I’m the guy who bought an Apple device right before a new one came out. I don’t regret it one bit
Macworld While the rest of the world was waiting for the M5 iPad Pro earlier this month, I decided to buy an M4 iPad Pro, just days before Apple dropped its big M5 announcement, in fact. Yes, I knew the M5 iPad Pro was imminent. But the deal I got on the previous generation model was compelling enough that I didn’t hesitate. When the M5 model arrived last week, I was still within my return window. However, after digging into what’s new on the new iPad Pro, I’ve concluded that going for the M5 isn’t the no-brainer it appears to be. In fact, I’m here to argue that buying the M4 version now could be the smarter move if you want to save some money. And if you already have an M4 iPad Pro, you shouldn’t worry about buying a new one. For context, I replaced an M2 iPad Pro with 128GB of storage, which was more than enough for what I do with my iPad (usually watching videos, browsing the web, and writing articles). I wasn’t exactly considering an upgrade, but I couldn’t pass up a good opportunity to upgrade. I found a good deal on the entry-level M4 iPad Pro with 256GB of storage, so I sold my old iPad and bought the M4 for a small difference in price. I could have waited a couple more weeks to buy the new M5 iPad Pro, but would that have made a huge difference? Not really – and here’s why. The M4 iPad Pro is plenty fast for all sorts of tasks, including high-end gaming.Foundry Same design, same display, same iPad experience In terms of design, if you compare both models side by side, you’ll have a hard time finding any differences. Except for the fact that the M5 version no longer has “iPad Pro” written on the back, the M5 iPad Pro has kept the same ultra-thin design introduced with last year’s M4 model. Both versions have exactly the same dimensions, weight, and thickness. But those aren’t the only things they have in common.  The M4 iPad Pro was the first to include a Tandem OLED display that reaches a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits when showing HDR content. It’s an incredible display, and I love it. Guess what? The M5 iPad Pro has the same panel as last year’s model. The cameras on the iPad Pro M4 and M5 are also the same. You’ll get a 12MP wide-angle lens on the back and a 12MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage on the front, no matter which iPad you choose. There was a rumor about the M5 version getting two front cameras for a better experience in different orientations, but it seems that Apple has scrapped that idea. The M4 iPad has the same design as the M5, so it works with the same accessories.Foundry Since the design is the same, Apple hasn’t updated any of its accessories for the new M5 iPad Pro either. This means you can have the same experience with an M4 iPad Pro by pairing it with the same Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. In fact, the Magic Keyboard was one of the reasons I considered upgrading from the older M2 iPad Pro. The improved angle adjustment, the more premium aluminum finish, and the function keys really make a difference. And I didn’t have to buy this year’s model to get all that. What else is the same? Well, the same 10 hours of battery life, the same four built-in speakers (which are also quite good), and the same USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support. What’s actually new with the M5 iPad Pro Okay, so there has to be something new in this year’s iPad Pro, right? The first and most obvious change is the chip. This year’s iPad Pro is one of the first Apple products to receive the M5 chip, and it comes with some intriguing improvements. Apple says the new GPU offers up to 45 percent more performance compared to the M4, while the M5 also has an improved Neural Engine to handle AI-based tasks. The M5 iPad Pro is definitely faster than the M4 model, but most users won’t notice the difference.Foundry Based on our testing on the MacBook Pro, the M5 is indeed a massive boost on the graphics side. When it comes to the CPU, the M5 chip is only about 15 percent faster than the M4. To be honest, my M2 iPad Pro already felt fast enough for pretty much everything, from basic tasks to occasional gaming. The M4 chip has made everything even snappier. I doubt most users would notice the performance difference between the M4 and M5 chips in their day-to-day use. Another difference between the M4 and M5 iPad Pro is that this year’s models start with 12GB of RAM and go up to 16GB of RAM in the 1TB and 2TB storage versions. Previously, the 256GB and 512GB models only had 8GB of RAM. These improvements will certainly make a difference if you plan to play AAA games or run local AI models on your iPad. But other than that, there aren’t many iPadOS apps that take advantage of such hardware. The M4 iPad Pro is still capable of handling everything without struggle. Apple has also improved the connectivity of the new iPad Pro. This year’s models come with the Apple-designed N1 chip introduced with the iPhone 17 models. The chip enables Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while last year’s iPad still runs on Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi 7 is certainly a big step up from Wi-Fi 6E, offering much higher theoretical speeds. But if you don’t have a Wi-Fi 7 setup in your home (which is my case), it won’t make a difference for now. Also, there aren’t many Bluetooth 6-compatible accessories on the market yet. Those who opt for the Cellular version of the M5 iPad Pro may notice a major upgrade, as Apple has put its own 5G modem (called C1X) in it. Again, we still have to wait for real-world testing, but Apple says the new modem supports speeds up to 50 percent faster on 5G, and it also uses less power. Another minor difference is support for external monitors with a refresh rate of 120Hz. I currently have a Studio Display, which is limited to 60Hz, so that’s another thing I don’t have to worry about for now. Oh, and the new M5 iPad Pro supports fast charging to 50 percent in just 30 minutes, but it’s not like the charging speed of the M4 version bothers me. The M4 iPad Pro’s display is identical to the M5 model.Foundry Why I’m sticking with the M4 As I use my M4 iPad Pro, I don’t feel the need for more performance than it already offers. That alone makes me feel more comfortable about not being tempted by the M5 model. And since both models have the same design and accessories, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. If you plan to use your iPad to run heavy generative AI workloads, constant 3D rendering, or play console-level games like Resident Evil 4, the new M5 iPad Pro may be the best option for you. Otherwise, if you already have an M4 iPad Pro or want to buy a new iPad without spending too much money, last year’s model is still a very solid option and enough for most people. I recommend looking for deals on Amazon or even buying a refurbished model. Having the latest technologies is certainly tempting, but it’s worth considering whether you really need the latest and greatest devices.

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Apple may introduce search ads to Apple Maps starting next year, per report
Apple is considering bringing advertising to Apple Maps search beginning in 2026, according to the Power On newsletter from Mark Gurman. This is part of a larger effort for the company to bring more advertising to iOS. more…

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The M5 Vision Pro is still the ultimate entertainment device [Review] ★★★★☆
The new M5 Vision Pro brings a huge leap in compute power and graphics performance to Apple’s novel mixed-reality platform. The tweaks to the formula deliver better graphics and passthrough video, and longer battery life — plus a more comfortable head band in the box. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include more storage or a lower price. […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Report: iPad Pro to gain vapor chamber cooling with M6 model
According to iPad Pro models stay performant whilst still being fanless and incredibly thin. more…

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iPad Pro rumored to get iPhone 17 Pro vapor chamber cooling in early 2027
To help differentiate the lineup from the iPhone Air, the M6 iPad Pro is expected to get the same cooling technology that's in the iPhone 17 Pro in the spring of 2027.iPad ProApple added vapor chamber cooling to the A19 Pro, giving the iPhone 17 Pro a considerable boost to its performance. It probably won't be the only chip to benefit from the thermal management addition.According to Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman hears that it is on Apple's roadmap for the iPad Pro. Work is underway on adding the feature, with the intention of it being included in the next bout of iPad Pro upgrades. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Ads likely coming to Apple Maps in 2026
There are many reasons to prefer Apple Maps to vastly more successful Google Maps, but reportedly the lure of advertising revenue has finally made Apple decide to remove one of them.Apple MapsFor at least three years, Apple has been said to be first considering and then actively investigating adding adverts to Apple Maps. Each time, the chief source for the rumor has been Bloomberg — and now the publication is back again with more.This most recent report claims that the decision has been taken to move ahead with the project. The claim is that starting as soon as 2026, Apple will allow businesses to pay to have their entries in some way displayed more visibly within Apple Maps. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Why buy an AirTag and a keychain? This new gadget is both.
Macworld TL;DR: Save $17 on a 2-pack of these carabiner keychain trackers that work with the Apple Find My app. AirTags are great until you realize you also need to buy a holder just to attach them to your keys… and that’s not very secure from drops or potential thieves. This nifty Find My keychain solves both problems by becoming the tracking device itself. Grab a 2-pack for yourself or early gifting for $32.99 (MSRP $49.98). The trackers connect directly to Apple’s Find My network, so you can locate your keys, backpack, luggage, or gear in seconds using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Because the tracking tech is built right into the carabiner itself, there’s no separate tag to lose — and it’s less obvious to potential thieves who might otherwise try to ditch a visible tracker. With a premium metal build, IP67 waterproofing, and a secure clip, these carabiners are built for everyday use from daily commutes to cross-country travel. They’re compact and lightweight, run for up to a year on a replaceable battery, and require no extra apps or subscriptions. Order this 2-pack of carabiner keychain trackers with Find My for $32.99 and $3.99 shipping (MSRP $49.98). Singles are also available at the same link. Carabiner Keychain Tracker (2-Pack) – Works with Apple Find My (iOS only)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Exclusive: 10TB of cloud storage you can keep for life
Macworld TL;DR: Instead of endless monthly fees, grab an Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription, now $349.99 for 10TB (MSRP $2,900). Cloud storage shouldn’t cost you hundreds every year or force you to pick which devices get access. With Internxt, you no longer have to compromise. Ditch the $24/month/user fees you’d pay with a service like Dropbox for a one-time payment with an 87% exclusive discount through us. With 10TB of cloud storage, you’ll have room for just about everything — roughly 2.5 million photos, 250,000 songs, or over 1,000 HD movies. It’s also built to work seamlessly across all your devices. You can access, upload, and share files through dedicated apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux, or simply log in via any web browser. Security is at the heart of the service, too. Internxt uses end-to-end encryption to split and secure your files before they leave your device, and a zero-knowledge policy means even the company itself can’t see what you store. It’s open-source, GDPR-compliant, and even employs post-quantum encryption to safeguard against future threats. Get 10TB of lifetime cloud storage with Internxt for $349.99 with our unbeatable offer (MSRP $2,900). Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB PlanSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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New limited-time Apple Card offer now available: Earn $75 in Daily Cash
Once again, Apple has dropped a limited edition Apple Card offer for new users who choose to sign up. Typically, the Apple Card does not offer a sign up bonus, so this is worth looking into. more…

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Apple expanding AirPods production in India: report
Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, will double monthly production of new AirPods at their facility in Hyderabad, India. more…

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iMazing 3.4: enjoy pro-level control of your iPhone with a limited-time 20% discount
Just as the iPhone 17 lineup hit stores last month, iMazing 3.4 rolled out with full support for iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and the new devices. The update features multiple enhancements to the tools that give superpowers to iPhone users of any level, and 9to5Mac readers can get a limited-time 20% discount on all licenses with the code 9to5mac-20off. Here’s what’s new. more…

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Indie App Spotlight: ‘FitWoody’ is a fitness tracker that doesn’t punish imperfection
Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact. Everyone, at least in the United States, likely feels a need to improve their fitness and health – but doesn’t quite know how to. Or, if they have, they end up losing motivation and then give up because they don’t want to feel bad. I’m sure we’ve all heard the stat that most New Years resolutions are to go to the gym more, and most people give up after just a couple weeks. FitWoody flips the script. more…

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Review: SwitchBot Wallet Finder is an incredibly useful accessory to track your wallet with iPhone Find My
I have an AirTag on my keychain to keep track of my keys, but obviously an AirTag is too big and bulky to fit inside a wallet. That’s what the SwitchBot Wallet Finder is for, currently discounted to just $17.99 each (Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this article in cooperation with SwitchBot.). Disguised inside a thin, credit-card form factor, the SwitchBot Wallet Finder connects to the Find My app on your iPhone, so you can follow its location, and it even houses a speaker so you can make it beep to help you find your wallet when it inevitably gets lost somewhere in your home. Read on for my review … more…

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Nisus Writer: Schrödinger’s Word Processor
The powerful word processor hasn’t seen an update in nearly a year, it has disappeared from the Mac App Store, and support responses have been slow or nonexistent for some time. There is writing on the wall, and it’s not looking good.

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Nisus Writer: Schrödinger’s Word Processor
The powerful word processor hasn’t seen an update in nearly a year, it has disappeared from the Mac App Store, and support responses have been slow or nonexistent for some time. There is writing on the wall, and it’s not looking good.

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Security Bite: Does ‘Ask App Not to Track’ actually work?
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. When Apple dropped App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompts in iOS 14.5 back in 2021, it was a watershed moment for user privacy within third-party applications. Nothing like it had existed prior. The initiative gave iPhone users control over whether their in-app data could be aggregated and shared with third parties for advertising or other various purposes. Still, today, I often find comments online from people who don’t really know what it does and find the wording very taboo. Like, why “Ask” the app? And is it still effective? Let’s briefly look at App Tracking Transparency in 2025… more…

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Learn up to 25 languages with this lifetime Rosetta Stone sub
Save big-time on the app that helps users master foreign languages quickly. This lifetime deal includes all 25 Rosetta Stone languages. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple’s base model iPhone 18 might offer 12GB of memory, just like iPhone 17 Pro
With the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro lineup, Apple shipped a major upgrade alongside the A19 Pro chip – 12GB of unified memory. That’s 50% more than the iPhones that directly preceded it, and double what iPhones offered just a couple years ago. However, the base iPhone 17 with its A19 chip missed out on this upgrade – still sticking with 8GB of unified memory. According to one report from The Bell (via MacRumors), though, that might change with the next model. more…

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What controversy? Cult of Mac readers love Apple’s Liquid Glass.
Despite the criticism you might have read online, there’s plenty of love for the iPhone’s new Liquid Glass user interface. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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M5 Vision Pro’s killer feature is … [The CultCast]
This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: Griffin gets his hands on the new M5 Vision Pro and shares his first impressions. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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