Satechi debuts Slim Wall Charger and USB-C Lanyard Cable designed for travel

Summer isnt going away anytime soon, so Satechi is expanding its OnTheGo collection with a new Slim Wall Charger and USB-C Lanyard Cable, adding to The post Satechi debuts Slim Wall Charger and USB-C Lanyard Cable designed for travel appeared first on BGR .

These fully working Mac emulators will waste hours of your day

Macworld Designer Marcin Wichary has posted a comprehensive and detailed look at the design of the Mac operating system settings interface. In Frame of preference , Wichary examines the design details of the original Macintosh System Software 1.0, all the way to Mac OS X 10.3 Panther. But Wichary doesnt just offer his commentary; Wichary worked with Mihai Parparita of Infinite Mac to offer emulators of the system software that you can actually use. For example, the entry for the original Mac is accompanied by a Macintosh System Software 1.0 emulator framed by a 512K Mac. You can open the Control Panel and follow along with Wicharys text, or you can launch MacPaint and try to do you own rendition of a geisha portrait like the one that adorned the Macs screen at its unveiling 40 years ago . You can try using System 7 on a Macintosh Centris 650 or Mac OS X on a PowerBook G4 Titanium. Or, you can even use a NeXT Computer running NeXTStep 2.2. The emulators have been around for a few years at Infinite Mac, but on Frame of preference, they are presented in a fun, new way with the original Macintosh designs. While youre playing around with the emulators, be sure to read Wicharys commentary, as there are loads of interesting insights into software design and aesthetics. Why are there no emulators after OS X Panther? Theyre not available yet. Also, Wicharys commentary stops at that point because the pace of change slowed down quite a bit with the Macs system settings. The last major change was in 2022 with the change to System Settings in macOS Ventura , and chances are you experienced that change first hand, so you dont need an emulator to relive it.

iOS 18.6 beta 3 is here, but the changes are only for EU users

Macworld Apple has released the third beta of iOS 18.6. With all the new features and attention on iOS 26, this release is likely to be simply a bugfix and compatibility update. But while there arent any visible changes in iOS 18.6, it may be required to support new hardware Apple could release in the fall, such as AirPods Pro 3 or the upcoming home hub device. As such, 9to5Mac noticed the following string in the code: /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/ProgressUI.framework/apple-logo-1088@2x~home.png That strings image has ~home.png in it, a structure not used in other images, and could be in reference to the rumored upcoming home hub or HomePad device. It doesnt mean such a device is coming any time soon, only that it is in active development within Apple. EU App Store changes Apple is rolling out new App Store guidelines and a new user experience for those in the EU, in an attempt to comply with the EUs Digital Markets Act. Critics say Apples new terms are intentionally confusing, do not comply with EU law, and punish developers even more than before should they choose to avoid the App Store and distribute their apps themselves. iOS 18.6 includes a new user experience when customers attempt to install an alternative app marketplace or install apps directly from the web. This only applies to customers in the EU. iOS 18.6: How to install the public beta If you want to be among the first to test iOS 18.6, you can sign up for the public beta test. 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 18.6: 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. Registered developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates. We expect iOS 18.6 to arrive in July. Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 18 superguide .

This incredible Apple Watch Series 10 Prime Day sale is somehow still live

Macworld Prime Day may have passed, but the Apple Watch Series 10 is still on sale for the same all-time-low price. Amazon is selling the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 for $309 , a massive $120 discount from its $429 MSRP. The Apple Watch Series 10 is simply gorgeous, no matter which color you choose to buy. The aluminum case makes it suitable for any environment, while the silicone band will do just fine even if you go swimming, diving, hiking, or just a night on the town. When we reviewed the Apple Watch Series 10 , we gave it a 4.5-star rating and our Editors Choice award, appreciating the incredible display, fantastic performance, and excellent fast charging. Youll also get an array of sensors, including heart rate, ECG, and temperature, IP6X dust resistance, up to 50 meters of water resistance, and depth measurements for diving, and of course, watchOS 26 in the fall with the new Workout Buddy and loads of other features. So get this new Apple Watch Series 10 for $309 before Amazon raises the price. Save big on the Apple Watch 10 Buy now at Amazon

How to get an Apple student discount at Apples Education Store and how much you can save

Macworld Students, teachers, and those who work for an educational institution can save money on a new Mac, MacBook, or iPad by shopping at the Apple Education Store, which offers discounts all year round. In this article, we will explain how much the Apple education discount is and who qualifies for an Apple student discount, before explaining how to get an Apple student discount at the Apple Education Store. Click the link below to go to Apples education storefront in your country: 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 What products does Apple discount for students? The discounts are only available for iPads, MacBooks and Macs. Education discounts are not available on the iPhone, Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePods, accessories, or software ( Adobe and Microsoft both offer student discounts though). AirPods arent discounted for students either, but in the summer of 2025 Apple is giving away AirPods (and Apple Pencils, Keyboards and more) as part of a student-focused deal during the back-to-school buying season (this happens between June and October in the northern hemisphere and between January and March in the southern hemisphere). Apples Back To School offer started in June 2025 in the U.S. and in July 2025 in the U.K. and Europe, with students offered AirPods or Apple Pencils as well as keyboards and mice. Students can also get Apple Music for half price with free Apple TV+ included. How much is the Apple student discount? Apple doesnt offer a single, universal discount to students. It sets different prices for each product range. Students can save up to $200/220 on Macs and up to $100/100 on iPads. Heres how the iPad MSRP compares to the student price: 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. Heres how the Mac and MacBook MSRP compares to the student price: Product U.S. U.K. Australia Canada 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M4, MSRP $999 999 $1,699 $1,399 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M4, Student discount $899 899 $1,549 $1,249 15-inch MacBook Air, M4, MSRP $1,199 1,199 $2,099 $1,699 15-inch MacBook Air, M4, Student discount $1,099 1,099 $1,949 $1,549 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 MSRP $1,599 1,599 $2,499 $2,099 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 Student discount $1,499 1,499 $2,349 $1,969 14-inch MacBook Pro, M4 Pro MSRP $1,999 1,999 $3,299 $2,699 14-inch MacBook Pro, M4 Pro Student discount $1,849 1,849 $3,069 $2,509 16-inch MacBook Pro, M4 Pro MSRP $2,499 2,499 $3,999 $3,299 16-inch MacBook Pro, M4 Pro Student discount $2,299 2,299 $3,699 $3,049 iMac M4 MSRP $1,299 1,299 $1,999 $1,699 iMac M4 Student discount $1,249 1,249 $1,919 $1,629 Mac mini M4 MSRP $599 599 $999 $799 Mac mini M4 Student discount $499 499 $849 $669 Mac Studio M4 Max MSRP $1,999 2,099 $3,499 $2,699 Mac Studio M4 Max Student discount $1,799 1,899 $3,199 $2,399 Mac Pro M3 Ultra MSRP $6,999 7,199 $11,999 $8,999 Mac Pro M3 Ultra Student discount $6,599 6,789 $11,309 $8,479 Apples discounted price for students compared to the usual price. MacBook student discounts Below are the discounts on the base model Macs, there are bigger discounts on the more expensive models. How much can students save on the 13-inch MacBook Air, M4? MSRP: $999 / 999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399 Student: $899 / 899 / AU$1,549 / CA$1,249 Students save: $100 / 100 / AU$150 / CA$150 How much can students save on the 15-inch MacBook Air, M4? MSRP: $1,199 / 1,199 / AU$2,099 / CA$1,699 Student: $1,099 / 1,099 / AU$1,949 / CA$1,549 Students save: $100 / 100 / AU$150 / CA$150 How much can students save on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, M4? MSRP: $1,599 / 1,599 / AU$2,499 / CA$2,099 Student: $1,499 / 1,499 / AU$2,349 / CA$1,969 Students save: $100 / 100 / AU$150 / CA$130 How much can students save on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, M4 Pro? MSRP: $1,999 / 1,999 / AU$3,299 / CA$2,699 Student: $1,849 / 1,849 / AU$3,069 / CA$2,509 Students save: $150 / 150 / AU$230 / CA$190 How much can students save on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, M4 Pro? MSRP: $2,499 / 2,499 / AU$3,999 / CA$3,299 Student: $2,299 / 2,299 / AU$3,699 / CA$3,049 Students save: $200 / 200 / AU$300 / CA$250 How much can students save on the Mac mini, M4 Pro? MSRP: $1,399 / 1,399 / AU$2,199 / CA$1,899 Student: $1,299 / 1,299 / AU$2,049 / CA$1,769 Students save: $100 / 100 / AU$150 / CA$130 How much can students save on the Mac mini, M4? MSRP: $599 / 599 / AU$999 / CA$799 Student: $499 / 499 / AU$829 / CA$669 Students save: $100 / 110 / AU$170 / CA$130 How much can students save on the iMac M4? MSRP: $1,299 / 1,299 / AU$1,999 / CA$1,699 Student discount: $1,249 / 1,249 / AU$1,919 / CA$1,629 Students save: $50 / 50 / AU$80 / CA$70 Get the student discount at: Apples U.S. Education Store Apples U.K. Education Store (in the UK you will need to verify your student status via UNiDAYS). Apples Canada Education Store Apples Australian Education Store You may be able to get better discounts if you shop elsewhere. We round up the best MacBook Pro deals , the best MacBook Air deals , the best iMac deals , and the best Mac mini deals . We also have a guide to the best Mac for students that you might find useful. iPad student discounts Apple Below are the discounts on the base model iPads, there are bigger discounts on the more expensive models. How much can students save on the iPad mini (A17 Pro)? MSRP: $499 / 499 / AU$799 / CA$679 Students: $449 / 449 / AU$719 / CA $609 Students save: $50 / 50 / AU$80 / CA$70 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 How much can students save on the 11-inch iPad Air (M3)? MSRP: $599 / 599 / AU$999 / CA$799 Student: $549 / 549 / AU$919 / CA$729 Students save: $50 / 50 / AU$80 / CA$70 How much can students save on the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4)? 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 student discount at: 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 You may find a better deal or discount if you check out our deals round-ups: best iPad Air deals , best iPad mini deals , best iPad 10.2in deals , and the best iPad Pro deals . If youre thinking of buying an iPad for college or university you also might like to read our guide to the Best iPad for students . Who can get an Apple student discount? Now we have told you how much you can save, the big question is whether you can save anything at all. Do you qualify for Apples student discounts? In order to shop at Apples Education Stores and take advantage of the lower prices you need to qualify as a student or work in an education institution. If you were hoping that you could get a discount for the Mac you want to buy your 13-year-old the bad news is that you cant, unless you are employed by the school and buying for the institution, or you are a home educator. Students in high school dont qualify for this discount. There are three types of people who can qualify for a student discount: Students in higher education (post-secondary education, e.g. university, college). People who are buying for education institutions. Parents of higher education students buying on their behalf. Home-based educators. Apple spells this out in more detail in its terms and conditions. For the U.S. these state that the following groups are eligible to purchase from the Apple Store for Education: K-12 staff : Any employee of a public or private K-12 institution in the United States is eligible, including homeschool teachers (this doesnt include people educating their children during lockdowns). In addition, school board members who are currently serving as elected or appointed members are eligible. PTA or PTO executives currently serving as elected or appointed officers are eligible. Higher education staff and students : Faculty and staff of higher educational institutions in the U.S.; and students attending, or accepted into a higher educational institution in the U.S. are eligible to purchase. Purchases from the Apple Store for Education Individuals are not for institutional purchase or resale. Higher education parents : Parents purchasing on behalf of their child, who is a student currently attending or accepted into a public or private higher educational institution in the U.S. are eligible to purchase. Apple has a similar set of terms and conditions for eligibility in the U.K.: Employees of any education institution : Any employee of a public or private education institution in the U.K. Post-secondary education students : Students attending or accepted into a post-secondary education institution in the U.K. Parents of post-secondary students : Parents purchasing on behalf of their child, who is a student currently attending or accepted into a public or private post-secondary education institution in the U.K. If youre attending higher education, or have been accepted into a higher education/post-secondary institution, you qualify for an Apple discount. (In the U.K. post-secondary means university, or any other formal education that takes place after secondary education is complete. Therefore, this excludes sixth-form colleges, although it may be worth inquiring at an Apple Store to see if the company is prepared to relax the rules.) Parents of post-secondary/higher education students do not qualify when buying for themselves, but they can pick up a discounted Mac for their child from the education store. Anybody who works in an educational environment qualifies for a discount on certain Apple products. Its not just limited to teachers and lecturers but also covers administrative workers and other staff members. Essentially, its anybody who works at or for a school, college, or university. (This is not limited to post-secondary institutions. Apple refers to any education institution.) This does mean that you cant get a discount for a Mac or iPad for your child who is currently at school, although the school could make the purchase and provide the equipment for students. If you dont qualify for an Apple Education Store discount, wed recommend instead checking out the Apple Refurbished Store , which offers discounts for everyone. You cant apply a student discount in Apples Refurbished Store. We also recommend that you check our round-ups of the latest and best Apple deals we find at various Apple resellers. How many products can I buy? According to this Sales Policy document ( or here ) on the U.S. Apple site and the same on the U.K. Apple Education site , students can purchase the following with education pricing: Desktop Mac: One may be purchased per year Laptop Mac: One may be purchased per year iPad: Two may be purchased per year Accessories: Two accessories with Education Pricing may be purchased per year How to get a student discount at Apple Having established that you qualify for an education discount, how can you get money off at Apple? You may think that all you need to do is visit the Apple Store for Education and you will find the products you want at a lower price. However, before you can access Apples Education Store you will need to verify that you are a student or that you qualify in another way (e.g. you work in a school or college). Different countries have different sequences of steps to go through, which we will run through below. How to get an Apple student discount in the U.S. If you are a student in the U.S. it is quite easy to get an Education discount at the U.S. Apple Storein fact, a loophole may mean it is possible to get a student discount without any proof that you are a student. If you are a student you should follow these steps: Visit Apples U.S. Education Store . Choose the Mac or iPad you want and click on your selection. Once you have customized your Apple product, click Continue . Enter your delivery details and check out. Beware that Apple can request to see evidence that you are a student at any point during or after the purchase and will charge an additional fee if you fail to provide it. If you have any problems, we recommend you get your student status verified with UNiDAYS or log on from your university network. Make sure you have quick access to some form of official identification that proves you qualify for the education discount. Your student ID is a good choice. In January 2022, Apple changed the U.S. Education Discount Store to require validation from UNiDAYS before students can get a discount, but it then removed the requirement . Apple could re-implement this validation step that students in other countries have to go through. If it does it may still be possible for non-students in the U.S. to avoid the validation step, as per this Reddit post . Canadian students can follow the same steps as the U.S. Start shopping at Apples Canada Education Store . How to get an Apple student discount in the U.K. U.K. students will need to register with UNiDAYS before they can get a discount from the Apple Education Store. Visit Apples U.K. Education Store to access the Apple Education site. Once there youll be encouraged to sign up on the student discount website UNiDAYS . You can also use the alternative service Student Beans to register for Apples educational discounts. On whichever site you use, youll need to provide your email address and a password, your name, institution, subject of study, years of study, and course length. Once you have completed the registration process and signed in you will be able to access Apples student discounts. If you dont want to register via a verification site, you can also call Apple, use Apples Chat online feature, or visit an Apple Store. The staff there will guide you through the process. How to get an Apple student discount in Australia or Canada Visit Apples Australian Education Store or Apples Canada Education Store . Its usually best to log on from your university network if you can. You will also want to make sure you have quick access to some form of official identification that proves you qualify for the education discount. Your student ID is a good choice. However, you may find you dont actually require any sort of login or ID to order from the Apple Education Storebut beware that Apple can request to see evidence that you are a student at any point during or after the purchase and will charge an additional fee if you fail to provide it. How to buy Apple products for an education institution If you have been tasked with buying new Macs or iPads for a school, college, or university then Apple has a different store for you. This store is designed for those who are buying a Mac for an educational institution (for students to work on rather than for individual students to own). You should visit the U.S. Apple Store for Education Institutions ( if that link doesnt work ), the U.K. Apple Store for Education Institutions ( if that link doesnt work ), or the Canadian or Australian equivalent . Youll need to search for your Educational Institution: enter your institutions details and click on search. If your institution is found you will be able to sign in to access your institutions store. You may still need to register before you can use the store. If your school, college, or other institution isnt found then you may need to call Apple to discuss registering your school. How to get a student discount for Apple Music and Apple TV+ Apples student membership scheme for Apple Music offers those in full-time education a 50 percent subscription discount and this deal is better than ever right now because the Student Apple Music deal also includes Apple TV+ for a limited time (following a 2023 price hike Apple TV+ now costs $9.99/8.99 a month, up from $6.99/6.99 per month). If you are a student, heres how to get Apple Music for half price . Apple regularly offers three months free for new subscribers to Apple Music, so you might want to take that up first. Get three months free here or read How to get Apple Music for free . The student discount brings the monthly cost of Apple Music membership down from $10.99/10.99 to $5.99/5.99, with identical schemes in Ireland, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Denmark, each offering half off the usual price. And with Apple TV+ bundled in for free, its a great deal! To qualify for the student discount, youll need to prove that youre enrolled at an eligible university or college. The discount runs for up to 48 months (four years). The Student Membership tier is the third membership tier Apple has offered to consumers, alongside Individual Membership ($10.99/10.99 per month) and Family Membership ($16.99/16.99). Visit Apples site for more details and to sign up. If youre a student and signing up for Apple Music on your iPhone or iPad, tap where it says Are you a University Student? and youll be directed to a verification system. If your college or university is eligible youll get a reduced subscription rate. Read our guide to Apple Music and How to get Apple Music for free for the best trial options.

Apple Event guide: When the next Apple Event is and what will launch

Macworld Apple doesnt participate in big industry-wide events such as CES or E3. The most valuable company in the world holds itsown events, thank you very much. Several times a year, Apple invites the press and industry professionals to Apple Park to hear all about its latest products and services. Apple calls these events, andstreams them live online to millions of watchers. So far in 2025 Apple has held one event: its Worldwide Developers Conference ( WWDC ) which kicked off on June 9 with a keynote in which Apple showed off the new features coming in the next version of its operating systems: iOS 26 , iPadOS 26 , watchOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe . To prove that it can launch new products without holding an event, prior to WWDC, Apple launched a new iPhone 16e via press release on February 19, a new iPad and iPad Air via press release on March 4, and a new MacBook Air and Mac Studio on March 5. The next Apple Event wont take place until September, when Apple is expected to launch its new iPhones for 2025 . Read on to find out about the events and Apples new product launches coming in 2025. When is Apples next event? iPhone event, September 9 or 10, 2025 (expected) We can be confident that Apple will hold an event in the fall to announce the launch of a new iPhone. Based on previous years a date in early to mid September is likely. We have predicted Tuesday September 9 or Wednesday September 10 for the event as that is in keeping with previous years. See the September event section below for more information. What time will the next Apple event start? Apple keynotes usually start at 10 am PT/PST. That translates to the following times in the countries where most of our readers live: U.S.: at 10 am (PST/PDT), 11 am (MST/MDT), noon (CST/CDT), 1 pm (EST/EDT) Canada: as above, and 2 pm (AST/ADT) U.K.: at 6 pm (GMT/BST) Europe: at 7pm (CET/CEST), 8 pm (EET/EEST) India:at 10.30 pm (IST) Australia: Next day at 1 am (AWST/AWDT), 2.30 am (ACST/ACDT), 3 am (AEST/AEDT) New Zealand: Next day at 5 am (NZST/NZDT) Timings can be slightly different if Apple holds the event during the period of a couple of weeks when the clocks have changed in the U.S. but not elsewhere (in the spring of 2025 that was between March 9 and March 30, but later in 2025 both the U.S. and U.K. will change back on October 26). Sometimes Apple holds events at different times, for example, in October 2023 the event was held in late afternoon in San Francisco, which meant it was midnight in the U.K. If Apple doesnt hold an event and instead just issues a press release that usually happens around 8 am PT, 11 am ET and 4 pm GMT/BST. How long does an Apple event last? Foundry Apple keynotes usually last between one and two hours and feature CEO Tim Cook along with various other Apple executives. WWDC and the September event tend to be longer keynotes; the spring and late-fall events can be slightly shorter. The September 2024 event was 1 hour 38 minutes. When does Apple usually hold events? Apple usually holds three or four live or live-streamed events throughout the year. During these events, the company unveils its latest products and plans during a keynote address. They are usually held during similar times of the year: March/April: Spring event (in 2024 this was held in May) June: WWDC the Worldwide Developers Conference (iOS, macOS previews) September: Fall event (iPhone and Apple Watch) October/November: Late-fall event (Macs and iPads) This event calendar is by no means set in stone, though, with the spring and October events being less regular. Some years, Apple doesnt hold a spring event at all. In 2024, Apple held three events: one on Tuesday, May 7, at which it launched new iPads, a keynote to kick off WWDC on June 10, and an event on September 9 at which Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 , Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4 . In October 2024 there was no event, but Apple did announce new products (iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro) via press release. In 2023 there were three events: WWDC in June, an iPhone event in September, and Apples second fall event on October 30 (or after midnight on October 31 if you werent in the U.S.). Similarly, in 2022 Apple held three events: a spring event on March 8, WWDC on June 6, and the iPhone 14 launch on September 7. In other years Apple has held four events though. Apple launched the new iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro in September 2022. Apple What will launch at the Apple events in 2025 Here are the events we expect to see in 2025, and what could launch. September iPhone event 2025 Tuesday September 9 (probable) Apple always holds an event in September, and almost always uses this to announce a new iPhone and Apple Watch. (The only exception in recent memory was in 2020, as a result of Covid-related production issues. That year the iPhone was announced in October, but there was still a September event.) We expect that Apple will hold the event on either Tuesday September 9 or Wednesday September 10. In 2025 we expect that Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 , Apple Watch 11 , a new Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE at the event. We may also see new AirPods Pro and the rumored HomeHub device . Here are the past few Apple September event dates: 2024: Monday, September 9 2023: Tuesday, September 12 2022: Tuesday, September 13 2022: Wednesday, September 7 2021: Tuesday, September 14 2020: Tuesday, September 15 2019: Tuesday, September 10 2018: Wednesday, September 12 2017: Tuesday, September 12 For more information about Apples September events read: Apples September iPhone event: Date, time, and what will launch. October event 2025 There was no October event in 2024, with Apple making product announcements via press release. Despite the lack of event in 2024 though, Apple has a president of updating certain Macs in the October time frame, so this may be when we see a new M5 MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro running M5 chips . In the past, Apple has held a second fall event on the following dates: 2024: No event 2023: Monday, October 30 2022: No event 2021: Monday, October 18 2020: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, November 10 2019: No event 2018: Tuesday, October 30 2017: No event 2016: Thursday, October 27 2015: No event 2014: Thursday, October 16 2013: Tuesday, October 22 2012: Tuesday, October 23 2011: Tuesday, October 4 Apple may update certain Macs to M5 chips at this event, including the M5 MacBook Pro . We may also see: M4 Ultra Mac Pro M4 Pro 32-inch iMac Pro (unlikely) For more information about Apples October events read: Apples October Event: Date, time and what will launch. Spring event 2026 Want an idea of when Apple will hold its spring event in 2026? Here are the dates of the past seven Apple spring events. As you can see, its not a regular occurrence, but a Spring event is held slightly more often than not. 2025: No event 2024: Tuesday May 7 2023: No event 2022: Tuesday March 8 2021: Tuesday April 20 2020: No event 2019: Monday March 25 2018: Tuesday March 27 2017: No event 2016: Monday March 21 2015: Monday March 9 2014: No event 2013: No event 2012: Wednesday March 7 For more information about Apples spring events read: Apple Spring event: Date, time, product launch rumors. WWDC 2026 The past dates for WWDC give an indication as to when the 2026 conference might take place: WWDC 2025: June 9-13 WWDC 2024: June 10-14 WWDC 2023: June 5-9 WWDC 2022: June 6-10 WWDC 2021: June 7-11 WWDC 2020: June 22-26 WWDC 2019: June 3-7 WWDC 2018: June 4-8 WWDC 2017: June 5-9 Apple uses WWDC each year to unveil details of the latest versions of its operating systems, so in 2026 well get a preview of the new iOS, new iPadOS, new macOS, updates to watchOS, tvOS, HomePod software, and an update to Apples realityOS. Apple sometimes announces new hardware at WWDC, usually the high end models targeted at power users, so we could see new Macs. Following the keynote on the Monday, developer events and sessions will run throughout the week. You can read more about WWDC date, times and everything you need to know in a separate article.

Another wave of Apples insane product releases is coming. It needs to stop

Macworld This time of year can be a little dull if your job is writing about Apple (or, presumably, working for Apple). Theres WWDC at the start of June, which like as not wont see the launch of any hardware products, and then the rest of summer tends to pass with only the most perfunctory of announcements from Cupertinos PR machine. Just as newspapers fill the warmer months with silly-season frivolity, Apples Newsroom page finds itself focusing on baseball schedules and executive retirements . By the time we get to fall, of course, that will all change. In the space of six weeks, and conceivably in the space of a single day, well get new iPhones, new Apple Watches, and new iPads, possibly an updated Vision Pro and a MacBook powered by an iPhone processor. Never mind insanely great, its going to be insanely busy. Will nobody think of the journalists? This grim prospect was brought to mind last week, when a report circulated that one of the previously expected fall releases, the M5 MacBook Pro, has been pushed back to the first half of 2026. I say the first half of 2026, but these laptops are a lot more likely to launch in March or April than in June or January (even if the latter would not be unprecedented ). The chances are that Apple is simply shifting one component from its overloaded fall schedule and adding it to its overloaded spring schedule. As my colleague Jason points out in that article, spring 2026 now looks like it will see the launch of the iPhone 17e, new iPad and iPad Air models, some new MacBook Pros, and an external Mac monitor. While some may be announced outside of a dedicated spring event (assuming Apple holds one), they are nevertheless likely to cluster around the spring launch window. And thats objectively too many products to be launching in a short space of time when the previous, considerably longer season will have seen almost zero launch activity. There are coherent reasons for Apples season-on, season-off launch strategy, of course. The company targets the fall because it lines up neatly with the holiday buying period and Black Friday, which suits retailers shifting newly outdated stock. It avoids winter because most people are short of cash after Christmas, and summer because people are away and less likely to be paying attention to the media (hence the silly season I mentioned earlier). And that leaves spring as the default for announcing anything that cant wait until the following fall. Theres a logic behind the lunacy. Apple doesnt hold live events anymore, but its schedule is stricter than ever. Apple But there are definitely problems with this strategy. As I always point out, Apple is unwittingly adopting the policy of periodical cicadas, which starve predators by hiding underground for years at a time (often a prime number of years, in order to avoid syncing with other species shorter lifecycles; its honestly fascinating!) and then all emerge at once in overwhelming numbers . To be clear, the cicadas in this analogy represent information about new products, and the predators are journalists and customers trying to get that information. Apple is adopting a strategy that is used extremely successfully in nature to achieve the exact opposite of what Apple wants to happen, which is for customer wasps to eat up the tasty cicada product announcements. Learn from the cicada, Apple. Learn from the cicada. In other words, to leave the realm of entomology behind, the problem with launching everything in a single mad day is that things get lost in the noise. Following major Apple press events we often write an article about important announcements readers are likely to have missed, and youd be amazed at what Apple is unable to squeeze into its multi-hour presentations. Even titbits that are explicitly mentioned during the video are liable to fly under the radar because the audience has so much else to take in, and the presenters dont have time to spend any time dwelling on it. I imagine theres something appealing for Apples PR team about delivering a rapid-fire keynote with so many products to rush through that nothing remains onscreen for longer than a couple of minutes: it has that frenetic But wait, theres more! quality that implies a superabundance of innovation and gives the audience no chance to get bored. As a spectacle, it can be pretty intense. (Although curiously, theres usually still time for some cringeworthy skits and songs .) But as an informational resource, its a disaster. And the better alternative would be to hold separate events, or send out separate press releases, for each new product or batch of closely allied products. That way, interested parties could watch the event or read the press release as they please and digest the information at their leisure. And you wouldnt have Apple Watch fans sitting restlessly through iPad spec dumps. This could yet become a reality. Apple has many products to launch in the remainder of 2025, and more than five months left to launch them in; while a late-summer bonanza is unlikely, it could quite plausibly revert to the COVID-influenced model from 2020, when three virtual events were held in consecutive months from September to November. (Defying conventional wisdom, the company even launched the AirPods Max in December of that year.) These would not need to be huge spectacles with special effects and musical numbers, although the centerpiece iPhone launch would probably receive a certain amount of razzle-dazzle. They could focus on the details and benefits of the products. By the time 2026 rolls around, I hope Apple will adopt a consciously diffuse launch policy. The new Vision Pro could be held back a couple of months and launch in January/February, as did its predecessor. The new iPads could be released (probably via press release) in March, followed by the iPhone 17e at a dedicated press event in April; the Mac launches could appear in May or be held back for WWDC. Each product would get its own space and receive appropriate attention from the press and customers alike. And most importantly, journalists like me wouldnt have to go mad twice a year trying to cover everything. 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 Buying a new Mac? Heres why you should switch from a MacBook to a desktop . Samsung just fired its best shot at the iPhone Fold . Alex Blake rounds up 6 essential Mac accessories that will level up your desktop . macOS Tahoe finally puts the Spotlight where it belongs . Apples F1 tactics are a one-way ticket to disaster , says the Macalope. The iPad just got one of Eugen Wegmanns favorite macOS features . The rumor mill Apples packed spring 2026 lineup looks to have something for everyone . Take a look at the iPhone 17 Air in all four rumored colors . (Including the all-new blue .) Apple is prepping a new Vision Pro with changes we dont need . If you think Siris bad , just wait for Apples customer support AI . Software updates, bugs, and problems Your next MacBook may come out of the box already up to date but how? iOS 26 beta 3 is released to developers with new wallpapers and more . 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.

How to get Apples Back to School deal: free AirPods or Apple Pencil

Macworld Apple holds a Back to School promotion every year (now referred to by Apple as the College Student Offer or Higher Education Offer to avoid confusion because its only open to students once they enter higher education, and the institutions and teachers, not school-age children). As part of the deal, Apple offers an incentive with purchases of qualifying Apple products. Apples Back to School deal runs in various locations around the world during the summer months. The deal usually ends about a month after the first university semester/term begins in that country. It began in North America on June 17 2025, having run earlier in 2025 in the southern hemisphere. It then started in the U.K. and Europe on July 10 2025. Apples promotion will run until September 30 in the U.S. and October 21 in the U.K. As was the case in Australia when the promotion ran there in early 2025, students can get a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil and other eligible accessories including mice and keyboards, with the purchase of a new Mac or iPad. Read on to find out what you need to know about Apples Higher Education giveaway, including when it will start where you live and what the deal will include. We also explain who qualifies and how to take advantage of Apples education deal. Apple Back to School Sale Dates 2025 U.S . & Canada : From June 17 September 30 2025. U.K. & Europe: From July 10 October 21, 2025 India : From June 17 September 30 2025. Australia , New Zealand , Brazil and South Korea : January 8 to March 13 2025. The Higher Education deal runs at different times depending on where you are based due to differences in when the school year starts around the globe. Apple runs the promotion in the southern hemisphere in the first few months of the year. In Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Brazil Apples deal ran from January 8 to March 13, 2025. In 2025 the deal runs from June 17 to September 30 in North America and India, and from July 10 to October 21 in Europe and the U.K. What is Apples Back To School offer? Foundry U.S. deal : Get AirPods, Apple Pencil or Apple accessories from June 17 -September 30 2025 with qualifying purchases. U.K. deal : Get AirPods, Apple Pencil or Apple accessories from July 10 October 21 2025 with qualifying purchases. European deal : Get AirPods, Apple Pencil or Apple accessories from July 10 October 21 2025 with qualifying purchases. Southern hemisphere : free AirPods or Apple Pencil with qualifying purchases from January-March 2025. 2026 dates and offer TBC. This year Apple is giving away (or offering money off) AirPods, Apple Pencils and other Apple accessories (keyboards and mice) with purchases of certain Mac and iPads. This is slightly different to recent years. Since 2022, in the U.S. and U.K. and some other locations, Apple has given away gift cards of different denominations depending on the products purchased during the promotional period. Prior to this, and in various other locations including some European countries and India, Apple had given away AirPods and Apple Pencils. So this is a return to the earlier, popular Apple giveaway. This isnt the only education-related saving Apple offers though. All products sold to students via Apples Education Store include a discount all year round, so you can always make a saving on Apple products, as long as you qualify. The summertime education-focused deal is in addition to these year-long discounts Apple offers to students and education institutions. We explain everything you need to know about getting a discount, including how much you can save as a student and how to use Apples Education Store, in our Guide to shopping in the Apple Education Store. If you arent sure what to buy, we also have advice about the Best Mac for Students and the Best iPad for Students . How to get Apples Back to School offer In order to get the free AirPods, Apple Pencil or other Apple Accessory (or to save money on the more expensive AirPods Pro 2) you need to purchase a qualifying Apple product. You need to purchase a qualifying Mac (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac) or a qualifying iPad (iPad Pro or iPad Air). As a student you can also get a discount on the price of those products in fact, you can get a student discount on Apple products in the Apple Education Store , with the exception of the iPhone, at any time. You also need to be based in an area where Apple is running the deal at the time of your purchase, and be a student in higher education, or about to start higher education. There are more details about who qualifies for Apples Education offer below. To get the deal in the U.S. you need to visit Apples U.S. Education Store. Logging on from your university network may make the process easier. In the U.K. you can visit the U.K. Education Store , but you will also need to verify your student or staff status with UNiDAYS . Go to the Apple Education Store for other regions using the links below: U.S. U.K. Canada Australia New Zealand Brazil South Korea India France Germany When you make your qualifyingMac or iPad purchase you will be able to request the freebee. The products included in the Apple offer You need to buy one of the following qualifying products: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad Pro and iPad Air to qualify for the giveaway. You can choose which of the giveaway product you want to get when you make your order. In some cases more the freebee comes with an additional cost, as you can see from the table below. Its not always the above products that qualify for the deal. Recently Apple has allowed the purchase of a Mac mini and an iPad to qualify for the freebee, but not in 2025. Qualifying purchases for Apples deal in 2024 included: iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro and iPad Air. In Australia in early 2024 the iPad 10th generation was included. In summer 2023 qualifying purchases included: iMac 24inch, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro and iPad Air. Its also interesting to note that in 2025 Apple is not giving any discount on the AirPods Max despite having done so in the past. What you can save in Apples back to school giveaway Foundry You can save as much as $199 in the Apple Back to School deal. If you buy a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro Apple will give you a free Magic Keyboard worth $199. However, some of the products being offered as an incentive require you to spend a little extra to get them. For example, to get the AirPods Pro 2 (worth $249) with your new Mac you need to spend an additional $70. U.S. back to school giveaway details U.S. students making the following purchases can either get free Mice, TrackPad, Keyboard, Apple Pencil, or AirPods 4, or get a discount on the price of the AirPods Pro 2 and Magic Keyboard cases for iPad. The terms and conditions of the deal are here: U.S . Apples education discounts are available all year round. Visit the U.S. Education Store and Canada Education Store for more information. Buy Get Saving Additional spend MacBook Air or MacBook Pro AirPods 4 with ANC $179 AirPods Pro 2 $179 $70 Magic Mouse $79 or $99 Magic TrackPad $129 or $149 Magic Keyboard $179 or $199 iMac AirPods 4 $179 AirPods Pro 2 $179 $70 iPad Air or iPad Pro Apple Pencil Pro $119 AirPods 4 $129 AirPods 4 with ANC $129 $50 AirPods Pro 2 $129 $120 Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Air $119 $130 Magic Keyboard for 13-inch iPad Air $119 $180 Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro $119 $160 Magic Keyboard for 13-inch iPad Pro $119 $210 If you want AirPods Pro you have to pay a little more, but you are still getting $179 off. U.K. back to school giveaway details U.K. students making the following purchases can either get free Mice, TrackPad, Keyboard, Apple Pencil, or AirPods 4, or get a discount on the price of the AirPods Pro 2 and Magic Keyboard cases for iPad. The terms and conditions of the deal are here: U.K . Apples education discounts are available all year round. Apples education discounts are available all year round. Students and educators need to log in via UNiDAYS website to see the offers. Educational Store discounts are usually up to 280 for U.K. students. See Apples terms and conditions . Buy Get Saving Additional spend MacBook Air or MacBook Pro AirPods 4 with ANC 179 AirPods Pro 2 179 100 Magic Mouse 79 or 99 Magic TrackPad 29 or 149 Magic Keyboard $179 or $199 iMac AirPods 4 179 AirPods Pro 2 179 100 iPad Air or iPad Pro Apple Pencil Pro 119 AirPods 4 129 AirPods 4 with ANC 129 50 AirPods Pro 2 129 100 Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Air 119 130 Magic Keyboard for 13-inch iPad Air 119 180 Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro 119 160 Magic Keyboard for 13-inch iPad Pro 119 210 If you want AirPods Pro you have to pay a little more, but you are still getting 179 off. Europe back to school giveaway details European students making the same purchases as those above can either get free Mice, TrackPad, Keyboard, Apple Pencil, or AirPods 4, or get a discount on the price of the AirPods Pro 2 and Magic Keyboard cases for iPad. French details here . German details here . Spanish details here . Italian details here . Netherlands details here . India back to school giveaway details The 2025 deal in India the Back to University is the same as in the U.S.: AirPods or Apple Pencil discounts. Details here . T&C here . Australia and New Zealand back to school giveaway details The deal started on January 8 and ran to March 13. The offer was as follows: A$299 off AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation with a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac A$299 off AirPods Pro 2 with a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac A$299 off AirPods Max with a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac A$199 off Apple Pencil Pro with iPad Pro or iPad Air A$199 off Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad Pro or iPad Air 20% off AppleCare+ is also available The AirPods 4 with ANC cost A$299. AirPods Pro 2 are A$399 and AirPods Max are A$899. So students needed to spend A$100 to get AirPods Pro 2 and A$699 to get the AirPods Max. The Apple Pencil Pro costs A$199 and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is A$119. Visit Apple Australias website for more information. The terms and conditions of the deal in Apple Australia are here . There were similar gift voucher savings in New Zealand . Brazil and South Korea back to school giveaway details In Brazil and South Korea Apple gave away AirPods with Mac purchases and Apple Pencil with iPad purchases from January to March 13, 2024. The deal was the same in 2025. Who can get Apples Back to School deal? Apple If you are registered at a higher education facility (thats post-K12 education: universities and colleges) you will qualify for the free AirPods deal as well as Apples usual education discount. Employees of these institutions can also qualify. If you are a parent buying for your student offspring then you can also qualify. Here are Apples Ts&Cs for the U.S . Alternatively, if you are an employee of a public or private K-12 institution/school in the U.S. or Canada you are also eligible. Apples Education pricing isnt available to parents with kids at school, but a homeschool teacher can qualify. Even when Apple isnt running the Back to School Deal students and education institutions can still take advantage of its standard educational pricing on its Educational Pricing page ( U.S. here / U.K. here ). Students can also take advantage of a reduced subscription to Apple Music with which they get access to Apple TV+ when they buy an Apple product. Read: How to get the student deal for Apple Music and free Apple TV+. How much can you save with Apples education pricing? Students can save up to $200/220 on Macs and up to $100/100 on iPads at any time of the year. More here: How to get an Apple student discount at Apples Education Store. A MacBook Air is a good choice for students. Foundry If you dont qualify for an education discount have a look at these round-ups of the best deals on a new Mac and iPad: Best MacBook Pro deals MacBook Air deals Mac mini deals Best iMac deals Best Mac Studio deals Best iPad deals We also have this advice about which Mac is best for students . And for more help read the low down on the Best Mac 2025 .

Last chance for this $20 Sams Club membership deal

Macworld If youre stocking up for summer BBQs, road trip snacks, or just trying to cut down on weekly grocery bills, Sams Club can be a lifesaver. And right now, your first year of Club membership could be just $20 if you act fast. Its the lowest price weve ever seen, but you only have through tomorrow, July 13, to grab this deal before it disappears. Think about it: Who wouldnt want to buy mountains of snacks, enough toilet paper to build a fort (okay, maybe not), and TVs bigger than your average apartment window? Plus, you could scoredeals on everything from groceries to electronics, which means more money in your pocket for, well, whatever you want. But heres the real kicker: A Sams Club membership also unlocks discounts on travel, entertainment, and movie tickets . So, basically, your $20 membership fee is working overtime to earn itself back in a dozen different ways. You have until July 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT to grab this $20 Sams Club membership deal (reg. $50). No coupon is needed to save 60%. 1-Year Sams Club Membership with Auto-Renew See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Prime Day last call: These 7 all-time-low Apple deals are still available

Macworld We get it, were sick of Amazon deals too. But there are still a few hours left of Prime Day, and the deals arent letting up. In fact, were still seeing some of the best prices ever on many of our favorite Apple devicesprices so low that they probably wont be any lower until Black Friday, if ever. So, act fast if you want one of these incredible deals: AirPods Pro 2: $149 Apples AirPods Pro 2 might be nearly three years old, but theyre still among the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy. Not only do they have great sound and battery life, but Apple keeps adding incredible features, such as Conversation Awareness, Hearing Health, and, coming in iOS26, automatic pausing when you fall asleep. Theyre usually on sale for $199, but this Prime Day sale knocks the price down to an all-time low of $149. View Deal at Amazon AirPods 4: $89 AirPods 4 with ANC: $119 AirPods 4 are the affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, but after Amazon slashed the price of the Pros to less than the AirPods 4, it had to cut the price of its cheaper buds too. By a lot. Amazon has slashed the price of the standard AirPods by $40 and the high-end version with ANC by $60, the lowest theyve ever been. You wont get the high-end features from the AirPods Pro, but you will get great sound, excellent battery life, and an overall fantastic pair of earbuds. View Deal at Amazon A16 iPad: $279 It wasnt long ago when Apples entry-level iPad was hard to recommend. Now its hard to pass up. For just $279 ($70 off its MSRP), you get an 11-inch screen, 12MP front and rear cameras, 128GB of storage, and a Touch ID-enabled power button: a strikingly similar device, in other words, to the iPad Air. You wont get Apple Intelligence, but will you even notice when youre getting so much iPad for so little? View Deal at Amazon A17 Pro iPad mini: $379 Apples iPad mini is often overlooked but shouldnt be at this price. Instead of its usual $499, Amazon has marked it down to $379, a downright steal for a tablet light and small enough to fit into a cargo pocket. You get a great processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, 12MP front and rear cameras, and a fantastic display. Who needs a big screen anyway? View Deal at Amazon Apple Watch Series 10: $279 The Apple Watch Series 10 is often on sale at Amazon for $100 off, but weve never seen it this low before. For just $279, you get a 42mm smartwatch with a slew of features and sensors, including a 3rdgen optical heart sensor, ECG, temperature sensor, depth gauge, Fall and Crash Detection, noise monitoring, and of course, a slew of heath and fitness trackers. And itll look pretty nice on your wrist too, no matter which color you choose. View Deal at Amazon M4 Mac mini (24GB, 512GB): $890 The M4 Mac minis adorable design hides a super-powerful computer inside it with an M4 processor and 16GB of RAM. That version is down to $500 ($99 off), but we prefer the step-up model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $890, the lowest price weve ever seen. Youll need to bring your own keyboard, monitor, and mouse, but you wont need to worry about buying a new Mac for many years to come. View Deal at Amazon Check out our best deals of Prime Day: Best Apple Prime Day Deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day i Phone deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals Best Mac Monitor Prime Day Deals Best Mac Storage Prime Day Deals See all our Prime Day Apple Deals coverage

Skip the Prime Day M4 deals and save $400 on the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air right now

Macworld If the Prime Day MacBook deals are still a little rich for your wallet, weve got a great deal for you. B&H is selling the M3 MacBook Air with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM for $899 , a savings of $400 on the original MSRP and $300 on a similarly specced M4 model. Thats a great savings for a machine that will last for years to come. This MacBook features a gorgeous 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a 28801864 resolution. Anything you watch on this thing is going to look fantastic and full of color, even if its something as boring as an Excel spreadsheet. Its running a previous-gen M3 chip, which is still plenty fast, and comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. When we reviewed it , we loved its design, performance, display, and fantastic battery life, which is so long you wont need to worry about carrying a charger. And speaking of carrying things, this laptop lives up to its name and weighs just 3.3 pounds despite its spacious 15-inch display. So hurry up and get this fantastic $400 discount at B&H before the deal expires. Get the 15 MacBook Air M3 for $400 off Buy now at B&H

Apple TV+ this week: Foundation season 3 and The Wild Ones are now streaming

Macworld Apple has planted its own flag in the streaming wars with Apple TV+ , its in-house streaming service that focuses almost entirely on original programming rather than an extensive library of existing TV shows or movies. This guide will list all the Apple TV+ content you can watch today, divided into episodic shows or series and movies. Theres also a ton of new content in the works for Apples $9.99-a-month service. If you want to know whats on the way, check out our list of upcoming Apple TV+ shows and movies . Updated July 11, 2025 : The third season of Apples sci-fi epic Foundation has premiered, and you can also watch the new nature documentary The Wild Ones . Mentioned IN THIS story Apple TV 4K (2022, 3. Gen.) 128GB WiFi + Ethernet Read our review Price When Reviewed: 64GB $129 | 128GB $149 Best Prices Today: $129 at Apple Whats new on Apple TV+ The Wild Ones Released: July 11, 2025 Foundation (season 3) Released: July 11, 2025 Smoke Released: June 27, 2025 The Buccaneers (season 2) Released: June 18, 2025 Not a Box Released: June 13, 2025 Echo Valley Released: June 13, 2025 How to get Apple TV+ If you want to start watching Apple TV Plus heres how. You can subscribe to Apple TV+ on Apples website here , or via the Apple TV app on your device. It costs $9.99/8.99 a month, which you can cancel at any time (Read: How to cancel and Apple subscription ). You can also opt for a one-year subscription for $99/89, which essentially gives you two months free each year. Apple also offers various trials so that you can try out Apple TV+ before you subscribe. Take a look at our article explaining all the ways you can watch Apple TV for free , and the best Apple TV+ deals you can get. Students can get Apple TV+ for free with an already subsidized Apple Music subscription. Best shows on Apple TV+ Theres far too much content on Apple TV+ to sift through it all yourself. If youre looking for something to watch and dont know where to start, here are a few of the Macworld staffs favorite shows, series, and movies. Bad Sisters Synopsis: A dark comedy about a group of Irish sisters who find themselves at the center of a life insurance investigation after John Paulthe abusive husband to one of the sistersdies unexpectedly. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: August 19, 2022 Black Bird Synopsis: A gripping miniseries about a convicted con artist who works for the FBI to try to get a serial killers confession before he is released from prison. Based on the true story of James Keene and Larry Hall. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: July 8, 2022 For All Mankind Synopsis: What if the U.S.S.R. put a man on the moon before the U.S.? How would the ensuing space race change history throughout the decades? Thats the high concept behind this gripping big-budget sci-fi series. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: November 1, 2019 Mythic Quest Synopsis: A lighthearted workplace comedy about a game development studio and the big egos and personal conflicts that happen within. Its goofy good fun but sometimes quite touching. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: February 7, 2020 Severance Synopsis: A combination of dystopian sci-fi drama and workplace comedy about a company where employees are severedwhen at work, they cant remember their outside lives, and vice-versa. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: February 18, 2022 Shrinking Synopsis: A surprisingly quick-witted comedy about a therapist who has trouble dealing with the death of his wife and his eccentric patients. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: January 27, 2023 Slow Horses Synopsis: Gary Oldman turns in a great performance as the cranky leader of a band of misfit spies. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: April 1, 2022 Ted Lasso Synopsis: Apples fish-out-of-water comedy/drama about a midwestern college football coach who heads to England to coach Premiere League soccer is a breakout hit for good reason. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: August 14, 2020 The Morning Show Synopsis: Big star power and a fantastic performance by Jenniffer Aniston highlight this fast-paced drama that goes behind the scenes of a fictional morning news program. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: November 1, 2019 Apple TV+ shows and series These are all the episodic series you can currently watch on Apple TV+, including both recurring and limited series. This list is in alphabetical order. Title Premiere Seasons / Episodes 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything May 21, 2021 8 episodes Acapulco October 8, 2021 3 seasons, 30 episodes Amazing Stories March 6, 2020 1 season, 5 episodes Amber Brown July 29, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Bad Monkey August 14, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Bad Sisters August 19, 2022 2 seasons, 20 episodes BE@RBRICK March 21, 2025 1 season, 13 episodes Becoming You November 13, 2020 1 season, 6 episodes Before October 25, 2024 10 episodes Best Foot Forward July 22, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Big Beasts April 21, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Black Bird July 8, 2022 6 episodes Boom! Boom! The World vs Boris Becker April 7, 2023 2 episodes Calls March 19, 2021 1 season, 9 episodes Camp Snoopy June 14, 2024 10 episodes Carme April 30, 2025 1 season, 8 episodes Carpool Karaoke August 8, 2017 5 seasons, 75 episodes Central Park May 29, 2020 3 seasons, 39 episodes Circuit Breakers November 11, 2022 1 season, 7 episodes City on Fire May 12, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Constellation February 21, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Cowboy Cartel August 2, 2024 4 episodes Criminal Record January 10, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Curses! October 27, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes Dark Matter May 8, 2024 1 season, 9 episodes Dear Edward February 3, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Dear June 5, 2020 2 seasons, 20 episodes Defending Jacob April 24, 2020 8 episodes Dickinson November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes Disclaimer October 11, 2024 7 episodes Dope Thief March 14, 2025 8 episodes Doug Unplugs November 13, 2020 2 seasons, 26 episodes Dr. Brain November 3, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes Drops of God April 21, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Duck & Goose July 8, 2022 2 seasons, 17 episodes Earth at Night in Color December 4, 2020 2 seasons, 12 episodes Earthsounds February 23, 2024 1 season, 12 episodes Echo 3 November 23, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes El Deafo January 7, 2022 3 episodes Eva the Owlet March 31, 2023 2 seasons, 17 episodes Extrapolations March 17, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Five Days at Memorial August 12, 2022 8 episodes For All Mankind November 1, 2019 4 seasons, 40 episodes Foundation September 24, 2021 3 seasons, 30 episodes Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock January 21, 2022 2 seasons, 27 episodes Fraggle Rock: Rock On! April 21, 2020 1 season, 6 episodes Frog and Toad April 28, 2023 2 seasons, 18 episodes Get Rolling with Otis October 8, 2021 2 seasons, 18 episodes Ghostwriter November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 39 episodes Government Cheese April 16, 2025 1 season, 10 episodes Greatness Code July 10, 2020 2 seasons, 13 episodes Gutsy September 9, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Harriet the Spy November 19, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Hello Tomorrow! February 17, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show November 5, 2021 2 seasons, 16 episodes Helpsters November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 40 episodes Helpsters Help You April 24, 2020 6 episodes High Desert May 17, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Hijack June 28, 2023 7 episodes Hollywood Con Queen May 8, 2024 3 episodes Home April 17, 2020 2 season, 19 episodes Home Before Dark April 3, 2020 2 seasons, 20 episodes Interrupting Chicken November 18, 2022 2 seasons, 17 episodes Invasion October 22, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Jane April 14, 2023 3 seasons, 20 episodes John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial December 6, 2023 3 episodes K-Pop Idols August 30, 2024 6 episodes La Maison September 20, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Lady in the Lake July 19, 2024 7 episodes Land of Women June 26, 2024 1 season, 6 episodes Lessons in Chemistry October 13, 2023 8 episodes Liaison February 24, 2023 1 season, 6 episodes Life by Ella September 2, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Lincolns Dilemma February 18, 2022 4 episodes Liseys Story June 4, 2021 8 episodes Little America January 17, 2020 2 seasons, 16 episodes Little Voice July 10, 2020 1 season, 9 episodes Long Way Up September 18, 2020 11 episodes Long Way Home May 9, 2025 10 episodes Loot June 24, 2022 2 seasons, 20 episodes Losing Alice January 22, 2021 1 season, 8 episodes Love You to Death February 7, 2025 1 season, 7 episodes Lovely Little Farm June 10, 2022 2 seasons, 14 episodes Make or Break April 29, 2022 2 seasons, 15 episodes Manhunt March 15, 2024 7 episodes Masters of the Air January 26, 2024 9 episodes Me July 12, 2024 1 seasons, 10 episodes Messi Meets America October 11, 2023 6 episodes Messis World Cup: Rise of a Legend February 21, 2024 4 episodes Midnight Family September 25, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Monarch: Legacy of Monsters November 17, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Monster Factory March 17, 2023 6 episodes Mr. Corman August 6, 2021 1 season, 10 episodes Murderbot May 16, 2025 1 season, 10 episodes My Kind of Country March 24, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Mythic Quest February 7, 2020 4 seasons, 40 episodes Not a Box June 13, 2025 1 season, 8 episodes Now and Then May 20, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Omnivore July 19, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes One-of-a-Kind Marcie August 18, 2023 39 min. Onside: Major League Soccer February 21, 2025 8 episodes Oprah Talks COVID-19 March 21, 2020 1 season, 13 episodes Oprahs Book Club November 1, 2019 1 season, 14 episodes Pachinko March 25, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Palm Royale March 20, 2024 10 episodes Physical June 18, 2021 3 seasons, 30 episodes Pinecone & Pony April 8, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Platonic May 24, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Prehistoric Planet May 23, 2022 2 season, 10 episodes Presumed Innocent June 12, 2024 8 episodes Pretzel and the Puppies February 11, 2022 2 seasons, 18 episodes Prime Target January 22, 2025 8 episodes Puppy Place October 15, 2021 2 seasons, 16 episodes Real Madrid: Until the End March 10, 2023 3 episodes Roar April 15, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Sago Mini Friends September 16, 2022 3 seasons, 24 episodes Schmigadoon! July 16, 2021 2 seasons, 12 episodes See November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 24 episodes Servant November 28, 2019 4 seasons, 40 episodes Severance February 18, 2022 2 seasons, 19 episodes Shantaram October 14, 2022 1 season, 12 episodes Shape Island January 20, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Shining Girls April 29, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Shrinking January 27, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes Side Quest March 26, 2025 4 epsiodes Silo May 5, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes Slow Horses April 1, 2022 4 seasons, 24 episodes Slumberkins November 4, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Smoke June 27, 2025 9 episodes Snoopy in Space November 1, 2019 2 seasons, 24 episodes Stick June 4, 2025 1 season, 10 episodes Still Up September 22, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Stillwater December 4, 2020 3 seasons, 30 episodes Strange Planet August 9, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes STEVE! (martin): A documentary in two pieces March 29, 2024 2 episodes Sugar April 5, 2024 8 episodes Sunny July 10, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Super League: The War for Football January 13, 2023 4 episodes Surface July 29, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Surfside Girls August 19, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Suspicion February 4, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Swagger October 29, 2021 2 season2, 18 episodes Ted Lasso August 14, 2020 3 seasons, 34 episodes Tehran September 25, 2020 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Afterparty January 28, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Big Cigar May 17, 2024 6 episodes The Big Conn May 6, 2022 4 episodes The Big Door Prize March 29, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes The Buccaneers November 8, 2023 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Changeling September 8, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin March 1, 2024 1 season, 6 episodes The Crowded Room June 9, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes The Dynasty February 16 2024 10 episodes The Enfield Poltergeist October 27, 2023 4 episodes The Essex Serpent May 13, 2022 6 episodes The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey March 11, 2022 6 episodes The Last Thing He Told Me April 14, 2023 7 episodes The Line November 19, 2021 4 episodes [a] The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball April 22, 2022 1 season, 5 episodes The Me You Cant See May 21, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes The Morning Show November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes The Mosquito Coast April 30, 2021 2 seasons, 17 episodes The New Look February 14, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes The Oprah Conversation July 30, 2020 1 season, 15 episodes The Problem with Jon Stewart September 30, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes The Reluctant Traveler February 24, 2023 2 seasons, 13 episodes The Shrink Next Door November 12, 2021 8 episodes The Snoopy Show February 5, 2021 2 seasons, 26 episodes The Studio March 26, 2025 1 season, 10 episodes The Super Models September 20, 2023 4 episodes The Wild Ones July 11, 2025 1 season, 6 episodes They Call Me Magic April 22, 2022 1 season, 4 episodes Time Bandits July 24, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Tiny World October 2, 2020 2 seasons, 12 episodes Truth Be Told December 6, 2019 3 seasons, 28 episodes Trying May 1, 2020 4 seasons, 32 episodes Visible: Out on Television February 14, 2020 5 episodes Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn August 25, 2023 4 episodes Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson July 30, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes WeCrashed March 18, 2022 8 episodes Wheres Wanda? October 2, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Wolfboy and the Everything Factory September 24, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Women in Blue July 31, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes WondLa June 28, 2024 2 seasons, 14 episodes Wonder Pets: In the City December 13, 2024 1 season, 13 episodes Yo Gabba Gabbaland August 9, 2024 1 season, 20 episodes You Would Do It Too October 30, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Your Friends and Neighbors April 11, 2025 1 season, 9 episodes Apple TV movies and short films Apple TV+ is home to a fair number of original movies, too. Some of the movies saw a limited theatrical release, all are listed here in alphabetical order. Title Release Date 9/11: Inside the Presidents War Room September 1, 2021 Argylle April 12, 2024 Beastie Boys Story April 24, 2020 Billie Eilish: The Worlds a Little Blurry February 26, 2021 Blitz November 22, 2024 Blush October 1, 2021 Bono: Stories of Surrender May 30, 2025 Boys State August 14, 2020 Bread and Roses November 22, 2024 Bruce Springsteens Letter to You October 23, 2020 Causeway November 4, 2022 Cha Cha Real Smooth June 17, 2022 Cherry March 12, 2021 CODA August 13, 2021 Come from Away September 10, 2021 Dads June 19, 2020 Deaf President Now! May 16, 2025 Echo Valley June 13, 2025 Emancipation December 9, 2022 Fancy Dance June 28, 2024 Fathom June 25, 2021 Finch November 5, 2021 Fingernails November 3, 2023 Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds November 13, 2020 Flora and Son September 29, 2023 Fly Me to the Moon December 6, 2024 Fountain of Youth May 23, 2025 Ghosted April 21, 2023 Girls State April 5, 2024 Greyhound July 10, 2020 Hala December 6, 2019 Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas November 22, 2023 Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth April 17, 2020 Killers of the Flower Moon January 12, 2024 Louis Armstrongs Black & Blues October 28, 2022 Luck August 5, 2022 Lulu is a Rhinoceros May 30, 2025 Mariah Careys Magical Christmas Special December 4, 2020 Mariahs Christmas: The Magic Continues December 3, 2021 Napoleon March 1, 2024 Napoleon: Directors Cut August 29, 2024 Number One on the Call Sheet March 28, 2025 On the Rocks October 23, 2020 Palmer January 29, 2021 Raymond & Ray October 21, 2022 Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me November 4, 2022 Sharper February 17, 2023 Sidney September 23, 2022 Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne December 10, 2021 Snoopy Presents: Its The Small Things, Charlie Brown April 15, 2022 Snoopy Presents: Lucys School August 12, 2022 Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love May 6, 2022 Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin February 16, 2024 Spirited November 18, 2022 Stephen Curry: Underrated July 21, 2023 Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie May 12, 2023 Swan Song December 17, 2021 Tetris March 31, 2023 The Banker March 20, 2020 The Beanie Bubble July 28, 2023 The Bloody Hundredth March 15, 2024 The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse December 25, 2022 The Elephant Queen November 1, 2019 The Family Plan December 15, 2023 The Gorge February 14, 2025 The Greatest Beer Run Ever September 30, 2022 The Instigators August 9, 2024 The Last of the Sea Women October 11, 2024 The Pigeon Tunnel October 20, 2023 The Sky Is Everywhere February 11, 2022 The Tragedy of Macbeth January 14, 2022 The Velvet Underground October 15, 2021 The Velveteen Rabbit November 22, 2023 The Year Earth Changed April 16, 2021 Twas the Fight Before Christmas November 26, 2021 Who Are You, Charlie Brown? June 25, 2021 Wolfs September 27, 2024 Wolfwalkers December 11, 2020

B&O Beosound A1 (3rd gen) Review: Great choice for outdoor music this summer

Macworld At a glance Pros Powerful, precise mid-range Good battery life Bluetooth and wired connections Rugged and water-proof design Cons Expensive No Wi-Fi or AirPlay A little weak on extreme highs and lows No carrying case Our Verdict The A1 is no bass-boombox, but its clear and powerful mid-range works well for rock, pop and dance music, while its 60W output will really get things moving at a BBQ or beach party. Its more expensive than most of its portable rivals, but the rugged design and strong battery life of the A1 make it one of the best compact speakers around. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $399 Best Prices Today: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) Retailer Price Bang & Olufsen $399 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bang & Olufens Beosound A1 is one of the more expensive portable speakers currently available especially given its relatively modest dimensions. It packs a lot into that compact design, though, combining impressive sound quality and good battery life with a rugged design that is ideal for outdoor use. Priced at $399/299 and available in a variety of colours, this is actually the third-generation version of the A1, with the previous second-gen model having been launched in 2021. The outward appearance of this new model hasnt changed at all, sticking with B&Os distinctive circular design with a perforated aluminium grille on top. That second-gen model is still available from Amazon and other online stores, though, so make sure you buy the correct model when ordering online. Mind you, the second-gen model has also had a price cut to around $199/160 ( $149.99 and 147.25 in the Amazon Prime Day sale), which is a great price if youre looking for a bargain. For more Prime Day deals on audio equipment see our round up of the best Prime Day AirPods deals , which includes an assortment of other earbuds too. The low-profile metallic design of the A1 looks great, and it measures just 46mm high and 133mm in diameter, and weighs 576g, so its easy to slip it into a backpack or bag when youre travelling. Its sturdily built though, with that metallic case boasting an IP67 rating for water and dust-resistance. This means that its completely sealed against dust and other small particles, and can survive being completely immersed in water up to one metre deep for 30 minutes. B&O Beosound A1 (3rd gen) comes with a wrist-rap That makes it ideal for use outdoors, on a beach holiday, or if you just want to have a bit of a sing-along in the shower in the morning. The base of the speaker has a non-slip rubber coating to help keep it safe, and theres a leather wrist-rap as well, although its a shame that such an expensive speaker doesnt include a carrying case too. New features in this third-gen model include a new 3.25-inch woofer, which is designed to provide stronger bass than the previous model. Higher frequencies are handled by an 0.6-inch tweeter, with the two drivers providing a healthy 60W output. Battery life has improved too, rising from 18 hours to 24 hours when playing music at medium volume. Its a little odd that the A1 still relies on the relatively old Bluetooth 5.1, as recent updates to Bluetooth have helped to improve power efficiency even further. Even so, 24 hours of music should still see you through a long weekend, and the A1 supports both Apples AAC codec for Bluetooth audio, and aptX Adaptive for Android users. Theres a wired option as well, as the A1 has a USB-C interface that can be used to both charge the battery and provide a wired audio input at the same time. This means that you can plug it into a laptop when youre away from home in order to charge the speaker and use it as an external speaker for the laptop as well. The only thing that prevents the A1 from being the perfect portable speaker for Apple users is that it doesnt support Wi-Fi or AirPlay as some less expensive portable speakers do, such as the JBL Authentics 300 or Sonos Roam 2 . See our round up of the Best AirPlay Speakers. But, of course, its sound quality that matters most, and the A1 produces a surprisingly strong and clear sound for such a compact speaker. Muse are always a good bet for the summer festival season, and the A1 has plenty of power to handle the prog-rock mayhem of Knights Of Cydonia. The tracks galloping drum beat hits the ground running with a firm, precise rhythm, and Matt Bellamys falsetto rings out loud and clear as the band do their best Queen impersonation. Our only complaint here is that some of the higher frequencies can lack impact, and some sounds such as the mariachi horns in the opening section get a little overwhelmed by the headbanging guitars and drums. Compact speakers such as this can also struggle with bass output too, but the A1 manages to get down to the bouncing electronic bass on Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. Theres a smooth tone to Billies voice as she whispers Im only good at being bad and a crisp, sharp sound to the finger snaps that float above. The really deep bass pulse that ends the track could be a little firmer, but thats asking a lot from such a small speaker, and the A1 is as good as youll get from a speaker of this size. Should you buy B&Os Besound A1 (3rd gen)? There are certainly less expensive portable speakers available, but the Beosound A1 can earn its keep when youre out and about this summer. It provides impressive sound quality for such a compact and lightweight speaker, and its great that you can charge it and play music from a laptop at the same time. And, of course, its rugged design makes it ideal for outdoor use, even on a sandy beach or a muddy music festival.

Samsung just fired its best shot at the iPhone Fold

Macworld Its no secret that Apple tends to experiment with prototypes privately, while many of their rivals use their customers as guinea pigs. The iPhone maker, for the most part, has historically refrained from putting out unfinished products, while Samsung, Google, and others prefer to iterate in public with products that could use some more time in the lab. Nowhere is that clearer than with folding phones. Samsung has been launching new foldable phones for half a decade with varying success, while Apple has yet to announce its first folding iPhone. Samsungs Unpacked event earlier this week was unlike any previous one, however. For the first time, it feels like the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 isnt an overpriced beta product riddled with design imperfections and other compromises. It has seemingly matured into a practical, multifunctional phone that caters to a wider range of users far beyond rabid early adopters. This is great news for Samsung fansbut possibly even better news for those anticipating the iPhone Fold, rumored to launch next year. Crease decrease Perhaps the most glaring issue with early Galaxy Z Fold models was the display crease. Samsungs early foldable screens would develop a visible line in the center after repeated folding. Not only would it strip the devices of their flagship feel, but in some cases, it would affect usability and lead to untimely repairs. Remember the early Galaxy Z phones with an unsightly crease down the middle? Those days are long gone. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Samsung managed to minimize the problem over the years through design tweaks, and the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 incorporates an even more durable hinge. Taking this into account, its realistic to assume that the iPhone Fold wont suffer from any major crease complications when it launches in September 2026. Apple has had sufficient time to develop a long-lasting solution , as the screen crease has been rumored to be its biggest priority. When the iPhone Fold launches next year, it will need to be utterly flawless just to match the Z Fold 7. Thinpossible Another common foldable phone drawback is the design, namely, thickness and weight. Manufacturers are essentially stitching two smartphones togetherall while maintaining their durability, high-end specifications, etc. Slimming them down is no easy feat. Nevertheless, Samsung has finally polished the design with its Galaxy Z Fold 7, suggesting Apple is going down a similar path. The latest Samsung foldable weighs only 215g and has a thickness of 8.9mm and 4.2mm when folded and unfolded, respectively. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227g and is 8.25mm thick. So, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has essentially become a normal-sized smartphone when folded and an ultra-slim tablet in its unfolded form. Its no longer an overwhelming, chunky brick. Its so thin, in fact, Samsung had to drop S-Pen support . The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is super thin when open and closed. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Given that this years iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be 5.5mm thin (and the incredibly powerful iPad Pro M4 is just 5.1mm thin), its likely Apple has figured out a way to make the iPhone Fold similarly thin. But how thin is the questionand what Apple will need to sacrifice to get there. Pro-formance Another technological milestone is powering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a flagship processorthe Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. With such a thin body, overheating is obviously a concern, which is something Apple has already figured out with its own silicon. As I mentioned above, look no further than the iPad Pro and upcoming iPhone 17 Air to see how incredibly efficient Apples chips are. If it launches next year as rumored, we assume the iPhone Fold will offer the yet-to-be-announced A20 Pro to deliver advanced iPadOS 26-like features, such as app windowing, when unfolded. Folding phones have been established as premium devices, and Apple will likely follow suit by putting its most powerful mobile chip into its highest-end device. Sharp shooting Incorporating a Pro camera system into a slim foldable is yet another obstacle that Samsung has overcome. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an impressive triple rear lens setup, featuring a 200MP main sensor. The front camera now also boasts a wide 100-degree field of view, letting users expand the frame when taking group selfies. On the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, Apple is expected to use a single camera, and most rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will have a pair of wide and ultra-wide lenses to allow for superior portraits and macro mode with limited zoom capabilities. So, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely beat the iPhone here, but Apple is sure to put major emphasis on the iPhone Folds photographic capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold7 has an impressive triple-camera system. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry When it comes to the front camera, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has two, one on the outside display and another on the inside for use when opened, with two single-hole cutouts for the cameras. Apple is rumored to be taking a similar path as it shifts away from the Dynamic Island and moves Face ID elements under the display. Its not clear what that means for Face ID, which would give Apple an edge here. But with two screens, Apple is likely to ditch Face ID on the iPhone Fold for Touch ID inside the power button like the iPad mini and Air. The stakes are high Apple enthusiasts have generally grown accustomed to receiving innovative hardware later than everyone else. When said upgrades eventually arrive, however, they expect them to work flawlessly. The company is obviously aware of this unspoken formula, so its safe to assume the first iPhone Fold wont be as half-baked as Samsungs previous folding phones. Whether itll be a worthy Galaxy Z Fold 7 competitor is a different story, though. Sure, Apple has spent years developing and refining the iPhone Folds potential imperfections. But Samsung has been collecting analytics and feedback from millions of users for a while nowthe kind of data Apple cant necessarily replicate with limited lab tests. Im not worried about the iPhone Folds durability or potential defects. Theres also the issue of price. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 with 256GB of storage, $800 more than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and twice that of a MacBook Air. Will the iPhone Fold cost $2,500 or more? But Im most concerned about the iPhone Folds unique features, specs, battery life, and the day-to-day usage experience. Will the wait be worth it? Were going to find out soon.

Best earbuds for iPhone

Macworld Wireless headphones or earbuds (whatever you call them) are essentially the standard now, with Bluetooth earbuds being convenient and the sound quality difference to wired not being that noticeable to typical people (we realize audiophiles know). The market is huge, but here are the best wireless earbuds weve tested for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Macs. If you do want a wired connection some of these do offer it in addition to Bluetooth, but we also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . We also have a comparison of all the AirPods . At the end of this round up of the best earbuds we run through some of the important factors to consider when choosing headphones. Such as whether they support ANC, which is Apples codec, or the aptX codec that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, but isnt supported by Apple (although there are some earbuds, such as the B&W Pi8 below that include a transmitter for aptX support. Save money this Prime Day ! Its the Prime Day sale over at Amazon this week and we have already seen some deals on some of the earbuds reviewed below. Here are the best deals weve seen: 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) LIMITED TIME DEAL AirPods Max (USB-C) : $399 ($150 off, MSRP $549) Apple Earpods : $16 ($3 off, MSRP $19) Beats Solo 4 : $98 ($102 off, MSRP $200) LIMITED TIME DEAL Beats Solo Buds : $50 ($30 off, MSRP $80) LIMITED TIME DEAL Beats Studio Pro : $170 ($180 off, MSRP $350) LIMITED TIME DEAL Beats Pill : $98 ($52 off, MSRP $150) Powerbeats Pro 2 : $180 ($70 off, MSRP $250) LIMITED TIME DEAL Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $264.99 ($35 off, MSRP $299.99) (REVIEW BELOW) Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 $228.19 ($71 off, MSRP $349.95) PRIME DAY DEAL (REVIEW BELOW) Bowers & Wilkins Pi6, $159 ($90 off, MSRP $249) ( REVIEW ) U.K. AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : 179 (50 off, RRP 229) PRIME DAY DEAL AirPods 4 : 113 (16 off, RRP 129) PRIME DAY DEAL AirPods 4 (with ANC) : 149 (30 off, RRP 179) PRIME DAY DEAL Beats Solo 4 : 114 (85.95 off, RRP 199.95) Beats Studio Buds+ : 99 (80.99 off, RRP 179.99) PRIME DAY DEAL Beats Studio Pro : 166 (183 off, RRP 349.99) Beats Pill : 89 (60.99 off, RRP 149.99) PRIME DAY DEAL Beats Solo Buds : 46 (33.99 off, RRP 79.99) PRIME DAY DEAL Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 149 (110 off, RRP 259) PRIME DAY DEAL (REVIEW BELOW) Bowers & Wilkins Pi6, 189 (30 off, RRP 219) ( REVIEW ) Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, 299 (50 off, RRP 349) ( REVIEW ) Best headphones and earbuds for iPhone 2025 1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Pros Excellent sound quality Impressive noise-cancellation Useful app Cons Expensive Wireless case costs extra Spatial audio could be improved Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $219 View Deal $299 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Boses QuietComfort range has long been a market leader thanks to its combination of high-quality sound and impressively effective noise cancellation. Its been a while since we looked at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which launched with an improved design as well as a new immersive mode for spatial audio in late 2023, but we still highly rate them with the bonus being that they are often discounted now they are more than a year from launch. This is good news, because theyre not the cheapest earbuds around. The design of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is sleek and streamlined, with a smart metallic finish that is available in black or Smoke White. Bose has modified the way that its rubber stability bands fit into each earpiece, helping them to sit inside your ear more securely. You get three sets of stability bands, and three sets of rubber eartips in different sizes, so the combination of the different bands and eartips should allow most people to get a good fit. The Bose app also includes a Seal Test option that can check the way that the earbuds are fitted and provide tips on getting a good fit. Sound quality is great, with the Ultra catching the sharp, shimmering sound of the cymbal crash that kicks off Blondies Rapture . The bass guitar riff bounces along like a playful puppy, and theres a bright jangling sound to the lead rhythm guitar, but the Ultra has a keen ear and also picks out the quiet chugging guitar riff that hides further back in the mix. The immersive audio isnt entirely convincing, but it does add a little extra reverb and spacey ambiance to more atmospheric tracks such as Cut by Low. Boses noise cancelation is still ahead of the pack. It stamps down on the deep rumble of aircraft engine noise so effectively that I had to check the airport noise test file was playing! Battery life is around six hours when using noise-cancellation, but spatial audio reduces that to just four hours. The charging case does provide three additional charges, though, and our only real complaint is that the standard USB-C case doesnt provide wireless charging as well, so youll have to pay extra for the optional wireless case. 2. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Pros Excellent sound quality Supports Bluetooth 5.4 Very good noise cancellation IP54 rating for outdoor use Cons Higher price Slightly chunky design Apple users dont need aptX Price When Reviewed: $299.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $198.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $228.19 View Deal $239.95 View Deal $239.95 View Deal Sennheiser $299.95 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds arrived in 2024, and are the fourth-gen version of Sennheisers popular range of Bluetooth earbuds (and not to be confused with the larger Momentum 4 over-ear headphones). The TW4 was quite a big update as it should be, given that the price increased as well. It was one of the first sets of headphones to support Bluetooth 5.4, which includes new features such as Auracast, which is a kind of public announcement system based on Bluetooth. Auracast still isnt widely used most devices are still on Bluetooth 5.3 but it can be used in public places such as airports or gyms to transmit music or audio announcements to lots of people all at once, so it will be an important accessibility feature in the future. Additional Bluetooth features include support for the latest high-quality aptX Lossless, and the new LC3 codec. Sadly, Apple still doesnt support aptX, but like previous models the TW4 also includes the AAC codec for Apple devices too. Youll also find a sturdy IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. And, along with four sets of ear-tips in different sizes, the TW4 also includes three sets of rubber fins, which fit into the outer ear and help to hold the earpieces in place, so the TW4 will be a good option for outdoor use and exercise. Battery life gets a small boost too, now lasting for seven hours when using noise-cancellation, and you can use the wireless charging case to fully recharge three more times as well. And, as always, the Momentum earbuds sound really great. They handle the sonic mash-up of Sturgill Simpsons Sing Along with ease, finding room to pick out the taut, ticking percussion, fuzz-laden guitars and fizzing electronic keyboards so that you can hear each set of instruments clearly. You can hear the country drawl in Simpsons voice as he snarls carve my name in the barstool baby Im gonna be here a while and the swooping bass drop that follows is guaranteed to get you dancing. Even the noise-cancellation seems to have improved on this model, and comes close to matching noise-cancellation leaders such as the AirPods Pro and Bose QC Ultra. 3. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Pros Great sound quality Innovative smart case Supports AAC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless Cons Expensive Battery life is only average Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $298.99 View Deal $319 View Deal $399 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pi8 earbuds from Bowers & Wilkins support AAC, so you can simply connect your Apple devices to the earbuds using the standard Bluetooth settings on your Mac, iPad or iPhone. However, the Pi8 also supports aptX Adaptive and the latest aptX Lossless, so Bowers & Wilkins has come up with an innovative solution that allows Apple users to enjoy aptX audio quality as well. The Pi8 come with a smart case that can both charge the earbuds and be used as an aptX transmitter. Compared to their predecessor (the Pi7) the Pi8 has a more curved shape to the earpieces, to fit more comfortably and to angle the sound directly into the ear canal for the best sound quality. The earpieces are a little on the large size, but B&W includes ear-tips in four sizes to help you get a good fit. The size means they can fit high-quality 12mm drivers and a larger battery. The Pi7 only lasted five hours on a charge, even with noise-cancellation turned off, but the Pi8 lasts for 6.5 hours with noise-cancellation turned on (compared to six hours for the AirPods Pro). The smart charging case tops that up to 20 hours. Bowers & Wilkins includes a standard USB-C cable and a second with a 3.5mm connector. The 3.5mm cable allows you to connect the smart case to a wired audio device, such as an in-flight entertainment system on a plane. You can also use the USB-C cable to connect the smart case to a USB-C port and transmit wireless audio using aptX. The sound quality is great with both AAC and aptX, though. We think that the noise-cancellation on the AirPods Pro works a little better at blocking high-frequency sound. However, the Pi8 does a great job of eliminating low-frequency sounds, such as the rumble of engine noise in an airplane cabin. And, if you dont really worry about technical details such as AAC and aptX, then B&W has a less expensive model called the Pi6, see below. The Pi8 is more expensive than the AirPods Pro 2, but B&Ws high-quality sound and the versatile smart case ensure that the Pi8 can earn its keep. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review 4. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-generation (2023) Pros Fantastic audio quality Excellent noise canceling Best-in-class transparency mode New charging case features Better battery life Cons You can still buy better-sounding wireless earbuds No LE Audio, lossless, or hi-res audio Controls on the stems is still a bad idea Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $237 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There were a few minor external changes for the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro , which arrived in September 2022. The AirPods Pro 2nd gen were updated a second time in 2023 to add USB-C charging capabilities and over time they have also gained various capabilities, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalised Volume, Head gestures, Voice Isolation, and the ability to perform a hearing test and use the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. Those features join Spatial Audio with head tracking, Conversation Boost to amplify speech in the direction youre facing, one-tap pairing, audio sharing with another pair of AirPods (or Beats), quick switching to other Apple devices your Apple ID is logged into, and hands-free Siri. The 2022 model came with four sets of eartips adding extra small (XS) to the mix the original AirPods Pro only came with three tips. We find the extra small tips more comfortable, your experience may differ. The charging case now comes with a small metal lanyard loop although Apple doesnt actually sell a lanyard. There are speaker holes a the base of the case that can make a sound if you lose the AirPods while they are in their case. The original AirPods Pro lacked an easy way to control volume, so the fact that the second-gen model adds the ability to detect up and down swipes on the little flat area of the stem is useful. A swipe up or down changes the volume. As for whats inside, the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 enables Adaptive Transparency, which is an enhancement of the Transparency mode on the original model. As a result of this mode you can choose to hear things that you might need be able to hear in your vicinity, but you wont be deafened by them. In our tests the AirPods Pro 2 blocked more outside sound than the originals. We were impressed by how much better the new second-generation AirPods Pro sound compared to the first generation. Clarity and sharpness is improved and bass response is vastly improved. The bridge of the Beastie Boys Intergalactic at 2:30 was just way too much for the original AirPods Pro to handle, but the new model had no trouble keeping up. The battery life , at 6 hours, is longer than it was for the original AirPods Pro and you can now use your Apple Watch charger in addition to charging via Lightning and other wireless charging methods. Read our full AirPods Pro 2 USB-C review 5. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Pros Great overall audio quality Effective active noise cancelation Case with wireless charging support and Find My speaker Cons Fit is highly dependent on your personal ear shape Price compared to AirPods Pro Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $119 View Deal $119 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $140 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods 4 with ANC offer many of the features found in the AirPods Pro 2, have a better fit than their predecessor, theAirPods 3. With each generation, Apple promises a better fit and Apple says these are the most comfortable AirPods ever. We did find them closer to being a proper fit than the AirPods 3 were, but every ear is different and your experience may vary. We find theAirPods Prowith silicon ear tips fit a lot better and securely, but they cost a lot more and some prefer the more open design of the AirPods. Apple offers the AirPods 4 in two variations: the $179/179 model with active noise cancelation, and a cheaper $129/129 model without that feature (below).The active noise cancellation feature includes two sound isolation modes: Adaptive Audio and Transparency. You also get Conversation Awareness, which was previously only available on the AirPods Pro. Youll have to decide whether the extra features are worth the extra $50/50. We think they are. The effectiveness of the AirPods 4s active noise cancelation is heavily affected by the open design, though. The AirPods 4 dont absolutely cancel the noise around you. If you want full noise cancellation and youre comfortable with silicon ear tips inside your ear canal, the AirPods Pro (above) are a better choice. We love the Conversation Awareness feature, where the volume automatically lowers when the AirPods 4 detects you are talking. It works better with one-on-one conversations rather than groups of people. Sound quality is delightful for general-purpose, open earphones.The AirPods 4 handle loaded tracks like 311s Need Somebody with ease; the bass in Real Boston Richeys Help Me is clean, heavy, and lacks distortion. The guitars in acoustic tracks like Fog Swamps Split the Sky are crisp and clear. We were impressed with the clarity and volume of voice recordings in podcasts and during phone calls. They werent quite as good as with the AirPods Pro, but it was close. The AirPods 4 USB-C case that comes with the ANC-equipped model has a speaker to play alerts through Find My. It also supports USB-C or wireless charging and works with the Apple Watch charger as well as Qi chargers. (It doesnt support MagSafe like the AirPods Pro case, but a MagSafe charger will work if placed correctly.) The cheaper models case only offers wired USB-C charging. If you use active noise cancelation, it shortens the AirPods 4s battery life. When fully charged, Apple states a 4-hour listening time with the earbuds and 20 hours of charge with the case. Turn off ANC, and fully charged earbuds can last 5 hours, and the case adds 30 total hours. We got a bit better than that. The earbuds lasted 4 hours and 16 minutes. In the fully-charged case, their battery life was at 27 percent after five minutesApple says a five-minute charge provides an hour of life. The AirPods 4 with ANC offer numerous pro-level features, sound great, fit better than previous AirPods and offer extremely useful active noise cancelation.In short, the AirPods 4 are a great, all-around set of earphones. As long as they stay in your ears. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review 6. Beats Studio Buds+ Pros Fun transparent design (other colors are available) Improved ANC and sound quality Good battery life Priced well Cons Dont sound as good as AirPods Pro Missing a few Apple ecosystem features No wireless charging Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $89.95 View Deal $89.95 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Beats Studio Buds+ Earbud Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones Transparent $87 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Studio Buds +, introduced in 2023, might be from a subsidiary of Apple, but they beat Apple in terms of color choices with its retro frosted transparent plastic for both the buds and case. They are available in black and ivory too. The charging case is a bit larger than that of AirPods or AirPods Pro. Theres a USB-C charge port, but no wireless charging. The buds are average in size and fit and come with four sizes of eartips, so its easy to get a good seal, although in our testing we did lose the seal a couple of times while working out at the gym. There are actual physical buttons on the side of each earbud, which we found to be easier to use than Apples squeeze the stem AirPods control system. Beats says that these earbuds offer 1.6x better noise canceling and 2x better transparency than their predecessors. They still dont match the AirPods Pro, but they are priced closer to the standard AirPods, which dont even offer those features. The transparency feature isnt adaptive. These second-gen earbuds offer improved ventilation and bigger batteries than the predecessors (battery life is rated at six hours with ANC, or nine without). Sound quality is also better than that of the previous generation thanks to new microphones and transducers. In comparison though, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro deliver a superior audio experience. Some Beats products use Apples own headphone chips, but the Beats Studio Buds + do not. Because they lack Apples H1 or H2 chip, they miss out on many of the features of Apples ecosystem. Hands-free Hey Siri is there, as is instant pairing with your iPhone and support for the Find My app. But you dont get instant switching between Apple devices, support for spatial audio with video, personalized spatial audio, Conversation Boost, or the in-ear detection that pauses playback if you take an earbud out. Instead, these buds support some Android features including Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find My Device. Surprising from a company owned by Apple. I enjoyed the design and usability of these Beats earbuds, but I still find the AirPods Pro easier to recommend. Read our full Beats Studio Buds+ review 7. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Pros Secure ear hook design Good sound quality Heart rate monitor Impressive battery life Cons Missing some AirPods Pro features Heart rate monitor is limited Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249.95 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Beats Powerbeats Pro are arguably the most popular fitness-oriented earbuds of all time and they are our favorite earbuds for working out. The earhooks, which is what makes the Powerbeats so good for the gym, are 50 percent smaller than on previous models, but still keep everything locked in place. With smaller hooks comes a smaller case; 33 percent smaller, in fact. It is still considerably bigger than an AirPods case, but slightly easier to slip in a pocket than it was. The 2025 models include a brand-new technology not even found on Apples latest AirPods Pro, and thats despite coming from an Apple subsidiary. They also include Apples H2 chip, so offer many of the same improvements and features of the AirPods Pro 2 such as sound quality, greatly improved noise reduction, and an AirPods Pro matching transparency mode. However, you dont get the AirPod Pro hearing health features (hearing test/aid, hearing assistance, hearing protection), there is no personalized volume, no conversation awareness, no adaptive audio (the self-adjusting transparency/ANC mode) and no head gestures for accepting or declining notifications. You do get personalized spatial audio and Adaptive EQ though. There are rumors that heart rate monitoring will be coming to the AirPods Pro 3 when they launch, so we were surprised to see Apple introduced it first on the Beats line. Beats has worked with Nike Run Club, Runna, Open, Slopes, Ladder, Peloton, and YaoYao to integrate support. You can also sync with bikes and treadmills that connect via Bluetooth. One negative is that battery life drains a lot faster when using the heart rate monitor. If you are wearing an Apple Watch youd heart rate data from that will override the earbuds. The charging case gets a few upgrades too, including USB-C, wireless charging (Qi, but not MagSafe or Qi2), and a speaker for pairing and Find My sounds. Android users get a much better set of features than they would with AirPods: One-touch pairing, firmware updates in the Beats app, switching listening modes, and Find My Beats location service. Music playback quality is not quite on par with AirPods Pro 2, sounding perhaps a little too bright. Still, they sound appropriate clear, and punchy for earbuds in this price range. Beats claims 10 hours for the buds in normal playback, which gets cut down to 8 hours if you use ANC or transparency mode. You can get Powerbeats Pro 2 in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review 8. Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Pros Strong sound quality Good battery life Comfortable design Cons No wireless charging option Noise-cancellation could be stronger Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $159 View Deal $188.08 View Deal $199 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We were really impressed by the Pi8 earbuds (above) that Bowers & Wilkins launched earlier in 2024, but the Pi8, which arrived later that year, is the companys flagship model, with a higher price than Apples AirPods Pro and an innovative smart-case that doubles up as an aptX transmitter. If you want the high-quality sound associated with B&W at a more competitive price then you could opt for the new Pi6 instead, which at $249/219,the company says are its most affordable earbuds ever. The Pi6 look very similar to the Pi8, with both models housing large 12mm drivers. They do look a little chunky, but like the Pi8 the earbuds are more streamlined than previous models, and we found that they fit well and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. There are four sizes of ear-tips included and a rubber ring moulded onto the body of the earpieces that fits into your outer ear and helps to hold them firmly in place. The earbuds are rated IP54 for water and dust-resistance, so you can wear them outdoors or in the gym. Like the Pi8, the Pi6 uses Bluetooth 5.4, with support for Apples AAC codec for wireless audio (it also supports aptX Adaptive, although that is only for Android users). You can turn noise-cancellation on and off with a quick tap on the left earbud. The app lets you change the controls so that the buttons on the earbuds adjust the volume instead, and there are bass and treble controls for adjusting the sound. You can pair the earbuds with two devices and switch between them. There are some compromises needed to keep the price down. The Pi6 does without the smart-case that is included with the Pi8, so theres a conventional case that uses USB-C for charging. Battery life is good, lasting for eight hours when using noise-cancellation compared to six hours for the AirPods Pro. The case lets you recharge for 24 additional hours of listening time. Neither the Pi6 or Pi8 supports spatial audio, but the B&W team says thats because they dont feel that the technology adds to the sound quality rather than any attempt at cost-cutting. The noise-cancellation on the Pi6 isnt as effective as that of the Pi8: the earbuds do a good job of blocking out low frequency sound, but let in voices and higher frequency sounds. If noise-cancellation is your top priority then there are other earbuds and headphones that have the edge. However, the Pi6 earbuds do provide strong sound quality and respectable battery life at a price that can compete with rivals such as the AirPods Pro. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review 9. Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Pros Great value for money Supports AAC and aptX Light, comfortable design IP54 water and dust resistance Cons Average battery life Noise-cancellation could be better Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal Sennheiser $199.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Designed as a more affordable alternative to its Momentum earbuds (above), Sennheisers Accentum True Wireless (which arrived in mid 2024) is excellent value for money, providing good sound quality and noise-cancellation at a much lower price than Apples AirPods Pro. The Accentum also introduces a new design that is lighter and more streamlined than the rather chunky Momentum. The earbuds feel very light and comfortable to wear, and Sennheiser includes four different sizes of ear-tips to help you get a good fit. Theyre sturdy too, with an IP54 rating for water and dust-resistance, so they can cope with life outdoors in this rather wet and windy summer that we seem to be having. The earbuds support AAC for Apple devices and aptX for Android, and the Sennheiser app includes some useful features, such as a five-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound, and an adjustable transparency control that lets in just as much sound as you need. Despite the lower price, the Accentum earbuds use the same 7mm drivers as the Momentum, which provide a healthy frequency response of 5Hz 21kHz, and produce very good sound quality. The Accentum shows a delicate touch on the slow strings that open Madonnas Frozen , allowing them to rise slowly and elegantly through the air. Theres a warm, silky tone to Madonnas voice, but the Accentum can turn around suddenly and land the sharp drum beats with dramatic impact. Switching to something less ethereal, the deep electronic bass on Prime Evil by The Orb glides along with a firm, sinuous rhythm that gets the shoulders moving, while the jangling percussion adds an eerie, nervous energy to the track. The noise-cancellation features work well too they dont stamp out background noise quite as effectively as some of the Accentums more expensive rivals, but theyll be fine for daily use when youre out and about. Battery life is similar to the AirPods Pro, lasting for six hours when using noise-cancellation, while the wireless charging case gives you 2.5 additional charges. So while it might not be the best choice for long-distance travellers, the Accentum is a really good, affordable option for general day-to-day use when youre wandering around town. 10. Beats Solo Buds Pros Very affordable 18-hour battery life Surprisingly good sound for the price Cons No active noise cancelling No automatic device switching or multi-point Bluetooth No in-ear detection No personalized spatial audio Charging case has no battery Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.95 View Deal $49.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The cheapest AirPods (the AirPods 4 without ANC, below) cost $129/129 and are good at that price, but for even less you can get the Beats Solo Buds (released in mid 2024) which are also from Apple (though probably few people are aware of that). The Beats Solo Buds are little stemless buds that fit snugly in your ear and rest in a charging case when not in use. They come in four colors instead of just white: matte black, storm grey, arctic purple, and transparent red (the earbuds are not transparent). Beats Solo Buds are just little buds, without stems, so they fit snugly in the ear. On each earbud is a physical button thats easy to press when you need to. Unlike the plastic AirPods, they have rubberized ear tips (in four sizes), which not only makes for a more secure fit but improves bass response. The charging case is quite small, it doesnt have a battery though so you will need to plug it in to charge your Solo Buds. The battery in the eartbuds is rated to 18 hours though, which is pretty good. The sound is clear and punchy with sound quality is pleasantly surprising, given their price. Obviously they dont hold up to the clarity and kick of earbuds that cost twice as much. Call quality is fine, but the voice isolation is behind that of more expensive buds. As you would expect at this price, theres no active noise cancelation. But you get a lot for your money with these earbuds. Read our full Beats Solo Buds review 11. Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Pros Improved design and fit Great price Cons No ANC No wireless charging Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $89 View Deal $89 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $124 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods 4 gain all the same design improvements as the AirPods 4 with ANC featured above. They have a better fit than their predecessor, so should stay in your ears. They replace the $129/129 2nd generation AirPods, at the same price. Like the AirPods they replace these AirPods dont offer wireless charging, but they do offer one hour more battery life than the AirPods 4 with ANC do. If you want Active Noise Cancelation you need to pay $50/50 more to purchase the AirPods 4 with ANC, or look at one of the other options in this round up, many of which offer ANC for less. As well as missing out on Active Noise Cancelation, the standard AirPods 4 dont offer Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, or a speaker on the case for Find My alerts. As mentioned they are not capable of wireless charging either. Otherwise, theyre the same as the ANC model though. The AirPods 4 have an H2 chip like the ANC model as well as the same audio quality, fit, and features. At this low price this is a big leap from the 2nd gen AirPods that Apple sold at this price point until September 2024. 12. Creative Zen Air Pro Pros Great price Supports AAC Respectable noise-cancellation Wireless charging case Cons Lightweight plastic design Noise-cancellation cant match the best Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Creative $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Active noise-cancellation (ANC) is a standard feature with many modern earbuds and headphones, but its still an expensive feature that adds quite a lot to the overall price. For instance, Apples AirPods start at $129/129, but you have pay $179/179 to get ANC in the AirPods 4 with ANC, or $249/229 to get ANC from the AirPods Pro, so we were impressed when Creative launched its 2024 Zen Air Pro earbuds, which offer ANC for a very competitive $69.99/59.99. And, unlike many more expensive models, the Air Pro even manages to include a wireless charging case as well. As you might guess from the name, the Air Pro bears more than a passing resemblance to Apples AirPods Pro, with rubber eartips and a small stalk that hangs down from your ears. Admittedly, the plastic earpieces and charging case dont feel quite as sturdy as their Apple rivals, but the earpieces are rated IPX5 for water resistance, so they can cope with life outdoors when they need to. Battery life is also quite respectable, lasting for nine hours on a single charge, although using ANC does reduce that to six hours. The charging case brings the total battery life to 33 hours, or 22 hours with ANC. We were pleased to find that the Air Pro supports Apples AAC codec for Bluetooth audio (although the low cost means that theres no aptX for Android users). It does a good job of handling the grinding, fuzz-drenched guitars on Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, but also shows a light touch on the fast percussion that skips through the chorus. Its not fazed when I jump ahead a couple of tracks on the Black Holes album for the gentle Soldiers Poem , catching the smooth, warm tone and all the details in Muses Queen-esque harmonies as they intone theres no justice in the world The noise-cancellation feature also proves surprisingly effective for such a low-cost set of earbuds. Its not quite as effective as some of its more expensive rivals, but the Air Pro still does a good job of reducing the low rumble of an aircraft engine during our listening tests. It does let in some of the more varied sounds in our test of airport background noise, but thats also the case with many other headphones and earbuds, and the Air Pros noise-cancellation features represent excellent value at this price. 13. Logitech Zone True Wireless Pros Connects via Bluetooth or USB wireless adaptor Weather-resistant design, and two carrying cases Certified for use with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet Active noise cancellation with ambient mode Cons Expensive Large earbuds may not suit everyone Price When Reviewed: 299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Logitech $299 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Logitechs Zone True Wireless earbuds from 2023 are even more expensive than Apples AirPods Pro, but theyre absolutely loaded with useful features, and theres a particular emphasis on remote working as well as simply listening to music. Available in black or pink, the Zone earbuds make a great impression straight out of the box, as they arrive in a sturdy charging case that includes a little lanyard to help keep them safe. The earbuds are also rated IP68 for resistance to water and dust, so theyll be ideal for running in the park or working out at the gym, and the outer section of the earbuds is covered with a mesh fabric to reduce wind noise during voice calls. Logitech even includes an additional padded carrying case, with room to hold the charging case and cables, so you can keep the entire kit safe when youre traveling. I often have trouble getting earbuds to stay in place, and I was initially a little worried about the rather chunky design of the Zone earbuds, but they did fit more firmly than I expected and Logitech provides three sets of ear-tips in different sizes to help get a comfortable fit. The size of the earbuds also means that each earbud is able to house a 12mm driver, as well as three microphones to help with active noise-cancellation (ANC). Even the Logi Tune app impresses with its extensive range of features starting with the fact that its available for Mac and Windows as well as iOS and Android, so you can use it to set up the earbuds when youre preparing for a video call at work. The noise-cancellation features include an ambient mode that lets you hear some of the background noise around you if required. You can pair the earbuds with two devices at the same time and then quickly switch between devices as required, and theres a five-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound quality. The Zone is also certified for use with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet for video calls. But, of course, none of those features would matter if the Zone didnt deliver on sound quality. Youve actually got two options here, as the Zone can be used as a conventional set of Bluetooth earbuds with your mobile devices, but also includes a USB wireless transmitter that can be used with Macs and PCs to provide greater range and reliability than Bluetooth. The sound quality is very good in both modes, and the Zone does well to dig right down to the gravelly rumble of Leonard Cohens voice on You Want It Darker. Theres a taut, rhythmic sound to the songs slinky bass guitar too, but it still keeps an eye on lighter details, such as the crisp tap on the snares. Battery life is good too, providing 10 hours when listening to music with noise-cancellation turned off, or six hours when using noise-cancellation. The battery life is a bit lower for talk-time on video and voice calls, but still lasts for six hours without noise cancellation or five hours with noise cancellation, which should be more than enough for most work-related calls. The charging case also lets you fully charge the earbuds two more times, and theres a QuickCharge feature that gives you one hour of battery life after just five minutes of charging time. Theres a USB-C connector on the case for charging, but it also supports Qi wireless charging too. Alternatively, if youre a die-hard lover of wired headphones, then Logitech is planning to release a wired version of the Zone soon as well. 14. Sony WF-1000XM5 Pros The best-sounding earbuds ever Incredible noise canceling Clever smart features Hi-Res support Cons Fiddly on-bud volume controls Occasionally come loose Some connection issues Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $198 View Deal $198 View Deal $228 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $329.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Sonys WF-1000XM5, which we reviewed in 2023, produce incredibly full, clear, detailed and balanced sound. They deliver exceptionally good audio range. Speed of Plight by Loyle Carner is well rounded with humming bass and the crackle of vinyl record at the beginning crystal clear. Id never noticed the light reverb on the drums on Violent Femmess Blister in the Sun before I listened on the WF-1000XM5. The XM5 play audio using the common SDC or AAC codecs, but iPhones do not support Sonys LDAC Hi-Res codec, which is why these dont rank higher in our chart. The XM5 are so good that I still enjoyed the audio quality when using an iPhone with bog standard bitrate Spotify streams. Sony says the XM5 have 20% better noise cancellation chops than predecessors, the XM4.They are very good indeed. The XM5 have three mics on each bud, up from two, to better help capture ambient noise. These mics also grant improved call quality. Wind reduction is also decent. You can connect two devices (iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac) at once, but you still need to manually connect each device if you are cycling between more than two. Unfortunately they arent clever enough to switch from iPhone to iPad if you start using that, even if they are already a paired device. The XM5 have great battery life and fulfilled Sonys promise of eight hours on a full charge. The case can provide another 24 hours of total listening time. Those times are with ANC on, turn it off and the battery will last even longer. A three-minute charge gives an hour playback. Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review 15. Soundcore AeroFit Pro Pros Open-ear design for sport Large drivers, with strong bass Firm fit, with detachable neckband Supports AAC, LDAC codecs Cons Hooked earpieces may not suit everyone No noise cancellation Sound quality requires a good fit Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $119.49 View Deal $125.99 View Deal $125.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Soundcore $169.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Most earbuds include several sets of rubber eartips that are designed to fit firmly inside your ear canal, in order to provide good sound quality and block out background noise (and also to stop them falling out every five minutes). But, sometimes youll see a type of open ear earbuds, which tend to sit quite loosely in the outer ear instead (rather like Apples basic AirPods, whereas the AirPods Pro opt for a closed design that does use rubber eartips). These open-ear earbuds tend to be designed with sport in mind, so that you can hear whats going on around you while youre jogging through the park, or working out in a crowded gym. Thats very much the case with the 2023 AeroFit Pro earbuds from Soundcore (which is a division of Anker, well-known for its docks and other accessories). Priced at $169.99/149.99, and available in a variety of colours, the AeroFit Pro also has the hooked design that is common with many sports earbuds, and wraps around the back of the ear to hold them in place. And, just to be extra safe, the AeroFit Pro also includes a detachable neckband as well. I didnt really need the neckband, though, as the hooks on the earpieces held them in place pretty well. However, I did find that the earpieces sat quite high in my ears, which felt a little odd, so it might be worth trying the AeroFit Pro in a store or a showroom to see how they fit you before buying. These open-ear designs can sometimes sacrifice a little sound quality in order to ensure that you remain aware of your surroundings, but Soundcore has made a good effort to provide the best possible sound quality. The AeroFit Pro houses 16.2mm drivers, which are far larger than most rival earbuds in this price range. It doesnt quite provide the thumping bass that Soundcore boasts about, but the electronic bass on Bad Guy by Billie Eilish did have a taut, firm beat to it. The bass didnt overpower the sound either, with the AeroFit Pro lending a sharp snap to the finger-clicking on the chorus, and catching the breathy tone in Billies vocal. And, without noise-cancellation features to drain the battery youll get around 14 hours on a single charge, while the charging case lets you recharge three more times. Our only minor complaint is that the case doesnt support Qi for wireless charging as well. How to choose earbud headphones There are a few factors to consider before you hit that buy button. Type Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, typically fall into three main categories: Earbuds the type of headphones included with every iPhone and iPod and sit loosely in your outer ears. Although earbuds dont produce outstanding sound, theyre compact and relatively inexpensive. Apples stock buds are actually decent as earbuds go; youre not going to get a huge upgrade in sound quality by simply replacing them with a different model. Still, there are a few alternatives out there that provide modest improvements if youre looking for a new set. Recommendations: In-Ear-Canal Headphones : These headphones, also known as canalphones, use silicone or foam eartips that fit snuglyand fairly deepin your ear canals. Like earplugs, they block most external noise, so theyre great for travel and noisy environments. Theyre also capable of producing stunning audio quality. On the other hand, some people find canalphones to be uncomfortable, and the best ones come with an equally stunning price tag. If you decide to spend the big bucks on a set of high-end canalphones, we enthusiastically recommend going all-in and getting custom eartipstips custom-made for your particular ears. The process requires an audiologist visit to get impressions taken of your ears, but the benefits include substantially better comfort. (On some models, you may gain better noise isolation and better sound quality, as well.) A step above custom eartips are custom in-ear monitors, which place the actual headphone circuitry in larger, custom-made earpieces. Canalbuds : Canalbuds, which occupy a middle ground between earbuds and in-ear-canal models, have become quite popular. Compared to canalphones, canalbuds generally use smaller eartips that sit just inside the ends of your ear canals instead of deep inside them. Good canalbuds easily best earbuds in terms of audio performance and noise isolation, but fall short of good canalphones in those areas. On the other hand, canalbuds tend to be more comfortable than true canalphones because they dont sit so deep and dont fit so tightly; theyre also usually less expensive. (See our in-ear-canal-headphone primer, linked above, for more information on canalbuds.) Battery life This is crucial as many in-ear headphones have tiny batteries that help to keep the weight down but may only last for a few hours. That might be fine if you just want to listen to some music while youre working out, but wont be much use on a long journey by train or plane. However, some in-ear headphones, such as Apples AirPods, also include a charging case that can top up the battery, so thats something you should check on before buying any in-ear headphones. Noise canceling Some headphones are specifically designed for people who travel a lot or use headphones in noisy conditions and provide active noise-canceling (ANC) option that helps to block out background noise on trains and planes although this can add quite a lot to the overall price of the headphones. Note this isnt to be confused with passive noise isolation (or often referred to as canceling), which is just the way physically having headphones in/on blocks sound like putting earplugs or ear defenders on. Sound quality Wed always recommend trying out any new headphones in a store or showroom whenever possible, but thats not always practical with so many new headphones competing for your attention. Compatibility All the headphones here will work excellently with the latest iPhone models. Its typical for them to support Apples preferred AAC codec, although some will have others too like aptX which is handy if you want to also use them with other devices like Android phones. Its been quite a few years since Apple devices stopped supporting the high-quality aptX codec (compressor/decompressor) that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. Thats probably due to Apples long-running and seriously expensive legal battle with Qualcomm, the company that purchased the aptX technology back in 2015. Whatever the reason, this means that Apples AirPods have to rely on the older AAC codec for Bluetooth audio, even though many audiophiles feel that aptX provides better sound quality especially for listening to the high-res audio formats that are now available on Apple Music and other streaming services. It also means that owners of Macs, iPhones and iPads, dont always get the best quality when using headphones and earbuds from other manufacturers that do support aptX (such as our Best Wireless Earbuds). For this reason, we look out for earbuds that support AAC. If headphones support aptX you may still be able to benefit from that, for example, with the Pi8 B&W include a charging case that doubles up as an aptX transmitter. Its also worth noting that all Bluetooth headphones mentioned in this article are compatible with the Apple Watch perfect when going for a run.

The iconic Beats Pill wireless speaker is an absolute steal for under $100

Macworld Its beautiful, its tiny, its loud, its wireless, and its at an all-time-low price for Prime Day. Apples Beats Pill speaker is down to $98 right now , the best price weve ever seen for this Bluetooth speaker. Its not the first one the Beats Pill has been around, but this new model is a lot better than the old one, louder, and with better battery. With up to 24H battery life, this tiny thing will keep the party going the whole day. It has an IP67 rating, so you can even take it with you to all the pool parties youre invited to this summer. We reviewed this speaker when it launched last year and gave it a four-star rating, appreciating its portability, water resistance, and sound. The weatherproofing, relatively loud volume, and fantastic battery life all make this a really great affordable speaker for hanging out by the pool, listening to some tunes while grilling, or improving the vibe inside your tent the next time you go camping, we wrote. Considering the Beats Pill has never been more affordable than it is right now, Prime Day really is a good time to bring it home, so get one for $98 . Snag a stylish portable speaker for $50 off Buy now at Amazon

Its day 3 of Prime Day and these 7 insane Apple deals are still available

Macworld We get it, were sick of Amazon deals too. But theres still another 48 hours of Prime Day and the deals arent letting up. In fact, were still seeing some of the best prices ever on many of our favorite Apple devicesprices so low that they probably wont be any lower until Black Friday, if ever. So, act fast if you want one of these incredible deals: AirPods Pro 2: $149 Apples AirPods Pro 2 might be nearly three years old, but theyre still among the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy. Not only do they have great sound and battery life, but Apple keeps adding incredible features, such as Conversation Awareness, Hearing Health, and, coming in iOS26, automatic pausing when you fall asleep. Theyre usually on sale for $199, but this Prime Day sale knocks the price down to an all-time low of $149. View Deal at Amazon AirPods 4: $89 AirPods 4 with ANC: $119 AirPods 4 are the affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, but after Amazon slashed the price of the Pros to less than the AirPods 4, it had to cut the price of its cheaper buds too. By a lot. Amazon has slashed the price of the standard AirPods by $40 and the high-end version with ANC by $60, the lowest theyve ever been. You wont get the high-end features from the AirPods Pro, but you will get great sound, excellent battery life, and an overall fantastic pair of earbuds. View Deal at Amazon A16 iPad: $279 It wasnt long ago when Apples entry-level iPad was hard to recommend. Now its hard to pass up. For just $279 ($70 off its MSRP), you get an 11-inch screen, 12MP front and rear cameras, 128GB of storage, and a Touch ID-enabled power button: a strikingly similar device, in other words, to the iPad Air. You wont get Apple Intelligence, but will you even notice when youre getting so much iPad for so little? View Deal at Amazon A17 Pro iPad mini: $379 Apples iPad mini is often overlooked but shouldnt be at this price. Instead of its usual $499, Amazon has marked it down to $379, a downright steal for a tablet light and small enough to fit into a cargo pocket. You get a great processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, 12MP front and rear cameras, and a fantastic display. Who needs a big screen anyway? View Deal at Amazon Apple Watch Series 10: $279 The Apple Watch Series 10 is often on sale at Amazon for $100 off, but weve never seen it this low before. For just $279, you get a 42mm smartwatch with a slew of features and sensors, including a 3rdgen optical heart sensor, ECG, temperature sensor, depth gauge, Fall and Crash Detection, noise monitoring, and of course, a slew of heath and fitness trackers. And itll look pretty nice on your wrist too, no matter which color you choose. View Deal at Amazon M4 Mac mini (24GB, 512GB): $890 The M4 Mac minis adorable design hides a super-powerful computer inside it with an M4 processor and 16GB of RAM. That version is down to $500 ($99 off), but we prefer the step-up model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $890, the lowest price weve ever seen. Youll need to bring your own keyboard, monitor, and mouse, but you wont need to worry about buying a new Mac for many years to come. View Deal at Amazon

6 essential Mac accessories that will level up your desktop

Macworld Apples best Macs already have a lot going for them, whether thats the muscle of a Mac Studio or the portability of a MacBook Air . But you can take them even further with a few judiciously picked peripherals and accessories designed to galvanize your Mac with a bunch of new superpowers. And youre spoiled for choice here. One benefit of the Macs popularity is the thriving ecosystem of third-party accessories that are available to augment, expand, and otherwise improve your experience of Apples computers. Here, weve selected six of our favorites, all of which will raise your Macs game in short order. A better mouse and keyboard An enhanced Mac experience begins with two vital peripherals: your mouse and keyboard. So many Mac users persist with Apples bundled accessories or mediocre third-party alternatives without knowing there are wfar better options out there. But it doesnt have to be this way. Well start with the mouse, where our pick is the superb Logitech MX Master 3S . Long a favorite of Mac users, the MX Master series gives you almost everything you need in a desktop pointer. Its ergonomic shape fits far more snugly into your hand than Apples uncomfortably low-profile Magic Mouse , while its MagSpeed scroll wheel can flip between ratchet clicks and free-flowing spins at the flick of a finger. We also love its clever app-specific controls: both the thumbwheel and the gesture button can be used to set up individual actions in your apps, making it a productivity champion. Logitechs MX Master 3S is part of a line of excellent, ergonomic mice. Foundry As for typing, nothing beats a mechanical keyboard for both speed and comfort. Keychrons K8 is a great choice here. Not only is it customizable with a range of different key switches (each with their own feel when pressed), but it can quickly change between different connected devices and even operating systems. Plus, at $80, its more affordable than the Magic Keyboard. We have complete guides to our favorite mice and trackpads , as well as our favorite keyboards if you want to check out other choices. With the K8, Keychron offers different key switches so you can pick the one you like. Keychron A quality laptop stand Spending too much time hunched over a MacBook isnt good for youbelieve me, I had to switch to a desktop after my laptop started giving me significant back pain. Once you raise your screen to a sensible heightstraightening your back as a resultyou will truly feel the difference. But how do you do that if you dont want to shell out a few hundred dollars (or more) on an external monitor ? The answer is to get a laptop stand. Pair that with the mouse and keyboard weve suggested above and youll have a far more ergonomic desk setup. The Twelve South Curve Flex can be raised and lowered to suit your needs. Twelve South If youre going to get a laptop booster, your best bet would be the Twelve South Curve Flex , and its our pick for the best laptop stand you can buy. Its absolutely beautiful and should really look the part on your desk, but its not just a pretty face: unlike many laptop stands, you can adjust its height and angle to get a result that works for you. Its sturdily constructed and comes from a reputable brand, too, so should give you plenty of longevity. A flexible monitor arm For desktop Mac users, an alternative to a laptop stand is a monitor arm. Mount your display on one of these instead of its regular stand and you can move it around to your hearts content, ensuring its always at the right angle for your needs. There are many different options here, from those that fix to your wall to others that can be connected to your desk. Some monitor arms can support multiple screens at once, while others are designed for just one display. Whatever you pick, you should make sure you buy a reputable arm from a well-known company. When you have an expensive monitor suspended off the ground, you want to ensure it doesnt come crashing down. The VESA standard is used to classify monitor arm adapters and their fittings. Before purchasing, make sure you research exactly what size VESA adapter you need for your display. The M4 iMac , for example, can be ordered to come with a VESA adapter built in. In other cases, you might need to buy an adapter separately. The Logitech MX Brio delivers a great image so you always look good. Mark Hachman / IDG A 4K webcam (or an iPhone mount) Working from home is the reality for huge numbers of people, and that means a whole lot of video calls. When thats the case, you dont want to appear on a Teams meeting with a dark, blurry video feed. Instead, one quick way to tune things up is to replace your webcam. In our round-up of the best Mac webcams you can buy, the Logitech MX Brio took home the crown. Its 4K resolution and support for HDR video means it delivers a crisp, clear picture in a range of different lighting environments. Its well made, too, so it can survive the rigors of being moved and removed on a frequent basis, while its companion Mac app is also full of handy toggles and controls. But if you want an even better experience, theres a much cheaper option than buying a new webcam: getting an iPhone mount for your monitor and using Apples Continuity Camera feature. While a 4K webcam might provide high image resolution, Ive yet to find one that beats the iPhone for pure image quality. Ive paired my iPhone 16 Pro up with Belkins wordily named iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays , but even my old iPhone 12 Pro was absolutely superb here. As long as youve got a fairly modern iPhone, this is one of the best ways to improve your video calls, all without the need to buy a standalone webcam. A Thunderbolt dock or USB-C hub Modern Macs are eye-catchingly sleek devices, but that sometimes means you miss out when it comes to portseither theyre hidden out of reach, or there arent very many of them to begin with. Fortunately, if youre sick of having to fumble around behind your Mac searching for a port, youve got a few options. The Sonnet Echo 13 has a tons of ports of all your connectivity needs. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry The first is to buy one of the best Thunderbolt docks , and this can be the way to go for desktop Mac users and those who need plenty of power and port variety. Our pick is the Sonnet Echo 13 , which boasts 12 powerful ports, including Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, 2.5Gb ethernet, 140W of power delivery, a ton of video connections, and more. Its a great choice for power users who need more expansion on their desk. The alternative is to get a USB-C hub. These are generally not as powerful or feature-rich as a Thunderbolt Dock, but theyre far more portable and affordable. Our choice for the best USB-C hub is the Plugable 9-in-1 USB-C Hub Multiport Adapter , which stuffs nine ports into its slimline frame. That includes two USB-C, three USB-A, one HDMI, one gigabit ethernet, an SD card reader, a MicroSD card slot, and 125W of passthrough charging for your MacBook. A capacious power bank Apple silicon means MacBook batteries can last for truly incredible lengths of time, but that doesnt mean youll never run out of juice. When youre going to be away from a charger and know youll need to top up at some point, a power bank can become a vital Mac accessory. If youre looking for one to keep your MacBook powered up, you cant go wrong with the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) . Despite its sizeable capacity, this charger is portable enough to slip into a bag on your travels. Theres 140W of Power Delivery 3.1 charging, which is enough to fast charge even a 16-inch MacBook Pro (just make sure you use one of Apples proprietary cables, as Apple wont allow fast charging over Ankers included 140W cord). You never have to worry about battery life if you carry the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W). Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry This power bank comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A slot. Use the two USB-C ports at once, and the banks 250W total charge is split, with 140W going to one connected device and 100W going to the other. Hook up all three ports at once and you get 140W in one, 92W in another, then 18W in the final slot. Thats still enough to fast charge a MacBook Pro and an iPhone, with the remaining 92W plenty for a third device.

Apple is prepping a new Vision Pro with changes we dont need

Macworld Its been about 18 months since Apple Vision Pro arrived, and it hasnt exactly set the world on fire. After the initial and very brief hype died down, Apple has struggled to generate much interest in the high-priced headset, and any presence of it has all but disappeared from Apple Stores. According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman , theres a new model coming next year, but it doesnt sound like its going to do much to boost sales. The report claims the refresh will bring small improvements, including a faster processor and components that can better run artificial intelligence, as well as a new strap to make it easier to wear the headset for long periods of time.Gurman says that means an upgrade from the M2 to the M4. However, the new model reportedly wont be any lighter and will presumably cost the same $3,499. The new strap, which Gurman describes as designed to reduce neck strain and head pain, will help somewhat, but the headset already comes with both a standard strap and the AppleVisionPro DualLoopBand. However, users still complain of head and neck pain after extended use. The new model will help set the stage for a flurry of Vision products, including a cheaper headset , a tethered model for enterprise work, and AR glasses . Those projects arent expected to arrive until at least 2027.

Your next MacBook may come out of the box already up to datebut how?

Macworld Its a pretty common experience to have to download and install a big operating system update as the very first thing when you unbox your brand new device. Its not great, especially when the setup and restore process is already a lengthy one and you just want to use your new Mac already. Apple has a solution for that with iPhones. A system called Presto in Apple stores can wirelessly update an iPhone and apply the latest software update while its still sealed in the box and hasnt gone through setup yet. According to 9to5Mac , code in the latest macOS 26 beta 3 update suggests that Apple is preparing a similar system for MacBooks. Its not exactly clear how this would work, however. iPhones use wireless charging to supply power and NFC to trigger the update, placing sealed-in-box iPhones in a special six-slot toaster device to around half an hour to apply updates. MacBooks have neither wireless power nor NFC, so one wonders how the update process would be triggered. Perhaps the same Bluetooth LE beacon feature that allows iPhones to be found with Find My even when turned off, can be added to MacBooks and used for this purpose? However Apple intends to implement this feature, buying a Mac with the latest macOS updateor at least critical last-minute updatesalready installed would be a boon for consumers.

This clever USB-C cable that lets you charge two devices at once is just $18

Macworld What happens if you have to charge two devices but only have one cable? Well, if you get one of these uber-fast split Anker cables you wont have to decide which charges first. These cool and clever 4-foot Anker 2-in-1 cables are usually available for $26, but you can get them for $18 on Prime Day . This super interesting cable splits into two Type-C sections so you can charge two devices simultaneously. The cable can hit 140W speed split between the two sections, so you can charge a laptop and a phone, for instance, and it will direct the required speed each way. You wont have to worry about this cable getting damaged when you bend it to stuff it into your backpack, either, because its covered in braided nylon. These things will survive more than just your crowded pockets without an issue, including getting sucked up by your robovac. Youll, of course, need a powerful adapter, like this Apple one we found for 50% off at Woot today . And if youd rather have longer 6-foot cables, those are $22 right now , also on sale. Or just snag one of the 4-foot ones for $18 while this Prime Day deal is still around. Get one of these Anker cables for 31% off Buy now at Amazon

Next-gen Apple Pencil might finally work with your iPhone

A decade ago, Apple released the first Apple Pencil. Since then, the company has introduced three other models. Now, according to a newly granted patent The post Next-gen Apple Pencil might finally work with your iPhone appeared first on BGR .

iPhone 17: Everything we know so far about the upcoming update

Macworld In just a couple of months, Apple will unveil the iPhone 17. But you dont need to wait to find out what its all about. Rumors, leaks, and info started to circulate months before the iPhone 16 was even formally announced, and there isnt much we dont know by now. Heres everything we know about Apples new iPhones so farand be sure to check back until the big event in September. Updated July 9: There might be a new blue color coming to the iPhone 17 Air, per a Weibo leak. iPhone 17 software: 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. Moreover, a report by Mark Gurman in late June claims that Apple help back some iOS 26 features at WWDC, so there will likely be some new tricks for the iPhone 17. 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 . @macworld.com iPhone 17 rumor roundup #apple #iphone #fyp original sound Macworld Macworld 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/128GB ($799) iPhone 17 Air : 6.65-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB/128GB ($899) iPhone 17 Pro : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB/256GB ($1,099) iPhone 17 Pro Max : 6.86-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB/256GB ($1,199) 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. A leak in July also claims that the iPhone 17 Air will have a new blue color thats different from all the blue colors Apple has released before. The post describes a color thats very pale, not unlike the sky blue 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 would be the lightest iPhone since the iPhone mini. 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. Additionally, a report from Majin Bu in July claims the selfie cam will shift from the right side to the left. 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 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. In late June, Majin Bu posted photos that claim to be of the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro. Majin Bu/X 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. In late June, Majin Bu posted photos of the iPhone 17 Pro and its new camera bar. Majin Bu/X iPhone 17: Rumored specs and features Various rumors suggest that the new iPhones could benefit from the following updates: Battery The only rumored battery capacities so far are for the iPhone 17 Air (around 2,800mAh ) from yeux1122 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (around 5,000mAh ) from the Weibo account Instant Digital . For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, thats about 8% more capacity than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 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

This 6-port Anker charging station we love drops $60 to its best price

Macworld Even if you dont need a new Mac this Prime Day, you can still power up your existing one with a new monitor or dock. Like this one: the awesome Anker Prime charger is a fantastic $60 off right now , bringing the price to $110, a savings of 35 percent on its $170 MSRP. Thats an absolute bargain considering how powerful, compact, and gorgeous this dock is. It features six fast charging ports that will help you charge all your gear. In our review of the Anker Prime Charger , we gave the device a 4.5-star rating and our Editors Choice award, appreciating the 140W max port output, the visual charging display, and the custom port control modes. While the device has a total output of 250W, its only the first Type-C port that can reach 140W, making it ideal for powering laptops, including fast-charging the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The other three Type-C ports can only reach 100W charging when used individually, plenty fast for your other devices. There are also two USB-A ports on the side of the device that can reach a maximum of 22.5W. Theres a control dial on the side that can help you adjust energy output so all your devices get exactly what you need. You can also put it in AI Power Mode and let it automatically adjust the charging power. And a neat full-color display on the front will show you everything, including a customizable clock. This is a fantastic Prime Day find and worth every cent of the $110 youll be paying, so get this Anker station ordered before the deal vanishes. Get a 6-in-1 Anker charging station for $110 Buy now at Amazon

If you think Siris bad, just wait for Apples customer support AI

Macworld Refusing to allow continued failures in the AI arena to dampen its enthusiasm for the topic, Apple appears to be working on an AI-powered chatbot for customer support. Aaron Perris, a contributor for MacRumors , spotted code indicating work on a Support Assistant for the Apple Support app. The assistant isnt live yet, but MacRumors has been able to deduce from the code roughly how it will work. Essentially it looks like Support Assistant will introduce a new layer of chat that customers can access before speaking to an Apple employee. Apple Support currently has a chat feature, but this puts you in touch with a human; the Support Assistant will use generative AI to provide answers to chat questions without getting that human involved, while still allowing you to wait for the human if the chatbot isnt sorting the problem. This will of course be setting off all kinds of alarm bells, because Apples attempts at AI have thus far been very disappointing: late, endlessly delayed, frequently wrong , and altogether failing to deliver on their promises. There are even alarm bells going off at Apple Park, apparently: the company includes a warning that generative models such as the one Support Assistant is based on may deliver incorrect, misleading, incomplete, offensive, or harmful outputs, and that the information provided by Support Assistant is not a substitute for professional advice. Which makes you wonder what its for. There are areas where malfunctioning AI doesnt really matter. If you use generative AI to create a custom emoji and it looks wrong and creepy, you can delete it and find something else to send your friend. But a tech support bot that gives bad advice (or says offensive things!), regardless of disclaimers, which some will notice but others will filter out as the usual legal small print, is a disaster waiting to happen. Much like an AI doctor , another idea is supposedly making the rounds at Cupertino. Perhaps Apple will create an AI attorney to deal with the inevitable lawsuits.

The iPad for everyone drops to its best price ever for Prime Day

Macworld Amazons Prime Day is in full swing, and Apple deals are everywhere. But this one might be the best: Apples newest A16 iPad is down to its lowest price ever as Amazon is now selling Apples entry-level iPad for $279 , a savings of $70 and $20 lower than its previous best price. But while this tablet has a low price, its certainly not cheaply made, with a fantastic 11-inch display, gorgeous design with a variety of bold colors, and a speedy processor (though it doesnt have Apple Intelligence support). Its also got 128GB of storage, an excellent FaceTime camera, and Touch ID built into the power button. We loved it when we reviewed it , and we love it even more at this new low price. So, if youve been looking for an 11-inch tablet with a gorgeous display that wont cost an arm and a leg, the iPad A16 should be at the top of your list, especially now that its only $279 . Make sure to also check out the many other iPad deals we found on Prime Day . Get the A16 iPad for 20% off Buy now at Amazon

Best Apple accessory deals: Apple Pencil, keyboard, mouse, AirTags savings

Macworld Apple doesnt just make Macs, iPhones, iPads, AirPods and so on. The company also makes excellent accessories, including the Apple Pencil (a stylus for the iPad ), Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, various keyboard cases for iPad , and much more. If you want to buy a new Apple keyboard, mouse, trackpad, or any other peripheral, there are plenty of deals to be had all year round. With Prime Day upon us, well be updating this article with details of all the best accessory deals right now. Weve seen price cuts on various Apple accessories, so theres no need to wait to grab a bargain. Want to see how much you can save on other Apple products? Take a look at our Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals . Apple accessory deals: Biggest savings Want to save money on a new Apple Pencil, keyboard, mouse, or a cable? Look no further: Apple Pencil deals U.S. Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) U.K. Apple Pencil (USB-C ): 65 (14 off, RRP79) Apple Pencil Pro : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) iPad Keyboards & Cases deals U.S. 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) U.K. Apple 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) AirTags deals U.S. AirTag (4-pack): $68 ($31 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $20 ($9 off, MSRP $29) U.K. AirTag (4-pack) : 84 (35 off, RRP 119) PRIME DAY DEAL AirTag (single) : 28 (7 off, RRP 35) Cables & Chargers deals U.S. 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) Mac Keyboards, Mice and Trackpads deals U.K. Magic Keyboard : 75 (24 off, RRP 99) PRIME DAY DEAL Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22.35 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (9.02 off, RRP 179) Magic Mouse (white) : 59 (20 off, RRP 79) PRIME DAY DEAL Magic Trackpad (black) : 129 (20 off, RRP 149) Apple TV deals U.K. Apple TV 4K, 128GB : 158 (11 off, RRP 169) @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld Best deals for Apple products Check out these roundups for the best Apple deals: 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

macOS Tahoe finally puts the Spotlight where it belongs

Macworld Twenty years ago, Mac OS X Tiger introduced us to a search feature that would stand the test of time: Spotlight. And while at the time I found myself ambivalent about its many quirks, some of which were maddening , with the benefit of hindsight, its hard not to be impressed by how far Spotlight has come. Almost every year, Apple has made Spotlight a little better, and macOS Tahoe is its biggest and most impressive upgrade ever. So lets celebrate Spotlight for what it was, what it is, and what its about to become. When disks became big enough to search Finding files the classic Mac OS way. Infinite Mac As soon as the classic Mac OS became capable of holding more than a few dozen files on tiny floppy disks, there was a need to find files. So Apple introduced a tiny app called Find File that would let you search for a file by its name. Later, in the System 7 era, when capacious (for the time) hard drives were standard issue, you could search by multiple criteria, including file attributes, such as type and date. Apples first big leap came during the Mac OS 8 era, when it revamped search and called the resulting app Sherlock. Of course, Sherlock (the app, not the detective) has now become a verb for Apple building software that replaces popular third-party utilities. (The aspect of Sherlock that sherlocked the competition was actually its support to search various web databases from within an app.) Leaving that whole can of worms aside, Sherlock also introduced a more sophisticated way of searching: based on the content inside a document. We think of this as standard, but back in the day, searches really only were of the filesystem. With Sherlock, Apple also introduced the idea of indexing your drive, building a database containing information about your files and what they contained. It was the very end of the Classic Mac OS era, so it gets short shrift, but Sherlock really was the proto-Spotlight. Getting Spotlight off the ground The early days of Mac OS X were rough. Apple was building a new operating system out of pieces of two existing onesNextStep and Macand also building a whole bunch of new technology from scratch. As a result, during the first few years of Mac OS X, search was present, but a bit more rudimentary than youd expect. Finding files in Finder was the priority. Introduced in Mac OS X Tiger, Spotlight brought a more comprehensive approach to indexing the contents of a Macs files. Foundry But then, in 2005, came Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, and with it, Spotlight. The first versions of Spotlight were entirely focused on searchputting it behind Sherlock, honestly. What Spotlight brought to the table, beyond the name, was a comprehensive approach to indexing the contents of different kinds of files. Every app could supply its own set of attributes to the system, and those became searchable. In the early days, Spotlight was slow but powerful. While you could technically use it to search for things like apps, you wouldnt want toand a bunch of quick-launch utilities like Quicksilver and LaunchBar appeared to make keyboard-focused users more productive. While Spotlight was no Sherlock, it eventually stole a page from those utilities and refashioned itself as a systemwide app launcher and search engine. Initially, it was very bad at the job: launching an app via Spotlight took forever. But over time, Apple kept optimizing Spotlight. A couple of years ago, prompted by a reader who wanted to know what I considered must-have Mac utilities , I revisited Spotlight and realized it did just as good a job as being a quick app launcher as any of the third-party utilities ever had. Over two decades, Spotlight has just kept getting better, even when we arent paying attention. (It has also added web data sources and numerous other features over the years, taking it well beyond Sherlock territory.) The future of Spotlight With macOS Tahoe , Apple is fast-forwarding Spotlight by making it into a multifunctional tool for Mac productivity. If you just want to use it as a simple launcher or search tool, you can, but its so much more. With four different filter views, Spotlight now serves as a visual app launcher (it replaces Launchpad with something more like App Library on iOS) and quick file search engine. But its also got a new Actions view that lets you run Shortcuts workflows and even individual commands (think of the building blocks inside Shortcuts) right from Spotlight. You can send an email or a text message or even launch a complex custom actionand even assign a couple of keystrokes to make it easier to find that action. Then theres the clipboard manager. This is an entirely different function from Spotlight that Apple has just decided to throw in the mix. For years, third-party apps have enabled a major Mac productivity boost by storing a stack of your clipboard items in case you want to go back to something you copied to the clipboard a while ago. In many ways, clipboard history was the one remaining gap in macOS productivity. But here it is, the ability to scroll back through all your clipboard items for the last eight hours. Thats not all. Apple has added an entire slash commands feature that lets you type a slash followed by something youre looking for, like /pdf, hit Return, and then search within that subcategory. (This one needs a bit of work, as in the current beta of Tahoe, I keep trying to type slash commands without luck. But the potential is large.) The new Spotlight also has integrated one of the most useful and unheralded features of macOS: the ability to search the menus of the app youre currently using. Youve been able to do this for ages from the Help menu or via the Command-Shift-slash keyboard shortcut, but if your muscle memory always takes you to Spotlights Command-space, you can now search all the menu commands in your current app from there, too. Spotlight in macOS Tahoe has expanded its repertoire to go beyond file searching. Jason Snell Finally, Apple has realized that a lot of the files we use every day dont actually reside on our Macs. So Spotlight now offers a new system that lets the authors of file-provider apps (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) offer their content directly within Spotlight. Theoretically, this means that if you search for something and its in your Dropbox but not downloaded to your Mac, you can still find it , and that would be a big productivity boost for those of us who rely on cloud storage. Of course, itll rely on support from those app developers. But in a way, thats no different than the original Spotlight 20 years ago, which required app developers to plug into Spotlight so that the system could more effectively search their file types. The more things changeand Spotlight has changed a lot!the more they stay the same.

Apple COO Jeff Williams set to retire later this year

Macworld Apple has announced a coming transition to its senior leadership team. Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams will retire late this year. His duties as COO will transition later this month to Sabih Khan, who is currently senior vice president of Operations. Khan has been with Apple since 1995, joining the company three years before Williams. When Jony Ive left Apple in 2019, the design team transitioned to report directly to Williams. It will continue to do soas will the Apple Watch and Health teams he overseesuntil he retires later this year. After that, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. In the announcement, Cook said of Williams: Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldnt be what it is without him. Hes helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apples health strategy; and led our world class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication. I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeffs true legacy can be seen in the amazing team hes created and, while hell be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands. Tim Cook As for his retirement, Williams said he intends to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting.

The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly feature an all-new blue color

Macworld According to prolific leaker Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo , Apples super-slim iPhone 17 Air will debut with a new custom color Apple has never used before. Similar to Sierra Blue from the iPhone 13 Pro (above), it is said to be a very light pale blue. In the right lighting, the report claims it might look almost white, which sounds like the pale shades from the iPhone 15 era . However, the post claims, It is different from all the blue colors Apple has released before. And that makes senseApple rarely recycles exact color shades for iPhones, beyond its classic white and black, midnight, starlight, and Space Gray. It sounds an awful lot like Apple is leaning into the Air thing here, going with a color that looks invokes the image of light, puffy clouds on a sunny day. Of note, the M4 MacBook Air is available in a sky blue color, which would fit this theme and also fits the description by Fixed Focus Digital. For more about the iPhone 17 Air and other iPhone 17 models, check our roundup of all the iPhone 17 rumors and leaks so far.

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 Mac Prime Day 2025 deals

Macworld If youre in the market for a new Mac, the good news is Amazon Prime Day is coming soon! It runs from today through to July 11, and youre going to find some of the best Mac discounts over the 4-day sale. 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. And dont miss our first-ever live blog with running deals all day long! 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) : $500 ($99 off with coupon, MSRP $599) M4 Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $890 ($109 off, MSRP $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) M4 iMac, 10-core GPU, 256GB) : $1,379 ($120 off, MSRP $1,499) U.K. Mac Prime Day deals 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 (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 . @macworld.com Avoid getting screwed on Prime Day primeday #apple original sound Macworld Macworld 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 (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) 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 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 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 Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals

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 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

AirPods vs AirPods Pro: How they compare

Macworld Apple changed its AirPods lineup by introducing the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation. The update makes it a little easier than before to decide whether you get the standard AirPods or step up to the AirPods Pro 2. Lets look at the differences between the three earbudstheres a lot more than just the shape and fit. This guide will help you make the proper buying decision for yourself or the person youre shopping for. AirPods and AirPods Pro features compared Heres a quick reference chart detailing the features for the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation, and AirPods Pro 2. AirPods 4 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation AirPods Pro 2 Price $129/129 $179/179 $249/229 Weight (earbuds) 0.15ounce (4.3grams) 0.15ounce (4.3grams) 0.19 ounce (5.3 grams) Weight (case) 1.14ounces (32.3grams) 1.22ounces (34.7grams) 1.79 ounce (50.8 grams) Battery life 5 hours earbuds 30 hours case With ANC on: 4 hours earbuds 20 hours case With ANC off: 5 hours earbuds 30 hours case 6 hours earbuds 24 hrs case Charging USB-C Wirelessly charge or USB-C Wirelessly charge with MagSafe or USB-C Ear tips No No Yes Noise cancellation No Yes Yes Conversation awareness No Yes Yes Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking Yes Yes Yes Controls Tap on earbuds Tap on earbuds Tap and swipe on earbuds Water/sweat-resistant Yes (IP54) Yes (IP54) Yes (IP54) Find My speaker in case No Yes Yes Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: $99 at Amazon | $119 at Walmart | $124 at B&H AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 design and fit The obvious different between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 are the designs and how they fit in your ears. The AirPods 4 do not use ear tips and sit at the opening of the ear canal. Foundry The AirPods 4 do not have ear tips. They sit at the opening of the ear canal. This design leave a little bit of space between the earbuds and the ear canal. Apple says the AirPods 4 provide a natural and secure fit for more people than ever. The AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have the exact same design; the differences are with internal features. The AirPods Pro do have ear tips, which are extensions of the earbud that fit into the opening of the ear canal. This design creates a seal for the ear canal that muffles outside sound. Both the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro feature a shorter stem length than the original AirPods. Also, both are available only in white. The AirPods 4 has a narrower case than the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 2 uses ear tips that fit in the outer part of the ear canal. Hadrian / Shutterstock.com AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 noise cancelling This is the main audio feature between the three models. The $129 AirPods 4 does not have Active Noise Cancellation Two model include ANC: The $179 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation The $249 AirPods Pro 2 The AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2 have the same Active Noise Cancellation functions that include Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode. Both also support Conversation The AirPods Pro 2s ear tips affect its Active Noise Cancellation. Since the ear tips block out external sounds, the ANC is more effective with the AirPods Pro than the AirPods 4 with ANC, which still uses ANC well. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 Spatial Audio and sound quality The AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and the AirPods Pro 2 support Spatial Audio with head tracking. Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: $148.99 at Amazon | $148.99 at Walmart | $169.95 at B&H Also, the three models use Apples H2 chip for audio processing, so the sound quality is similar between them. The AirPods Pro 2s ear tips and how they reduce outside sound, however, does affect the qualitythe AirPods Pro 2 sounds purer than the AirPods 4. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 controls and features Both AirPods 4 models have stems with force touch sensors, which allow you to use a pinch to control audio playback and phone calls. The AirPods Pro 2 has the same force touch sensors, but the stems also allow for swipe motions to control volume, and you can hold the stems to switch listening modes. All three models are sweat and water resistant, but they are not waterproof so they cant be worn swimming. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Read our review Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $237 at Amazon | $249 at Apple While all three models work with Find My, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 have charging cases with speakers that play Find My alerts. The AirPods Pro 2 will soon have a new Hearing Air feature that allows the earphone to be used as over-the-counter hearing aids. The feature includes a Hearing Test and a Hearing Protection feature. This will be coming as a free firmware update by the end of 2024; if you already own AirPods 2, you dont need to buy anything. The Hearing Air is not available for the AirPods 4. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 battery life The AirPods 4 earbuds last five hours on a full charge. The case stores 30 hours of charge. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellations battery life is affected by the ANC feature: With ANC on all the time,Apple states a four-hour battery life for the earbuds, and 20 hours of available charge in the case. With ANC off all the time, Apple states a five-hour battery life for the earbuds, and 30 hours of available charge in the case. If you switch between ANC on and off, battery life is adversely affected when its on and your get an earbud battery life between four and five hours. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 wireless charging The AirPods 4 does not have wireless charging. It charges through USB-C. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation supports wireless and USB-C charging.It works with the Apple Watch and Qi chargers.It doesnt support MagSafe, but a MagSafe charger will work if you place the case in the dead center of the charger and balance it. It doesnt make a magnetic connection to stay in place. The AirPods Pro 2 supports wireless and USB-C charging. It works with the Apple Watch and Qi chargers, and it does support MagSafe. The AirPods Pro 2 case has a loop for attaching a lanyard. Lewis Painter / Foundry Which one should you buy? While there are a lot of similarities between the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2, there are a few factors to consider. The obvious decision to make is whether you want Active Noise Cancellation. If not, your only choice is the AirPods 4. If you do want it, then you need to choose between the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2. (You can always turn off ANC if you dont want to use it.) If you do want Active Noise Cancellation, decide whether you want ear tips or not. If you think ear tips are uncomfortable or dont like the effect they have on sound, then the AirPods 4 with ANC are for you. If youre fine with ear tips or want to maximize the effect of ANC, then the AirPods Pro 2 are your pick. Maybe, instead youre most concerned with fit and youre fine with either ear tips or no ear tips. The AirPods Pro 2s ear tips help secure the ear buds in your ear. Apple says the AirPods 4 fit better than ever, but they still sit at the opening of your ear canal and are not as secure as the AirPods Pro 2. The only way to insure a proper fit is to try them on before a purchase. If you absolutely want ear tips, your only choice is the AirPods Pro 2. (We highly recommend the aftermarket Comply Foam Tips for AirPods Pro users, which improve fit and comfort over the tips Apple includes.) If you have ruled out the AirPods Pro 2 and are deciding between the two AirPods 4 models, the major difference (beside ANC, which you dont have to use) is the charging case. The AirPods 4 with ANCs case supports wireless charging and has a Find My speaker for alerts. Ask yourself, is the extra $50/50 worth ANC, wireless charging, and Find My alerts? If you want to use the AirPods as a hearing aid, the AirPods Pro 2 is your choice. One last consideration is price. The prices in this article are Apples list prices; you can often find price reductions at third-party retailers such as Amazon. In fact, the AirPods Pro 2 are often on sale for $190/190, just $10/10 more than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. If you are okay with ear tips, then the AirPods Pro 2 can be had at a good price.

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

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 Mac SSD and hard drive Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts

Macworld Looking for a great deal on a new hard drive or SSD to use with your Mac? We see some great deals on storage in the Amazon Prime Day sale (running July 8 to 11), so theres no better time to pick up a deal on some new external storage for your Mac. During Amazon Prime Day Prime subscribers can take advantage of savings. To take advantage of the deals you will need Amazon Prime (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 and still take advantage of the deals. The drives picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed most of the drives we recommend, and for the ones we didnt, we referenced one of our companion sites (such as 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. See our round-up of the Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals for our pick of the best Prime Day deals. Best Amazon Prime deals for SSDs and hard drives Were already seeing some great savings this year. Below you will find the best deals weve seen so far. Click on Review if you would like to read our review of the SSD or hard drive on offer or to find it in our best Mac SSDs , best Mac hard drive and best NAS drive round-ups. U.S. Prime Day deals on Mac storage For the best memory and storage deals on Amazon right now, go to Amazons Memory & Storage section , where you will find deals on external hard drives , SSDs and Network Attached Storage . LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 , $349 ($50 off, MSRP $399.99) REVIEW SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 , $279.99 ($120 off, $399.99) REVIEW OWC 2TB Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD , $349.99 ($30 off, $379.99) REVIEW SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD , $104.99 ($25 off, $129.99) REVIEW Kingston XS1000 1TB SSD , $79.99 ($14 off, MSRP $93.99) REVIEW SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD , $185 ($44 off, MSRP $229) REVIEW SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE Transport & 1TB SSD , $165 ($75 off, MSRP $240) REVIEW SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD , $77.99 ($32 off, MSRP $110) REVIEW LaCie Rugged Mini external SSD, 1TB , $80 ($5 off, MSRP $85) REVIEW LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB Hard Drive , $84 ($16 off, MSRP $100) Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD , $94 ($36 off, MSRP $130) REVIEW Samsung T7 Shield, 2TB SSD , $160 ($125 off, MSRP $285) REVIEW Samsung T7 Shield, 4TB SSD , $297 ($200 off, MSRP $499.99) REVIEW Also, take a look at these hard drive deals specific to Prime Day on Amazons website and check out the Prime Day flash storage deals on Amazons site. U.K. Prime Day deals on Mac storage For the best memory and storage deals on Amazon right now take a look at Amazons Memory & Storage section where you will find deals on external storage , SSDs , and Network Attached Storage . SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE Transport & 1TB SSD , 208 (41 off, RRP 249.99) REVIEW LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, 2TB , 298.99 (81 off, RRP 379.99) REVIEW LaCie Rugged Mini SSD, 2TB , 187 (182 off, RRP 239.99) REVIEW Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD , 272 (23 off, RRP 294.99) REVIEW Samsung T7 Shield, 4TB SSD , 193.77 (101 off, RRP 294.99) REVIEW Seagate Ultra Touch HDD, 4TB, External HDD , 114.99 (40 off, RRP 154.99) REVIEW Plus, you can find hard drive deals specific to Prime Day on Amazon . You might also like these Prime Day flash storage deals on Amazon. 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, or just 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 Mac display and monitor deals of Amazon Prime Day and 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 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) Amazon Prime Day: How can I get the best deals on Mac storage and SSDs? 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 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 Mac monitor and display deals

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

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.

Some Android users are now able to edit messages sent to iPhones

Macworld Apple announced in March that it would support RCS Universal Profile 3.0 in a future software update. That future update is expected to be iOS 26either in September or soon after. RCS 3.0 will provide the ability to encrypt iPhone-to-Android messages, as well as other features to make the experience between iPhones and Android phones more seamless. One of those features includes message editing. According to a report by Android Authority, Google has been slowly deploying the ability to edit messages sent to iPhone users. After a message is sent, the Android user has a 15-minute window where they can long-press the message to reveal a pencil icon. Tapping the icon puts the message into an edit mode where changes can be made and the message resent. The feature worked on messages sent to iPhones running iOS 18.5 and the iOS 26 developer beta. However, Android users hoping for their edits to go unnoticed will be disappointed to know that the iPhone displays the edited message as a new one with an asteriskthe edited message doesnt replace the original message. However, while iPhone users are able to edit messages sent to other iPhones, they are not yet able to edit RCS messages sent to an Android phone. Apple could allow the functionality once it implements RCS 3.0, but its also likely that it keeps it as an exclusive iMessage feature. The new Android feature seems to be in testing, as it is available to a limited number of users. Google will widen its availability as it works out the kinks and eventually roll it out to all users.

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.

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 .

Wanna see your all-time most-played songs on Apple Music? Heres how

Macworld Its hard to believe, but if youve been an Apple Music subscriber since its inception , youve been streaming for a full decade. Announced as One more thing at WWDC 2015, the service launched on June 30, 2015, months before iOS 9 and Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan landed later that fall. To celebrate the milestone , Apple is offering a special version of its annual Replay playlist. Similar to Spotifys Wrapped campaign, Replay offers a look back at the top songs, artists, albums that defined your year, but Apple is taking a step furtheractually 10 steps further. The new Replay All Time playlist will collect your most-listened-to songs over the past 10 years into a handy playlist accessible in the Apple Music app. To find it, open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and navigate to the Home tab. Apple is spotlighting the Replay All Time playlist in the top carousel, so you can just tap to listen and hit the plus symbol in the top right to add it to your Playlists folder. Apple also has a site devoted to its annual Apple Music Replay but it hasnt been updated with the new 10-year stats. Just note, as this is a generated playlist, you wont be able to add or remove songs. Its unclear if Apple will continuously update the playlist with new songs and rankings as you listen or if its limited to the first 10 years. But if youre feeling nostalgic, give it a listen.

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.

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 .

Apple may launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip later this year

Macworld Apples most affordable new laptop is a $999 MacBook Air. For a lot of people, thats still too expensive, especially when compared to Chromebooks and budget PCs. But Apple may finally be doing something about that. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo , Apple plans to release a brand-new MacBook model thats designed for the low-cost market. The laptop will not use an M-series chip, but an A18 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro. Kuo believes it will have a 13-inch display and come in blue, pink, silver, and yellow. Kuo claims that the new laptop will become available either at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026. Apple has established late fall as the timeframe for the MacBook Pro releases, and the company is expected to update that laptop to the M5 this year . If Apple doesnt release the new A18 Pro-based laptop at the same time, the company could launch it alongside the M5 MacBook Air update in 2026, which usually arrives in the first quarter. The use of an A18 Pro is interesting. Its an iPhone chip, but Apples A- and M-series chips are based on the same general architecturethe M chips take advantage of the MacBooks size and are more equipped to handle larger processing tasks. An A18 Pro MacBook will be able to do everything a M-series MacBook can, but it will be slower. In our past reviews, the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro has a Geekbench Multi-Core score of 8048, while the M4 MacBook Airs score is 14680, but it will still be plenty capable. A16 Pro vs. M-series chips: Geekbench 6.4 Results are expressed as Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are faster. In fact, compared to all of the base-level M chips, the A18 Pro is even slower than the M1 that was released five years ago, though the difference is only 5 percent. Even if Apple can improve the performance of an A16 Pro in a MacBook, it will feel like an M1 MacBook Airwhich isnt bad at all. Even today, an M1 MacBook Air is a good laptop for a lot of people. The use of a 13-inch display is also interesting. While the display will likely be similar to that of the 13-inch MacBook Airan LED backlit panelwhat will Apple do to maintain the profile difference between this laptop and the Air? The 13-inch Air is 0.44 inches (1.13 cm) thick and weighs 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg). Though it would seem as though Apple would need to make this new laptop thicker and heavier to avoid negating the Airs airiness, that may not be the case, because Apple could emphasize the Airs mix of performance and portability. Offering the new laptop in blue, pink, silver, and yellow brings back memories of the iBook and its candy colors. But that also raises the question: will these laptops have aluminum cases? Kuo doesnt offer details on the case material. Apple ditched plastic laptop cases years ago, but that doesnt mean it wont return. Plastic is cheaper than aluminum, however, and Kuo reports that Apples goal is to sell 25 million MacBook units a year, which would be a 5 million increase. To move 5 million units, Apple may have to bring the price significantly lower, and plastic may allow the company to do that. MacRumors reports that there may be references to this new laptop in the code of Apple Intelligence. Kuo doesnt offer any more specifics about the laptop, though if this rumor holds up, we should hear more about it in the coming months.

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 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.