From time to time, Apple shares real-life stories of users who received potentially life-saving help from the Apple Watch’s safety features.

Today, the company published a new video recounting how Fall Detection and Emergency SOS helped rescue an injured cyclist. You can watch it below.

In what marks one of its most significant retail model overhauls in years, Apple is preparing to roll out a broad new device leasing initiative called “Apple Upgrade” on July 28th.

Partnering with Swedish financial tech company Klarna Group Plc, the tech giant will allow U.S. customers to lease most models of iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches with low monthly installments, expanding hardware subscriptions far beyond its traditional phone-only offerings.

Key Details of the ‘Apple Upgrade’ Program

• Partner Bank: Klarna Group Plc (soft credit check required)

• Supported Hardware: Select iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches

• Lease Durations
– 24 months: iPhones & Apple Watches
– 36 months: Macs & iPads

• End-of-Term Options: Upgrade early, pay off balance to own, continue monthly payments, or return device

• Notable Exclusions: Apple Watch SE, entry-level iPad, iPhone 16, MacBook Neo

• Protection Plan: AppleCare+ not bundled (available as an optional add-on)

A Broader Reach Across Apple’s Hardware Ecosystem

For over a decade, Apple’s hardware installment options were anchored by its legacy iPhone Upgrade Program, launched in September 2015 in partnership with Citizens Bank. However, that program was restricted strictly to iPhones and bundled AppleCare+ into every plan.

Under the new arrangement with Klarna, Apple aims to address softening hardware demand and recent supply-chain cost spikes by softening the upfront price tag across almost its entire lineup. Customers will no longer be limited to mobile devices; for the first time, high-end MacBooks and iPads can be structured as multi-year leases directly through Apple Stores and the Apple Online Store.

Trade-Offs and Exclusions

While the new leasing options make expensive hardware more accessible, the service is said to come with a few notable catches:

• No Bundled AppleCare+: Unlike the legacy iPhone Upgrade Program, base monthly payments on Apple Upgrade will only cover the hardware cost. Users wanting theft, loss, or damage coverage must purchase AppleCare+ separately.

• Entry-Level Exclusion: According to reports, Apple is intentionally excluding lower-priced budget devices—such as the Apple Watch SE, base-model iPad, older-generation iPhone 16, and MacBook Neo—to encourage buyers toward mid- and high-tier hardware.

• Sunsetting the Old Guard: With Apple Upgrade launching, Apple plans to stop accepting new enrollments for the original iPhone Upgrade Program, though existing members will be permitted to complete their current terms.

MacDailyNews Take: The new program arrives at a critical moment as average selling prices for consumer tech continue to rise. By framing flagship hardware purchases as digestible monthly subscriptions, Apple hopes to keep ecosystem upgrades steady despite broader macroeconomic pressures. Shifting the financing backend to a third-party partner like Klarna allows Apple to expand leasing across nearly its entire hardware portfolio without taking the credit risk directly onto its own balance sheet.

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Apple is working on a second-generation iPhone Air, and it could address several key limitations of the current model. Here’s everything we know about the iPhone Air 2, including features, release date, and more.

With the premiere just a few weeks away, Apple TV today released the trailer for Women in Blue season two. Watch it below.

Apple is internally prototyping a significantly larger smartphone display, pushing the boundaries of iPhone screen size for its highly anticipated 20th anniversary flagship expected in 2027.

According to reliable Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing a display that measures approximately 6.96 inches diagonally. If it enters production, the company would likely market it as a full 7-inch panel for the top-tier iPhone 20 Pro Max. The aspect ratio remains consistent with the current iPhone 17 Pro Max, suggesting the increase comes primarily from reduced bezels and possibly advanced curved-edge technology rather than a drastic redesign of the screen proportions.

This development aligns with earlier reports from Bloomberg News indicating that Apple has been ramping up work on multiple size options for the commemorative 20th anniversary iPhone. Rumors have consistently pointed to a near-borderless design featuring micro-curved OLED panels and “liquid glass” edges for an immersive, almost seamless visual experience.

Context on iPhone Screen Evolution

Apple has been gradually increasing the size of its premium iPhones in recent years:

• The iPhone 16 Pro series (2024) introduced 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, up from 6.1 and 6.7 inches on the prior generation, thanks to slimmer bezels.

• The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to retain the same dimensions as the current 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch lineup.

The potential jump to a 7-inch display for the 2027 model would represent the largest iPhone screen ever, positioning it firmly in phablet territory and emphasizing the anniversary device as a premium, forward-looking showcase of Apple’s display technology.

Whether this prototype ultimately makes it into the final iPhone 20 Pro Max remains uncertain, as Apple frequently tests multiple configurations before committing to production. However, the rumor marks the first concrete report of a screen size increase specifically tied to the anniversary edition.

MacDailyNews Take: Bring it on!

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Code found in the iOS 27 beta suggests Apple has built a system that could restrict leased devices when customers fall behind on payments. Here are the details.

Apple’s new flagship iPhone 18 Pro and companion models are expected to be unveiled this fall, following the same pattern the company has kept for years. Here’s when to expect the iPhone 18 Pro announcement and release date, plus details on the lineup.

Apple Invites just got its second app update this summer, adding two new digital invitation features for users.

Today Bloomberg reported that Apple is about to launch a new ‘Apple Upgrade’ leasing program for hardware. It will let you buy new Apple products on a monthly subscription, but there’s one reported limitation that I hope doesn’t come to fruition.

In Apple TV’s new movie, “The Dink,” washed-up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck’s vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, taking away his ability to play tennis, he resorts to the unthinkable in the name of rehab. He not only tries pickleball, but, thanks in part to his enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he finds himself actually enjoying it. Torn between two worlds, Dusty is forced to finally face the ghosts of his past athletic failures, including his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick (Andy Roddick). Ultimately, Dusty is drawn into a desperate battle for the future of the club, his father’s affection and his very identity.

“The Dink” is a laugh-out-loud underdog story from producer Ben Stiller (“Dodgeball”), directed by Josh Greenbaum (“Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”) from a script written by Sean Clements (“Workaholics”). The all-star cast includes Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, and Aaron Chen, with Andy Roddick and Ben Stiller.

Carla Meyer for the San Francisco Chronicle:
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In the consistently funny Apple TV movie “The Dink,” Jake Johnson does Will Ferrell better than Ferrell.

A broad, intentionally stupid sports comedy centered on pickleball, “The Dink” pays homage to the ‘00s sub-subgenre that included the gems “Dodgeball” and “Talladega Nights” and duds “Blades of Glory” and “Semi-Pro,” themselves all spiritual descendants of “Caddyshack” (1980).

Ferrell, star of three aforementioned movies, returned to the well recently for his Netflix series “The Hawk.” But “The Dink” is the superior product, largely because of Johnson (“New Girl,” “Minx”), the thinking person’s ne’er-do-well…

Such full commitment to risky comedic asides evokes “Barb and Star,” the sublimely dumb 2021 Kristen Wiig comedy that was released on VOD rather than in theaters because of the pandemic. A cult favorite at the time, it has picked up critical steam since.

Despite a plot that goes in and out of consciousness and a 102-minute runtime that approaches bloat, “The Dink” matches “Barb and Star” in laughs per scene, and eventually, a sense of hopefulness.

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MacDailyNews Take: Sounds like another hit for Apple TV!

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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Sometimes a small change can make a big impact. That’s especially true for Apple’s latest TestFlight update for users with a lot of pre-release software.

The Dink is a new film premiering on Apple TV later this week from producer Ben Stiller, and the first reviews have just arrived. Here’s what reviewers are saying.

OpenAI has announced a new initiative called the ChatGPT for small business program. Meanwhile, the company touts reaching 10M ChatGPT Work and Codex users.

Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first folding iPhone, widely rumored to be branded as the iPhone Ultra (or simply “iPhone Fold”). Expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026, the device marks a major milestone in Apple’s mobile strategy after years of development focused on solving the durability issues that plagued early market rivals.

Design: Passport Profile, Titanium Frame, and Liquidmetal Hinge

• Form Factor: The device adopts a book-style horizontal fold (opening like a book) rather than a vertical flip form factor. When closed, it features a wider “passport-style” profile—more similar to the original Google Pixel Fold than Samsung’s narrower Z Fold series.

• Dimensions: Rumored chassis measurements point to an ultrathin design: roughly 4.5–4.8 mm unfolded and 9.0–9.5 mm folded.

• Liquidmetal & Hinge Tech: Apple is widely reported to be using Liquidmetal (bulk metallic glass) for key internal hinge components. Unlike standard crystalline metals, this alloy has an amorphous, glass-like atomic structure that offers exceptional elasticity, high yield strength, and superior wear resistance. This design choice allows the hinge to withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without loosening or deforming, while working alongside 3D-printed titanium support plates and chemically treated ultra-thin glass (UTG) to minimize screen creasing.

• Biometrics & Hardware: Due to the ultra-slim profile when unfolded, Face ID hardware may be replaced by a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. Wireless charging and MagSafe compatibility are expected to remain, supported by a specialized back plate structure.

Display: Dual Screens Built for Multitasking

• Inner Display: A 7.7–7.8-inch flexible OLED panel with a roughly 4:3 aspect ratio, giving users an iPad mini-like workspace when unfolded.

• Outer Display: A 5.3–5.5-inch cover screen optimized for quick single-handed tasks when folded.

• Software Experience: The foldable runs a customized version of iOS with adaptive multitasking features designed for multi-window layouts and intermediate angle positions.

Performance and Hardware Specs

• Processor: Powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 chip (built on a 2nm process) and paired with Apple’s custom C-series cellular modem.

• Memory & Storage: Equipped with 12GB of RAM to handle heavy multitasking and Apple Intelligence on-device AI features.

• Battery: Features a split dual-battery design with a combined capacity of around 5,000–5,500 mAh—making it one of the largest battery systems ever put into an iPhone.

• Camera System: Expected to feature a premium multi-camera array engineered specifically for thin housings, utilizing advanced folded optics (periscope layout).

Pricing and Release Timeline

• Launch Window: Target release is September 2026 alongside the flagship iPhone 18 Pro lineup, though initial supply may be constrained.

• Price Point: Positioned as an ultra-premium flagship, pricing is expected to start between $2,000 and $2,500, placing it well above the Pro Max tier.
‎
MacDailyNews Take: Those who want to get their foldable iPhones before Christmas: Order in the first minute of pre-orders!

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Recently 404 Media reported on a vulnerability with the iCloud+ ‘Hide My Email’ feature that allowed anyone to access a user’s real email address. Now, Apple says the issue has officially been fixed.

Apple could soon launch Apple Upgrade, a new subscription-style leasing program for Mac, iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch.

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

Apple will soon be offering a new leasing program for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Called Apple Upgrade, the program will reportedly be available starting on July 28.

If you’re familiar with car leasing or the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, you’ll find that Apple Upgrade works similarly. Customers choose an iPhone to purchase, which is divided evenly among 24 monthly payments. Assuming payments are made on time, users can choose to upgrade to a new model after 12 payments, keep the device at the end of the lease, or return the device. Some additional fees may be incurred, and a soft credit check is required for approval.

iPhone and Apple Watch leases will be for 24 months, while Macs and iPads will have 36-month leases, Gurman reports. It’s unclear whether users will be able to upgrade after 12 payments like the iPhone program.

One major limitation is that some devices are not available through Apple Upgrade. Gurman reports that the Apple Watch SE, iPhone 16, entry-level iPad, and the MacBook Neo will not be available through the program. It’s not clear whether the program includes the iPhone 17e, which is currently ineligible for the iPhone Upgrade program.

AppleCare also appears not to be required in Apple Upgrade leases, while it is part of purchases made with the iPhone Upgrade Program. Business and education purchases are not eligible for Apple Upgrade.

BREAKING: Apple will launch Apple Upgrade next week, an iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch leasing/subscription program. It’s partnering with Klarna to launch in the U.S. at online and retail stores. www.bloomberg.com/news/article…

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman.bsky.social) 2026-07-21T15:14:37.463Z

Apple Upgrade is financially backed by Klarna, a financial services company that is known for its buy-now-pay-later programs. Gurman reported years ago that Apple “had been eyeing its own in-house iPhone and hardware subscription program” four years ago, but he says Apple abandoned the plan in 2024.

Apple Upgrade comes just a month after the company announced price hikes for Macs and iPads. Apple did not change prices for iPhones and Apple Watches, but the company is expected to release new versions of these devices in the fall, which could bring higher prices.

Apple is set to roll out a major new device financing program called “Apple Upgrade,” partnering with Swedish fintech Klarna Group Plc, in a significant new option for Apple hardware customers.

The program, scheduled to launch on July 28th, will allow U.S. customers to lease most models of iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches through Apple Stores and online. It requires only a simple credit check and is designed to address softening demand and higher device prices by offering more affordable monthly payments.

Bloomberg News reports that according to people familiar with the matter, Apple Upgrade marks one of the biggest changes to the company’s sales model in years. Lease terms will be 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches, and 36 months for Macs and iPads. Customers will have flexibility at the end of the term: upgrade to a newer device early, pay off the balance to own it outright, keep making payments, or return the device.

The initiative builds on — and in many ways replaces — Apple’s existing iPhone Upgrade Program. By working with Klarna as the financial backer, Apple aims to spur sales without directly shouldering the full credit risk, while making premium devices more attainable as average selling prices continue to climb.

Notable details and limitations include:

• AppleCare+ is not included in the base lease (customers can add it separately).

• Certain newer models, such as the iPhone 16 series, may initially be excluded.

• Availability is currently limited to the U.S. market.

Consumer reactions have been mixed. Proponents see it as a convenient way to stay on the cutting edge of Apple’s ecosystem with lower upfront costs, while critics worry it could encourage perpetual leasing over ownership and increase long-term spending for users who frequently upgrade.

This move comes as Apple faces pressure to innovate its services and hardware sales amid a competitive landscape and macroeconomic challenges. The partnership with Klarna, known for its “buy now, pay later” services, could also expand into broader financing options in the future.
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MacDailyNews Take: The program comes on the heels of recent price increases across iPad and Mac lines driven by component cost inflation, aiming to keep monthly friction low for consumers even as average selling prices rise. Shifting the financing backend to Klarna allows Apple to expand leasing across nearly its entire hardware portfolio without carrying credit risk on its own balance sheet.

The news has boosted AAPL shares into the green.

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Apple will reportedly launch a new “Apple Upgrade” leasing program next week. As part of that, the company is reportedly planning to wind down its existing iPhone Upgrade Program.

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Apple makes great computers, but apart from the $599 MacBook Neo and $799 Mac mini, they aren’t cheap. Even if you’re happy to pay the starting price for a new iMac or MacBook Pro, upgrading the specifications—adding more RAM or storage, for example—can quickly add hundreds of dollars or pounds to the cost. The good news is that you don’t always have to pay full price.

You can find a previous generation Mac—and sometimes even the current generation model—on sale for less at Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store. U.K. shoppers will find their local Apple Certified Refurbished store here.

Apple isn’t the only place to buy a refurbished Mac. Many retailers sell refurbished and used Macs, but the quality, warranty, and refurbishment process can vary considerably. In this guide, we’ll explain what to look for, what to avoid, and which retailers you can trust, so you can buy with confidence.

We’ll also explain how Apple’s Certified Refurbished program works, how much you can expect to save, where else to find reliable refurbished Macs, and highlight some of the best refurbished Mac deals available right now.

If you’re still unsure whether refurbished is the right choice, see our guide: Should you buy a refurbished Mac? Pros, cons, savings, and what to avoid, which compares refurbished Macs with buying new or secondhand.

Best place to buy a refurbished Mac: Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store

Apple

The best place to buy a refurbished Mac is the Apple Certified Refurbished Store, a dedicated section of Apple’s website where the company sells pre-owned Macs, iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches, and accessories that have been returned by customers or used as demonstration models, then thoroughly tested and restored to like-new condition. It offers the safest and most reliable way to buy a refurbished Mac.

Apple’s refurbishment process is uniquely rigorous. Apple puts every device through a stringent process that includes full functional testing, thorough cleaning, and inspection to meet the same standards as new products. This means a refurbished Mac from Apple is virtually indistinguishable from a brand-new one.

The key benefits include:

Full Warranty & Support: Every Mac comes with a standard one-year limited warranty, 90 days of complimentary technical support, and the option to purchase AppleCare+ for extended coverage.

Like-New Condition: Devices are cleaned, inspected, and repackaged in a new box with all original accessories and cables.

Genuine Parts: Any necessary replacements use genuine Apple parts.

Avoid price-hikes: As of July 2026, the Apple Refurbished Store has become an even more compelling option due to recent price hikes on new models. Original pricing has been preserved on refurbished models, allowing you to effectively sidestep the recent $300 to $500 increases on new MacBook Pro models.

Apple Certified Refurbished Macs are usually around 15% to 30% cheaper than buying brand new. You can save between 15–20% on recent models, and sometimes find deeper discounts available on older, discontinued configurations.

Best Mac deals on the Apple Refurbished Store

Apple

These deals change frequently so may not be still on offer when you are reading this, but the links will send you to the right place to look for what you need.

U.S. Apple refurbished Mac deals

MacBook Neo on the Apple Refurbished Store – $100 off (original price)

MacBook Air on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from $200 to $300

MacBook Pro on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from $220 to $750

iMac on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from $230 to $320

Mac mini on the Apple Refurbished Store – unavailable

Mac Studio on the Apple Refurbished Store – unavailable

U.K. Apple refurbished Mac deals

MacBook Neo on the Apple Refurbished Store – £100 off (original price)

MacBook Air on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from £200 to £270

MacBook Pro on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from £290 to £750

iMac on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from £230 to £320

Mac mini on the Apple Refurbished Store – save from £120

Mac Studio on the Apple Refurbished Store – unavailable

Savings checked: July 21, 2026.

Where to buy refurbished Macs

Apple isn’t the only company to resell second-hand, refurbished Macs. You could also pick up a refurbished and reconditioned Mac from resellers listed below.

We’d advise that you are a little more cautious if it isn’t Apple selling the refurbished Mac, and we recommend that you don’t buy a very old Mac, even if it has been refurbished.

These Apple Resellers and Refurbishment specialists who will also sell you a secondhand Mac that has been thoroughly checked over:

In the U.S.:

Apple: Pre-owned Apple devices that have been fully tested, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and backed by the same one-year warranty and AppleCare eligibility as new products

Amazon: Professionally inspected, tested, and guaranteed pre-owned Macs from approved sellers that are backed by Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee.

Back Market: Online marketplace that connects buyers with vetted third-party refurbishers selling professionally tested used Macs at discounted prices, backed by a 12-month warranty.

Best Buy: Best Buy offers refurbished Macs that have been inspected, tested and restored to full working order. Limited warranty and return policy.

Gainsaver: Professionally refurbished Macs that are thoroughly tested, cleaned, repaired. Can be customized with upgraded RAM, storage, and macOS versions. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and warranties.

OWC: Offers refurbished macs that are professionally tested, restored and backed by a warranty.

Mac Of All Trades: Professionally refurbished Apple Macs, iPads and accessories, including a warranty.

Refurb.me: A price-comparison website that helps you find and compare refurbished Apple products from Apple and other refurbishers, with alerts when your chosen configuration becomes available.

In the U.K.:

Apple: Pre-owned Apple devices that have been fully tested, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and backed by the same one-year warranty and AppleCare eligibility as new products

Amazon: Professionally inspected, tested, and guaranteed pre-owned Macs from approved sellers that are backed by Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee.

BackMarket: Online marketplace that connects buyers with vetted third-party refurbishers selling professionally tested used Macs at discounted prices, backed by a 12-month warranty.

Hoxton Macs: A refurbished Apple specialist that sells professionally tested, graded, and warrantied used Macs, MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones.

Laptops Direct: Sells professionally refurbished MacBooks and other Apple devices in graded cosmetic conditions.

MacFinder: Specialist retailer that buys, refurbishes, and sells Apple devices, offering certified used Macs, MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads with a one-year warranty. Offers trade-in services.

Music Magpie: Sells certified refurbished MacBooks, iMacs and Mac minis that have been professionally tested, repaired where necessary, graded by cosmetic condition, and backed by a 12-month warranty. In the U.S. they were known as Decluttr, but that business closed.

The iOutlet: Refurbished electronics retailer offering a wide selection of professionally tested and graded MacBooks, iMacs, Mac minis and Mac Pros with a 12-month warranty.

Mac4Sale: Sells professionally refurbished Macs and MacBooks, with devices tested through a multi-step refurbishment process and backed by a one-year warranty.

Buying a refurbished Mac: Check List

Foundry

Buying a refurbished Mac can be a fantastic way to save money, but there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure you get a reliable machine. Here’s a checklist of the most important considerations:

Buy from Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store: If possible, buy directly from Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store. Every Mac is thoroughly tested, repaired if necessary using genuine Apple parts, cleaned, and restored to like-new condition. You also get a one-year warranty, 90 days of technical support, and the option to add AppleCare+.

Be careful with third-party sellers: Many retailers sell refurbished Macs, but refurbishment standards vary. Check that the Mac has been fully tested, any faulty parts have been replaced, and that it includes a meaningful warranty. Also confirm whether genuine Apple parts were used, as some sellers use third-party components.

Avoid Intel Macs: Choose an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, M4, or M5). Intel Macs are reaching the end of their supported life and will receive fewer macOS and security updates. As a general rule, avoid buying refurbished Macs that are more than five years old.

Compare refurbished prices with new deals: A refurbished Mac isn’t always the cheapest option. Amazon and other Apple resellers frequently discount brand-new or previous-generation Macs, sometimes making them better value than Apple’s refurbished prices. Before buying, compare prices with our latest guides:

Where to buy a Mac or MacBook

Best MacBook Neo deals

Best MacBook Air deals

Best MacBook Pro deals

Best iMac deals

Best Mac mini deals

It’s not unusual to find a brand-new Mac selling for the same price—or even less—than an equivalent refurbished model.

Avoid buying from a private seller: A used Mac sold privately may be cheaper, but it’s usually sold as-is, with no warranty and no guarantee that it’s fully functional or free of Activation Lock. Paying a little more for a properly refurbished Mac gives you warranty protection, quality checks, and much greater peace of mind.

How much cheaper are refurbished Macs and MacBooks?

The price for reconditioned Macs on Apple’s Refurbished Store changes frequently, but is typically 15 percent less than the original price. As you can see from the prices quoted above, in some cases savings run to $750, but that’s on the more expensive configurations.

With Macs commanding a high retail price, the savings can make quite a significant difference, though.

Even when buying from Apple, there are trade-offs to consider:

Limited and Inconsistent Stock: You may not find the exact configuration, color, or storage you want. Stock changes daily, so you might need to check back regularly.

Older Models: Current-generation Macs usually don’t appear in the refurbished store until several months after launch.

Discounts Aren’t Always the Best: Sometimes, clearance sales on brand-new, previous-generation models from third-party retailers can be cheaper than a refurbished model, especially during sales events like Black Friday.

What if I have a problem with a refurbished Mac?

Ida Blix

If you buy from Apple you are in good hands. Apple states: “All Refurbished Mac models include full functional testing, genuine Apple part replacements (if necessary), a thorough cleaning, the original Operating System or a more recent version, a brand new box with all accessories and cables.”

More importantly, a reconditioned Mac or MacBook from Apple comes with a one-year warranty (extendable to three years with AppleCare protection). You also get the same sales and return procedure with Apple as you would with any new model, so you can return a Mac bought from the Refurbished Store within 14 days if you’re not happy with it. (But note you’ll have to post it back, as Apple will not accept returns to a physical Apple Store on refurbished products).

Not that we think you will need to return your Mac. We have plenty of experience buying from Apple’s Refurbished Store and have yet to pick up a Mac from the Refurbished Store and find it wanting.

Want to sell an old Mac? Here are our recommendations: How to sell a Mac or MacBook. You can also trade in your Mac to save money on a new one, including trading in your old Mac at Apple.

TSMC is raising chip prices by up to 10% starting in 2027, and that could trigger an iPhone price hike down the line.

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

Joining the ongoing summer price drops on AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 at $100 off, we are also featuring the return of Prime Day all-time low pricing on AirTag 2. But today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by M5 MacBook Pro with the upgraded 24GB of RAM and 96W charger at $320 off alongside all base model Apple Watch Series 11 colors back in-stock at $100 off. From there, we also have a rare chance at savings on the Philips Hue Bridge Pro as well as new all-time lows on Satechi’s 2026 Space Black metal 25W 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station at 30% off and the brand’s Mac mini-style Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock at $100 off. Get a closer look below. 

A group of 25 U.S. lawmakers has sent a letter to President Trump calling on his administration to confront the European Union’s digital regulations, which they describe as discriminatory policies aimed at American technology giants.

In the letter, obtained by Reuters, the Republican lawmakers – including key members of the House trade subcommittee – urged the president to consider launching Section 301 investigations under U.S. trade law. Such probes could pave the way for tariffs or other retaliatory measures against the EU if talks fail to resolve the issues.

The central target of the complaint is the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which designates major U.S. companies – including Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Booking Holdings – as “gatekeepers” subject to strict behavioral rules. Lawmakers argue the rules unfairly burden American firms while sparing European and Chinese competitors.

Key concerns raised in the letter:

• Cloud services: The likely inclusion of Amazon Web Services and Microsoft’s cloud business under DMA oversight would impose “unprecedented regulatory burdens” not faced by European or Chinese rivals.

• Google fines: An expected European Commission fine against Google this week for alleged DMA violations ignores the company’s significant changes to its search services.

• Inconsistent enforcement: Apple, Meta, and Amazon have been labeled gatekeepers based on user numbers in Europe, while Chinese platforms like Temu and AliExpress have been excluded.

“We write to bring to your attention the many ways the EU continues to pursue anti-competitive acts, policies, and practices as a tool of economic extraction and regulatory coercion against American firms,” the letter states. It warns that EU access to the U.S. market “is not guaranteed” if the discriminatory practices continue.

The pressure on the issue predates Trump’s return to the White House. In October 2024, even before the election, Apple CEO Tim Cook personally called then-candidate Trump to voice concerns over EU fines and regulations affecting the company, including the Digital Markets Act and a major tax ruling. Trump later publicly referenced the call, signaling his willingness to push back against what he viewed as unfair European penalties on U.S. firms.

The European Commission has not yet responded to the letter. It maintains that its rules apply neutrally to promote fair competition and do not single out any country.

This latest congressional push aligns with President Trump’s long-standing criticism of EU digital policies and could signal a more aggressive U.S. trade posture toward Brussels in the coming months. Lawmakers emphasized that dialogue should be attempted first, but “all available tools” – including tariffs – remain on the table if needed.

The move highlights ongoing transatlantic tensions over technology regulation, data privacy, and market access that have persisted for years and are now poised to test the new Trump administration’s approach to international trade.

MacDailyNews Take: Good. The DMA does far more harm than good.

The European Union arose because the Europeans couldn’t compete on their own with the rest of the world, so they each lined up to surrender their national sovereignty, unique cultures, and dignity for an undemocratic, opaque, wasteful, bloated, bureaucratic quasi-governmental blob – and, even with the EU’s thumbs all over the scale, they still can’t compete. – MacDailyNews, March 4, 2024

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Apple will launch a new “Apple Upgrade” leasing program later this month, according to a new report from Bloomberg. “Apple plans to advertise the program as a way to have lower payments versus current financing programs,” the report says.

Here’s how it will work.

Meta has quietly released a new iPhone app that uses AI to create personalized children’s stories, complete with illustrations, narration, and original music.

In macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple has put extra effort into bug fixes and performance enhancements. And so far in the beta, my top quality-of-life improvement involves a Messages fix when logging in to my Mac.

On July 21, 1999, Apple debuted the iBook, a colorful laptop that resembled the iMac G3 and helped introduce the world to Wi-Fi.

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

On July 21, 1999, Apple debuted the iBook, a colorful laptop that resembled the iMac G3 and helped introduce the world to Wi-Fi.

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

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) – 4 pack

View Deal

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It’s time to get some new Bluetooth trackers now that Apple’s 2nd-gen AirTags are on sale! You can grab a four-pack for $89 right now, which is good for 10 percent off or about $22 each — the best deal we’ve yet to see for this new model. This second-gen AirTag fixes some small annoyances we had with the 1st-gen and makes keeping track of your things a lot easier.

First of all, the speaker is louder in these new trackers, making it easier to hear the ringing when you’re trying to locate your misplaced keys, for instance. Pair that with upgraded Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth chips, and you can ping your stuff noticeably farther away than before.

The Precision Finding feature is also better, so you can get step-by-step directions to find the items on your iPhone and your Apple Watch. Battery life is not something that you’ll have to worry about either, because the battery will last more than a year. Also, when the power drains, you can just swap it out with a standard CR2032 3V lithium coin battery.

We do have to admit that at $89, the new AirTags are still one of the most expensive trackers. It’s also quite annoying that Apple has kept the same design, and you need to buy extra accessories to be able to hook them to your keyring. Still, at $89 for four, there’s no beating Apple’s AirTags if you want Bluetooth trackers so you always know where your keys and luggage are.

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) – 4 pack

View Deal

(function () {
document.querySelector(“#sticky-promo-block a”).addEventListener(“click”, function(e) {
const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1;
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const data = {
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eventLabel: text
};

if(debug)console.log(“Sticky Conversion CLick – pushing to dataLayer: “, data);
dataLayer.push(data);
return true;
});
})();

It’s time to get some new Bluetooth trackers now that Apple’s 2nd-gen AirTags are on sale! You can grab a four-pack for $89 right now, which is good for 10 percent off or about $22 each — the best deal we’ve yet to see for this new model. This second-gen AirTag fixes some small annoyances we had with the 1st-gen and makes keeping track of your things a lot easier.

First of all, the speaker is louder in these new trackers, making it easier to hear the ringing when you’re trying to locate your misplaced keys, for instance. Pair that with upgraded Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth chips, and you can ping your stuff noticeably farther away than before.

The Precision Finding feature is also better, so you can get step-by-step directions to find the items on your iPhone and your Apple Watch. Battery life is not something that you’ll have to worry about either, because the battery will last more than a year. Also, when the power drains, you can just swap it out with a standard CR2032 3V lithium coin battery.

We do have to admit that at $89, the new AirTags are still one of the most expensive trackers. It’s also quite annoying that Apple has kept the same design, and you need to buy extra accessories to be able to hook them to your keyring. Still, at $89 for four, there’s no beating Apple’s AirTags if you want Bluetooth trackers so you always know where your keys and luggage are.

Apple TV on Tuesday unveiled the trailer for the highly anticipated second season of Spanish-language crime drama “Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”). Created by International Emmy Award-winning showrunner and director Fernando Rovzar (“Monarca”) and Pablo Aramendi (“Tijuana”), “Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”) season two will make its global debut on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 on Apple TV, followed by one episode weekly through September 30.

“Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”) season two will follow María (Bárbara Mori), now promoted to lieutenant, as she finds herself torn between the rules she’s sworn to uphold and a relentless pull toward the truth when the body of a student activist is discovered, and the Azules are pulled into an investigation that reaches back to the student massacre of 1968. Before they can make sense of what they’ve found, the body of a person connected to that brutal chapter of history is unearthed, sending shock waves through the department. Someone is delivering justice straight to the police’s door, and the Azules are the department’s last hope of stopping the killer. As María, Valentina (Natalia Téllez), Gabina (Amorita Rasgado) and Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana) fight battles both inside and outside the precinct, buried truths rise to the surface and they’re forced to confront an uncomfortable question: in a system plagued with corruption, what is the cost of fighting for their ideals?

In addition to Mori, Sariñana, Téllez and Rasgado, the series also stars Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappan, Horacio García Rojas and Bruno Bichir.

“Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”) is produced by Lemon Studios for Apple TV and is created by Rovzar and Aramendi. Rovzar, Emmy Award nominee Wendy Riss (“Yellowstone”), Alejandro Lozano (“Control Z”), Erica Sánchez Su (“Monarca”), and International Emmy Award winner Billy Rovzar (“Monarca”) serve as executive producers.

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 Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charge Stand fast charges an iPhone, and juices up three other devices, too. We went hands-on.

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

The Apple Watch is undoubtedly one of the most capable wearables on the market, but not everyone wants a device that needs to be recharged daily and constantly demands their attention.

The majority of you have long agreed with me that Apple should also make a smart ring, and today’s launch of the Garmin Cirqa Smart Band adds to the evidence of growing demand for screen-free activity trackers …

A new leak claims Apple is testing a display larger than any before to go into 20th-anniversary iPhone 20 Pro Max.

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

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have the same screen sizes as their predecessors, but rumors indicate their displays will be upgraded in two other ways. Here’s what’s coming.

Back in 2024, Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro Max with one of the largest smartphone screens ever made, jumping from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches. Now, a new report claims that Apple is looking to take it even further for its 20th anniversary phone.

According to prolific leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo (via Macrumors), Apple is testing a 7-inch screen for next year’s overhaul, which is expected to feature a “quad-curved screen” along with other design upgrades. Granted, a tenth of an inch (3mm) isn’t that big of a deal, and with the rumored decrease in bezel size, it probably won’t even be all that noticeable, but Apple will surely market it as the largest iPhone ever.

Considering it’s more than a year away, we’ve heard a surprisingly large number of rumors about the 20th anniversary iPhone. According to reports, Apple is planning to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone much in the way it marked the 10th anniversary, with a massive redesign that sets the stage for the next 10 years.

The handset is expected to feature a near-bezel-less screen with a curved design all around, with a small hole for the camera. It’s also supposed to feature haptic buttons and an upgraded camera system.

Back in 2017, Apple unveiled the iPhone X with a dramatic redesign that dumped the Home button, added more than an inch to the screen size, and introduced the camera notch. The original iPhone X was just a single model with a 5.8-inch display, with the larger models arriving later.

New ClickLock malware locks your Mac until you hand over your password. Here’s how to protect yourself.

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

Future-proof your home network with a near-mint refurbished Asus RT-BE92U Wi-Fi 7 router, offering low latency and built-in security.

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

Apple Silicon supplier TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, is planning to increase prices for both its cutting-edge and mature chip production services by up to 10% beginning in 2027, according to Nikkei Asia which cites sources familiar with the matter.

The hikes aim to offset surging costs for materials, manufacturing equipment, and the construction of new overseas fabrication plants. Negotiations with clients began around June and were finalized in July, with the new pricing scheduled to take effect at the start of 2027.

For advanced process technologies at the 7-nanometer node and below — which accounted for about 77% of TSMC’s revenue in the most recent April-June quarter — base price increases will range from 5% to 10%, depending on the customer and product. Additional high-performance computing orders exceeding original forecasts could face an extra 10-15% premium, potentially pushing total increases above 10% for some clients.

Mature-node production, including 12nm, 16nm, 28nm and legacy processes (representing roughly 23% of recent revenue), will also see increases of up to 10%, though some products will receive smaller adjustments.

Major TSMC customers include Apple, Nvidia, Google, Amazon, Qualcomm, Arm, and MediaTek. Industry executives noted that the company has taken a relatively measured approach by delaying the increases until 2027, giving clients time to adjust rather than implementing immediate hikes.

This move comes amid broader cost pressures in the semiconductor industry. Many chipmakers have raised prices this year to counter rising expenses for labor, materials, chemicals and logistics. TSMC’s own executives have highlighted the financial strain from overseas fab expansions and the ramp-up of 2-nanometer production. The company recently announced an additional $100 billion investment in Arizona and raised its 2026 capital spending plan to as much as $64 billion.

Responding to Nikkei questions, TSMC declined to comment directly on pricing, but described its strategy as “strategic, not opportunistic.”

MacDailyNews Note: During its July earnings briefing, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei emphasized a philosophy of sustainable pricing to support long-term growth, stating that the company aims to maintain sufficient gross margins without sudden, drastic increases that could harm customers.

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Thinking of buying a Mac or MacBook for school, college or university? Choosing the right one in 2026 isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest model. Apple’s lineup now includes everything from the low-cost MacBook Neo to lightweight MacBooks, powerful Pro machines, and even desktop Macs – all with different strengths depending on your course, workload, and budget.

Whether you’re writing essays, coding, editing video, or just need a reliable laptop for lectures, the best choice depends on how you plan to use it. In this guide, we break down the best Mac for every type of student – from budget buyers to creative pros – compare the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and explore whether a desktop Mac might actually be a smarter option for some.

We’ll also help you choose based on your subject and budget, and show you how to save money. Students can take advantage of Apple’s Education Store discounts, and until August 27 (in the U.S.) there are additional savings thanks to Apple’s Back to School offer, where qualifying products come with a gift card for up to $150. It’s worth checking resellers too, where you may find even better deals.

Note that on June 26, 2026 Apple increased Mac prices both for general consumers and for students. You can find the new prices and the savings in the students savings section.

What is the best Mac for students?

We’ve picked out the best Macs for students right now, including the MacBook Neo, the latest MacBook Air and Pro models, and even desktop alternatives like the Mac mini. Here are our top recommendations based on price, performance and what most students actually need.

1. MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 2025) – Best MacBook for Most Students

Pros

Lightweight and portable

Silent fanless design

Strong all-around performance

Cons

Higher starting price

No active cooling

Less Pro-level features

Price When Reviewed:

From $1,299 (was $1,099)

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

Check on Amazon

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Latest version: M5, March 2026

Next update: Apple is not expected to update the MacBook Air again until mid 2027.

The MacBook Air is the ideal laptop for most students, offering an excellent balance of portability, battery life, and performance. With the introduction of the M5 chip in early 2026, it further strengthens its position as a dependable everyday “workhorse” for academic and light creative use.

You might assume the MacBook Air is significantly less powerful than the MacBook Pro, but that’s not entirely the case. The entry-level MacBook Pro uses the same M5 chip, meaning day-to-day performance is very similar. The Pro does offer additional advantages, such as improved cooling, more ports and a higher-end display, which we’ll explore in more detail below.

Why the MacBook Air is a good choice for students

The MacBook Air’s biggest advantage is its lightweight, fanless design. It’s easy to carry between classes and operates completely silently – ideal for lectures, libraries, and study spaces. Combined with all-day battery life, it’s well-suited to students who spend long hours away from power outlets.

MacBook Air offers the following benefits:

Portability: The 13-inch model weighs under 3 pounds (1.24 kg), making it easy to carry all day.

Silent operation: The fanless design means no noise, even under moderate workloads.

Battery life: Up to 18 hours battery life means students can often leave the charger at home and the MacBook Air can last for the while working day.

Which students is the MacBook Air best for?

The MacBook Air is the mainstream choice for students who want a reliable, versatile laptop without the cost or weight of a Pro model. It’s ideal for:

General students: Writing, research, lectures, and productivity apps (Office, Google Workspace).

Mobile users: Those constantly moving between classes, libraries, and cafés.

Creative students: The 15-inch model is a good fit for light design, editing, or multitasking where Pro-level power isn’t required.

Budget-conscious buyers: M5 starts at $1,299 ($1,199 education), while older models (M4) often offer excellent value on sale.

MacBook Air performance for student workloads

While the MacBook Pro is designed for sustained, high-end professional workloads, the MacBook Air delivers more than enough performance for the majority of students, including:

Everyday tasks: Smooth handling of web browsing (even with many tabs), document work, and streaming.

Creative work: The M5 chip adds improved graphics performance, including enhanced shader cores and ray tracing, making it capable of light video editing and 3D work.

MacBook Air specs

Processor (CPU/GPU): The M5 chip features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU.

Memory (RAM): As of late 2024, Apple began shipping all models with a minimum of 16GB of RAM. For students looking at older or refurbished models, experts recommend a minimum of 16GB to ensure longevity and smooth multitasking.

13-inch or 15-inch Display: Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and strong color accuracy – great for both study and creative use.

Storage (SSD): The base storage for the M5 model has doubled to 512GB. This is particularly beneficial for students who need to store large project files, though those on a budget can still find older 256GB models sufficient if paired with cloud storage.

MacBook Air tradeoffs

Choosing the Air over the MacBook Pro or the budget-friendly MacBook Neo involves several specific tradeoffs regarding sustained power, display technology, and port selection.

Performance and Thermal Management: The most significant technical tradeoff is the Air’s fanless design. While this makes the laptop completely silent, it limits performance during long, intensive tasks.

Refresh Rate: The Air is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, missing the 120Hz ProMotion technology found on the Pro.

Brightness and HDR: It lacks the HDR capabilities and extreme brightness levels of the Liquid Retina XDR displays.

Audio: The 13-inch Air uses a four-speaker system, whereas the 15-inch Air and MacBook Pro models offer superior six-speaker systems with force-canceling woofers.

Connectivity and Ports: MacBook Air is designed for portability, which results in a more limited selection of physical ports compared to the Pro.

How much can students save on the 13-inch MacBook Air, M5?

MSRP: $1,299 / £1,299

Student: $1,199 / £1,199

Students save: $100 / £100

You’ll also see the best prices right now in the block above, which may be even better than Apple’s education pricing.

Read our full

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review

2. Apple MacBook Neo – Best Budget MacBook

Pros

Low starting price

Premium metal build

Solid everyday performance

Cons

Limited to 8GB RAM

Fewer ports, no Thunderbolt

Weaker display quality

Price When Reviewed:

$699 (was $599)

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

$566

View Deal

$689

View Deal

$689.99

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$699

View Deal

$699

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$699.99

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Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

View more prices

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Latest version: A18 Pro, March 2026

Next update: Apple is not expected to update the MacBook Neo again until late 2027.

The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop, launched in March 2026 to target the education market. While the MacBook Air remains the mainstream choice for students, the Neo is designed to compete directly with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops – bringing the macOS experience to a much lower price point.

Why the MacBook Neo is a good choice for students

The MacBook Neo’s biggest advantage is value. It delivers a premium-feeling Mac experience at a significantly lower cost, making it especially appealing to students on a tight budget.

MacBook Neo offers the following benefits:

Affordability: Starts at $699 ($599 education), making it the cheapest Mac you can buy right now (although it previously cost $100 less).

Performance: Powered by the A18 Pro chip, offering fast single-core performance for everyday tasks.

Build quality: All-aluminum design that feels closer to a MacBook Air than typical budget laptops.

Battery life: Up to 16 hours – enough for a full school day.

Display & camera: 13-inch Liquid Retina display (500 nits) and 1080p webcam for calls and classes.

Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with iPhone features like iPhone Mirroring, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud.

Design: Available in multiple colors, including silver, indigo, blush, and citrus.

Which students is the MacBook Neo best for?

The MacBook Neo is ideal for students who want a reliable, well-built laptop for everyday use without paying for higher-end performance. It’s ideal for:

K–12 and first-time users: A great entry-level device for schoolwork and general productivity.

Budget-conscious college students: A strong option for those who want macOS at a lower price.

Casual creative learners: Suitable for beginners exploring tools like Adobe apps without heavy workloads.

Apple ecosystem users: Best for students who already use an iPhone or other Apple devices.

The MacBook Neo is best suited for students with simple, everyday computing needs. For more demanding workflows – such as advanced video editing, 3D work, or software development – the MacBook Air (M5) or MacBook Pro models remain better choices.

MacBook Neo performance for student workloads

The MacBook Neo is optimized for typical student use and handles everyday tasks with ease, including:

Everyday tasks: Smooth performance for web browsing, email, documents, and streaming.

Light creative work: Capable of basic photo and video editing (including 1080p and light 4K), though not designed for sustained professional workloads.

MacBook Neo specs

As a low-priced device so the specs are basic, but should be enough to handle the “day-to-day stuff” essential for schoolwork, such as writing papers, browsing, and streaming.

Processor: An A18 Pro or A19 Pro chip (depending on the specific model year), which provides excellent single-core performance for a smooth operating system feel.

Memory: 8GB of unified memory, which is the maximum available for this model.

Storage: Options for a 256GB or 512GB SSD.

Battery Life: Up to 16 hours of video playback, which comfortably covers a full school day.

MacBook Neo tradeoffs

To reach its lower price, the MacBook Neo makes several compromises compared to the Air and Pro models, so there are some trade-offs to consider:

Memory: 8GB RAM only, with no upgrade option.

Ports: Two USB-C ports, no Thunderbolt; one limited to USB 2.0 speeds.

Display limitations: Lacks P3 wide color and True Tone, making it less ideal for color-critical work.

Features: No MagSafe, no keyboard backlight, and no Touch ID on the base model.

External display support: Limited to a single external monitor.

How much can students save on the MacBook Neo?

MSRP: $699 / £699

Student: $599 / £599

Students save: $100 / £100

You’ll also see the best prices right now in the block above, which may be even better than Apple’s education pricing.

Read our full

Apple MacBook Neo review

3. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 2025) – Best MacBook for Student Power Users

Pros

Exceptional sustained performance

Best-in-class display quality

Wide port selection

Cons

Expensive for most students

Heavier and less portable

Overkill for basic tasks

Price When Reviewed:

$1,599 (Discontinued)

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

$1599

View Deal

$1599

View Deal

$1,899

View Deal

$1899

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Latest version: M5, October 2025; M5 Pro & M5 Max, March 2026

Next update: Apple is not expected to update the MacBook Pro until late 2026 or 2027

While the MacBook Air is the best choice for most students, the MacBook Pro is designed for those who need sustained performance, a superior display, and more advanced features. It’s the top option for students working with demanding software or intensive workloads.

Why the MacBook Pro is a good choice for students

The MacBook Pro’s biggest advantage is sustained performance. With active cooling and more powerful chip options, it’s built to handle heavy workloads without slowing down.

Key benefits of the MacBook Pro include:

Performance: M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips deliver exceptional power for intensive tasks.

Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (up to 120Hz) and up to 1,600 nits HDR brightness.

Battery life: Up to 24 hours—enough for a full day and late-night work sessions.

Ports: Includes HDMI, SDXC card slot, and MagSafe – no adapters needed for many tasks.

Cooling system: Active cooling allows sustained performance under heavy loads.

Camera & audio: 12MP Center Stage camera and high-quality six-speaker system for calls and media.

Which students is the MacBook Pro best for?

The MacBook Pro is ideal for students whose coursework or projects require high performance and professional-grade tools.

Creative majors: 4K video editing, advanced photo work, and 3D animation.

Computer science & engineering: Compiling large codebases, simulations, and development workflows.

Data science & research: Handling large datasets and compute-heavy tasks.

Advanced users: Students running intensive apps, multitasking heavily, or working on complex projects.

For most students needing Pro-level performance, the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro offers the best balance of power and portability. Those in more demanding fields may benefit from M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations.

Performance for student workloads

The MacBook Pro is built to maintain high performance over long periods, making it ideal for demanding academic tasks.

Sustained performance: Active cooling prevents slowdowns during long rendering or compile sessions.

Advanced display: ProMotion (up to 120Hz) and higher brightness improve visual work and outdoor use.

Battery life: Up to 24 hours, covering full days plus extended study sessions.

Connectivity: Built-in HDMI and SDXC make it easy to connect displays or transfer files without dongles.

MacBook Pro specs

The current lineup is powered by the M5 family of chips, offering a wide range of performance options:

Processor options: M5: 10-core CPU/GPU for general and light creative tasks; M5 Pro: Up to 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU for advanced workloads; M5 Max: Up to 40-core GPU for extreme tasks like 3D, AI, and high-end production.

Memory: Starts at 16GB unified memory. Configurable up to 128GB for professional workflows.

Storage: Starts at 1TB (M5/M5 Pro). Up to 2TB and beyond on higher-end models.

Display: 14-inch or 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR. ProMotion up to 120Hz and up to 1,600 nits HDR brightness

Ports & connectivity: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3. Thunderbolt 4 (M5) or Thunderbolt 5 (M5 Pro/Max)

Battery life: Up to 24 hours, among the longest in any laptop.

MacBook Pro trade-offs

While powerful, the MacBook Pro comes with a few downsides compared to the Air:

Price: Significantly more expensive than Air and Neo models.

Weight: Heavier and less portable, especially the 16-inch model.

Overkill for most students: Many users won’t need this level of performance.

Less silent: Active cooling means occasional fan noise under load.

How much can students save on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5?

MSRP: $1,999 / £1,999

Student: $1,899 / £1,899

Students save: $100 / £100

4. Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) – Best Desktop Option for Students

Pros

Excellent performance for price

Most affordable Mac option

Supports multiple displays

Cons

Not portable at all

Requires separate accessories

Upgrade costs add up

Price When Reviewed:

$799

Best Prices Today:

Retailer

Price

$799

View Deal

$899

View Deal

$999

View Deal

$1,399

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Latest version: M4 & M4 Pro, November 2024

Next update: By the end of 2026

The Mac mini is a strong option for students who prioritize performance and value over portability. While laptops are the default for university life, the Mac mini offers a powerful, lower-cost entry into the macOS ecosystem for those who primarily work at a desk.

Students who need mobility for lectures can pair a Mac mini with an iPad or another device for note-taking, using the desktop as their main workstation at home.

Why the Mac mini is a good choice for students

The Mac mini’s biggest advantage is performance per pound (or dollar). It delivers desktop-class power at a much lower price than a MacBook, making it one of the best-value Macs available.

Key benefits of the Mac mini include:

Affordability: Starts at $799 ($699 education). There used to be a $599 model ($499 education) but Apple discontinued that in May 20206.

Performance: M4 and M4 Pro chips deliver strong desktop-level performance.

Compact design: Small 5×5-inch footprint fits easily on any desk.

Flexible setup: Works with a wide range of monitors and accessories.

High-end option: M4 Pro model offers powerful performance at a lower cost than MacBook Pro.

Multi-display support: Supports up to three external displays for multitasking.

Which students is the Mac mini best for?

The Mac mini is ideal for students who primarily work from a fixed location and want maximum performance for their budget.

Budget-conscious students: The most affordable way to get a modern Mac.

Students with existing peripherals: Best if you already own a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Creative and technical majors: M4 Pro model handles demanding apps at a lower cost than laptops.

Hybrid users: Students who use an iPad or laptop for notes but want a powerful desktop at home.

Performance for student workloads

The Mac mini is highly capable for both everyday and demanding academic tasks.

Everyday tasks: Fast performance for browsing, documents, and general schoolwork.

Advanced workloads: M4 Pro handles video editing, coding, and heavier multitasking.

Multitasking: Supports multiple displays, making it ideal for complex workflows.

Mac mini specs

The latest Mac mini models offer strong desktop performance in a compact form:

Processor options: M4: Excellent for general student use; M4 Pro: Higher performance for demanding creative and technical work.Memory: Starts at 16GB unified memory; up to 48GB on M4 Pro models (was 64GB, but Apple has discontinued that option due to component shortages).Storage: Starts at 512GB (Apple has discontinued 256GB SSD version).Ports & connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 (M4) or Thunderbolt 5 (M4 Pro), HDMI and front-facing USB-C portsSupports multiple external displays: Some models can support up to three displays at once.

Mac mini trade-offs

While powerful and affordable, the Mac mini has some important limitations:

Severe shortages: Currently there is a 3-4 week wait on the entry level model while higher speced Mac mini can take as much as 10 weeks to ship.

No built-in peripherals: Requires separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

No portability: Not suitable for lectures or working on the go.

Extra costs: Accessories and upgrades can increase total price.

Limited upgradeability: RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later.

No USB-A ports: Newer Mac mini models lack USB-A so you may require adapters for older accessories.

How much can students save on the Mac mini, M4?

The entry level 256GB SSD model costs $799/£799 (or $699/£699 for education). This is up form $599/£599 ($499/£499) prior to the June 2026 price hikes. It’s still relatively cheap in comparison to other Macs, but it’s not the bargain it was.

MSRP: $799 / £799

Student: $699 / £699

Students save: $100 / £100

Best MacBook by Student Type

You’ll be carrying your laptop around a lot, so weight is a factor to consider.

For most students, the 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is the best overall choice, offering the ideal balance of portability, battery life, and performance.

If your budget is tight the MacBook Neo delivers the Mac experience at a significantly lower cost.

If you’re a creative student who wants more screen space – but doesn’t need full Pro power – the 15-inch MacBook Air is a strong middle ground.

The MacBook Pro is best reserved for students with demanding workloads like 4K video editing, software development, or 3D modelling.

Best for school, K-12 education – MacBook Neo

The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop. Despite using an A18 Pro chip, it delivers a full macOS experience for everyday schoolwork.

Why it’s a good fit for education:

Ideal for browsing, writing, and light media tasks.

Durable aluminum design in student-friendly colors.

Long battery life for full school days.

Best for University, higher education students – MacBook Air

The 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is the best choice for most university students. It offers a strong mix of performance, portability, and battery life, making it suitable for a wide range of majors.

Why it’s a good fit for higher education:

Lightweight (under 3 lbs) and easy to carry.

Silent, fanless design for lectures and libraries.

All-day battery life.

Best for coding and engineering students – MacBook Pro

For students in computer science or engineering, performance and memory are key. Heavier workloads will benefit from the MacBook Pro.

Why it’s a good fit:

Fast performance for coding and compiling.

Higher RAM configurations available.

Pro models handle sustained workloads better.

Best for design and media Students – MacBook Pro

For students working in video editing, design, or 3D workflows, the MacBook Pro is the best choice due to its superior display and sustained performance.

Why it’s a good fit:

Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz).

Better color accuracy and brightness.

Handles intensive creative workloads.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Neo for students

How do the different types of MacBook compare?

Foundry

Choosing between the MacBook Air, MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro for students in 2026 depends primarily on your major and budget.

For the vast majority of students, the MacBook Air is the best choice due to its balance of portability and performance, while the MacBook Pro is reserved for those with demanding technical workloads.

If your budget is tight, the MacBook Neo is an affordable entry to macOS with performance that is good enough for common tasks. Alternatively you could purchase a previous generation MacBook Air, either refurbished, or if old stock is being sold off at a discount. See our MacBook Air deals roundup.

FeatureMacBook Air (M5)MacBook Pro (M5)MacBook NeoBest ForEveryday work, essays, streaming.Creative majors, video editing, 3D work, coding.Basic tasks & tight budgetsPortabilityUltra-light (under 3 lbs for 13-inch).Heavier; built for sustained power. 3.4 lbs (Heavier)Ultra-portableDisplay13 or 15-inch Liquid Retina. 2.7 lbs (Very light)14 or 16-inch HDR ProMotion.14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDRCoolingSilent, fanless design.Active fans for heavy workloads.Silent, fanless design.Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 24 hoursUp to 16 hoursStarting Price$1,299 ($1,199 Education)$1,999 ($1,899 Education)$699 ($599 Education)How the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacBook Neo compare for students.

MacBook vs iPad for students

MacBook compared to an iPad with a keyboard attached.

Foundry

Choosing between a MacBook and an iPad depends on your course requirements and how you prefer to work. While the iPad has evolved into a versatile device that can replace a laptop for some students, the MacBook remains the stronger option for multitasking and full desktop software.

For students with more demanding workflows, the MacBook is generally the better long-term choice. It offers a full desktop operating system with broader software support and more advanced multitasking.

The iPad is a strong option for students who prioritize portability, note-taking, and creative input methods. It works especially well as a companion device or for specific types of learning.

Choose a MacBook if you need full desktop software, better multitasking, and long-term versatility.

Choose an iPad if you value portability, handwritten notes, and a more flexible, touch-first experience.

To compliment an iPad consider an one of the best iPad keyboard case and best iPad styluses we have reviewed. We also explain Which Apple Pencil works with each iPad.

FeatureMacBookiPadBest ForHeavy writing, complex multitasking.Note-taking, drawing, media consumption.InputKeyboard and Trackpad.Touch, Apple Pencil, Detachable Keyboard.SoftwareFull desktop OS (macOS).Mobile-first OS (iPadOS).Battery lifeTypically 15-18+ hours.Approximately 10 hours.How the MacBook and iPad compare for students.

How to save money at Apple’s Education Store

Apple offers several ways for students and educators to save money on Macs and iPads, including year-round discounts and seasonal promotions. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly reduce the overall cost of a new device. You do have to be a higher education student, and, in most regions you need to prove that you are a student via the UNiDAYS verification service. We have a dedicated guide to How to shop at the Apple Education Store.

Year-Round Education Discounts at Apple’s Education Store

Apple provides consistent discounts for iPads and Macs through its Education Store, available to full-time higher education students and their parents, and educators.

Typical savings include:

Up to $200/£200 off MacBooks and iMacs

Up to $100/£100 off iPads

Click on the links below to go straight to Apple’s Education Store where you are.

Apple’s U.S. Education Store

Apple’s U.K. Education Store

Apple’s Canada Education Store

Apple’s Australian Education Store

Seasonal “Back to School” Offers

The biggest savings typically come during Apple’s annual higher education promotion, often called the “Back to School” event as it falls in the summertime when students are preparing for college and university. Read more about the offer for Apple’s back to school shopping event this year.

This promotion adds free extras on top of education pricing, significantly increasing overall value.

What you can get:

Free AirPods or Apple Pencil

Sometimes gift cards (up to ~$150) instead of accessories

Occasional discounts on add-ons like keyboards or mice

When it runs:

U.S., Canada, UK, Europe: June/July – September/October

Australia, NZ: January – March

If you’re a student, you can also get Apple Music for half price with free Apple TV+ included.

How much can students save on a Mac?

You can save hundreds on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and even a Mac Pro at Apple’s Education Store all year round.

Here’s how the Mac and MacBook MSRP compares to the student price since Apple increased prices in June 2026.

ProductU.S.U.K.MacBook Neo, A18 Pro, MSRP$699£699MacBook Neo, A18 Pro, Student discount$599£59913.6-inch MacBook Air, M5, MSRP$1,299£1,29913.6-inch MacBook Air, M5, Student discount$1,199£1,19915-inch MacBook Air, M5, MSRP$1,499£1,49915-inch MacBook Air, M5, Student discount$1,399£1,39914-inch MacBook Pro M5 MSRP$1,999£1,99914-inch MacBook Pro M5 Student discount$1,899£1,89914-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro MSRP$2,499£2,49914-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro Student discount$2,349£2,34916-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro MSRP$2,999£2,99916-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro Student discount$2,799£2,799iMac M4 MSRP$1,499£1,499iMac M4 Student discount$1,449£1,449Mac mini M4 MSRP$799£799Mac mini M4 Student discount$699£699Mac Studio M4 Max MSRP$2,499£2,499Mac Studio M4 Max Student discount$2,299$2,299Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price in the U.S. and U.K. since June 25, 2026

Other ways students can buy a Mac for less

Simon Jary

Getting a student discount from Apple’s Education Store isn’t the only way to save money when buying a Mac. Here are some other ways to find a good deal:

Look out for reseller discounts

You can often find significant savings at Apple resellers and retailers like Amazon, sometimes with discounts of up to $500. Check regularly for deals, including:

Best MacBook Air deals this month

Best MacBook Neo deals available now

Best MacBook Pro deals this month

Best iMac deals this month

Best Mac mini deals this month

Buy a refurbished Mac

Apple’s Refurbished Store offers ex-display, returned, and previous-generation Macs at reduced prices. These devices are fully tested and come with a one-year warranty, making them a reliable option.

You can also buy refurbished Macs from third-party resellers, though quality can vary – so always check what “refurbished” includes before buying. Read our advice about buying a refurbished Mac, including Pros, cons, savings, and what to avoid.

What to avoid

Avoid Intel-based Macs: Macs used to use Intel Processors but over the past few years Apple has transitioning to its own silicon (M1, M2, M3, etc.). Only a small number of Intel Macs receive security updates, and that will not continue for long. This could mean needing to upgrade sooner than expected.

Don’t buy second-hand or used: While used Macs can be cheaper, they come with more risk. Unlike refurbished models, they may not be tested or come with a warranty. If you do consider buying second-hand, proceed with caution and buy from a trusted source.

Consider older models carefully: The biggest discounts are often on older Macs. While these can be good value, make sure you understand how they compare to newer models. Older devices may lack performance improvements, battery efficiency, and long-term software support. See: How long does Apple support Macs for.

FAQ
1.
Is a MacBook Neo good enough for students?

Yes. The MacBook Neo is considered an excellent choice for students with more than enough power for the average student. However, students in specialized fields like engineering, 4K video editing, or heavy software development may find the device limiting.

2.
Is a MacBook Air good enough for students?

The MacBook Air is the best laptop for most students due to its balance of portability, battery life, and performance. While the Air is “good enough” for the vast majority, a MacBook Pro is better for heavy workloads, connectivity and display tech.

3.
How much RAM do students need?

8GB should be sufficient, but we recommend 16GB.

4.
Is 256GB enough storage?

For most students, 256GB of storage is a functional minimum rather than an ideal long-term solution. It can work if you rely heavily on cloud storage, but many students will find it fills up quickly over time.

256GB is usually enough for basic academic tasks such as writing essays, web browsing, streaming, and light media use. However, modern operating systems and apps take up more space than ever, and storage can fill up faster than expected. Performance can also suffer as a drive nears capacity. A common rule of thumb is to buy at least twice the storage you think you’ll need to allow for growth and maintain performance.

For most students, 512GB is now the practical minimum if your budget allows. It provides more flexibility and longevity, especially as course materials and apps grow in size.

5.
What Apple Intelligence/AI features do Macs have for students?

Apple Intelligence brings a range of AI-powered tools to Macs designed to support academic work – from smarter note-taking to writing assistance and automation. These features are increasingly integrated into everyday apps like Notes, Messages, and Shortcuts.

Useful features include:

Smart transcription and scanning: Turn lectures and printed text into searchable notes.

In-line maths and handwriting refinement: Solve equations and improve handwritten notes.

Editing and summarisation: Refine essays and condense key information.

Live translation: Translate messages and add captions in calls.

Automation: Use Shortcuts to generate text or images automatically.

While these features can boost productivity, it is important to note that over-reliance on AI for writing could raise plagiarism or originality concerns if not used carefully.

Not all Apple devices support Apple Intelligence and some features are still less advanced than competing AI platforms.

How to choose the best MacBook for students

There is no “best MacBook for students” because everyone has different needs and choosing the best MacBook for a student depends on balancing academic requirements, portability, and budget. With the introduction of the MacBook Neo, Apple has significantly expanded its entry-level options, making the decision more complex than simply picking the most popular model.

When evaluating which model fits your needs, consider these primary components:

Portability vs. Screen Real Estate: The 13-inch models (Neo, Air, and Pro) weigh under 3 pounds, making them ideal for carrying between lectures. However, creative majors often benefit from the 15-inch Air or 16-inch Pro for more workspace.

Performance Needs: For general coursework (writing papers, browsing, streaming), the A18 Pro or M5 chips are more than sufficient. Students in engineering, data science, or high-end video editing should prioritize the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or Max chips for sustained performance and better cooling.

Battery Life: This is critical for long days on campus. While the Neo offers up to 16 hours of video streaming, the M5 MacBook Air provides 18 hours, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro leads with up to 24 hours.

Connectivity: The MacBook Neo and Air feature silent, fanless designs but limited ports . The MacBook Pro includes HDMI and SDXC slots, which are useful for presentations and transferring media.

In conclusion, we recommend the following Macs depending on your use case:

Student TypeWhich ModelWhy?Budget-Conscious / K – 12MacBook NeoMost affordable Mac ever; starts at $499 for education.Everyday College UseMacBook Air (M5)Best balance of power, 18-hour battery, and portability.Creative & STEM MajorsMacBook Pro (M5/Pro)High-end displays (ProMotion) and power for heavy workloads.Budget Desktop SetupMac mini (M4)Best value if portability isn’t required; $699 with education discount.The best Mac for different types of student

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The majority already took the pessimistic view that these rises will be permanent, despite the company’s claims that it was working hard to address them, and it’s now looking like things could get even worse as TSMC increases chipmaking prices …

Which iPad is best for students

Choosing the right iPad for school isn’t just about specs, it’s about what you’ll actually use it for. If you want a balance of power and portability for classwork and media, the 11-inch iPad Air is an excellent all-rounder. If you prefer something more compact and great for reading and quick notes, the iPad mini fits the bill. And if price matters most, the standard iPad (A16) delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.

Preparing for student life can be exciting and stressful. To make things easier, it’s good to know that you’ve got the right tech to help you with note taking, writing essays, and so you can kick back with Netflix and games when the work is done. The iPad has evolved in recent years to something that can now act as a laptop replacement for many students, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the most versatile devices you can buy. 

In this guide to choosing the best iPad for students, we’ll explore the student-focused pros and cons of each iPad model, including the best use cases for different types of students. We’ll also explain why we currently recommend the iPad Air over the standard iPad, discuss what Apple Intelligence features mean for students, and highlight some useful accessories worth considering.

We’ll also explain how much you can save with Apple’s student discounts and how to use the Apple Education Store. If you shop before August 27 in the U.S. you can benefit from even bigger savings because Apple is giving away Gift Cards worth up to $150 with qualifying purchases as part of it’s Back to School offer. This extra saving comes a month after Apple increased prices for iPads (and Macs) for both the general public and students. We have included the new pricing below in the student iPad discount section.

Can students get discounts on iPads?

The good news is that, yes, Apple offers money off new iPad purchases to students in higher education all year round. Students can get money off an iPad when buying from Apple’s education store in their country.

You do have to be a higher education (18+) student, and, in most regions you need to prove that you are a student via the UNiDAYS verification service.

What’s the best time?

The best time for students to buy a new iPad from Apple is during the summer months because Apple incentivises qualifying students with a free gift. This year, in the U.S., Apple is giving away Gift Cards worth up to $150 with qualifying purchases. In recent years, and in other locations, Apple has given away AirPods or an Apple Pencil with the purchase of certain iPads and Macs.

So, if you’re a student in higher education, take advantage of the company’s “Back To School” event while it is running. In the US the student offer ends on August 27. In the U.K and Europe the deal hasn’t started yet, but it is likley to run in August and end around the middle of September. It runs from January to March in Australia, New Zealand and other southern hemisphere locations. Read our guide to Apple’s Back To School offer.

Another bonus if you’re a student: you can get Apple Music for $5.99/£5.99 (half price) with free Apple TV+ included.

How to get an iPad student discount

If you are a student you can buy a discounted iPad by clicking on the link for Apple’s Education Store where you live:

Apple’s U.S. Education Store

Apple’s U.K. Education Store

Apple’s Canada Education Store

Apple’s Australian Education Store

In the U.K. it has always been necessary to verify your student status via UNiDAYS. In May 2026, Apple implemented UNiDAYS verification requirements for educational discounts across the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Canada, and Chile. Prior to this update it was only necessary to provide the name of your educational institution and an .edu email address to qualify for the discount. Apple’s checks are now more stringent. We explain how to verify your student status and get educational pricing in How to get an Apple student discount.

To qualify for a discount you need to meet Apple’s conditions. You either need to be a student in higher education, or a teacher at a teaching institution. The only way to get a discount for a child still at school is to be home educating them or to be a teacher yourself.

If you can’t get a student discount that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get money off a new iPad though. Below we recommend the best iPads for students, and you will find links to the best prices at resellers where you are, some of which may be bigger discounts than those offered by Apple. Also read our round-up of the best iPad deals.

How much can students save on an iPad?

Students can save as much as $100 in the U.S., £100 in the U.K., $170 in Australia, and $150 in Canada if they buy from the Apple education store.

You may find more money off at a third party reseller, see the best prices in the sections below.

Here’s how the iPad MSRP compares to the student price in the U.S. and U.K:

ProductU.S.U.K.iPad (A16) MSRP$449£429iPad (A16) Student Price$429£409iPad mini (A17 Pro) MSRP$599£599iPad mini (A17 Pro) Student Price$549£549iPad Air (11-inch, M4) MSRP$749£749iPad Air (11-inch, M4) Student Price$699£699iPad Air (13-inch, M4)MSRP$949£949iPad Air (13-inch, M4) Student Price$899£899iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) MSRP$1,199£1,199iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) Student Price$1,099£1,099iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) MSRP$1,499£1,499iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) Student Price$1,399£1,399Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price after June 2026.

Best iPad for students

Choosing the best iPad can be difficult, especially with Apple’s current lineup offering a wide range of models at different price points. The latest options include the M4 iPad Air released in March 2026, the M5 iPad Pro introduced in October 2025, the iPad A16 launched in March 2025, and the iPad mini A17 Pro released in October 2024. Note that the iPad and iPad mini are expected to be updated before the end of 2026, so we would recommend waiting until later in the year to purchase the newer models.

For most students, we recommend the 11-inch iPad Air because it strikes an excellent balance between performance, portability, and price. It also supports Apple Intelligence features, making it more future-proof than the standard iPad. Read on to find out whether the iPad Air is the best choice for your needs, or if another iPad model may suit you better.

iPad Air M4: Best iPad for most students

Pros

Laptop-level performance

Lightweight portable design

Apple Pencil support

Cons

Expensive accessories if required

No OLED display

Limited iPadOS multitasking

Price When Reviewed:

$749 (was $599)

Best Prices Today:

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$689.99

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$709

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$709.99

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$722

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$749

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$749

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Why is the iPad Air a good choice for students?

The iPad Air is widely considered the sweet spot in Apple’s tablet lineup for students, offering an excellent balance of performance, portability, and price. It delivers many of the premium features found in the iPad Pro without the significantly higher cost, making it a versatile option for note-taking, research, creative work, and everyday study tasks.

Note: Having introduced the M4 iPad Air in March 2026, Apple is not expected to update the iPad Air again until late 2027.

Advantages for Students

Laptop-Level Performance: Powered by Apple’s M-series chips, the iPad Air delivers performance comparable to modern MacBooks. It handles demanding tasks with ease, including multitasking, streaming, gaming, web browsing, and productivity apps.

Versatile Study Tools: Support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard makes the iPad Air ideal for handwritten notes, sketching diagrams, annotating PDFs, and writing essays. With the right accessories, it can comfortably replace a laptop for many students.

Apple Intelligence Support: Unlike the standard iPad, M-series iPad Air models support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered suite of tools for writing assistance, summarisation, and research.

Portable Yet Spacious: At just 6.1mm thin and weighing around 460g, the iPad Air is easy to carry between lectures and study sessions. It is available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes for students who want either maximum portability or additional screen space for multitasking.

Disadvantages for Students

Accessories Increase the Cost: The iPad Air is expensive once essential accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are added.

60Hz Display: The LCD display lacks the smoother 120Hz ProMotion technology available on the iPad Pro and some competing tablets.

Missing Premium Features: The iPad Air uses Touch ID instead of Face ID and does not include the OLED display or quad-speaker setup found on higher-end Pro models.

iPadOS Limitations: While powerful, iPadOS still cannot fully replace macOS for every workflow. Advanced multitasking, file management, and professional desktop applications remain more limited compared to a traditional laptop.

How much can students save on the iPad Air?

Higher education students can usually save around $50/£50 through Apple’s Education Store, with occasional promotions that include gift cards or discounted accessories during Back to School periods.

MSRP: $749 / £749Student: $699 / £699

Students save: $50 / £50

iPad (A16, 2025): Best budget iPad for students

Pros

Affordable student pricing

Excellent battery life

Strong everyday performance

Cons

No AI features

Basic display quality

Limited Pencil support

Price When Reviewed:

$449 (was $349)

Best Prices Today:

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Price

Check on Amazon

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Why is the iPad A16 a good choice for students?

The iPad A16 is Apple’s most affordable modern iPad and offers excellent value for students who primarily need a device for note-taking, essay writing, research, streaming, and online learning.

Note: Apple is expected to update the iPad A16 in 2026. The update could arrive in the October timeframe. If you want to be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence features we recommend waiting for that update.

Advantages for Students

Strong Everyday Performance: Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPad A16 comfortably handles word processing, note-taking apps, coding, and multitasking. The upgraded 6GB of RAM also improves longevity for future software updates.

More Storage For Less: With this generation, Apple doubled the base storage to 128GB from 64GB, giving students more room for textbooks, downloaded lectures, and apps without increasing the starting price. 64GB was never enough, so it’s excellent news that Apple changed this.

Reliable Battery Life: With over 10 hours of real-world battery life, the iPad A16 can comfortably last through a full day of lectures and studying.

Affordable Entry Point: Starting at $349/£329 – and often discounted further – the iPad A16 is the most accessible way into Apple’s ecosystem. Students can save even more through Apple’s education pricing.

Disadvantages for Students

No Apple Intelligence Support: The iPad A16 is currently the only iPad in Apple’s lineup that does not support Apple Intelligence.

Limited Accessory Support: It does not support the Apple Pencil Pro or second-generation Apple Pencil. Students must use either the first-generation Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil (USB-C), which lacks pressure sensitivity.

Basic Display Technology: The non-laminated display has a visible air gap between the glass and screen and lacks an anti-reflective coating, making it less ideal in bright environments.

Slow USB-C Speeds: Although it uses USB-C, transfer speeds are limited to USB 2.0, making file transfers significantly slower than on the iPad Air or Pro.

How much can students save on the iPad (A16)?

Higher education students can usually save around $20/£20 through Apple’s Education Store, with annual promotions that include gift cards or discounted accessories during Back to School periods.

MSRP: $449 / £429Students; $429 / £409

Students save: $20 / £20

Read our full

Apple iPad (A16) review

iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best small tablet for students

Pros

Extremely portable size

Great handwritten notes

Powerful compact performance

Cons

Small multitasking screen

Keyboard support limited

Expensive

Price When Reviewed:

$499 (128GB); $599 (256GB); $799 (512GB)

Best Prices Today:

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$499

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$599

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$599.99

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Why is the iPad mini a good choice for students?

The iPad mini is designed for students who prioritise portability above all else. Compact, lightweight, and powerful, it works particularly well as a digital notebook, e-reader, or travel companion.

Note: Apple is expected to update the iPad mini in 2026. The update could arrive in the October timeframe.

Advantages for Students

Ultra-Portable Design: Weighing just 293g, the iPad mini easily fits into small bags or large jacket pockets, making it ideal for commuting students.

Excellent for Note-Taking and Reading: The 8.3-inch display feels natural for handwritten notes, reading textbooks, annotating PDFs, and using the Apple Pencil Pro.

Impressive Performance: Despite its compact size, the A17 Pro chip delivers strong performance and supports Apple Intelligence features for writing and productivity assistance.

Useful Academic Features: The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage improves video calls, while built-in document scanning makes it easy to digitise notes and coursework.

Disadvantages for Students

Small Display for Multitasking: The compact screen can feel cramped when multitasking, working on spreadsheets, or viewing complex documents.

Less Suitable as a Laptop Replacement: The iPad mini lacks support for Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Connector accessories, making long-form writing less convenient, although you can use any Bluetooth keyboard with it.

Higher Price Than the Standard iPad: Although portable, the iPad mini costs significantly more than the entry-level iPad, and many students may find the iPad Air offers better overall value.

60Hz Refresh Rate: Like the iPad Air, the iPad mini lacks the smoother 120Hz ProMotion display found on the iPad Pro.

How much can students save on the iPad mini?

Higher education students can usually save around $50/£50 through Apple’s Education Store, with promotions that include gift cards or discounted accessories taking place during Back to School periods.

MSRP: $599 / £599Students: $549 / £549

Students save: $50 / £50

11-inch iPad Pro (2025): Best iPad for student power users

Pros

Exceptional creative performance

Stunning OLED display

Premium build quality

Cons

Very expensive overall

iPadOS software limitations

Can overheat heavily

Price When Reviewed:

$999

Best Prices Today:

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$999

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$1139.99

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$1149

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$1154.94

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$1199

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$1199

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Why is the iPad Pro a good choice for students?

The iPad Pro is designed for students who need maximum performance for demanding creative or technical workloads. It combines desktop-class power with a premium display, advanced accessories, and exceptional portability.

Note: Apple is not expected to update the iPad Pro until 2027.

Advantages for Students

Powerful Desktop-Class Performance: Powered by Apple’s latest M-series chips, the iPad Pro excels in demanding applications like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and 3D design software.

Premium OLED Display: The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display delivers exceptional brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy, making it ideal for creative students working in photography, video editing, or design.

Advanced Apple Pencil Experience: The Apple Pencil Pro offers industry-leading precision for drawing, note-taking, and annotations that traditional laptops cannot replicate.

Highly Portable: The iPad Pro is thinner and lighter than many laptops, making it easy to carry throughout the day while still providing powerful performance.

5G Connectivity and Face ID: Optional 5G support allows students to stay connected without relying on Wi-Fi, while Face ID offers fast and convenient authentication.

Disadvantages for Students

Very Expensive: The cost rises quickly once accessories are added. A fully equipped iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro can cost well over £2,000/$2,000.

iPadOS Limitations: Despite improvements, iPadOS remains less flexible than macOS for professional workflows, advanced file management, and specialised desktop software.

Thermal and Battery Constraints: The ultra-thin design can lead to overheating during intensive tasks like video editing, and battery life may not match a MacBook Air under heavy workloads.

Less Stable Than a Laptop: Using the iPad Pro on a lap can feel awkward compared to a traditional laptop, and the lack of a headphone jack may inconvenience some users.

How much can students save on the 11-inch iPad Pro?

Higher education students can usually save around $100/£100 through Apple’s Education Store, with occasional promotions that include gift cards or discounted accessories during Back to School periods.

MSRP: $1,199 / £1,199 Students: $1,099 / £1,099

Students save: $100 / £100

Read our full

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 2025) review

Best iPads for different student needs

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best iPad as a student. For students primarily using their iPad for note-taking, reading, and everyday study tasks, a lightweight and portable device may be the most important feature. However, students looking for a laptop replacement for creative work, multitasking, or long essay writing sessions may benefit from a more powerful model.

The table below highlights the best iPad for different student needs, helping you find the right balance of performance, portability, and value.

Student NeedBest iPadBest iPadNote-takingiPad Air M4Excellent Apple Pencil support, lightweight design, and enough power for multitasking and study apps.Essay WritingiPad Air M4Works well with the Magic Keyboard and offers laptop-level performance for research and writing.Art & DesigniPad ProOLED display, Apple Pencil Pro support, and powerful performance for creative apps.Budget OptioniPad A16Affordable price, strong everyday performance, and great battery life for core student tasks.PortabilityiPad mini A17 ProUltra-compact and lightweight, ideal for commuting, reading, and quick note-taking.Laptop ReplacementiPad ProPowerful enough for demanding workloads with advanced multitasking and premium accessories.Use cases for selecting the best iPad.

iPad vs iPad Air for students

For students deciding between the iPad Air and the standard iPad, the choice depends on whether you prioritize future-proofing and performance or budget-friendly basics. As of May 2026, the iPad Air is generally considered the superior choice for most students due to its support for advanced AI features and more powerful processors.

The standard iPad (A16) remains a strong contender for students on a strict budget, the main drawback as of May 2026 is it’s lack of support for Apple Intelligence features.

Should students buy an iPad or a laptop?

Choosing between an iPad and a laptop depends largely on your specific course requirements, multitasking needs, and preference for portability versus software flexibility. While the iPad has evolved into a versatile device that can act as a laptop replacement for many, the MacBook remains the stronger option for complex multitasking and full desktop software.

Reasons to choose an iPad

The iPad is a strong option for students who prioritize portability, handwritten notes, and a touch-first experience. It is particularly useful for students who need to record lectures and take quick notes.

Portability and Versatility: iPads are significantly lighter than even the thinnest laptops, making them easier to carry between lectures and libraries.

Note-Taking and Creativity: With an Apple Pencil, the tablet becomes a digital art studio or a powerful tool for handwritten notes.

Battery Life: Most models offer around 10 hours of battery life, which is typically enough to last through a full day of classes.

Reasons to choose a laptop

For students with more demanding workflows, a MacBook or Windows laptop is generally the better long-term choice due to its full desktop operating system and broader software support.

Multitasking and Software: Laptops offer superior window management and the ability to run specialized desktop applications that may not be available on iPadOS.

Writing and Research: If you are likely to be typing long essays, the built-in keyboard and larger screen of a laptop are often preferred.

Value for Money: With the introduction of the MacBook Neo in March 2026, the price gap has narrowed. Starting at $499 for students, it competes directly with mid-range iPads.

Take a look at our guide to the best Macs for students to find the best MacBook for your needs, either as well as, or instead of an iPad.

Benefits of Apple Intelligence for students

Apple Intelligence provides a suite of generative AI tools designed to enhance productivity and creativity for students using compatible iPads. These features are natively integrated into iPadOS, allowing students to access them across various apps without needing separate subscriptions.

Apple Intelligence assists students primarily through writing assistance, organization, and creative tools:

Writing Tools: Students can use these features to proofread essays, uncover typos, and adjust the tone of their writing to be more professional or concise. Just don’t use it to write your whole dissertation.

Summarization: The AI can provide summaries of long emails and web pages, helping students quickly digest research materials.

Creative Assistance: Tools like Image Wand and other image generation features allow students to create custom illustrations or emojis for presentations and documents.

iWork Integration: For students using Pages, Numbers, or Keynote, Apple Intelligence can auto-fill tables, generate images for documents, and even create entire slide presentations based on text prompts.

Hardware requirements and compatibility

A critical factor for students is that Apple Intelligence is not available on all iPad models. It requires significant processing power and memory (at least 8GB of unified memory).

Apple Intelligence is restricted to iPads powered by M1 chips or newer, which includes the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines. The iPad mini with A17 Pro chip is also able to support Apple Intelligence.

The standard iPad (updated in March 2025 with the A16 Bionic chip) does not support Apple Intelligence. While the A16 chip is capable of running educational apps and games, it lacks the requirements for Apple’s AI suite.

Usage limits and educational context

Students should be aware that some advanced AI features within the Apple Creator Studio (which includes iWork apps) have monthly usage limits, such as a cap on the number of images or presentations that can be generated.

Additionally, some educational institutions may prefer students not to have access to AI text tools to ensure academic integrity, which is one reason the budget-friendly A16 iPad remains a popular choice for schools.

Beyond AI, students can also benefit from other iPadOS features like Math Notes in the Calculator app, which allows them to scribble formulas with an Apple Pencil and see them solved in real-time.

FAQ
1.
Do iPads run the apps I need?

It is very likely that you can run the apps you need. iPads support Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, or for an alternative you can also use Google apps like Google Docs and Sheets. Google Classroom is also supported.

Other common apps used by students, including Notion, OneNote, Evernote, Wolfram Alpha and Khan Academy are supported. And you’ll be able to video conference using Zoom, Teams and other options. That’s in addition to the Apple apps such as Pages and Numbers.

The App Store is heaving with great apps designed specifically for the iPad. Many of those apps will be ideal for students: note-taking apps, apps for converting handwriting to text, apps for recording lectures, timetable management, and of course video calling via Zoom, Teams, FaceTIme and others (so you can stay in touch with mum and dad).

2.
How well does an iPad handle multitasking?

In the past, one of the disadvantages of iPads was that it wasn’t easy to work with multiple apps at the same time in the same way as you do on a computer. Apple introduced Split View as a way to run two apps side by side, and this is a feature offered by most new iPads. You can also have a third app that floats in a window.

The iPad Air and iPad Pro go a step further with Stage Manager, which brings desktop style multitasking to those iPads. There are still some limitations though, for example, some apps don’t run in the background when you aren’t using them.

3.
What iPad screen size is best for students?

The best screen size depends on a number of factors. If you are looking for the ultimate in portability then the iPad mini may be the best option, but a larger screen will be better suited to reading and multitasking.

Your budget will also have an impact on this decision. A 13-inch iPad Air costs more than an 11-inch iPad Air, and much more than a standard iPad.

4.
Is battery life long enough for a school day?

Typically you can expect around ten hours of battery life, which should be enough to get you through a day of lectures.

Note that your battery will last longer if you keep the screen dim and don’t multitask or use draining apps.

5.
Will the iPad sync with my computer?

If your computer is a Mac and you use iCloud it really couldn’t be easier. You can automatically sync your work if you use certain apps, and share files via iCloud Drive. There are some useful features that come from linking up a Mac, iPad and iPhone including Universal Clipboard, so you can copy on one device and paste on another, AirDrop for easy file transfers and you can even use an iPad as a second display for your Mac.

If you don’t use iCloud you can still sync by plugging your iPad into your Mac with the USB C cable. If you are a PC user you can still sync in the same way.

6.
How much storage does a student iPad need?

For most students, 128GB is the standard starting point for an iPad, though your specific needs will depend on whether you plan to store large files locally or rely on cloud services.

Students who want to download movies, store a large collection of games, or work on media-heavy projects without constant file management will require 256GB or more.

As of early 2025, Apple updated its lineup to remove the 64GB entry-level models, which were previously criticized for being insufficient for modern academic use.

There are ways to expand or manage iPad storage. iPads with USB-C ports allow you to add storage drives or memory sticks, while using an iCloud family plan (such as the 2TB tier) can significantly reduce the need for high on-device storage.

Best iPad accessories for students

For students, the best iPad accessories focus on transforming the tablet into a versatile tool for note-taking, essay writing, and creative projects. The right choice often depends on whether you are using the iPad as a primary computer or a portable companion to a Mac.

Keyboards and Cases

A keyboard is essential if you plan to use your iPad for written assessments or as a laptop replacement.

Apple Magic Keyboard: This is widely considered one of the best options for the iPad Pro and Air, though it is expensive.

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M-series, 5th & 4th gen)↗

Price When Reviewed:

$299

Best Prices Today:


$242 at Amazon |
$242 at Walmart |
$269 at Apple United States

Logitech Combo Touch: A highly recommended alternative to Apple’s keyboard, the Combo Touch includes a full-size keyboard and a multitouch trackpad.

Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air/iPad Pro (2024)

Read our review

Price When Reviewed:

iPad Air M2, 11-inch: $199.99; 13-inch: $229.99; iPad Pro M4, 11-inch: $229.99; 13-inch: $259.99

Best Prices Today:


$229.95 at Apple |
$229.99 at Amazon |
$229.99 at Logitech (iPad Pro M4 model)

If you are likely to be typing long essays you might prefer a laptop, but you can always get a iPad keyboard and essentially turn your iPad into a laptop. See the Best iPad Keyboards we’ve tested or use any Bluetooth keyboard.

Styluses for note-taking

The Apple Pencil is a great option for for students, offering precision for drawing and handwritten notes, but you need to check which Apple Pencil works with your iPad as support differs.

Apple Pencil Pro: Supports advanced features and is compatible with the latest iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro (M4) models.Apple Pencil (USB-C): A more affordable, simpler version that works with the standard iPad (A16) and other modern models.Apple Pencil gen 1: This Apple Pencil is the one you need if you have an iPad A16 and want a pressure sensitive pencil for drawing. Third-Party Styluses: For students on a budget, various third-party styluses offer a cheaper alternative to Apple’s official pencil. See our Best styluses we’ve tested for iPad.

Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Price When Reviewed:

$79

Best Prices Today:


$54.95 at Walmart |
$69.95 at Best Buy US |
$69.98 at Amazon

That’s all of our student-related buying advice, but if you’re buying for someone younger, check out our guide to the best iPad for Kids.

Next year could see the introduction of the largest ever iPhone screen, according to a leaker with a decent track record.

Supply chain sources indicate Apple is trialing a new display, which may be destined for a new iPhone whose name remains a mystery for now …

The Mac mini is Apple’s most versatile Mac, offering a lot of processing power in a box that can fit in the palm of your hand. It’s also Apple’s most affordable desktop Mac, which has made it popular among enthusiasts, especially AI fans. Everything you need to use the Mac mini as an AI agent is built right into the machine–load it up with as much RAM and storage as you can afford, and you’re ready to go.

There are a few items you could use if you’re serious about putting together a Mac mini AI agent. We’ve put together a list of things that will help you get the most out of your Mac mini. Of course, you need a display, keyboard, and mouse; if you are looking for those, check out our guides below.

Best Mac monitors: The Mac-compatible displays we recommend

Best keyboards for Mac: Top wireless, mechanical & budget options compared

Best mouse and trackpad for your Mac

How to upgrade your Mac mini without paying Apple’s sky high prices

Ugreen Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

Price When Reviewed:

$7.99 (3 ft.) | $8.99 (6 ft.) | $9.99 (10 ft.) | $12.99 (15 ft.) | $17.99 (30 ft.) | $21.99 (50 ft.)

Best Prices Today:


$9.99 at Amazon

Yes, you could rely on the Mac mini’s built-in Wi-Fi, but a wired Ethernet network connection offers consistency, and when you’re moving a lot of data around, a stable connection is just as important as a fast one. The Mac mini has a gigabit Ethernet port, so you might as well take advantage of it with a Cat 7 cable for the best possible speeds at all times. You can learn more about why all Ethernet cables aren’t the same from our friends at Tech Advisor.

CyberPower CP1350AVRLCD3 UPS

Price When Reviewed:

$199.95

Best Prices Today:


$195.95 at Amazon$195.95 at B&H$195.95 at Best Buy US

The last thing you want to happen is to have your Mac abruptly shut down in a power outage while your AI agent is doing its thing. That’s why you need an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This CyberPower unit has 6 battery-backed and surge-protected outlets, which should be enough for your Mac mini, display, router, and other items, such as external storage devices. It also has six surge-protected (but not battery-backed) outlets for non-essential things. This particular device offers 83 minutes of runtime (based on 100 watts of usage), but CyberPower also offers smaller UPSs if they are a better fit for your budget.

Snanshi Mac mini M4 Stand Vertical

Price When Reviewed:

$16.99

Best Prices Today:


$16.99 at Amazon

With all the work your Mac mini is going to do, you need to make sure it can stay cool. Standing it vertically allows more air to flow through the Mac mini’s bottom vents, and a stand like this well-liked one from Snanshi can help keep the Mac mini in place—and running cool.

OWC 8TB Express 1M2

Price When Reviewed:

$149.99 (case only) | $679.99 (2TB) | $1,129.99 (4TB) | $2,199.99 (8TB)

Best Prices Today:


$1049.99 at Best Buy US$1,129.99 at Amazon$1129.99 at B&H

The Mac mini is available with up to 8TB of internal storage, but it’ll cost nearly $5,500. Instead, consider a fast external SSD for storing your AI models and other data. OWC’s 1M2 has a USB4 port rated at 80Gbps— plenty fast for AI work—and plugs right into the Mac mini’s Thunderbolt port. It’s available as a case only so you can provide your own PCIe Gen 3.0/4.0/5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD, or you can get it with an SSD module in capacities up to 8TB. See our other best picks for external SSDs.

WD My Book Desktop External Hard Drive

Price When Reviewed:

$324.99 (6TB) | $348 (8TB) | $405 (12TB) | $639.99 (14TB) | $724.99 (16TB) | $814.99 (18TB) | $1,089.99 (24TB)

Best Prices Today:


$399 at Walmart$399.99 at Amazon$469 at Best Buy US

Since your Mac mini AI agent is doing very important work, you should back up its data on a regular basis. You can use a slower hard drive for Time Machine backups, which is much cheaper than the SSD above. Don’t worry about the speed; backups can run overnight or whenever your agent has some down time. See our best picks for external hard drives.

Shure MV7+

Price When Reviewed:

$319 with tripod

Best Prices Today:


$319 at Amazon$319 at B&H$319 at Target

If you plan to do any work with voice AI agents, then you should have a quality microphone for dictation and other voice instructions. We use the MV7+ for the Macworld Podcast and love it. It connects via USB-C, and this model in particular includes a tripod. You can get it with or without a tripod in either black or white.

Beats Pill

Price When Reviewed:

$149.99

Best Prices Today:


$99.95 at Amazon$99.99 at B&H$99.99 at Best Buy

Even if you’re not working on voice AI agents, you may want an external speaker for your Mac mini. There’s a wide variety to choose from, from cheap desktop speakers to devices designed for serious audiophiles. We picked the Bluetooth Beats Pill because it’s small, produces good sound, and can double as a portable speaker.

Read our full

Beats Pill review

Logitech Brio Ultra HD 4K

Price When Reviewed:

$199.99

Best Prices Today:


$194.99 at Amazon$199.99 at Logitech US Canada and Mexico$391.99 at Target

If you’re using a display without a built-in webcam, you’ll need to get one, and we like the Brio. It offers auto-light correction and very sharp and detailed picture quality at 4K/30 frames per second. Read our best picks for Mac webcams.

Apple rarely discounts its products, but eligible students, parents and teachers can save by shopping at the Apple Education Store.

The Apple Education Store is a dedicated online storefront offering year-round discounts of around 5% to 15% on selected MacBooks, Macs, iPads and some Apple Watch models. These discounts are available to university students, parents buying on behalf of students, and staff at eligible educational institutions. To access education pricing, shoppers may need to verify their eligibility, and Apple also places limits on the number of discounted products that can be purchased each year.

The savings are particularly valuable following Apple’s June 25, 2026 Mac and iPad price increases. In the U.S., Apple’s annual Back to School promotion also adds a free Gift Card worth up to $150 with qualifying purchases until August 27, making it one of the best times of year to buy. A similar promotion is expected to start in the U.K. and Europe in the next few weeks.

This guide explains who qualifies for Apple Education pricing, how much you can save, the best time to buy, and how to maximise discounts through seasonal promotions and bundled offers.

How to find the Apple Education Store

If you qualify as a student you can shop at Apple’s Education Store, where you can find discounted pricing, and occasionally promotions. Click on the links below to go straight to the store where you are:

Apple’s U.S. Education Store

Apple’s U.K. Education Store

Apple’s Canada Education Store

Apple’s Australian Education Store

What can you save with the Apple Education Store?

Apple’s Education Store.

Foundry

Apple Education pricing offers year-round discounts on selected Macs, iPads and accessories for eligible students, parents, teachers and education staff.

Savings vary by product and region, but Macs usually receive the biggest discounts. MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini models are commonly reduced by between $100 and $200, while selected iPads can be up to $100 cheaper through the Education Store. In May 2026 Apple added Apple Watch education pricing for students with discounts of up to $130. Smaller discounts may also be available on accessories such as the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.

Typical savings include:

$200/£200 off an MacBook Pro

$100/£100 off an MacBook Air

$100/£100 off an iPad Pro

$50/£50 off an iPad Air

$80/£80 off an Apple Watch Ultra 3

$40/£40 off an Apple Watch Series 11 

£10/$10 off the Apple Pencil Pro

£10/$10 off the standard Apple Pencil

Savings are larger on higher-spec configurations. 

You can compare all the student savings for Mac, iPad student discounts, and Apple Watch student savings in our tables further down the page.

Other savings

Apple also offers discounted services and software for students:

Apple Music & Apple TV: Eligible students can subscribe to Apple Music at $6.99/£5.99 a month, rather than the standard $11.99/£11.99. Apple TV+ is also included in that subscription for as long as you are a student. Here’s how students can get Apple Music for almost half price. 

Apple’s Pro Apps Bundle for Education: This bundle is available only to students during the checkout process, and costs just $199.99/£199.99. More information about how to redeem it here. It includes:

Final Cut Pro – professional video editing software

Logic Pro – music production and audio editing

Motion – motion graphics and visual effects

Compressor – video encoding and export tools

MainStage – live performance software for musicians

Creator Studio: Alternatively you can subscribe to the Creator Studio – which is free for the first three months. The Apple Creator Studio education price is $2.99/£2.99 a month or $29/£29 a year. For non students, Creator Studio is available for a recurring subscription at $12.99/£12.99 a month, $129/£129 a year. Creator Studio adds Pixelmator Pro to the apps available in the Pro Apps Bundle, as well as premium features for:

Keynote

Pages

Numbers

Freeform

Adobe and Microsoft also offer student discounts.

Who can use Apple’s Education Store

To access these savings, you must be a higher education student, a parent buying for one, or an educator/staff member at any grade level.

Higher Education Students: Full-time students currently enrolled in a college or university (18+).

Parents: Those purchasing on behalf of a student currently in higher education.

Educators and Staff: All teachers and faculty for K-12 or higher education, as well as administrative and other staff members working at an educational institution.

Homeschool Parents: Parents who are homeschooling their children are also eligible, though they may need to provide additional documentation for verification.

It is important to note that standard education pricing is generally not available for school-age children (K-12 students) or their parents, unless the parent is a teacher or a homeschooler.

How to shop at Apple’s Education Store 

Get Education Savings from Apple.

Foundry

With your status verified, you can shop at the Education Store for your country. 

Apple’s U.S. Education Store

Apple’s U.K. Education Store

Apple’s Canada Education Store

Apple’s Australian Education Store

Here you will see special pricing for Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and certain accessories. Apple indicates education savings for products where applicable. 

Select the product and configuration you wish to purchase. 

Add accessories of software if required.

If you have one you can add a trade-in device and get even more money off. 

Choose whether to add AppleCare+, which also includes an education saving. (£179 3 years/£69.99/yr)

Verify eligibility if prompted

Complete checkout

Those buying on behalf of a school or university, rather than for individual use, need to sign in their institution’s account at Apple’s Store for Education Institutions. 

Visit the U.S. Apple Store for Education Institutions (if that link doesn’t work), the U.K. Apple Store for Education Institutions (if that link doesn’t work), or the Canadian or Australian equivalent and search for your Educational Institution. If your institution is found you will be able to sign in to access your institution’s store.

How to verify student status to use Apple’s Education Store

Verify your student status at UNiDAYS.

Foundry

Before gaining access to discounted pricing on Apple’s Education Store, students, teachers and education staff must verify their eligibility.

In many regions, Apple requires shoppers to confirm their educational status through the third-party verification service UNiDAYS. UNiDAYS verification was already mandatory in the U.K., but Apple expanded the requirement in May 2026 to additional regions including the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Turkey and Chile as part of a stricter verification process.

Visit the UNiDAYS website.

Create a UNiDAYS account.

Provide details of your college or university.

Provide your student email address.

UNiDAYS can usually verify student status by confirming your email address, but if that isn’t successful you may need to provide your student ID or other evidence.

Other ways students can save

There are several ways to save beyond the standard Education Store pricing. Additional savings can often be found through Apple Certified Refurbished products, trade-in programmes and discounts from third-party retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

Apple Certified Refurbished Store

Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store is one of the few places where the company directly reduces prices on its hardware. Refurbished devices undergo extensive testing, are restored to “like-new” condition, and include a one-year warranty with the option to add AppleCare coverage.

Discounts typically range from 15% to 30% compared with the original retail price. Recent examples have included savings of around $200 to $250 on refurbished M4 iMac models in the US store.


See Best place to buy a refurbished MacBook or Mac for more information.

Third-Party Reseller Deals

Resellers often provide deeper discounts than Apple, especially during major shopping events like Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, or clearance periods.

In the U.S., check Amazon, B&H Photo, Best Buy, and Walmart.

In the U.K., Amazon, Currys, John Lewis, and KRCS are recommended.

Check our Best Apple Deals collection for the best deals we’ve seen, including the best iPad deals, and the best MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and MacBook Neo deals, updated regularly. We often see much bigger savings than you can get in the education store.

Trade-In Programs

Apple and various resellers allow you to trade in old devices for credit toward a new purchase. This effectively lowers the out-of-pocket cost and is a convenient way to dispose of older hardware responsibly.

Read: How to sell or trade-in your old Mac and save on a new one.

How much is the iPad student discount?

Want to save money on the Best iPad for students? Here’s how the iPad MSRP compares to the student price in the U.S., U.K, Australia and Canada:

ProductU.S.U.K.iPad (A16) MSRP$449£429iPad (A16) Student Price$429£409iPad mini (A17 Pro) MSRP$599£599iPad mini (A17 Pro) Student Price$549£549iPad Air (11-inch, M4) MSRP$749£749iPad Air (11-inch, M4) Student Price$699£699iPad Air (13-inch, M4)MSRP$949£949iPad Air (13-inch, M4) Student Price$899£899iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) MSRP$1,199£1,199iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) Student Price$1,099£1,099iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) MSRP$1,499£1,499iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) Student Price$1,399£1,399Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price, checked June 2026.

How much is the Mac/MacBook student discount?

Want to save money on the Best MacBook for university? Here’s how the MacBook MSRP compares to the student price in the U.S., U.K, Australia and Canada:

ProductU.S.U.K.MacBook Neo, A18 Pro, MSRP$699£699MacBook Neo, A18 Pro, Student discount$599£59913.6-inch MacBook Air, M5, MSRP$1,299£1,29913.6-inch MacBook Air, M5, Student discount$1,199£1,19915-inch MacBook Air, M5, MSRP$1,499£1,49915-inch MacBook Air, M5, Student discount$1,399£1,39914-inch MacBook Pro M5 MSRP$1,999£1,99914-inch MacBook Pro M5 Student discount$1,899£1,89914-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro MSRP$2,499£2,49914-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro Student discount$2,349£2,34916-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro MSRP$2,999£2,99916-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro Student discount$2,799£2,799iMac M4 MSRP$1,499£1,499iMac M4 Student discount$1,449£1,449Mac mini M4 MSRP$799£799Mac mini M4 Student discount$699£699Mac Studio M4 Max MSRP$2,499£2,499Mac Studio M4 Max Student discount$2,299$2,299Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price in the U.S. and U.K. checked June 2026

How much is the Apple Watch student discount?

Here’s how the Apple Watch MSRP compares to the student price in the U.S., U.K, Australia and Canada:

ProductU.S.U.K.AustraliaCanadaApple Watch Series 11, MSRP$399£369$679$549Apple Watch Series 11, Student discount$359£329$609$489Apple Watch SE 3, MSRP$249£219$399$329Apple Watch SE 3, Student discount$229£199$369$299Apple Watch Ultra 3, MSRP$799£749$1,399$1,099Apple Watch Ultra 3, Student discount$719£669$1,259$989Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, checked May 2026.

FAQ
1.
Are there purchase limits?

Yes. Student shoppers are subject to annual purchase limits:

Apple limits the number of discounted items you can buy from the Education Store each year:

One desktop Mac.

One Mac laptop.

Two iPads.

One Apple Watch.

Two accessories.

2.
When is the best time to shop at the Apple Education Store?

The best time to buy is during Apple’s annual Back to School promotion, which usually runs between June and September in the Northern Hemisphere, and January to March in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

During the promotion, Apple adds extra incentives on top of its standard education discounts, making it one of the cheapest times of year to buy directly from Apple.

Recent Back to School offers have included:

Free AirPods or Apple Pencil models with qualifying Macs or iPads

Discounted upgrades to AirPods Pro

Savings on accessories such as the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad

Gift cards with eligible purchases in selected regions

3.
Who qualifies for Apple Education pricing?

In the U.S., Apple says the following groups are eligible for Education Store discounts:

K–12 employees, including homeschool teachers

School board members and some PTA/PTO officers

University and college students, including those accepted into higher education

Parents buying on behalf of eligible higher education students

Faculty and staff at higher education institutions

Apple has similar eligibility rules in the U.K., where discounts are available to:

Employees of public and private educational institutions

Students attending or accepted into post-secondary education

Parents purchasing for eligible post-secondary students

Apple may request proof of eligibility during or after purchase.

4.
Can parents buy through the Apple Education Store for their children?

Parents can purchase products through the Apple Education Store for their children, but only if the child is a student in higher education (college or university). Apple’s education pricing is not available to parents buying for children in K-12 (grade school, middle school, or high school), unless the parent is a teacher or a home educator.

5.
Does Apple offer student discounts on AppleCare?

Apple does not offer separate student discounts on AppleCare+, but education customers can still add AppleCare+ to their Apple Education Store purchases.

6.
Can you pay monthly or use Apple finance plans on the Apple Education Store?

Yes. In most countries, Apple allows customers to use monthly payment plans and financing options when buying through the Apple Education Store.

7.
How often does Apple change Education Store pricing?

The discounts are typically updated when Apple introduces new products. The percentage saving is usually the same: between 5% and 15% off.

8.
What happens if Apple asks for proof of eligibility after purchase?

You may need to provide the following, in addition to being verified via UNIDAYS:

A student ID card

University acceptance or enrolment documents

A school or university email address

Without this your order may be cancelled.

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In this episode of Apple @ Work, Zach Wasserman from Fleet joins the show to discuss recent trends in software patching.

Volvo is bringing native Apple Music integration, Spatial Audio support and a free three-month trial to millions of compatible cars.

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

TL;DR: A Costco Gold Star Membership costs $65 a year. New members who enroll in auto-renewal can receive a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* upon sign-up.

A Costco Gold Star Membership can help households manage everyday costs, particularly on groceries and gasoline. Members shop at more than 600 warehouses across the U.S., along with Costco.com, and gain access to Kirkland Signature™ products alongside brand-name products across grocery, home, and technology categories.

A Costco Gold Star Membership costs $65 a year and includes the $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*. Act fast, these promotions typically don’t last very long! Here’s how the process works:

Complete your purchase.

Follow the instructions in your email to activate your Costco membership online.

Pick up your physical card in person at your nearest Costco warehouse (bring your ID).

Receive your Digital Costco Shop Card* by email about two weeks later.

What you get with a Costco Gold Star Membership

Shopping at Costco warehouses and Costco.com

Kirkland Signature™ products across grocery, home, and other categories

Member pricing at the Costco Gas Station

Access to Costco Optical and Costco Pharmacy

One free Affiliate Card for an individual age 18 or older living at your address

This promotion may be available to new members or to members whose accounts (Primary and Affiliate) have expired for at least 18 months. It is not valid for renewal or upgrade of an existing membership. Members must provide a valid email address at sign-up and enroll in auto-renewal to receive the Digital Costco Shop Card*, which is emailed within 2 weeks of enrollment.

Join as a new Gold Star Member and enroll in auto renewal to receive a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*.

Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $50 Digital Costco Shop CardSee Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. Valid only for new members and those whose memberships (Primary and Affiliate) have been expired for at least 18 months. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for upgrade or renewal of an existing membership. Promotion may not be combined with any other promotion. Costco employees are not eligible for new member promotions. Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed to the email address provided by the Primary Member at time of sign-up within 2 weeks after successful sign-up and enrollment in auto renewal. Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at the U.S. or Canada Food Court. Neither Costco Wholesale Corporation nor its affiliates are responsible for use of the card without your permission. Use the provided single-use promo code when entering your payment information. A Costco Gold Star Membership is $65 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $65 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Affiliate Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.

Apple released iOS 27 beta 4 today, and it comes with a useful new “Automatic Downloads” feature in the Apple TV app. Here’s how it works.

After an intense real estate push across the South Bay in 2025, Apple is once again expanding its footprint in Sunnyvale. Here are the details.

Volvo is rolling out an over-the-air update to its cars’ infotainment systems that adds Apple Music to more than two million vehicles. Here are the details.

Apple has begun removing AI-powered “nudify” apps from its App Store after San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu issued cease-and-desist letters to both Apple and Google, accusing the platforms of facilitating harmful non-consensual intimate imagery.

The letters targeted approximately 13 face-swapping and image-altering apps that use artificial intelligence to digitally remove clothing from photos, creating fake nude or explicit images without the subject’s consent. Chiu argued that the apps violate consumer-protection laws and enable the spread of deepfake pornography, often targeting women and minors.

In response, Apple in a statement reiterated its longstanding policy prohibiting apps that generate or promote explicit non-consensual content. “Nudification apps are against our App Review Guidelines and we have proactively rejected many of these apps and removed many others,” the company said. It confirmed the removal of three apps identified in the letter, the termination of their developers’ accounts, and ongoing outreach to four additional developers who must address violations or face removal.

This action follows earlier reports highlighting the persistence of such apps despite Apple’s rules. In 2024 and earlier in 2026, investigations revealed that “nudify” tools continued to appear or be advertised in the App Store, prompting criticism over enforcement gaps. Apple has since taken down batches of violating apps after external reports and user flags.

The San Francisco order gives Apple and Google 28 days to respond and fully address the issue, with potential civil penalties for non-compliance. Advocates have praised the move as a step toward curbing AI-enabled abuse, while noting that similar tools can still proliferate on the open web or through sideloaded software.

Apple’s latest enforcement underscores growing pressure on tech platforms to prevent their stores from becoming distribution channels for tools that weaponize AI against privacy and consent.
‎
MacDailyNews Take: Users are encouraged to report suspected violating apps directly through the App Store via Apple’s “Report a Problem” page: https://reportaproblem.apple.com

‎
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The post Apple purges AI ‘nudify’ apps from App Store after San Francisco demands crackdown on non-consensual deepfakes appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Every year, Apple has a new chip ready for its latest iPhones. But the A20 Pro chip for this fall’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra sounds like it could be extra special. Here are its two big rumored upgrades.

As vibecoding becomes more accessible, new App Store releases are surging, doubling in the first half of 2026, while downloads increased by just 2%. Here are the details.

iOS 27 brings new features to apps like Apple Wallet, Calendar, Notes, Maps, and more. Apple Music adds a variety of improvements too, including five new features outlined below.

Apple appears to be testing a hidden popover interface for Siri AI in the macOS 27 Golden Gate beta that surfaces Writing Tools and contextual actions whenever the user selects some text, MacRumors reports.

Spotted by a member of Reddit’s r/MacOSBeta community, the floating icon appears at the top-left of the selected text, expanding when the pointer hovers over it to a compact popover of the tools and actions.

Tim Hardwick for MacRumors:
‎

Currently, the popover offers the tools Rewrite, Proofread, “How does this sound?” and “Edit with Siri,” plus options for creating key points and summarizing text. The contextual actions are based on the content selected, including things like adding contact details, composing a message or email, creating a calendar event, showing a location in Maps, and tracking flights or packages.

The Siri popover is disabled by default in macOS 27 developer beta 3 and public beta 1. Beta testers found it can be switched on through a private feature flag, but the feature is clearly unfinished. Some of the actions don’t respond, suggesting Apple is still building out the underlying functionality.

‎
MacDailyNews Take: Terminal commands for enabling Apple’s secret Siri AI interface in the full article here.

‎
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The post How to enable Apple’s secret Siri AI interface buried in macOS 27 beta appeared first on MacDailyNews.

We’ve been reporting on the supposedly imminent launch of a foldable iPhone for years. There have been strong and reliable rumors of a foldable iPhone being just two years away, dating as far back as 2018, at least. Back then, reliable reports from the likes of CNBC said Apple was going to have a folding iPhone on the market in 2020.

That became 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025… and now it’s expected to land in 2026 – yes, this year!

So, while the rumors and reports from parts suppliers and analysts are heating up and we have more specifics than ever before, we would advise even more caution and skepticism than usual with Apple speculation. With that said, here’s what current rumors suggest about the release of a folding iPhone.

Update July 20 2026: Code in the iOS 27 beta uses a plural “batteries” in some places, suggesting that a phone with two or more batteries is on the way.

Folding iPhone rumors at a glance

Expected launch date: September 2026, but limited supply possible

Likely name: iPhone Ultra

Form factor: Book-style, opening to a landscape view about the size of an iPad mini

Display: 7.7–7.8-inch inner display, approx 5.3–5.5-inch outer

Camera: Four cameras, no telephoto

What will the foldable iPhone be called?

iPhone Ultra is the expected name

Many fans and pundits have got into the habit of referring to the rumored device as the iPhone Fold, but this may not necessarily be the official name. The rumors and leaks from spring 2026 onwards suggest that Apple is looking to call it iPhone Ultra.

In March, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg claimed that the folding iPhone will be one of several “Ultra” products coming this year – though not all will use “Ultra” branding, it’s certainly a possibility for the folding iPhone.

Then, in April, the Weibo account Digital Chat Station (which is hit-and-miss) said Apple is looking to use the iPhone Ultra name, too.

When will the foldable iPhone launch?

September 2026 launch expected

It is expected that Apple will introduce this new style iPhone in September 2026, along with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (but not the regular iPhone 18 which is said to be delayed until 2027).

After a report from Nikkei Asia said that Apple is somewhat behind on the production timetable, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed it’s still on track, though supplies may be limited at first. Apple is aiming to put the device on sale at the same time or “soon after” the non-folding iPhone 18 Pro models, he claims.

There is evidence that the folding iPhone could be coming soon. Sam Henri Gold, a product designer and engineer with access to the iOS 27 beta, spotted references in the iOS 27 framework to variables labelled “foldState” and “angleDegrees.” These are internal status values apparently designed to tell apps whether a device is folded and at what angle.

Macworld was able to independently confirm the findings. It’s difficult to see how those terms would be applicable to any existing iPhone: arguably they could use their altimeters to determine the angle they’re being held at, but they aren’t foldable.

iOS 27 framework references “foldState” and “angleDegrees” but I’m sure that’s nothing pic.twitter.com/PcYNVvymms

— sam henri gold (@samhenrigold) June 8, 2026

There may still be a bit of a wait for the folding iPhone. Barclays analyst Tim Long said in a research note that the folding iPhone will likely ship in December, a couple months after the expected September launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, via MacRumors.

What are the biggest trade-offs for the folding iPhone Ultra

Despite its “Ultra” branding, the foldable design introduces some compromises:

No unibody construction: Dummy models will require a more segmented build due to the hinge mechanism.

Wireless charging limitations: The device may lack a traditional glass back, which could impact MagSafe or wireless charging implementation.

iOS-based software: Rather than running iPadOS, the device is expected to use a customized version of iOS, offering some productivity features without fully replacing the iPad experience.

No Face ID: Due to the very thin nature of the foldable iPhone, and the need for different front-facing cameras when folded up or unfolded, it will reportedly lack Face ID. Instead, Touch ID will be incorporated into the side button much as it is on the iPad Air’s power button.

No telephoto camera: Due to space constraints in the foldable design this iPhone may drop the telephoto camera, used for optical magnification, which will feel like a huge compromise given the anticipated high price of this iPhone.

The folding iPhone will reportedly have a Touch ID-enabled power button rather than Face ID.

IDG

What will the folding iPhone look like? How will it fold?

Book-like design with a vertical fold rumored

Intended to be an iPhone/iPad hybrid

Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra is reportedly nearing mass production, with its design largely finalized. Here’s what current leaks suggest about how the foldable iPhone will look and how the hinge and display may work.

Book-style, iPad hybrid, design

Multiple leaks point to a book-style foldable with a large, tablet-like internal display, rather than a compact flip-phone design. The device is expected to function as a hybrid between an iPhone and an iPad.

This “passport-style” design will appear noticeably squarer than a traditional iPhone when closed. When unfolded, it’s rumored to resemble an iPad mini-like screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, offering a more expansive viewing experience.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in 2025 that Apple’s foldable will adopt a dual-display setup, with a strong focus on achieving a near crease-free screen when opened.

Other 2025 leaks, including reports from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, also point to a vertical, book-style fold where the left and right sides close together – similar to devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.

Dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson on X in April 2026, demonstrate this book-like form factor.

The latest leaks and dummy models show the wide “passport” design of the iPhone Ultra.

Sonny Dickson

Additional dummy unit images from tech YouTuber Vadim Yuryev, further reinforce this wide, book-like “passport” design.

Vadim Yuryev

In December 2025, this 3D image of the iPhone Ultra, based on leaked CAD files, was created by a hobbyist and shared on MakerWorld (now removed), also aligning with these design expectations.

Subsy/MakerWorld

However, alternative concepts have existed. In 2024, The Information reported that Apple had explored clamshell-style prototypes, where the device folds top-to-bottom, similar to traditional flip phones.

This design direction may already be influencing competitors. Our colleagues on TechAdvisor report that Samsung is developing a “Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide” with a similar 4:3 aspect ratio, potentially positioning it as a direct rival to Apple’s anticipated September 2026 launch.

How Apple is overcoming hinge design and crease reduction challenges

Adding a hinge to an iPhone introduces significant engineering challenges that Apple has spent years trying to resolve. While competitors have released multiple generations of foldables, Apple’s slower entry to the market is widely attributed to its focus on refining the hinge and delivering a more seamless user experience.

The biggest technical challenge is the visible and tactile crease where the screen folds. Apple has reportedly made this a priority, aiming to minimise it to the point of being nearly imperceptible.

Weibo leaker Instant Digital claims the iPhone Ultra’s internal design will make it the most repairable folding phone on the market, with elegant modular and stacked elements that minimize interconnects and ribbons.

As a result, the hinge is expected to be a defining feature of the iPhone Ultra, combining advanced materials and engineering to deliver a smoother, more durable folding experience.

To maintain both thinness and durability, Apple is reportedly testing high-end materials for the hinge:

Titanium alloy (rumored for structural strength)

LiquidMetal, according to Ming-Chi Kuo (March 2025), for improved durability, better screen flatness, and reduced creasing.

In July 2025, Kuo reported that Apple had developed a method to reduce crease visibility using metal support plates to better distribute and control bending stress. Apple may use this “laser-drilling metal plate technology” rather than conventional etching to create a more precise microstructure.

Apple also holds several patents for foldable mechanisms which, along with several rumored technologies, may be used:

Variable Thickness Glass: A key part of Apple’s approach is said to involve variable thickness display glass, which is thinner at the fold point to reduce stress during repeated use. This is expected to work alongside an optically clear adhesive layer, designed to further minimise strain and help prevent the visible crease that commonly develops in foldable devices over time.

Stress-Reducing Adhesive: An optically clear adhesive designed to reduce strain on the display during folding.

Ultra-Thin Profile: Expected thickness of around 4.5mm unfolded and 9.5mm folded.

Internal Support: Metal plates beneath the display to maintain a completely flat surface when opened.

In March 2026, reports suggested that Samsung Display – Apple’s primary screen supplier – has developed a near-creaseless OLED panel, showcased at CES 2026 specifically to meet Apple’s standards.

How big will the foldable iPhone Ultra be?

Approx. 9.5mm thick when folded

Approx. 4.5mm when unfolded

According to Jon Prosser in December 2025, Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra could measure around 9.5mm when closed and just 4.5mm when open. For context, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.5mm thick, while the iPhone Air measures 5.6mm.

If accurate, this would make the iPhone Ultra one of the slimmest foldables, highlighting Apple’s focus on minimising bulk despite the hinge.

However, when asked about the thickness of the iPhone Ultra in April 2026, YouTuber Vadim Yuryev said it would be “exactly 11mm”, which is larger than Prosser’s prediction. He also claimed it would be 0.36mm taller and 0.39mm wider than the iPhone 17 Pro.

Other design features

A leak from Weibo account Instant Digital in February 2026 indicates the volume buttons will be on the top edge, aligned right.

How big will the iPhone Ultra screens be?

The iPhone Ultra is widely expected to feature:

Approx. 7.7–7.8-inch internal display

Approx. 5.3–5.5-inch external display

Ming-Chi Kuo (2025) and TrendForce (July 2025) both pointed to a 7.8-inch inner and 5.5-inch outer display, while The Information later suggested slightly smaller sizes of 7.7 inches and 5.3 inches. This suggests Apple may still be refining final dimensions.

However, a December 2025 report from The Information slightly revised these figures to 7.7 inches internally and 5.3 inches externally, indicating that Apple may still be fine-tuning the final dimensions.

When unfolded, the device is expected to feature a 4:3 aspect ratio, aligning it more closely with the iPad and reinforcing its positioning as a productivity-focused, hybrid device. This would be a notable departure from the tall, narrow displays seen in earlier foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.

This wider layout is said to:

Improve multitasking

Enhance document reading and web browsing

Deliver an experience closer to an iPad mini

What specs will iPhone Ultra offer?

A20 chip, 12GB RAM, C2 modem expected

We don’t know what processor the folding iPhone will contain, but based on the release timeline, it will probably feature an A20 or A20 Pro – some variant of the processor found in the iPhone 18 Pro.

We expect most iPhones to use Apple’s own cellular modem and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chips by that time as well. This will probably be the new C2 modem and the N1 for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth.

This iPhone is also said to have the largest battery ever, at 5,000-5,500mAh, according to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital in February 2026.

The iOS 27 beta makes references to “batteries” (plural) where it used to refer to “battery” (singular), suggesting that Apple is preparing an iPhone with more than one battery. We would expect the iPhone Ultra to have a battery in each half, so this is more evidence that its release is coming soon.

What cameras will the foldable iPhone have?

The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature two 48MP rear cameras, likely a standard wide and an ultrawide, along with two front-facing cameras—one for use when the device is closed and another when it’s unfolded.

However, it may lack a dedicated telephoto lens. While this is likely due to space constraints in the foldable design, it could be seen as a notable drawback—especially for a premium “Ultra” model at a high price point.

On the back, the cameras are expected to sit on a long, thin “plateau,” similar to the iPhone Air, but in black rather than color-matched to the device.

On the front, leaks suggest a mix of one under-display camera and a second punch-hole camera. A November 2025 report from JP Morgan also claimed Apple could drop LiDAR and optical image stabilisation, though this remains uncertain.

Not all the rumors point to compromises: Tech YouTuber Vadim Yuryev claimed in April 2026 that the cameras could be physically larger than those on the iPhone 17 Pro.

How much will the folding iPhone Ultra cost?

Premium price expected: $2,000 or more

Expect the folding iPhone to be a very high-end, ultra-premium model. The very first release is said to cost $2,000 or more… maybe even as much as $2,399, more than twice the highest-end iPhone Pro Max. That’s the prediction from analyst Arthur Liao, who bases his eye-watering estimate on material costs (particularly the panel and hinge) and Apple’s high-margin business model.

The latest rumors from Weibo leakers suggest starting price of RMB 15,999 in China for the 256GB model, up to RMB 19,999 for the 1 TB model. When applying the same yuan-to-dollar ratio as other Apple products, this translates to a $1,999 starting price, up to $2,399 for the 1TB model.

FAQ

Why is Apple making a folding iPhone now?

If you’re wondering why Apple is only launching a folding iPhone now – years after Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold in 2019 – the answer may lie in Apple’s long-standing approach to new product categories. Rather than being first to market, Apple often waits for a technology to mature before entering the space.

When Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone in 2007, he talked about how the rest of the market was constrained by physical keyboards and styluses, but the iPhone would instead have a multi-touch display that could change depending on the task. Apple may be taking a similar approach with foldables. The company appears to believe that display technology, durability, and consumer interest have finally reached a point where a folding iPhone could appeal to mainstream buyers rather than just early adopters.

In other words, Apple’s goal may not be to invent the foldable phone, but to make it a product that millions of people actually want to use every day.

Will the iPhone Ultra replace the iPhone Pro Max?

It is thought that rather than replace the Pro Max handsets, Apple will position the foldable as a new tier above it – similar to how the Apple Watch Ultra sits above the standard Watch lineup. That would allow Apple to maintain premium pricing without disrupting existing flagship models.

What are the tradeoffs likely to be for the iPhone Ultra

Apple may have to sacrifice some features to achieve thinness. Instead of Face ID the iPhone Ultra may revert to Touch ID on the power button.

iOS 26.6 is imminent for iPhone users. Here’s everything you need to know about the update, and why it’s more important than you may think.

WhatsApp is now rolling out its Liquid Glass redesign to the Mac app, bringing it closer to the iPhone and iPad versions. Here are the details.

Apple on Monday released the fourth developer betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate (macOS 27), continuing the rapid beta cycle following the company’s announcements at WWDC 2026. The new builds arrive exactly two weeks after the third betas, signaling steady progress toward the expected public releases this fall.

How to Download

Registered developers can obtain the updates directly on their devices:

• iOS 27 / iPadOS 27: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

• macOS Golden Gate: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update (with Beta Updates enabled and a developer account linked).

Major Features in This Cycle

Both platforms continue to emphasize Apple Intelligence and a refined user interface centered around the new Liquid Glass design language.

Siri AI takes center stage as a more capable, chatbot-style assistant. It combines general world knowledge, personal context from apps like Messages and Mail, and on-screen awareness to deliver smarter responses. A dedicated Siri app now stores conversation history, and system-wide Write with Siri helps generate or refine text. On the Mac, users can also create custom voices with personalized pace and expressivity. Visual Intelligence has been enhanced and relocated (to the Camera app on iOS and integrated into the desktop on macOS) for better contextual understanding of what’s on screen.

Design and Performance Improvements include:

• Enhanced Liquid Glass with better opacity, readability, and a new transparency slider.

• Refined window shadows, uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and subtler rounded corners on macOS.

• Faster app launching, quicker keyboard appearance, improved AirDrop speeds, and smoother Wi-Fi-to-cellular handoffs across iOS devices.

• Overall performance optimizations that make the system feel snappier, even on older hardware.

Apple Intelligence Expansions add new capabilities in Photos, Safari (AI tab organization), Wallet, Passwords (automatic weak password updates), Shortcuts, and the revamped Image Playground app, which now supports photorealistic image generation.

MacDailyNews Take: With beta 4 now available, Apple is expected to continue refining stability, battery life, and features in the coming weeks. A public beta is likely to follow soon, ahead of the official launch of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate in September.

‎
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The post Apple seeds fourth betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate to developers appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple on Monday released the fourth developer betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate (macOS 27), continuing the rapid beta cycle following the company’s announcements at WWDC 2026. The new builds arrive exactly two weeks after the third betas, signaling steady progress toward the expected public releases this fall.

How to Download

Registered developers can obtain the updates directly on their devices:

• iOS 27 / iPadOS 27: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

• macOS Golden Gate: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update (with Beta Updates enabled and a developer account linked).

Major Features in This Cycle

Both platforms continue to emphasize Apple Intelligence and a refined user interface centered around the new Liquid Glass design language.

Siri AI takes center stage as a more capable, chatbot-style assistant. It combines general world knowledge, personal context from apps like Messages and Mail, and on-screen awareness to deliver smarter responses. A dedicated Siri app now stores conversation history, and system-wide Write with Siri helps generate or refine text. On the Mac, users can also create custom voices with personalized pace and expressivity. Visual Intelligence has been enhanced and relocated (to the Camera app on iOS and integrated into the desktop on macOS) for better contextual understanding of what’s on screen.

Design and Performance Improvements include:

• Enhanced Liquid Glass with better opacity, readability, and a new transparency slider.

• Refined window shadows, uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and subtler rounded corners on macOS.

• Faster app launching, quicker keyboard appearance, improved AirDrop speeds, and smoother Wi-Fi-to-cellular handoffs across iOS devices.

• Overall performance optimizations that make the system feel snappier, even on older hardware.

Apple Intelligence Expansions add new capabilities in Photos, Safari (AI tab organization), Wallet, Passwords (automatic weak password updates), Shortcuts, and the revamped Image Playground app, which now supports photorealistic image generation.

MacDailyNews Take: With beta 4 now available, Apple is expected to continue refining stability, battery life, and features in the coming weeks. A public beta is likely to follow soon, ahead of the official launch of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate in September.

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Traveling with your Apple setup usually means bringing a bunch of cables and wall adaptors. The RORRY Flow power bank aims to fix that by putting everything you need into a single compact battery. It has a built-in wall plug, an integrated USB-C cable, and a magnetic charger for your Apple Watch. It is the exact kind of accessory I love for vacations because it handles everything from travel charging to overnight charging.

You can ping a lost Apple Watch from your iPhone. The reverse has always been one of the best uses of an Apple Watch.

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

iOS 27 beta 4 arrived today, and per Macworld it includes code references to what’s likely a new iPhone Ultra feature: dual batteries.

If your Mac is slowing down, freezing, running out of RAM or storage, and just not behaving like it used to, a good Mac cleaner app can help.

This article will guide you in choosing a safe and reliable Mac cleaner for everyday tasks like reclaiming storage, removing duplicate and leftover files, uninstalling apps cleanly, and handling light system maintenance. Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing, evaluating scan usefulness, cleanup safety, uninstall effectiveness, disk tools, and overall value.

While macOS includes built-in tools for basic upkeep, some readers may be better served by those options or a lighter utility. For others, a dedicated cleaner can be a safer alternative to manually digging through system folders, where deleting the wrong file could cause problems.

Later in this article, we explain how we test Mac cleaning software, whether Mac cleaners are safe, and what to check before using a Mac cleaner, and answer common questions.

PROMOTION

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We like MacPaw’s CleanMyMac because there is the choice of a yearly subscription or a one time purchase price if you think you might want to keep it for the long haul. It’s also one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly Mac cleaners. Since our original roundup, CleanMyMac has added new features including a redesigned UI and expanded cleanup tools for cloud storage in 2025.

Another option we really like is Parallels Toolbox which offers a bundle of handy tools for just about everything. There are also some cheaper options including Cleaner One Pro and Nektony’s App Cleaner & Uninstaller and free options such as Onyx and CCleaner.

Ultimately, the best cleaner is one that fits your budget and requirements. For a comprehensive, all-in-one solution, CleanMyMac is a top contender, while Cleaner One Pro offers great value. For those who want deep, technical control, MacCleaner Pro is a strong choice.

Below you can read about the Mac Cleaners we have reviewed. Read on to find out why we rate these options so highly.

1. MacPaw CleanMyMac – Best Mac cleaner for ease of use

Pros

Very easy to use

Comprehensive all-in-one toolkit

Fast, effective cleaning results

Cons

Expensive compared to rivals

Duplicates macOS built-in tools

Occasionally flags needed files

Price When Reviewed:

Basic (1 Mac): $9.95 per month; $47.50 per year; $119.95 one time fee. Plus (1 Mac): $15.95 per month; $71.40 annually; $195.95 one time fee

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$47.40

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Who CleanMyMac is best for: CleanMyMac is a good option for everyday Mac users and beginners who want simple, all-in-one maintenance without technical knowledge. Power users can still dig deeper, but it’s designed for convenience.

Why we like CleanMyMac: We like CleanMyMac X because it makes complex Mac maintenance simple, fast, and accessible in one polished app.

CleanMyMac’s main strength lies in combining multiple tools into one package. It offers cleaning, optimisation, and maintenance features through a very user-friendly interface with clear summaries. Users can quickly reclaim storage, manage apps, and visualise files using tools like Space Lens, which provides an intuitive overview of disk usage.

The app includes a wide range of tools: Smart Scan (which combines cleanup, malware checks, and optimisation), system junk and cache removal, an app uninstaller and updater, large and old file finder, malware and privacy tools, and performance optimisation features such as RAM management and maintenance scripts. Space Lens stands out as a particularly useful visual feature.

CleanMyMac is very beginner-friendly, offering one-click cleaning alongside more detailed file review options for greater control. Scans are fast and effective, often freeing up gigabytes of space by removing junk, unused apps, and leftover files. It is generally accurate and safe to use.

In terms of performance, it can improve responsiveness and free up storage, particularly on slower Macs. Compared to similar apps, it is more polished and easier to use.

However, there are some drawbacks. Certain features overlap with built-in macOS tools, and the software carries a premium price compared to competitors. It can also occasionally flag files that users may want to keep, meaning some manual checking is advisable. There is no built-in duplicate finder and the antivirus capabilities, though a nice addition, are not best-in-class like some of the options in our Best Antivirus for Mac round-up.

A free trial is available, but cleaning is limited to a maximum of 500MB. You can purchase from MacPaw’s website or via the Mac App Store – though that version lacks some features due to Apple restrictions. MacPaw is running a 30% discount for students – submit your university email address and receive a download code here. 

You can get CleanMyMac here.

Read our full

CleanMyMac review

2. Parallels Toolbox – Best all-in-one toolkit

Pros

Huge tool variety

Very easy to use

Handy everyday utilities

Cons

Annual subscription required

Many tools unnecessary

Price When Reviewed:

$24.99 per year

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Who Parallels Toolbox is best for: Parallels Toolbox is good for Mac (and Windows) users who want a wide range of simple utilities in one place – especially beginners or casual users who prefer convenience over deep control.

Why we like Parallels Toolbox: We like it because it combines dozens of genuinely useful everyday tools into one simple, polished app without overwhelming the user.

Parallels Toolbox brings together more than 50 tools – including cleaning, media, and system utilities – into a single, easy-to-access app with a clean interface and menu bar integration. Useful features such as Clipboard History, video downloading, duplicate finding, screen recording, and app uninstalling make it a practical everyday toolkit.

The main strength of Parallels Toolbox is its breadth and simplicity. It offers a broad mix of tools across system, file, and media categories, all designed to be quick and lightweight. Tools launch almost instantly and require little to no setup, making the software highly beginner-friendly. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of limited advanced control, which may frustrate more experienced users.

Its cleaning capabilities are solid for basic maintenance, allowing users to remove cache files, duplicates, and unnecessary data, as well as uninstall apps with leftover file cleanup. It is generally accurate, focusing on obvious junk files and avoiding risky deletions.

While it can help free up storage and slightly improve system responsiveness, it is not a deep optimisation tool.

On the downside, many of the included tools may feel unnecessary for some users. Additionally, the software is subscription-based, which may not appeal to everyone.

Compared to specialist apps like CleanMyMac, Parallels Toolbox is less powerful in individual areas but stands out as a versatile, all-in-one utility suite.

Parallel’s Toolbox is included free of charge along with Parallels Desktop but you can also purchase it as a standalone product for both Mac and Windows, with an annual subscription fee. There’s also a free 7-day trial that will actually delete files, free memory and do all those other useful things without you buying the app.

You can get Parallels Toolbox here.

Read our full

Parallels Toolbox review

3. Cleaner One Pro for Mac – Simple and fast Mac cleaner

Pros

Fast, stable, responsive performance

Clean, easy-to-use interface

Useful duplicate and cloud cleanup

Cons

Interface could use refinement

Lacks advanced/security features

Slightly less thorough cleaning

Price When Reviewed:

$19.99 a year for 1 device (usually $24.99)

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Trend Micro (1 year, 1 Mac)

$19.99

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Who Cleaner One Pro is best for: Cleaner One Pro for Mac is a good option for Mac users who want a simple, reliable cleanup tool without complexity or all-in-one bloat.

Why we like Cleaner One Pro: It’s a well-balanced, fast, and easy-to-use cleaner that delivers reliable results without overwhelming users.

Cleaner One Pro delivers fast, stable performance with smooth navigation, making it particularly appealing for everyday users who value simplicity and efficiency.

The interface is well designed, easy to customise, and highly beginner-friendly, with guided scans that make it clear what’s safe to remove while still offering enough control for more confident users.

The app includes a solid set of core tools: a junk file cleaner, duplicate file finder, large file scanner with disk map, app manager for removing leftover files, startup manager, system monitoring tools, and a standout Dropbox scanner for identifying unnecessary cloud-based files. This Dropbox integration is relatively rare among competitors and adds useful functionality for users managing both local and cloud storage.

In terms of performance, Cleaner One Pro is quick to scan and responsive in use. It effectively removes junk files, duplicates, and app leftovers, helping to free up storage and improve system responsiveness. It is also generally accurate, avoiding overly aggressive file flagging, which reduces the risk of deleting important data. Its lightweight design means it has minimal impact on system performance while running.

However, it does have limitations. Some interface elements could be refined, and it lacks broader features such as antivirus protection or bundled extras like VPNs. Compared to more comprehensive competitors, its cleaning can be slightly less thorough, and it is not as feature-rich overall.

Despite this, Cleaner One Pro holds its own with competitive pricing, strong core functionality, and a more focused, less bloated experience than many alternatives, making it a solid choice for users who prioritise ease of use and speed over advanced features.

Cleaner One Pro offers is available on subscription. There is also a free version with basic scanning and no usage limits, making it easy to try without payment details. It’s also available on the Mac App Store and there’s also an iOS version on the iOS App Store. 

Read our full

Cleaner One Pro for Mac review

4. MacCleaner Pro – Impressive tools at a good price

Pros

Frees significant storage space

Wide range of utilities

Beginner and advanced modes

Cons

Split into multiple apps

Clunky interface

Price When Reviewed:

$29.95/a year for 1 Mac, or $74.95 for 1 Mac (one time purchase)

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Nektony (1 year, 1 Mac)

$29.95

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$74.95

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Who MacCleaner Pro is best for: MacCleaner Pro is a good option for Mac users who want an all-in-one cleanup toolkit that offers both simple and more advanced controls.

Why we like MacCleaner Pro: It offers powerful cleaning tools via an straightforward interface.

MacCleaner Pro from Nektony is a comprehensive Mac maintenance suite that combines a core cleaning app with several dedicated modules, including App Cleaner & Uninstaller, Disk Space Analyzer, Duplicate File Finder, Memory Cleaner, and Funter. Together, these tools provide a broad set of utilities in one package, helping users reclaim storage space and manage system performance without needing technical expertise.

The core app performs overall disk cleaning, while individual modules offer more targeted control. The App Cleaner & Uninstaller is particularly strong, allowing users to remove apps alongside all associated files, manage startup programs and extensions, and track down leftover files. Duplicate File Finder provides precise filtering by file type, while Memory Cleaner highlights RAM usage by apps and processes. Funter adds visibility into hidden files, rounding out a feature-rich toolkit.

Ease of use is a key strength. The interface is clear and beginner-friendly, with a “Fast Cleanup” option that quickly removes unnecessary files, while advanced users can access deeper controls. In testing, Fast Cleanup cleared 11.4GB of space, while Deep Cleanup reclaimed an impressive 65.4GB, demonstrating strong cleaning effectiveness. Scans are generally fast, though deeper operations can take longer and may require user input.

The software is accurate and safe to use, focusing on clearly removable files such as caches, duplicates, and leftovers, though some manual judgement may be required during deeper cleaning. It can improve available storage and overall responsiveness, although intensive scans may temporarily impact performance.

However, MacCleaner Pro has some drawbacks. Its multi-app structure can feel fragmented, and occasional UI quirks – such as unnecessary system prompts – can interrupt the experience. It also lacks built-in malware protection, a feature offered by some competitors like CleanMyMac.

A free trial version is available, offering full functionality for two days. The app can be purchased via subscription or as a one-time license, making it a flexible option for users seeking an effective, all-in-one Mac cleanup solution.

There is a free trial version that is fully functioning for two days. You can purchase MacCleaner Pro via a monthly or yearly subscription, or as a one-time purchase, making it a flexible option for users seeking an effective, all-in-one Mac cleanup solution.

Read our full

Nektony MacCleaner Pro review

5. Avast Cleanup Premium – Best for deep cleaning with customization

Pros

Fast performance

Good customization options

Wide range of tools

Cons

Can be overly aggressive

Promotional opt-ins enabled

Not very innovative

Price When Reviewed:

$29.88 a year for 1 Mac (usually $65.99)

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$29.88

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Who Avast Cleanup Premium is best for: Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac is best suited to general users who want an all-in-one, affordable Mac cleaning tool with some customization, rather than power users seeking highly advanced or specialised optimisation tools.

Why we like Avast Cleanup Premium: It combines strong cleaning performance with a broad set of tools and fast operation, making it a practical all-in-one maintenance utility.

Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac is a well-rounded cleaning tool offering a broad set of utilities, including Quick Clean, duplicate finder, photo analysis, app uninstaller, startup manager, and a detailed system monitor. Its standout features include hardware monitoring and granular duplicate sorting, though it doesn’t introduce anything particularly new compared to competitors.

It delivers fast performance and effective cleaning, capable of digging deeper into system files to remove clutter, reclaim storage, and improve overall responsiveness. However, its cleaning can be overly aggressive if left unchecked, meaning users should review settings and results carefully to avoid removing more than intended.

The app is easy to install and generally beginner-friendly, with a clear interface, but also offers a good level of control and customization within each module. This balance makes it accessible while still allowing more hands-on management if desired.

In terms of accuracy, it works well but relies on user oversight, as some items flagged for removal may not always be ideal to delete. There’s no noted negative performance impact—instead, it can help improve system speed by freeing up space.

Compared to similar apps, it’s a solid all-rounder rather than a standout leader, matching competitors in functionality without significantly surpassing them.

A 30-day free trial (sometimes as long as 60-days during promotions) unlocks full functionality, allowing users to test all features before committing to a subscription.

Read our full

Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac review

6. CCleaner Pro – Good cleaning control

Pros

Strong customization and control options

Effective at clearing storage clutter

Wide range of cleaning tools

Cons

Clunky and dated interface design

Less polished than competitors

Not for beginners

Price When Reviewed:

Free; Pro version: $39.95 a year

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Piriform Software (annually)

$39.95

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Who CCleaner is best for: Piriform Software’s CCleaner for Mac is suited to intermediate to advanced users who want detailed control over cleaning and storage, rather than a fully automated, beginner-first experience.

Why we like CCleaner: It delivers effective Mac cleaning with a high level of control, making it reliable for users who want to manage exactly what gets removed.

CCleaner for Mac is a flexible cleaning tool aimed at users who want more control over how their system is managed. It offers a range of modular features, including Quick Clean, Clean Clutter, Clean Browser, Find Duplicates, Analyze Photos, Uninstall Apps, Startup Manager, System Monitor, and storage statistics, making it more than a simple one-click cleaner.

Its main strength is the level of customization available. Users can target specific files such as caches, duplicates, large files, and browser data, helping to free up storage effectively. The software provides a clear analysis before deletion, improving accuracy and giving users confidence in what is being removed. Overall, it performs well at cleaning and can improve system responsiveness by reducing clutter, without causing noticeable performance issues.

However, the interface feels somewhat dated and less polished than competing apps. It lacks the visual refinement and automation found in alternatives like CleanMyMac or DaisyDisk, and achieving the best results often requires manual input. While installation and basic use are straightforward, the software leans toward a more hands-on approach, meaning advanced users will benefit most from its features.

In terms of performance, scans and analysis are reasonably quick, and cleaning speed depends on user selections. CCleaner stands out for its granular control and detailed tools, but falls short in offering a more modern, streamlined experience.

A free version is available with basic cleaning functionality, while more advanced features are locked behind the Pro version.

Read our full

CCleaner Pro review

7. Onyx – Excellent free option

Pros

Excellent utility

Good customization

Reliable bug fixes and updates

Cons

Scheduling feature needs refinement

Intimidating

Price When Reviewed:

Free

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Titanium Software (Donationware)

Free

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Who OnyX is best for: Suited to users who want deep access to macOS system tools – particularly power users and more experienced Mac owners.

Why we like OnyX: This is. a long-standing free utility that provides powerful tools for macOS maintenance, cache cleaning, and running maintenance scripts.

OnyX provides easy access to the powerful underlying tools within macOS, allowing users to run advanced, customizable maintenance scripts for tasks such as checking volume structures, repairing permissions, cleaning system databases, and accessing low-level system specifications. It also simplifies access to complex system functions like security settings, login options, Display Calibrator, and Keychain Access, making it a highly capable utility.

The depth of functionality makes OnyX an indispensable tool for everyday and power users alike, but its real strength lies with those comfortable going beyond basic cleaning. Its extensive customization and ability to work with low-level system features appeal most to users who want control, understand system settings, or are willing to learn.

Our main criticism is that the Scheduling feature is a bit vague and seems to only function around specific days, hours, and minutes.

While capable everyday users can benefit, the lack of tutorials and slightly vague scheduling feature mean it can feel intimidating for beginners, and support responses may be slow. For that reason, OnyX is best suited to power users and technically confident Mac users, though others can benefit if they’re prepared to spend time learning its features.

Onyx is Donationware, with users asked to send along whatever they believe the program is worth.

Read our full

Onyx review

8. Daisy Disk – Nice one off price

Pros

Quickly scans storage and finds large files

Graphical representation

File name previews

Can check cloud storage

Cons

Some user-interface quirks

Price When Reviewed:

$9.99

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Software Ambience (One time purchase)

$9.99

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Who DaisyDisk is best for: It’s best for users who want a simple, visual way to understand and manage their storage, rather than a full all-in-one cleaning suite.

Why we like DaisyDisk: It is a visually appealing disk analyzer that helps you understand what’s taking up space on your Mac.

Rather than a fully automated cleaning tool. DaisyDisk focuses on helping you clearly see what’s taking up space and gives you full control over what to delete.

At its core, the app uses a clean, engaging interface to visualize data across local, network, and even some cloud-based volumes, mapping out files so you can quickly identify large, space-hogging items. It supports a wide range of file systems, disk images, and network volumes, and can scan almost any accessible storage. Users can also connect services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box to track down old files, though there are some limitations – Google Drive access issues were noted, and iCloud Drive can only be scanned locally due to Apple restrictions. See our round-up of the best cloud backups for Mac.

DaisyDisk is well suited to those who prefer manual control and clarity over automation. It does one job very well: helping you find and remove large files efficiently. You can scan entire drives or specific folders, and deletions are entirely user-driven, with a short countdown window to prevent mistakes.

It’s also ideal for users who want a tool that’s easy and even enjoyable to use, thanks to its intuitive, visually appealing design, rather than something complex or overloaded with features. While it lacks the automation of some competitors, its focused approach and transparency make it highly effective for reclaiming storage space – often freeing up significant amounts of data in the process.

Unlike so many apps you don’t have to sign up for a subscription package: the app retails for a one off fee of $9.99/£9.99, which is excellent value. 

Read our full

Daisy Disk review

9. Klarity Disk – Visual disk analysis

Pros

Clear and intuitive visual interface

Fast scanning and responsive performance

Simple, focused and lightweight tool

Cons

Limited features beyond disk analysis

Lacks automation and smart cleaning

Not as powerful as rivals

Price When Reviewed:

$6.99

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Klarity

$6.99

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Who Klarity Disk is best for: Klarity Disk is suited to users who want a simple, visual disk analysis tool with a focus on understanding storage rather than full system cleaning.

Why we like Klarity Disk: It provides a clean, easy-to-understand way to visualise and manage disk space without unnecessary complexity.

Klarity Disk is a lightweight Mac utility designed to help users understand and manage storage through a clear, visual interface. It uses treemap-style graphics to map disk usage, making it easy to explore folders, identify large files, and navigate storage. Basic file management tools are included, allowing users to locate and manually delete unwanted files.

Its biggest strength is simplicity. The app provides a clear visual breakdown of storage, helping users quickly find large or unnecessary files. It’s lightweight, focused, and avoids unnecessary extras, offering good value.

Klarity is beginner-friendly, with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. At the same time, it offers high manual control, as users decide what to delete. Scanning is fast and responsive, quickly highlighting problem areas without slowing the system.

In terms of cleaning, Klarity is effective at identifying large and unnecessary files and does allow file removal. However, it relies entirely on user decisions rather than automated suggestions, which contributes to its high accuracy and low risk of deleting important files. It can help free up storage and may improve responsiveness indirectly, with no noticeable performance impact.

However, it lacks the broader functionality of full system cleaners, with no automation, advanced cleanup tools, or deeper optimisation features.

Compared to alternatives like DaisyDisk, it offers a similar visual approach but with fewer refinements. Against full-featured cleaners, it is more limited but also simpler and more focused.

It’s a paid app with a low one-time of $6.99/£6.99, available on the Mac App Store or from Klarity.

Read our full

Klarity Disk review

10. MacPaw Gemini – Dependable duplicate deleter

Pros

Capable of finding multiple duplicate types

Excellent search customization

Handy preferences and options

Cons

Lack of additional filters makes sorting located duplicates tedious

Needs a scheduling feature

Price When Reviewed:

From $19.95 for 1 Mac, annually

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Why we like MacPaw Gemini: While not a comprehensive Mac cleaner that handles system junk or malware, it excels at its specific task of duplicate removal

Though not strictly a Mac cleaner, like other apps in this round-up, MacPaw’s Gemini 2 can certainly help you get back some disc space. It is a duplicate removal tool that focuses specifically on reducing the thousands of duplicate photos in your Photos library. It also hunts down duplicate files within Apple Music and across the macOS operating system. The app is available through Apple’s App Store and MacPaw’s SetApp application, which grants access to Gemini and other apps for $9.99 (£7.60) a month. It is easy to install and offers a seven-day free trial in exchange for either your credit or debit card information.

The app includes scripts for easy scanning of the Photos library and your Music library, as well as custom folders and external volumes that can be chosen from a menu or dragged, dropped, and quickly scanned. Other features include Menu Bar elements, whitelists that can be created that are exempt from being scanned, and a Duplicate Monitor feature that helps compare files and heads off duplicates before they begin to pile up.

In testing, Gemini 2 quickly sought out duplicates, offered the option to remove them, and eradicated them from our hard drive. This also applies to music files and other document types, and the Duplicate Monitor warns you about possible duplicates that have been carried over to your hard drive.

However, there are some caveats, such as confusion about account registration and permissions after downloading and installing Gemini 2 from the App Store. MacPaw is urging its clients towards SetApp subscriptions, which offer full access to the company’s apps for a given rate per month.

While Gemini 2 runs well, a scheduling feature for folder or volume scans would not go amiss. An improved filter for locating duplicate items would be more helpful.

Despite some minor hurdles, Gemini 2 is well-written, sharp, helpful, fast, works well with all kinds of duplicates, and lends a good feature set to the macOS operating system without being overbearing. It hones in on its tasks and performs them well enough to earn the trust of users.

Read our full

MacPaw Gemini review

11. AVG TuneUp Premium

Pros

Good speed and performance

Great level of customization and ability to add whitelists as needed

Reasonable price point and (currently) good offer

Cons

Buggy – main window couldn’t be set to full screen or resized

The Uninstall Apps module required multiple authentications

Bad Photo feature in the Analyze Photos module functions on vague criteria

Price When Reviewed:

$65.99 per year for one device; currently $34.99 for 10 devices (usually $79.99)

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Why we like AVG TuneUp Premium: This app works as advertised to reclaim disk space and offers a high level of customization. It suffers from some user interface bugs, such as a main window that cannot be resize

AVG’s TuneUp Premium for Mac claims to reclaim lost space by removing junk data, duplicate files, and poor-quality photos, improving Mac performance.

The software is divided into modules: Quick Clean, Clean Clutter, Clean Browser, Find Duplicates, Analyse Photos, Uninstall Apps, Manage Startups, System Monitor, and Statistics. Each module runs quickly, has a user-friendly interface, and effectively removes common detritus, recovering gigabytes of lost drive space.

The modules work as advertised, with AVG adding customisation to filter files, folders, drives, and volumes. The Clean Browser module lets users create a Cookie Allowlist to avoid conflicts. The Find Duplicates application categorises found documents and allows adding folders or external drives for sorting.

Utilities like Uninstall Apps and Manage Startups also worked well. Manage Startups provides deeper insights into startup load than macOS Settings, with easy toggling of settings. The System Monitor module offers system information, including CPU/memory usage, sensors, disk usage, battery usage, and life, and is available from the Menu Bar.

However, there are issues. The Uninstall Apps module required two Touch ID authentications, which seems odd. The user interface is polished but doesn’t allow full-screen mode or resizing.

The Bad Photos feature in Analyse Photos is vague, and the few images it found didn’t seem damaged, blurry, or out of focus, but rather oddities that didn’t fit into the Photos Library.

AVG TuneUp Premium for Mac offers a good program with excellent customisation, allowing users to add exceptions and whitelists before applying large-scale filters and cleanup routines. The software focuses on its core tasks, such as antivirus protection, without attempting to do everything else. However, there’s room for improvement.

Read our full

AVG TuneUp review

12. Intego Washing Machine

Pros

Reclaim drive space and remove duplicate files

Good customization, filters, and settings

Cons

Annoying pop-ups

Installation difficult

Price When Reviewed:

$19.99 for one Mac for first year (usually $49.99)

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Intego (1 year, 1 Mac, 60% off)

$19.99

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Why we like Intego Washing Machine X9: It’s a straightforward utility for reclaiming disk space and removing duplicates. While effective, it doesn’t offer groundbreaking features compared to its competitors and its “Organize” tool is seen as a superficial fix for messy folders.

Intego’s Washing Machine X9 is a handy cleaning utility for the Mac that focuses on reclaiming disk space via the Reclaim tool, removing duplicate files on your Mac’s hard drive with the Duplicates tool, and organizing folders using the Organize tool.

As is standard, the software (compatible with macOS 13 High Sierra or later) requires that you grant it full access to your hard drive though your Mac’s Privacy and Security settings. Less standard was that we had to locate the Intego Washing Machine X9 app in the Applications folder and drag it into Full Disk Access in Privacy and Security settings to get it to function. It is more common that an installer will add an easy icon that can be dragged into the macOS Full Disk Access pane to complete the installation.

There’s a good level of customization. Like similar applications, the Reclaim tool can chase after caches, downloads, language files, logs, and trash files to help clean up disk space. The initial run cleared approximately 24GB of drive space from my M2 MacBook Pro’s SSD.

The Duplicates tool took about five hours to create an initial index for my 1TB SSD. It offered control over duplicates that can be selected and specific options and naming filters.

The Organize feature can help organize messy folders into a Snapshot folder for reorganization later. This tool can work with specific folders such as the ever-messy Desktop folder, your Home folder, and macOS’ Smart Folders, and help pull things into order. This Organize feature does feel like slapping a band-aid on the larger problem of a folder’s disorganization though.The Scheduling option only allows for a specific week or month to be chosen, and it would have been nice to be able to schedule a process for a few minutes from now, as is common with similar software.

While it’s nice to be able to reclaim a few dozen gigabytes of drive space and have control over the duplicate files on your Mac, Washing Machine offers nothing groundbreaking.

With the current discounts and its attractive user interface it’s worth a look though. Alternatively, Intego’s Washing Machine X9 is bundled with Intego’s larger security suite so you could take advantage of that and get a Mac Cleaner with Intego’s Antivirus solution. The Mac Premium Bundle includes VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, Content Barrier, and Personal Backup solutions.

Read our full

Intego Washing Machine X9 review

13. Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller

Pros

Friendly interface, good performance

Cheap option

Cons

Mediocre update utility

Problems with Remaining Files module 

Price When Reviewed:

$14.95 a year for 1 Mac

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Why we like App Cleaner & Uninstaller: It offers a user-friendly interface and can dig deep into macOS to find and remove leftover files and unwanted extensions.

App Cleaner & Uninstaller simplifies the process of removing unwanted applications, startup programs, extensions, remaining files, and updates.

The Applications module indexes all applications and allows users to easily find and remove even the remnants of software. The Startup Programs module provides a convenient list of startup applications, categorised into All Programs, Active, and Disabled, and lets users select which to remove. The Extensions module categorises Mac extensions into Installation Files, Web Browser Extensions, Screen Savers, Settings Panes, Internet Plugins, and Widgets, making it easy to locate and remove specific extensions.

Unfortunately, App Cleaner & Uninstaller’s Remaining Files and Updater elements are problematic. The Remaining Files module, though useful, offers a generalised ‘Remove’ feature that can remove critical system elements like the App Store, affecting your Mac’s functionality.

During testing, it targeted Adobe Creative Cloud applications and files, removing file systems and requiring reinstallation of several Adobe applications. While a generalised cleanup is possible, the Remaining Files module should be used carefully to avoid removing critical elements. The Updates feature missed major updates like ff-Works, Slack, and Microsoft Office. 

Read our full

Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller review

14. diCleaner

Pros

Clean, intuitive interface

Useful storage cleanup tools

Excellent customization options

Cons

Unpredictable app uninstaller

Limited app update detection

Leftovers require manual removal 

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Why we like diCleaner: Its excellent storage-analysis tools, clean interface and generous free feature set make it easy to find large files, duplicates and other space-wasting data, even if its maintenance features still need refinement.

diCleaner is an ambitious free Mac maintenance utility that combines disk cleanup, storage management, privacy tools, optimization features and application management into a single package. While it offers an impressive range of tools and a polished interface, Macworld’s testing found that its execution is inconsistent, making it difficult to recommend as a dependable all-in-one Mac cleaner despite its clear potential.

The application’s biggest strength is its storage-analysis toolkit. Features such as Space Analyzer, Large & Old Files Finder, Duplicate Files, and Similar Photos Finder work well, making it easy to identify large files, duplicate content and unnecessary data that can be safely removed to reclaim valuable disk space. These tools are genuinely useful and represent the strongest reason to download the software. Junk cleaning is also generally effective, and the application does not aggressively flag files that shouldn’t be removed.

The interface is another highlight. Tools are logically grouped, navigation is straightforward, and there are extensive customization options for users who like fine-grained control. A built-in clipboard manager capable of storing up to 100 copied items is an unusual and welcome extra that helps distinguish diCleaner from many competing free utilities.

However, several core maintenance features fall short. The Uninstall Apps module worked inconsistently during testing, sometimes removing applications successfully but other times failing to uninstall them completely. Likewise, the Leftovers tool often couldn’t remove all remaining support files because of macOS permission limitations, leaving users to delete files manually. The App Updates feature was also disappointing, identifying mainly Mac App Store updates rather than updates for a broad range of third-party applications.

The review found diCleaner to be safe to use, with no evidence of dangerous cleaning behaviour or overly aggressive file deletion. Its shortcomings stem from reliability rather than safety.

Because it is completely free, diCleaner is worth trying if your main goal is analysing storage, finding duplicate files and reclaiming disk space. However, users looking for a polished, dependable Mac maintenance suite that can reliably uninstall applications, remove every leftover file and manage updates will likely be better served by more mature alternatives. Overall, diCleaner shows considerable promise, but in its current form it feels more like an unfinished beta than a fully polished 1.0 release.

Read our full

Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller review

You may also like to consider:

Disk Doctor, $2.99/£2.99 a year.

Tuneup for Mac, $65.99/£54.99 a year.

We have also looked at MacBooster, find out why we don’t recommend it here: MacBooster Review: it’s no surprise people think it’s malware.

For more information about why a Mac cleaner app could be useful read: Why your Mac needs a cleaner app. We also discuss Tips for cleaning up your Mac.

What are the best free Mac Cleaner options?

If you prefer not to pay, several reliable free Mac cleaners exist, ranging from completely free utilities to limited free versions of premium software.

While macOS includes built-in storage management tools, they require more manual effort and carry the risk of deleting important system files if you’re not careful. You should only use macOS tools if you are confident that you are not deleting critical system files. While macOS includes protections to prevent you from easily damaging the operating system, manual deletion of certain folders can lead to application errors or system instability. Third-party apps often provide more automated ways to clear caches, logs, and unneeded system data.

The following are the most effective free options we have tested for maintaining a Mac.

OnyX: A long-standing, completely free utility that provides powerful tools for macOS maintenance, cache cleaning, and running maintenance scripts. Options like OnyX are suited to technical experts troubleshooting persistent system issues.

CCleaner: This well known tool offers a free version with useful cleaning features, though a professional version is also available.

Avira Free Security: While primarily an antivirus, it includes a Junk Cleaner module that can clear out gigabytes of unnecessary files, though many other features are behind a paywall.

Several premium cleaners offer trials that allow you to clean your Mac for free for a limited time or up to a certain data limit:

Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller: This software is available as a two-day free download. It excels at finding Remaining Files from previously deleted applications.

CleanMyMac: Is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface, which allows you to know what needs fixing without bombarding you with confusing information. It offers a free trial that shows how much space can be freed, though full cleaning may require a subscription.

DaisyDisk and MacCleaner Pro: Also offer free trials that provide a way to clean your system without immediate cost.

How to choose the best Mac Cleaner

Choosing the best Mac cleaner depends on your needs, budget, and comfort with system tools. Some apps focus purely on freeing up disk space, while others offer broader features like app uninstallation, RAM management, system optimisation, and even antivirus protection.

If you just want to reclaim storage – perhaps to install a macOS update – a simple, low-cost cleaner may be enough. These tools are usually easy to use and focused on quick results.

For many users, a standalone app uninstaller can be a smart middle ground. Leftover files from deleted apps are a common cause of clutter, and tools like Nektony’s App Cleaner can remove these without the complexity of a full suite.

If you want more comprehensive maintenance, including performance improvements, deeper system insights, and added security features, a full-featured cleaner is worth considering.

Ultimately, the best Mac cleaner is the one that fits your requirements and budget. Any app included in this roundup that matches your criteria comes recommended.

Most Mac cleaners include tools such as:

Duplicate finding: Locate identical files to free up space.

Startup management: Disable apps that slow boot times.

Browser & privacy cleaning: Remove cookies and tracking data.

System monitoring: Track RAM, CPU, and overall performance.

How Macworld tests Mac Cleaning software

To test Mac cleaning software, Macworld’s experts run the applications on a test system and perform real-world evaluations to assess their performance in typical use cases . The review process focuses on several key criteria to determine the software’s effectiveness and value.

The primary steps and evaluation criteria include:

Scanning and File Removal: The software is first used to scan a test system for junk files, caches, and temporary files that can be deleted. Success is measured not just by the amount of space the app frees up, but also by ensuring the cleaning process doesn’t cause data loss or performance slowdowns.

Module Effectiveness: Beyond simple file cleaning, the evaluation extends to the various modules included in each app. This includes testing the efficiency of features like app uninstallers and RAM management tools.

User Experience and Value: Our reviewers also assess the software’s ease of use and overall value for money. For example, CleanMyMac is noted for simplifying its scan results into a series of tiles for a quick summary.

Features and Innovations: New and updated features are also a point of focus. For instance, a 2025 update to CleanMyMac introduced a “Purgeable Space” option to scan for old files and a “Space Lens” feature that provides a visual guide to storage usage, which were highlighted in its review.

Our goal is to provide unbiased recommendations based on real-world testing. Our approach is to use the products ourselves, running real-world tests to accurately assess how the software will perform in typical use.

Why you should trust Macworld

Macworld’s Mac cleaner app reviewer, Chris Barylick, is an Apple-Certified Macintosh Technician with more than twenty years of experience fixing Macs and in this time has seen just about every scenario that can be conceived of. You can trust the unbiassed recommendations and buying advice of Macworld’s team of experts because we use the products ourselves, running real-world tests to accurately assess how the software will perform in typical use.

When to skip a Mac Cleaner App

For routine, everyday storage management – macOS already does this.Before you download anything, open System Settings > General > Storage. This panel gives you a clear breakdown of what’s taking up space and lets you manage it directly. You can sort applications by size, review large files, and delete old documents without any third-party help.

When you’re just trying to clear cache files.Clearing cache is straightforward with built-in tools. In How to clear cache on a Mac we explain that you can manually navigate to ~/Library/Caches and delete files yourself.

When you’re worried about security risks from deceptive ads.This is a serious concern. Early in 2026, harmful Google ads were masquerading as how-tos and tricking Mac users. These malicious ads appear when searching for terms like “Mac cleaner” or “Clear cache macos.” The ads redirect users to fake Apple support pages that trick them into running Terminal commands, which can install remote-access software without the user’s knowledge.

When you’re dealing with iCloud-optimized storage.Modern macOS uses iCloud optimization to automatically manage space. As explained in Deciphering your storage space between your Mac and iCloud, when local storage gets tight, macOS automatically deletes local copies of files synced to iCloud while keeping thumbnails and metadata. A cleaner app could interfere with this delicate balancing act or delete files you think are safely stored in the cloud.

When a third-party Mac Cleaner makes sense

There are legitimate use cases for cleaner apps, but they’re narrower than you might think:

Deep duplicate file scanning: Tools like Intego Washing Machine X9 can find duplicate files across your entire drive, which is more thorough than macOS’s built-in duplicate detection.

Malware scanning: CleanMyMac offers a virus scan as part of its Smart Scan feature, which can be useful if you suspect an infection.

Reclaiming significant space quickly: Some users report reclaiming 20+ GB of drive space with a single scan.

FAQ
1.
Can you clean your Mac without using a Mac Cleaner?

macOS doesn’t have a built-in system cleaner, but with a little knowhow you can do the job yourself.

It is possible to clean your Mac for free, however there are risks involved. There’s a reason why Apple doesn’t let you access the contents of System Data: if you delete the wrong thing it could bring down your whole Mac! However you can follow the steps in this tutorial to free up space without spending anything: How to delete System Data on a Mac.

2.
Is it worth paying for a Mac Cleaner or can I clean my Mac for free?

There are several options available that offer free trials or are completely free.

Free Trials: Some Mac cleaner apps, such as CleanMyMac, DaisyDisk, Parallels ToolBox and MacCleaner Pro featured above, offer free trial versions that allow users to clean their Mac for free for a limited period.

Free Versions: CCleaner has a free version with useful cleaning features. OnyX is a free utility that provides access to powerful tools for cleaning and maintenance of the macOS operating system

Some of these trials will merely show you how much space you can free up, but several are essentially free Mac Cleaners that will allow you to clean your Mac for free, albeit for a limited period. While some of these options may have limitations or time restrictions, they provide a way to clean your Mac without immediate cost.

3.
Is there a totally free Mac cleaner?

CCleaner and OnyX are the best options if you are looking for a free Mac cleaner. Alternatively you can use Apple’s built in tools to help you find ways to make more space and delete data you don’t need. See: How to check a Mac’s free hard drive space and How to clear disk space on a Mac and How to find and delete duplicate files on Mac.

4.
Why use a Mac cleaner

Using a Mac cleaner application can be beneficial for system maintenance and performance, especially if a Mac is slowing down, freezing, or frequently running out of RAM.

One of the primary reasons to use a cleaner is to identify and remove “cruft” – unnecessary files that accumulate over time and consume significant disk space. These apps are particularly effective at targeting “System Data” (formerly “Other” storage), which includes large caches, logs, and temporary files that are often difficult to locate manually.

By using these tools, users can safely clear gigabytes of data, such as:

Application Leftovers: Files remaining after an app is dragged to the Trash.

Duplicate Files: Identical documents, photos, or downloads that waste space.

Language Files: Unused localization data for languages the user does not speak.

Large/Old Files: Scanners that visually map out storage to highlight forgotten space-hogs.

Beyond just freeing up space, Mac cleaners can improve overall responsiveness by optimizing how the system handles resources. Many suites include performance-specific modules that allow users to:

Manage Startup Items: Disable unnecessary background apps and “launch agents” that slow down boot times.

Free Up RAM: Identify and shut down memory-intensive processes to reduce freezing.

Maintenance Scripts: Run routine tasks like clearing DNS caches or re-indexing Spotlight to speed up search results.

While macOS includes some built-in tools for basic upkeep, dedicated cleaning software often provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly way to handle deep system maintenance without requiring technical expertise.

5.
Who should use a Mac cleaner?

Mac cleaners are best for users who want to maintain their system without technical knowledge. They provide a simple, all-in-one way to manage storage and performance.

Non-technical users: Ideal for those unfamiliar with manual maintenance, as they simplify complex tasks.

Limited storage users: Disk analysis tools help identify large files, duplicates, and clutter to free up space.

Frequent app installers: Dedicated uninstallers remove leftover files that standard deletion misses.

Pre-update users: Useful for clearing clutter before major macOS upgrades.

6.
Who should not use a Mac cleaner?

For some users, Mac cleaners are unnecessary or not the best option.

Power users: Those comfortable with Terminal or manual file management can do similar tasks for free.

Budget-conscious users: Many top tools are paid, while free options like OnyX or CCleaner may suffice.

Security-conscious users: Avoid cleaners found via suspicious ads, which may lead to malware.

Users with basic needs: macOS already includes built-in protections, and some cleaners offer limited security features compared to dedicated antivirus tools.

7.
What should you do before using a Mac cleaner?

There are a few things you should do before you use a Mac cleaner to make any changes to your Mac.

Make a backup: Whether you use a Mac Cleaner, or try to delete things like caches and system files yourself, we strongly recommend that you make a backup first. Things can go wrong and you will be glad to be able to ‘undo’ what you did should a problem arise.

Do some housekeeping: Before you use a Mac Cleaner, see if you can clear some space with a little bit of a tidy up. Delete old downloads from your downloads folder; open the finder and delete any largest files you don’t need; empty your trash.

Check Apple’s recommendations: Also take a look at Apple’s own suggestions of ways to free up space in Settings > Storage, these are likely to include using iCloud and deleting things like Messages and Mail with large attachments.

Get advice: Read our guidance on How to clear disk space on a Mac and How to delete System Data on a Mac.

8.
Is it safe to use a Mac Cleaner

Using a Mac cleaner is generally safe – and often helpful for maintaining performance – provided you choose reputable software and use it carefully. While macOS already includes built-in protections, third-party cleaners can help reclaim disk space and remove files that are difficult to locate manually.

However, not all Mac cleaners are trustworthy. You should avoid tools discovered through suspicious ads, especially those posing as “how-to” guides that encourage you to run Terminal commands. These can sometimes install malware or give attackers remote access to your system.

Even legitimate cleaners come with some risk. Most require Full Disk Access, which gives them deep access to your files. This is necessary for functionality, but it also means you should only install apps from trusted developers.

There are a few key things to watch out for:

System integrity risks: Some advanced cleaning modules can remove important files if not configured properly, potentially affecting macOS features or apps.

Malicious ads and fake tools: Be cautious of deceptive search ads that redirect to fake support pages or unsafe downloads.

Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs): Some cleaners have poor reputations for aggressive behaviour or misleading prompts.

To stay safe, always download software from official websites or the Mac App Store, and avoid granting permissions unless you trust the app. It’s also strongly recommended to back up your Mac before running any cleaning tool, as certain actions can be difficult to reverse.

Used responsibly, a good Mac cleaner can be a safe and effective way to free up space and keep your system running smoothly.

Related Articles

How to clear cache on a Mac

How to clear RAM on a Mac

How to speed up a slow Mac

How to clean install macOS on your Mac

Apple has just released the fourth developer beta of iOS 27, and buried deep inside the update is what may be one of the clearest references yet to the company’s long-rumored foldable iPhone.

Macworld discovered new Battery Health strings referencing an iPhone with multiple internal batteries, a setup no current or previous iPhone has, but one that would make a lot of sense for a foldable device.

iOS 27 lays the groundwork for Apple’s foldable iPhone

The new code strings explicitly state that they are intended for a multi-battery iPhone, alongside the existing references to single-battery iPhones (emphasis ours): “The batteries in this iPhone are performing as expected,” reads one of the strings. Another mentions that “the health of the batteries in this iPhone has significantly degraded.”

The wording is notable. Rather than referring to a single battery, as every current iPhone does. Apple now explicitly talks about “the batteries in this iPhone” and even mentions a situation where “one of the batteries” may not be a genuine Apple part.

The folding iPhone Ultra is expected to utilize a dual-battery system, with separate batteries on both sides of the display.

Foundry

On its own, that might not sound like much. After all, it’s not likely that Apple is going to suddenly shove two batteries into an iPhone Pro Max. But given the rumors that Apple’s expected to reveal its first foldable iPhone this fall (the so-called iPhone Ultra), the idea of adding dual-battery support suddenly makes a whole lot of sense. 

Once again, no shipping iPhone today would ever trigger these strings. Every current model contains a single battery, making the new “multi-battery” wording difficult to explain unless Apple is actively developing hardware with a different internal architecture.

Furthermore, this isn’t the first time we’ve found evidence in iOS pointing toward a foldable iPhone. The first iOS 27 beta already included references to angle detection and fold states, suggesting Apple is prepping to support a folding display. The company has also been encouraging developers to get their apps ready to run on multiple screen sizes.

Separately, reliable supply chain reports have consistently claimed that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will use a dual-cell battery design. That’s hardly surprising, since nearly every book-style foldable smartphone splits its battery into two separate cells (one on each side of the hinge) to make better use of the limited internal space.

As always, software references aren’t a guarantee that a feature or product will ultimately ship. But taken together with the growing number of foldable-related discoveries inside iOS 27 and the increasingly consistent reports from the supply chain, the evidence continues to point in one direction.

We’re still two months away from the likely official announcement of the first foldable iPhone, but all signs are pointing to an imminent release.

According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is testing a new AI system for Genius Bar appointments. But don’t worry, it’s not any of the things you would immediately worry about when reading those words. Apple reportedly won’t be using AI to prioritize appointments, or decide which repairs are under warranty, or even decide what repairs to do.

Instead, Apple’s using AI to do exactly what it’s good for: transcription and text summary. The AI system Apple is reportedly testing for Genius Bar appointments is called “Live Notes,” which records your conversation with the Genius Bar employee, transcribes it, and then summarizes it. That will then get added to the employee’s iPad when they perform your repair.

The idea is to reduce the workload of employees taking notes during interactions with customers, so they can focus on you and not on making sure they write down everything necessary for the repair technician.

Still, Gurman says, some employees are worried this is a slippery slope and Apple could start to use the AI to coach employees or factor it into performance reviews. For its part, Apple has reportedly assured employees that the recordings won’t be saved, managers won’t receive transcripts, and employees can edit both the transcript and summary before it is saved—a necessity to ensure the AI’s accuracy. It’s also meant to be an opt-in program, where both the Genius Bar customer and employee have to agree to use the tool.

Of course, we’ve seen before how businesses will start with an AI system that is innocuous and optional and evolves into something invasive and mandatory. The system is said to be in early test right now, and it is not clear if or when Apple will expand its usage or what the policies surrounding it will be when it does.

Apple released iOS 27 beta 4 today, giving developers the next preview update since iOS 27 debuted at WWDC. Developers can download the new beta now.

iOS 27 is a major iPhone update centered around Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, Liquid Glass refinements, and a long list of quality-of-life changes. Here’s what we’ve found so far in iOS 27 beta 4.

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are quickly earning a far less flattering nickname: “pervert glasses.”

A new investigation has exposed how highly personal videos captured by users — including people undressing or using the bathroom — are being sent to contractors in Kenya for AI training, often without the subjects’ knowledge. The revelations have sparked widespread outrage online, with many accusing the devices of turning everyday wearers into unwitting voyeurs and reigniting deep concerns about privacy in the age of always-on AI surveillance.

Victor Tangermann for Futurism:
‎

Automated systems designed to blur faces often failed, the contractors claimed, effectively giving them a front row seat of somebody’s most intimate moments.

“I don’t think they know, because if they knew they wouldn’t be recording,” one contractor said.

Many have quickly embraced a term for the devices that’s presumably sending Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg into paroxysms of fury: “pervert glasses.”

“Glad people are settling on the term ‘pervert glasses,’” another agreed. “Bonus points if you also say it while posting a picture of Mark Zuckerberg or call them Mark Zuckerberg’s pervert glasses.”

“Not a fan of Mark Zuckerberg’s pervert glasses,” wrote yet another. “I would prefer technology to make it more difficult to skeez, creep or perv on the world. I would like tech to protect me from creeps, not smooth the runway for them.”

The threat of simple smart glasses being used for surveillance isn’t some dystopian vision of a far future. Researchers have already shown that Meta’s smart glasses can be used to instantly reveal the identities of strangers in public — tech that Meta has reportedly been working on itself.

All told, smart glasses are a product category rife with uncomfortable connotations, especially when worn in the presence of others who may not know they may be recorded.

‎
MacDailyNews Take: Unless their goal was to trash their reputation as quickly as possible, we bet Ray-Ban is rethinking its poor decision to tie up with an outfit like Meta.

Meta is to privacy as Chernobyl is to nuclear power. – MacDailyNews, December 19, 2024

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Apple has just debuted the RC version of iOS 26.6 and its companion updates, and the company’s official release notes confirm the inclusion of a feature meant to prepare your iPhone for iOS 27.

Apple is rolling out the first developer and public release candidates for macOS 26.6, ahead of the system’s official release. Here’s what’s new.

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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Apple has just released developer beta 4 for iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and several more forthcoming software updates.

Apple is rolling out RC (release candidate) versions of its next wave of software updates, including iPadOS 26.6, watchOS 26.6, and more. Here’s what to expect.

In what must be a record, Apple is now rolling out a sixth round of develope and public release candidates for macOS Sonoma 14.8.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.8. Here are the details.

While iOS 27 is very much the new focus for pre-release software, Apple is still preparing iOS 26.6 as the next iPhone update. Apple has released the first release candidate for iOS 26.6. iOS 26.6 beta has been in testing since the end of May.

Just a few days after kicking off the public beta season and releasing a revised version of macOS 27 developer beta 3, Apple is now rolling out macOS 27 developer beta 4. Here are the details.

Apple has released the fourth iOS 27 beta for developer testing. iOS 27 beta 4 replaces the third iOS 27 beta, which had two release versions, and continues Apple’s summer beta cycle ahead of a public release this fall. We’ll update our devices and share what we discover.

Bank of America expects Apple to surpass Wall Street expectations when it reports fiscal third-quarter results on July 30, marking Tim Cook’s final earnings call as CEO.

In a note released Monday, BofA analyst Wamsi Mohan maintained a Buy rating on the stock and a $380 price target. The firm is modeling revenue of $109 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.89, comfortably ahead of consensus estimates of $108 billion in revenue and $1.87 in EPS. That would represent approximately 16% year-over-year revenue growth, exceeding Apple’s own guidance range of 14-17%.

Investor attention heading into the report is likely to focus on three key areas: component cost inflation, the durability of gross margins, and the implications of Cook’s departure from the CEO role.

BofA noted that product gross margins are expected to decline sequentially in both the June and September quarters due to the staggered launch schedule of the next iPhone lineup. Pro, Pro Max, and Fold models are slated for September, while the base model and Air are not expected until March. The firm views the near-term margin pressure as “transitory,” forecasting a rebound to 38.5% in the December quarter as the new devices launch at higher prices.

On the services side, BofA projects 14% year-over-year growth in the third quarter. While App Store revenue growth has slowed to 3.2% from 9.8% in the previous quarter, the firm anticipates strength in iCloud and Licensing to more than offset the slowdown.

MacDailyNews Note: Looking further ahead, the bank adopted a more cautious stance for the second half of calendar 2026. It modeled fourth-quarter revenue at $106 billion and EPS at $1.88, below Street forecasts of $114 billion and $2.01, citing potential volatility from the new split iPhone launch cadence.

Despite the tempered longer-term outlook, BofA’s overall message remains positive, reinforcing confidence in Apple’s ability to deliver a solid beat in the upcoming report.

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Apple has rolled out a timely update to its free Apple Sports app, adding support for seven additional soccer leagues from across Europe and Asia. The refresh comes just one day after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina defeated Spain in the final.

Version 4.2 of the iPhone-only app now includes the following leagues:

• Belgian Pro League (Belgium)
• Superliga (Denmark)
• Eredivisie (Netherlands)
• J1 League (Japan)
• Ekstraklasa (Poland)
• Scottish Premiership (Scotland)
• Swiss Super League (Switzerland)

In addition to the new league support, users can now view team formations for matches across most soccer leagues in the app. This feature provides a clearer look at starting lineups and tactical setups, enhancing the experience for fans who want deeper insights into games.

The Apple Sports app, first launched in 2024, has steadily broadened its soccer offerings in recent months. Earlier updates added content tied to the 2026 World Cup, including team groupings and national team tracking with real-time scores, stats, and Live Activities. The app already covers dozens of top leagues and tournaments across multiple regions.This latest expansion continues Apple’s push to make the app a comprehensive hub for sports scores, standings, and match details without requiring a subscription. It remains exclusive to iPhone and is rolling out now to users worldwide.

MacDailyNews Take: Fans have already begun commenting on the update via Apple’s App Store and social media, with some requesting further additions like U.S. lower-division leagues. As soccer’s global popularity continues to grow, especially in the wake of a record 48-team World Cup, Apple appears committed to keeping the app competitive with dedicated sports platforms. The update is available immediately via the App Store here.

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