Level up your Mac with these Apple accessory alternatives
Macworld For many users, Apple’s own accessories are the first and last peripherals they get for their desktop computer. That’s understandable: you can buy a Magic Keyboard and/or Magic Mouse at the same time as your new Mac, and if you’re going second-hand, then many sellers bundle them in with the Mac they’re moving on. What’s more, Apple is a name that a lot of people trust. The problem is that these accessories are often average at best and downright poor choices at worst. Sure, many of them can do the job, but you’d get a much better experience by looking elsewhere. Here are a few ways you can improve your Mac setup by switching out Apple’s accessories for superior alternatives. It’s a quick move you won’t regret. Save your wrist with a new mouse By this point, the Magic Mouse and its slimline design are well-known enough to be pretty much iconic. Surely you’ve heard about its odd charging method, but its sleek curves and simple palette are instantly recognizable, easy on the eye, and a great match for your other Apple products. More than that, though, it’s unique among mice in that its entire top surface works as a gesture-enabled trackpad surface. That provides a lot of extra functionality and makes it a seemingly sensible choice for a lot of people. The trade-off is that this flat design is terrible for hand and wrist comfort. It provides next to no support throughout the day, and that eventually takes its toll—I actually know someone who had to stop using the Magic Mouse due to the severe pain it caused their hand. For that reason, it’s best to swap out the Magic Mouse for something better. Thankfully, there are much more comfortable and functional alternatives wherever you look. Logitech’s MX Master 4 mouse ($120 at Amazon) is one example. Unlike many rivals, it has a built-in gesture button: hold it down and move the mouse in one of several directions to perform macOS gestures. It’s not quite as seamless as the Magic Mouse, but is still a good alternative. The Logitech MX Master 4 feels great in the hand and has a lot of controls.Mikael Lindkvist There’s more to it than that, though. Importantly, it has a more comfortable shape, making it better for long-term usage. It’s stuffed with extras that the Magic Mouse lacks, such as an adaptable MagSpeed scroll wheel, a side-mounted thumb wheel, and super-quiet button clicks. As for myself, I use the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 ($160) as my daily driver. It’s extremely lightweight, which makes it supremely comfortable and eliminates any semblance of wrist strain. And it has the added bonus of being fast and agile for gaming, something that’s increasingly a consideration for Mac users these days. It has enough extra buttons for my needs, impressive battery life, plus you can use the mouse while it’s charging (unlike the Magic Mouse). Get a better keyboard When Apple ditched the butterfly keyboard and resurrected the MacBook’s Magic Keyboard for a triumphant return, there were cheers from Mac users around the world. Not only was the Magic Keyboard a far better option for Mac laptops, but it was loved by desktop enthusiasts everywhere that Macs could be found. I must confess, though, that I’m not a massive fan of Apple’s keyboard. Sure, it’s fine. There’s nothing obviously, disastrously wrong with it, especially not compared to the butterfly keyboard fiasco. But shouldn’t we aspire to more than just “fine” in our Mac setups? Shouldn’t we demand only the best experience for our fingers? The Keychron Q6 Max is Macworld’s favorite mechanical keyboard. Foundry If you share that feeling, you can do yourself a massive favor by losing the Magic Keyboard and replacing it with a proper mechanical keyboard. These are superior to membrane options like the Magic Keyboard for several reasons. Most noticeably, mechanical keys travel further when you press them. This is not only more comfortable and satisfying in use but also makes you less likely to “bottom out” and slam the keys against the keyboard’s frame while typing, which can lead to finger fatigue over time. As well as that, mechanical keyboards are not one-size-fits-all, unlike the Magic Keyboard. That means you’re more likely to find something that suits you and your individual needs. You can choose from different key switches, all of which change how the keyboard feels in use, while there are different shapes and sizes to pick from, too. Some are pretty expensive, like Keychron’s Q6 Max ($240), but you’ll definitely be getting a keyboard that won’t need to be replaced anytime soon. And there are plenty of affordable options, too. Mechanical keyboards offer almost customization, too. Many have hot-swappable switches; you can change the keycaps for a different look and feel, while software such as Via and QMK lets you create almost any key macro and combination you can dream up. And it’s worth noting that mechanical keyboards tend to be made with higher-quality components, such as metal frames and PBT plastics, which provide a superior experience and help them last longer. Now, I’ll admit that Apple’s Magic Keyboard has one advantage: the Touch ID button. That’s something you won’t get on any other keyboard, due to Apple locking down the Touch ID module with various proprietary security features. But is it worth sacrificing all the benefits of a mechanical keyboard for this one element? I’d say it’s not, especially when there are other ways to unlock your Mac that are just as fast and secure, such as using an Apple Watch. A monitor you can adjust Apple’s monitors are feature-rich and look the part, but they fall short when it comes to ergonomics. While priced like high-end monitors, base models of the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR are both severely limited in how much you can adjust them. The Studio Display can only be tilted forward and back, with no height adjustment in the entry-level edition, and the Studio Display XDR doesn’t even come with a stand unless you drop another $400. This problem extends to the iMac, too, where it’s even worse because there’s no upgrade option with extra adjustability. Back when I worked for a major technology publisher, I had to mount my work iMac on a stack of books just to get it to a suitable height. Instead of putting up with this broken situation–and suffering from the discomfort and pain that arise from an unergonomic workstation. It’s a much better idea to get an adjustable monitor. And the good news is that this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing features. Take the BenQ MA270UP, which was our pick for the best Mac monitor of 2025. It boasts a 4K resolution, a beautiful glossy panel that produces superb image quality, and 95 percent accuracy for the P3 color gamut, plus it can charge your devices up to 90W at a time. Better yet, it has a full range of ergonomic controls, including height, tilt, swivel, and rotation adjustments. There’s also a matte version with a nano-textured surface, much like Apple’s own displays. The BenQ MA2070UP is designed for use with a Mac.Foundry Those two options provide a far more ergonomic viewing setup than you get from Apple, expensive upgrade or not. They’re also specifically designed for use with Macs. For example, you can adjust the brightness of your MacBook and BenQ’s monitor at the same time by pressing the brightness controls on your laptop. You get all that for $549, a third of the Studio Display’s price and a fraction of the $4,999 Pro Display XDR. Apple’s displays have a lot going for them, but for an ergonomic experience that won’t break the bank, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Supreme speakers If you’ve come from the world of Windows laptops and decide to try a MacBook, one of the first things you’ll notice is how much better Apple’s speakers are. It’s something that a lot of people overlook, but going from tinny misery to the full-on sound blasters of Apple’s laptops is something to behold. But at the end of the day, even the best built-in MacBook speakers can’t compete with a dedicated desktop set. The same goes for Apple’s desktop Macs; while they often have extra internal space for audio output, they’re still more restricted than even a halfway-decent desktop speaker. You can remove the fabric grille on the front of the speaker for a more retro look. Audio Pro For plenty of people, Apple’s own speakers will be acceptable. But you can definitely do better by augmenting your setup with a good external set. For example, our favorite AirPlay speaker for sound quality, the Audio Pro C10 MKII W ($425 at Amazon), is a great option. It comes with 80W of audio output and supports Bluetooth, Apple’s AAC codec, plus dual-band Wi-Fi. It’s compatible with various streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud, and also works with AirPlay 2. And most importantly, it sounds fantastic in use. That would be a great choice to pair with your Mac, but even a couple of HomePod minis will do the trick. Don’t settle for Apple’s built-in speakers, no matter how good they sound – you’ll find even better options elsewhere.

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Best MacBook Neo deals: Where to buy Apple’s cheapest MacBook
Macworld Best MacBook Neo deals July 2026 These are the MacBook Neo recommendations we would confidently give to our own friends and family. They are based on the best prices right now at hundreds of resellers of Apple products. U.S deal: $6 off MacBook Neo, 512GB at Amazon U.K. deal: £93 off MacBook Neo, 512GB at Amazon The MacBook Neo is Apple’s entry-level laptop, launched in March 2026 as the most affordable MacBook ever released. It offers A18 Pro performance, a 13-inch display, and up to 16 hours of battery life. At launch the starting price was $599, but, unfortunately, Apple increased that price by $100 in June 2026. The MacBook Neo now starts at $699 for the 256GB model and $799 for the 512GB version, making genuine discounts harder to find. That’s where we come in. At Macworld, we continuously track MacBook Neo prices across major retailers, comparing them with Apple’s current pricing, previous list prices, and the lowest prices we’ve ever recorded. That means we can quickly identify which deals offer genuine value and which don’t. Aside from education pricing (which takes $100 off the price of MacBook Neo), Apple rarely discounts it’s products directly. However, retailers in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere regularly offer savings, particularly during major shopping events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, although worthwhile deals can appear throughout the year. Below, you’ll find the best MacBook Neo deals available right now, along with advice on where to buy one for the lowest price. We also explain which configuration offers the best value and whether the MacBook Neo is the right MacBook for your needs. Best MacBook Neo deals July 2026 U.S. Deals MacBook Neo DealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestA18-Pro, 256GB$696 at Amazon$699$599$589.99A18-Pro, 512GB$793 at Amazon$799$699$689.99 U.K. Deals MacBook NeoDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestA18-Pro, 256GB£618 Get the deal at Amazon£699£599£549A18-Pro, 512GB£699.97 Get the deal at Amazon £799£699£617.97 Is the MacBook Neo worth buying? Foundry The MacBook Neo is ideal if you want the cheapest possible MacBook while still getting Apple’s macOS. Reasons to buy Affordable price Long battery life Lightweight design Reasons to skip Limited RAM options Fewer ports Less powerful than MacBook Air People are drawn to the MacBook Neo for several key reasons:  Affordability: The primary draw at launch was the breakthrough price point of $599, even now that price has risen to $699, it is $600 cheaper than the current M5 MacBook Air. This low entry price makes it a “golden ticket” for those who previously found MacBooks too expensive.  Premium Design and Build Quality: Despite its budget label, the Neo maintains Apple’s high manufacturing standards. It features an all-aluminum chassis with no plastic parts, a rarity for laptops at this price range. As our reviewer noted, it feels just as premium as a MacBook Air, avoiding the “cheap” feel of competing plastic PCs. It also comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including Indigo, Blush (pink), Citrus (yellow-green), and Silver.  Sufficient Performance for Everyday Tasks: While it uses a mobile-class processor, the A18 Pro’s efficiency allows it to handle general productivity with ease. You’ll be able to write documents, create spreadsheets, build presentations, visit websites, check email, manage your calendar, video conference with people, and a lot more with ease on the MacBook Neo Seamless Ecosystem Integration: For the billions of iPhone users, the Neo offers a low-cost way to access the Apple ecosystem. It supports native integrations like iPhone Mirroring, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud sync. It allows users to “go all-in” on Apple – combining a Neo, iPhone 17e, and Apple Watch SE – for a total cost significantly lower than previous years. Portability and Battery Life: At 2.7 pounds and 0.50 inches thick, the Neo is highly portable . While its battery life is lower than the Air or Pro models, it still offers up to 16 hours of video streaming or 11 hours of wireless web browsing, which is sufficient for a full day of school or general work. 

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Best iPad Deals right now: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro & iPad mini discounts
Macworld The best iPad deals of July 2026 Best U.S. deals: $150 off iPad Pro, 13-inch, M5, 2TB at Amazon $118 off iPad Pro, 11-inch, M5, 2TB at Amazon Best U.K. deals: £100 off iPad mini., 256GB at Amazon Whether you’re buying your first iPad, upgrading to a newer model, shopping for work, or looking for a gift, you’ll no doubt want to find the best deal. Apple raised iPad prices in June 2026, making meaningful discounts harder to find than ever. That’s where we come in. At Macworld, we track iPad prices, comparing retailer offers with Apple’s current prices, previous pricing, and the lowest prices we’ve seen, so we can identify the iPad deals that are genuinely worth buying. Apple rarely discounts iPads directly, apart from education pricing and its Certified Refurbished Store. However, retailers in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere regularly offer savings throughout the year, with the biggest discounts often appearing during events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Our frequently updated deals tracker covers every current iPad, including the iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and standard iPad. We monitor price changes and stock levels to help you spot genuine bargains before they disappear. Alongside the latest deals, you’ll also find buying advice explaining the differences between current and older models, potential pitfalls of buying previous-generation iPads, and whether today’s discounts are good enough or if you’re better off waiting. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now.  Best iPad Deals July 2026 Currently, several iPad models are out of stock at Apple. While this may simply reflect strong Prime Day demand, it could also be a sign that Apple is reducing inventory ahead of the expected arrival of new standard iPad and new iPad mini models later in 2026. These are the best deals we are seeing right now. U.S. deals iPadDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestA16, 128GBOut of stock$449$349$271.29A16, 256GBOut of stock$549$449$349.72A16, 512GBOut of stock$749$649$499 iPad miniDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestA17 Pro, 128GBOut of stock$599$499$349A17 Pro, 256GBOut of stock$699$599$479A17 Pro, 512GBOut of stock$899$799$679 iPad AirDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestM4, 11-inch, 128GBOut of stock$749$599$519.99M4, 11-inch, 256GBOut of stock$849$699$609.99M4, 11-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,049$899$789M4, 11-inch, 1TBOut of stock$1,349$1,099$1,016.50M4, 13-inch, 128GBOut of stock$949$799$699.99M4, 13-inch, 256GBOut of stock$1,049$899$699.99M4, 13-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,249$1,099$999M4, 13-inch, 1TBOut of stock$1,549$1,299$1,199 iPad ProiPad ProNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestM5, 11-inch, 256GBOut of stock$1,199$999$799.91M5, 11-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,399$1,199$999.99M5, 11-inch, 1TBOut of stock$1,799$1,599$1,399.99M5, 11-inch, 2TB$2,181 Get the deal at Amazon$2,299$1,999$1,799M5, 13-inch, 256GBOut of stock$1,499$1,299$1,149M5, 13-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,699$1,499$1,341M5, 13-inch, 1TBOut of stock$2,099$1,899$1,723M5, 13-inch, 2TB$2,449 Get the deal at Amazon$2,599$2,299$2,083.12 U.K. deals iPadDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestA16, 128GB£409 Get the deal at Amazon£429£329£299A16, 256GB£525.17 Get the deal at Amazon£529£449£399A16, 512GB£723.71 Get the deal at Amazon£729£649£579 iPad miniDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestA17 Pro, 128GB£594.66 Get the deal at Amazon£599£499£399A17 Pro, 256GB£599 Get the deal at Amazon £699£599£519A17 Pro, 512GBOut of stock£899£799£739.97 iPad AirDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestM4, 11-inch, 128GB£743.57 Get the deal at Amazon£749£599£578.99M4, 11-inch, 256GB£842.83 Get the deal at Amazon£849£699£678.96M4, 11-inch, 512GB£1,049 at Amazon£1,049£899££869.95M4, 11-inch, 1TB£1,349 at Amazon£1,349£1,099M4, 13-inch, 128GB£939 Get the deal at Amazon£949£799£768.99M4, 13-inch, 256GB£1,041.41 Get the deal at Amazon £1,049£899£867.17M4, 13-inch, 512GB£1,239.94 Get the deal at Amazon£1,249£1,099£1,060.09M4, 13-inch, 1TB£1,549 at Amazon£1,549£1,299£1,253 iPad ProDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestM5, 11-inch, 256GB£1,163.63 Get the deal at Amazon£1,199£999£929M5, 11-inch, 512GBOut of stock£1,399£1,199£1,099M5, 11-inch, 1TB£1,799 at Amazon £1,799£1,599M5, 11-inch, 2TBOut of stock£2,299£1,999M5, 13-inch, 256GB£1,496.62 Get the deal at Amazon£1,499£1,299£1,169.10M5, 13-inch, 512GB£1,699 at Amazon£1,699£1,499£1,349M5, 13-inch, 1TB£2,089 at Amazon£2,099£1,899£1,769M5, 13-inch, 2TB£2,699 Get the deal (with nano glass) at Amazon£2,599£2,299£2,599 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, especially in the wake of Apple’s price hikes. 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. Is now a good time to buy a new iPad? Prices are unlikely to come down significantly until Prime Day in October or Black Friday in November, but that’s not the only reason to wait. We also 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 one of the newer models, be prepared to wait. With that in mind, half of Apple’s iPad product line is due a refresh, with rumors indicating that a new iPad and iPad mini are coming before the end of 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 $449/£429 (up from $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 (at that time), making it even better value for money – obviously that’s changed now that Apple’s pushed prices up by $100. Before choosing this iPad., 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. If you want to ensure that your iPad is future-proofed we’d recommend spending a little more to get an alternative iPad, or waiting – a successor is anticipated in late 2026. 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. We expect an update until later in 2026, but still recommend buying the current model at a good price. iPad Air (M4): The current models, which feature the powerful M4 chip, were released in March 2026. We think the M4 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. If you need a new iPad now we recommend the iPad Air as a great buy – if you can find it at a good price. 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 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 June or July and October. Some years there is also 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 usually 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 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. 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

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iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and AirPods into an Apple Watch at the gym
GymKit has been one of Apple Watch’s smartest fitness features since it launched in 2017. Tap your watch to compatible gym equipment, and Apple Watch shares your heart rate while the machine sends back metrics like distance, incline, pace, and calories. With iOS 27, Apple is expanding that idea beyond Apple Watch. I tested the new GymKit on iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 experience with a GymKit-compatible treadmill. It basically gives you the Apple Watch GymKit workout tracking experience, just without the watch. This could be useful in a lot of scenarios.

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iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: What to expect from the spring 2027 launch
Macworld For years, Apple has followed a predictable iPhone launch schedule, introducing new iPhones in September – the standard model and the Pro model. In the spring, Apple often releases a less expensive phone – previously the “SE” iPhones and, more recently, the “e” series. That could change with the iPhone 18 generation. This year, the most reliable rumors suggest Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the fall, along with a more expensive iPhone Ultra folding phone, but the iPhone 18 might not join them until later. So what can we expect from the iPhone 18 and 18e? Rumors are pretty thin right now, in part because most of the exciting new stuff will come with the Pro and Ultra models in the fall of 2026. Below is a summary of what we’ve heard so far about the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, based on the most recent and reliable rumors, analyst reports, and leaks, along with historical precedent. When will the iPhone 18 and 18e release? iPhone 18 delayed until the spring iPhone 18e launching in spring 2027 While Apple has launched its standard and high-end iPhone models together ever since the first Pro phone arrived in 2019, this year looks to be different. While the Pro phones will launch in the fall, Apple is expected to push the iPhone 18 launch to the spring of 2027, leaving it on shelves for a full 18 months for the first time. So if you bought an iPhone 17 at launch and are looking to upgrade, you’ll either need to spring for an iPhone 18 Pro or wait until March or April when Apple likely holds a second iPhone event. We also expect Apple to release the iPhone 18e at the same time.

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These Costco Memberships are $65, and they come with a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*
Macworld TL;DR: Get a 1-year Costco Gold Star Membership plus a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* for only $65. Sticking to a budget might not be easy, but it might be simpler if you could get all your shopping done in just one trip. That might be why more shoppers are turning to Costco. While 1-Year Costco Memberships still cost $65, they now also come with a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*. Claiming your $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* is easy. Just complete your purchase, and then within two weeks, you’ll have your $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* in your inbox. After that, you can use it at any Costco warehouse or on Costco.com for everything from groceries and electronics to office supplies and household essentials. If you’re really trying to cut down on store trips, it may be worth it to check out the bulk offerings available at Costco, too. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the Costco food court. The $1.50 hot dog combo remains a favorite, and there are also newer menu items to try, including the fried chicken tenders that recently went viral. This offer is only available for new Costco Gold Star Members or former members who let their membership lapse for 18 months or longer. If you’ve been considering a membership, this is a great time to get started. Get a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership plus a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* for $65. Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. *To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. Valid only for new members and those whose memberships (Primary and Affiliate) have been expired for at least 18 months. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for upgrade or renewal of an existing membership. Promotion may not be combined with any other promotion. Costco employees are not eligible for new member promotions. Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed to the email address provided by the Primary Member at time of sign-up within 2 weeks after successful sign-up and enrollment in auto renewal. Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at the U.S. or Canada Food Court. Neither Costco Wholesale Corporation nor its affiliates are responsible for use of the card without your permission. Use the provided single-use promo code when entering your payment information. A Costco Gold Star Membership is $65 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $65 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Affiliate Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.

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Apple TV unveils August ‘Friday Night Baseball’ schedule
Apple and Major League Baseball have announced the August schedule for Friday Night Baseball, with Apple TV set to stream another month of weekly doubleheaders featuring the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, Cubs, Cardinals, and more. Here are the details.

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The best CarPlay tips and tricks
For the majority of people, CarPlay is a must-have. Apple’s in-car experience provides a vastly superior infotainment experience than most options from carmakers. There’s quick access to your favorite apps, integration with Siri, seamless connectivity, and more. Here are all of my favorite tips and tricks for making sure you’re getting the most out of your CarPlay experience…

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Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra review: blurry motifs & excellent lighting
Govee has been on a roll lately introducing new lights with interesting designs and abilities. The Smart Ceiling Ultra is a decent addition, even with limited Apple ecosystem functionality.Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra review: I've tested several Govee lighting solutions previously, and none were a disappointment. My biggest issue then, which continues to today, is Govee's insistence on using its app for most functions.The Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra is a large circular light with an LED panel that faces the user and a separately addressable ring of lights at the top. The LED panel is low resolution, so while it can display images, they're blurry and non-distinct. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple adds social media questions to App Store Connect age rating questionnaire
Apple announced today that App Store Connect now includes new age rating questions for apps with social media features. Here are the details.

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Netflix looking for engagement in live TV and bundles while Apple TV app integration is right there
Netflix is reportedly struggling with a decline in engagement. Live TV and content bundles may be the solution, executives believe, according to a new report.

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iOS 27 beta 3 changes, Siri AI on Apple Watch, macOS Golden Gate features
Benjamin and Chance talk about all the changes in iOS 27 beta 3, and Mayo’s first experience with Siri AI on Apple Watch. Also, we dive in to the details of what’s new in macOS Golden Gate, Apple tries to lobby to use Chinese memory components, signs a new deal with Broadcom, and likely supply constraints for the iPhone Fold. And in Happy Hour Plus, with Apple TV scoring a record number of Emmy nominations, we talk about what we’ve been watching recently across TV and film. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Copilot Money: Get two months free with code 9TO5MAC at copilot.money/9to5mac. Sponsored by Shopify: All you need is the idea. Shopify handles the rest. Start your free trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by Framer: The only free design tool that brings your ideas to the web. Visit framer.com/happyhour for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan.

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iVANKY FusionDock Ultra: The Thunderbolt 5 dock built for Mac workflows
I have used plenty of docking stations over the years, and it seems the desktop dock market is as crowded as ever. I have tested smaller portable docks, to larger stationary docks that give you all the ports you would ever need. But the new iVANKY FusionDock takes a different approach. Instead of just adding more ports, this Thunderbolt 5 dock is built around sustained reliability even while under heavy professional workloads. It can support multiple high-resolution displays, fast SSDs, NAS transfers, and full MacBook Pro performance all running simultaneously. If you are a power user and you need a powerful dock to match your workflow, the FusionDock Ultra is worth considering. Here’s why.

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Apple schedules Q3 2026 earnings conference call for July 30th
Apple has officially announced its conference call to review third fiscal quarter 2026 earnings results and provide key business updates… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple shares hit new all-time closing high
In Nasdaq trading today, shares of Apple Inc. rose to hit a new all-time closing high. Apple’s all-time intraday high was set on… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple stops signing iOS versions for several older iPhones and iPads [U: Signing restored]
Update July 9, 3:28 p.m. ET: As Aaron Perris noted on X, Apple has resumed signing the iOS versions listed in this article. As a result, owners of the affected legacy iPhone and iPad models can once again restore to those software versions, most of which are the latest releases compatible with their respective devices. The original story follows below. iPhone and iPad users hanging on to older devices will no longer be able to restore or downgrade to several older iOS versions starting today. Here are the details.

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AI agents move deeper into business workflows with ChatGPT Work & GPT-5.6
ChatGPT Work turns ChatGPT into an AI agent that can complete multi-step projects across connected apps and desktop tools with GPT-5.6 powering the new experience.ChatGPT WorkChatGPT Work is designed for longer assignments instead of one-off prompts. It can gather information from connected apps and workflows, create spreadsheets, presentations, documents and web apps, then continue working for hours by breaking larger projects into smaller steps.The new experience runs on GPT-5.6 and includes built-in Codex capabilities for reasoning through complex tasks, working with templates and reference files, and carrying context across multiple stages of a project.OpenAI said more than 5 million people use Codex each week, with more than 1 million using it outside software development. Codex's growing use outside software development aligns with OpenAI's push to bring AI agents into sales, finance, marketing and other business workflows. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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John Ternus Should Reverse Apple’s Slide Down the Advertising Slippery Slope
What gave Tim Cook’s privacy letter heft in 2014 wasn’t just the clarity of its plain language, but the fact that you didn’t have to take his word for it that the ads Apple showed you respected your privacy, because Apple didn’t show you ads in 2014.

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Apple TV makes historic Hall H debut at San Diego Comic-Con with ‘Widow’s Bay,’ ‘Matchbox,’ ‘Mayday,’ ‘Silo,’ and more
Apple TV is set to dominate San Diego Comic-Con International this year, marking its first-ever appearance in the prestigious Hall H with… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone 18 Pro could bring three controversial design changes
We’re just two months away from Apple announcing the iPhone 18 Pro. Rumors suggest Apple could have three design changes in store that could be unpopular among some iPhone 18 Pro buyers …

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