Apple has a Christmas tree drawing competition on iPad (UK entries only)
Apple is hosting a Christmas tree drawing competition, inviting iPad users to submit their creations for the opportunity to have it projected onto an iconic London building. It follows the projection of drawings created by David Hockney, which were displayed on the building in 2023. The company says 24 winning submissions will be projected onto Battersea Power Station, home to its UK headquarters, alongside commissions from notable figures like Stephen Fry … more…

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They’re practically giving Apple Watch SE away
Apple Watch SE is already the most affordable wearable Apple makes, and a deal knocks up to 32% off the already low price. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple’s macOS 26.1, iOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 are imminent
Apple is set to roll out macOS 26.1, iOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1. The updates bring a new toggle… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Hackers aiming to steal cargo before it even reaches stores, says security report
A cybersecurity firm says it has strong evidence that hackers are infiltrating freight companies in a bid to intercept cargo shipments arriving at US ports and steal them before they even reach stores. Given the high value of Apple shipments, these seem likely to be among the key targets … more…

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London police say Apple doesn't care about iPhones being stolen
Apple and London's Metropolitan Police are blaming each other for a failure to cut the number of iPhone thefts in the UK capital.Find My has been used to track stolen iPhones across the worldThere have been successes in fighting thefts of iPhones, including the recent use of Find My to smash a major smartphone theft ring. But the Met police have blamed Apple before, and it isn't stopping.According to The Telegraph, the Met says that Apple has full access to its National Mobile Phone Register (NMPR), a database of stolen devices. It's claimed that Apple uses this access daily, but not for its intended purpose. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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With two new encouraging signs, can we finally believe in the new Siri?
I said only recently that it’s getting harder and harder to believe Apple can deliver on the new Siri. The company’s backtracking on announcements coupled to very vague statements on revised timings were certainly not making it easy to imagine that the new intelligent assistant will deliver. I’m not yet ready to do my own U-turn on this, and my skepticism still very much remains, but there have at least been a couple of encouraging signs in the last few days … more…

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Intel’s Hard Turn: Why ‘Bad News’ on Margins Is the Best News for Its Future
Intel’s Q3 report shows disciplined execution, strategic investment, and rising support from government and industry partners, signaling real momentum in its turnaround. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Get the OMOTON Rotating Metal MagSafe Stand at 30% Off
OMOTON’s Rotating Metal MagSafe Stand is on sale at 30% off, which is a great deal for a product that offers features beyond typical phone stands. The MagSafe stand features powerful magnets that are built in for instant, precise, and secure attachment when you place your iPhone on it. Built with a 360-degree rotation angle […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Much-Anticipated iPhone Fold Could See a 2026 Release
The long-rumored foldable iPhone is expected to be launched next year, with signs indicating that the device could really see its release in 2026. The design of the foldable device would look similar to the Galaxy Z Fold from Samsung. The outer display of the device is expected to be approximately 5.38 inches, and when […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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UK iPad users can light up Apple UK headquarters for Christmas
Apple UK is inviting iPad owners to design a Christmas tree to be projected onto the towers of its Battersea headquarters in London.UK users can download this Christmas Tree template to get started — image credit: AppleFor Christmas 2023, the Battersea Power Station towers were lit up by artist David Hockney, who used an iPad Pro to create "Bigger Christmas Trees." Then in 2024, Wallace and Gromit took over in an Aardman animation shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max.Now Apple is inviting UK iPad users to light up the towers with their own designs, alongside ones from artists and celebrities. The campaign is presented by British comedian Munya Chawawa, and 24 winning entries will be projected onto the huge towers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Donating To Help with Relief Efforts For Hurricane Melissa
Tim Cook, Apple CEO, took to social media about Apple donating money towards relief efforts to help the people affected with the damages caused by Hurricane Melissa. The amount the company will be donating will remain undisclosed, as the company doesn’t want the media to know what amount they donated, as they usually aid relief […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Useful Update Coming In iOS 26.1
A small yet useful update for the iPhone will be introduced with iOS 26.1, and this feature could help you stay on track and not be late for an important activity or event. The Clock app now has a new ‘slide to stop’ option on the screen to turn off an alarm, as there was […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple’s new Siri will secretly use Google Gemini models behind the scenes
Via Mark Gurman, Apple has landed on its strategy for the new Siri update coming as soon as iOS 26.4 in the spring of next year. Behind the scenes, much of the new Siri experience will use Google Gemini models. The custom Gemini model will run on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers, to help fulfil user requests. Apple has promised that the new Siri will be able to answer personal questions like ‘find the book recommendation from Mom’ by hunting through data on your device and generating the appropriate response on-the-fly. more…

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Lemokey L1 HE review: High-end features and design that’s built to last
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Excellent linear switches Ear-pleasing typing sound Incredibly well built Magnetic Hall effect switches Highly customizable Full of top-tier features for typists and gamers Can change between macOS and Windows layouts Cons Substantial weight limits its portability No height adjustment Looks a bit gaudy Printed legends will eventually wear off Our Verdict The Lemokey L1 HE is one pricey keyboard, but you certainly get a lot for your money–incredible build quality and a raft of high-quality features. If money’s no object and you want a premium keyboard, the L1 HE fits the bill. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$239.99 Best Prices Today: L1 HE Retailer Price Lemokey $240 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If Apple’s Magic Keyboard isn’t quite hitting the spot for you, branching out into the world of mechanical keyboards is often a good bet. The Lemokey L1 HE is a premium option with a price tag to match, but it’s overflowing with high-end features that promise to elevate your typing experience. Let’s start with the aspect that’s most apparent when you first unbox this keyboard: its phenomenal weight. It’s built like a tank, with an all-aluminum chassis and barely a strip of plastic in sight. It tipped the scales at a smidge over 2 kg (just under 4.5 lbs), and chances are it’s the heaviest keyboard you’ll ever use. There’s no need to worry about it shifting around your desk in day-to-day usage–this thing is staying put, no matter what. The Lemokey L1 HE is a heavyweight in more ways than one.Alex Blake/Foundry Not only that, but the added heft brings a real sense of class to the L1 HE. There’s absolutely no bend or flex in the body anywhere you look. It’s so strong, in fact, that it could probably survive a nuclear blast and still come up smiling. Battery life is decent. When tested in Bluetooth 5.2 mode and with backlighting on full brightness, the full battery was at 60 percent after 20 hours of usage. Lemokey says you should get up to 100 hours of juice from its 4,000mAh battery when the backlighting is at its lowest setting, or 18 to 20 hours when backlighting is full. Given our drop of 40 percent after 20 hours with lighting turned all the way up, you might be able to exceed Lemokey’s numbers. While RGB lighting isn’t for everyone, the default wave pattern is tasteful. With 22 presets to choose from, you’re sure to find something you like. Turning off the backlight will help preserve the L1 HE’s battery life.Alex Blake/Lemokey The L1 HE comes in a 75 percent layout, which essentially chops off the numpad and loses a fistful of bonus keys for good measure. It offers the standard QWERTY keys and a function row, alongside a few extras (Delete, Insert, Page Up, Page Down, Home, but no End). This does make the keyboard more compact and travel-friendly, although that’s offset somewhat by the addition of four large macro keys and, most obviously, the incredible weight. Lemokey is the gamer-focused sub-brand of keyboard maker Keychron, and one thing this firm has always been good at is ensuring its keyboards work with both macOS and Windows layouts. In the Lemokey L1 HE, you get swappable macOS and Windows keycaps in the box (as well as many extras, including a keycap puller, screws and a screwdriver, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and more), plus the ability to change layouts on the fly, so the macOS Command function is mapped to the correct key automatically, for example. Many Keychron boards have a physical switch for this, but unfortunately the L1 HE forces you to do this with the Lemokey Launcher app. That slows things down, and a physical switch would be preferable if you’re often flipping between macOS and Windows. Swappable keycaps and a removal tool as included with the L1 HE.Alex Blake/Foundry On the left-hand side of the keyboard are four programmable macro keys, which can be set using Lemokey’s Launcher companion app (more on that in a bit). Above them is a customizable roller (set to adjust system volume by default) and a flip switch for changing between Bluetooth, wired and 2.4GHz modes. The roller is textured and firm, if a little heavy in action, while the flip switch clicks satisfyingly in use. Lemokey has done something interesting with the keycaps on the L1 HE by using two different approaches. You get double-shot PBT caps for most keys, while accents (like the Enter, Backspace, Shift and Caps Lock keys) are formed out of transparent polycarbonate plastic. The end result is a mixed bag and certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. While the PBT caps are slightly textured and resistant to finger oils, the clear keycaps pick up (and hold onto) smudges incredibly easily. They’re also daubed with garish “gamer” flourishes that aren’t exactly Apple’s aesthetic (thankfully, Lemokey does several other color options). And since their legends are printed on (as opposed to the PBT caps, which have the legends molded into the keys), they’ll eventually wear off. Typing sound and feel The typing feel is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a keyboard. If it’s not comfortable to use, it won’t last long at your desk. Sadly, this keyboard lacks any kind of height adjustment, and that resulted in a degree of discomfort after only a short period of typing. I eventually got used to it, but the lack of height adjustment means its ergonomics are sub-par. Presumably the device is too heavy for flip-out legs, but perhaps some other option is possible (stackable magnets are used by rival products, for example). The lack of a wrist rest is also a touch disappointing, especially considering the sky-high price. In many other ways, though, the Lemokey L1 HE is superb to type on. My review unit came with Gateron’s Nebula switches under each key. Their linear nature means there’s no tactile bump or click as they’re actuated, which is perfect for gaming (where quick presses are required) but can lead to finger strain from “bottoming out” the keys if you’re typing all day. Happily, that wasn’t a problem in testing, and while typists might prefer tactile switches, the Nebula linears are still a strong option. The L1 HE can connect via Bluetooth, USB-C, or 2.4GHz wireless. Alex Blake/Foundry These switches come pre-lubed for smoother motion and also feature magnetic Hall effect tech as opposed to a more traditional mechanical switch structure. What this means is that they use an electromagnetic field to actuate with each key press. Because this avoids physical contact, they should last much longer than standard alternatives. Their magnetic nature also means you can customize the actuation point to your liking, meaning you can type while pressing as shallowly or as deeply as you want. If the switches aren’t doing it for you, you can remove them and swap them out for something else. Lemokey says you’ll need to use compatible Hall effect magnetic switches, though. Any keyboard connoisseur knows that a board’s sound is almost as important as its feel, and here the Lemokey L1 HE comes up trumps again. It brings a thocky sound that is deeply satisfying when you’re firing off sentences at a rapid clip. That’s thanks in part to the multiple layers of foam and sound-dampening materials that reduce the vibrations as you type. It’s worth noting that the Space bar produces a slightly different sound to the other keys, which may or may not be a problem for you. While it’s a great device for typists, the Lemokey L1 HE is also loaded with gamer-pleasing features. That includes a rapid trigger mode that repeatedly actuates without requiring each key to be fully released, a Snap Click feature that allows two keys to be alternated in quick succession, an analog mode that permits fine-grained control rather than binary on/off statuses, and more. You can even program keys to perform different tasks depending on how far you press them. And if you use the board in its wired or 2.4GHz modes, you get a 1,000Hz polling rate, which provides the kind of low-latency moves that can give you an edge during gameplay. With macOS increasingly becoming a serious gaming destination, these are worthy features to have. Many of these additions have to be enabled using the Lemokey Launcher, which is a web app rather than a standalone program. You can run it on both macOS and Windows, and it provides a fairly intuitive way to customize your keyboard. Although some features could be a little clearer, it’s a relatively painless way to create macros, enable gaming tools, remap keys, and more. If you’re out for a premium mechanical keyboard that pulls almost no punches, the Lemokey L1 HE is a worthy contender. Its comfortable switches, high-end features and numerous quality touches make it a top-notch option for discerning typists. But be prepared to pay for the privilege. Should you buy the Lemokey L1 HE? Given its $240 price tag, the Lemokey L1 HE isn’t an impulse buy for most people. That said, it’s stuffed with high-end features that will benefit typists and gamers alike, from its hot-swappable Hall effect switches and smooth acoustics to its huge customizability and compatibility with both macOS and Windows layouts. If you’re in the market for a premium keyboard that doesn’t scrimp on features, it should be on your shortlist.

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RIP Liquid Glass: September 15-November 3, 2025
Macworld So. Farewell then, Liquid Glass. You made Apple’s software interfaces all transparent and arguably harder to read. “Why has everything on my iPhone changed?!” That’s what people said about you. When they were being polite. At other times they called you Liquid Ass. Liquid Glass is (or perhaps we should say was) an all-encompassing design language foisted on to Apple’s main products with the OS 26 software updates. It was supposed to make the company’s ecosystem more consistent, but a clue to its real purpose came in a particularly striking launch statement. “Ultimately,” said Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, “it makes even the simplest of interactions more fun and magical.” This was design as performance: flamboyance over function. Users, unfortunately, did not find it either fun or magical. As one of my colleagues put it, “People seem to either hate Liquid Glass or… well, the Macalope has yet to see anyone who says they love it.” Apple might have put these complaints down to the usual stick-in-the-muddism that greets any major interface change, such as the death of skeuomorphism when iOS 7 arrived in 2013. But the issues clearly ran deeper. It wasn’t just that it was different, but that it was objectively worse on a functional level. Change is challenging, but new interfaces become familiar in time. Bad design remains bad design no matter how much you grow used to it. Following the iOS 7 redesign, Apple stuck to its guns and refused to back down. It won users over, spawned legions of imitators, and became the dominant interface style for more than a decade. Less than two months after the public rollout of Liquid Glass, by contrast, Apple is waving the white flag. Of course, Liquid Glass isn’t officially dead: Apple put a huge weight of marketing behind the new design language this summer, and simply killing it off in one fell swoop would have been a truly humiliating U-turn. Rather, Apple is climbing down in stages. As of the launch of iOS 26.1, expected to launch later today (check your updates! It may be waiting for you), you’ll be able to go into Settings and adjust the appearance of those intrusive transparency effects. And by adjust, I mean “put them back the way they were in iOS 18.” Other Liquid Glass elements will remain, such as the look-at-me toggles, but the single biggest annoyance will be zapped with the tap of a single overdesigned button. Eagle-eyed readers may point out that it was already possible to reduce the transparency effect by using Accessibility settings. But those who’ve tried that process will know that the Reduce Transparency toggle is surprisingly well hidden and cannot be found by searching for the words Liquid Glass. What’s more, by putting this setting under Accessibility, Apple implied that the change would only be necessary for iPhone owners with vision or cognitive issues. By placing the new section under the Display and Brightness menu, and giving it an easily searchable Liquid Glass label, Apple is acknowledging that it’s something of interest to everything, and invites us all to use it. Apple presumably hopes this is not the end for Liquid Glass. Maybe the company’s designers believe that users will make the switch and suddenly realise how much they miss the new design, then rush to turn it back on. But I wouldn’t be so optimistic. You can’t unring this bell; users are going to turn off the transparency effects and never look back. Worse, they’ve smelled blood and know they can win concessions by complaining. And my prediction is that the Liquid Glass settings menu is going to start filling up with other toggles. And you know what? Good. Most of the time Apple knows best when it comes to design, but it’s not infallible. It got this one wrong, and I’m glad the company is making steps to acknowledge this (albeit only tacitly) and to make amends. This doesn’t have to mean a total change of philosophy, nor should the company start making every single new feature or interface tweak optional, otherwise nothing will ever move forward. But this wasn’t functional design; it was showing off. And Apple can and should do better, starting today. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Have your say Last week I spent several hundred words congratulating myself for predicting that the iPhone Air would be a flop. But was I wrong after all? A few days later I received a fascinating email from Aaron, who highlighted a report that says the Air is selling just fine, pointed out that many customers will be going with carrier payment plans which may not be showing up yet, and offered a few insights into the device’s appeal and potential routes to success. “If you use a bumper case, you can put the battery on when you set down your phone and no longer ever need to plug your phone into the wall,” he wrote. “Just using the Air MagSafe battery to top up through the day when you’re no longer holding the device. Difficult to see so many individuals missing the point of having a separate battery that cuts the weight of your phone in half.” As for the limitations of the camera? Aaron doesn’t see the issue. “Why would I buy a professional camera kit when all I need is taking photos and videos?” he asks. “If I wanted a Pro Max machine to do Pro Max work I would make that purchase.” My thanks to Aaron for his message. If you’ve got any thoughts to share, please feel free to drop me an email. Trending: Top stories GM shifts into stupidity with its CarPlay strategy. Mahmoud Itani doesn’t trust his Apple Watch’s Sleep Score, and neither should you. Filipe Esposito bought an Apple device right before a new one came out. He doesn’t regret it one bit. PSA: Your Twitter account might be locked in a couple of weeks. Reviews corner Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: There isn’t an obvious choice anymore. Avira Prime for Mac review: Worth paying for. VirtualBox review: Supports Windows on M-series Macs, but not for beginners. PNY Duo Link V3 Flash Drive review: Up to 2TB of fast portable storage. The rumor mill The biggest deal about the 20th-anniversary iPhone might be the buttons. Apple is reportedly planning a trio of OLED upgrades. Next iPad Pro tipped to get the iPhone’s vapor cooling chamber, M6 chip. The next iPad mini, meanwhile, may get a water-resistant redesign. Ads may be coming to Apple Maps next year. Software updates, bugs, and problems Here’s proof that those iPhone typos you keep making aren’t your fault. iOS 26.1 release candidate is out now with several tweaks and refinements. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

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Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max review: Charge multiple devices in your car
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Simultaneously powers multiple devices Retractable cables Supports fast charging Cons USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and later only Bit chunky Our Verdict The versatile in-car charging ports and positioning options are appreciated, and the retractable cables keep things in your car neat and tidy. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When ReviewedFrom $49.99 Best Prices Today: Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max Car Charger Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal Baseus $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Car chargers can be a messy affair. It’s not uncommon to have USB cables dangling around the cabin if you have teenagers who quickly had to top up their phones before heading out of the car. The amount of power offered can also be unimpressive on many chargers, with a limited number of ports available. These aren’t problems you’ll find with the Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max, as its retractable built-in cables and additional charger ports make it purpose built for families and people that want to power up multiple devices while on the go. Design The design is relatively simple. You plug the connector into the auxiliary power socket in the car, then pull out a cable from the top of the squarish section that houses the coiled leads. There are two USB-C cables available, each of which will reach up to 2.6 feet (80cm). The cables are flat, to avoid getting tangled, and when you’re done they gently retract back into the casing. I did find that they sometimes needed a bit of pulling and releasing for the retraction to be smooth, but it didn’t take long to return the cables to their homes. Baseus The housing section itself can twist 90 degrees in either direction, allowing you to angle it towards the device you’re charging, and it also rotates around 180 degrees for the same purpose. I found this useful as the position of my car’s power outlet is a bit awkward (it’s a very old car) and would have blocked some of the ports if the unit had a rigid design. Should you require a different connection, say a Lightning cable for iPhones older than the 15 models, then the two USB ports (1x USB-C, 1x USB-A) at the base of the PrimeTrip VR2 Max can be used with all four power outlets available simultaneously to charge multiple devices. You’ll need to add your own Lightning cable, of course; we rounded up the best Lightning cables in case you didn’t have enough lying around at home. Of course you could just buy a cheap but trustworthy in-car charger such as the Anker 30W two-port car charger and bring your own cable, but the Baseus PrimeTrip is much neater. Martyn Casserly Power and ports Power isn’t a problem, as the charger delivers up to 163W or 240W depending on the model you choose. Remember that the total power output will be divided between whichever devices you have connected. On the 163W PrimeTrip VR2 Max the main built-in cable (USB-C1) maxes out at 67W, while the second one outputs at 33W. For the 240W PrimeTrip VR2 Max both built-in cables go to 105W. On both models the USB-C port outputs at up to 33W, with the USB-A port slightly behind at 30W. This is a wider collection than you’ll find on many other in-car chargers, and even 30W should be enough to fast-charge an iPhone—but note that you’ll achieve fast charging via only USB-C, not old-school USB-A. You can charge any MacBook at 67W, although the 105W option will get your laptop up to full power much faster. The PrimeTrip VR2 Max supports various standards, including, PD, QC, SCP and more, but bear in mind that you’ll need to use the appropriate cable to get the higher speeds. On its own, you’re looking at restoring a standard iPhone 16 to 100% after a couple of hours of charging, but this will adjust accordingly if you have other devices charging at the same time. Baseus also equips the unit with various safety features, including guards against it getting too hot or providing too much power to a device. Price At the time of writing the 163W PrimeTrip VR2 Max isn’t available in the U.K., but U.S. customers could pick it up for $49.99 or less. The 240W PrimeTrip VR2 Max is only an extra $10 but that extra power might only really help you with devices hungrier than an iPhone—105W will fast charge everything except the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which will charge at that speed but a little slower than it would with a 140W charger. Should you buy the PrimeTrip VR2 Max? The Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max is an easy way to power up several devices at the same time or fast charge a single one in your car. The versatile port and positioning options are very useful, and the retractable cables keep things neat and tidy. MacBook owners on the move should pay the extra for the 240W model but for iPhones and iPads the 163W charger will be plenty.

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Anker Prime 26K Power Bank (300W) review: Slim MacBook power bank
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 250W input Slim Dedicated app Cons No built-in cable Our Verdict The Anker 26K Power Bank (300W) is a slim high-capacity laptop charging power bank that can fast-charge two 16-inch MacBook Pro at the same time, or a 14-inch MacBook Pro 1.25 times over. With multiple ports you can take it on your travels and keep all your Apple devices charged while you are on the move. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$169.99 Best Prices Today: Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) Retailer Price $169.99 View Deal Anker $169.99 View Deal $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Anker Prime 26K Power Bank (300W) is powerful enough to fast-charge two 16-inch MacBook Pros at the same time, with an impressive battery capacity in a portable form that is still airline friendly. While its two 140W charging points make it a fine companion for owners of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, its 26,250mAh capacity, three ports and maximum simultaneous output mean it can travel with a whole family of gadgets. Power bank tech specs Battery capacity: 99.75Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 300W Power Input: 100W USB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W) Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (16 x 6.4 x 3.8cm) Weight: 21.1oz (599g) Performance Anker claims that you can fast-charge that top-end MacBook Pro up to 50% in half an hour using this power bank and Apple’s charging cable. Looking at the 99.6Wh battery capacity of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you’d expect this 99.75Wh power bank to fully charge it, but a certain amount of power is lost during charging and other environmental factors come into play. Anker believes that the Prime 26250mAh can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to around 70%. We charged a 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro (69.6Wh battery capacity) to 100%, leaving 33% power remaining in the power bank that got us another near-quarter charge—a total recharge score of 123% that is actually superior to Anker’s older Prime 27650mAh Power Bank (250W) and the EcoFlow RAPID Pro Power Bank (300W) despite its slightly smaller capacity. It charged an iPhone 16 Pro to 50% in under 25 minutes, which is a reasonable time, although the needle barely went over 20W according to the power bank’s own display. That said, it’s faster than even a Qi2 25W wireless charger could have achieved. See our list of MacBook battery capacities for more details on the whole range of Apple laptops. The main USB ports are positioned at the top of the power bank. At the base are Pogo Pins that can connect for cable-less charging with Anker’s separate Charging Base accessory.Simon Jary As both USB-C ports are rated at 140W you could fast-charge two 16-inch MacBooks at the same time—although you won’t get both to 70%, of course, as the power bank’s 26K capacity is shared between the two. With its three ports, the Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank can simultaneously charge other devices, such as one or two iPhones, your AirPods, or your Apple Watch. Using all three at the same time still allows for 2x 140W and 20W from the legacy USB-A port. Rivals such as the EcoFlow RAPID Pro 27K Power Bank have done away with USB-A altogether, offering just USB-C (in the case of the EcoFlow, you get three USB-C ports and a built-in USB-C cable). If having a spare USB-A port—say, for a Fitbit charger—is useful to you, you’ll be glad of the old-time connection still being included by Anker. When the power bank itself will run out of juice, you’ll be interested in its input power. Using both USB-C ports it can be recharged itself at 250W. The EcoFlow RAPID Pro can use its two 140W port at the same time for a combined 280W input power, but it’s close enough. Available separately, the $109.99 Anker 100W Charging Base allows for convenient if slightly slower wireless charging. This accessory also features two USB-C ports (one at 100W, the other 30W) and a 22.5W USB-A port. Anker claims that two paired devices can add up to a 150W max input. Simon Jary Laptop power bank portability The Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank is a smidge taller than the iPhone Pro is long, but obviously a lot wider and deeper. It measures 6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (16 x 6.4 x 3.8cm). It is shorter and noticeably slimmer than the 6.5 x 2.2 x 2.3 inches (16.6 x 5.5 x 5.8cm) EcoFlow RAPID Pro we mentioned earlier. There are slimmer format 20K laptop power banks but none that we’ve tested at this high a 26K+ battery capacity and pillar shape. Compact as it is, from a portability point of view this power bank is too big and heavy to keep in your pocket. At 1.32lbs (599g or 21.1oz) it’s lighter than the older 27K Prime Power Bank and it’s fine in your backpack for long journeys but less so your handbag. Simon Jary Dedicated app The color digital display on the front of the power bank shows its remaining battery capacity, plus power input and output information for each port. As well as that charging data, the power bank can be controlled by the Anker app, which gives real-time charging stats (remaining charging time and input and output power indicators) and can be optimized to help extend the battery life of the devices being charged as well as its own. You can even use the app’s Find Device feature to activate a sound alert from the power bank when you need to locate it. The power bank comes with a short 0.6m USB-C cable. Remember that you’ll need to add extra charging cables to sue all the ports at the same time. Some laptop power banks boast their own integrated USB-C cables to save you carrying one around. Anker’s own 25K Power Bank (165W) features two built-in cables. These can be very useful but also bring in points of potential failure that you might want to avoid for product security. Simon Jary Safety matters Anker is an accessory manufacturer that you can trust. Batteries can be volatile and you don’t want to risk your device or even home with a cheaper no-name brand. To ensure safe charging Anker’s ActiveShield 4.0 technology monitors the power bank’s temperature 120 times a second—which equals a quite remarkable 10 million times a day. At 99.75Wh it is within TSA, CAA and EASA airline limits for carry-on. Price The Anker 300W 26K Power Bank is priced at $169.99 / £179.99 / CA$279.99. Check our real-time price comparison for the best prices in your region. While the 27K Prime is available in an extra Champagne gold color, the 26K Prime is dressed in standard dark gray only. Anker has other laptop power banks, and some of them are cheaper. At $139.99, there’s a stubbier 20000mAh Anker Prime Power Bank (200W) model that offers a battery not too much smaller and the same number of USB ports, plus noticeably cheaper, smaller and lighter. But max power output is 100W less than the 26K’s 300W and it’s a 100W PD 3.0 power bank rather than 140W PD 3.1. The 27K Anker Prime is priced at $10 more and has a higher battery capacity but the 26K model performed a little better in our real-world tests. Check out our other tested best power banks for MacBook for all the scores, features and prices. Should I buy the Anker Prime 26K Power Bank (300W)? The Anker 26K Power Bank (300W) is a compact, high-capacity laptop charging power bank that can fast-charge two 16-inch MacBook Pro at the same time. While that’s an unlikely scenario, in our tests it charged a 14-inch MacBook Pro 1.25 times over. With multiple ports you can take it on your travels and keep all your Apple devices charged while you are on the move.

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Apple posts Q4 2025 financial results, comes away with $27.5 billion quarterly profit
You can’t argue with $27.5 billion for your quarterly profit. Apple on Thursday released its fourth quarter 2025 financial results, the company posting revenue of $102.5 billion, with an 8 percent year-over-year increase, $27.5 billion in profit. Mac sales were up almost 13 percent year-over-year, which is impressive when considering that the fourth quarter did […] Source

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Say goodbye to subscriptions and hello to fluency with Babbel
Macworld TL;DR: Hurry and grab a lifetime of Babbel for $134.99 with code LEARN until 11:59pm Pacific on November 3 — 14 languages, thousands of lessons, and zero monthly fees. Unlimited Babbel access for life across all 14 languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more) Quick lessons designed by expert linguists to build real-world conversation skills quickly Speech-recognition technology to help with pronunciation that sounds local, not tourist-y Learn anywhere on desktop or mobile with synced progress and downloadable lessons for offline practice Personalized review sessions to help new vocabulary stick long-term instead of disappearing overnight Courses covering practical everyday topics like dining, directions, shopping, and meeting new people Multiple skill levels so you can start from basics or jump in at intermediate or advanced One-time payment — no renewals, no subscriptions, no surprise charges later Score Babbel’s lifetime subscription for $134.99 with promo code LEARN through November 3 — and start speaking a new language with confidence. Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple reportedly leans on Google Gemini to give Siri a brain boost
Apple’s revamped Siri will reportedly lean on Google’s Gemini AI, a decision driven by cost and the long-standing search partnership. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Keychron Q16 HE 8K Review: Premium ceramic feel is great, just wired is not
Keychron's Q16 HE 8K boasts a ceramic case and good customization options for Mac owners for a mechanical keyboard, but at a high price that somehow lacks wireless connectivity options.Keychron Q16 HE 8KKeychron stands out as one of the best keyboard manufacturers in the market. One with a rock-solid track record and a catalog of versatile keyboards to meet almost every need.Its latest offering, the Q16 HE 8K, is the world's first fully ceramic keyboard, featuring both a beautiful ceramic case and ceramic keycaps for a smooth typing and gaming experience. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Save up to 57% with the best early Black Friday deals on Apple
November marks the start of early Black Friday sales, with retailers already slashing prices on MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, and more.Save up to 57% on Apple electronics during November sales - Image credit: Apple Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The Beats Powerbeats Fit is 19% Off
Amazon has the Beats Powerbeats Fit marked 19% off, bringing the price down to $163.  Powered by the custom Apple-made H1 chip and built with personalized spatial audio with dynamic headtracking, you’re bound to have an immersive listening experience when using it for music, watching movies, and playing games. It also has adaptive EQ which […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models Are Now Part of the Self-Service Repair Program
The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models are now available for DIY repairs, with parts being made available via the self-service repair store of Apple for users in European countries like Sweden, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany Spain, as well as in Canada and the United States. Cameras, displays, batteries, logic boards, speakers and enclosures are […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Safari Technology Preview 231 Released By Apple
A new update for Safari Technology Preview has been released by Apple. The browser was introduced as a test browser back in 2016, which lets users test features that will be released in future updates for the Safari Browser. Preview 231 for Safari Technology has updates and fixes for Web API, WebDriver, JavaScript, CSS, Rendering, […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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New Updated Siri On Track For 2026 Release
Tim Cook, Apple CEO, said that the updated Siri is on track for its release next year, with the new features expected to make their premiere on the iPhone along with the iOS 26.4 update rolling out in March or April. The company is making good progress on the new and updated Siri. The new […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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The Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank 10,000 mAh is $20 Off
Amazon has the Anker Zolo Power Bank with 10,000 mAh marked $20 off. The charger features 30W fast charging with the wired option, and 7.5W of wireless charging, so you can attach and charge your Apple device such as an iPhone or AirPods onto the magnet. The power bank is designed for multiple viewing angles […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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App Store Changes Done for Developers
New features were added to improve the flexibility of the review process of the App Store, where developers are able to submit more items to review when there are already submissions in place. Custom pages are being doubled by the company to enable developers to highlight features and content in apps. Other than additional product […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple Creates New Dataset Made for Photo Editing in AI Systems
Pico-Banana-400k has been released by researchers from Apple. It is an expansive dataset of 400,000 images that have been compiled and designed to improve how AI systems perform the editing of pictures that are based from text prompts. The big dataset is made to deal with what Apple currently calls a gap in the editing […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Complaints Surface on AirPods Pro 3 Static Noise Issue When Using ANC Mode
Users of the AirPods Pro 3 have been going through a noise problem with the earbuds, and they have taken to Reddit to talk about the issue. The earbuds produces a sound that sounds like static when ANC is on but nothing is playing.  The individuals affected by the issue described the noise as an […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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