Best Apple Watch for seniors 2025: A guide to choosing the right model
Macworld The Apple Watch may be advertised as a device for virile young twenty-somethings who are always out running or climbing mountains, but that’s not really the profile of most people who wear them. At least, not at the Macworld offices. But, they are fantastic devices if you want to keep an eye on your health, be sure not to miss notifications on your iPhone and in the case of the elderly they can also be something of a lifesaver. If you’re thinking of whether to get one of your older family members an Apple Watch, then here’s all you need to know.  Best Apple Watch Deals Available Now! Black Friday week is here and we are already seeing lots of deals, including these top deals on Apple Watch, making it a great time to buy one. $49 off the Apple Watch SE 3 at Amazon $49 off the Apple Watch Series 11 at Amazon $50 gift card with Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 at Apple We have even more deals, including U.K. deals here: Apple Watch Black Friday deals. Do they need an iPhone? It might seem a basic question, but the Apple Watch isn’t that useful if you give it to someone with an Android phone or even a classic non-smartphone. They only work with iPhones and that’s very likely the way it will stay. So, the most important first question to answer is whether the person in question has an iPhone or not. If they do, great, otherwise we’d recommend looking for one of the alternative smartwatches on our sister-site Tech Advisor’s best smartwatch or best fitness tracker roundups.  That being said, you can set up an Apple Watch on your iPhone and then give it to your elderly relative or friend. The iPhone is required for Apple Watch setup and any subsequent software updates, but beyond that it doesn’t matter. Once the Apple Watch is set up and they are wearing it, you can then use the health monitoring features to ensure they’re safe. Here’s a rundown of all the things an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone. If you do this, you’ll want to ensure the Apple Watch isn’t blasting your relative with all the notifications from your iPhone. For more information about the current range of Apple Watches read our guide to the Best Apple Watch. We can also help you save money, read: The best Apple Watch deals this month. Also read What’s coming to Apple Watch in 2025. Why is an Apple Watch good for older people? Health monitoring: Aside from the useful ability of not having to keep getting your iPhone out of a bag or pocket when messages come in, an Apple Watch can also be very useful in terms of monitoring the current health of an older person. Some models come with an ECG sensor, which can detect a specific kind of heart problem or variances that might suggest conditions such as atrial fibrillation. Some have SpO2 sensors to measure blood oxygen levels, again this can warn if the wearer is getting into difficulties, potentially due to respiratory problems. In 2025 Apple added the ability to monitor for signs of high blood pressure to certain Apple Watches, including Apple Watch Series 11, 10 and 9, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3. The hypertension detection feature came to the older watches via a watchOS update. The watches don’t provide specific systolic and diastolic readings like a traditional cuff, but they do monitor for warning signs and will alert wearers to potential hypertension. Fall detection: There’s also a fall detection feature that can sense when someone takes a tumble and might not be ok–it can even alert the emergency services. You can input important medical information so that it can be displayed on the Watch if required. Emergency SOS: And if they do need to call the emergency services they can do so from an Apple Watch it is easy to do so (if it has cellular connectivity or a nearby iPhone to route via). Location tracking: You can also set up the Find My to show you someone’s current location and can be very helpful if the person in question suffers from memory issues and may wander off.   Aside from these more serious use cases, there’s also the simple truth that as hearing starts to diminish, having a notification come up on your wrist can mean you don’t miss important calls or messages.  Which is the best Apple Watch for seniors in 2025? As with most tech purchases, this depends on what you want and the budget you have available. We’d say that unless your family member or friend is the outward-bound type that’s likely to go canoeing through ravines, the Apple Watch Ultra will be overkill. It’s large, heavy and costs a small fortune. So, here’s our pick of the current crop: 1. Apple Watch Series 11 – Best for health features Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349.99 View Deal $349.99 View Deal $349.99 View Deal $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the Apple Watch Series 11 is great for the elderly: The Apple Watch Series 11 offers the safety and health features that will be most beneficial to someone of advancing years. The Apple Watch Series 11 has a larger display than the Apple Watch SE: there’s a 42mm or 46mm model, so if you don’t mind a bulkier watch, you can always choose the bigger screen if you think that will benefit you. The glass is tough and scratch resistant, so its durable and shouldn’t be too battered if knocked. It has all the safety features you’d want, You’ll also benefit from health features including the ability to take an ECG, monitor your heart rate and notify you if that is irregular and if you are potentially suffering from high blood pressure. It also has the ability to check if the oxygen levels in your blood are ok, plus it will notify you of sleep apnoea and monitor your temperature while you sleep. These features are shared with the Apple Watch Ultra models (and were also available on the Apple Watch Series 10 and 9), but some are lacking from the Apple Watch SE. Like the Apple Watch SE it will sound an alarm if you fall or are in a crash, and it will send an Emergency SOS if required. The speaker means it is possible to take calls right in your wrist. The screen is bright and offers up to 2,000 nits, which means it will be easier to read when you are outside in bright sunshine. The double tap gesture, where you can answer calls and perform other functions just by tapping your thumb and finger together, makes it easier to use the watch without tapping directly on the screen. Battery life is 24 hrs, which means you might managed to get through more than a day on a single charge. And, with a good power adapter, the charging speed is faster than ever before, which means you’ll only need to leave it on the charger for 30-45 minutes a day. Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) review 2. Apple Watch SE (3rd-generation) – Low priced option Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199.99 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the Apple Watch SE 3 is great for the elderly: The Apple Watch SE 3 offers the safety features, including Fall Detection, can monitor heart rate, and comes with a lower price tag, making it a great option for the budget conscious. While the Apple Watch SE 3 might not boast as many sensors as its bigger brother, there’s still plenty to love about this less expensive model. You still get the heart monitoring feature, which will alert you if you have an irregular heart rate. Unfortunately, there is no ECG feature to warn against irregular heart rhythms. Hypertension monitoring is also absent, so won’t monitor for warning signs of high or low blood pressure. The watch will track sleep and give a Sleep Score. There is Fall Detection and Crash Detection. Plus the SE is waterproof up to 50 meters, just like the Series 11.  The display is smaller than the Series 11, which could be an issue if the intended recipient has poor eyesight, but the 41mm and 44mm models still have clear and bright panels that do a great job of relaying information (and the larger 44mm model beats the 42mm screen on the Series 11, after all).  GPS is standard and you can add cellular capabilities to increase what the Watch can do without an iPhone (the Series 11 has this option too). The chip is the S10, the same as the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, so there is no fear of this Watch lacking power or not being future-proofed. For many of the features older users would require, such as fall detection and emergency SOS, the Apple Watch SE 3 is a very good option, especially as it costs quite a lot less than the Series 11. Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) review 3. Apple Watch Ultra 3 – The biggest Apple Watch Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $779.99 View Deal $779.99 View Deal $779.99 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is great for the elderly: The Apple Watch Ultra isn’t really designed for the elderly, unless the elderly person is an adventurer most at home climbing mountains and scuba-diving. But it does have a big point in its favor: it offers the largest screen at 49mm, and bigger buttons, which could be a benefit. Though it is the most expensive option, the bulky Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not necessarily a bad idea for the elderly, as long as they don’t mind wearing a larger watch. The screen is larger and easier to read, the buttons are more prominent, and the additional Action button may help get things done without fiddling with a tiny display. All Apple Watch Ultra models include cellular hardware (cellular service always costs extra), too. It’s extra-rugged and durable, which may be just the thing for someone who is more accident-prone. It has all the functions of the Apple Watch Series 11, even more accurate GPS tracking, and Satellite connectivity. Best of all, it’s got much longer battery life—you may only need to charge it every two or three days. Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review Wondering if you need cellular? Read: The pros and cons of a cellular Apple Watch.

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Grab AirPods 4 with ANC at a record low price of $99 this weekend
An AirPods price war is in full swing, with AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation falling to a record low $99.99 while supplies last.Save $80 on AirPods 4 with ANC during Amazon's Black Friday Deals Week.Amazon is slashing $80 off AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, resulting in the lowest price to date. Pick up a pair for yourself or as a holiday gift — the $99.99 price is a 44% discount off MSRP.Pre-Black Friday AirPods deals Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 drop to their best prices yet for Black Friday Week [Updated]
Apple just unveiled its annual holiday gift card offers, but you’re certainly not going to find deals on AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4 in there. And with Amazon’s Black Friday Week 2025 sale now in full swing, we are now getting the best online prices ever on what might very well be the two of the popular items on everyone Black Friday holiday shopping list. Amazon has now dropped the price on AirPods Pro down to its lowest ever and we are getting an arguably even more impressive deal on AirPods 4 with ANC for folks not interested in Apple’s premium buds. Apple’s standard AirPods 4 are also at a new all-time low. AirPods Max are also seeing an impressive price drop. more…

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Vince Gilligan’s ‘Pluribus’ sets all-time record for biggest Apple TV drama series launch
Vince Gilligan's highly anticipated sci-fi series "Pluribus" has stormed to the top as Apple TV's most-watched drama launch ever… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple TV launches 50% off Black Friday deal: $5.99/month for 6 months
Apple TV is launching a Black Friday deal for over 50% off that kicks off today, letting new and returning subscribers get the streaming service for just $5.99/month for six months. Here are the details. more…

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Apple’s Black Friday deal stacks very nicely with these Apple Card perks
Apple unveiled its Black Friday 2025 deal earlier this week, with an offer of free gift cards up to $250 each for buying certain products. If you plan to shop at Apple on Black Friday, there are two perks of using Apple Card you should absolutely keep in mind. more…

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This ‘iPhone 17 vs 16 vs 15 vs 14 vs 13 vs 12’ speed test video is a must-watch
A fun new video from the PhoneBuff YouTube channel shows just how much faster iPhones actually get year over year. Or do they? Watch it below to find out. more…

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Black Friday deal: Get Apple TV for just $6 per month on Amazon Prime Video
Macworld If you’re OK watching Apple TV content through the Amazon Prime Video app or website, you can get a year’s subscription for essentially half price. That’s the latest Amazon Prime Video deal: 6 months of Apple TV for $5.99 per month instead of the usual $12.99. There are a few caveats worth mentioning, however: Your price will automatically go up to $12.99 after six months. That’s standard for this sort of deal. This is a “channel” on Amazon Prime Video, which works the way channels for other services do—you watch the provider’s content exclusively within Prime Video. Subscribing here is not the same as subscribing through Apple. You don’t get access within the Apple TV app on any device. You don’t get Family Sharing through Apple’s usual subscription. It adheres to the Amazon Family rules. If you use Amazon Prime Video for other things and are okay watching your Apple TV content there, this can save you $42 over the six months. Plenty of time to catch up on Pluribus, Slow Horses, Severance, and all our other favorite Apple TV shows and movies.

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10 tricks to kick your iPhone addiction
Many suffer from smartphone addiction. Here are are several actionable changes that will make your phone less addictive. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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10 tricks to kick your iPhone addiction
Many people suffer from phone addiction, but help is on the way. These actionable changes will make your iPhone less addictive. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPadOS 26: You need to try these new multitasking features [Video]
iPadOS 26 is easily the most significant change to the iPad software we’ve ever seen. Between the new multitasking windows in 26.0, the slide-over refinements in 26.1, and now the return of Split View in 26.2, multitasking on the iPad finally feels natural, intuitive, and productive without compromise. It’s as if Apple finally heard what I have wanted from the iPad since it got its own operating system with iPadOS 13. The best part is that Apple is giving iPad users the best of all forms of multitasking, from full windowed mode, Stage Manager, and the new multitasking. After using it for a few months, I’ve discovered some of my favorite features and use cases. more…

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Apple launches limited-edition MagSafe-compatible Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand
Apple has launched the Bailey Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a limited-edition MagSafe-compatible iPhone accessory created in… The post Apple launches limited-edition MagSafe-compatible Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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HomeKit Weekly: SwitchBot’s new Matter floor lamp brings vibrant colors in a sleek design
As I reported a few weeks ago, SwitchBot keeps expanding its lineup of Matter-enabled devices, and this week I’ve been using the new SwitchBot Smart RGBICWW Floor Lamp. If you want a smart lamp that’s bright enough for daily use but flexible enough to create ambiance, this one has worked great thus far. It connects directly to HomeKit through Matter, eliminating the need for a hub outside of a HomeKit hub. It can produce up to 1200 lumens of light and supports warm white, cool white, and full-color modes. more…

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Apple TV has three fan-favorite shows returning soon, here’s what’s coming
Apple TV has put together a strong lineup to kick off 2026, including three fan-favorite shows returning soon that you still have time to catch up on. Here’s what’s coming. more…

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Inside Apple’s 3D‑Printed Titanium Apple Watch Cases
Apple explains how it 3D‑prints Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 cases using recycled titanium powder and multi‑laser systems, saying it uses 50% less raw material and will save more than 400 metric tons of titanium in 2025.Read original article

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Where the rumored budget MacBook fits in Apple's laptop lineup
Rumors of an early 2026 release for an entry-level MacBook with an iPhone chip continue to swirl. With an expected price range of between $700 and $900, its place in Apple's laptop lineup is far from clear.The M4 MacBook Air is hard to beatIf the rumors are indeed true, we can likely expect the new laptop to be called "MacBook," so that's the name we're going to use here. And it makes sense, because that's a name that Apple has used before.But what the MacBook would be in 2026 makes for an interesting thought process. Where it would sit in a lineup that already has the $999 13-inch MacBook Air is even more of a quandary. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Google wants to use your emails to train its AI — here's how to turn that off
Once again, Google has decided for you that your data is its toy. Here's how to stop Gmail from training its AI on your email.GmailThere's no shortage of big tech companies that want to use your data to train their large language models. Recently, I discussed how Meta wanted Facebook users to grant it permission to upload their entire camera roll to its cloud — perpetually.This time, it's Google doing the data harvesting. Gmail now wants to use your emails — including any attachments you have — to train its AI models for features like Smart Compose and AI-generated replies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.1’s Apple Wallet ID feature may be the gift that keeps giving
Last week Apple launched a new feature for iOS 26.1 users: Digital ID in Apple Wallet. Here’s why the new feature could become a gift that keeps giving. more…

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Apple Maps got a big iOS 26 upgrade for an essential feature
Apple Maps recently gained several new features in iOS 26, but the one that could make the biggest impact for users involves an essential app function: search. Here’s what’s new. more…

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Pebblebee’s tracker tag just became a better AirTag rival [Review] ★★★★☆
We went hands-on with Pebblebee Clip 5, a Bluetooth tracker tag that offers loud alerts and bright LEDs for effective tracking. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Google launches unauthorized Pixel-to-iPhone file sharing via Apple’s AirDrop
Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., has announced that its newest Pixel phones can now send images and other files directly to iPhones… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple gift guide 2025: Best deals and buying advice for every product
As the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing, it’s important to make sure you’re buying the right Apple product and getting the best deal possible. Here’s everything you need to know about what to buy and how to score some big savings on the best Apple gifts of the year. Updated November 21, 2025: New low prices across the board at Amazon and Best Buy, Apple’s Black Friday shopping event announced, more. more…

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Black Friday Week deals: AirPods 4 $80 all-time low, M5 MacBook Pro $157 off, M5 iPad Pro, Apple iPhone 17 cases from $27, more
As you know, the official Amazon 2025 Black Friday Week deals are now live alongside the best price yet on the new AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC at $110 shipped. But today we are featuring a new Amazon all-time low on the base model AirPods 4 that are now sitting down at $80 shipped. Amazon is also undercutting everyone with new lows on M5 MacBook Pro configurations at up to $157 off the list prices alongside the most affordable M5 iPad Pro models at up to $100 off for Black Friday Week. Those deals join up to 43% off Apple’s official iPhone 17/Pro/Max and iPhone Air cases from $27 and Amazon’s best deals on Beats 5-foot USB-C woven cables from $8.50. All of that awaits below alongside Black Friday pricing on M3 iPad Air, iPad mini 7, and  iPad 11 from $279.  more…

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Apple’s budget bonanza may bring a cheap(er) MacBook, iPhone, iPad in early 2026
Macworld Apple is preparing to unveil a glut of cheaper products in the first few months of 2026, according to a new report. This includes the much-anticipated launch of a budget MacBook based on an iPhone processor. GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, who has an extensive but slightly hit-or-miss track record of Apple predictions, published a research note about the company’s plans for 2026. These plans, he claims, include lower-end versions of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, all likely to launch in the spring. The affordable iPhone will, of course, be the follow-up to last year’s divisive (and, we hear, commercially unsuccessful) iPhone 16e. Reviewers complained about the 16e’s inconvenient compromises (notably its single rear camera lens and lack of MagSafe) despite a decidedly mid-market price, a combination likely the result of the maker’s wish to focus on processing power and make it compatible with Apple Intelligence. But there’s little to suggest the 17e will address either of those concerns. Instead, it’s expected to maintain the tradition of combining a high-end processor (likely the same A19 currently included in the iPhone 17) with a similarly low-end rear camera setup, although Pu thinks buyers may get the compensation, as on the iPhone Air, of an 18MP Center Stage front camera for selfies and video chats. The screen notch, meanwhile, is expected to be upgraded to a Dynamic Island. Pundits always predicted that the 17e would come out in spring 2026, a year on from the launch of its predecessor. But Pu’s claim that it will be accompanied by a low-end iPad and Mac comes as more of a surprise. The 12th-gen iPad could be an important launch because the 11th-gen model was that rarity for 2025: a new Apple product that can’t run Apple Intelligence. Cupertino will likely move to correct that and usher more users onto its AI platform. But can it achieve the necessary tech specs while maintaining the basic iPad’s crucial and beloved $349 price tag? Probably, but that remains to be seen. But the greatest point of interest in Pu’s report is that budget Mac. Set to be priced between $699 and $899, the upcoming MacBook will run an A-class iPhone processor (Pu predicts the A18 Pro used by the iPhone 16 Pro, although there have been rumors of an A19) rather than one of the M-class chips used throughout the rest of the current Mac range. It may also, Pu warns, make compromises in other areas, such as an older design, weaker display, less RAM, and potentially just one USB-C port. On the plus side, it will reportedly come in a set of attractive color finishes–silver, blue, pink, and yellow–to match the current standard iPad. Pu may not have a flawless predictive record, but these claims make sense and largely match what other pundits are expecting. For all the latest news and rumors, check our regularly updated guide to the new Apple products on the way in 2025 and 2026.

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Public anxiety about Apple's Digital ID greatly overstates actual risks
Fears about Apple's Digital ID are afraid of a boogeyman that the iPhone can't unleash, and concerns about governmental tracking or over-reach because of it are best pointed at other avenues that actually exist.A digital driver's license in the Apple Wallet appCritics focus on sweeping threats that sound dramatic but don't match the system inside the Apple Wallet Digital ID feature.Some advocates warn that digital credentials could reveal where a person travels or when they present an ID. Many fears connect to surveillance practices that already exist through public cameras, automated license plate readers, and other systems that track movement without consent. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Walmart makes the leap from NYSE to Nasdaq in biggest-ever exchange transfer
The Nasdaq just landed one of the most old-school names imaginable: Walmart.The retail behemoth announced Thursday that it’s ditching… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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New iPhone 18 Pro design will reportedly make two key changes
Supply chain leaks indicate Apple is currently finalizing details for next fall’s iPhone 18 line, and the latest reporting says the new iPhone 18 Pro will come with at least two key design changes. more…

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Apple's M4 Mac mini with 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD drops to $869 today
Amazon's early Black Friday discount on Apple's current Mac mini knocks $130 off a popular spec with an upgrade to 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage.Save $130 on Apple's M4 Mac mini 24GB, 512GB.We covered Amazon's $479 Mac mini deal on the standard configuration yesterday, but today we're following an early Black Friday discount on an upgraded model with 24GB RAM and 512GB of storage.This M4 spec, which normally retails for $999, is marked down to $869.99, with units in stock and ready to ship before the holidays. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The AirPods 4 with ANC crash to $110 in this insane Black Friday discount
Macworld Just when we thought we had seen the best AirPods 4 deal this Black Friday, we get an even better one. Amazon is selling the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation for an unbelievable $110, a massive savings of $69 off its MSRP, and the best price we’ve seen by a wide margin. You can also get AirPods 4 without ANC for $80, also an all-time low. The AirPods 4 are easily our favorite non-Pro earbuds, and that’s plenty obvious from the fact that we gave them a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed them, appreciating the top-notch audio quality, the improved sweat and water resistance, and the USB-C charging case. We also couldn’t complain about the battery life because a single charge gets you 5 hours of playtime on the buds and a total of 30 hours with the case. The H2 chip ensures you can make great quality phone calls with little to no background noise, as well as have an overall better time when listening to music. The AirPods 4 also come with easy access to Siri, so you can ask the assistant for help with everything from making calls to playing specific songs. Now’s the best time ever to get the AirPods 4 with ANC for $110 or the ANC-less model for $80, so hurry up and take advantage of this Black Friday deal. This is, by far, the best price we've seen for the AirPods 4Buy now at Amazon

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Google's new 'Wicked'-inspired ad takes another swing at the iPhone
Google's latest ad leans on a "Wicked" riff to paint the Pixel Pro 10 as the brains behind features Apple now touts on the iPhone 17 Pro.Google spoofs 'Wicked' to hype the Pixel over iPhoneThe 60-second advertisement uses Google and Apple's iPhones as references to "Wicked," a book-turned-musical-turned-movie. A purple iPhone 17 Pro portrays a Glinda, "the good witch" like character, while a green Pixel Pro 10 plays an Elphaba, or the "wicked witch" character.As always, the ad somehow suggests the Pixel phone is superior to the iPhone. The iPhone 17 Pro tells the Pixel Pro 10 how lucky it is to have a friend like Pixel. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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