook Pro when folded shut, making it easy to carry and store. Simon Jary It is certainly more portable than a standard external display, let alone two. We can envisage it being a dual display that you can fold and store out of sight when working from home, or commuted short distances to an office or farther afield in a car. It unfolds to 16.73 x 20.47 x 0.39 inches (42.5 52 1cm). The monitors stand is easy to adjust and sits flush to the monitor back when folded right back. Simon Jary It looks sleek in black aluminum, with a built-in stand folded flush to the outside of the lower screen. You can modify the angle of the stand to adjust the height and angle of the screen to suit your best working posture. The central hinge also allows for flexible adjustment of the two screens to a comfortable and ergonomic angle when used in either a stacked arrangement or folded back on itself to share meeting content with people facing yousay, so you looking at one screen and the clients on the other side of the meeting seeing the other. The standard way of adding more than one external display is to have two external monitors side by side, creating a wide extended screen display, with a gap in between where the first monitor ends and the next begins. While this works well for most people, the extended screens mean you are constantly rotating your neck and shoulders when looking at or moving things between the two, which over time can cause neck pain. A vertically stacked monitor, on the other hand, can be more ergonomic as the body doesnt need to frequently turn left and right. The line of sight remains directly in front of the user, reducing frequent rotation of the neck. Of course, there is more up-and-down neck movement, but with the adjustable stand, this can be reduced a little to make viewing more comfortable. It can stand almost flat straight on to the viewer. It is certainly an improvement on staring down at a small laptop screen, with your shoulders hunched and eyes squinting. A decent laptop standdiscover the best MacBook stands we have testedcan help alleviate laptop users bent-back syndrome but we like the Deltas upright dual-screen approach. Previously we have used the larger Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor stacked monitors, but the greater size did sometimes mean more looking up at an unnatural angle, which brought its own neck issues. We are interested to try out the forthcoming 23.8-inch Delta Mega dual display to see if the increased size also creates more up and down neck movement. While there is no gravity sensor to work out which orientation you have set up your monitors, they can be set to Portrait mode if you alter the Rotation in the Macs System Settings>Displays. There are four 75 x 75mm holes on the back of the monitor, so you can affix a VESA Mount if you want to install the stacked monitor onto an arm or the wall to save desk space. UPerfect Video settings The UPerfect Delta Max Touch is impressively flexible in its display options. The screens can be set in four configurations, using either USB-C or HDMI connections. First, all three screenslaptop plus dual-screen Delta Max can show the same mirrored display ( A , A , A in the illustration above). This could be useful if using the Delta Max in its inverted V shape with one screen facing opposite the other if you want the same screen on both plus your commanding laptop. Scenarios include presentations to colleagues or clients. Second, each of the two Delta screens can show the same image, while the laptop shows another ( B , B , A ), which would be useful in the meeting setup described above but where the user wants a different screen on their laptop. Third, the two Delta screens can merge to show one larger screen while the laptop shows another (Big B , A ) in UPerfects Sequence mode on the On Screen Display (OSD). In effect, this creates a large second monitor, although the merger isnt seamless with the hinge and screen bezel interrupting the join in the middle. This can be annoying but the two screens as one works well in traditional Extended modes. Youll get a similar disconnect using standalone external displays. Finally, each screen can display a different image ( A , B , C ). This is native in Windows but requires free-to-download third-party softwareeither DisplayLink or InstantViewto work on a Mac. UPerfect doesnt state this as a Mac option but we got it working using InstantView and just the USB-C connection, not even requiring the HDMI option. We include more detail about how to install and use DisplayLink in another screen tutorial. You need to play around with the OSD controls and set the mode to what UPerfect calls StandAlong, which I presume is just mis-translated Standalone. The Delta Max can also support two devices connected at the same time, with each computer controlling one of the screens. As well as with laptop and desktop Mac and Windows computers, it works with iPhone or games consoles. Simon Jary With the monitor folded back into an inverted V shape, User X could work on one screen while User Y worked on the other, quite independentlymeaning this one monitor could provide external screen support for two colleagues on the same table as each screen can be controlled by different computers at the same time. Video quality The picture quality and pixel density on this IPS panel display are excellent, with a 100% sRGB Color Gamut. Each screen has a max full HD resolution of 19201080 pixels, with a 16:9 display ratio. If you are after a 4K monitor, this is not for you, but HD is all productivity professionals should require. As a touchscreen it should also appeal to creatives, but you wouldnt expect a 4K touchscreen at this price, let alone a foldable dual-screen portable at that high a resolution. UPerfect claims up to a 100Hz refresh rate on the Delta Max but we could only get it to 60Hz on the Macstill respectable for non-gamers. Apparently 100Hz is possible only in the Clone mode that mirrors top and bottom screen, but I found this too tricky to achieve due to the vagaries of the OSD. Brightness is up to 300 nits (cd/m). UPerfect employs Ucare low-blue-light technology to reduce blue light and therefore eye fatigue. This is turned on using the On Screen Display, and does impact colour quality. Touch too basic on Mac Theres no extra software for the touchscreen so theres little customization of gestures and swipes and so forth. Indeed, using a Mac the touch controls are very basic. We could move folders and windows around using a finger, but not all apps played ball. And the touch controls worked better on the bottom screen than the top. It turns out that while its a 10-point touchscreen for Windows, its just one-touch for Mac, which is more a limitation of the macOS than the monitor itself. Other touchscreen monitors do work with the Mac through third-party softwarean option lacking with the Delta Max Touch. Even basic touch functions such as pinch and zoom either didnt work and others were sporadically functional. If its full touch control on a Mac you are after, go for a more pro touch monitor such as the Alogic Clarity Pro Touch . Read our full roundup of the best monitors for Mac . Simon Jary Side ports and power On the right side of the lower monitor are five ports. The bottom USB-C input port is to power the screens, and this power can also be channelled to the connected laptop at 25W. Above that, the next USB-C port is to link to your MacBooks Thunderbolt port to create the video data connection. You need only one USB-C cable to use both screens. There are two Mini HDMI ports, so if connecting two computers one or both could use HDMI as the connector. The monitor ships with two Mini-HDMItoHDMI cables as well as a couple of USB-CtoUSB-C cables. We found the single USB-C connection to be al we needed. A 45W USB-C wall charger is also included. The monitor itself uses 16W, so only 25W is left over for passthrough to the connected laptop. Thats just about enough to keep you going on a smaller MacBook, although even our 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro never ran out of juice when connected to the Delta Max. For power security wed recommend at least a 65W PD power adapter. See our roundup for the best USB-C PD chargers for Mac . Some portable monitors include a built-in battery so you can use it when away from a power source. The Delta Max Touch doesnt have one so you need to be connected to a power source via USB-C when using it. UPerfect Controls On the other side of the monitor are four buttons to control the On Screen Display (OSD) options, such as Picture (Brightness, Contrast, Black Equalizer), Color Effects (Saturation, Hue, Sharpness), Display Rotation, Aspect Ratio, and Volume. With the lack of detailed instructions, you just have to get the hang of how these work, twiddling pulley buttons and clicking others until you work out its logic. To be fair, its rare to find a monitor with an intuitive OSD, and we did master them after a half hour or so of trial and error and a little mild cursing. The monitor comes with a thin and not too helpful skimpy four-page user manual, but you can find a slightly more detailed PDF manual online , although Mac instructions arent well catered for. The Delta Max is a reasonably plug-and-play productconnect it to your Mac or Macs using either the USB-C or HDMI cable and do the setup on the Macs System Settingsbut the scant instructions dont mention touch (perhaps wisely) and include only details for Windows users. Speakers The monitor has a built-in 1W speaker, which unsurprisingly we found tinny compared to the speaker in even our connected M2 MacBook Pro. This lack of bass or fullness is typical of monitor speakers. Its fine for voice calls and basic spoken videos but not an immersive theatre sound if you are watching a movie or playing an action game. Simon Jary Price The Delta Max Touch is priced starting at $499.99 or 369 for the No Touch version, which wed recommend as the touch control are so basic using a Mac. Adding touch, the price rises to $599.99 or 445. If you do find the No Touch model cheaper, then maybe opt for that but we wouldnt advise Mac users to pay extra for touch. For a dual-screen monitor this flexible, we think the price is reasonable taking into consideration its foldability and adjustable orientations. UPerfect also sells a $649.99 Delta Mega version with duals 23.8-inch screens, which work better with chart or spreadsheet work. This model lacks any touch controls, which doesnt bother us as we found the Delta Maxs touch to be inadequate using a Mac. We hope to review this model soon to compare the screen sizes, but we expect it to operate in a similar fashion in other respects. Simon Jary Should you buy the UPerfect Delta Max Touch? Ignore the poor touch functions, and the Delta Max is a great solution if you want a good-looking and well-built and super-adjustable portable extended dual screen that connects to your laptop for a more spacious screen experience that can be simply folded away to a super-slim package when not in use. The ability to run off two computers and the flexibility to bend right back to offer front and back mirrored screens could be the solutions you are looking for in a adaptable dual-screen display.

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