Holiday Deal Alert: $100 off Apple Watch Series 11; hits all-time low of $299
As of December 19th, select colors of the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) are back down to their record-low price of $299, or $100 off… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iMessage is full of features you’re probably not using (but should) [Video]
It feels like every year, Apple quietly adds dozens of small features and improvements to the Messages app, but most of them fly under the radar. These aren’t flashy or eye-grabbing features, but they are the type of features that really help the quality of life and experience of the Messages app. If you are like most people, then you have probably been using the Messages app the same way for years, meaning you are barely scratching the surface of what the app can do. Here are some of the best Messages features that you need to know. more…

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Last call for Christmas: These $199 AirPods Pro 3 are the perfect gift
Macworld If you’re still doing some last-minute gift shopping and have no idea what to get, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3, especially since you can get them for $199, a $50 discount, and still get them in time to wrap and put under the tree. The AirPods Pro 3 are easily one of our favorite earbuds of the year. When we reviewed them, we gave them a 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, and loved the sound quality and long battery life. And the new foam-infused tips solved one of the main issues we had with the AirPods Pro 2. These earbuds deliver better noise cancellation and a much-improved Transparency mode that will make having conversations while wearing them so much better. The Live Translation feature is also pretty awesome when you’re traveling. One really cool thing with these earbuds, however, is the fact that they come with heart rate monitoring, so they can keep track of your health while you’re exercising./ So there you go: The AirPods Pro 3 are under $200 — a pleasant surprise just in time for last-minute holiday shopping, so grab a pair before Santa shows up. The AirPods Pro 3 are down to $199 againBuy now at Amazon

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: Holiday returns, Apple account lockout, and iOS
It's holiday time and Dave and I both purchased Apple gifts for loved ones. We talk about our desicsion process and Apple's holiday return policy in case you need to return something. We also talk more about changes to iOS in JApan and if theose types of changes could happen in other parts of the world. Dave tells the story of someone who was completely locked out of his Apple account for no apparent reason and can't get anything back. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: Notion Agent: Go to https://notion.com/tdr to try your new AI teammate, Notion Agent, today. Copilot Money: For a limited-time: Get 26% off your first year when you sign up at copilot.money (new users only, web only). Get two months free with code DALRYMPLE. Start the new year with clarity. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. Show Notes: Apple’s holiday return/refund policy Rob Reiner Dick Van Dyke turned 100 Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan Shows and movies we're watching The Victim, BritBox F1, Apple TV Pluribus Becomes Apple TV’s Most Watched Show Ever

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macOS 26.2 adds one of the smartest video calling features I’ve seen in years
While it was somewhat overshadowed by the release of iOS 26.2, Apple also released macOS 26.2 last week. This update introduces one of the most clever video calling features I’ve seen in years: Edge Light. Here’s how it works. more…

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Australians will be soon able to use their Apple Watch hypertension notifications
Following approval by Australian medical regulators, Apple is now allowed to enable its Apple Watch hypertension feature in the country, though no specific date has been revealed yet.While it's an Apple Watch feature, hypertension alerts have to first be enabled on an iPhoneFirst introduced in September 2025, Apple Watch can check for hypertension and alert users to seek treatment. It's been rolling out across the world as countries put it through their medical testing features.Now according to Information Age, the feature is coming to Australia. The country's medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has formally approved the feature. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC plunges to $99.97
Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is $150 off thanks to an exclusive coupon stacked with an instant rebate.This Microsoft Office Home & Business deal saves you $140 - Image credit: MicrosoftRetailing for $249.99, AppleInsider readers can save $150 with stacked instant and coupon savings with promo code MSO24. This brings the cost down to $99.97 for the suite of Office tools at Stack Social.Buy with code MSO24 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Larger tax refunds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could boost Apple’s U.S. sales in 2026
In December 2025, President Trump touted the "largest tax refund season of all time," thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Price drop: This iPad and MacBook stand stashes a USB-C hub in its aluminum arm
The Casa Hub 360 is an iPad and MacBook dock stand with a USB-C hub in the sturdy arm. Turn your device into a sunflower iMac G4! (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Deals: iPad $274, 24GB M5 MacBook $250 off, Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Mouse, more
Alongside the ongoing Amazon all-time low on AirPods Pro 3 at $199, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break has a series of new price drops to scope out. Apple’s iPad 11 has returned to the $274 Black Friday price alongside a shot at Apple Pencil Pro at $78 shipped. We also have the most affordable 24GB M5 MacBook Pro you can buy at $250 off joined by Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $250 off (just about every config) and another chance at the rare Magic Mouse (USB-C) holiday price. Scope it all out down below. more…

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How to disable the ‘who’s watching’ user profile selection screen on Apple TV
Starting with tvOS 26 (and enhanced in tvOS 26.2, released in December 2025), Apple TV devices display a profile selection screen… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Get Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air M4 for just $949 with delivery by Christmas
There's still time to grab Amazon's best 15-inch MacBook Air price at $949, with delivery by Christmas to select locations.Save $250 on a variety of MacBook Air models - Image credit: AppleThe M4 15-inch MacBook Air delivers robust battery life at up to 18 hours, making it a great choice for those seeking MacBook Pro-style screen space without the high cost. And numerous models are $250 off at Amazon, with prices starting at $949.Buy 15" MacBook Air for $949 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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A macOS Tahoe bug is causing some Apple Studio Displays to flicker
A small number of Apple Studio display owners are reporting that macOS Tahoe is causing their monitors to flicker, but it might affect other monitors too.Apple Studio DisplayEver since macOS Tahoe was released in September 2025, a small number of people have reported a flickering issue with their Studio Display. Reports on social media and elsewhere suggest the bug has gotten worse, rather than better, with subsequent macOS updates.While difficult to describe in text, the flicker is said to sometimes happen repeatedly. Othertimes, users experience a single flicker with little sign of a discernible pattern to the behavior. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Today in Apple history: Apple crushes Think Secret rumors site
On December 19, 2007, Apple settled a lawsuit with Nick Ciarelli that shuttered “Think Secret,” his popular Apple rumors site. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple TV picks up Will Poulter dramedy series ‘Beat the Reaper’
Apple TV has picked up “Beat the Reaper,” a new dramedy starring BAFTA Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Will Poulter… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Becomes a Debt Collector With Its New Developer Agreement
Apple released an updated developer license agreement this week that gives the company permission to recoup unpaid funds, such as commissions or any other fees, by deducting them from in-app purchases it processes on developers' behalf, among other methods. From a report: The change will impact developers in regions where local law allows them to link to external payment systems. In these cases, developers must report those payments back to Apple to pay the required commissions or fees. The changed agreement seemingly gives Apple a way to collect what it believes is the correct fee if the company determines a developer has underreported their earnings. [...] In its new developer agreement, Apple states it will "offset or recoup" what it believes it is owed, including "any amounts collected by Apple on your behalf from end-users." This means Apple could recoup funds from developers' in-app purchases -- like those for digital goods, services, and subscriptions -- or from one-time fees for paid applications. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Apple age verification with a privacy focus would solve two problems
While Apple is currently lobbying against being given a legal responsibility for age verification when it comes to downloading apps, I think the company’s customers would very much benefit from it taking on this role. Given the company’s track record in finding privacy-respecting approaches to personal data, I would like to see it go even further than the proposals we’ve seen to date … more…

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U.S. appeals court considers reviving Apple App Store class action lawsuit
A U.S. appeals court will review a lower court's decision to decertify a massive class-action lawsuit against Apple involving App Store… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Six or seven iPhones a year, new iMac Pro, and low-cost MacBooks on the AppleInsider Podcast
By 2027, Apple may be releasing six or seven iPhones every year — and new rumors say there could be two low-cost MacBooks, plus maybe the return of the iMac Pro, on the AppleInsider Podcast.The days of a single iPhone being released each year are long, long gone.Join us as we count on our fingers to work out exactly how many iPhones — and what types — Apple is now expected to release every year from 2027. It's surprisingly hard to keep straight just what's coming, which does make us tip our hats to people who stay on top of Android releases.Also in 2027, it's now rumored that the iMac will get an OLED screen, meaning better contrast, richer blacks, brighter images — and reduced power consumption. At the same time, a separate rumor says Apple is testing an iMac Pro with M6 Max processor. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple might be requiring iPhone users to install iOS 26 for security fixes
Apple released iOS 26.2 last week with important security fixes. At the same time, it also shipped iOS 18.7.3 for users who haven’t upgraded yet — at least in theory. In practice, Jason Snell at Six Colors reports that some iPhone owners aren’t being offered the iOS 18 security update at all, and are instead being pushed straight to iOS 26. more…

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I used my AirPods to talk to someone in another language, and it actually worked
Macworld This fall, Apple gave its new iOS 26 Live Translation feature an instant upgrade: AirPods support. Like a real-life version of the Babel fish, compatible AirPods paired with an up-to-date iPhone can now be inserted in the ear to provide instant fluency across nine languages. The earbuds listen to conversation in Spanish, for example, use AI to translate it in real time, and speak the English equivalent directly into your ear. You then reply in English, and your iPhone will translate this back to Spanish. (The translation is displayed on screen, but there’s a button to make it read it out loud.) It’s a beguiling concept. But it’s not a new one. Earbuds paired with Google Translate, such as the Pixel Buds, were capable of this function way back in 2017. They just weren’t all that great at it. As so often in the past, Apple is trying to take something that other companies have done before, and do it better. Has it succeeded? Now that Live Translation has expanded to the EU with iOS 26.2, I set up a video call with a German-speaking colleague from Macwelt and popped in my AirPods Pro 3 to test the Live Translation feature (which is still officially in beta, I should note) for myself. I was pleasantly surprised. Setup: Better in person Let’s get started. First things first. Before doing any translating, you need to download your choice of language. This takes a few minutes, so try to plan ahead rather than waiting until you’re mid-conversation with an angry French policeman. Open the Settings app on your connected iPhone and open the AirPods menu. Scroll down to the Translation (Beta) section and tap on Languages. At the top, you’ll see any you’ve already downloaded, while those that are available will be listed below. Pick one (or more) and tap to download. Once this is sorted, activating translation is relatively easy. Press and hold on both earbud stems at once, and they’ll automatically switch to Live Translation mode. The only potential hiccup is if you’ve got several languages downloaded, particularly if your last translation was to or from a different language than the one you want now. You can change these in the Translate app by going to Live and then selecting either Their Language or Your Language to switch languages. (There isn’t yet an option, as there is for the written and visual–but not conversational–functions of Google Translate, to say “Detect language” and thereby cover all bases.) David Price / Foundry So far, so good–and for face-to-face translation, activating the feature is simple and intuitive. You may, however, run into issues when trying to use the feature over an online video chat, as I did. The problem was that the AirPods were desperately keen to auto-pair with whichever device they thought I was using. I needed them connected to the iPhone for the translation. But as soon as I started up a FaceTime call on my Mac, they jumped to that. As soon as I opened Notes on my iPad to check the script, they jumped to that. So I was constantly having to apologise and fiddle with Bluetooth settings to make sure the AirPods stayed on point. It should be said, in Apple’s defence, that the company has given Live Translation direct integration with the FaceTime and Phone apps, as well as providing APIs that will let third parties do the same for Zoom, Teams and the like. So this sort of multi-device juggling shouldn’t be necessary–you can just open FaceTime on the iPhone and manage the whole thing, conversation and translation alike, from there. I simply found this integration unintuitive–and besides, wanted to recreate the experience of talking to someone on the street, which seemed best simulated by holding up my phone to words coming from a different source. Which is a long-winded way of saying that, if you really are just speaking to someone on the street, and if you’ve taken the time to set things up and test them out in advance, it should be a breeze. Just anticipate a few tech hiccups when you involve multiple devices. Understanding what was said to me With the setup finally sorted, we were able to begin our conversation. This was more exhausting than I had expected. I had prepared four scenarios: at a hotel, in a restaurant, on a plane, and in a bar, with a secret bonus round where we were going to spontaneously talk politics. But the conversations took longer than I anticipated—so long that we ran out of time and energy for the restaurant and politics chats. Why were the conversations so slow and tiring? Because of the delays. My colleague would say a sentence in German, and the AirPods would generally wait until well into the sentence, often to the end, before starting to give me the translation. In written form, we are encouraged to be punchy, but conversational sentences can have numerous subclauses, so the delay can be substantial. AirPods Pro 3’s Live translation is like having a little dictionary in your ear.Foundry I wondered if this delay might have something to do with the grammatical character of the German language and its habit of shunting crucial verbs to the end of the sentence. But a similar test with a Spanish speaker confirmed that the feature simply cannot turn around a translation in true real time, so there will be no fluency in your conversation, regardless of the language. The good news is that Live Translation’s accuracy, at least from German to English, is astonishingly good. In his role as hotelier, my colleague told me about rooms and breakfast arrangements and a special event involving 237 Christmas tree sellers, and it all came through clear and comprehensible. As a flight steward, he explained landing times and delays and a situation with a man in my seat; and, finally switching careers to bartending, he told me all the ingredients in a delicious local cocktail and named the total I would need to pay for a selection of drinks. In every scenario, I understood the overall gist with ease and virtually all the specifics. That’s not to say that the translation was flawless. The software was confused by the German term for a boarding pass, which it translated as simply a “card.” The name of a cocktail, my colleague told me, was mangled. But these were very minor quibbles that never derailed the conversation in any serious way. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $199 at Amazon | $199 at Walmart | $209.99 at Target Making myself understood Ideally, both you and your conversational partner would be wearing compatible AirPods so that your English is translated live by their Babel fish just as their non-English is translated by yours. For planned business meetings this may be possible. But it’s unlikely to be the case in the average tourist context, so we stuck to the asymmetric approach. Having waited for a translation of my colleague’s words, I replied in English, and a German translation appeared on my iPhone’s screen. When speaking face to face, it’s probably easiest to simply show this to the doctor/barber/policeman you’re speaking to. There’s another small delay while your words are translated, but it appears quickly enough. And again, my colleague confirmed that the accuracy was excellent. Next to each chunk of translated text you’ll see a little play button, and if you tap this it’ll be read out loud. This is a nice option, and the accent was convincing in our test, but it adds yet another delay to what is already a long-winded process. Foundry Having said his piece, my colleague had to wait for this to be translated, for me to reply, for this to be translated, for me to press the button, and for the words to be read out. Understandably, he several times began replying before my official translated response had been read out, although this should only be an issue when your partner actually does speak English, in which case you could just dispense with the AirPods altogether. Again, the translation, while sometimes slow, was very reliable. I was able to reserve rooms, request a sea view (and be denied, on the flimsy pretext that Munich isn’t anywhere near the sea), order a wide range of drinks, navigate a variety of social situations and never really have to repeat myself. My colleague was in the position to hear both English and German renditions of each comment I made, and professed himself impressed by the accuracy. Conclusion: Far better than I expected, flaws and all Okay, final quibbles. The translations are split into little chunks, and sometimes these seem quite arbitrary. I found myself tapping play on one bit, and it spat out the end of one thing and the beginning of another, rather than a coherent remark. It also annoyed me that the software deleted the chat history the second I took out my headphones. That’s particularly annoying for a journalist who would like screenshots to post in this feature, but also takes away a potentially useful note of details you may subsequently forget. (Could this be a privacy-based decision? I’m not sure.) Add in those delays, and I’m the first to concede that my tests with Live Translation weren’t painless by any means. In fact, I found the whole thing draining. But it was thoroughly impressive nonetheless. I was astounded by the software’s ability to translate with a very high degree of accuracy and comprehensibility in nearly real time. While you shouldn’t expect a fluent or socially comfortable conversation while using your AirPods, you can expect an extremely functional one. That’s a win, in my book.

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Inside Final Cut Pro — How Apple abandoned Hollywood
Final Cut Pro for the Mac became a favorite video editing app of Hollywood about 20 years ago, but then Apple made a radical update that lost it filmmakers forever. Here's where it started, and what happened to make it fall out of favor.Some of the more famous Final Cut Pro icons through the years — image credit: AppleNo question, Final Cut Pro for the Mac is an extraordinarily superb app. It has faults, users have criticisms, but if you use it, you tend to become a fan.The only problem is getting people to use it. For this is a tale of two different Final Cut Pro apps, and how Apple managed to make a bold and brilliant move — but dropped the ball at the same time. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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macOS Tahoe users report persistent screen flickering issues
If you’ve noticed odd screen flickering since installing macOS Tahoe, you’re not alone. A growing number of users are reporting brief but distracting display flickers, particularly when using Apple’s Studio Display. more…

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This iOS 26 toggle just fixed a problem that’s plagued my iPhone for years
Macworld The updates since iOS 26 arrived have brought a lot of fresh tweaks and features to our iPhones, including the ability to tone down Liquid Glass, a new way to ensure you don’t accidentally switch off an alarm, better AirDrop security, and much more. But one of my favorite adjustments has nothing to do with any of that – instead, it’s all about the Lock Screen. In case you missed it, you can now switch off the swipe gesture that opens the camera directly from your Lock Screen. You’re probably very familiar with this gesture – it’s a brilliantly quick way to get your favorite camera app up and running without needing to unlock your phone and navigate to it the long way. When you need to move quickly and capture a fleeting moment, it’s a great option. But the chances are you’ve also accidentally activated it more than once. And it’s exactly this issue that makes me so glad I can finally turn it off. A persistent irritation I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve pulled my iPhone from my pocket, only to find the camera app is open without me realizing. It’s more than a nuisance—it’s entirely possible to inadvertently launch the camera and have it sitting like that in your pocket for a substantial amount of time, draining the battery without you ever knowing. That turns this gesture from a mild inconvenience into a much larger problem, especially if my iPhone hasn’t got much juice left to begin with. I’ve never had my iPhone die on me because of an unintentional camera gesture, but I’m sure there are people who have. Thanks to this new setting in iOS 26, though, I can forget about that ever happening. A quick foray into the Settings app and I can switch off the camera gesture for good, nipping this problem in the bud once and for all. iOS 26 now lets you turn off the Lock Screen swipe gesture that launches the Camera app.Foundry How to turn off the Lock Screen camera gesture Disabling the gesture that launches the camera from your Lock Screen is quick and simple. Follow the steps below and you’ll never have to put up with accidental camera-induced battery drain again. 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 2. Navigate to the Camera section and tap it 3. Scroll to the bottom of the list until you see Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera 4. Tap the toggle next to this text to disable the feature Now, swiping from right to left across your Lock Screen will do nothing – no more camera and no more unknowing battery drain while your phone sits idly in your pocket. Of course, you might change your mind down the line and decide you actually want this gesture back. In which case, just return to the Settings app and re-enable the toggle, undoing the change. Apple hasn’t removed the offending gesture entirely and has merely made it an optional feature that can be enabled and disabled as you like. That said, I can’t remember the last time I needed to use this gesture to open the Camera—especially now that the Camera Control is a far quicker and more reliable method. Failing that, I’ve got the Camera app icon on my Lock Screen, which is harder to accidentally activate due to it requiring a long press rather than a swipe. So I’m going to miss the gesture that has plagued my iPhone for so long. Instead, I now know that every time I pull my phone from my pocket, I’ll be greeted by a blank Lock Screen instead of a drained battery. And that’s the kind of small tweak that can make a big difference.

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Court will reconsider App Store class action case worth billions
An App Store antitrust case that has been running for more than a decade, may be revived as a US appeals court says it will reconsider a previous ruling that saw the class action dismissed.App Store iconThis latest move is specifically to reexamine an October 2025 decision by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to dismiss a class action suit. The suit was originally filed in 2011, accusing Apple of overcharging App Store users.In just one example of how this particular case has had a tortuous route through the legal system, in 2024, Judge Rogers allowed it to be a class action — after ruling in 2022 that it could not be. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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12 popular iPhone myths you can flat out ignore
Macworld I’m known as the Apple guy in my social circle. Friends and family routinely ask for purchasing advice, and I often end up reviewing their iPhones to see whether they’re missing useful apps, features, or settings. In many cases, I find people misusing their devices or disabling core functions due to unfounded worries. You have probably heard at least one of these 12 misconceptions before, and if you’re new to iOS or simply unsure how the platform works, you might believe them. Let us give you a clearer understanding of how your iPhone operates. 1. App-closing assumptions I frequently hear users—particularly recent switchers accustomed to Android—complain about needing to close iPhone apps manually. Many Android phones have long offered a button to close all active apps at once, while iOS still requires you to swipe up on each app in the App Switcher individually. Apple intentionally doesn’t offer a Close All Apps button on iOS because the system automatically puts inactive apps to sleep. They’re not constantly running in the background—even when they’re listed among other open apps in the App Switcher. In fact, repeatedly force-closing and relaunching everyday apps can actually drain your battery more, as initiating a fresh session consumes more power than reviving a hibernating one. You should only kill an app if it is misbehaving and requires a reset. 2. Network-killing nonsense During the smartphone’s early days, connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS would consume significant power. For many users, the norm was disabling their respective toggles when not actively relying on apps that need them to minimize battery drain. In modern phones, the relevant networking chips really use very little power when idle. As such, iOS has removed the ability to completely disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via the Control Center and instead disconnects accessories when toggled. You shouldn’t turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS in the Settings app, as essential features like Find My, Apple Watch sync, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, and other Continuity features rely on them. You may want to stick to the Control Center toggles, as they disconnect your peripherals without affecting the ecosystem’s underlying foundation. Turning off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when not in use simply won’t extend the battery life of a modern iPhone a noticeable amount—it’s just placebo effect and confirmation bias for those who think it does. 3. Eavesdropping rumors No, a certain social media app is not secretly accessing your microphone and camera to deliver targeted ads. While developers are coming up with innovative (and arguably unethical) ways to track users’ online activity, directly listening to your real-life conversations isn’t one of them. When an app accesses your microphone or camera, iOS displays a clear orange (microphone) or green (camera) indicator dot up near the front camera that developers cannot conceal. If you want to prevent an app from ever accessing these sensors, you can also deny microphone and camera permissions when prompted. It’s not possible for an app to bypass these boundaries—assuming you haven’t tampered with the operating system. You can open Control Center (swipe down from the upper-right edge of your display) and tap a little privacy indicator at the top of the Control Center screen to see which apps are currently and have recently accessed your camera, microphone, and location. Foundry 4. Charging chatter It’s widely believed that leaving your iPhone connected to a power source overnight can overcharge and damage its battery—that’s not entirely true. Your iPhone carefully manages its power draw as the battery fills up to minimize excessive wear and damage. When the battery hits 100%, it only draws a small trickle to stay full. Furthermore, features like Optimized Battery Charging and Charge Limit can optionally learn from your routines and prevent your iPhone from fully charging every day—unless you want it to. You can safely leave your iPhone on its charger all night long, especially after enabling these settings. 5. Dated OS delusions Many users intentionally avoid updating to the latest iOS version, thinking it’s going to slow down their iPhones or break features. While a major OS release may potentially run slower on a five-year-old iPhone, newer models tend to work just as fluidly after an update (and often faster). In fact, you’re advised to download the latest iOS build available, as it packs critical security patches—beyond the user-facing additions. Keeping your iPhone on a dated operating system version increases the risk of vulnerability exploitation. This myth persists because, immediately following a big new software update, your iPhone often performs a number of background tasks like indexing files and analyzing photos to recognize objects and people in them, all to make search and advanced features work properly. This can take a day or two, and much of it happens when your iPhone is plugged in and not in use, but the first few days after a big update can see slightly slower performance or shorter battery life. This will go away quickly. 6. Display disinformation The always-on display feature doesn’t just leave your screen on 24/7 and quickly drain your battery. The display drops to a dim 1Hz mode that barely consumes any power. Plus, iOS automatically shuts it down depending on certain factors, like your sleep routine and how you typically use your iPhone. While disabling it will save a bit of power, the impact is negligible—typically only a few percent per day. Foundry 7. Face ID fallacies Newcomers often worry about Face ID’s security and reliability. Contrary to common misconception, the TrueDepth camera system works in pitch-black environments, letting you securely unlock your iPhone even at night. Additionally, the biometric authentication feature doesn’t work with photos of your face or when you’re not making eye contact with it. As such, it’s very unlikely for someone holding your iPhone to bypass Face ID without your knowledge or consent. Face ID data is never sent to Apple or anyone else. It resides in a physically isolated section of your iPhone’s processor called the Secure Enclave and cannot be accessed by any application, only by the core iOS system when a legitimate Face ID request is invoked. 8. Camera confusions Customers on an annual iPhone upgrade cycle sometimes complain about the lack of camera improvements in the latest model. Apple doesn’t change every camera sensor every year. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro revamped the selfie and telephoto cameras only. The wide and ultrawide cameras, on the other hand, are pretty much identical to their predecessors. So, unless you’re taking a selfie or a zoomed-in shot, you won’t be noticing any major camera enhancements this year. Most people get a new iPhone after 2-4 years, though. Those incremental year-to-year improvements really add up, so if you’re coming from an iPhone 14, the iPhone 17’s camera will be much improved. Foundry 9. Resistance rumors iPhones are, to an extent, very resistant to water and dust—but they’re not actually waterproof. Depending on your model’s IP rating, it will likely survive being submerged in water up to a specific depth and for a limited period of time. As your iPhone ages, it may lose some of its resistance and become more susceptible to water damage, especially if it has some mild damage. It’s best not to intentionally test the limits of its water resistance, but you should be fine washing it off with soap and water, for example, or accidentally dropping it in the sink. 10. iMessage illusions Some users turn off iMessage when they lose internet access, believing it’s the only way to send SMS to their iPhone-using contacts. While iMessage is the default for conversations between iOS users, you can still bypass it whenever either party is offline or the service is down. Just tap and hold the pending text, then select Send as Text Message. This forces the message through your carrier instead of Apple’s servers. It’s pretty uncommon these days to have cellular SMS service but not cellular internet access, but it can happen, especially if you’re traveling somewhere remote or on a limited data plan. Foundry 11. App Store absurdities Many users complain about Apple randomly charging their bank cards, despite them not making any recent App Store purchases. These are typically recurring subscription fees that they’ve opted for at some point in the past. You can easily check all of your App Store spending—including subscription services, paid app downloads, and in-app purchases—using the Purchase History section of the App Store. Open the App Store, tap your initials/icon in the upper right, then tap Subscriptions or Purchase History. Any unwanted subscriptions can be canceled from the Subscriptions subsection found under your name in the Settings app. 12. iTunes inaccuracies Apple Music and Apple TV don’t require you to buy listed songs and movies individually. While you can access your separate iTunes purchases directly in the Music and TV apps, the company offers unrelated subscription services similar to Spotify and Netflix. For fixed monthly fees, you can listen to and watch any of the available content on all of your compatible devices.

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Never stress about a misplaced wallet again with these slim trackers for 25% off
Macworld TL;DR: Get a three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards — ultra-thin Bluetooth trackers that work with Apple’s Find My — for $89.99 and make your wallet, luggage, or badge instantly locatable. Misplacing your wallet is stressful enough — especially when you’re not sure where it ended up. The KeySmart® SmartCard helps you track it down fast by turning your wallet, or any small item, into something you can locate in seconds. They work just like AirTags, and right now, you can grab a three-pack for $89.99 (MSRP $119.97). The SmartCard looks like a credit card, but it’s actually a discreet Bluetooth tracker that works seamlessly with Apple’s Find My app. Once it’s connected, you can locate your wallet on a map, make it play a sound, or activate Lost Mode to share your contact info with whoever finds it. Unlike bulkier tracking devices, these cards are designed to fit where AirTags can’t. Slide one into a wallet, tuck it behind your ID badge, or drop it in your luggage tag without adding any bulk. They’re also IPX8-waterproof, so even a rainy day or spilled drink won’t get in the way of tracking down your missing items. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or just prone to leaving things behind, the SmartCard makes it easy to keep tabs on the essentials. And with three in the pack, you can keep one for yourself and use the others for your bag, passport wallet, or even a shared item at home. During this limited-time sale, you can get a three-pack of KeySmart® SmartCards for $89.99. KeySmart® SmartCard – Works With Apple Find My | Wireless Charging (3-Pack)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Upgrade your sky views with a smartphone telescope — now just $240
Macworld TL;DR: Hestia uses your smartphone to capture sharp, magnified views of the Moon, Sun, deep-sky objects, and landscapes—now just $239.97 (MSRP $299) with free shipping. Well, smartphones can officially do it all. The Hestia is the first ever smartphone-based telescope. And now that the Ultimate Pack is just $239.97 (MSRP $299) with free shipping, stargazing just got way more accessible—and a whole lot cooler. Hestia is designed for curious beginners and seasoned sky-watchers alike. It uses your phone’s main camera along with Vaonis’ patented optical system to deliver 5x sharper images and 25x magnification. Lunar craters? Sunspots? Your first deep-sky object? Hestia says, “Let’s go.” Setup is simple: mount it on the premium tripod, open the Gravity app, align your phone, pick your cosmic destination, and boom—instant universe access. No batteries, no cables, no fiddling. Just optics, your phone, and the sky. And because it works day or night, Hestia becomes a year-round companion. Explore solar activity by day, follow the Moon’s phases at night, or switch to Scenery Mode when you want close-up terrestrial shots. This Ultimate Pack sweetens the deal with a solar observation kit, a hardshell travel case, and a visor for daytime viewing. Don’t miss grabbing the sky-gazing Hestia Unlimited Pack while it’s on sale for $239.97 (MSRP $299) with free shipping. Hestia: First Ever Smartphone-Based Telescope (Ultimate Pack)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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MacBook A19 Pro: All the rumors about Apple’s low-cost laptop
Macworld New MacBook with A19 Pro: In summary Apple is said to be planning to launch a budget MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. Analyst claims production underway. Possible spring 2026 launch. Apple’s MacBook lineup could be in for a major shakeup. The company is reportedly planning on releasing a new laptop that can compete with Windows laptops in the budget market. Such a laptop could bring the Mac to a whole new class of users. This new, low-cost MacBook could be a very popular one, which means you’ll want to keep track of its developments. Well, look no further. This article will keep track of the rumors and reports of this upcoming product, as well as offer our perspective on the device, so keep an eye on this page for the latest. A19 Pro MacBook: Release date Rumored late 2025 release Spring 2026 more likely One recurrent rumor in 2025 has predicted that Apple plans to launch a lower-cost MacBook model based around an A-class (probably A19 Pro or A18 Pro) iPhone processor. Until now, the timeframe of such a project has been relatively vague, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who began the original rumor about the low-cost MacBook, back in June 2025, has claimed that the new MacBook will enter mass production during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025. Kuo had previously suggested that Apple would start production of the new iPhone chip-powered MacBook Pro at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or in the early stage of the first quarter of 2026, but he is now suggesting that production will start in 2025, so, it follows, the device could be with us a little sooner than previously thought. If Kuo is using Apple’s financial calendar, the end of Apple’s Q4 2025 is on September 27. So, it might be possible that the laptop is available for the 2025 holiday shopping season. Kuo isn’t the only one pointing to a possible 2025 launch. On August 11, DigiTimes reported that the new budget MacBook could ship “by the end of the third quarter of 2025.” However, it’s worth emphasising that these dates refer to the manufacturing process rather than the announcement or shipping timeframe. If that began near the start of Q4–in the middle of October, for instance–then it’s possible the product could be with us by the end of the year. But at this point it seems more plausible that it’ll arrive in early 2026, potentially at a spring event. More evidence that such a Mac is in the pipeline: MacRumors reported that the identifier “Mac17,1” was found in the code of Apple Intelligence. This identifier does not correspond to any known Macs, nor does it follow the convention of any upcoming Macs. It’s assumed that this is referring to the A19 (or A18) Pro MacBook. On November 4, 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to release a “low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows PCs” in the first half of 2026. It is currently in testing at Apple and “in early production with overseas suppliers.” What will the new MacBook be called? MacBook (probably) No reports have been made about the official name of the laptop, but you can assume it won’t be part of the MacBook Air line. It’s being referred to as the A18 or A19 Pro MacBook, based on the chip it could have. Apple could simply call it “MacBook,” reviving the name of the discontinued 12-inch MacBook that was targeted at a similar market. Apple last updated the MacBook in 2017.Foundry A19 Pro MacBook: Design 12.9-inch display rumored. We haven’t heard much about the design of the A19 Pro MacBook, but we can make some assumptions based on the discontinued 12-inch MacBook. When Apple offered the 12-inch MacBook, it had a simple design that was not unlike the current MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. So, it’s safe to assume that the design of this new laptop will follow Apple’s current MacBook form, though it might be lighter and thinner than the current Air to create some distance between the two lines. The 12-inch MacBook had only one USB-C port.Foundry Apple’s goal with this laptop is to make it affordable compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and one way to cut costs is to make a plastic case instead of an aluminum one. However, since Apple is working to make its products carbon-neutral, it’s doubtful that it would use plastic. So, like the 12-inch MacBook, it’s likely Apple will either use aluminum or some other recyclable or carbon-free material. Apple currently uses a Liquid Retina (LED-backlit display with IPS technology) display in the MacBook Air, an upgrade over the original Retina displays Apple last used with the 13-inch MacBook Pro in 2022. It’s possible Apple could revert to a Retina display with squared-off corners for the A19 Pro MacBook, though it’s more likely that Apple shaves cost by using a smaller display. On August 11, DigiTimes reported that the laptop will have a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the 13-inch MacBook Air. As for color choices. Previously the MacBook was Silver, Space Gray and Gold. Could Apple take inspiration from the iPhone colors, such as a Deep Blue option, Light Gold or even Cosmic Orange? A19 Pro MacBook: Features Could include modem for cellular connectivity. We haven’t heard much about the features of the A19 Pro MacBook, but for now, we can make some guesses based on the target market and what Apple does and has done with the MacBook lineup. Given the seemingly lower price of this new laptop, we can assume it will lack features found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The feature set is another area where the 12-inch MacBook can provide some insight. The 12-inch MacBook had only one USB-C port, and it’s possible Apple could go a similar route, possibly with the inclusion of a MagSafe port for charging. The A19 Pro does not support Thunderbolt, so the laptop would have USB-C only. It’s also possible that Apple opts not to include a built-in camera. Over the past several years, Apple has promoted the Mac’s Continuity Camera feature that lets you use an iPhone as a Mac webcam, as well as the upcoming macOS Tahoe Magnifier app. Apple could promote this as a webcam solution. This would be a drastic change, since it’s been a long time since Apple shipped a laptop without a camera, but it could be a possibility in order to meet the company’s price goal. A19 Pro MacBook: Processor and specs Expected to use iPhone chip: A19 Pro or A18 Pro. Another way to meet the pricing goals for this new MacBook is to use a chip that isn’t as robust as the chips used in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The initial report stated that Apple will use an A18 Pro, the same chip that was in the iPhone 16 Pro. Now that the A19 arrived with the iPhone 17 this is probably the more likely chip. Read more about what the iPhone 17 can tell us about the MacBook that could use the same chip in: Is Apple’s rumored cheap MacBook hiding in plain sight? The A-series chips are used in iPhones, while M-series chips are in Macs. Both chip families are based on the same general architecture, but the M chips generally offer more processing power. An A19 Pro (and A18 Pro) can technically do everything an M-series chip can, but it will be slower. When comparing Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the A18 Pro offered single-core performance that’s on par with the M3. However, because the A18 Pro has only 6 CPU cores, its multi-core performance is slightly behind the M1, which has 8 CPU cores. If Apple keeps everything the same, an A18 Pro MacBook will perform like an M1 MacBook Air, which, for a lot of people, has more than enough processing power. Should Apple use an A19 Pro we can expect something even better. It will draw comparison with the iPad models that are powered by Mac chips, though. MacRumors reported in December 2025 that references to an A18 Pro MacBook appeared in a set of leaked Apple files. Apple is now using its own wireless networking chip, the N1 in the iPhone 17, bringing Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread. It’s likely the same chips will make their way into the A19 Pro MacBook. There’s also a chance this new Mac will have cellular connectivity using Apple’s C1, C1X or yet to launch C2 modem. A19 Pro MacBook: Performance

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Apple TV releasing Pluribus season finale early next week
It’s happening again. Pluribus viewers won’t have to wait a full week to see the conclusion to season one. more…

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Black Friday: 14-inch M4 Pro/M4 Max MacBook Pros for up to $500 off Apple’s MSRP
Apple retailers are offering Black Friday sale prices on 14" M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros ranging up to $500 off Apple's MSRP. Here at the lowest prices currently available: (1): Amazon has Apple's 14-inch M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on Black Friday sale for up to $500 off MSRP. Shipping is free. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party seller: - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB): $1749, $250 off MSRP - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB): $2099, $300 off MSRP - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB): $2699, $500 off MSRP (2): B&H Photo is offering 14-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Pro or M4 Max CPUs for up to $500 off Apple's MSRP. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB): $1749, $250 off MSRP - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB): $2099, $300 off MSRP - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB): $2699, $500 off MSRP These are the lowest Black Friday prices currently available on these models. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday: Take $500 off 16-inch M4 Pro/M4 Max MacBook Pros
Apple retailers have 16-inch M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros on Black Friday sale this weekend for up to $500 off Apple's MSRP. Here are the lowest prices currently available: (1): Amazon has 16-inch MacBook Pros Black Friday sale for up to $500 off Apple's MSRP. Shipping is free. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party seller: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB/Black): $2189, $310 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB/Silver): $2189, $310 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (48GB/512GB/Black): $2535.07, $364 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (48GB/512GB/Silver): $2535.07, $364 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3059, $440 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Silver): $3059.76, $440 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3499, $500 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Silver): $3499, $500 off MSRP (2): B&H Photo has 16-inch MacBook Pros on Black Friday sale for up to $500 off Apple's MSRP. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB/Black): $2199, $300 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB/Silver): $2189, $310 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (48GB/512GB/Black): $2539, $370 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (48GB/512GB/Silver): $2539, $370 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3059, $440 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Silver): $3099, $400 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3499, $500 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Silver): $3499, $500 off MSRP These are the lowest Black Friday prices available for new 16" MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal at Verizon: iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, or 17 Pro Max all for free, no trade-in required
Verizon has rolled out their Black Friday iPhone deals running through at least December 1, 2025, featuring major offers on the iPhone 17 lineup. Customers who switch to Verizon can get a base-model iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, or 17 Pro Max, no trade-in required. Free means $0/month for a 36 month term through which Verizon will credit your account the normal monthly price of the phone. Should you leave early, you would be responsible for paying off the balance of the phone. Verizon will also include a free Apple Watch 11 and 11th-generation A16 iPad for the same 36 month term, should you so desire. Details at Verizon here. For the latest prices and deals, see our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal: AirPods Max headphones on sale for $150 off Apple’s MSRP, only $399
Amazon has Apple AirPods Max headphones in stock and on Black Friday sale for $150 off MSRP (27%) on their online store. Shipping is free: - AirPods Max: $399.99, $150 off Their price is the lowest Black Friday price currently available for Apple AirPods Max. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal: $60 off Apple Watch Series 11 models, prices start at $339
Sams Club has Apple Watch Series 11 models on Black Friday sale for $60 off Apple's MSRP through December 2, 2025. Sams Club Membership required. Note that sale prices are for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + Cellular: $439 $60 off MSRP - 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + Cellular: $469 $60 off MSRP - 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS: $339 $60 off MSRP - 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS: $369 $60 off MSRP Sams' prices are currently among the lowest for Series 11 Watches anywhere. For the latest prices and sales, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon is now offering a $200 Black Friday discount on Apple’s new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros, prices start at $1399
Amazon is now offering $200 discounts on new 14" M5 MacBook Pros as part of their Black Friday sales, each including free shipping: - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Black): $1399.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Silver): $1399.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Black): $1599.99, MSRP $1799 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Silver): $1599.99, MSRP $1799 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Black): $1799, MSRP $1999 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Silver): $1869, MSRP $1999 These are the lowest prices available for new M5 MacBook Pros this Black Friday. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal: Woot has 27-inch 5K Studio Displays on sale for up to $500 off MSRP
Woot has Apple Studio Displays on sale for up to $500 off MSRP as part of their Black Friday sales event. Shipping is free: - Studio Display (Standard glass Tilt Adjustable): $1399 $200 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass Tilt Adjustable): $1499 $400 off MSRP - Studio Display (Standard glass Tilt & Height Adjustable): $1699 $300 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass Tilt & Height Adjustable): $1799 $500 off MSRP Prices valid through December 10th or until stock sells out. Their prices are the lowest available for Studio Displays among the retailers we track. For the latest prices and sales, see our Studio Display Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal: HomePod minis for $84 at Verizon, $15 off MSRP
Buy an Apple HomePod mini today at Verizon for $15 off Apple's MSRP ($84.99). This is the lowest Black Friday price currently available for HomePod minis. Their sale price applies to all mini colors and represents a rare HomePod sale price. Verizon service is not required for purchase. Buy online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. See our HomePod Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals from Apple and its retailers.

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Walmart has Apple Watch SE 3 models on Black Friday sale for $50 off MSRP, prices start at $199
Walmart has Apple Watch SE 3 models on Black Friday sale for $50 off MSRP. Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). These are the lowest Black Friday prices on Apple Watch models among Apple's retailers: - 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS: $199.99, $50 off MSRP - 44mm Apple Watch SE GPS: $229.99, $50 off MSRP - 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS + 5G: $249.99, $50 off MSRP - 44mm Apple Watch SE GPS + 5G: $279.99, $50 off MSRP For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal: Apple AirPods 4 for only $69, normally $129
Walmart has Apple AirPods 4 now on Black Friday sale on their online store for $60 off MSRP, only $69. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). This is the lowest price currently available for new AirPods among Apple's retailers: - AirPods 4: $69, $60 off Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Black Friday Deal: Walmart has clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs on sale for only $549
Walmart has clearance, but new, Apple 13" M1 MacBook Airs (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) available online for $549, $450 off original MSRP, in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors. These are new MacBooks for sale by Walmart directly, not a third-party seller. It's the cheapest new MacBook available this Back Friday shopping period! These sale prices are available for online orders only. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Note that stock status may vary, check Walmart's site for availability. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Update: iPads now on Black Friday sale for $75 off MSRP at Amazon, prices start at $274
Amazon has lowered Black Friday prices on Apple's 11th-generation 11" A16 iPads a further $5 to new low starting price of $274 (on 128GB and 256GB WiFi models). Shipping is free: - 11" 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $274 $75 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 256GB WiFi iPads: $374 $75 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 512GB WiFi iPads: $579 $70 off MSRP These are the lowest Black Friday prices on iPads currently available at Apple retailers. For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.

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