Apple's 2026 hardware pricing is under intense pressure from memory & chip inflation
While Apple hasn't done anything yet, the company is heading into 2026 with dramatically escalating memory and chip costs, as it aims to keep product pricing steadier than rivals.MacBook ProThe issue matters for Apple users because component inflation often shows up in storage tiers, memory upgrades, and configuration pricing. Macs are especially exposed since memory and storage choices are fixed at purchase.Morgan Stanley's note to investors, seen by AppleInsider, is based on recent supply-chain conversations rather than company guidance. The supply chain checks that the firm did in Taiwan point to tightening supply and higher input costs across phones, PCs, and servers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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You can finally bid on a strange assortment of Steve Jobs' personal effects
Steve Jobs' childhood ephemera has hit the auction block, revealing an almost unsettlingly intimate window into the Apple co-founder's early life.Image credit: RR AuctionRRAuction is currently hosting its Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction. The auction is poised to be a big score for Apple collectors — but not for the usual reasons.We're no strangers to Apple auctions. They come up pretty regularly, and the items encased are pretty much what you'd expect. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Acorn review: A powerful photo-editing tools at a remarkably affordable price
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Bargain price No subscriptions required Powerful editing tools Universal app for Intel/Apple Silicon Cons Not much help for beginners Requires macOS 14 or later Our Verdict People who are new to photo-editing may prefer an app that provides a bit more help and guidance to get them started, but Acorn provides a variety of powerful editing tools at a price that’s hard to beat. As well as photo-editing, the app also includes some useful vector graphics tools, along with precise typographical controls – and just a sprinkling of AI as well. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$29.99 Best Prices Today: Acorn Retailer Price Flying Meat $29.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket With more and more software tools requiring monthly subscription payments it’s always good to see apps such as Acorn that simply charge a one-time fee that allows you to keep and use the app for as long as you want. Acorn was already sitting on our list of the best photo-editors for the Mac, and the latest version, Acorn 8 was recently listed by Apple as a Finalist for the 2025 App Store Awards. The price on the App Store is $29.99/£29.99, but you can also download Acorn 8 from the developers Flying Meat, and that version offers a 14-day free trial so that you can take a good look at the app before buying it.  Acorn 8 is a universal binary that runs on Intel Macs or Apple Silicon, but you do need macOS 14 or later to run it properly. If you’re using Tahoe (macOS 26) then Acorn 8 gives you the choice of using its traditional ‘classic’ interface or switching to the new Liquid Glass look instead. But if you’re using an older version of the macOS then there’s an archive of previous versions of Acorn still available that you can try in order to see how they run on your Mac – although, of course, these won’t include the latest features that are available in Acorn 8. As well as its photo-editing tools, Acorn includes a variety of precise typographical controls, including the ability to run text along a path. Flying Meat Acorn 8 certainly offers good value for money, as it includes impressive range of photo-editing tools that can match many of its more expensive rivals. There’s a simple palette on the left-hand side of the main editing window – known as the Canvas – which provides quick access to a standard set of editing tools, including rectangular, elliptical and freeform Selection tools, and a Magic Wand for automatically selecting areas by colour. And, as well as a conventional Crop tool, Acorn also includes a Perspective Fix option for cropping photos that have perspective or distortion problems.  You can use the Paint or Pencil tools to sketch in a few details of your own, but Acorn also includes some useful vector graphics tools for drawing shapes such as rectangles, ovals and arrows. Version 8 introduced a new Polygon tool that allows you to freely create multi-sided shapes, and there’s a Bezier Pen for more experienced artists who want to create simple illustrations by hand. Selecting any of these tools activates a second palette on the right-hand side of the Canvas, which provides additional controls for each tool, such as precise typographic controls for the Text tools, or the ability to adjust the size and style of the Paint brush in order to create different brush effects.  New AI features include Select Subject, which can precisely select the subject in the foreground on a photo and separate it from the background. Flying Meat As you’d expect, there’s an extensive selection of filters and effects that you can use to liven up your photos and, of course, there are new AI features as well. Acorn 8 doesn’t go overboard with its use of AI, but it does provide a Super Resolution upscaling feature that can increase the size and resolution of smaller images without losing clarity or details. There’s also an AI Select Subject tool that automatically selects the foreground subject in a photo and allows you to lift it away from the background. This works really well, quickly and easily lifting out detailed elements from a photo or, alternatively, you can use the Mask Subject tool to reverse this process and completely remove the background while leaving the foreground subject on its own. Most of these tools are quick and easy to use, but using more advanced features, such as masks and layers, does reveal the one weakness of Acorn 8. The app does seem to be aimed at more experienced users, and there’s not much help within the program for people who are new to photo-editing work. There are extensive Help files on the Acorn website, as well as some video tutorials, but these often just bombard you with long lists of features without explaining how they work – so if you don’t already know how the new LUT feature works (Look Up Tables) then Acorn’s Help files won’t enlighten you very much. Rivals such as Photoshop Elements do a better job of helping new users with its step-by-step Guided Edits. But, of course, Photoshop Elements is a lot more expensive – and now requires a subscription as well – so Acorn 8 is still excellent value for money, especially for experienced users who can dive straight in and make the most of its powerful tools. Should You Buy Acorn 8? We’d like to see Acorn provide more help for beginners, but it’s hard to criticise an app that provides so many powerful photo-editing tools at such a competitive price. Acorn 8 will particularly appeal to people who already have some experience of photo-editing work and need powerful tools without the never-ending cost of Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscriptions.

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Today in Apple history: Apple is back in the black
On January 6, 1998, Steve Jobs shocked Macworld Expo by revealing Cupertino's comeback. Apple was profitable again! (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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India’s iPhone exports go from zero to $50 billion in 5 years
India has achieved a significant milestone in global technology manufacturing by exporting iPhones valued at $50 billion over the last five… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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New high-end AirPods Pro are launching this year, here’s the rumored price
Apple devices with a ‘Pro’ designation offer more features at a higher cost, and that’s exactly what’s expected with this year’s higher-end AirPods Pro 3 model that’s coming. Here’s the rumored price. more…

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Got your iPhone? This new smart lock lets you in, hands free.
Thanks to advanced UWB technology via Home Key, Aqara Smart Lock U400 unlocks even as you approach the door. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Got your iPhone? This new smart lock lets you in, hands free.
Thanks to advanced UWB technology via Home Key, Aqara Smart Lock U400 unlocks even as you approach the door. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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OWC's 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable delivers full-speed performance at longer distances
Other World Computing has introduced a fully certified 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable designed to deliver full bandwidth, display support, and power delivery at a longer distance.OWC has a new Thunderbolt 5 cableThe cable targets workstation layouts where high-performance peripherals are not positioned directly next to a Mac, such as under-desk mounts, shelves, or rack setups. OWC says the added reach allows more flexible desk arrangements without sacrificing Thunderbolt 5 capabilities. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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If this rumor is true, the iPhone 17e will launch in February
A new leak says that the long-rumored iPhone 17e will enter production soon, at about the same time of year that the iPhone 16e did.iPhone 16eThe forthcoming iPhone 17e has previously been predicted to launch in Spring 2026, roughly in line with the iPhone 16e's launch in February 2025. Now a leaker on Chinese social media site Weibo says that the new model very shortly going to enter mass production, in what may be around a week ahead of when the iPhone 16e did.Specifically, "Smart Pikachu" (or "Wisdom Pikachu" depending on translation), says that production will begin after CES 2026 ends. That could still mean any time at all after January 9, 2026, but the implication is that it will be soon. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Eve debuts a minimalist Matter smart thermostat at CES 2026
As part of CES 2026 this week, Eve has launched the Eve Thermostat, a new Matter-enabled smart thermostat with a minimalist design. With Matter and Thread connectivity, you can control it via the Eve app or with HomeKit and the Apple Home app. more…

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Apple to report Q126 earnings on Thursday, January 29th
Apple will report FY26 Q1 earnings (October-December 2025) on Thursday, January 29, 2026 after market close… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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myAir.0 OriMouse review: Eye-catching, super-slim, foldable mouse
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Ultra-slim and lightweight mouse Foldable Could reduce forearm strain Huge range of color options Cons Takes a while to get used to No horizontal scroll Works best with a mouse pad Our Verdict No mouse is as slim for travel as the 5mm foldable OriMouse, and no other mouse looks anything like it. It will gather a gawping curious crowd around your desk as you use it. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When ReviewedFrom $69 Best Prices Today: myAir.0 OriMouse Retailer Price myAir.0 $69 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Since Douglas Engelbart first demonstrated his new computer mouse invention in 1968, the revolutionary handheld controller has taken on many shapes and forms. Some still look like real mice, except wireless so without the tail that gave them the name in the first place. Some use an upturned trackball so look more like a dead mouse. Others stand vertical, like a mouse at a mini circus. For some mice it’s all about the sheer number of buttons and scroll wheels—the more the merrier. Others have no physical buttons at all, instead relying on multitouch surface swiping and scrolling—such as Apple’s Magic Mouse. In my experience, none are quite like the new OriMouse from myAir.0, which folds completely flat for easy on-the-go storage. Simon Jary The Bluetooth 5.2 wireless OriMouse is a full-size mouse that folds flat, and weighs less than 40 grams. You can snap it into shape to activate, and just as quickly push it back into its flat position where it is largely only a few millimeters thin. It’s slim enough to fit in a jacket pocket without being noticed. It’s ideal for slipping into a laptop sleeve with your MacBook or alongside an iPad. The shape and look of the OriMouse is quite unique, using an origami structure that gives the folded mouse both strength and a comfortable hold. At first glance it looks like a complex folding pattern, but it’s an incredibly simple single fold with a neat magnetic closure. Due to its structure, weight and build, it’s more durable than most mice if dropped. myAir.0 It’s made from a smooth vegan leather and is available in a wide range of colors, like you’ve never seen from a mouse before: Vivid or Racing Red, Sunflower Yellow, Grape or Noble Purple, Lime Green, Beige, Titanium, Carbon Shadow, Moon Stone, Chestnut or Mocha Brown, Pink, Platinum or Snow Silver, Galaxy Blue, Black, Champagne, Teal, Orange, and even a Graffiti model. myAir.0 Some colors are available in a covering that’s still vegan leather, but with a fabric surface texture and tactile feel. The small metal button at the bottom is part of the neat magnetic hold.Simon Jary When folded into its usable shape it works like a traditional—if extremely lightweight—optical mouse, but with subtle differences. Instead of a scroll wheel, it has a touch-sensitive scroll pad on its front slope. This takes some getting used to, even if it does follow the same usage patterns as a trackpad, and even the Magic Mouse You must scroll with gentle finder movements, rather than franticly flicking away, as I apparently am prone to. myAir.0 describes the motion as “like drawing a short line with your finger”. Give me a few weeks with the OriMouse and it may seem natural, but it will take some time to prise away my Logitech MX Master 4, our current choice of best wireless mouse for Mac. Using that mouse you also get horizontal scrolling, just as you do with Apple’s Magic Mouse. That’s a feature lacking in the OriMouse. But you try folding any of those mice as flat as the OriMouse. myAir.0 There are Left and Right buttons and a Center button that is activated by pressing and holding for 1-2 seconds. The company claims that due to the left and right buttons sitting closer to the desk surface than traditional mice, the distance between the fingertips and the desk is reduced so your fingers—resting in a more natural, relaxed position—don’t need to remain lifted above the desk for long periods. This reduction should place less continuous strain on the hand and forearm, decreasing the likelihood of strain associated with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The HD Infrared sensor at the front and center underside of the OriMouse works best on a mouse pad. On my shiny office desk the movement was stiff and jumpy. On a mouse pad it was fast and accurate to its 4000dpi would suggest. That level of precision is impressive compared to the Magic Mouse’s 1300dpi, but far off the MX Master’s 8000dpi. Simon Jary myAir.0 sells a $19 BagPad, pictured above, which is a combination of carrying bag and mouse pad, which we’d recommend, although it will work just fine with anything like the Journey ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat, or indeed a flat magazine or book. The BagPad is available in colors to match the mouse itself, but not for the entire range. The underside of the unfolded OriMouse hides the optical sensor at the top and the USB-C charger at the bottom.Simon Jary Battery The OriMouse is charged via a subtly hidden USB-C slot. in the manual, myAir.0 recommends a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, but advises me that a standard USB-C to USB-C cable will also work. Battery life is claimed at a full three months, longer than the Logitech’s 70 days and far superior to the Magic Mouse’s one month between charges. Unlike the Apple mouse you can use the OriMouse while it’s charging but it’s not as comfortable as without the cable attached as it tips the lightweight structure to one side. Possible, but not recommended. myAir.0 Price The OriMouse costs from $69 / £53, with some colors a little higher at $75 / £57; all direct from myAir.0. Should you buy the myAir.0 OriMouse? No mouse is as slim for travel as the 5mm foldable OriMouse, and no other mouse looks anything like it. It will gather a gawping curious crowd around your desk as you use it. The trackpad-like scrolling takes some getting used to, but maybe I’m old-fashioned in my preference for traditional (but modern) scroll wheels. Going straight from a Magic Mouse will demand some patience and on-the-job practice. if you have the inclination to try such an innovative mouse, you may get used to the new ways, and release some forearm strain at the same time.

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Steve Jobs memorabilia auction includes his desk, bow ties, and much more
A Steve Jobs memorabilia auction is now live online, and items available include the desk from the famous garage where Apple started, the first check the two Steves ever signed, Steve’s bow ties from high school and much more. The auction also includes a wide range of general Apple memorabilia with starting bids as low as $100 … more…

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Apple’s next iPhone is about to enter mass production, per leaker
iPhone 17e is in the works as a more budget-friendly version of iPhone 17, and according to a new leak, the launch timing could line up perfectly with last year’s iPhone 16e. more…

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Dell’s Strategic Reset and Intentional Return to the XPS Brand
Dell is refocusing its PC portfolio by restoring XPS as a premium anchor, sharpening Alienware’s role, and reinforcing UltraSharp’s professional credibility to make premium easier to understand and justify. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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First UWB Home Key lock and Adaptive Thermostat lead Aqara's CES 2026 showcase
Smart home brand Aqara presented multiple firsts at CES 2026, including the first Matter thermostat with Apple Adaptive Temperature and the first smart lock with support for UWB Home Key.Aqara is supporting the latest tech at CES 2026 like UWB unlocking, Adaptive Temperature, and Matter camerasAt CES, Aqara had its usual slew of announcements for the first half of the year. Headlining the announcements are the U400 smart lock and W200 thermostat. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First UWB Home Key lock and Adaptive Thermostat lead Aqara's CES 2026 showcase
Smart home brand Aqara presented multiple firsts at CES 2026, including the first Matter thermostat with Apple Adaptive Temperature and the first smart lock with support for UWB Home Key.Aqara is supporting the latest tech at CES 2026 like UWB unlocking, Adaptive Temperature, and Matter camerasAt CES, Aqara had its usual slew of announcements for the first half of the year. Headlining the announcements are the U400 smart lock and W200 thermostat. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First UWB Home Key lock and Adaptive Thermostat lead Aqara's CES 2026 showcase
Smart home brand Aqara presented multiple firsts at CES 2026, including the first Matter thermostat with Apple Adaptive Temperature and the first smart lock with support for UWB Home Key.Aqara is supporting the latest tech at CES 2026 like UWB unlocking, Adaptive Temperature, and Matter camerasAt CES, Aqara had its usual slew of announcements for the first half of the year. Headlining the announcements are the U400 smart lock and W200 thermostat. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best iPad Deals: Avoid paying full price for a new iPad
Macworld Best iPad deals January 2026 These are the deals we would recommend to our own friends and family. They are based on the best prices right now at hundreds of resellers of Apple products. Today’s best Mac mini deals: U.S. Amazon, 11-inch M5 iPad Pro (512GB): $1,099 ($100 off, MSRP $1,199) Amazon, 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB): $1,228 ($71 off, MSRP $1,299) Amazon, 11-inch M3 iPad Air (256GB): $599 ($100 off, MSRP $699) Amazon, 13-inch M3 iPad Air (256GB): $789 ($110 off, MSRP $899) Amazon, iPad (A16, 512GB): $580 ($69 off, MSRP $649) Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 256GB): $699 ($100 off, MSRP $799) Today’s best Mac mini deals: U.K. KRCS, 11-inch M5 iPad Pro (128GB): £979 (£20 off, RRP £999) KRCS, 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (128GB): £1,273 (£26 off, RRP £1,299) Amazon, 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 256GB): £654 (£45 off, RRP £699) Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 128GB): £760 (£39 off, RRP £799) Amazon, iPad (A16, 256GB): £399 (£30 off, RRP £429) Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 256GB): £461 (£138 off, RRP £599) Last updated January 6, 2026 Whether you are looking or a new iPad, or your first iPad, considering one for a gift, or looking for one for work, you will no doubt be hoping to find a bargain. We see cut-price deals on iPads all year round, although at certain times of the year deals are better than at others. If you want to pay less for an iPad we can help you find the best deals on every iPad right now, including the iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro and the standard ‘iPad’. We know where to look and we know how to spot a really good iPad deal because we track the prices all the time. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including MacBook Air deals, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPhone and Apple Watch.  How we find the best iPad deals Britta O’Boyle We identify the best iPad deals by combining our expert knowledge of Apple’s product lineup (which we have throughly review, and use daily) with specialized tools that monitor prices across a wide range of retailers. By tracking discounts over time, we understand what truly great deals look like and can quickly spot offers that deliver exceptional value. In assessing deals, we look beyond the price tag to consider overall value. For example, while the M5 iPad Pro is a premium device, a substantial discount on a slightly older model may provide better value for many users. Likewise, we may highlight a strong deal on a basic iPad, pointing out that it can handle most everyday tasks for a fraction of the cost of a Pro model. Because we understand Apple’s current iPad lineup, the features of previous generations, and what’s expected from future models, we’re well equipped to advise you on which iPad to buy and the best price to pay for it. Our process for identifying the top deals involves several key steps: We use specialized tools: We have tools that allow us to see the best deals across multiple resellers at any given time. Tracking historical prices: We track discounts and price drops throughout the year, so we know each model’s all-time low price. This helps us distinguish a genuine deal from a price that just looks good. Leveraging product expertise: Our extensive knowledge of the entire iPad lineup, including past generations and future expectations, allows us to assess the true value of a deal. For example, we consider whether a discount on an older model is significant enough to justify missing out on features available in a newer version. Monitoring key retailers: We constantly watch major retailers like Amazon and Walmart for bargains, especially during major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Is now a good time to buy a new iPad? We recommend reading the advice below to understand whether Apple is likely to update the iPad you’re considering. This can help you avoid purchasing an iPad shortly before a new model is released – a situation that often leads to regret, not only because a better version arrives, but also because retailers typically discount older models once an update occurs. However, if you’re hoping to get a deal on the newest model, be prepared to wait. With that in mind, now is a good time to buy a new iPad. Apple’s iPad product line is relatively fresh, with most models having been updated in 2024 or 2025, while there are updates expected for the iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini, it won’t be until later in 2026. Brady Snyder / Foundry Here’s a breakdown of the current iPad models to help you decide if now is the right time for you to buy: iPad (A16): This is the cheapest iPad you can buy new from Apple, starting at a budget-friendly $349/£329 for the 128GB model. It was updated in March 2025, at which point Apple doubled the storage at the entry level without reducing the price, making it even better value for money. But there are important factors to consider. While the A16 chip delivers solid performance for daily activities, such as web browsing, streaming, light gaming, it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence (the suite of AI-powered features available on other current Apple products), plus the screen isn’t as high quality as the other iPads. A successor is not anticipated until mid-to-late 2026, so I you are looking for a bargain now then you can be confident that it won’t be replaced immediately. However, if you want to ensure that your iPad is future-proofed we’d recommend waiting or spending a little more to get an alternative iPad. iPad mini (A17 Pro): The current model was released in October 2024 and was a significant upgrade, featuring Apple’s A17 Pro chip. This processor is powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence features, future-proofing the device for upcoming software innovations. The base model now starts with 128GB of storage, a welcome increase from the 64GB offered in previous generations. While the current iPad mini is a solid buy, there are rumors about a future model. Internal code leaks suggest a potential future update to an A19 Pro chip, which would offer a performance boost. However, we don’t expect an update until mid-to-late 2026 and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend buying the current model at a good price. iPad Air (M3): The current models, which feature the powerful M3 chip, were released in March 2025. We think the M3 iPad Air is the best choice for most people, striking a perfect balance between performance and price. It offers superb processing power, a premium lightweight design, and great battery life, making it a versatile device for everything from streaming and gaming to more demanding work. While the iPad Air may gain an M4 chip later in 2026, if you need a new iPad now we recommend the current iPad Air as a great buy. iPad Pro (M5): Now is an excellent time to buy a new iPad Pro; the current models with the M5 chip arrived in October 2025 and it is not expected to be updated again for at least a year, possibly not until 2027. The iPad Pro offers the most up-to-date technology on the ultimate iPad. Indeed, the M5 iPad Pro is considered the best tablet on the market, featuring a stunning Tandem OLED display, outstanding performance, and a super slim, lightweight design. Release dates and expected refreshes aside, if you are wondering if there is a good time to shop for deals on a new iPad that’s a little more straightforward. The best time of year to get a deal is when the big sales happen, such as Black Friday in November or Amazon Prime Day sales in July and October. There may also be a Spring Big Deals event on Amazon. Those are when we see the biggest discounts, but if you can’t wait for one of those sales, don’t despair: we see price drops all year round and when we see a good deal we record it here. Does Apple have sales? The deals rarely come from Apple itself. While Apple will sometimes offer vouchers as an incentive to buy a new iPad (that’s Apple’s usual Black Friday giveaway), the company never discounts prices. Apple does sell refurbished iPads at a lower price though, so that might be something to consider. If you are a student you can take advantage of Apple’s education discounts and save a little money on the full price of iPads (and Macs). And in the summer months Apple gives away Apple Pencils or AirPods with the sale of certain iPads (and Macs) to students in it’s Higher Education Sale. Apple gives away vouchers for Black Friday and some times as part of a “Back To School” sale in the summer months.Apple Macworld’s top 5 tips for finding the best iPad deal When you are searching for a deal keep the following points in mind and you should be happy with your purchase. Check the storage: Some older iPads only had 32GB or 64GB storage. We don’t think that’s enough. The good news is that Apple’s current iPad line up has 128GB storage or more, so, unless you are buying an older model, this won’t be an issue. Just make sure that if you see a deal on an old model with less storage it is priced accordingly. Some of the best deals are on higher capacity iPads. You probably don’t need cellular: You might intend to use your iPad when you are out and about. In that case spending more to get a model with cellular might appeal. Our opinion is that you can just hotspot from your iPhone to get on the internet from your iPad. You won’t need to pay for a data contract and your’ll also save yourself money on the price of the iPad itself. Check the deal you are looking at isn’t for a cellular model because a non-cellular deal will be even better! Consider refurbished: If you want a bargain and don’t mind that it’s not the latest model buying a refurbished iPad can be a great way to save money. We recommend using Apple’s refurbished store because every product is throughly tested before being sold, and you get a one year warranty with it. If you want to save more money, companies like BackMarket and Declutter. There’s more information about buying a refurbished iPad below. Shop around: If you want a deal then don’t shop at Apple! The best deals come from the various resellers who often battle it our to undercut each others prices for Apple products. Amazon is usually the best, but make sure to check the likes of Walmart, B&H and Best Buy in the U.S., and AO, Argos, Currys in the U.K. We have a list of the best places to buy an iPad below. Wait, if you can: If it’s not Black Friday or an Amazon Prime Sale keep in mind that there could be even better bargains coming. Also, if Apple is likely to be announcing new products soon, be aware that it may mean that the current range will soon be discounted even more. Apple Which iPad should you buy? The answer to this question really depends on what you need your iPad for. I want the cheapest iPad you can buy Consider the standard iPad. The cheapest iPad is the 128GB A16 iPad, which costs from $349 / £329. It’s a good option if you are likely your iPad is destined for general use, such as emails, one taking, web browsing, social networks, watching movies and reading books. It’s got a great sized screen and is light enough to pop in a bag and not feel weighed down. The iPad A16 is good, as long as you don’t mind the lack of Apple IntelligenceBritta O’Boyle I’m for an iPad to use instead of a computer If you are just planning to edit documents and spreadsheets, any iPad can be a good supplement for a computer. If you need something with a little more power then the iPad Air or iPad Pro might be a better option. Apple and other companies sell iPad cases that come with built in keyboards, so you can turn your iPad into a laptop. Read our round up of the best iPad keyboards. Foundry I want an iPad that won’t weigh too much The iPad mini is a great choice if you value portability and power. Its compact 8.3-inch screen and is the lightest iPad you can get (weighing around 0.65 pound or 293g). This makes it perfect for travelers, commuters, or anyone who values a device that can easily fit in a bag or even a large pocket. If you need a bigger screen the iPad Air is a good choice. The 11-inch iPad Air weighs just over 1 pound or 462g and is 6.1mm thick, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods and easy to take anywhere. What may surprise you is that the newest 11-inch iPad Pro is actually lighter and thinner than the 11-inch Air, at 444g and 5.3mm thick. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry I want an iPad to use for gaming If you are wanting to play the latest games on your iPad then the iPad Pro may be the one to choose. Other iPads will be able to play casual games, but to be sure of getting the power and graphics prowess necessary to play the latest games. The iPad Pro also offers a better screen with the 120Hz refresh rates that serious gamers will want. However, even the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini ensures that the latest games and apps run smoothly, making it a powerful portable console. The Liquid Retina display is sharp and vibrant, with the highest pixel density of any current iPad. I want an iPad so I can draw The iPad is a great device for artists. Any iPad, accompanied with an Apple Pencil or other iPad stylus, will allow you to draw using an app such as Adobe’s Sketchpad (now called Adobe Fresco) which can be used for free, but has in-app purchases. If you are really serious about your art you may prefer an iPad Pro though, and you may even consider the nano-texture display option for less glare and reflections. Petter Ahrnstedt For Kids: The iPad mini is great option for Kids because its small, lightweight frame is easy for small hands to hold, and its power makes it a capable device for entertainment and learning. For Seniors: The iPad mini’s light weight makes it easier to hold for extended periods. For Students and Note-Takers: The iPad mini screen size is perfect for reading and taking notes, especially when paired with an Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (USB-C).For more information read our full guides to the best iPad for students, best iPad for kids and best iPad for the elderly. If you still aren’t sure read our guide that examines which iPad is best for you in more detail. Where to get an iPad deal You don’t have to buy directly from Apple. There are resellers that will sell you and iPad, and the best thing is that they frequently offer discounts, where Apple never does. We recommend the stores below. U.S. retailers Apple Amazon Best Buy Costco Target Walmart U.K. retailers Apple Amazon Argos Currys John Lewis Very Apple has a number of Apple Premium Resellers who stock iPads in the U.K., and also offer other services, try the following: KRCS, often the first to discount new products iStore Select Western Computer Where to buy the iPad on contract If you are looking to buy a cellular iPad, so you can always get on the internet, you may want to buy the iPad on contract from one of these networks: U.S. network carriers AT&T Verizon T-Mobile Spectrum Optimum US Cellular Xfinity U.K. network carriers EE O2 Sky Vodafone Virgin Media Three Best refurbished iPad deals The deals you will see above are generally from Apple resellers rather than Apple itself, which very rarely drops the prices. Apple does, however, sell reconditioned iPads in its Certified Refurbished store. So you might be able to grab a bargain. The iPads in Apple’s refurbished store may be ex-display stock, or they may have been returned to Apple due to a fault, but they are fully reconditioned now and come with a full year’s warranty. It’s not like buying secondhand. The U.S. refurbished store has a selection that includes: 10-inch iPad Air (5th generation), up to $200 off 11-inch iPad Air (M2, M3), up to $130 off 13-inch iPad Air (M2, M3), up to $210 off 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation), up to $410 off 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation), up to $450 off Compared to the original price, you can save as much as $320 on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Get a refurbished iPad at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K. you’ll find a similar selection of iPads available from Apple’s refurbished store. You’ll find the following: iPad Air (5th generation, M2 & M3), up to £200 off iPad mini (6th generation), up to £90 off 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation, 4th generation), up to £680 off 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation, 6th generation), up to £450 off Top refurbished deal: 11-inch, iPad Air M2, 256GB for £549, £100 off. Get a refurbished iPad at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) Another place to look is BackMarket US and BackMarket UK, which sells refurbished Macs and other Apple products. Amazon also has a certified refurbished store for Apple products, but we would advise against buying any products that are older than five years. Most of the products we see on the Amazon refurbished store are unfortunately very old. We have an article that explains what you need to know about buying a refurbished iPad. It includes the best refurbished iPad resellers and lots of advice about how to find the perfect refurbished iPad. OUR NUMBER ONE TIP: If you are buying an old refurbished iPad our number one recommendation is that you don’t buy one with less than 64GB storage – ideally, get 128GB or more. There is a large refurbished market for the iPad. We’d recommend taking a look at these refurbished resellers for iPad offers: U.S. refurbished resellers Amazon Renewed Back Market Best Buy Gazelle Mac of all Trades RefurbMe Walmart AlloAllo eBay JemJem Reebelo U.K. refurbished resellers Affordable Mac Amazon The Big Phone Store Envirofone Hoxton Macs The iOutlet MusicMagpie 4Gadgets Big Phone Store Tech Trade Handtec Laptops Direct Preloved We also have a guide to buying a refurbished iPhone.

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