The Wall Street Journal reports that Micron is pressing the Trump administration to block Apple’s push to use memory chips from Chinese suppliers. Here are the details.

Magnet Forensics is suing Paradigm Shift Technology over its publication of usbliter8, alleging that the unpatchable exploit affecting several Apple SoCs was developed using trade secrets misappropriated by a former engineer. Here are the details.

Pastebot, one of the most popular clipboard managers for Mac, was updated today, nearly ten years after the release of Pastebot 2. Here are the details.

Apple shares surged roughly 3.53% on Friday, closing at $333.02 after closing the prior day at $321.66. This moved the stock closer to recent record highs and pushed its market cap at $4.891 trillion.

Main drivers

Several factors appear to have fueled the move amid a mixed-to-weaker broader market (with pressure on some chip and other tech stocks):

• Analyst support and price target increases: Multiple firms issued positive notes. Robert W. Baird raised its target to $330 from $310 (Outperform). Morgan Stanley lifted its target to $364 from $360 (Overweight), citing expectations that fiscal Q3 results (due July 30) could modestly beat consensus. HSBC upgraded to Buy with a $366 target. These reinforced confidence in Apple’s fundamentals ahead of earnings.

• Apple Intelligence progress in China: Reports of successful regulatory registration/approval for Apple’s generative AI features in China (partnering with local firms such as Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen as a core model and Baidu secondarily) boosted sentiment. China remains a key market, and clearer access for on-device AI features is viewed as a meaningful long-term positive for services and hardware demand.

• AI strategy and pre-earnings optimism: Investors continue to favor Apple’s relatively capital-efficient, on-device AI approach (lower data-center spending than many peers). This has helped the stock outperform in recent weeks even as other big tech names face higher capex scrutiny. Anticipation of the July 30 earnings report (consensus roughly around $1.88–$1.89 EPS and ~$109 billion revenue, with solid year-over-year growth expected) added to the buying interest.

Recent product-cycle optimism (including the broader Mac refresh pipeline reported earlier in the week) and Apple’s overall ecosystem strength have provided a supportive backdrop, but today’s jump was more directly tied to the analyst actions, China AI milestone, and earnings positioning.

MacDailyNews Take: Stock moves can reverse quickly, and no single factor is ever the sole cause. Apple has not issued company-specific news today that appears to be the primary catalyst. Earnings on July 30th, whcih we will, as usual cover with live notes, will be Apple’s next major test.

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Apple Pay is a go-to feature for iPhone users when shopping in stores, online, and in apps. Apple recently announced four new features that make Apple Pay even better. Here’s how they work.

President Trump has pledged to retaliate against the European Union over what he claims are unfair fines targeting Apple and other American tech giants. Here are the details.

Apple is developing an updated MacBook Neo featuring more memory, an upgraded A19 Pro chip, and additional color options as part of a wide-ranging refresh of its entire Mac lineup, according to a Bloomberg News report by Mark Gurman.

The original MacBook Neo, Apple’s budget-friendly entry-level laptop launched in March 2026, quickly became a huge hit. It debuted at $599 (as low as $499 with education pricing) before rising to a $699 starting price amid industry-wide memory cost pressures. Powered by the A18 Pro chip (the first Mac to use an A-series processor typically found in iPhones and iPads), it offered 8GB of unified memory, a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, and vibrant finishes including Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo. Strong demand led to initial sell-outs, and it has been praised for bringing accessible Mac performance and Apple Intelligence features to a lower price point.

The next-generation Neo will address some of the original’s constraints by increasing unified memory — reports indicate a jump to 12GB — and switching to the A19 Pro chip (already used in recent iPhone models). Extra color options will expand on the fun, marketing-friendly palette that helped the first Neo stand out. These upgrades could help offset the recent price increase by delivering better performance and longevity, particularly for AI-related tasks.

This Neo update forms part of a much larger Mac pipeline. Gurman’s reporting indicates Apple plans new versions of nearly every Mac it sells over the next couple of years, driven by surging demand for AI-capable machines. Key elements include:

• An entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new M6 chip expected this fall (2026).

• Long-awaited iMac refreshes also targeted for fall 2026.

• High-end 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros featuring OLED displays and touchscreens, powered by M5 Pro and Max chips, eyed for late 2026 or early 2027.

• A MacBook Air refresh that could include its first major redesign in over four years.

• Updated Mac mini models testing M5 Pro and M6 chips, plus Mac Studio variants with M5 Max and Ultra (or later M7 chips), though memory supply constraints tied to the broader AI boom may affect timing.

Industry observers note that ongoing global memory shortages exacerbated by AI server demand have already driven price increases across Apple’s lineup and could influence both availability and pricing of the new models. Apple has also been exploring ways to sustain sales momentum, including a new leasing program.
‎
MacDailyNews Take: The MacBook Neo’s success showed Apple’s willingness to expand downward in the laptop market while defending premium margins higher up. An improved Neo with more memory and a newer chip would further strengthen that position, especially if it retains a competitive price relative to crappy Windows alternatives. Exact release timing for the updated Neo remains unspecified in the reports, but it fits into Apple’s broader push to modernize the Mac range for an AI-driven era.

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And — at this writing, still “coming soon” — Apple is
launching [ads on Apple Maps][🗺️].

[🗺️]: https://ads.apple.com/maps

The problem is that anyone reading that article in NetNewsWire saw it rendered like this, with the words “ads on Apple Maps”1 omitted:

It looks like I forgot to finish writing that sentence. But I did. NetNewsWire simply omits the hyperlinked words. After a few readers reported this, I immediately suspected the problem was the “ads.apple.com” domain. I’ve never linked to that domain before, and many ad blockers just block any domain that starts with a domain prefix like ads.*.

And that’s exactly what the problem is. I had no idea that NetNewsWire filtered any content whatsoever (and I sort of think it shouldn’t), but DF reader Antonio Germano searched through NetNewsWire’s open-source code and found it in the core.css file, line 49:

38 /*Block ads and junk*/
39
40 iframe[src*=”feedads” ],
41 iframe[src*=”doubleclick”],
42 iframe[src*=”plusone.google”] {
43 display: none !important;
44 }
45
46 a[href*=”.ads.”],
47 a[href*=”feedads” ],
48 a[href*=”doubleclick”],
49 a[href*=”//ads.”],

The culprit identified, I dutifully pinged my friend Brent Simmons to report the problem. But then I had to decide what to do about it. I have no idea which feed readers are being used to read Daring Fireball’s feeds, but NetNewsWire is surely one of the most popular, and probably the most popular. It’s the feed reader I use personally. I can’t change the contents of NetNewsWire’s core.css file, so I can’t keep NetNewsWire from stripping out words that link to Apple’s ads.apple.com domain. What I could do is not link to ads.apple.com, like, say by changing my link from ads.apple.com/maps to a shorten-and-redirect URL like bit.ly/4wmXFSE that points back to Apple’s original URL.

But I didn’t do that. I don’t like playing whack-a-mole to work around bugs in other software. I have enough trouble fixing my own mistakes. I also don’t like the idea of showing everyone a “Click it and find out where it actually goes” mystery URL from Bitly rather than the direct URL. It’s a general principle thing, and also a much better policy for links that are meant to last for decades.

What I really don’t like about NetNewsWire’s ad-blocking here is that it just omits the linked text. It doesn’t remove the link but leave the words; it removes the words that are hyperlinked to the blocked domain. I’ve run into this with other content blocking extensions. For example, the Banish extension for Safari, which I recommended back in 2022. At some point a year or two ago, Banish started blocking links to Apple’s App Store domain, and it did it by removing the words that link to the App Store. That’s crazy. I linked to the App Store in my own post recommending Banish, which means if you have Banish installed and read that post, you won’t see the headline of the post (nor be able to following the link). I think there are other content blockers that do the same thing with text that links to the App Store.2

So what do I do about that? Do I stop linking to the App Store? That’s dumb. Do I create custom URL redirects for every single link I make to the App Store? That’s work I don’t need or want to do, and adds a layer of abstraction that confuses everyone who isn’t using a content blocker with such a stupid rule. So I just ignore it. But that means an untold number of readers, who are using such content blockers, are just missing words in my articles whenever I link to the App Store. Well, so be it. Ideally, content blockers “just work” — blocking only things you want blocked, never things you don’t want blocked. Nothing is perfect however. What’s pernicious about blockers that remove the actual words that link to certain domains is that that’s not expected behavior. From the reader’s perspective, it really just looks like an editing error on the part of the website, not a content blocker with an overzealous pattern-matching rule.

Ultimately, though, when you install a content blocker extension, you take responsibility for any overzealousness in what they block.

Let me use this opportunity to make a small personal request. The display ads on Daring Fireball are unobtrusive and limited to one per page. They are also entirely private, and always have been. There not only are no cookies or JavaScript that attempt to track you, but the ads themselves are served from the daringfireball.net domain. I turn down advertisers who request to serve images (or “tracking pixels”, which are just invisible images) from their domains. (Such requests are infrequent, thankfully.) I don’t display the ads in between paragraphs mid-article, a common practice that to me is disrespectful both to the writer and reader. In short, I try to keep the ads on Daring Fireball not merely unobjectionable, but something that actually adds to the site. I actually like the ads in certain high-quality print magazines, like The New Yorker. My goal for the ads on DF is for them to be like that.

In short, I hope they’re the sort of ads readers don’t want to block. I’m pleased to say that most of the ad-blocking content blocking extensions I’ve personally tried do not block ads on Daring Fireball by default. In other cases, they do, but it’s easy to adjust the per-domain settings to allow them. In the previous post, I recommended uBlock Origin Lite (free, a bit complex) and Magic Lasso (paid, much simpler). Magic Lasso does not block ads on DF by default. I don’t remember what uBlock Origin does by default, but it’s trivial to change it to allow them.

If you use an ad blocker and it currently blocks the ads on DF, I humbly ask you to consider taking a moment to tweak the settings to permit them. If you are the developer of an ad blocker, I ask you to consider allowlisting Daring Fireball by default.

If you are a reader and you really do want to block DF’s ads, please, go right ahead. I find that an odd mindset, but it’s your web browser and your call. No hard feelings. (Please further note that I have no JavaScript code that attempts to detect whether you’re blocking DF’s ads in order to nag you.)

I omitted the Markdown creating a link on the words “still ‘coming soon’” for clarity, to emphasize only the problematic link in my original prose. (Also, it’s fun to use emoji as named link definitions, like in this example.) ↩︎︎

I of course reported this to the developer of Banish, twice, but he never responded. I, err, banished Banish from my own devices, and upon finishing this article, I’m going to update my 2022 recommendation of Banish to un-recommend it. ↩︎

Following the official rollout of its Liquid Glass redesign to most WhatsApp users on iOS, the messaging platform is now testing another visual change, this time focused on the look of its chat bubbles. Here are the details.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming this fall, and rumors say it will be called iPhone Ultra. Here are six features to expect from Apple’s new high-end iPhone Ultra.

Apple is poised to make one of the most impressive debuts in recent smartphone history. According to Counterpoint Research’s latest forecast, the company’s first foldable iPhone is expected to capture a remarkable 25% share of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 — its very first year (really, quarter) in the category — while helping propel the overall market to robust 21% year-over-year growth.

This is no ordinary product launch. In a segment long dominated by a handful of Android players, Apple is projected to debut in a clear second place, ahead of Huawei (24%) and closing the gap dramatically on market leader Samsung, whose share is forecast to decline from 40% in 2025 to 32%. Motorola and HONOR are expected to see further erosion of their positions, underscoring how Apple’s entry is poised to reshape the competitive landscape overnight.

Global Foldable Smartphone Shipment Share by OEM, 2025 vs 2026F
Source: Counterpoint Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast

What makes this projection especially powerful is the nature of the demand Apple is expected to unlock. Counterpoint notes that Apple’s arrival will intensify competition specifically in the premium book-type foldable segment—the form factor that prioritizes productivity, multitasking, and expansive screen real estate over pure novelty. As AI features evolve beyond simple chat into everyday workflows such as document summarization, content editing, schedule management, and seamless cross-app information movement, a wider, more flexible canvas becomes essential. Apple’s anticipated design approach aligns perfectly with this shift, positioning the foldable iPhone as a natural extension of the company’s longstanding focus on refined user experience, seamless ecosystem integration, and premium craftsmanship.

Samsung is set to retain the overall lead for now, but the narrowing of its advantage to just seven percentage points over Apple highlights the disruptive force of Cupertino’s entry. Other brands that once held meaningful shares are projected to lose ground, illustrating how a single, highly anticipated Apple product can redefine market dynamics and accelerate category maturation.

The 21% growth forecast for the global foldable market in 2026 is itself a vote of confidence in the category’s future, and Counterpoint explicitly ties much of that expansion to Apple’s influence. By bringing its massive, loyal customer base, rigorous attention to durability and software optimization, and unmatched brand prestige into the foldable arena, Apple is expected to expand the total addressable market rather than merely redistribute existing demand. Premium book-style devices stand to benefit most, moving foldables further from experimental gadgets toward mainstream productivity tools.

For years, observers have waited for Apple’s carefully timed move into foldables. The Counterpoint numbers suggest that timing was deliberate and strategic. Rather than rushing to market, Apple appears positioned to enter with a product that not only claims a quarter of all foldable shipments in its first quarter, but also elevates the entire segment—raising expectations for design excellence, software polish, and real-world utility.

In short, 2026 is shaping up as the year the foldable smartphone market comes of age, and Apple is set to be one of its primary architects. Capturing 25% share on debut is more than a strong start; it is a clear signal that when Apple decides a category is ready, the industry—and consumers — take notice.
‎
MacDailyNews Take: And, in 2027, if they don’t actually exceed Counterpoint’s projection and claim the crown straight off in Q226, after a mere three months on the market, Apple’s iPhone will be No.1 in foldable smartphones. Apple’s well-heeled customer base guarantees it.

As with fingerprint and facial recognition, when Apple debuts a foldable iPhone, then foldable smartphones will have been done right. – MacDailyNews, January 17, 2019

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The post Apple’s foldable iPhone to grab 25% of foldable smartphone sales this year – Counterpoint Research appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Continuing Apple’s extended test period for macOS Sonoma 14.8.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, the company is now rolling out the seventh Release Candidate for both systems. Here are the details.

Apple is pushing suppliers for a 20% price cut on iPhone 18 Pro Max OLED panels, even as materials and memory chip costs climb.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

iOS 27 is packed with new features for apps like Notes, Wallet, Maps, Messages, and more. But one iOS 27 addition that’s especially impressed me is a new Phone feature: Call Context.

It’s easy to turn Live Photos into one continuous video that you can save and share to social media, right from the Photos app.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

A U.S. judge has given preliminary approval to Apple’s $250 million settlement of a class action lawsuit over the delayed launch of advanced, personalized Siri features that the company had heavily advertised. Eligible U.S. owners of the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models purchased between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025 may eventually receive $25–$95 per device, though a claims website is not yet live and no action is needed right now.

Joe Rossignol for MacRumors:
‎

In June 2024, Apple previewed new Siri capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence, including understanding of a user’s personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother’s flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps.

Apple advertised those Siri features in product presentations, on its website, in a TV commercial starring actor Bella Ramsey, and elsewhere.

In March 2025, Apple delayed the launch of the personalized version of Siri, leading to the company being hit with a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising…

It is unlikely that individuals who submit a claim will still need to have physical possession of an eligible iPhone model. However, there is a possibility that proof of purchase or other information will be required, such as the device’s serial number. Exact requirements will be outlined on the settlement website, which is still not live.

‎
MacDailyNews Note: To be eligible to submit a claim, you must reside in the U.S. and have purchased any iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025.

MacDailyNews Take: Apple got off easy. It ended up being effective advertising, albeit false. $250 million is just part of the marketing budget and, to Apple, it’s pocket change.

As usual, we called it correctly very early on:

When you're caught flat-footed like Tim Cook's Apple, you pop into scramble mode to try to catch up. Early on, you hit it with a big marketing flourish (WWDC24) in order to buy some more time. Then you dribble out features as they get finished & actually exist. Classic vaporware. https://t.co/I1J4y3aDNy pic.twitter.com/fLKvxGj4G3

— MacDailyNews (@MacDailyNews) July 31, 2024

The Apple Intelligence vaporware [is] false advertising, fraud, and lies. Those will be the basis for class action lawsuits from iPhone, iPad, and Mac customers soon enough. And Apple will deserve them all. – MacDailyNews, March 14, 2025

See also: Apple pulls iPhone 16 ad touting nonexistent Apple Intelligence-powered Siri features – March 10, 2025

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Anthropic has released its latest AI model with Claude Opus 5. The new version arrives about two months after the previous Opus model upgrade, matching Anthropic’s previous upgrade cadence.

A report by security developers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk explains a new bug found in macOS that sounds scary. In a post titled “Silent Replacement of Trusted macOS App Executables,” the researchers describe a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to “secretly replace trusted apps you already have installed from the web with malicious versions.” However, it requires the attacker to jump through so many hoops it’s almost impossible to see any Mac ever being infected.

In simple terms, the bug allows an attacker to bypass macOS’s ability to protect apps from being tampered with. The attack itself involves deleting the app, then copying an altered version of the app to the Mac that has been archived as a tar file. When the app is unarchived, macOS does not detect that the app is a tampered version. Eventually, the user sees the app, thinking it’s a proper version, launches it, and activates the malware.

However, for an attacker to copy the tar file to the Mac, they need access to the machine to delete the authentic app that’s already installed. The attacker needs to physically access the Mac and be able to log in, or they’d have to perform some involved social engineering to persuade the user to perform the necessary tasks.

Bakry and Mysk said they “accidentally” discovered the bug and reported it to Apple. “Apple concluded that the reported behaviour does not constitute a security issue,” said Bakry and Mysk, who also created a video explaining their findings.

How to protect yourself from malware

The easiest way to protect yourself from malware is to avoid downloading software from unfamiliar download sites. Never open links in emails or texts you receive from unknown and unexpected sources. If you get a message that looks like it is from an entity that you do business with, check the sender’s email address and inspect the URL carefully. If you see a link or button, you can Control-click it, select Copy Link Address, and then paste it into a text editor to see the actual URL to check it there.

Apple has vetted software in the Mac App Store, and it is the safest way to get apps. If you prefer not to patronize the Mac App Store, then buy software directly from the developer and their website. If you insist on using cracked software, you will always risk malware exposure.

Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and a comparison of Mac security software.

watchOS 27 launches this fall as the next major Apple Watch update, and it includes a handy new feature that can improve your Apple Watch battery life: ‘proactive battery extension notifications.’

Apple’s $250 million class action lawsuit settlement over Siri and Apple Intelligence delays is moving through the court system. Here’s the latest news on how the $250 million will be distributed, who’s eligible, and more.

How to choose your iPhone in 2026

Before you jump into the specific iPhone models, think about what matters most to you: battery life for all-day use, camera quality for photos and video, screen size for media or gaming, and how much you’re willing to spend. These simple priorities will help narrow down whether you should choose a Pro model, a middle option like the standard iPhone 17, a lightweight iPhone Air, or a more budget-friendly choice.

Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky and no doubt you have many questions. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone? Which iPhone is the best compromise between specs and value for money?

In this article, we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss iPhone prices, specs and features, paying particular attention to the cameras, screens and durability, and how the design of each handset differs, so you should leave feeling much more confident about which iPhone you should get.

For more help with your choice see our full reviews of the latest iPhones (linked below) and our Best iPhone comparison chart where we compare all the new iPhones with the iPhones still being sold by Apple.

Should I buy an iPhone now?

Summer is usually the worst time to buy an iPhone, but 2026 is an exception. Apple recently raised Mac and iPad prices but left iPhones unchanged, leading many analysts to expect the iPhone 18 Pro models to become significantly more expensive when they launch this September.

That makes the iPhone 17 Pro a strong buy right now. The rumored iPhone 18 Pro upgrades don’t appear substantial enough to justify an expected price increase of around $200 or more.

The standard iPhone 17 is an even easier recommendation. Its successor isn’t expected until spring 2027, so it should remain Apple’s current base flagship for almost another year. Starting at $799/£799 with 256GB of storage, it’s also one of the best values in the lineup.

The exceptions are the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra, if that’s the model you want, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you’re willing to pay more for its expected camera improvements.

If you need a new phone now, the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro are excellent buys that could save you money compared with waiting for the iPhone 18 and 18e, which aren’t expected until spring 2027.

ModelModelModeliPhone 17YesNo successor until spring 2027; current price is stableiPhone 17 ProYesAvoids expected $200+ price hike on 18 Pro; similar AI featuresiPhone 17 Pro MaxConsiderBest battery/camera today, but 18 Pro Max may improve furtheriPhone 17eYesBudget-friendly; successor not due until 2027iPhone AirIf discountedAir 2 coming spring 2027, but current deals are strongiPhone 18 Pro & MaxWaitExpected September with higher price and incremental upgradesiPhone Ultra (foldable)WaitFirst-gen product; likely expensive and flawed

Best iPhone 2026

For most people, Apple’s standard iPhone 17 offers the best mix of performance, battery life, and price… but the 17 Pro and Max models make sense if you care about photography or video.

In terms of power and features, the ‘best’ iPhone is either the iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max, but these iPhoned aren’t necessarily the best for you due to their high price tag. Luckily there is a perfect iPhone for everyone, with each model offering the perfect compromise of features to price. For 2026 we think that the iPhone 17 is a good all-rounder thanks to the new features that bring it closer than ever to the pro models.

Here is a quick-at-a-glance comparison of all the iPhones Apple currently sells, from the ultimate iPhone to the cheapest iPhone you can buy right now. Below this section you can read more about how each iPhone compares in terms of camera, battery life, screen, cost, and other important factors.

1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max – Biggest display, longest battery life, best camera

Price When Reviewed:

$1,199 (256GB) | $1,399 (512GB) | $1,599 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB)

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

$1199

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

What is the iPhone 17 Pro Max best for?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s ultimate iPhone for photography, videography and all-day battery life, making it the best choice for demanding users and content creators.

Why buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max combines Apple’s most advanced camera system with the longest battery life ever in an iPhone, making it ideal for capturing photos and 4K video without compromise. It also delivers class-leading performance from the A19 Pro chip, fast USB 3 transfers and enough power for professional creative work as well as everyday use.

Who should buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Anyone who wants the best iPhone cameras, the longest battery life and flagship performance, especially photographers, videographers and power users.

Who should avoid the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Anyone who wants a lighter, more affordable iPhone or doesn’t need pro-level camera features should consider the standard iPhone 17 instead.

Key specs

Starts at: $1,199 / £1,199 (256GB)

Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion (120Hz)

Chip: A19 Pro

Storage: 256GB–2TB

Cameras: Triple 48MP system (Main, Ultra Wide and 4x Telephoto) with up to 8x optical-quality zoom

Battery: Up to 39 hours of video playback

Buy now or wait?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max now if you want the best iPhone available today. However, if you always want Apple’s very best camera system and longest battery life, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to introduce more meaningful camera improvements, although you’ll likely pay a substantial premium.

Read our full

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review

2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro – Best balance of price and pro features

Price When Reviewed:

$1,099 (256GB) | $1,299 (512GB) | $1,499 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB)

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

$1099

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

What is the iPhone 17 Pro best for?
People who want the best compact iPhone, with flagship performance and an outstanding camera system.

Why buy the iPhone 17 Pro? It combines Apple’s A19 Pro chip with one of the best camera systems on any smartphone, including three 48MP rear cameras that deliver excellent photos and video. It also offers a 6.3-inch OLED display, strong all-day battery life and premium build quality in a size that’s easier to handle than the Pro Max.

Who should buy it?
Anyone who wants Apple’s best cameras and performance without stepping up to the larger Pro Max.

Who should avoid it?
Owners of an iPhone 16 Pro or anyone happy with the regular iPhone 17, as the upgrades may not justify the extra cost.

Key specs:

Starts at: $999 / £999

Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion

Chip: Apple A19 Pro

Storage: 256GB–1TB

Cameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP telephoto, 18MP front camera

Battery: Up to 33 hours of video playback

Buy now or wait?
Buy now if you want a premium compact iPhone – the iPhone 17 Pro remains one of Apple’s best all-round phones, and the improvements expected in the iPhone 18 Pro are unlikely to justify waiting unless you specifically want the newest model.

Read our full

Apple iPhone 17 Pro review

3. Apple iPhone 17 – Best value iPhone for most people

Price When Reviewed:

From $799

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

Check

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

What is the iPhone 17 best for? The iPhone 17 is the best all-round iPhone for most people, offering flagship features and excellent value without the Pro price.

Why buy iPhone 17? The iPhone 17 brings several upgrades that were previously exclusive to Pro models, including a larger 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on support, while doubling the base storage to 256GB without increasing the starting price. It also delivers superb battery life, excellent everyday performance from the A19 chip, and a significantly improved front camera, making it one of Apple’s best-value iPhones in years.

Who should buy it? Anyone who wants the best balance of price, performance and features without paying extra for the Pro models.

Who should avoid it? Mobile photographers, videographers and power users who need a telephoto camera, faster USB transfers or the most advanced camera system should choose the iPhone 17 Pro instead.

Key specs:

Starts at: $799 / £799 (256GB)Display: 6.3-inch OLED ProMotion (120Hz)Chip: A19Storage: 256GB–512GBCameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide, 24MP front cameraBattery: Up to 27 hours video playback

Buy now or wait? Buy now – the iPhone 17 delivers excellent value, and with the iPhone 18 unlikely to launch before the spring, and expected to bring higher prices rather than major upgrades, it’s a smart purchase today

Read our full

Apple iPhone 17 review

4. Apple iPhone Air – Ultra-thin and lightweight iPhone

Price When Reviewed:

$999 (256GB) | $1,199 (512GB) | $1,399 (1TB)

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

$999

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

What is the iPhone Air best for?
The iPhone Air is best for people who want the thinnest, lightest iPhone ever without giving up flagship performance.

Why buy the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air’s standout feature is its incredibly thin 5.6mm titanium design, which makes it feel noticeably lighter and more comfortable than any other large-screen iPhone. Despite its slim profile, it still delivers flagship-level performance with the A19 Pro chip, a gorgeous 6.5-inch ProMotion OLED display, and a much-improved Center Stage front camera.

Who should buy iPhone Air?
Anyone who values an ultra-light, premium iPhone with a larger display and is willing to trade camera versatility and battery life for its unique design.

Who should avoid iPhone Air?
Photography enthusiasts and heavy users who want the best battery life, multiple rear cameras, or stereo speakers should choose an iPhone 17 Pro instead.

Key specs:

Starts at: $999 / £999 (256GB)

Display: 6.5-inch OLED ProMotion (120Hz)

Chip: A19 Pro (5-core GPU)

Storage: 256GB–1TB

Cameras: 48MP main + 18MP Center Stage front camera

Battery: Up to 23 hours video playback

Buy now or wait? Buy now if you love its unique thin-and-light design – it’s unlike any other iPhone – but if battery life and camera versatility matter more, the iPhone 17 Pro offers better value for the money. We often see a decent discount on this handset, especially in the U.K. where it’s sold off contract.

Read our full

Apple iPhone Air (2025) review

5. Apple iPhone 17e – Best budget iPhone

Price When Reviewed:

$599

Best Prices Today:

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Price

$599

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What is the iPhone 17e best for? The iPhone 17e is the best-value entry point into the iPhone lineup, offering flagship-level performance and long-term software support at Apple’s lowest price.

Why buy iPhone 17e? The iPhone 17e delivers excellent everyday performance thanks to the A19 chip while adding meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, including MagSafe support and 256GB of base storage. Its attractive design, solid battery life and lower price make it an easy recommendation for anyone who doesn’t need the advanced cameras or display features of the Pro models.

Who should buy iPhone 17e? Anyone upgrading from an iPhone 12 or 13, switching from Android, or buying their first iPhone without paying flagship prices.

Who should avoid iPhone 17e? Photography enthusiasts and power users who want multiple rear cameras, an always-on display or a high-refresh-rate screen should look at the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro instead.

Key specs:

Starts at: $599 / £599 (256GB)

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED

Chip: A19

Storage: 256GB–512GB

Cameras: 48MP Fusion main (with 2x optical-quality zoom) + 12MP TrueDepth front

Battery: Up to 26 hours of video playback

Buy now or wait? Buy now – the iPhone 17e is new for 2026, offers excellent value, and isn’t expected to be replaced until early 2027.

Read our full

Apple iPhone 17e review

6. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Budget big screen iPhone

Price When Reviewed:

$899

Best Prices Today:

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Refurbished

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$752.47

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$929

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$929.99

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iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Black – Unlocked

$Not Available

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iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Pink – Unlocked

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iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked

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iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Teal – Unlocked

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What is the iPhone 16 Plus best for? With no iPhone 17 Plus in Apple’s current lineup, the iPhone 16 Plus is the only affordable large-screen iPhone, pairing a spacious 6.7-inch display with a significantly lower price than the Pro Max.

Why buy iPhone 16 Plus? The iPhone 16 Plus remains a compelling choice because Apple didn’t release a successor, making it the only large-screen, non-Pro iPhone available. Its larger chassis also accommodates a bigger battery, delivering up to 27 hours of video playback.

Who should buy iPhone 16 Plus? Anyone who wants a large-screen iPhone without paying Pro Max prices, especially those who value long battery life and a display that’s easier to read.

Who should avoid iPhone 16 Plus? Buyers who want a 120Hz ProMotion display, an always-on display or a dedicated telephoto camera should consider an iPhone Pro model instead. The 128GB base storage may also be limiting for some users.

Key specs:

Starts at: $799 / £799 (128GB)

Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED

Chip: A18

Storage: 128GB–256GB

Cameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 12MP TrueDepth front

Battery: Up to 27 hours of video playback

Buy now or wait? Buy now – with no iPhone 17 Plus available, the iPhone 16 Plus remains the best-value way to get a large-screen iPhone without paying Pro Max prices.

Read our full iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review

7. Apple iPhone 16 – The iPhone to avoid

Price When Reviewed:

NOW $699 for 128GB (WAS: $799/128GB, $899/256GB, $1,099/512GB)

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$729.99

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$829

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iPhone 16 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked

$Not Available

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What is the iPhone 16 best for? The iPhone 16 offer Apple Intelligence features and an excellent camera at a lower price.

Why buy the iPhone 16? The iPhone 16 still delivers fast everyday performance thanks to its A18 chip, supports Apple Intelligence, and has an excellent 48MP main camera. It’s a capable phone, but its biggest advantage is simply that it can often be found discounted below the newer models.

Who should buy the iPhone 16? Budget-conscious buyers who can find it at a significant discount and want a dual-camera iPhone.

Who should avoid it?
Most buyers should skip it, as the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e offer better value, with newer hardware and improved specifications for little or no extra cost.

Key specs

Starts at: $699 / £699

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED

Chip: A18

Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB

Cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide

Battery: Up to 22 hours of video playback

Buy now or wait? Don’t buy at full price. Unless you find a substantial discount, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e are better-value purchases.

We discuss how the iPhone 16 compares to the iPhone 17 in a separate article.

Read our full

Apple iPhone 16 review

How much do iPhones cost?

Each year, Apple reduces the price of the older iPhone models it continues to sell after introducing a new generation. The tables below show current pricing in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia (scroll across to see your region).

In the U.S., iPhone prices are often advertised with carrier subsidies, while unlocked models cost more. In the U.K. and many other countries, Apple sells iPhones unlocked, allowing you to use your existing SIM or switch networks whenever you like.

Will iPhone prices increase? There is a strong chance they will. Apple raised Mac and iPad prices in June because of a global RAM shortage but left iPhone prices unchanged. Many analysts believe that was only a temporary reprieve, with the iPhone 18 Pro models expected to receive a significant price increase when they launch in September 2026. If you’re planning to buy a Pro model, purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro now could help you avoid paying more for relatively modest upgrades.

ModelRelease dateStorage optionsU.S. Price U.K. PriceCanada PriceAustralia PriceiPhone 17 Pro MaxSeptember 2025256GB512GB1TB2TB$1,199 $1,399$1,599$1,999£1,199£1,399£1,599£1,999$1,749$2,049$2,349$2,949$2,199$2,549$2,899$3,799iPhone 17 ProSeptember 2025256GB512GB1TB$1,099 $1,299$1,499£1,099£1,299£1,499$1,599$1,899$2,199$2,049$2,399$2,749iPhone AirSeptember 2025256GB512GB1TB$999 $1,199$1,399£999 £1,199£1,399$999 $1,199$1,399$1,799 $2,199$2,599iPhone 17 September 2025256GB512GB$799 $999£799 £999$1,129$1,429$1,399 $1,799iPhone 16 PlusSeptember 2024128GB256GB$799 $899£799£899$1,149$1,299$1,399$1,699iPhone 16September 2024128GB$699£699$999$1,249iPhone 17eMarch 2026256GB512GB$599$799£599£799$899$1,199$999$1,399iiPhone prices July 2026.

You don’t have to pay full price for a new iPhone. Read our iPhone deals roundup for more advice on getting the lowest possible price from various different resellers and the best contract deals.

Design: How do the iPhones compare?

The iPhone line up for most of 2026.

Apple

Camera Control button: The whole iPhone 17 line up, the iPhone Air, and the iPhones 16 and 16 Plus all feature the Camera Control button on the side of the iPhone. The iPhone 17e lacks this button. The Camera Control button opens the Camera app and you can press it again to take a photo or record a video. The button is actually touch sensitive so you can use various gestures, such as sliding your finger over it to adjust exposure, for example. On the iPhone 17e you can set the Action button to open the camera and take a photograph, but you can’t fine tune settings in the same way.

Action Button: The Action Button features on the whole of the iPhone 16 and 17 line up, and the iPhone Air. It is a customisable button that can perform certain actions, such as turning on the flashlight or silent mode. The Action Button is above the volume controls in the same position as the mute button on older iPhones.

Dynamic Island: From the front all the iPhones are visually similar. Each iPhone has an area at the top of the screen that conceals the front camera and Face ID technology. On the iPhone 16e this is referred to as the notch. On the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air and the iPhone 16 and 16 Push this is a smaller pill shaped adaptive area called the Dynamic Island that can display Live Activities and other software elements in a way that makes the notch a little more useful.

Camera layout: Turn the iPhones over and the differences become much clearer. As you can see from the image above, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have three lenses laid out in a triangle formation. For these models the flash and LiDAR scanner have been moved to the other side of what Apple is calling the Camera Plateau, where in older models they were closer to the lenses. The iPhone 16 has two lenses, one above the other, and the iPhone Air has a single lens on it’s own Camera Plateau that stretches the width of the iPhone, unlike the single lens of the iPhone 17e.

Dimensions The most obvious difference is the dimensions and weight of each phone. We’ve detailed these in the chart below.

Colors: While it’s very likely that you will put your iPhone in a case and never look at the color on the back again, the color choices available for each iPhone model is another area where there is a lot of difference. You can see the different colors on offer in the chart below.

Here’s how the dimensions and colors compare:

iPhoneDimensionsWeightColorsiPhone 17 Pro Max6.43 inches (163.4 mm) x 3.07 inches (78 mm) x 0.34 inch (8.75 mm)8.15 ounces (231 grams)Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilveriPhone 17 Pro5.91 inches (150 mm) x 2.83 inches (71.9 mm) x 0.34 inches (8.75 mm)7.20 ounces (204 grams)Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilveriPhone 175.89 inches (149 mm) x 2.81 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.31 inches (7.95 mm)6.24 ounces (177 grams)Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, BlackiPhone Air6.15 inches (156.2 mm) x 2.94 inches (74.7 mm) x 0.22 inches (5.82 mm)6.24 ounces (177 grams)Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, Space BlackiPhone 16 Plus6.33 inches (160.9 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.03 ounces (199 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 165.81 inches (147.6 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)6.00 ounces (170 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 17e5.78 inches (146.7 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)5.88 ounces (167 grams)Black, White, Soft PinkHow Apple’s iPhone lineup compares, summer 2026.

Screen: How are the iPhone displays different?

The Pro and Pro Max iPhones used to be the only iPhones to offer ProMotion, which allows for an adaptive refresh rates, with the refresh rate going as high as 120Hz for really smooth scrolling and as low as 1Hz. This is no longer the case: the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air also feature ProMotion screens. And is doesn’t stop there: the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air also feature Always-On displays, which was another feature previously reserved for the Pro models. As a result the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air all have identical screens.

The iPhone 16, 16 Plus and 16e lack the ProMotion and Always-On displays, the peak outdoor brightness is higher on the newer iPhones as well, with the 17-series offering 3,000 nits peak, compared to 2,000 on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The peak brightness on the iPhone 16e is 1,200 nits. The ability for the screen to get very very dim (down to 1 nit) while still remaining usable is also key as it’s great for use in dark rooms. The iPhone 16e is the only iPhone in the current line up that lacks this dimming feature.

The Always-On screen, on all the iPhones except the 16e, means the iPhone can always display elements such as the time and date, notifications and Lock Screen widgets without it being necessary to wake the iPhone. The screen dims to minimize onscreen power usage to preserve battery life and it will turn off should you place it face down or walk away while wearing an Apple Watch.

The screen size may be the most important factor in your decision. If you prefer a larger screen, you’ll want the “Pro Max” version. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.9 inches diagonally. The next largest screen is on the iPhone 16 Plus at 6.7-inches, and then the iPhone Air at 6.5-inches. But even the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro have a 6.3-inch display which is by no means diminutive. The iPhone 16 and 17e have the smallest screens: both are 6.1-inches.

Camera: How do the iPhone cameras compare?

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have a new camera configuration on the rear side.

Foundry

Rear cameras

For many it’s the capabilities of the cameras that sell the iPhones, so it’s no wonder that every year Apple improves the camera on its iPhones, sometimes improving the tech, sometimes the software. The iPhone 17 still features a dual-camera array with wide and ultra-wide lenses, while only the Pro and Pro Max offer the additional telephoto lens.

In 2024 the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max gained a 48 megapixel Ultra Wide camera and the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus gained a 48MP Fusion Main camera, which is also a feature of the 16e.

This time all the rear cameras are upgraded to 48MP. In the case of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max that’s three 48MP cameras, two for the iPhone 17. The iPhone Air has the same 48MP Fusion Main camera as the 16e. The 48MP upgrade across the board should mean more detail when you crop into images. On the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air the extra pixels mean you can shoot 12MP shots as if you had a 2x Telephoto lens. The 48MP images will take up a lot more space though, so it is possible to switch to shooting in a 24MP resolution.

The most impressive camera upgrade is reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, of course, the telephoto zoom now achieves a 8x optical zoom, up from 5x. This extra lens is likely to be the reason why most people will opt for the 17 Pro over the standard iPhone 17. It offers a little more flexibility in terms of the kind of shots that can be taken, such as portraits and looming into the distance, and macro shots.

The pro models also offer pro video recording features, including ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps, LOG video recording and Academy Color Encoding.

The iPhone 17e and iPhone Air feature a single-lens camera system, omitting certain advanced features found in higher-end models. However, they still delivers notable improvements over previous budget iPhones, with camera capabilities that are suitable for everyday photography needs.

Front ‘selfie’ camera

Foundry

The front camera on all the iPhones, aside from the iPhone 17e, is 18MP (the iPhone 17e retains the 12MP camera of its predecessor). The greater number of megapixels combined with a larger sensor results in more detailed images. The sensor isn’t only larger, it’s now square, which means that it is no longer necessary to turn the iPhone orientation to take portrait or landscape selfies, the image can be cropped for either orientation and can adjust on the fly to give a better framing, for example to include more people in a group shot.

This is also beneficial for FaceTime, because the Centre Stage feature can make sure that subjects are kept centred during a call.

Another feature for the late 2025 iPhones is the ability to record from the rear and front cameras at the same time, so you can capture your reaction.

Also read: Which iPhone has the best camera?

iPhoneCamerasVideoPhoto & video featuresiPhone 17 Pro and Pro MaxThree rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.78 aperture), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture) and 48MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8 aperture), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 8x, 4x, 1x, 2x, 0.5x optical zoom, Adaptive True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 18 MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: ProRes video recording up to 4K at up to 120 fps (with external recording), 4K video recording at up to 120 fps; 1080p HD video recording at up to 120 fps; HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps; Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video; Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsLOG video recording, Academy Color Encoding System, Photonic Engine, Night mode portraits, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Macro photos, ProRaw, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Macro video recording, Action Mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 17Two rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 1x, 0.5x zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 18MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 fps; Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone AirOne rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), optical image stabilization, 1x, 2x, zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 18MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 fps;Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 16 and 16 PlusTwo rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 1x, 0.5x zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps; Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 17eOne rear cameras: 48MP Fusion camera (26mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture), optical image stabilization, 2x optical-quality Telephoto, digital zoom up to 10x, True Tone flash.Front camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; 1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps; 720p Dolby Vision at 30 fps; optical image stabilization for videoPhotonic Engine, Night mode, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5, Audio zoom, wind noise reductionThe camera features of the late 2025 iPhone lineup.

Safety features: Emergency protection

Apple introduced some safety features with the iPhone 14 series in 2022 and these are available on all iPhones since. These features include a Crash Detection feature and Satellite Connectivity for emergency phone calls.

Crash detection uses the gyroscope and accelerometer in the iPhones to recognize if the vehicle you are in has crashed. If the iPhone thinks you’ve been involved in a crash, it will call emergency services and notify your preferred contacts (unless you tell it not to).

All phones offer the ability to send an Emergency SOS, and the iPhone 14 and later can do so via satellite, which would be useful if you were in an area with no signal. You just need to be able to establish a clear view of the sky, and be in a country that supports the feature (many do now). Thanks to the feature your iPhone can alert the emergency services to your location in an emergency, the iPhone will also contact your emergency contact.

New for the 2025 iPhones are expanded emergency features, including the ability to text your location to emergency services via satellite.

Durability: Which iPhone is the toughest?

Which iPhone would be worse off if you dropped it?

Eugen Wegmann

Another factor in the choice of which iPhone to choose is how durable the model is. How likely are you to damage the iPhone?

All iPhones on sale right now offer a Ceramic Shield front, which should mean that the glass on the front is less likely to smash if you drop it. The iPhones 17 Pro Max, Pro, iPhone 17 and iPhone Air feature Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers 3x better scratch resistance. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air also have a Ceramic Shield back for extra protection.

Only the iPhone Air is constructed from Titanium. In 2024 the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max were Titanium, but for 2025 the Pro and Pro Max are aluminium, as is the iPhone 17, and the 16 and 16 Plus. Titanium is more durable than aluminum, however the construction of the iPhone 17 Pro from aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminium should mean that it is tough enough. The aluminum design is also beneficial for thermal management, for which the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max uses a vapour chamber for the first time.

Despite these design features for better durability, dropping an iPhone is likely to damage it, and scratches can still appear on surfaces, so we recommend using a case. For our recommendations see our round-up of the Best iPhone 17 cases and Best iPhone 16 cases.

The other way people damage their iPhones is by dropping them in water. All current iPhones are rated as water resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes (IP68). That’s water resistant, not water proof, so we still wouldn’t recommend getting your iPhone wet though because Apple will know if it’s gotten wet and it could void your warranty should anything go wrong.

Specs: Storage and processor options

The A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is distinguished primarily by an extra GPU core (6-core GPU), though it also has super video hardware to support the Pro video features. The iPhone Air also shares the A19 Pro, but with one fewer GPU core (5-core GPU).

Our tests show that the A19 in the iPhone 17 is faster than the A18 found in the iPhone 16, 16 Plus. There is one fewer GPU core in the iPhone 17e (4-core GPU, compared to 5-core GPU in the 17, 16 and 16 Plus).

Missing from the newer iPhones is a 128GB storage configuration, with all models now starting with 256GB – including the 17e. The best news is that the iPhone 17 now starts with 256GB at the same price as the 128GB iPhone 16 used to be sold for. For this reason the 128GB iPhone 16 really looks like a poor deal in comparison, since it is only $100/£100 less and has half the storage.

Each iPhone is available in between three and four capacity options. It’s important to consider how much you need before buying because iPhones don’t have a microSD card slot that will allow you to add additional storage at a later date. For the typical iPhone user, 128GB might have proven too small, especially with 48MP images, but the 256GB starting point should be sufficient .

One reason you may not need more storage is if you choose to sync your data to the cloud. If you pay a monthly fee for iCloud storage all your data will be available on any of your devices, and crucially your photos will be stored in the cloud rather than on your device, freeing up many gigabytes of space. iCloud starts at $0.99/£0.99 for 50GB. See How much does iCloud cost for more information, including Australian and Canadian prices.

Before you decide how much storage you need have a look at your current phone’s usage (go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage) and think about how much space you really need. Read How much storage do you need on an iPhone? for more advice.

iPhoneProcessorStorageBattery lifeiPhone 17 Pro MaxA19 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU256GB512GB1TB2TBUp to 37 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapteriPhone 17 ProA19 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU256GB512GB1TBUp to 31 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 30W adapter or higheriPhone AirA19 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU256GB512GB1TBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W or 30W adapteriPhone 17A19 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU256GB512GBUp to 30 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higheriPhone 16 PlusA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GBUp to 24 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 17eA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU256GB512GBUp to 26 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher

Battery: Battery life and charging

The iPhone 17 models offer a boost in battery life over the iPhone 16 series. Apple’s official battery life and charging times can be seen in the table above, but in our testing, the difference in battery life was even more pronounced—we saw battery life improvements across the range.

In the demanding Geekbench 4 battery test, the iPhone 17 lasted for 1,053 minutes, which is a 21 percent improvement on the iPhone 16’s 867 minutes. That’s ahead of the iPhone Air (880 minutes) and iPhone 17e (854 minutes). Unbeaten is the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 1,560 minutes. As a point of comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024 scored 988.

The current iPhones benefit from the efficiency of the A19-series chips and the new C1X cellular modem that uses 30% less energy.

Charging speeds are also improved with even new faster charging with a 40W charger.

We compare battery life, capacity, mah and watt hours for every iPhone separately.

Software: Which iPhones get Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI features that include writing tools, image generation, image recognition, “Genmoji” emoji generation, and new capabilities for Siri is available on all the iPhones currently sold by Apple. The discontinued iPhone 15 and 15 Plus did not support Apple Intelligence features, even though the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max were Apple Intelligence ready.

While there is nothing drastically important that you might miss out on if you don’t have Apple Intelligence right now, it’s likely that in time not having Apple Intelligence will be more of a hinderance than it is currently. As more impressive AI features arrive, we anticipate that Apple Intelligence capable phones will become even more attractive, so if you don’t want to be suffering from FOMO then get on the AI bandwagon now with an Apple Intelligence-capable phone.

Find out about what Apple Intelligence is by reading our guide: Apple Intelligence: what is it and how to use it.

Should I buy an old iPhone?

As mentioned above, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus do not support Apple Intelligence, so if you saw one on sale, most likely as a refurbished model, we wouldn’t recommend buying it. However there are some other discontinued iPhones that could be worth buying, at the right price.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Price When Reviewed:

$1,199

Best Prices Today:


$1199 at Apple |
$1199.99 at Best Buy

We recommend the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you find one at a good price. It is a larger version of 2024’s iPhone 16 Pro. It boosts excellent battery life, thanks to its larger battery, and an even bigger screen than the previous generation, up from 6.7-inches to 6.9-inches.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Read our review

Price When Reviewed:

$999 (Discontinued)

Best Prices Today:


$999 at Apple |
$999 at Apple |
$999.99 at Best Buy

The Pro version of the iPhone 16 is also a good buy. It comes in a super tough titanium shell (unlike it’s replacement) and offers better performance and battery life than the standard iPhone 16. The photo and video capabilities are where the Pro models stand out. They include a 5x telephoto camera, a sharper 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, and support for high-end formats like ProRAW, HLG video, and video recording at up to 4K and 120fps. And yes, it includes the new Camera Control button.

Which iPhone should I buy?

The best iPhone you can buy right now is the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, depending on whether you want a larger display or not.

The iPhone 17 is much better value, though. It includes many of the features that used to set the iPhone and iPhone Pro apart, such as the ProMotion display. If you choose that iPhone you are giving up is the 8x telephoto camera and some high-end video features.

You could save money and opt instead for an iPhone 17e, which might appeal if you are on a tight budget. We think that the iPhone 17e is a good option if you don’t mind forgoing the additional cameras, and a much better option than the iPhone 16, which we feel is overpriced now in comparison to the iPhone 17, and given its tiny 128GB SSD.

Once you have chosen your new iPhone be sure to read our iPhone setup guide.

How to buy an iPhone

There are several ways to buy an iPhone, each with its own advantages. The two main options are buying directly from Apple or through a mobile carrier. In the U.S., iPhones are typically purchased on a carrier contract and are often locked to that network. In the U.K., you can also buy an unlocked, SIM-free iPhone outright from Apple or other retailers, either at full price or with a discount.

Buy directly from Apple

Jon Stoa

Pros: You can get an unlocked, SIM-free phone (in most regions), access to the iPhone Upgrade Program, and the ability to trade in your old device for credit (up to $650). It’s also the best place to pre-order a new model for the fastest delivery.

Cons: You almost always pay full retail price.

Buy from a Carrier

Pros: This is where you’ll find the biggest discounts, often in the form of bill credits over 24 or 36 months when you trade in a phone and sign up for a qualifying plan. For example, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon frequently offer up to $830–$1,000 off new iPhones with a trade-in .

Cons: These deals come with significant strings attached, including long-term contracts and specific plan requirements. Always read the fine print

A contract usually starts with an upfront payment that will vary depending on the iPhone model you go for and also how much you’ll be paying each month. That upfront payment is followed by monthly payments, normally for a total of 24 months, after which you own the phone (in most cases). Those monthly payments also cover data, minutes and texts.

The following networks are worth checking for their contract offers:

AT&T

Sprint

T-Mobile

Verizon

Optimum Mobile

Boost Infinite

U.K. readers can find iPhone contracts from the following networks:

O2

EE

Vodafone

Three

Tesco Mobile

Sky Mobile

Virgin Mobile

Carphone Warehouse

Mobiles.co.uk

E2save

Mobile Phones Direct

Buy from a third-party reseller

Pros: In the U.K., resellers like Amazon, Currys, and John Lewis frequently sell unlocked iPhones at a discount, often offering the best upfront savings . For instance, Amazon has offered £200 off the iPhone Air.

Cons: Availability and deals change frequently.

You could try the following third-party resellers:

Amazon

Ao.com

Argos

Currys

John Lewis

Buy via Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program

Apple offers financing plans that let you spread the cost of a new iPhone over monthly payments while giving you the option to upgrade to a new eligible model after making a set number of payments.

In the U.S. Apple runs an iPhone Upgrade Program that combines the cost of the iPhone and AppleCare+ into a single monthly payment. After making 12 payments, you can trade in your current iPhone and start a new agreement for the latest eligible model, subject to Apple’s terms.

Monthly payments depend on the model you choose and currently start at $42.41:

iPhone 17 (256GB): from $42.41/month

iPhone Air (256GB): from $52.83/month

iPhone 17 Pro (256GB): from $57.00/month

iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB): from $61.16/month

AppleCare+ is included in the U.S. program. It provides unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection (subject to an excess fee), battery service, and priority technical support.

In the U.K., Apple has discontinued the traditional iPhone Upgrade Programme and replaced it with the Flexible Finance Account with Upgrade Option. This offers 0% finance over 20 or 30 months, with the option to upgrade after 11 or 23 monthly payments. Plans start from £39.95 per month, but AppleCare+ is not included and must be purchased separately.

Whether Apple’s upgrade plans represent good value depends on how often you replace your iPhone. If you like having the latest model every year, they can be a convenient option. If you typically keep your iPhone for three or more years, buying outright or using 0% finance is usually the cheaper choice overall.

Apple is also rumored to be preparing a new subscription-style iPhone leasing service in the U.S., although the company has not officially announced any replacement for the current Upgrade Program.

Buy a refurbished iPhone

Apple

Buying an iPhone doesn’t come cheap. However, if you’re strapped for cash you don’t have to dismiss the idea of buying an iPhone completely. You may be able to get a good deal on a refurbished model.

Buying a refurbished iPhone is a smart way to save money while still getting a premium device, but the key is knowing where to shop and what to look for.

Understand the difference between refurbished vs used

Refurbished: Professionally inspected, tested and repaired where necessary. It should come with a warranty and may also have a replacement battery.

Used or second-hand: Usually sold by an individual in its current condition, often without a warranty or any guarantee that it is fully functional. There is also a greater risk of hidden faults or Activation Lock problems.

What to check before buying

Warranty: Choose a seller offering a meaningful warranty, ideally for at least 12 months.

Condition grade: Sellers use grades such as A, B and C, or Fair, Good and Excellent. Higher grades indicate less cosmetic wear but usually cost more.

Battery health: Check the seller’s minimum battery-capacity guarantee. Many refurbished sellers promise at least 80% of the battery’s original capacity, while Apple-furbished iPhones receive a new battery.

Unlocked or locked: Confirm that the iPhone is unlocked and can be used with your preferred mobile network. This is particularly important when buying in the U.S.

Model age: Avoid iPhones that are close to losing software support. As of mid-2026, the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR are no longer sensible long-term purchases, while the iPhone 11 should be approached with caution.

Shop at Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store

Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store is generally the safest place to start and sets the standard for refurbished quality.

Apple thoroughly tests each device, replaces the battery and outer shell, and supplies it in a new box with the appropriate accessories. Refurbished iPhones also come with Apple’s standard one-year warranty, 90 days of technical support and the option to add AppleCare+.

Prices are typically around 15% lower than the original retail price, although availability varies. Apple operates refurbished stores in both the U.S. and U.K.

Consider other trusted resellers

If you can’t find what you need at Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store, try one of these places to buy a refurbished iPhone.

U.S.:

Back Market: You get 30 days to change your mind and a 12-month warranty… or occasionally more. Take careful note of the phone’s quality rating as the cheapest will have more visible signs of wear (stratches and scuffs) than the more expensive Excellent and Premium buys. Premium-quality iPhones also have the highest-rated batteries and only Apple parts.

Amazon Renewed Store: This site’s greatest benefit is that purchases are all backed by Amazon’s standard returns policy and its “Renewed Guarantee” lets you get a refund or replacement within a year of receiving your product.

Best Buy: Best Buy doesn’t offer a great deal of information on pre-owned iPhones’ condition, but you can return within 14 days if the item is “unopened or defective in any way.”

Walmart: Walmart doesn’t sell refurbished iPhones directly; rather, they are sourced from other sellers. Return policies vary from seller to seller, but there are minimum requirements that apply universally.

U.K.:

Back Market: You get 30 days to change your mind and a 12-month warranty… or occasionally more. See above for more details on Back Market’s quality rankings.

Music Magpie: A good place to start looking for refurbished iPhones with a one-year warranty. You may find that sales reduce the price still further.

Hoxton Macs: Don’t let the Mac in the name fool you. Hoxton Macs has started selling refurbished iPhones, with a one-year Return to Base warranty.

Reboxed: Pledges that devices “are fully tested and in perfect working order.” All come with a 12-month no quibble warranty.

Amazon Renewed Store: While you can’t really sell on Amazon Renewed unless you’re a business, those looking to buy a refurbished iPhone Amazon Renewed have plenty of options to choose from. Its greatest benefit is that purchases are all backed by Amazon’s standard returns policy and its “Renewed Guarantee” lets you get a refund or replacement within 1 year of receiving your product.

Envirofone: Also allows you to trade in your old phone for credit towards purchasing a refurbished phone.

Considering alternatives to iPhone?

By now we hope we’ve helped you to find the perfect iPhone for you. Of course, there are alternatives outside Apple’s ecosystem. Our sister site Tech Advisor can help you find the best phone if you’re considering switching to Android (or maybe just want to laugh at the competition).

Apple is pressing its OLED panel suppliers for a substantial price reduction on displays destined for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max, as soaring memory chip costs force the company to seek savings elsewhere in its bill of materials.

According to a report from Korean outlet The Elec, Apple has proposed paying around $70 per OLED panel for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Industry estimates indicate the final supply price from Samsung Display and LG Display could settle even lower — at approximately $66.50. That represents a roughly 20% drop compared with the panels used in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

While Apple has historically negotiated lower OLED prices with each successive iPhone generation, this year’s cut is unusually steep. The reduction comes despite increased manufacturing complexity: the iPhone 18 series is expected to incorporate Samsung Display’s latest M16 OLED material set, which improves luminous efficiency, lifespan, and color performance. Panel makers must refine processes and stabilize yields for the new materials, raising production difficulty even as prices fall.

The aggressive push for lower display costs is driven by “chipflation”—sharp increases in memory semiconductor prices. Smartphone makers across the industry are attempting to offset higher memory expenses by cutting procurement costs for other components, including displays and camera modules.

Samsung Display President Lee Cheong recently highlighted the pressure, stating at K-Display 2026 that “this year is extremely difficult because of chipflation” and that “very strong pressure is coming in to lower component and display prices.” LG Display’s president noted the company is feeling the effects but described them as manageable through ongoing cost innovation.

Market research firm UBI Research projects Samsung Display will supply 46 million OLED panels for Apple’s bar-type iPhone 18 lineup this year (2 million for the standard model, 18 million for the Pro, and 26 million for the Pro Max). LG Display is expected to provide about 41 million panels (roughly 1 million for the standard model, 19 million for the Pro, and 21 million for the Pro Max).

Apple is anticipated to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026 alongside its first foldable iPhone, with the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e following in spring 2027. Analysts have suggested the Pro models could see starting prices of $1,299 and $1,399 respectively — up $200 from their predecessors — largely due to elevated memory and storage costs.Whether the OLED savings will help limit further price increases for consumers remains to be seen, but the negotiations underscore the intense cost pressures currently facing the smartphone supply chain.
‎
MacDailyNews Take: In the high-stakes world of smartphone component supply, the message from Cupertino is clear and uncompromising: If you want to keep Apple’s gargantuan business, you will help them preserve their margins.

‎
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The post Apple leans on component suppliers to keep down prices of next-gen iPhones appeared first on MacDailyNews.

An Apple art director shares early sketches and a physical prototype of Lil’ Finder Guy, the MacBook Neo mascot that became an internet star.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Joining the Black Friday in July price drops on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max at $100 off, and AirTag 2 back at all-time lows, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by a massive $500 price drop on the 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro today at Amazon and, if you’re quick Apple Watch Series 11 Cell models hitting new all-time lows at $150 off. We also have Twelve South’s wall charger meets MagSafe mount PowerBug at 30% off, the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery at 40% off, a wide-ranging Anker Black Friday in July sale live from $8. Head below for a closer look.

iOS 26.6 is coming next week for iPhone users, and Apple’s release notes tell us exactly what to expect from the new software update.

Check out the new Geekbench 7 to see how its updated scoring system improves benchmarking for iPhone, Mac and more.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Apple TV has come a long way since its uneven 2019 launch, transforming into a prestige powerhouse with 89 Emmy nominations this year — trailing only HBO Max and Netflix. From early misfires to critical darlings like “Widow’s Bay,” “Pluribus,” “Shrinking,” “Slow Horses,” and “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” the streamer has refined its approach by betting on bold, idiosyncratic storytelling.

Rebecca Ford for Vanity Fair:
‎

When it debuted, Apple TV (which back then had a plus sign at the end of its name) trotted out a ton of stars who would be featured in its new shows and films, like Jennifer Aniston, Jason Momoa, and Oprah Winfrey. But many of the shows, other than The Morning Show, fell flat with audiences. Over the years, the streamer has instead been focusing on working with creatives who have boundary-pushing concepts, like Ben Stiller’s Severance or Seth Rogen’s The Studio. The shows may seem like bigger gambles on paper, but when they work, they earn acclaim.

“These are all shows that are incredibly idiosyncratic and have a really, really strong vision,” says Vanity Fair special correspondent Joy Press. “They have actors that we recognize, but they’re not the biggest stars in the universe. But they have a very strong voice behind them.”

‎
MacDailyNews Take: Listen below to hear about how Apple TV has pulled off this feat — and what challenges may still lie ahead for Cupertino’s oft-lauded streaming service.

‎
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The post How Apple TV became an awards magnet appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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Update 6/24: Amazon is now offering a giant $500 price drop on the 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro with 24GB of RAM and the 2TB storage capacity down at $2,499 shipped.

We are getting a blast of notable Apple deals this week as part of the Black Friday in July festivities, starting with some of the best AirPods deals in months:

$50 off AirPods Pro 3
$34 off AirPods 4 with ANC
$100 off AirPods Max 2

Those offers join Amazon low pricing on the 2026 AirTag 2 from $22 each, a sizable 40% off the official iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, all-time low pricing on Apple Magic Keyboard, ongoing discounts on Apple Watch Series 11 from $299, and as much as $500 off M5/Pro MacBook Pro configs. Everything awaits in detail down below. 

Meta has just announced ‘Facebook Verified,’ a new way for Facebook users to confirm they’re human by submitting a face scan to the service. Here are the details.

Utah residents may soon be able to store their driver’s licenses and IDs in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. MacRumors has uncovered references to a Utah ID in Apple’s backend systems, indicating the company is actively working on support. While the state already offers a mobile driver’s license through a standalone app, that solution currently lacks Apple Wallet integration.

Juli Clover for MacRumors:
‎

Utah’s mobile driver’s license FAQ page still says that it is still in the initial planning process of adding Utah IDs to Apple Wallet, but it may not be up to date.

The site also says that when Apple Wallet integration launches, iPhone users who already use the mobile app for their Utah ID will be able to download it to Apple Wallet.

Apple announced plans to add Utah driver’s licenses and IDs to the Apple Wallet app way back in 2021, but no integration has materialized. Utah was one of the first states Apple mentioned when rolling out the feature.

Other states planning to add support for driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet include Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

‎
MacDailyNews Note: Multiple states and Puerto Rico have already implemented support for users to store their driver’s licenses and IDs in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, including:

Arkansas*
Arizona
California
Colorado
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Maryland
Montana
New Mexico
North Dakota
Ohio
West Virginia

*some users in specific jurisdictions in Arkansas may still see staggered access depending on whether their state agency has finalized all local database integrations.

‎
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The post Digital driver’s licenses and IDs in Apple Wallet may soon arrive in Utah appeared first on MacDailyNews.

On July 24, 2006, the world got its first glimpse of Apple’s new wireless Mighty Mouse due to an FCC filing. It became an instant winner.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Apple TV subscribers will get to enjoy the long-awaited return of Ted Lasso in August, alongside a new season of sci-fi series Dark Matter, more episodes of Silo, and several other returning shows. Here’s everything new coming to Apple TV in August.

Meta has launched a brand-new iPhone app officially called Seller, a Facebook app. The new Meta app is specifically for Facebook users managing listings on Marketplace, the social network’s virtual storefront for physical items.

Apple Wallet offers digital IDs and driver’s licenses in a variety of US states, and according to findings by MacRumors’ Aaron Perris, there are two new states that could add support soon.

Apple Watch Series 11

View Deal

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Buying Apple’s newest smartwatch just got easier to justify. The Apple Watch Series 11 is on sale for $299 right now, which is $100 under its MSRP. That’s a solid 25 percent discount for a device you’ll wear every day, helping you keep your activity levels up and keeping you connected to the world. It’s just $20 more than the lowest price we’ve ever seen during Prime Day.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is the perfect purchase for someone who wants to keep a closer eye on their health without much effort. It tracks your heart, helps you learn more about your sleeping habits, and pushes you to stay active with tools like Workout Buddy, Pacer, and Heart Rate Zones. You can also take an ECG anytime and get alerts for high or low heart rate and irregular rhythms, while the Vitals app shows you overnight metrics at a glance, and you’ll even find out if you have sleep apnea. It’s a natural fit for iPhone owners who are busy with work, family, workouts, and everything else.

Safety features are also pretty great here. The Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically connect you with emergency services while alerting your contacts. It’s also ready for watchOS 27 in the fall, which brings the all-new Siri AI and other enhancements.

The watch is thin and lightweight, so it’s comfortable to wear around the clock, including during sleep. A single charge will give you enough juice to use the watch for up to 24 hours, and a quick 15-minute charge buys you about 8 hours of use. Of course, you can also text, take calls, stream music, and use Siri right from your wrist.

You should be well aware that this is the GPS model you’re paying $299 for, so you’ll need your iPhone to stay connected. If you want the 5G model, it’s going to cost you $350 ($150 off). Additionally, you can get the larger 46mm model for $329 ($100 off)

At $299, the Apple Watch Series 11 is easy to recommend. Grab it while the deal lasts.

Apple has a lineup of multiple new Macs launching later this year. This includes the first-ever touchscreen MacBook, the first M6 machines, and more. Here’s everything we know so far about new Macs launching soon.

Concepts of a Book AI Book Architect gives you a structured way to turn your manuscripts into an actual book.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Intel forecast stronger-than-expected third-quarter revenue and profit on Thursday, fueled by surging demand for its data-center CPUs amid the agentic AI boom. Shares jumped more than 5% after hours as the company also raised its 2026 capital-spending plans, while lingering hopes of a high-profile manufacturing partnership with Apple continue to intrigue investors.

Reuters:
‎

Intel expects third-quarter revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $15.1 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adjusted profit is expected to be 38 cents per share, compared with analyst estimates of 27 cents.

On a conference call with analysts, [CEO Lip-Bu] Tan said second-quarter developments prompted Intel to become “fully committed” to high-volume production of ​chips made with its forthcoming 14A manufacturing technology in 2028. Last year, Intel had warned it might be forced to abandon 14A if it could not find a major customer, which would have effectively ​put the U.S. out of the race to make the world’s fastest chips.

“I’m pleased to see the increasing momentum on customer engagements for Intel 14A, and I’m increasingly confident that the 14A will be a highly competitive process,” Tan said.

For the second quarter ended June 27, Intel said sales rose 25.4% to $16.13 billion and adjusted profit was 42 cents per share, compared with estimates of $14.42 billion and 21 cents per share. Adjusted gross margin came in at ​41.8%, versus estimates of 38.8%…

Intel’s foundry business had $5.77 billion in second-quarter sales, compared with analyst estimates of $5.55 billion.

The unit secured Elon Musk’s Tesla as a customer for its next-generation 14A process for ⁠the “Terafab” AI chip ​project. Expectations of another high-profile win rose in April after President Donald Trump announced that Apple AAPL.O had agreed to make ​processors with Intel. Neither company has confirmed the deal.

‎
MacDailyNews Take: Reported possibilities for Intel’s 14A node in regard to Apple Silicon (based on preliminary agreements and analyst/rumor commentary, none of which have been officially confirmed by Apple or Intel) include:

• Future iPhone A-series SoCs (e.g., successors around the A21/A22 generation) on 14A, potentially entering production toward the end of 2028.

• Certain M-series chips for Macs and iPads, though some reports lean toward earlier nodes like 18A-P for nearer-term Mac chips (around 2027) and 14A for later or higher-end parts.

The 14A node’s density and efficiency gains would suit Apple’s priorities: packing more transistors for stronger CPU/GPU/Neural Engine performance while keeping power consumption low enough for battery-powered devices. Mobile SoCs (especially iPhone chips) are often mentioned among analysts as a strong fit for new advanced nodes because of their volume and efficiency focus.

Important caveats: No official confirmation exists of which specific Apple Silicon products (if any) would use 14A, the exact mix of chips, or volume. Production is still years out, dependent on Intel successfully ramping the process and meeting Apple’s stringent yield, quality, and capacity requirements. Diversifying away from TSMC is the main strategic motive for Apple reigniting business with Intel.

‎
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Mention of a new Apple Card feature in iOS 27 brought to mind a banking app feature I recently had to enable after discovering it was not on by default.

This too relates to automatically recurring card payments, and it turned out not to work in the way we might expect it to …

Every summer, many tech enthusiasts dissuade their friends from buying a new iPhone for two main reasons: price and hardware upgrades. Despite new iPhones introducing more advanced technology, they typically maintain the same price as their predecessors—or, at worst, raise it only slightly along with increasing storage capacity. So, buying a new iPhone just a couple months before the September launch of the new models would mean paying full price for year-old features.

That’s not the case this time around.

Unlike previous years, when this would be the worst time to upgrade, buying an iPhone 17 Pro before the upcoming September launch may secure you a better deal. While the iPhone 18 Pro will undoubtedly bring welcome changes, the overall package may not justify the price.

At what cost?

In case you’ve missed it, Apple just hiked the prices of iPads, Macs, and other products by up to $300 (for the base models). The substantial change, triggered by recent memory and storage supply constraints, curiously excluded the iPhone line. This omission all but confirms that the iPhone’s price increase is scheduled to arrive with the 18 Pro models in late September.

Typically, Apple raises base iPhone prices by $100 every few years and includes extra storage to soften the blow. Things are far from typical now. According to some forecasts, the iPhone 18 Pro may start at a whopping $1,299. For reference, the base iPhone 17 Pro offers 256GB of storage for $1,099. So, even if Apple pushes the base capacity to 512GB, those with minimal local storage needs will potentially have no choice but to pay $200 extra. And if you’re a Pro Max user, you may be looking at a $1,399 bill for the most affordable variant.

People may argue that the other hardware upgrades warrant the higher price tag. Let’s take a closer look at some of the device’s highlights, and you can decide for yourself.

Similar smarts

We’ll start with artificial intelligence due to the sheer number of consumers who deeply care about it. In Apple’s lineup, the RAM plays a major role in deciding what AI features are supported, as many of them function locally. We first saw it with Apple Intelligence’s initial debut—the iPhone 15 Pro with 8GB of RAM ran the smart suite beautifully, while the non-Pro 15 models with 6GB of RAM missed out on it completely. While the iPhone 15 Pro continues to support the latest introductions, including Siri AI on iOS 27, Apple is gatekeeping higher-end perks.

Foundry

Certain AI features, like Siri’s Expressive Voices, are exclusive to Apple’s top-tier iPhones, iPads, and Macs. In fact, most devices that can run OS 27 won’t be compatible with these advanced additions. The iPhone Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max happen to be the only smartphone models to support them, as they pack the required 12GB of RAM. The iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly maintain the same memory, indicating it won’t feature any major exclusive AI tools. With an iPhone 17 Pro, it’s safe to assume that you’ll be getting the same set of artificial smarts as the 18 Pro for years to come.

Comparable cams

iPhone cameras, particularly the wide and ultra-wide, are known for their reliability, producing crisp stills and videos that often stand out. Still, a couple of years ago, the telephoto lens performed poorly in many instances, and the selfie camera felt too unsophisticated. The iPhone 17 Pro finally addressed the main camera shortcomings by refining the tetraprism lens and adding a higher-resolution, square-shaped Center Stage sensor to the front side for orientation switching. While there’s always room for improvement, most users would likely agree that the iPhone’s camera system finally feels whole.

Foundry

It goes without saying that the iPhone 18 Pro will upgrade the camera further, with the wide lens rumored to adopt a variable aperture for the first time. The front-facing camera’s resolution may also be bumped from 18MP to 24MP. While these enhancements will help produce sharper results, they’re arguably not as transformative as last year’s significant leap forward.

Durable displays

During product introductions, Apple often resorts to catchy marketing lingo when promoting its latest innovations. Many of these features end up going unnoticed soon after, as they don’t necessarily affect the way we use our devices every day. When the Ceramic Shield 2 display was announced with the iPhone 17 Pro, I initially rolled my eyes, not realizing the tripled scratch resistance claim would actually have a noticeable impact. Boy, was I wrong.

Foundry

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is my first ever smartphone to not show a single micro-scratch after months of daily use without a screen protector—it literally looks pristine. The Ceramic Shield 2 is that good. Now that the iPhone’s display is as immersive and durable as most users expect, I see little reason why one would anticipate the 18 Pro’s newer display. Its most notable upgrade could be relatively expendable, shrinking the Dynamic Island to fit more on-screen elements. While a neat evolution, it won’t be as groundbreaking as the iPhone 14 Pro’s shift from a static notch to the original Dynamic Island.

Matching materials

Besides the disruptive RAM, camera, and display improvements, the iPhone 17 Pro was also the model to completely overhaul the exterior shell, retiring titanium in favor of aluminum. As such, disregarding the fresh finish options, the iPhone 18 Pro will offer a similar overall design and possibly even become bulkier. If you buy an iPhone 17 Pro today, it won’t look dated later this year. That’s a statement we wouldn’t have made one year ago and we won’t make next year (given the iPhone XX rumors).

Foundry

Whether paying around $200 more for a tweaked camera and smaller Dynamic Island is worth it totally depends on your priorities. The way I see it, the iPhone 18 Pro is set to act as an overpriced iPhone 17s Pro. Proceed accordingly.

In the early days of the RAM shortage, Apple and its customers were largely unaffected, thanks to the company’s market clout and ability to leverage favorable deals with suppliers. This couldn’t last forever, unfortunately, and eventually Apple announced brutal price hikes across its iPad and Mac ranges. It’s expected that similar rises will affect the iPhone range when new models are launched in the fall, but Apple isn’t going down without a fight.

According to supply-chain sources quoted by Korean-language news site The Elec, the company has been pressuring partners to cut the unit price of displays for the new iPhones in order to make up for the rising cost of memory. Whereas iPhone 16 Pro Max panels cost more than $100 in some cases and those for the 17 Pro Max were $80, Apple pushed Samsung Display and LG Display to accept just $70 for iPhone 18 Pro Max panels, and has since negotiated them even further down to around $66.50.

The Elec describes this cut as significant, even beyond the usual generational reduction, because this year’s screens are more technically demanding to produce. The new OLEDs incorporate M16 stacks, improving brightness, color reproduction, power efficiency, and lifespan, but this means manufacturers have to adjust the production process and stabilize yields. “While product specifications and production difficulty have increased, the price has effectively decreased,” the site explains, admiringly.

Representatives of both display suppliers acknowledged the situation. “This year is very difficult due to chipflation,” said Samsung Display president Lee Chung. “There is significant pressure to lower prices for components and displays.”

A more optimistic LG Display president Jeong Chul-dong, meanwhile, said: “We are being affected to some extent. It is at a level we can endure as we are pursuing cost innovation.”

Whether this suppression of unit costs will result in lower (or less raised) prices for consumers or higher profit margins for Apple remains to be seen. The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will go on sale this September, likely accompanied by the iPhone Ultra, and we won’t know the sale prices for sure until then.

Many of us are quite used to carrying around a handy power bank to top up our iPhone batteries during a long day away from a power socket, but these pocketable battery packs are usually not powerful enough to keep an unplugged and energy-hungry MacBook going all day.

We’ve rounded up the best portable laptop power banks with battery capacities high enough to recharge a fading Apple MacBook if you won’t be able to plug it into an electrical outlet for some time.

Despite new laptops boasting improved battery life duration, it’s easy for your trusty MacBook to lose power after a day of intense meetings and PowerPoint presentations. No one wants to see the Mac’s “Your battery is running low” warning, especially when halfway through watching a downloaded Netflix series on a long-haul flight.

We looked at seven main factors for recommending laptop power banks: battery capacity, charging speed, total power output, power input, USB ports, portability and safety. For more details on each see below this list of the best MacBook power banks.

Power vs portability

As a rule, the higher the battery capacity, the larger and heavier the power bank. We have included size and weight so you can determine if each power bank suits your traveling needs. Some laptop power banks are built to last in the great outdoors so will feature more rugged IP-rated shells; read on for our reviews below.

There are much smaller, lighter and more portable power banks for phones—check out our recommendations of the best power banks for iPhone. You could use some of these to recharge a laptop but we recommend the power banks tested and reviewed here for the best results when powering up a laptop.

There are some giant power banks, usually called portable power stations, that can keep a family going all weekend, but they are way too large to carry with you on your travels. We have tested the most MacBook-friendly models in our roundup of the best portable power stations.

Macworld Test Score

We test each power bank’s real-world charging prowess by recharging a spent 14-inch MacBook Pro from 0% to 100% (or as far as it gets) and then repeat, adding the two percentages together to create a comparable Test Score.

Which power bank is best for your MacBook in 2026?

We have indicated which models of MacBook we think each power bank is best suited to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pair any with different MacBooks. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W so owners of that model should look for a PD 3.1 power bank. But even a 13-inch MacBook Air will work well with the higher-capacity power banks. They might not charge any faster, but they will be recharged more times if you pick a high-capacity battery pack.

Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) – Best overall MacBook power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

300W total output

Super-fast 250W input

Dedicated app

Cons

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$229.99

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Battery capacity: 26250mAh (99.75Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 300WPower Input: 250WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (160 x 64 x 38mm)Weight: 21.1oz (599g)Airline compatible: Yes

Macworld Test Score: 125%

The Anker Prime 26K Power Bank (300W) is one of the most powerful laptop power banks that you can match with your MacBook. It is a great fit with the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has a battery rated at around the same watt hours (99.6WH) as this power bank (99.75Wh).

There are three USB ports. Each of the two USB-C ports can be used to power at 140W. Attach Apple’s USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or the included 240W USB-C cable to the power back and you can utilize one of the 140W PD 3.1 ports to fast-charge the 16-inch Pro. Indeed, with its 300W total output at your disposal you could fast-charge two of the top-end MacBooks at the same time and still have enough juice to fast-charge your iPhone!

Anker claims that you can fast-charge that top-end MacBook Pro up to 50% in 27 minutes. In our tests, we charged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to full power with enough left over to power it back to 25% on the second recharge.

You can recharge the power bank itself to 50% in under 15 minutes using the two USB-C ports at the same time at an impressive 250W.

This is a sophisticated power bank with some tricks of its own. It can be controlled by an app, which gives real-time charging stats (Remaining Charging Time and Input and Output power indicators) and can be optimized to help extend the battery life of the devices being charged as well as its own. You can even use the app’s Find Device feature to activate a sound alert from the power bank when you need to locate it.

Anker also sells a 27K Prime Power Bank, available in either black or gold colors. We prefer the 26K model as it’s a little smaller, performed better in our tests, and out guns the 27K model in total output (300W vs 250W) and input (250W vs 170W).

Who should buy the Anker Prime 26K 300W Power Bank?

Powerful enough to charge two 16-inch MacBooks at the same time, this power bank is a great travelling companion for any of Apple’s laptops. Both its 300W total output and 250W input are top-end for a truly portable power bank.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

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Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) review

Sharge HyperTower 170 Power Bank – Best value 100W PD MacBook power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Two integrated charging cables

Great value

Price When Reviewed:

$79.90

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (90Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 170WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 2x USB-C cables (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (30W)Dimensions: 6.3 × 2.1 × 2.1 inches (160 x 53 x 52mm)Weight: 23.5oz (665g)Airline compatible: Yes

Macworld Test Score: 128%

If your MacBook is not the top-end 16-inch Pro, a 100W PD 3.0 output on a laptop power bank is really all you need for fast charging. Buying a 140W PD 3.1 power bank isn’t silly—it might be that your next MacBook requires the higher power for the fastest charging—but 100W is all you need for the 14-inch MacBook Pro or Air models, and certainly enough for the MacBook Neo!

The very affordable Sharge HyperTower 170 Power Bank scored impressively in our MacBook recharging tests (128%) despite its 25K (90Wh) battery capacity being a little lower than seen in some others.

The 170W total power output is also lower than some (we’ve tested power banks with as much as 300W total output) but still offers a lot. Even with all three outputs in use it supports 100W+30W+20W+15W or 65W+65W+20W+15W, so can handle a two-laptop setup.

100W input is fine if you’re not in the biggest hurry to recharge the power bank—we’ve all been there—and it should be fully recharged in around 80 minutes. If power bank input is important to you, check out the Anker Prime 26K Power Bank reviewed above.

Especially useful are the two integrated USB-C cables (each 100W), one of which doubles up as a carry handle. The USB-C port is also 100W capable.

Who should buy the Sharge HyperTower 170 Power Bank?

Impressive in our MacBook recharging tests and with enough power to be shared by two laptops and a couple of phones plus two built-in cables, this power bank offers great value for owners of all but the 16-inch MacBook Pro that is better served by one of the 140W power banks reviewed here.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

INIU Cougar P64 140W Power Bank – Best value 140W PD MacBook power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

Great value

Cons

No built-in cable

Low total output

Price When Reviewed:

$89.99

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (92.5Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 145WPower Input: 80WUSB ports: 1x USB-C cable (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W)Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.2 x 1 inches (159 x 81 x 25mm)Weight: 17.5oz (496g)Airline compatible: Yes

Macworld Test Score: 119%

If, on the other hand, your MacBook is the 16-inch Pro, a 140W PD 3.0 output is what you need for fast charging. Even if you don’t own the top-end MacBook Pro, buying a 140W PD 3.1 power bank builds in some future proofing and ensures your laptop gets the fastest possible charge.

The Iniu P64 is available in regulation black but also a rather natty white, as shown above. It’s also lighter than some other laptop power banks reviewed here. The smart display features an active wattage monitor plus a remaining capacity indicator and battery endurance countdown.

Like the Sharge HyperTower 170 Power Bank, reviewed above, the Iniu P64 scored impressively in our MacBook recharging tests (119%) despite its 25K (92.5Wh) battery capacity rating as lower than some others.

The 145W total power output is low compared to others—if a 16-inch MacBook Pro is being charged at full speed, there’s not much power for anything else, but in a more even charging situation it’s enough for a couple of MacBooks to perk up from being drained. Often it’s just a laptop and phone being charged, and 145W can cope with that. If you need more, consider one of the other laptop power banks reviewed here that can pump out up to 300W at one time.

With all three outputs in use it supports 100W+24W shared between the second USB-C and USB-A, so really it’s a two-port power bank with options for different charging connectors. Two-port options include 100W+45W or 100W +18W depending on which of the two other ports is chosen.

80W input is a little slow compared to others but, again, if you’re not in a hurry to recharge the power bank, input speed is less of an issue, and it should be fully charged in around 90 minutes.

You’ll need to carry a USB-C cable with you as there is no cable built in as found on some laptop power banks reviewed here.

Who should buy the Iniu P64 Power Bank?

This great-looking MacBook power bank is affordable and scored well in our tests. It’s not one for people who need to charge two laptops at top speed, but it can handle one whatever its power demands.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

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INIU Cougar P64 140W Power Bank review

Reelcharge ReelPro 200W Power Bank (27K) – Most readable smart display

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

Large display

Cons

U.S. only

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99

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Battery capacity: 27000mAh (99.9Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 200WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 1x USB-C cable (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (60W)Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.1 x 2 inches (163 x 53 x 51mm)Weight: 22.9oz (650g)Airline compatible: Yes

Macworld Test Score: 124%

If you need to know the remaining battery capacity in your laptop power bank, you won’t find an easier-to-read display than on the ReelCharge ReelPro 27K. It’s big, bold and green. There’s something reassuring about it—as long as the number is a big one, of course!

The specs are high, with the 99.99Wh capacity getting awfully close to the airline maximum—check with your airline before packing this in your hand luggage.

The handy 11-inch built-in USB-C cable can output PD 3.1’s 140W, so no MacBook will be compalianing when being recharged at the fastest speed. You can charge two laptops at 100W+100W. As with the Iniu P64, the third port is really just an option as triple-port charging shares just 24W between the two ports.

100W input should mean you can recharge the power bank itself in around 80 minutes.

Who should buy the ReelCharge ReelPro 200W Power Bank?

We love the big, bold battery indicator display on this laptop power bank. It’s fairly standard sized, with a useful integrated USB-C cable that also acts as a carry handle.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

EcoFlow RAPID Pro Power Bank 27K (300W)

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

Integrated charging cable

300W total output

280W input

Dedicated app

Cons

No USB-A port

Price When Reviewed:

$219.99

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Battery capacity: 27650mAh (99.54Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 300WPower Input: 280WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 2x USB-C (65W).Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.2 x 2.3 inches (166 x 55 x 58mm)Weight: 24.7oz (699g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 120%

Although a little larger and heavier than the Anker Prime 26K 300W Power Bank, reviewed above, the EcoFlow RAPID Pro 27K Power Bank (300W) has a hidden weapon in its battle for the best MacBook power bank: a built-in retractable USB-C cable tucked away in its base—saving you from carrying a spare cable around with you and keeping your travel bag neat and tidy.

Like the Anker Prime 26K, this power bank can fast-charge two 16-inch MacBook Pros at full pelt. It boasts the same 200W total output, and has two more USB-C ports—both at a potential 65W—but no legacy USB-A port. If you need a USB-A port, look to the Anker Prime instead. USB-A aside, it can recharge up to four devices at the same time, although. With three devices it can output at 140W, 95W and 65W—enough for three MacBooks at the same time. And using all four charging points, still allows for two MacBooks at 140W. with the remaining two USB-C ports sharing 20W.

In our tests it scored 120%—a little lower than the Anker Prime’s 125% but nothing substantial in comparison. It can be recharged itself at 280W, which is a little faster than its Anker rival.

Who should buy the EcoFlow RAPID Pro 27K 300W Power Bank?

As powerful as the Anker Prime 26K Power Bank and boasting a built-in USB-C cable plus an extra port, the EcoFlow RAPID Pro is a real rival for the crown. If you can take the (minimal) extra weight and don’t need a USB-A port, it is highly recommended if only for the retractable cable.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

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EcoFlow RAPID Pro Power Bank 27K (300W) review

Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank (300W) – Best high-capacity MacBook power bank

Pros

Massive battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

300W total output

Carry handle

5 powerful ports

Cons

Larger and heavier than most

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$169.99

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Battery capacity: 48000mAh (153.6Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 300WPower Input: 140WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.7 x 3 inches inches (160 x 145 x 76mm)Weight: 3.6lb (1.65kg)Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval)Macworld Test Score: 180%

The Ugreen 48000mAh 300W Portable Power Bank is the missing link between a laptop power bank and a full-blown power station. It has a huge battery capacity but is still portable, although you wouldn’t want to carry it around in your backpack all day, and it’s too powerful to take on a commercial flight.

It has a handle so is carriable, but the bulk and weight mean it is one to move around inside or carry in a car. It would be the perfect power companion on a camping trip. It’s not super-heavy, but it is noticeably larger than the other laptop power banks tested here.

Keep it powered up in case of power outages and it should keep your laptop and phone going for days. In our tests we recharged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro 1.8 times, so you can expect to get maybe as many as two charges for a MacBook Air. The Pro charged from 5% to 90% in an hour, which impressed us.

There are five ports (three USB-C and two USB-A) with a maximum simultaneous power output of 300W. As it has a 140W PD 3.1 USB-C port, it can be used to fast charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro. At the same time, you could charge another top-end MacBook Pro at 100W, and use one of the USB-A ports at 22.5W.

The smart display shows the remaining battery, total input and output power.

Who should buy the Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank (300W)?

Portable but certainly not pocketable, this is the border between power banks and power stations and would be a great travel gadget if you have a vehicle to carry it in. It is also a mini-prepper’s safeguard against power outages at home.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

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Ugreen 48000mAh 300W Portable Power Bank review

Ugreen Nexode 20K 165W with Retractable USB-C Cable – Best mid-range laptop power bank

Pros

Mid-range battery capacity

Lightest 20K power bank

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Integrated charging cable

100W input

165W total output

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (72Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 165WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 1x USB-C cable (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C port (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (33W)Dimensions: 5.7 x 2.1 x 2 inches (146 x 54 x 50mm)Weight: 18.9oz (535g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 78%

Retractable cables are very in right now—although nicely tucked away when not in use—for power banks and chargers. This 20K Ugreen Nexode Power Bank has one 2.1-foot retractable 100W USB-C cable nestled and ready for action right next to another 100W USB-C port and a 33W USB-A port.

At under 19oz it’s a little lighter than the cable-friendly Anker 25K 165W power bank, reviewed below, and is half an inch shorter, too. Although it matches the Anker on 165W maximum power output and 100W ports it does have a smaller battery capacity—although is therefore $20 cheaper. In our tests the 25K Anker recharged a 14-inch MacBook Pro to 92% while this 20K Ugreen power bank reached a respectable 78%.

In the battle for power and cable convenience, these two power banks must be chosen on capacity, portability and price.

Who should buy the Ugreen Nexode 20K 165W Power Bank?

This mid-range laptop power bank is compact and lightweight with a handy retractable cable, and will get your MacBook back up to about three-quarters power on a single recharge.

Ugreen

Ugreen sells another 20K model with a built-in USB-C charging cable. The $79 Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W (above) is shorter at 5.1 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches (129 x 53 x 48mm) and $20 cheaper with the same 20K capacity but a lower max power output of 130W vs 165W. It weighs fractionally less than the 165W Nexode. Buy the 130W model if all you need is to charge a MacBook at 100W and an iPhone at 30W—this stubbier cousin may be all you need. It’s integrated 5.4-inch USB-C cable—useful for MacBooks and later iPhones—is nowhere near as long as the 165W model’s 2.1ft retractable cable but it can double up as a carry handle.

Buy the 165W model if you regularly charge two laptops at the same time: one at 100W and the other at 65W. On both 20K models, the USB-A output can be handy for legacy devices.

Another great Ugreen option is the 25K/200W Ugreen Nexode Pro Laptop Power Bank, reviewed further down.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

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Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 165W with Retractable USB-C Cable review

INIU Cougar P62-E1 20000mAh (65W) Power Bank – Lightest, most compact and fun 20K laptop power bank

Pros

Compact size

Mid-range battery capacity

3 ports

200W total output

Color choices

Cons

65W maximum power

45W input

Price When Reviewed:

$50.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (65Wh)Fastest Power Output: 65WTotal Power Output: 65WPower Input: 45WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (35W); 1x USB-A (18W).Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches (110 x 71 x 29mm)Weight: 11.4oz (324g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 87%

The INIU P62-E1 20000mAh (65W) Power Bank may have a dull name but it stands out a mile with its colorful looks—it’s available in six bold colors—and dare-to-be-different compact shape.

Not just fun to look at and easy to hold, it performed excellently in our tests, recharging a 14-inch MacBook Pro to 87% from a flat start, outperforming our recommended 20K power bank, the Ugreen Nexode 20000mAh Power Bank, reviewed higher up, by nearly 10%. That Ugreen power bank features an integrated retractable USB-C cable and is more powerful with 100W outputs and a maximum 165W power—beating the 65W INIU.

The INIU P62-E1 might not have a retractable cable but it does boast a removable USB-C cable that creates a handy carrying loop.

While 65W is a little lacking—but not unusable—for the Pro MacBooks it’s ample for the MacBook Air. This power bank is so lovely that MacBook Pro users will also be tempted to put up with a little slower recharging for its cool looks.

Who should buy the INIU Cougar 20K (65W) Power Bank?

Stand out from the crowd with this cute, compact and affordable laptop power bank that offers impressive performance for MacBooks that don’t require top-end power output to fast charge. That said, even MacBook Pro owners may desire something as lovely as the Cougar.

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

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INIU Cougar P62-E1 20000mAh (65W) Power Bank review

Ugreen Nexode Pro Laptop Power Bank (25K) – Most convenient MacBook power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Two integrated charging cables

100W input

200W total output

Cons

Low 115W when sharing three or more ports

Price When Reviewed:

$139.99

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (90Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 200WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0) built-in cables; 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches (158 × 54 × 50mm)Weight: 22.3oz (631g)Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval)Macworld Test Score: 124%

What’s better than an integrated USB-C cable? Two built-in cables. Ugreen hasn’t done away with ports entirely with these cables, as there are two at the top: one 100W USB-C and a 22.5W USB-A port.

The 25K Anker Power Bank with a similar two cables, is a close match but the Ugreen wins on a higher total power output of 200W compared to Anker’s 165W. Both have a 2.3-foot (0.7m) retractable USB-C cable and another that forms a carrying loop. Ugreen’s loop is slightly longer at 350mm vs 300mm. Otherwise, the two are so closely matched that you might just choose between them based on cost.

In our tests, however, the Ugreen Nexode Pro beat the Anker with a test score of 124% MacBook recharge, compared to Anker’s 92%, which puts it firmly ahead.

While each USB-C cable or port can output and provide input at 100W, the 200W maximum means you have to charge multiple devices with some consideration, and the more you use at the same time, the lower the shared power: for example, two ports offers 100W+100W, but using three drops your output to 100W+15W (shared between two others); add the fourth port and the 15W is shared between three. The Anker equivalent is a little more generous in sharing power between multiple ports (133W vs Ugreen’s 115W) but Ugreen wins on two ports being able to both output 100W.

With its integrated cables this is one of the the most travel friendly laptop power bank we’ve tested.

Who should buy the Ugreen Nexode Pro Laptop Power Bank (25K)?

If you frequently recharge multiple devices at the same time, maybe one integrated USB-C cable won’t be enough for you. This power bank boasts two cables (maybe one for your MacBook and one for your iPhone or iPad), and performed well in our tests.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables – Convenient MacBook power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Two integrated charging cables

100W input

165W total output

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (90Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 165WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0) built-in cables; 1x USB-A (33W).Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches (157 × 54 × 49mm)Weight: 21oz (595g)Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval)Macworld Test Score: 92%

The performance is decent—we recharged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to a respectable 92%, not far off the 100% from its slightly higher-capacity sibling Anker 27650mAh power bank—but what we love about this laptop battery pack is its handy 2.3-foot (0.7m) retractable USB-C cable that means you don’t have to carry one with you when you take the power bank walkies. There’s even a second built-in USB-C cable that doubles up as a carrying loop.

Like the Ugreen Nexode Pro, reviewed above, each USB-C port can output and provide input at 100W. Anker’s USB-A port is rated a little higher than Ugreen’s—33W vs 22.5W—but Ugreen wins on a higher total shated 200W vs Anker’s 165W.

The cable wraps neatly into a groove at the top of the power bank. There’s spare USB-C and USB-A ports on one side, so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Note that if you want to charge more than one device, they must share the maximum output of 165W between them. However, 165W can only be supplied by two devices; with three and four devices, the maximum output is limited to 133W (higher than Ugreen’s 115W), although that is likely enough for most needs.

It’s available in either Space Black or Silver.

Who should buy the Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables?

Two cables might be just what you need, and while beaten by the Ugreen on a few factors such as total output, in practice the Anker is more able when using three or more ports.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Read our full

Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables review

Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank (220W) – Compact mid-range laptop power bank

Pros

Compact size

Decent battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

3 powerful ports

200W total output

Cons

No built-in cable

Premium price

Price When Reviewed:

$179.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (72.36Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 220WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 5.8 x 2 x 1.7 inches (44 x 50 x 147mm)Weight: 18oz (529g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 102%

The Anker Prime 20K Power Bank is a recommended laptop power bank that is lighter and smaller than the top-end Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank, but boasts the same number of USB ports.

Anker has a couple of 20K laptop power banks that are worth considering. The latest model is the 3-port Anker Prime 20K Power Bank (220W), which boasts two 140W PD 3.1 fast-charging USB-C ports and a 22.5W USB-A. When charging with all three ports at the same time, it offers two 100W outputs and a 20W. With two it can output two USB-C at 110W or one at 140W and the USB-A at 22.5W.

The older but slightly cheaper Anker Prime 20K Power Bank (200W) doesn’t feature the 140W PD 3.1 USB-C ports, instead packing two 100W USB-C ports and a generous 65W USB-A port. That doesn’t rule it out as a battery pack for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it can’t fast-charge Apple’s largest laptop. Its maximum output of 200W is a little below the 220W model.

Both feature a clear display but only the 220W model works with the Anker app. While the 27650mAh Anker Prime can be charged itself at 200W, the two Anker 20K Power Banks can be charged at a lower, but still reasonable, 100W using just one of its USB-C ports.

The 200W model is noticeably shorter than the 220W, measuring 4.9 x 2.1 x 2 inches (127 x 55 x 50mm) compared to the 220W’s 5.8 x 2 x 1.7 inches (44 x 50 x 147mm), although the 220W is a little lighter at 1.1lbs (510g) compared to the 200W’s 1.17lbs (529g).

The 200W model is cheaper at $139 compared to the 220W model’s $179 price tag, but both appear quite expensive when compared to some rival 20K power banks; see the Ugreen 20K Power Bank reviewed below. The 200W model fared impressively in our recharge test.

Who should buy the Anker Prime 20K Power Bank (220W or 200W)?

Although priced at a premium, these are great options for the smaller MacBooks unless you need as much power in the bank as you can carry. If you don’t need the 140W outputs, the 200W model will save you some cash, or consider the lower-output Ugreen Nexode 20K Power Bank below..

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Thomas Bergbold

Ugreen’s equivalent to the Anker Prime 20K Power Banks is the much cheaper $89 Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh, pictured above. The battery capacities of both are identical, but the Ugreen is noticeably lighter (1lb or 480g) even though its dimensions are closely aligned: 5.1 x 2.1 x 2.0 inches (131 x 54 x 51mm). Each has a smart display that tells you more than enough about what’s going on between the power bank and the devices being charged.

The Ugreen Nexode is a more portable solution, but we still prefer the Anker Prime model for both its impressive USB ports. The Anker has two 100W USB-C ports, while the Ugreen’s USB-C ports are rated at 100W and 30W. As the Ugreen power bank has a maximum power output of 130W, this doesn’t matter, but the Anker can pump out up to 220W simultaneously, making its powerful ports more useful. Power input is also better on the Anker (100W) vs the Ugreen (65W).

However, we’ve seen the Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh priced a lot more competitively than the Anker Prime 20K, and that weight difference may be important to you. Also, for the lone traveller one port for the MacBook and another for fast-charging an iPhone or iPad might be all that’s required. Read our full Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W review.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Cuktech 15 Air Power Bank – Compact mid-range laptop power bank

Pros

Compact size

Decent battery capacity

3 ports

100W total output

Cons

Lower recharge than 20K power banks

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99

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Battery capacity: 15000mAh (58.32Wh)Fastest Power Output: 65WTotal Power Output: 65WPower Input: 100WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (27W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W).Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.8 x 0.82 inches (132 x 72 x 21mm)Weight: 10.8oz (306g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 54%

The Cuktech 15 Air laptop power bank we tested might not perform to the same degree as more expensive and more capacious rivals but offers great value for money, and is hand-grip portable. Its color smart display has all the charging info you should require: battery level, input and output power, and estimated recharge time.

The 15K (15000mAh) battery managed to charge our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to 54% power. That’s not as impressive as the 20K power banks reviewed here but it’s one of the cheapest MacBook battery packs that we trust.

You can use it as a multiple-charge iPhone power bank, too: it should charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max around 1.6 times. Using two of the ports at the same time you’ll get 45W from the first USB-C port and 20W (enough to fast-charge an iPhone) from the second,

Who should buy the Cuktech 15 Air Power Bank?

Offering great value for money, this mid-range laptop power bank might be all you need for shorter travel trips.

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Cuktech 10 Mini – Super-compact laptop power bank

Pros

Super-compact size

Just enough juice

3 ports

Cons

45W fastest output

Not available in U.S.

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Battery capacity: 10000mAh (36Wh)Fastest Power Output: 45WTotal Power Output: 55WPower Input: 55WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (33W).Dimensions: 3.5 x 2 x 1.3 inches (90 x 50 x 33mm)Weight: 7.5oz (214g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 40%

If size is really a key factor for you, consider this little power bank. It’s only 10000mAh but it’s pocketable and will pump your MacBook’s depleted battery to not too far off the halfway mark in refilled capacity.

Who should buy the Cuktech 10 Mini Power Bank?

Affordable and miniscule compared to some laptop power banks, this mini MacBook battery pack is a handy top up for short trips.

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Statik SmartCharge Pro – 15K Power Bank and Wall Charger combo

Pros

Compact size

Wireless charging pad for iPhone

Plugs into wall as 3-port charger

Cons

Smaller battery capacity

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

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Battery capacity: 15000mAh (54Wh)Fastest Power Output: 60WTotal Power Output: 60WPower Input: 45WUSB ports: 1x USB-C cable (60W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (60W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W)Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches (110 x 90 x 33mm)Weight: 13oz (370g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 54%

Built for travel, this combo wall charger and 15K battery pack can charge a laptop at 60W as a power bank or when plugged directly into a wall power socket. It comes with international plug adapters for U.K., E.U. and AU/NZ that slip onto the built-in U.S. foldable prongs—great for travel or just use in your own region. It even has a fold-out rubber handle that you can use to attach it to your backpack while hiking.

Its 15000mAh battery capacity is certainly not the highest of the laptop power banks we have reviewed here, but it did recharge a completely faded 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro back up to 54%, which should get you several extra hours charge when on the move, depending on your laptop’s battery health.

It features a built-in USB-C plus a spare USB-C port and one USB-A port to make it a capable AC wall charger, and a magnetic side pad works as a 15W Qi2 wireless charger for the MagSafe-ready iPhone 12 to 17 families. That magnetic wireless charging pad can also be used for the Apple Watch.

A digital display shows the power bank’s remaining battery charge. As well as standard black, it’s also available in a great orange color to match Apple’s Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro.

Who should buy the Statik SmartCharge Pro?

While its 15K battery capacity and 60W output are at the low end for recharging a MacBook, this portable power bank and capable wall charger is built for backpack travel around the world with its compact size and slip-on international plugs.

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Read our full

Statik SmartCharge Pro review

Cuktech 15SE 85W 20000mAh Power Bank – Best budget 20K laptop power bank

Pros

Compact size

Decent battery capacity

3 ports

200W total output

Cons

Lower recharge than rivals in tests

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$49.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (73.44Wh)Fastest Power Output: 65WTotal Power Output: 85WPower Input: 65WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (33W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (33W).Dimensions: 6 x 1.7 x 2 inches (152 x 52 x 44mm)Weight: 17.4oz (492g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 60%

The Cuktech 15 laptop power bank we tested might not perform to the same degree as more expensive rivals but offers great value for money.

Despite its somewhat confusing name, the Cuktech 15 has a 20K (20000mAh) battery that managed to charge our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to 60% power. That’s not as impressive as other 20K power banks reviewed here but at under $50/£50 it’s one of the cheapest MacBook battery pack that we trust.

You can use it as a multiple-charge iPhone power bank, too: it should charge an iPhone 15 around 3.5 times. You double-click the power button to enter low-power mode for devices such as a smartwatch or headphones.

With the three USB ports all in action, you can charge the MacBook at 65W and share the remaining 20W between the other USB-C and USB-A ports.

Who should buy the Cuktech 85W 20K Power Bank?

Offering great value for money, this mid-range laptop power bank might be all you need for shorter travel trips.

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Cuktech 15 Ultra Power Bank 20000mAh (165W) – Best budget 140W 20K laptop power bank

Pros

Decent battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

165W input

165W total output

Cons

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (76.56Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 165WPower Input: 165WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W).Dimensions: 6 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches (152 x 57 x 44mm)Weight: 20.8oz (590g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 123%

A little cheaper than the higher-capacity Cuktech 20, reviewed below, this slim laptop power bank can also fast-charge even the 16-inch MacBook Pro with its 140W output. The 20 looks the better buy in terms of capacity and at a similar price, but the 15 Ultra has a special feature known as Beast Mode.

While the 25000mAh battery of the Cuktech 20 is certainly worth the small extra investment on this 15 Ultra in terms of capacity, this 20000mAh power bank impresses with its super-speedy 165W input, which means you can recharge itself faster than most using Beast Mode where you use both the USB-C ports to recharge the power bank up to 70% in around 20 minutes.

The smart display shows you what each of the ports is doing, battery status, connected devices, and when the unit is powering up in Beast Mode.

Who should buy the Cuktech 15 Ultra Power Bank 20K (165W)?

If you need as much power as you can get in a short time, look for this laptop power bank’s Beast Mode option.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Sandberg Survivor Powerbank 27000 PD65W – Most robust power bank for MacBook

Pros

Large battery capacity

Super rugged IP66 shell

Flashlight

Cons

Chunky

More USB-A than USB-C

60W power input

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$106.99

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Battery capacity: 27000mAh (99.9Wh)Fastest Power Output: 65WTotal Power Output: 65WPower Input: 60WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (18W)Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches (168 x 85 x 42mm)Weight: 28.4oz (804g)Airline compatible: YesMacworld Test Score: 100%

Outdoor adventurers and in-the-field professionals need devices that are stronger than softy office desk jockeys and occasional airport travelers, and the Sandberg Survivor boasts a tough !P66 shell that is impervious to water and dust. As such it is bigger than most power banks but it would survive outdoors much longer and has a big enough battery to keep a bunch of devices charged up before being introduced to a wall charger again.

Behind a protective rubber flap there are three USB ports: two old-school USB-A and one USB-C. We would have preferred more USB-C, which is used on most modern devices, and that singular USB-C port is also where you will charge the power bank itself. The USB-C port outputs at up to 65W and receives power at 60W. Each of the USB-A ports can output at 18W. Total simultaneous power output is 65W. Uniquely, there is also a 24W DC 5525 port if your devices can be powered using this connection.

As it charges at a maximum 65W, it’s better suited to the lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro and 13 and 15-inch MacBook Air, rather than the more powerful versions of the 14- and 16-inch Pro MacBooks that prefer a 100W or higher charger. That said, if your 16-inch Pro is on an outdoors adventure, the Survivor will still charge it, just a little slower than a 100W or 140W power bank.

Who should buy the Sandberg Survivor Powerbank?

If the other laptop power banks reviewed here look too fragile for your next trip to the mountains or jungle, the Survivor is built to take some punishment—just look out for your MacBook!

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo. or any adventurer’s laptop

Read our full

Sandberg Survivor Powerbank 27000 PD65W review

Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20000mAh 145W

Pros

Compact size

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Decent battery capacity

Tilting wireless charging pad for iPhone

Cons

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$149.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (72Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 145WPower Input: 65WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W Max)Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.7 x 2.4 inches (112 x 68 x 60mm) Weight: 19.6oz (555g)Airline compatible: Yes

Both a 20K power bank and mini desktop charger (when connected to a USB-C wall charger). this stubbily compact battery pack features a 100W USB-C port at its rear and a 45W USB-C and 22.5W USB-A port at the front underneath a large color smart display.

While certainly portable it isn’t one to slip in your pocket or clamp to your phone on the move—the Nexode Qi2 is aimed at the iPhone using laptop owner. It’s a handy travel companion that should handle most of your power bank needs while out and about, and then sit on a desk as a smart-looking and informative charger that can charge four devices simultaneously.

Who should buy the Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20K 145W?

This semi-permanent desktop charger can be picked up and taken on your travels as a mid-range laptop power bank.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Read our full

Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20000mAh 145W review

Cuktech 20 Power Bank 25000mAh (210W) – Budget 140W 25K laptop power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

110W input

210W total output

Cons

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$114.99

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (90Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 210WPower Input: 110WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (30W).Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches (160 x 55 x 55mm)Weight: 22.4oz (636g)Airline compatible: Yes

The Cuktech 20 Power Bank 25000mAh 140W PD 3.1 power bank looks a lot like the Anker Prime 27650mAh, reviewed above, in a tall format with an informative smart display.

As with the Anker, there are three USB ports, with one at the required 140W for fast-charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The other two ports aren’t as powerful as the Anker’s though: 45W vs 140W, and 30W vs 65W.

An M2 MacBook Air should be fully charged with a little power left over for your iPhone, AirPods or Apple Watch.

Power input is also not as great, but at 110W it’s impressive enough compared to most. Maximum simultaneous power output is 210W—again not as high as the Anker but still respectable.

The Cuktech’s display gives more data than the Anker, which is informative for wattage junkies but probably overkill for most of us, who just need to know how much battery life remains in the power bank. Anker’s dedicated app is perhaps more useful. Again, this is a nice to have and the Cuktech power bank does the important stuff of recharging the laptop at a price point that is noticeably lower than Anker’s.

Who should buy the Cuktech 20 Power Bank?

This is an affordable 140W-capable power bank that lacks some of its rivals’ top-end specs but might be all you require at that price.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Cuktech CP253L 20000mAh Power Bank – Budget 20K 45W Power Bank with cable

Pros

Decent battery capacity

Integrated retractable USB-C cable

USB-C and USB-A ports

Affordable

Cons

USB-C cable quite short

45W fastest output

40W power input

Price When Reviewed:

$34.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (74Wh)Fastest Power Output: 45WTotal Power Output: 55WPower Input: 40WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0) built-in cable; 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (QC 18W Max)Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches (162 x 72 x 30mm) Weight: 17.6oz (499g)Airline compatible: Yes

The Cuktech CP253L is a budget rival to the Anker 165W Power Bank and Baseus Free2Pull Power Bank, and indeed any of the 20K laptop power banks reviewed here. It wins points for its built-in USB-C cable, although at 6 inches (150mm) the cable not as long or handy as the 2.3-foot (0.7m) retractable cable on the Baseus.

It is also a less powerful: 45W vs 60W via USB-C, and charges itself slower, too. It recharged our test MacBook Pro to 75%, again a little off the Baseus performance but probably enough for most users in need of a power boost. At 45W it’s fine for the MacBook Air but a little underpowered for the Pro MacBooks, which will charge a little slower.

(We’re only interested in Apple’s MacBook here but if you also own a Xiaomi laptop, its USB-C connectors can charge at 55W and the USB-A supports 33W UFCS charging for some Chinese phones.)

Who should buy the Cuktech CP253L 20K Power Bank?

The lower power input and output plus shorter cable, along with a slightly heavier weight, are compromises you may well overlook when you see the price. This is a great-looking—in either black or a cool white—and solidly performing portable battery pack for your laptop. It’s also available in the U.K. unlike the Baseus.

Great for: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Alogic Ark 27000mAh Power Bank – Budget 140W laptop power bank

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

140W input

Cons

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$129.99

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Battery capacity: 27000mAh (97.2Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 140WPower Input: 140WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.1 x 2.1 x 2 inches (155 x 53 x 50mm)Weight: 22.4oz (635g)Airline compatible: Yes

This is another column-shaped laptop power bank with a high-capacity. The three top-mounted USB ports support PD 3.1 so it is particularly useful for owners of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which can be fast-charged using one of this power bank’s 140W ports.

As total power output is also 140W, you can’t charge another device at the same time as fast-charging that top-end MacBook. If you want to simultaneously charge more devices, look for a power bank with a higher maximum power output. The similarly designed Anker Prime 27650mAh, reviewed above, can use all three of its ports up to 250W. The Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank, also reviewed previously, is a larger unit but can reach 300W total power output.

The Alogic Ark has a smart display screen that shows you how fast devices are charging, remaining battery capacity, and how long it will keep charging at the current speed.

Who should buy the Alogic Ark 27K Power Bank?

It’s a well-priced laptop power bank so you might be happy to choose the Ark over an alternative that can pump out more power at one time.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh – Slimmest power bank for MacBook Pro

Pros

Slim body

Decent battery capacity

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Cons

No display in watts

65W power input

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (74Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 100WPower Input: 65WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (30W).Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches (134 x 134 x 18mm)Weight: 445gAirline compatible: Yes

The Baseus Blade HD Laptop 20000mAh Power Bank is a different design to most other laptop power banks. It is slim (18mm) and almost square rather than a rectangular obelisk. This makes it easier to slip into the laptop compartment of a backpack or case.

There are four ports: two 100W USB-C, and two 30W USB-A.

The 20000mAh capacity is enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Air from zero to 100% once, with about 5% remaining.

The Blade HD also recharges via either of the two USB-C ports—although at 65W it’s slower than others reviewed here. In our tests it reached 90% after just 90 minutes and is fully charged after just under two hours—batteries always take longer to fill the last part of the charge.

Like other laptop power banks, it features a smart display, but this one is harder to read than the others tested here. It provides information about the capacity percentage, voltage, and current, as well as the approximate time for the charging process, but the practical benefit of the display would be even greater if the power was displayed in watts and not in a combination of volts and amps.

Baseus makes good products but can be let down by a confused product lineup. As well as the “Blade HD“, there is also a “Blade” with very similar specs and price but slightly longer (6.4 vs 5.3 inches). As far as we can tell, only the Blade is available in the U.K. while the smaller Blade HD is available in the U.S. and E.U.

Who should buy the Baseus Laptop Powerbank 20K?

If slimness is key in carrying your laptop power bank, the Blade will slip into a backpack or briefcase with ease.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Read our full

Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh review

Ugreen 25000mAh Power Bank (145W) – Power in a portable package

Pros

Large battery capacity

140W (PD 3.1) charging power

Portable shape

Cons

65W power input

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

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Battery capacity: 25000mAh (90Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 145WPower Input: 65WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches (160 x 81 x 28mm)Weight: 17.7oz (503g)

As well as its oblong Nexode laptop power banks, Ugreen offers an alternative slab shape in the form of the Ugreen 25000mAh Power Bank. We think the slab shape works better for portability, while the more vertical Anker shape looks good when sitting on your desk.

Offering 140W PD 3.1 via one of its USB-C ports, it is ideal for fast-charging the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Maximum power output, however, is only a little over 140W so there’s not much power left if you want to charge another device at the same time.

There’s not enough battery to fully recharge Apple’s top-end MacBook Pro, but it gets very close when recharging our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro.

It is closest to the 27650mAh Anker Prime power bank, and while having a little lower battery capacity it is nearly a quarter of the weight so is easier to carry around with you. The Ugreen battery pack can charge the same number of devices (three) as the Anker, but the Anker can pump out 250W of power simultaneously while the Ugreen is limited to 145W. The Anker is also much faster to re-charge itself, with 170W power input compared to Ugreen’s 65W.

The display is not as smart as those on other laptop power banks reviewed here, showing just the remaining percentage. That said, this is the key statistic you’ll be interested in rather than more detail on power input and output wattages.

Who should buy the Ugreen 25K Power Bank (145W)?

The max power output means you’ll only charge one MacBook at a time, but this is a slim portable power bank that offers enough charge for short travels.

Great for: 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank

Pros

Decent battery capacity

100W (PD 3.0) charging power

Lightweight

Portable shape

Cons

65W power input

No built-in cable

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99

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Battery capacity: 20000mAh (72Wh)Fastest Power Output: 100WTotal Power Output: 100WPower Input: 65WUSB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (30W); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches (140 x 82 x 28mm)Weight: 14.8oz (419g)

As well as its 25000mAh laptop power bank, Ugreen the a smaller and lighter Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank that is well-suited to the MacBook Air. This power bank should have enough juice in it to fully recharge a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.

This model has a 100W power output so is less able for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, although it would still offer enough recharge to give even that laptop a few more hours of usage on the road, although with a total 100W, it’s limited to also charging other devices at the same time as a larger laptop.

Who should buy the Ugreen 100W 20K Power Bank?

This one is a useful option when portability is the main aim, as at 419g it’s one of the lightest laptop power banks with a decent battery capacity.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo.

Ugreen

Power bank battery capacity

The larger the laptop power bank’s capacity the more charges it will be able to give your MacBook. While nearly all laptop power banks give their battery capacity in milliamp hours (mAh) it’s more instructional to know the battery capacity in watt hours (Wh) as Wh provides a more accurate estimation of a battery’s energy capacity for devices with varying power requirements.

A 13-inch MacBook Air has a battery capacity of around 50Wh; a MacBook Neo’s is smaller at 36.5Wh. The 16-inch MacBook Pro’s battery is rated at nearly twice that—just under 100Wh. To find out the Wh rating of your MacBook, check our our list of all the MacBook battery capacities.

In theory, a 100Wh power bank could recharge the smaller laptop twice and the larger one once. While it’s not quite that simple—due to issues such as the laptop using some power during charging and environmental conditions such as temperature—you will certainly get more charge from a power bank with a higher Wh rating.

Watt hours is also the measure used by airlines to determine whether you can carry the power bank onto a plane with you: see below our list of the best MacBook power banks for national and international in-flight battery regulations.

Battery to laptop charging speed

The speed at which a power bank can charge your laptop is important, especially if you are charging the MacBook while using it.

Like any USB-C charger, look for the wattage at which the power bank can output power. A small laptop (especially the Neo) requires perhaps as little as 40W to keep it powered up. A larger MacBook might require 65W or 100W. A 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W.

In technical terms, chargers and power banks have a USB PD (Power Delivery) rating. PD 3.0 has a maximum power output of 100W. PD 3.1 (useful for the 16-inch MacBook Pro) can output at 140W. The PD rating is assigned to each USB port (see below).

That top-end MacBook can be charged at 100W, but it will take longer to charge. If you use a much lower wattage charger, or power bank, your MacBook battery might not fill up as fast because the laptop battery is being used by your applications.

As such we haven’t looked at any laptop power bank rated at under 65W and make recommendations for each power bank we have tested as to which MacBook model it is best suited for.

It is fine to use a 140W PD 3.1 charger or power bank on a smaller laptop—nothing untoward will happen as the power output is regulated by the laptop being powered. Indeed, you can safely charge your AirPods case with a 140W charger even though it won’t take more than 5W.

Total power output

A power bank with multiple ports will also have a maximum total output, which is how much power all the ports can give out together at one time when each is connected to a different device.

A power bank might have two ports each rated at 100W, but if the total power output is 100W then that power will be shared between the ports. Look for a total power output that means the power bank can handle charging multiple devices at the same time at full speed.

Power input

Power Input is the wattage at which the power bank itself can be charged via a USB-C charger. Again, the more watts, the faster the charge up to the power bank’s full capacity.

USB ports

A power bank needs at least one USB port to carry the power from itself to the device being charged. USB ports today come in two basic varieties: old-school rectangular USB-A and modern reversible USB-C.

You will get the fastest charge using USB-C at the power bank end. At the MacBook end, the USB-C end of the cable will connect with the MacBook’s Thunderbolt port, which is identical to USB-C in looks and basic operation. Thunderbolt is backward compatible with USB-C.

Look for power banks with multiple USB ports so you can charge more than one device at a time: more than one laptop, or a laptop plus a phone or two, or your AirPods case and Apple Watch. A USB-A port might be useful if you need to power-up a device whose charger uses the older standard; for example, a Fitbit.

Power bank safety

Batteries can present a fire risk in certain circumstances, such as rapid overheating (a process called thermal runaway), overcharging and exposure to high temperatures. As such we recommend only power banks from trusted, premium manufacturers with a long record of producing safe, high-quality products. You will find cheaper power banks, but we believe that the safety of the device you are charging, your home or office, plus your bag if carrying it around with you, are paramount.

If you want to take your power bank on a plane, there are also regulations to abide by—or you’ll be leaving it at the Security Desk. See below the chart of our favorite laptop power banks for international airline rules on permitted power banks and batteries.

Which spare batteries and power banks can you take on a plane?

When damaged, short-circuited or overheated, batteries can catch fire and explode, so there are regulations in place to ensure safety onboard commercial aircraft.

If you are lucky you’ll find a charging point at the airport, but we know these are usually already taken. Many plane seats also have a USB port, but it’s often old-school USB-A where most chargers these days use the more modern, powerful and reversible USB-C connector.

You’d be wise to carry your own USB-C wall charger, which you can use if your plane seat includes a regular AC power socket. Remember that you might need a travel adapter depending on the nationality of the airline.

Most national and international batteries in flight regulations allow for lithium-ion batteries up to 160Wh, if permitted by the individual airlines.

U.S. TSA and FAA battery and power bank regulations

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that any “spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only”.

Both TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) state that “with airline approval”, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101–160Wh).

TSA requirements apply to both air carriers and airports, and the FAA requirements only apply to commercial airlines.

U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) battery and power bank regulations

Up to two “spare batteries for portable electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh when carried for personal use are allowed for carry-on baggage and on one’s person. They are not permitted in checked (hold) baggage.”

Some airlines do not allow the power bank to be used during flight or be charged itself when in the air.

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) battery and power bank regulations

The European Union regulations are stricter: “If the Wh is higher than 100 but not higher than 160, you will need an approval from the operator to carry the item”.

EASA also states that “power banks should not be connected or providing power to a device while on board the aircraft”. So you can carry the power bank with you but not actually recharge your phone or laptop while on the plane.

How to find a battery’s Watt Hour (Wh) rating

Manufacturers are required to mark lithium-ion batteries with the watt-hour rating, but it’s often not clearly indicated on the packaging or on the power bank itself—look for some tiny writing on one side of the battery pack and you’ll eventually find the Wh rating. Don’t worry, we’ve done that for you in our recommendations below. You can calculate the number of watt-hours your battery provides if you know the battery’s nominal voltage (V) and capacity in ampere-hours (Ah), by using this calculation: Ah x V = Wh.

If you know only the battery’s milliampere hours (mAh), divide that number by 1,000 to get the ampere-hours (Ah). For example, 1200mAh divided by 1,000 = 1.2Ah. Then multiply that number by the power bank’s voltage.

TL;DR: Get MacMagic Lifetime Upgrades for just $29.99 (reg. $99.99) and add dozens of useful macOS tools—from cache cleaning and PDF editing to file management and hidden system utilities.

Macs are known for being intuitive, but they don’t always expose every useful feature. Some of the most practical tools are buried deep in macOS—or simply aren’t there at all.

But MacMagic changes all of that. For a one-time $29.99, you’ll get lifetime access to an all-in-one utility packed with tools that make everyday Mac tasks faster, easier, and a lot less frustrating.

Need to free up storage? MacMagic can clear oversized caches and logs. Working with PDFs? Merge, compress, and organize documents without switching apps. Managing hundreds of files? Batch rename them in seconds. It even lets you reveal hidden files, force-delete stubborn documents, restart Finder, and access useful macOS utilities that normally take a bit of digging to find.

There’s more packed in, too, including an image converter that supports more than 100 formats, a lightweight text editor, a QR code generator, SQLite and JSON viewers, Wi-Fi management tools, and GPS mapping for compatible photos.

Instead of installing a collection of single-purpose utilities, MacMagic brings them together in one clean interface.

If you spend a lot of time on your Mac, MacMagic Lifetime Upgrades for $29.99 (reg. $99.99) is an easy way to add more functionality without adding more clutter.

MacMagic: Lifetime Upgrades LicenseSee Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pay $69.99 and receive $150 in aloSIM travel data credit and use your credit on data packages in 200+ countries.

If international travel is on your calendar, your phone bill doesn’t have to come along for the ride.

For just $69.99, you’ll receive $150 in aloSIM travel data credit to use on local eSIM data packages in more than 200 countries and regions. Instead of paying the $10–$20 per day many carriers charge for international data, aloSIM lets you purchase local data packages that start at just $4.50 for seven days (prices may vary).

Here’s how it works: redeem your credit in the aloSIM app, choose a destination, and install your lifetime eSIM profile over Wi-Fi before you leave home. But you need to wait to activate your specific package until you’ve landed so your data package doesn’t begin until you’re actually ready to use it.

If you run low on data during a trip, you can top up directly from the aloSIM app. Traveling to another country? Simply install a new eSIM for that destination, for instance eSIM UK, and use the remaining balance from your $150 aloSIM credit to purchase another data package.

VMware

It’s all managed from the same account, so one credit balance can support multiple trips and destinations until it’s used up or expires. Your $150 credit is valid for 12 months after redemption, but you can pre-load packages for upcoming destinations before it runs out.

However, the individual country data packages expire at the end of their coverage window (e.g., 7 days after activation).

Before purchasing, be sure your phone or tablet supports eSIM technology.

Get $150 in aloSIM travel data credit for just $69.99 ahead of your next trip.

aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan: $150 CreditSee Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Sofia Coelho, the art director who led the visual design and concept for Lil’ Finder Guy, has shared a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the MacBook Neo campaign’s mascot came to be. Here are the details.

Apple TV subscribers can now watch ‘The Dink,’ the platform’s new star-studded sports comedy produced by Ben Stiller. Watch the trailer below.

Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI has been reassigned to U.S. District Judge Edward Davila, replacing the magistrate judge initially assigned to the case. Here are the details.

Primate Labs released Geekbench 7 today, promising benchmarks that more closely reflect how people use their devices across everyday tasks, gaming, and AI workloads. Here’s what’s new.

Apple’s wafer-thin iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is currently available at a significant discount — 40% off, dropping from its regular $99 price to $59 at Amazon.

This official Apple accessory is designed as a slim, seamless power extension specifically for the iPhone Air. It magnetically attaches to the back of the phone and is thin enough to slip into a pocket while still attached, making it feel more like a permanent battery upgrade than a traditional bulky power bank.

Key Features and Benefits

Apple engineered the MagSafe Battery exclusively for the iPhone Air. It adds up to 65% additional charge, helping extend battery life beyond that of other iPhones in the lineup under tested conditions.

Highlights include:

• Ultra-thin and lightweight design — Reviews and product details note its slim profile (around 6.5 mm in some comparisons), rounded edges for comfortable handling, and a soft-touch finish that integrates cleanly with the phone.

• Up to 12W wireless charging on the go when snapped on. For faster results, attach it and plug the phone into a higher-wattage adapter (20W+ or 25–30W recommended in some guidance) at the same time.

• Smart charging behavior — The system intelligently manages power between the phone and the battery pack to maximize overall runtime. It can also charge smaller accessories via its USB-C port.

• Seamless MagSafe attachment — It aligns magnetically and works with compatible MagSafe cases (remove cards or other items from wallets first).

Capacity is relatively modest (teardowns and reports point to roughly 3,149 mAh, similar to the iPhone Air’s own battery), so it prioritizes slimness and integration over maximum capacity. It typically provides a meaningful top-up (enough for a full day of moderate use in many scenarios) rather than a complete full recharge in one go.

Who It’s Best For

This is ideal for iPhone Air owners who want extra battery without adding noticeable bulk or changing the phone’s sleek feel. It can serve as a near-permanent companion for all-day use. While primarily optimized for the iPhone Air, some users have noted broader MagSafe compatibility benefits with other recent iPhones, though Apple positions it as exclusive to the Air.

MacDailyNews Take: The $59 price (40% off the $99 MSRP) represents a solid discount on an official Apple accessory. Deals like this can sell out or change quickly — Amazon stock and pricing fluctuate — so check the current listing directly. Apple’s own store continues to list it at the full $99.

‎
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Opera announced two new features for its desktop browser today: optional vertical tabs and expanded Google Lens integration. Here are the details.

iOS 27 adds new features across many system apps, like Wallet, Calendar, Music, and Maps. Here’s what’s new for the Messages app in iOS 27.

Benicio Del Toro is heading to Apple TV for his first-ever starring role in a comedy series.

The Oscar winner will lead “Protective Custody,” a new comedy from Mike Judge, Ben Stiller (who also stars and executive produces), Steve Hely, and Dave King.

It’s a reunion for Del Toro and Stiller after their acclaimed limited series “Escape at Dannemora.” The series is currently in development at Apple Studios.

Tony Maglio for The Hollywood Reporter:
‎

“Protective Custody” will follow “a disgraced financier accused of massive fraud who is thrown into protective custody, where he must navigate prison politics, salvage his reputation and confront the consequences of his actions while awaiting trial,” according to the synopsis.

Apple will not say if Del Toro or Stiller (or someone else!) is that disgraced financier.

Judge will direct the series, which hails from Apple Studios, Stiller’s Red Hour, Propagate Content, and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Stiller is one of Apple TV’s most prolific producers. He executive produces and often directs episodes of “Severance,” and Stiller’s documentary about his parents, “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,” is also on the platform. Stiller produces and stars in the upcoming feature-length comedy movie “The Dink” for Apple TV, and is in production for its limited series “The Off Weeks,” which he stars in and executive produces opposite Jessica Chastain.

‎
MacDailyNews Take: Shut up. Just shut up. You had us at Mike Judge. You had us at Mike Judge.

‎
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iPhone 18 Pro is just a couple months away, and while most iPhone 17 Pro owners won’t upgrade so soon, for those considering a new iPhone there are three main features likely to motivate them.

OpenAI’s system status page confirms that some users are encountering elevated error rates when trying to use ChatGPT and Codex. Here are the details.

Benjamin and Chance talk about the last week in Apple News, including the rumored new ‘Apple Upgrade’ leasing program, Apple Music price hike, iOS 27 beta 4 changes, an OLED screen roadmap for future Macs and iPads, and next-gen Apple Pencils with replaceable batteries.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Apple and Ford announce a new partnership to bring Apple Music directly into the car infotainment system. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

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Counterpoint Research is out with a new report forecasting 21% year-over-year growth in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, with Apple expected to capture a 25% share following its entry into this market. Here are the details.

OpenAI is releasing a big update to the ChatGPT desktop app today that introduces GPT Voice mode for talking through work to complete tasks. The new feature is powered by GPT-Live, OpenAI’s upgraded voice mode that arrived on mobile this month.

Apple’s Liquid Glass interface has always been a bold, polarizing experiment in translucency. With the iOS 27 public beta, the company is now letting users push it even further — into “More Clear” territory. One writer cranked the new slider all the way to maximum transparency and spent a full week living with the most warped, glassy, and delightfully distorted iPhone experience yet.

From notifications that ripple and refract app icons like light through actual glass, to menu bars that turn text into momentary abstract art, the clearest Liquid Glass setting revives the playful dimensionality Apple first chased more than a decade ago. It’s not the most practical choice for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the whimsy, it turns the phone into something closer to living, breathing art.

Wired‘s Reece Rogers dove in headfirst. Here’s what it felt like to go full transparent.

Reece Rogers for Wired:
‎

Fear not — if you don’t feel the same way as I do about transparency — you can drag that same slider to the right and boost the overall opacity of Liquid Glass. There’s still the option to Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast as well.

I immediately cranked my settings to maximum clarity after I downloaded the public beta and left the setting on for a week to get the full experience. I understand why some prefer the heavily tinted version or need to switch it for accessibility reasons, yet I reveled in the warped colors and characters as I experienced Liquid Glass in its clearest glory.

The “more clear” option also added an increased depth to my device — reminiscent of an Apple update from more than a decade ago, in iOS 7, that you likely haven’t thought about in a minute: 3D apps. Apple added a parallax wallpaper effect during the iPhone 5’s heyday that used the smartphone’s gyroscope to make it appear as if app icons on your home screen floated slightly above the background, visibly shifting to the phone’s tilt.

Both Liquid Glass and 3D app icons gave the iPhone a more tactile sense of dimensionality…

Halfway through my week of testing, this option started to look so normal to me that I worried I had accidentally reset my phone to the default and checked my settings to ensure “more clear” was still enabled. It was. Which was a relief, and a sign I’d adjusted to this clearer version of Liquid Glass even faster than anticipated…

[T]his clear-minded update was delightful to try, and I’m keeping up with my transparent lifestyle even after the weeklong experiment ended.

‎
MacDailyNews Take: You might even say that Apple’s Liquid Glass cranked up to maximum transparency makes the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.

‎
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It’s not easy to make a quick, reliable benchmark that works across architectures and operating systems. There’s a reason Geekbench has been sort of the gold standard for comparing overall CPU performance over the years, and to a lesser degree, GPU compute performance.

On Thursday, around three years after the release of Geekbench 6, Primate Labs is releasing Geekbench 7. To better represent the demands of modern applications, it includes new workload tests, a redesigned multi-core benchmark, and a new GPU benchmark. The benchmarks operate on larger data sets as well, again better representing the demands of modern applications.

New media workloads include encoding screen-sharing video with the AV1 codec, compressing music and speech with the Opus audio codec, and decoding audio and video while using the Whisper speech recognition model to generate live captions. Other new test include Game Physics, an updated Photo editing test, and new Photo library tests that processes JPEG XL and DNG formats.

The multi-core tests are especially changed, redesigned to “better reflect how real applications behave,” according to Primate Labs. Instead of forcing a series of exclusively multi-threaded tasks, which produces a distorted view of performance, the Geekbench 7 tests only include tests in the multi-threaded benchmark if it’s highly multi-threaded in real life.

The example Primate Labs gives is the HTML5 Browser test–web browsers and the tasks they run are typically highly dependent on single-thread performance, so it’s not included in the multi-threaded tests.

The GPU benchmarks are still focused on the compute applications for GPUs rather than on real-time 3D graphics rendering, but the types of applications have evolved. The tests now focus on the content creation and machine learning uses of GPUs, since those dominate GPU compute applications. For example: tracking faces in video, upscaling images using machine learning algorithms, or blurring the background of a video chat.

Here at Macworld, we’ll be using Geekbench 7 to benchmark new Apple hardware moving forward, while still including Geekbench 6 for a while to provide comparisons against older hardware.

Scores are not comparable between versions. We quickly ran Geekbench 7 on an M5 MacBook Air, and got a single-core CPU score of 3,608 and a multi-core score of 17,470. That compares to 4,164 and 16,995 on Geekbench 6.6. The GPU benchmark, using the Metal API, scored 72,514 on Geekbench 7 and 76,377 on Geekbench 6.6.

You can download Geekbench 7 for Mac from Primate Labs’ website, and Geekbench 7 for iPhone and iPad from the App Store. At the time of publishing, the App Store version does not yet appear to be available, but should be coming soon.

Anthropic is bringing a long-overdue upgrade to voice mode in Claude today. The upgraded Claude voice mode has new capabilities and works with Opus and Sonnet models for the first time.

I use Apple News to keep up on topics that I don’t find in sources
I pay for (The Guardian and The New York Times). But there’s no
way I’m going to pay the exorbitant price Apple wants for Apple
News+ — £13 — because, while you get more publications, you
still get ads.

And those ads have gotten worse recently. Many if not most of them
look like and probably are scams. Here are a few examples from
Apple News today.

One of the ads he examined was, supposedly, from a small company going out of business because the proprietor — supposedly a straight-out-of-Central-Casting kind old woman — was retiring after 26 years. McElhearn looked up the domain name and it had only just been created last year, and was registered from a company in China.

Two years ago this very week, I wrote about Apple striking a deal with Taboola to sell ads for Apple News. In that post, I quoted Eric Seufert (of Mobile Dev Memo) posting on Threads:

Regarding Taboola’s partnership with Apple: I’ve seen people claim
that this is somehow hypocritical from a privacy perspective,
assuming that Taboola’s somewhat obnoxious, clickbait-style ads
must invasively target user profiles and browsing histories.

They don’t. They are targeted entirely contextually. That’s
the point.

Want brash, garish advertising plastered all over the web? Reject
ads personalization. Want relevant, informed advertising? Embrace
ads personalization.

Now quoting from myself in that same article:

If you told me that the ads in Apple News have been sold by
Taboola for the last few years, I’d have said, “Oh, that makes
sense.” Because the ads in Apple News — at least the ones I see — already look like chumbox Taboola ads. Even worse, they’re
incredibly repetitious. […]

So while I don’t think it’s good news that Apple is partnering
with Taboola, I don’t expect it to make any discernible difference
in the ad quality or frequency. Maybe it will improve the variety?

Privacy is not the issue with Apple’s Taboola partnership, or Apple advertising in general. The issues are quality and user experience. I was correct that the partnership has made no discernible difference in ad quality or frequency. And it hasn’t made any improvement to variety either. Here’s a collection of ads I continue to see in Apple News — often with the same ad appearing 3–4 times in the same article, as I scroll. (I posted the same image in my recent article “John Ternus Should Reverse Apple’s Slide Down the Advertising Slippery Slope”, if you’re thinking it looks familiar.)

The ads I see in Apple News are not relevant or informed. And, to be clear, I have “Personalized Ads” turned on in Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising (which makes me wonder if turning that off might actually make the ads even worse). The ads shown in the App Store never seem contextually relevant to me. So I have no faith that the ads that Apple is supposedly on the cusp of serving in Apple Maps are going to be good.

Back in March I wrote:

I’m not going to prejudge the actual experience, and you shouldn’t
either. I also do not begrudge Apple for wanting to monetize
Maps. But if the addition of ads does make the Apple
Maps experience worse, why won’t Apple let us buy our way out of
seeing them? Netflix doesn’t force us to watch their
ads. YouTube Premium is arguably the best
bang-for-the-buck in the entire world of content subscriptions.
Why should Apple One subscribers still see these ads in
Apple Maps?

This to me is proof that Apple leadership is suffering from cognitive dissonance over their slide into advertising. They’re conflating cause and effect. The Apple brand stands for high-quality superior user experiences because the devices and software Apple makes traditionally deliver high-quality superior user experiences. The work Apple ships is what mades the brand what it is. But now they’re stricken with the mindset that it’s the Apple brand that makes something a high-quality superior experience. If it comes from Apple it must be great — that sort of thinking. The ads in Apple News and the App Store can’t be detrimental to the user experiences and at times even embarrassingly crude or downright scammy because Apple doesn’t ship things that are detrimental to the user experience or embarrassingly crude — and certainly never with even a whiff of scamminess.

My theory is that’s why Apple isn’t allowing users to buy our way out of the ads. When streaming services like Netflix let you pay more money for ad-free tiers, it’s an explicit acknowledgement that the experience with ads is worse. Apple doesn’t offer ad-free tiers for the App Store or (soon) Apple Maps1 because, I think, they can’t bring themselves to admit that by adding ads to these services they have made them worse. If you refuse to admit that the ads make these services worse, you also can’t admit that there’s a reason to offer an ad-free experience. So the thinking is something like “Apple always focuses on the user experience, and never deliberately makes the user experience worse. Therefore, if an Apple service shows ads, those ads are high quality and don’t detract from the quality of the product or the experience of using it. Therefore, there’s no reason to offer users a paid ad-free tier, because there’s no reason to want to avoid Apple’s ads.”

It’s a textbook case of Upton Sinclair’s famous adage: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” The obvious truth is that Apple’s ads just plain suck. They are not good at advertising-based services. And it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re not good at advertising-based services, because the incentives for advertising-based services are in direct opposition to the incentives for everything Apple actually is good at. To wit: offering superior products worth paying a premium price for.

One can argue that an ad-free Apple Maps experience ought to be included with the price of the devices Apple sells. It’s even easier to argue that the App Store ought to be ad-free for everyone, based on its exclusive role in software distribution and the 15–30 percent commission Apple takes on every transaction. But if Apple simply made the App Store and Apple Maps ad-free for users paying for iCloud+ or Apple One, I’d stop complaining. That would make it clear: the full Apple experience requires not just an Apple device, but an Apple subscription. But the way things stand now, that ad-free experience isn’t even available.

Apple News is different because the inclusion of ads is controlled by the publishers, not by Apple. If you read Daring Fireball on Apple News, for example, you don’t see their crummy chumbox ads, because I don’t participate in that system. Most of the cringe-inducing ads I see in Apple News are seemingly sold through Apple Ads, though, so I’m not arguing that Apple isn’t ulimately responsible for the Apple News reading experience. I’m just saying they can’t just flip a switch and offer a paid-subscription no-ads Apple News experience without the agreement of every single participating publisher. The App Store and Apple Maps, however, are services under Apple’s complete control. Every ad shown in those apps is Apple’s choice to show. ↩︎

If you want to spice up and individualize your Apple Watch, here are the best and coolest faces out of the dozens of options.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

The enthusiastic response to Samsung’s wide Galaxy Z Fold8 suggests Apple’s similarly shaped folding iPhone could become a big hit.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Siri AI launches this fall in iOS 27, and after more than a month using the beta, I can happily say the new Siri delivers in every way I’d hoped for.

Today – and, admittedly, always – we refer fondly to John C. Dvorak as a “bloated gasbag” on the occasion of his passing at the age of 80.

John wrote and said things, seemingly at random, basically in order to get a rise out of people, not so much because he deeply believed them. Long before the rise of social media, Dvorak was an exemplary engagement farmer, a master of outrage bait, a troll king.

He certainly prompted us to spill reams of digital ink all over our pages for many years and we’ll miss him.

Here are just a few examples:

PC Magazine unceremoniously jettisons bloated gasbag John Dvorak – September 21, 2018
Dvorak: Is iPhone X Apple’s Vista? – November 1, 2017
Dvorak: Apple should spin off the Mac into a separate company – June 22, 2016
Dvorak on Apple Watch: ‘Yawn – I’m not going to buy one’ – September 10, 2014
Dvorak: A standing O for Apple’s new Mac Pro – June 11, 2013
Dvorak: ‘Microsoft’s Surface tablet isn’t the Apple iPad, so it shouldn’t be priced like one’ – October 18, 2012
Dvorak: I really cannot see much of a need for Apple iPad – October 22, 2010
Even a blind squirrel: John Dvorak finally gets something right about Apple – January 29, 2008
Dvorak: Apple’s MacBook Air unlikely to be much of a success – January 25, 2008
Dvorak finally uses a Mac: recommends Mac to friends and neighbors – July 26, 2007
Dvorak on Apple iPhone: ‘I think Apple can do wrong and I think this is it’ – January 13, 2007
Dvorak trolls: ‘Apple should pull the plug on the iPhone’ – March 28, 2007
Analyst called iPhone an ‘enigma’ but that doesn’t stop him from predicting its failure – March 28, 2007
Apple sells 450,000 of Dvorak’s ‘nutty’ Nike+iPod Sport Kits in under three months – September 13, 2006
Video: Dvorak admits to baiting Apple Mac users for hits – June 10, 2006
Dvorak thinks iPod+Nike Sport Kit is ‘nutty’ – May 24, 2006
Dvorak: ‘Apple Computer should change its name for good’ to avoid future Apple Corps litigation – March 29, 2006
Dvorak: Will Apple ditch Mac OS X for Microsoft’s Windows? – February 16, 2006

Here are some of the bloated gasbag’s greatest emissions:

• The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a “mouse.” There is no evidence that people want to use these things. — John C. Dvorak, 1984

• Apple should pull the plug on the iPhone… What Apple risks here is its reputation as a hot company that can do no wrong. If it’s smart it will call the iPhone a ‘reference design’ and pass it to some suckers to build with someone else’s marketing budget. Then it can wash its hands of any marketplace failures… Otherwise I’d advise people to cover their eyes. You are not going to like what you’ll see. — John C. Dvorak, 2007

• iPhone which doesn’t look, I mean to me, I’m looking at this thing and I think it’s kind of trending against, you know, what’s really going, what people are really liking on, in these phones nowadays, which are those little keypads. I mean, the Blackjack from Samsung, the Blackberry, obviously, you know kind of pushes this thing, the Palm, all these… And I guess some of these stocks went down on the Apple announcement, thinking that Apple could do no wrong, but I think Apple can do wrong and I think this is it. — John C. Dvorak, 2007

• The Apple iPad is not going to be the company’s next runaway best seller. — John C. Dvorak, 2010

• Within the decade, Microsoft should have a minimum of 300 stores. They should do as well as the Apple Stores. — John C. Dvorak, 2012

MacDailyNews Take: John, you bloated gasbag, you will be missed! R.I.P.

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If you don’t follow the automotive industry very closely, you might not be aware that Ford is embarking (again) on a big new electric vehicle program.

The Universal Electric Vehicle Platform is meant to be a highly streamlined and optimized way for Ford to create a variety of vehicles that deliver a great experience using fewer parts and manufacturing steps, with more components shared between vehicles. Essentially, applying the concepts that makes China’s EV designs so much more affordable to make.

The first vehicle on this new platform is due in 2027 and should be an affordable mid-sized electric truck with a starting price “around $30,000,” with other vehicles to follow quickly after.

Apple just announced that the in-car software component of this new platform will use Apple Maps for navigation. Specifically, it will use the MapKit for Automotive SDK, which means Ford will build its own experience using Apple’s map data, not that it will simply copy the interface experience you get using Apple Maps with CarPlay, for example.

Currently, most vehicles’ built-in navigation systems use map data from the likes of TomTom, OpenStreetMap, or Google, including Ford’s current Digital Experience, which uses “integrated Google apps and services like Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play.” Often, car makers will use more than one provider—one for broad navigation and traffic data or address locations and information, and others for finer street-level navigation or parking lots.

The press release says that Ford will rely on Apple Maps data for navigation, real-time traffic and incident information, and location data including search with place cards. Ford will also use road-level information from Apple Maps as part of the development of its next-generation BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability. CarPlay will continue to be available on upcoming Ford vehicles as well.

HSBC has become the latest Wall Street firm to show increased confidence in Apple upgrading the stock from Hold to Buy and raising its price target to $366 from $260.

Analyst Nicolas Cote-Colisson cited Apple’s “operational turning point,” improving iPhone demand, and a promising AI-driven product cycle as key factors behind the upgrade. The new target implies roughly 10-12% upside from recent trading levels around $325–$333.

“Apple is at an inflection point with a strong cycle ahead,” the note indicated, pointing to better-than-expected hardware momentum, services resilience, and the upcoming rollout of enhanced Apple Intelligence features. HSBC also outlined a blue-sky scenario that could push the target even higher if AI execution exceeds expectations.

This move follows several other recent analyst actions in July 2026:

• Citi raised its price target to $365 from $315 (Buy rating) on July 13, emphasizing market share gains and AI upside.

• KeyBanc downgraded the stock to Underweight with a $250 target on July 14, a more cautious outlier view.

• Earlier in the month, JPMorgan lifted its target to $345.

The adjustments come as investors gear up for Apple’s fiscal third-quarter earnings on July 30, 2026. Analysts will be watching iPhone sales trends, services growth, gross margins, and forward guidance into the fall launch season.

The consensus on AAPL is a Moderate Buy, with an average price target around $325–$330 across 30+ analysts. Bullish firms continue to highlight Apple’s ecosystem strength and AI potential as drivers for a multi-year growth story.

Apple shares have shown resilience in 2026, up significantly year-to-date, though they remain sensitive to macroeconomic factors and competition in premium smartphones.

MacDailyNews Take: KeyBanc is regularly wrong on Apple, so their recent downgrade is actually yet another positive sign for AAPL.

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OpenAI is relaunching Health in ChatGPT, the AI-powered feature that connects to Apple Health on iPhone. The relaunch comes with expanded access and a big step forward in results.

Apple TV has confirmed that “The Morning Show” will end after a fifth season in 2027. The series, which premiered in 2019 as one of the flagship original shows for the streaming service, stars and is executive produced by Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

The series is produced by Media Res and executive produced by Echo Films and Hello Sunshine. Charlotte Stoudt serves as showrunner and executive producer, while Mimi Leder directs and executive produces. Michael Ellenberg executive produces for Media Res, with additional executive producers including Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine and Kristin Hahn for Echo Films.

Statements from Key Participants

Jennifer Aniston, star and executive producer, said: “From the beginning, Apple has supported our vision for ‘The Morning Show.’ It’s been a privilege to work with this cast, writers, producers and crew. We’re excited to share this final season and to conclude the series intentionally.”

Reese Witherspoon, star and executive producer, said: “The past nine years producing and acting in ‘The Morning Show’ have been the honor of a lifetime. This was a show about why the newsroom matters, freedom of the press, and the role of journalists. Thank you to Apple, our writers, crew and cast.”

Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of worldwide video, said: “Seeing this series through from start to finish has been the joy of a lifetime. ‘The Morning Show’ helped launch Apple TV and delivered five seasons of television. We’re grateful to the entire team and look forward to the final chapter.”

Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of worldwide video, added: “Working with Jennifer, Reese, Michael, Mimi and Charlotte has been one of the great privileges of building Apple TV. We’re proud of the series and its impact.”

Michael Ellenberg, CEO and founder of Media Res, described the series as a significant project for the team: “We’ve been fortunate to connect with a global audience. We look forward to fans seeing the fifth and final season.”

Showrunner Charlotte Stoudt said: “For five seasons, these journalists have chased their dreams. Now we’ll see where their endeavors lead them. It’s been a privilege to write for this cast.”

Mimi Leder, executive producer and director, said: “It has been the honor and privilege of my career to bring this series from conception to conclusion. It’s been a meaningful journey.”

Cast and Production

The ensemble cast is led by Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie, and Jon Hamm. Season five will include new additions Jeff Daniels, Reneé Rapp, Jesse Williams, Sean Hayes, Lizzy Caplan and others.

“The Morning Show” is showrun and executive produced by Charlotte Stoudt and directed and executive produced by Mimi Leder. It is produced by Media Res, with executive producers including Michael Ellenberg, Stoudt, Leder, Witherspoon and Neustadter for Hello Sunshine, and Aniston and Hahn for Echo Films. Zander Lehmann and Micah Schraft also executive produce.

Season four, currently streaming, is set in spring 2024 following the UBA-NBN merger and explores themes of responsibility, truth, and media in a polarized environment.

Awards and Recognition

The series has received multiple award nominations and wins. Season three earned 16 Emmy nominations, with Billy Crudup winning his second Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The show has also received Critics Choice Awards, SAG Awards, and recognition from the American Film Institute.

MacDailyNews Take: For us, “The Morning Show” ended sometime early in season 3. Steve Carell’s Mitch Kessler was the glue that held our eyeballs. Without him, buh-bye.

However, despite losing us, seasons 3 and 4 both performed well enough for renewals. The show has remained culturally visible and continues to generate headlines. There have been no leaks or reports about catastrophic drops in viewership that typically precede abrupt cancellations. So, this reads as a mutual, planned ending rather than a forced cancellation due to bad numbers. Apple and the producers likely decided together that five seasons provided the right arc for the series, especially with expensive talent and a desire to end relatively strongly.

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Apple just announced that one of Apple TV’s first ever original series, The Morning Show, will be ending after season 5. Here are the details on the final season of The Morning Show.

Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro

View Deal

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It can be depressing shopping for a new MacBook following Apple’s price hikes, especially a high-end machine. Well, we’ve got some relief for you: Apple’s absolutely decked-out MacBook Pro is $400 off at B&H right now, marking one of the best deals we’ve seen for this model.

The MacBook Pro is always an excellent pick for anyone looking to get a professional laptop they’ll use for years to come. But when it comes with these specs, we can’t help but recommend it even more loudly, even when the price is $3,599. First of all, it comes with the M5 Pro 18-Core chip paired with a 20-Core GPU that packs a Neural Accelerator in every core. Then, it is backed up by a jaw-dropping 64GB of RAM and a super-speedy 1TB SSD. Whatever you want to do with it, this machine will handle every task you throw at it.

The laptop features a gorgeous 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1600 nits of brightness. Connectivity is not something you’ll ever complain about either, as the laptop comes packed with Thunderbolt 5 for blazing 120 Gb/s transfers, plus Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and MagSafe 3. This laptop’s battery life hits 24 hours, so you can leave the house without a charger any day.

Snag this impressive pro machine for $400 off before this deal expires over at B&H. You won’t need to upgrade for a very long time once you buy this MacBook Pro.

Apple Photos gets a variety of exciting upgrades in iOS 27, including a new feature that’s long been on my wishlist: the ability to save a video frame as a photo.

Apple and Ford on Thursday announced that Apple Maps will be integrated directly into Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform through Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK. Coming to Ford’s UEV Platform in 2027, this integration will deliver a beautiful and easy-to-use navigation experience powered by Apple Maps directly to the vehicle’s displays. Road-level Maps information will also enable Ford’s Latitude AI team to build a seamless hands-free driving experience.

Leveraging Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK, Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform will offer drivers turn-by-turn directions using natural language, real-time traffic and incident information, intuitive search featuring detailed place cards, and routing options to help users easily find the best route to their destination. Additionally, Ford UEV drivers will benefit from an intelligent EV routing functionality, including battery preconditioning. Ford will also use road-level information from Apple Maps as part of the development of its next-generation BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability to deliver a more seamless on-ramp-to-off-ramp experience.

“Apple Maps delivers the best map experience in the world, and we’re excited to bring the power of Maps’ navigation technology to Ford’s innovative Universal Electric Vehicle Platform,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services and Health, in a statement. “With our new MapKit for Automotive SDK, we’re bringing Maps further into drivers’ daily lives, giving them an incredibly accurate and easy-to-use navigation system that is seamlessly integrated into Ford vehicles.”

“Our new midsize electric vehicle will be priced around $30,000 and redefines what advanced technology can be — simple, useful, and truly attainable for more customers,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company’s CEO, in a statement. “We’re proud to embed Apple Maps’ navigation and mapping technology directly into our Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, giving customers the ultimate navigation experience alongside our Ford app, a full suite of software, and next-generation BlueCruise, all enabled by a new zonal architecture. Apple Maps has delivered a world-class product, and we’re honored to be among the first to embed it directly into a vehicle, helping define intuitive, capable driving.”

This integration is made possible by Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK, which allows automakers to embed and customize Apple Maps. The SDK also enables automakers to deliver a cohesive navigation experience for drivers that is consistent with the look and feel of their vehicles, and provides road-level information to help automakers build hands-free driving experiences. The SDK follows the same privacy principles that the Apple Maps app provides today. Apple does not collect users’ location details and activity on the vehicle’s map in a way that can be tied back to the individual user.

MacDailyNews Note: In addition to the integration of Apple Maps into Ford’s UEV Platform, CarPlay will continue to be available on Ford vehicles, providing drivers with a safe and smart way to use their iPhone in the car.

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On July 23, 2012, an Apple ad showed legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese giving Siri a go. It was fun, but not entirely realistic.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Apple TV on Thursday announced a new eight-episode dating documentary series, “The Last Person on Earth,” with New York Times bestselling author and renowned couples therapist Esther Perel. In the series, couples who appear to be opposites are expertly paired by Perel and a team of matchmakers and therapists, before embarking on an adventure in one of the world’s most romantic and remote destinations. With more single people than ever before and increasing levels of polarization and social isolation, this innovative experiment asks the question: could the last person on Earth you think you’d ever want to date end up being the one person you can’t live without? And will an unexpected pairing in paradise open their horizons and be the beginning of a life-changing relationship?

“Over the course of my career as a couples therapist, one truth has become undeniable: love may crave closeness, but desire is fueled by otherness,” said Perel in a statement. “‘The Last Person on Earth’ is a bold exploration of relationships that challenges everything we assume about compatibility; inviting people to drop the checklist and embrace dating as an adventure into the unknown. When we choose to step outside the narrow boundaries of what feels familiar or safe, passionate love stories can flourish.”
From Boldprint Studios, “The Last Person on Earth” is executive produced by Dan Gray, Lou Hutchinson and Phil Harris, with series director Josh Jacobs. Olly Lambert also serves as director on the series.

Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 850 wins and 3,800 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.

MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.

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The Black Friday in July Apple deals roll on with discounts on AirPods Pro 3 and $100 off AirPods Max 2, as well as the lowest price to date on the new AirTag 2 – we have collected everything for you right here. But 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Apple’s most affordable 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $300 off as well as the 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro with the 96W Apple charger upgrade at $320 off. We also have Black Friday in July Apple Watch Series 11 deals still live from $299 as well as a new all-time low on one of the best 25W MagSafe charging stands out there – Satechi’s 25W Space Black metal 3-in-1 model is now 40% off. Head blew for a closer look at everything. 

iPad is a great option for students, writers, artists and many more. But not developers. It’s time to change that.

(via Cult of Mac – Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Google Accounts are gaining a new “selfie video” sign-in method that can be handy if you lose your phone or passkeys.