With ChatGPT Atlas shutting down, here are the AI browsers people actually use
OpenAI is pulling the plug on its dedicated web browser, ChatGPT Atlas. Instead of investing in an AI browser with a small user base, the company is improving agentic web use features inside the new ChatGPT desktop app. While ChatGPT Atlas may not have gained much traction, AI browsers can be useful for automating tasks like research, browser tidiness, and more. Here are options available on the Mac.

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Why iPhone 18 Pro Max might cost up to $300 more
Understand why the iPhone 18 Pro Max price rise of up to $300 is not a cash grab by Apple — it's a crisis for the company. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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This tiny 45W Anker plug is made for your iPhone for just $26 (35% off)
Macworld Anker Nano 45W charger View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); It’s time to upgrade your charging game. The Anker Nano 45W charger is on sale for $26 right now, which is the absolute best price we’ve seen for this charger. It’s small, it’s smart, and it goes perfectly with your iPhone. For starters, it comes in several iPhone-matching colors, including orange, light blue, and white. And it’s super small with fold-up prongs so you can pop it into a small pocket for travel. The charger might be small, but it can push full 45W charging. That’s quick enough to take your iPhone 17 Pro from empty to 50 percent in about 20 minutes, so you’ll never need to worry. The coolest part for iPhone users is that it will recognize the phone. It comes with built-in recognition for iPhone 17, 16, and 15, adjusting the power to match your battery level. In this way, it delivers speed when your phone needs it and eases off as things fill up. Also worth noting is that it comes with a Care Mode that you can switch to at night. This one will lower the charging temperature so neither your phone nor your charger risks overheating overnight. The small smart display will tell you the real-time charging status, while a double-tap will make it easy to switch to Care mode. If you want to rotate the screen, you can do that too, with a two-second press. At just $26, this Anker charger is an easy pick if you want a compact, smart model that’s gentle on your battery. Grab it while the deal lasts.

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AirPods with cameras: Apple’s bold step toward AI-powered ‘eyes in your ears
Apple is pushing the boundaries of wearable tech once again. The company is reportedly developing future AirPods equipped with tiny cameras… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Facebook & Instagram's addictive design could cost Meta $12.5 billion
Meta's Facebook and Instagram both use "addictive design" that could fall foul of the European Union's new Digital Services Act, and the European Commission has already preliminarily found Meta's iPhone apps are in breach of its rules.Instagram and Facebook's design may break the EU's rulesIn a press release shared today, July 10, the European Commission put Meta on notice. A few core aspects of Meta's smartphone apps are at the core of the Commission's investigation.Meta now has the right to defend itself. But if the Commission's preliminary findings are confirmed, Meta will be on the hook for a fine "proportionate to the nature, gravity, recurrence and duration of the infringement." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone Ultra battery details allegedly revealed in new leak
As we approach the official announcement of Apple’s iPhone Ultra in September, more specs continue to leak. A new rumor today claims to reveal exactly how big the foldable iPhone’s battery will be.

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iPhone Fold, AirPods with cameras, & time capsules all in question on the AppleInsider Podcast
Rumors continue to go back and forth on whether the iPhone Fold will launch on time, plus there is now a question on if AirPods will get cameras at all. This and more on the AppleInsider Podcast.iPhone 17 Pro Max slight damage after a year with no caseApple is placing an iPhone 17 Pro Max in a time capsule, and presumably when it is opened in 250 years, there will have been a lighter and cheaper Apple Vision Pro. However, rumors suggest Apple might me more focused on AI and glasses instead.Those glasses might have cameras in them, and that could be a problem if regulators start pushing back against wearable cameras. At the least, rumors suggest that AirPods won't actually get cameras after all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple and Major League Baseball announce August ‘Friday Night Baseball’ schedule
Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) on Thursday unveiled the August schedule for “Friday Night Baseball,” the weekly doubleheader… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: MacBook Air, iOS 27, and SF housing
Dave recently bought an M5 MacBook Air before the price hikes took effect. That gives him three MacBook Airs and he talks about the differences he's found. Dave also has the most recent OS betas installed on several of his devices and we discuss his experiences so far. Everyone knows how expensive it is to live in San Francisco, but things have take a crazy turn in the city that is changing the housing market. Follow this podcast Show Notes: iOS 27 Lets You Add Apple TV Remote to Your iPhone's Home Screen Apple scores record 89 Emmy Award nominations Apple to increase spend with Broadcom to produce billions more U.S. chips ‘Hysteria’ Grips San Francisco’s Housing Market as A.I. Wealth Pours Shows and movies we're watching The Boroughs, Netflix Louis CK, ridiculous, Netflix

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From rumors to titanium, bad debts and a new backer — Apple Card is seven years old
With its move to JP Morgan Chase, Apple Card is facing its first major change — but don't assume that the story of how it got to here is anything but a rocky road.The physical Apple Card that hasn't changed since 2019Apple Card and all of Apple's financial services that go along with it, do seem a very long way from how the company started out. But it isn't at all far from how in the 1980s, the company looked into financing in order to sell its expensive new Macintosh.It's hard now to be certain when this started, but at least one Apple Computer-branded credit card existed in 1984. Then there was one consumer credit card and one business one in 1986, a year after Steve Jobs left the company. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Security Bite: Passkeys were supposed to have killed the password by now…
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. For years, bullish supporters have heralded passkeys as the future of sign-on, while traditional passwords are seen as the way of the past. It’s praised as a frictionless, far more secure alternative. But this week, I used normal passwords to authenticate more times than I can count. Don’t get me wrong, the adoption of passkeys has been impressive. More on that soon. However, I can’t help but reflect on the current state of sign-on and how lesser is still largely dominant in the wake of far better technology.

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No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.iPhone batteries aren't changing any time soon. Image credit: AppleYou've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.iPhone batteries aren't changing any time soon. Image credit: AppleYou've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.iPhone batteries aren't changing any time soon. Image credit: AppleYou've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Should you buy the MacBook Air now or wait?
Macworld As of July 2026, it’s an excellent time to buy a MacBook Air, although not as good as if you were buying before June 25 when Apple increased prices by $200/£200 for each model. Apple refreshed the lineup in March 2026 with the new M5 chip. The current models are the best all-around laptop for most people, offering a good balance of price, portability, battery life, and performance. Another update to the MacBook Air is not expected until 2027, so buyers can purchase now without worrying about an imminent refresh. That said, whether you should buy now depends on your current device, budget, and what features matter most to you. Buy a MacBook Air now if… You’re upgrading from an Intel Mac: Apple’s transition away from Intel is accelerating, and support is shrinking. You need a lightweight laptop: The 13-inch MacBook Air weighs just 2.7 pounds, making it ideal for travel, commuting, and working between locations. You’re buying your first Mac: The MacBook Air is a user-friendly entry point to macOS. You need to: You’re replacing a broken or unreliable device. You’re a student: The MacBook Air is one of the best student laptops thanks to its silent fanless design, long battery life, and portability. You find a good deal: If you find the M5 MacBook Air with $100/£100 or more off grab it. As of July 2026, Amazon has $150 off the 1TB MacBook Air models, while Amazon U.K. has £149 off the same models. Don’t buy a MacBook Air now if… You already own an M2, M3, or M4 MacBook Air: The M5 improvements are meaningful but not transformative for recent Apple Silicon owners. You need power: Creative professionals should consider buying a MacBook Pro instead. The Air’s fanless design is excellent for silence and portability, but sustained workloads like 4K video exports or 3D rendering can cause thermal throttling. You want a major redesign: OLED displays, ProMotion (120Hz), and thinner chassis redesigns are rumored for 2027. You’re highly price-sensitive: It would be wise to wait for larger seasonal discounts if you can. You’re interested in refurbished pricing: Apple Refurbished discounts are typically around 15%, it there are no M5 MacBook Air available on the refurbished store we recommend waiting, unless there is a good deal on the M4 generation.

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Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables for iPhone, iPad and Mac for 2026
Macworld USB-C is the modern connection standard shared by most new devices today. It comes in several different formats—USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt—but they all have the same reversible connector at the end and are interchangeable and backwards compatible. All of Apple’s new devices now use USB-C or Thunderbolt for charging and data transfers. Some cables are only really good for charging as their data-transfer (bandwidth) rate is too slow to be practical. In the reviews below we note both charging power (measured in watts) and data-transfer rate—measured in either megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). If you are connecting the cable to a monitor, storage device, hub or docking station the minimum data speed should be 5Gbps but go higher if you can. If you just want to use it for charging an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, the data speed matters less. We’ve tried and tested the best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables here. If you want to jump straight to our recommendations click the one that meets your requirements: Best USB-C cable for iPhone and iPad Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cable for Mac Best Thunderbolt cables for Mac You can find cheaper online but we recommend cables only from trusted brands, such as Anker, Apple, Beats, Belkin, Cable Matters, CalDigit, Native Union, Plugable, and Ugreen. When charging your precious devices, you want to be sure that you aren’t putting them at risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire in your home. Apple’s old Lightning connector was also reversible—where it doesn’t matter which side of the connector faces up or down as you plug it in—so no big change there, but USB-C is much more than just a symmetrical design. It can transfer data much faster—pushing Lightning’s 0.48Gbps to up to 120Gbps. Apple’s iPhone 15, 16 and 17 have a USB-C port, replacing the old trusty but proprietary Lightning cable that has been a part of iPhones and older iPads since 2012. Apple supplies a USB-C charging cable in the box, but if you want a single cable for fast charging and data transfers—or just a spare charging cable—we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you get the best one. Some are fast, some are super-powerful, some are both, a few are retractable, and some are just fun. Yes… fun! We go into more detail about everything you need to know about USB-C cables after the chart of best cables, but for now you need to know about the cable of your dreams: Which speed (measured in watts) your devices require: an iPhone needs at least 20W to fast-charge, an iPad 30W, a MacBook Air at least 70W, a MacBook Pro 100W and the 16-inch Pro 140W. While the MacBook Neo doesn’t officially support fast charging, a 30W charger will speed things up but any higher won’t likely do much more for that laptop model. Do you need it to transfer data as well as supply power? Most charging cables are limited to a rather slow 480Mbps data rate. If you want proper bandwidth as well as charging power look for at least 5Gbps or as much as 80Gbps. How long should it be: if the charger is within arms reach of your device a short cable might suffice where a long cable will just be an inconvenience, but if you want to charge your iPhone, Pad or MacBook while sat on the sofa a longer cable will make all the difference. We’ve supplied the cable data to these questions in our reviews below. The difference between USB-A, Lightning and USB-C Foundry Note that the cables reviewed here are USB-C to USB-C (or backwards-compatible Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt). Old iPhone chargers had the non-reversible rectangular USB-A connector to connect to the charger and a Lightning connector that went into the iPhone. Don’t stick with legacy USB-A at one end as the old standard is limited in data transfer speed to 10Gbps and limited in charging speed to just a rather pathetic 15W. Apple Using a USB-C charger will enable fast charging even for iPhones with a Lightning port. You can still charge an Apple device with a USB-A charger but not at the fastest speed. From the iPhone 15 onwards it’s USB-C into the charger and USB-C into the iPhone. See our roundup of the best USB-C chargers for iPhone. We have even more tips that show you the fastest ways to charge an iPhone. Best USB-C cables for iPhone and iPad Elsewhere we have rounded up the best Lightning cables we’ve seen for iPhones older than the iPhone 15. USB-A is the larger, non-reversible connector. USB-C is required for iPhone fast charging. From the iPhone 15 onwards—also with the AirPods Pro 2—you’ll need a cable with USB-C on both ends (USB-C-to-USB-C) to charge an iPhone or iPad unless you charge wirelessly: check out the best MagSafe wireless iPhone chargers. All iPads on sale today feature a USB-C connector. But even the 10th Gen iPad’s USB-C is still limited to a 480Mbps data speed. The iPad mini has a USB-C port that supports 5Gbps; the iPad Air 10Gbps; and the iPad Pro has a USB4/Thunderbolt port that can zip data along at 40Gbps. Check your iPad’s data transfer rate before choosing a new cable. For charging only, any of the USB-C cables reviewed below will be fine as 20W should be enough to charge even an iPad. But if you are connecting to other devices or syncing via cable, we recommend cables that support faster data transfers. A 10Gbps USB-C cable, such as the Cable Matters cord below, is an excellent option if you don’t want to spend a bundle on Thunderbolt. Apple 60W USB-C Charge Cable (1m) – If it must be Apple Pros Made by Apple 60W Power Delivery Robust woven design Cons Slow data-transfer speed Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19 View Deal $19 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Charging: 60W Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Colors: White Best for: Charging iPhone 15-17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro If you want every iPhone accessory you own to be made by Apple, go with Apple’s own USB-C Charge Cable as a spare USB-C iPhone charging cable—at 60W it’s powerful enough to charge even a MacBook Air. At $19 / £19 it’s a fine, if comparatively expensive, solution. Unlike Apple’s rather feeble plastic USB-C to Lightning cables, this 3.3ft (1m) charging cable has a robust woven design that means it is far less likely to fray or break with frequent winding and tugging. Apple also sells a $29 2m USB-C Charge Cable that is now also woven—it’s rated at up to 240W, overkill for an iPhone but top-end charging for any Apple USB-C device. Its USB 2.0 data-transfer speed is super slow compared to 5Gbps or faster USB-C cables but it’s the same as Lightning. That doesn’t make a difference when charging your iPhone but if you are syncing an iPad or Mac via cable, transfer speeds will be frustrating. As the iPhone 15/16/17 Pro models boast 10Gbps data transfer, this cable’s low bandwidth is a bit of a disappointment if you use the cable for syncing. It’s available in only white. If you fancy a color that matches your new iPhone or your soft furnishings, you need to read on for one of the third-party USB-C cables that we recommend—starting with the poppy Beats cables.

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iPhone Fold battery now rumored to have less capacity than expected
A leaker claims to have the specifications for both of the batteries expected in the iPhone Fold, and the suggestion is that despite its thin chassis, it will have all-day battery life.The two sides of the iPhone Fold are each expected to house a battery.A leak in February 2026 claimed that the iPhone Fold would have the largest-capacity battery of any iPhone ever, but stopped short of any specifics. Around the same time, a separate rumor said that capacity would be 5,000 mAh, and the battery would have two cells that are "3D stacked."Now leaker Digital Chat Station has posted on the Chinese social media site Weibo that the iPhone Fold will have a battery capacity of at least 4,883 mAh. This figure is said to have come from regulatory filings made by an unspecified battery supplier. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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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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