There may be something big coming to Apple Fitness+ in 2026
Without naming features or dates, a teaser shared Tuesday shifted attention back to Apple Fitness+ ahead of the new year.Apple Fitness+The company shared the teaser on the Apple Fitness+ Instagram account on December 30, without naming features or a launch window. Fitness+ stays bundled with Apple One and closely tied to Apple Watch hardware.The teaser appears as a short Instagram Reel featuring Fitness+ trainers reading a mock newspaper titled Apple Fitness+ Times. Headlines repeatedly claim "something big is coming" and point to January as a moment to watch. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Just unwrap a new Apple Watch? Here’s how to charge it as fast as possible
One of the more useful changes to recent Apple Watch models is support for fast charging. This allows you to quickly top off your Apple Watch battery at much faster speeds than before. This includes the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as several previous models. There are a few things to remember, and you don’t get everything you need in the box… more…

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How and why the famous '1984' ad was really first shown in 1983
It's the iconic Apple ad, the Ridley Scott-directed Macintosh spot that famously was shown first and once during the 1984 Super Bowl — except that's not quite true."1984"You know it well — and if you don't, Epic Games has been parodying it. The "1984" ad is the one that shows an athlete throwing her sledgehammer to break a screen playing a "Big Brother" kind of speech.It's just that the ad was not shown first on January 22, 194, during the Super Bowl XVIII, and it was not only aired once. It's true that following the Super Bowl, Apple did not air the full version again — and didn't need to, since countless news programs aired it for them. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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How we worked in 2025: William's desk and wide monitor
William's desk surface hasn't changed in years, but almost everything on it has recently. From a new Mac Studio to a totally unnecessary third Stream Deck, here's how he works.William actually has a second desk to one side, which is why he's able to make this one look tidy for you.About 05:00 most weekday mornings, I will come into my extremely dark office, turn on the Mac Studio — and then blind myself with an Elgato Key Light. I've got two of these, one for front and one for back lighting in videos.But at that time of the morning, I can use one to give me a gentle start to the day — once I turn it down from whatever brightness I had it the day before. And I now turn it down using a knob on my third Elgato Stream Deck, which is ridiculously and extremely handy. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple teases ‘something big’ coming to your devices in early 2026
Macworld If you got a new Apple device this holiday season, it may be time to start using your three-month free Fitness+ trial. In a cryptic Instagram reel, Apple is teasing “something big” coming to its workout service. The 15-second spot shows people reading newspapers with Fitness+-related headlines, including, “The Countdown Begins,” “2026 Plans Still Under Wraps—For Now,” and Something Big is Coming to Apple Fitness+.” Other parts of the ad hint at “brand new content” and “major moves” coming soon. View this post on Instagram It’s not uncommon for Apple to announce new Fitness+ programs in early January. Earlier this year, Apple unveiled a new slate of programming on January 3 that included strength, yoga, and walking classes, as well as integration with Strava. Apple also teased these new programs with its Instagram account, but it was far less cryptic. In November. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Fitness+ was under internal review as Apple explored new paths for its struggling service. Additionally, a separate Health+ service has been rumored that fuses real-world medical professionals with Apple Intelligence to offer diagnostic advice. It’s not clear whether this “big” announcement is related to a change in Fitness+ or new content. Fitness+ costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually, and is also included in Apple One plans. It is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.

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2026 Mac preview: This could be the biggest year for the Mac since 1984
Macworld After a somewhat tame 2025 that was largely marked by processor upgrades, 2026 is poised to be a huge year for the Mac, possibly the biggest since Apple unveiled the very first Macintosh in 1984. It all starts with the rumored release of Apple’s first new MacBook in years and could end with a huge bang as the MacBook Pro gets a major overhaul. If you’re planning to buy a Mac in 2026, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what to expect from the Mac next year. Early 2026 M5 MacBook Air 2026 is likely to start slowly, as Apple’s most popular laptop is slated to get a chip upgrade to the M5 in the early part of the year. The current M4 MacBook Air was released in March 2025, so look for the M5 update to come around the early part of spring. The M5 MacBook Air will make its debut in the early part of 2026.Foundry There likely won’t be any surprises here. Apple released the M5 chip with the MacBook Pro in October 2025, and benchmarks show that the M5 offers a bit of a boost with CPU performance but makes bigger inroads with GPU speed. This update will be a chip upgrade; the rest of the laptop features will likely be the same as they are now. Learn more about the upcoming M5 MacBook Air. M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro The M5 Pro and Max versions of the MacBook Pro are expected in the spring of 2026, possibly at the same time as the M5 MacBook Air. And like the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro upgrades are expected to be chip upgrades only. However, the chips could be significantly upgraded. The M5 MacBook Pro’s time in Apple’s lineup could be cut short due to the expected M6 release later in the year.Foundry According to reports, Apple will introduce a new chip design with the M5 Pro and Max, where the CPU and GPU are on separate blocks. This will allow for more customization options; for example, a customer can get a chip with the base configuration of CPU cores and maxed-out GPU cores. Learn more about the upcoming M5 Pro/Mac MacBook Pro. Low-cost MacBook Here’s where things start to get really interesting. Reports have swirled for months that Apple is developing a cheap MacBook that can compete in the market with Chromebooks and Windows laptops. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that this laptop will ship during the first half of 2026. The cheap MacBook will reportedly use an iPhone chip, possibly the A19 Pro. Reports have said it will have a slightly smaller display than the 13-inch MacBook Air, and we expect it could lack some features found in the MacBook Air, including multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDR. With the current MacBook Air starting at $999, we expect this new model to cost as low as $699. Learn more about the low-cost MacBook. An A19 Pro could be at the heart of Apple’s rumored low-cost laptop.Apple Mid 2026 Mac Studio The M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio are on Apple’s 2026 release schedule, according to Gurman. Apple could release these Macs in March, but a June release at WWDC seems more likely. The Mac Studio has replaced the Mac Pro as Apple’s top-of-the-line workstation.Foundry The Mac Studio isn’t going to see a design change, and its update may be only with its chip. Reports state that Apple is using a new chip design with the high-end M-series chips that features the CPU and GPU on different blocks, allowing more customization options with CPU and GPU cores. Mac Studio customers may be able to, say, buy a model with a maxed-out GPU, for example. Learn more about the upcoming Mac Studio. Studio Display and Pro Display XDR According to reports, Apple is finally going to update its Studio Display, some four years after it debuted. Code numbers for the new Studio Display have been uncovered in a pre-release version of iOS 26, with references to a 120Hz refresh rate, support for SDR and HDR modes, and an A19 chip for controlling Spatial Audio and the built-in webcam. Apple debuted the original Studio Display alongside the Mac Studio in 2022, so it could be released at the same time. As for the Pro Display XDR, Gurman reported that Apple had two new displays in development, but it was unclear if both displays were different models of the Studio Display or if one was a Pro Display XDR. However, since it’s been more than six years since the Pro Display was released, it would make sense for Apple to update it at the same time with ProMotion. The Studio Display could get its first update since 2022.Filipe Esposito/Foundry macOS 27 Apple will preview macOS 27 at WWDC in June, and since macOS 26 featured major UI changes, reports say it will be a maintenance release with a focus on performance and stability and a minimal number of new features. One thing to keep an eye out for: Apple is rumored to launch its first touchscreen MacBook Pro (see below), so it’s possible macOS 27 has some subtle UI updates that make on-screen elements easier to use with a touch interface. Late 2026 Touchscreen MacBook Pro Despite a relatively minor speed bump early in the year, Apple may still have a huge update planned for the MacBook Pro in the second half of the year. Next year is the 20th anniversary of the MacBook, and Apple is reportedly planning a major celebration. Along with the M6 family of processors, Apple expected to introduce two key enhancements to at least the higher-end MacBook Pro models: An OLED touchscreen display and the first new design in five years. Learn more about the upcoming M6 MacBook Pro. The rest M5 iMac The M4 iMac was released about a year ago, but we haven’t gotten any reports about a 2026 update to the iconic all-in-one desktop Mac. Apple may have the iMac on a longer upgrade cycle, so an upgrade may not happen until the M6 is available. Depending on the timing, an M6 model could arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. When it comes to the iMac in 2026, the rumor mill is dry.Foundry We’ll probably start hearing rumors around WWDC time, but if you’re thinking about buying an iMac, the current M4 model is a great buy. Its M4 chip is speedy, it comes with 16GB of RAM, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a Nano-texture glass option. M5/M5 Pro Mac mini According to reports by Gurman, the M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini are on Apple’s release schedule for 2026. Since the M6 is expected in the second half of 2026, the M5 Mac mini will probably be released in the first half of the year. The Mac mini will get an upgrade to the M5 and M5 Pro in 2026. Simon Jary / Foundry The current M4 Mac mini, which features the smallest footprint of any Mac, was released a year ago. Apple is unlikely to change the design that was only just introduced last fall, so the chip will basically be all that’s new. Learn more about the M5 Mac mini. M5 Ultra Mac Pro Gurman reported that Apple “has largely written off” the Mac Pro and believes that the Mac Studio addresses the needs of users who need workstation performance. It’s still running an M2 Ultra processor, and if it doesn’t get a 2026 or early 2027 update, we’ll be watching and waiting for when it disappears from Apple’s lineup. The Mac Pro appears to be on its last legs.Foundry

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Best iPad to buy in 2026: Which Apple tablet is right for you?
Macworld Which iPad Is Right for You? Choosing the best iPad in 2026 depends on how you’ll use it. If you want a powerful tablet for creative apps and pro workflows, an iPad Pro model delivers the most performance. If you want a balanced mix of speed and price for everyday tasks, the iPad Air is a great choice. For a compact, travel-friendly option, the iPad mini shines, and the standard iPad offers solid performance at the lowest price point. Which iPad should you buy? There are a lot of choices and it can be confusing. There are four different varieties of iPad, listed below, and each is available with or without 5G cellular, which costs extra and requires a data plan. That’s before we get into storage capacity, colors, and second-hand alternatives. Our in-depth buying guide assesses the whole range of iPads sold by Apple and explores all the factors that should influence your iPad buying decision such as value for money, how much storage you need, which size will be best for you, and whether or not to buy a cellular version. We also reveal whether an updated version of each device is likely to be launched soon–answering the question of whether now is a good time to buy an iPad. Best iPad to buy in 2025 The iPad that is best for you will depend on what you need from an iPad. If you just want an iPad for reading books, watching movies and TV shows, email, and web browsing – or for kids who will just be watching Bluey – then you don’t need all the bells and whistles. An iPad or iPad mini might be best here. If you are looking for an iPad that will do everything that a laptop can, then you might want to consider a model that is more powerful and supports additional components, such as one of Apple’s iPad keyboards or the Apple Pencil, the iPad Air might suit you. And if you will be using your iPad for gaming, video editing, photo editing, or anything high-powered and graphic intensive, then you should probably look at an iPad Pro. However, it isn’t as simple as that, as you will see if you read on. Below we will run through every iPad you can buy right now, so you can find the one that’s best for your needs. For each iPad we record the essential information, its pros and cons, which buyer should pick it, and whether now is a good time to buy. Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025): Best iPad for business users Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal $554 View Deal $565 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Since March 2025 the 11-inch iPad Air has an M3 processor that is powerful and energy-efficient (you may remember it from its widely praised performance in the Mac). The M3 pushes the iPad Air far ahead of the iPad mini and standard iPads with their A-series chips. The M3 also makes the Air an appealing alternative to the more expensive iPad Pro models, with their faster M4 processors. Like all recent iPads, the Air features an all-screen design with no Home button. As with the standard iPad and the iPad mini, biometric security is handled by a fingerprint sensor in the power button rather than Face ID, which is reserved for the Pros. It has superb cameras (the front-facing 12MP camera and Center Stage), supports a wide range of Pro accessories, and now features 5G. Pros: Beautiful design. Superb processing and graphics power. Cheaper than the iPad Pro. Cons: Screen doesn’t feature ProMotion. Who is the iPad Air best for: Tablet gamers and anyone who wants to be able to run the most demanding apps now and in the future. Pro users (business, creative, design) who can’t afford an iPad Pro. Is now a good time to buy? Absolutely. It was updated in March of 2025 and will be around for a while. But would the iPad Pro be better? Read: iPad Air vs iPad Pro, or look below. Read our full Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) review Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best iPad for kids and portability Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB; Wi-Fi only) | $599 (256GB; Wi-Fi only) | $799 (512GB; Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal $477 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $489 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This generation of iPad mini launched in October 2024 and is available in four colors: Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight. The biggest draw of the iPad mini is probably its diminutive stature; with its 8.3-inch display it’s Apple’s smallest iPad. It’s perfect for carrying around in a bag or handing to children when they need entertainment. It might be small, but it is actually more powerful than the standard iPad thanks to its A17 Pro processor, which is a few generations newer than the A14 in the 10th gen iPad and supports Apple Intelligence. You also get a Liquid Retina screen, and 12MP/12MP rear/front cameras. Pros: Very portable and respectably powerful. The cheapest version now has a decent amount of storage (128GB, previously only 64GB). Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) or Apple Pencil Pro. Cons: Small screen, which may not be great for those who get eyestrain or who like immersive films and games. Who is the iPad mini best for: The portability-conscious. Gamers on the go. Tablet photographers. Ebook readers. Kids. Is now a good time to buy? The iPad mini (A17 Pro) was released in October 2024 and an update isn’t expected until mid to late 2026. You’ll likely find it for a little bit lower than Apple’s MSRP at third-party retailers. Read our full Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) review Apple iPad (A16, 2025): Best budget iPad Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $279 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $400.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The 2025 iPad (A16) is the cheapest iPad at just $349/£329. It offers a lot of features for the price and it’s available in an assortment of fun colors. It has a 11-inch screen, a USB-C connector, and supports the Apple Pencil 1 or the Apple Pencil (USB). It’s also capable of 5G. Pros: Good price especially now it starts with 128GB storage. Cons: Apple picked an A16 chip for this iPad despite the A16 not supporting Apple Intelligence. This is likely to mean it will missing out on features. Still feels cheap due to the unlaminated screen (will Apple ever update this?). Not as thin and light as the iPad Air, or the iPad Pro for that matter. Who is iPad A16 best for: Anyone who needs a big screen (not a huge screen; they’ll want the 13-inch iPad Air (or iPad Pro) but is on a budget, and can cope without the latest in processing. It’s a good option for anyone who likes the look of the iPad Air, but not the price. Is now a good time to buy? Apple is unlikely to update this model until mid to late 2026. If you can wait until then we recommend you do though, because the A16 iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence features. If you want the cheapest iPad it’s a good deal, but it might be better to pay a little more for the iPad Air if you can afford to. Read our full Apple iPad (A16) review Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025): Best value big screen iPad Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $699 View Deal $699.99 View Deal $725 View Deal $799 View Deal $799 View Deal $799 View Deal $959.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you want a larger screen, there’s also a 13-inch iPad Air with an M3 processor, making it a viable alternative to the more expensive 13-inch iPad Pro with its M4 chip. Aside from the bigger screen this iPad Air is identical to the 11-inch iPad Air, with the same all-screen design, fingerprint sensor in the power button and front-facing 12MP camera with Center Stage. Pros: Large screen. Cheaper than the iPad Pro. Cons: Screen doesn’t feature ProMotion. Who is 13-inch iPad Air best for? Anyone who want a bigger screen at a lower price than the iPad Pro. It’s a great size for watching films and TV shows (and offers quad-speaker audio to match). It’s also a great option if you want to use your iPad as a laptop, just add an iPad keyboard case. Is now a good time to buy? This iPad Air was introduced in March 2025 and will be around for a while. If you want a big screen and don’t need, or can’t afford, an iPad Pro it’s a great choice. 11-inch iPad Pro (M5, 2025): Best performance for creative pros Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $899 View Deal $899.99 View Deal $949 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 256GB, $999 / £999 512GB, $1,199 / £1,199 1TB, $1,599 / £1,599 2TB, $1,999 / £1,999 The current generation of iPad Pro models launched in October 2025. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes and a variety of capacities all the way up to a massive 2TB. The 2025 Pros feature M5 chips and are incredibly powerful–some might say more powerful than it has any right to be. The 11-inch iPad Pro features a display it calls Ultra Retina XDR, which is an implementation of OLED technology that offers deeper blacks, better details in shadows and low light, and better response to motion. Apple uses two OLED panels in an implementation it calls Tandem OLED to address the brightness concerns of a single OLED panel. The Tandem OLED generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. The display on the iPad Pro differs from the other iPads because it features ProMotion, which means it can automatically vary its refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz, which ensures exceptionally smooth on-screen motion. With the launch of the M4 generation in 2024, the front-facing camera moved to the longer side of the iPad Pro for better use in landscape mode. The M5 and M4 iPad Pro also lack the rear 10MP ultra-wide camera that was on the 4th generation. Apple must have concluded that people don’t use the iPad Pro for photography – scanning however, is provided for: the 12MP main camera uses some AI tricks for scanning. Pros: Slim and light (even slimmer than the iPad Air!); dual cameras; Face ID; quick and power-efficient processor. Cons: Very expensive. Its power could be overkill for many. Who is iPad Pro best for? Creative types who don’t need the absolutely largest screen. It’s great for watching films and TV shows (and offers quad-speaker audio to match), but there are other screens in the range that are a similar size and a lot more affordable. Is now a good time to buy? The 11-inch M5 iPad Pro was released in October 2025 so it’s unlikely to be updated again until 2027. Read our full Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 2025) review 13-inch iPad Pro (M5, 2025): Best iPad laptop replacement Price When Reviewed: $1,299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1194 View Deal $1,199 View Deal $1199 View Deal £1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPad Pro 13-inch, updated in October 2025, squeezes a huge screen into a relatively small and very thin chassis. The screen is fractionally larger than the iPad Air (2,064 pixels across compared to 2,048 pixels). It’s also fractionally bigger, but not heavier, than the 13-inch iPad Air. In other respects it’s largely the same as the 11-inch Pro (above): with the same, super-fast processor (the M5), lots of RAM, ProMotion screen, and a user experience that looks more than capable of replacing a laptop. The 13-inch iPad Pro, like the 11-inch version, has an Ultra Retina XDR. This is based on OLED technology, but Apple uses two OLED panels–it calls Tandem OLED and it generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. This is all thoroughly impressive. But on the downside, the 13-inch Pro is far less portable than the mid-size iPads (it remains admirably slim, but the sheer screen area makes it a handful) and ruinously expensive, particularly at those upper storage tiers. Pros: Large screen (13-inch); extremely fast processor with lots of RAM; landscape camera with Face ID; four speakers; Ultra Retina display. Cons: Very slim, but not as portable as the smaller models; very expensive; processor speed will be overkill for many prospective buyers. Who is 13-inch iPad Pro best for? : Creative types most of all, but anyone who needs a big screen will be interested – this is the perfect set up for anyone wanting to use a iPad as a laptop. Gamers and those who enjoy consuming media on the go will like the combination of a sumptuous screen and a quad-speaker audio system. Is now a good time to buy? The current Pros came out in October 2025. Apple isn’t expected to update it until 2027. iPad Buying Guide: What to look for when buying an iPad As you can see from the above there are a lot of iPads sold by Apple–that doesn’t even include the many previous-generation iPads that are still on sale at various resellers and at Apple’s Refurbished Store (U.S) or U.K. When confronted with so much choice what should you consider when deciding which iPad to buy? For many the choice will be based on price and value for money. Some may be influenced by the screen size, others by the weight. The ability to get more than 512GB storage may be important, as may the inclusion of Face ID or Touch ID. Finally, the decision of whether to get a cellular version, which invites the assessment of the minefield of network contracts, will no doubt be a factor for some. We will look at each of those factors below. How iPad specs compare The table below summarizes the main features of the iPads in Apple’s current lineup and highlights the price for each. We have more information about the individual iPads and buying advice below. Model (launch date)Key features + specsStorage + priceiPad A16(March 2025)• 10.9-inch screen• Touch ID on the Power button• A16 processor (5-core CPU, 4-core GPU)• 12MP/12MP cameras• Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil 1• 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm / 9.97in x 7.07in x 0.28in • 1.5 pounds / 481g128GB, $349 / £329256GB, $449 / £429512GB, $649 / £629 iPad miniA17 Pro(October 2024)• 8.3-inch screen• Touch ID on the Power button• A17 Pro processor• 12MP/12MP cameras• Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro• 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm / 7.69in x 5.3in x 0.25in• 0.65 pounds / 293g128GB, $499 / £499256GB, $599 / £599512GB, $799 / £799iPad Air 11-inchM3(March 2025)• 11-inch screen• Touch ID on the Power button• M3 processor• 12MP/12MP cameras• Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro• 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm / 9.83in x 6.99in x 0.21in• 0.98 pounds / 462g128GB, $599 / £599256GB, $699 / £699512GB, $899 / £8991TB, $1,249 / £1,249iPad Air 13-inchM3(March 2025)• 13-inch screen• Touch ID on the Power button• M3 processor• 12MP/12MP cameras• Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro• 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm / 11.04in x 8.46in x 0.24in• 1.36 pounds / 618g128GB, $799 / £799256GB, $899 / £899512GB, $1,099 / £1,0991TB, $1,299 / £1,299iPad Pro 11-inch M5(October 2025)• 11-inch screen• Face ID• M5 processor• 12MP/12MP cameras• Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro• 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm / 9.38in x 6.99in x .021in• 0.98 pounds / 446g256GB, $999 / £999512GB, $1,199 / £1,1991TB, $1,599 / £1,5992TB, $1,999 / £1,999iPad Pro 13-inchM5(October 2025)• 13-inch screen• Face ID• M5 processor• 12MP/12MP cameras• Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro• 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm / 11.09in x 8.48in x .020in• 1.28 pounds / 582g256GB, $1,299 / £1,299512GB, $1,499 / £1,4991TB, $1,899 / £1,8992TB, $2,299 / £2,299Prices for Wi-Fi models. Cellular models cost more Which iPad is the best value for money? One person’s value for money is another person’s extravagance. You might be looking for the cheapest iPad. That would be the A16 iPad, launched in March 2025. At just $349/£329 price that’s a bargain in Apple’s terms. It has a 10.9-inch screen, a 12MP rear-facing camera, an A14 Bionic processor, and 5G as an option. The main problem is that it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, the bunch of AI features Apple has been shouting loudly about. With subsequent versions of iPadOS likely to lean heavily on Apple Intelligence you could get FOMO in the future if you buy this iPad. But if you only need a cheap iPad for the kids it’ll probably do the job, especially now that it has a reasonable amount of storage (no more struggling with 64GB). An older iPad might be a better choice if you do want a bargain – especially if it is a model that supports AI (any M-series iPad Air will, for example). If you are happy to buy an older iPad model then there are plenty of discounts available while they are still in stock. There are also some great savings to be had on refurbished models. We recommend you check our best iPad deals round up. If you have more to spend, what can you get for your money? The A17 Pro iPad mini more than justifies its price tag of $499/£499 with its faster (Apple Intelligence-capable) A17 Pro processor, True Tone flash, and a fully laminated, better quality, display, among other things. But its biggest draw will probably be its size for those who want a small iPad. The iPad mini is not much bigger than a hard-backed book making it the perfect size to carry around in a bag and a great size for kids. That’s assuming you want a small iPad, if not, then it won’t be for you. Next up is the M3 iPad Air, which starts at $599/£599 for the 11-inch model. It might be worth every extra penny if you want a faster M3 processor. The iPad Air display is still superior to that of the iPad, fully laminated and with an antireflective coating (like the iPad mini). The introduction of an 13-inch iPad Air (in 2024) means that you no longer need to fork out extra for the iPad Pro if you want a larger display on your iPad. The M5 iPad Pro, last updated in October 2025 is the ultimate in this category. Starting at $999/£999, the Pro has a lot to offer, with an incredible display and an M5 chip for starters. But we think these features are probably more than the average person needs. Then again, if you need those features you can’t beat it, unless you want a bigger screen, in which case get the 13-inch iPad Pro. Those are the prices that Apple sells its iPads for, but you don’t have to pay that much. Take a look at our regularly updated iPad deals page for the lowest prices and best discounts on iPads new and old. iPad screen size: Which size iPad to choose Size is a question of taste rather than simply going for the biggest iPad you can get your hands on. Bigger isn’t necessarily better if what you need is small and light. The most obvious aspect of this decision comes down to screen size. All screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner, or from the place where the corners would be. You’ve got four options: 8.3-inch iPad mini 10.9-inch iPad 11-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro But how big a screen do you really need? You can think of the tablets in terms of print publications: the mini is roughly the height and width of a paperback book; the mid-size iPads are closer to a hardback (albeit much slimmer); and the 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air are like a magazine (remember them?) The screen on the 13-inch iPad Pro is a tiny bit bigger than that on the 13-inch iPad Air, that’s 2,752 x 2,064 pixels vs 2,732 x 2,048 pixels. The larger screen is obviously better for immersive entertainment. Whether watching films or playing games, it’s a more enjoyable, richer experience. But really this is a question of priorities. Are you more set on getting maximum screen space, or are you willing to compromise on that front in order to get a lower price tag and improved portability? iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm; 579g/582g (Wi-Fi/cellular) iPad Pro 11-inch (2024): 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm; 444g/446g iPad Air 13-inch (2025): 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm 617g/618g iPad Air 11-inch (2025): 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm; 462g/462g iPad 10.9-inch (2025): 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm; 477g/481g iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024): 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm; 300.5g/308.2g Want the lightest iPad? As you’d expect, the iPad mini is a lot lighter than the other iPads. There’s a big gap between that device and even the mid-size iPads. As well as its markedly lower weight the mini also has a smaller body, which slips easily into a rucksack or jacket pocket. If you plan to mainly use your iPad out and about, on vacation, or commuting, or perhaps you’re buying an iPad for a child, the mini is your best bet. The iPad, 11-inch iPad Air, and 11-inch Pro are pleasingly portable, but they still can’t match the mini for portability. The iPad has a similar length and width to the Air, but is thicker and heavier; the Pros are slimmer still. The 13-inch Pro and Air are considerably less portable than their smaller cousins, but we think Apple has done well to keep the weight down, especially with the Pro, which is actually thinner than the iPad Air (go figure): it remains a slender, relatively lightweight, and portable alternative to a laptop. How much storage do iPads need? The five iPads offer anywhere from 128GB to 2TB of storage, but if you are looking at an old, refurbished, or preowned iPad you could be confronted with 64GB or even 32GB storage, which isn’t enough. But what storage capacity do you really need for an iPad? Well, first of all, remember that you can’t upgrade the storage of an iPad at a later date: this is your limit from now until you buy another iPad, so aim high and buy as much storage as you can afford. It’s better to spend an extra few pounds now than to buy an entire new iPad in six months. Storage capacity is mainly used up by three things: music, photos, and videos. If you want to keep lots of films or TV shows–or even a few, to be honest–then you need high storage: probably 256GB or higher for video fans. If you’re buying an iPad with the kids in mind, remember that you’ll want storage space for multiple episodes of their favorite show on a long car journey. The same applies if you have large photo or music libraries, although iCloud Photos and iTunes Match make it possible to keep your stuff in the cloud and access it remotely. The problem with iCloud Photos is that it will store low-res versions of all your images, from all your devices, on your iPad. If your library is huge then even these low-res versions of images can take up a lot of space on your iPad. If you don’t have a lot of storage on your iPad then avoid using iCloud Photos. The other thing that will fill up your storage is apps, especially games which will use up a lot of space. For that reason gamers should aim high on storage: The iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini start with 128GB and the Pro has 256GB. We recommend getting what you can afford. See: How much storage do you need on an iPhone or iPad? for more advice. Should you get the most powerful iPad? The iPad Pro models are, as you would expect, faster than their smaller and cheaper equivalents, next up is the Air, then the iPad mini and finally the iPad. You can get an idea of relative speed by looking at a few relevant specs: iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): M5; 8GB/16GB RAM iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): M5; 8GB/16GB RAM 13-inch iPad Air (2025): M3; 8GB RAM 11-inch iPad Air (2025): M3; 8GB RAM iPad mini (2024): A17 Pro; 8GB RAM iPad 10.9-inch (2025): A15; 4GB RAM The M-series chips have won widespread acclaim in the Mac range and produce outstanding performance in the iPads. But that doesn’t mean the A chips are sub-standard or incapable of running modern apps; keep in mind that much of the software on the App Store was designed with A chips in mind, and even now most developers will want to make their software accessible for as many iPad owners as possible. There is a good reason to choose the M-series chips over the A-series though. Some of the most impressive features from iPadOS 26 and iPadOS 18 will only work with the M-series iPads. These include features like Stage Manager, which is a feature for organizing your windows. There are also rumors that one day Apple may make a cutback version of macOS available on the iPad but this will be probably be restricted to the M-series chip, if indeed it ever happens. But speculation aside, how powerful you need your iPad to be will be based on your requirements (and how long you intend to use your iPad for). The most demanding graphic-design, video-editing, and audio apps will see better performance on the M5, M4, M3 and even M2 processor, so if you’re looking at high-level workloads multiple years down the line the M5 and M4 would be a better option. But for most users, the A17 Pro will be comfortably fast enough for the mid- and long-term. Another important factor to consider is memory. Apple doesn’t advertise the fact, but the iPad only has 4GB. The mini and Air gets a jump up to 8GB, while the Pros have either 8GB or a whopping 16GB of RAM, depending on your storage tier: the 1TB and 2TB versions get the higher RAM allocation. If you want to run Apple Intelligence, you must have an iPad with at least 8GB of RAM. With the current iPad lineup, Apple Intelligence can run on all iPads expect the iPad. Learn more about Apple Intelligence. Overall, we would advise those who want to use highly demanding apps, such as video and image editors and graphically advanced games, to choose an iPad Pro or Air. If you’re going to be using your tablet for the odd bit of email and web surfing, you’ll find an iPad or iPad mini perfectly decent. Should you get a Cellular iPad? For most people cellular connectivity is a luxury, even if it’s a nice one to have. For an extra $200/£200 or $150/£150 depending on the iPad, you’ll be able to access the web and email, and use connected apps, away from a Wi-Fi network. You also need to factor in the cost of a data plan and find a network provider. Consider carefully how often you’re going to do that: with an iPad mini there’s likely to be more on-the-go use than with a full-size iPad, but it’s still a lot to pay for something you may only use from time to time. Have you got a regular (overground) commute where you’d enjoy catching up on news headlines or e-mail? Then it could be worth the extra. We think the best option, if you want to be able to get data on your iPad when you are out and about, is to create a hotspot and share it from your iPhone. Then you can use your iPad as if it is on the cellular network. Read about how to create an iPhone hotspot to share your mobile web connection to your iPad. Just bear in mind that the cellular option also brings with it a GPS radio, meaning you’ll be able to input accurate location data when using your device on the go. The other concern when buying a cellular iPad is whether to buy your iPad on a contract. Network providers will allow you to pay for your iPad and the data contract over a number of months – but after that term is up, and certainly not before, you may not be able to switch to a different data provider. Buying on contract may also mean that the iPad is locked to the original contract provider – which can also be a problem if you want to sell it in the future. Here’s how to unlock an iPad from its network, once you’ve fulfilled your contractual obligations. Should you buy a refurbished iPad? You can buy a refurbished iPad from AppleApple We’ll mention this only briefly because it’s covered in detail here: Why a refurbished iPad could be the best tablet for you, but one option you should absolutely consider is Apple’s Refurbished Store U.S or U.K. It’s a sort of halfway house between new and second-hand: the devices are generally ones that have been returned within the 28-day period in which you are legally allowed to change your mind about a purchase, or they have been returned due to a fault that has been rectified, or they were ex-display or ex-demo units from Apple’s stores or marketing. You can rest assured that Apple has checked all the refurbished iPads that it sells thoroughly, replaced any problematic components, and rated them as good as new (and you get a full one-year warranty to prove it). Apple’s not the only place to buy a refurbished iPad, so beware that all refurbished iPads are not the same, so do check the small print before you buy. Look for refurbished models that have been fully checked out by Apple-certified engineers, especially those that come with a guarantee. Our best advice is to only consider the current or previous generation iPads when looking at refurbished models, then you are less likely to be caught out by a sub-par tablet. Buying a refurbished iPad from a reputable company is definitely preferable to buying a used iPad from someone on eBay. It’s too often the case that secondhand iPads sold that way end up as useless bricks because the person selling it didn’t properly log out of their account. Another way to save money is to buy from a reseller who is selling discontinued stock at a discount. We often see resellers significantly dropping the price on older iPad models that are usually just one generation out of date—just beware, they sell out quick! Should you buy the newest iPad generation? Speaking of older iPads, even if functioning perfectly right now, older models will reach the end of their useful life sooner than the newest models and that is a good reason to avoid buying an iPad that is more than one or two generations old. But keep in mind that iPads tend to start slowing down at around two to three years of age; at the four- or five-year mark you should expect noticeable loss of performance and you won’t be able to get all the latest software updates. The current iPad range launched in 2024 and 2025, the most recent being the iPad Pro in October 2025 and the oldest being the iPad mini in October 2024. Another reason to buy a recent iPad is the operating system it runs. Apple only supports recent versions of iPadOS with security updates, so that could mean that only iPadOS 26 and iPad OS 18 get security updates, although Apple has been known to update older iPadOS versions when necessary. See How long does Apple support iPads? for more information. So, while you don’t have to buy the newest generation, we would recommend that you buy one that was launched relatively recently to be sure that Apple will support it for as long as you intend to own it. On that basis, any of the iPads listed above should be a safe bet because they support the iPadOS that Apple will support for the next three years, and for many the support will stretch on for more years. Buying advice: Which iPad should you buy? The standard iPad is a good option for newcomers and those who will mostly use their iPad as a media consumption device with some light work. The one key thing it still lacks, despite a 2025 update, is support for Apple Intelligence. For most people, our recommendation is the iPad Air (2025). The update in March 2025 brought it an M3 processor, which is more than enough for an iPad right now, but even 2024’s M2 iPad Air will be more than sufficient if you find one on sale. Mind you, the iPad Air is still expensive compared to the standard iPad and the iPad mini, and to most rival tablets out there. But, the addition of the 13-inch model means that if you want a big screen you don’t have to fork out for the iPad Pro. The iPad mini is mainly recommended for those who see portability as their main priority. It’s an excellent little device, although the smaller screen makes it less immersive for games and entertainment options. The remaining iPads will be too expensive for the average buyer. The 11-inch and 13-inch Pro models are amazingly powerful and well-made, and the M5 is excellent, but probably more power than anyone really needs right now. But if you’re a creative professional, the Pro is the iPad to get. Finally, before taking the plunge, have you considered if a laptop might suit your needs better? See iPad vs MacBook for more advice on that front. If you’re thinking of buying an iPad for college or university you might also like to read our guide to the best iPad for students. You may also like to read our best iPad for kids guide. We also have a Best iPad for Seniors guide.

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You don’t need to be tethered to your scanner —the iScanner App is now just $28
Macworld TL;DR: A one-time $27.99 turns your phone into a full-featured document scanner and PDF editor forever—no bulky hardware required. It’s 2026. We have self-checkout everywhere, AI writing emails, and smart fridges that text you when you’re out of oat milk—yet some people still rely on a giant plastic scanner that takes up half a desk and screams when it finally boots up. The iScanner lifetime app is now just $27.99 with code FLASH through Jan 11, and lets you say goodbye to your prehistoric hardware. iScanner turns any iPhone, iPad, or Android device into a portable, professional-grade scanner. Contracts, receipts, handwritten notes, math problems, ID cards—if you can point your camera at it, iScanner can digitize it beautifully. And because it’s powered by smart AI tools, it automatically detects borders, straightens pages, fixes shadows, and can recognize text in 20+ languages. Need to sign a PDF? Mark up a form? Merge pages? Lock files behind a PIN? You can do it all right inside the app—no laptop, no printer, no overpriced cloud service needed. Students, remote workers, realtors, accountants, travelers … anyone who deals with documents will wonder how they ever lived without it. The future is mobile. Your scanner should be too. Get lifetime access to the iScanner app while it’s just $27.99 (MSRP $199.90) with code FLASH through Jan. 11. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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This $400 MacBook Pro offer won’t stick around long
Macworld TL;DR: A like-new, Grade A refurbished MacBook Pro (2020) packed with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is on sale for $399.97—an unbeatable new-year upgrade. You don’t have to wait any longer for the right moment to upgrade your laptop because this one is it. A near-mint Apple MacBook Pro (2020) is now just $399.97 (MSRP $1,580)—and at this price, it won’t linger in stock for long. This deal is ideal for anyone kicking off the year with bigger goals, tighter workflows, or a desire to stop battling the spinning beachball of doom. The 2020 MacBook Pro delivers the speed and reliability Apple users expect, thanks to a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, a generous 16GB of RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD. The 13.3″ Retina display with True Tone is a win for designers, students, coders, and anyone who spends long hours staring at a screen. And with the Magic Keyboard, Touch Bar shortcuts, Touch ID, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports, it’s fully stacked for modern workflows—whether you’re editing video, running a bunch of apps, or juggling countless browser tabs. Plus, being Grade A refurbished, it arrives in near-mint condition with little to no visible wear. If you want a premium MacBook experience without the premium price, this is the steal of the season. Get this like-new Apple MacBook Pro (2020) for just $399.97 (MSRP $1,580) while you still can. Apple MacBook Pro (2020) 13″ i5 2GHz Touchbar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Today only: Get Apple's M4 Pro Mac mini for $1,229 with bonus coupon
A year-end sale on Apple's Mac mini line discounts the standard M4 Pro spec to $1,229, thanks to a bonus in-cart coupon.Save $170 on Apple's M4 Pro Mac mini with a special year-end discount.The M4 Pro Mac mini with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage retails for $1,399, but shoppers can save $170 today only at B&H Photo thanks to a $120 instant rebate stacked with a $50 in-cart coupon.Buy M4 Pro Mac mini for $1,229 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Robot vacuums in HomeKit: Here are the supported models
When Apple released iOS 18.4 to everyone earlier this year, it came with a big upgrade to the Home app. Users can now add robot vacuums to HomeKit for the first time thanks to the Matter smart home standard. Here are the robot vacuums compatible with HomeKit… more…

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Apple drops cryptic teaser for Apple Fitness+: ‘Something big is coming’ in 2026
Apple has published a fun teaser on the Apple Fitness+ Instagram account, promoting what it promises to be “something big” that will land on the service next year. Watch it below. more…

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Ulysses 39.2
Updates from two maintenance releases since the writing app's recent upgrade. ($5.99/$39.99 monthly/yearly subscription, free update, 120.8 MB, macOS 14+)

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Default Folder X 6.2.4
Venerable Open/Save dialog utility adds the Fn (Globe) key as a modifier key option in keyboard shortcuts. ($39.95 new, free update, 28.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)

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SoundSource 6.0.2
Brings "massively faster" device switching to the recently upgraded audio control utility. ($49 new, free update for version 6 licenses, $25 upgrade, 51.8 MB, macOS 15+)

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BusyCal 2025.4.4 and BusyContacts 2025.4.4
Updates the calendar and contact apps with improvements and bug fixes. ($49.99 new for each, free update, various sizes, macOS 11.5+)

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Apple's cautious AI approach could pay off in 2026, report speculates
Against the backdrop of long-overdue Siri features, a new report argues that Apple's cautious AI approach could be one of its biggest advantages in 2026.Apple's approach to AI could pay off in 2026, according to a new report.Apple's artificial intelligence endeavors continue to be the subject of speculation, even as we move closer to the planned contextually aware version of Siri. After it failed to deliver an AI upgrade it promised at WWDC 2024, the iPhone maker adopted a more restrained position regarding AI.Because of this, it's been argued that Apple is late to the AI race, that the company hasn't delivered products nearly as impressive as those of rival companies like Google. Apple has also toned down its Apple Intelligence marketing, opting to focus on Liquid Glass as the key change for its 2025 software releases. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Scrivener 3.5.2
Provides a workaround for incorrectly displayed outline and page view footer bars. ($59.99 new, free update, 116.1 MB, macOS 11+)

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Fission 2.9.3
Audio editor corrects a time picker regression from the previous version. ($35 new, free update, 14.8 MB, macOS 11+)

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Andrew O'Hara's 2025 desk setup: A full studio with ample storage and power
2025 was largely a year of minimal changes in my desk setup, with most of my gear holding over from years past. There were a few upgrades though, helping to smooth out video production and media storage.My 2025 desk setup with Apple's Studio DisplayFor me, my studio is split into generally three areas — a desk for work, a filming set, and storage. Most of my time is spent in the second two spaces, though I admittedly need to start rearranging the storage better. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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