4 reasons why you should wait for the M6 MacBook Pro
The M6 MacBook Pro will be amazing. Should you wait for it? Explore the reasons to consider holding off on a macOS notebook purchase. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Future Apple Pencils could physically transform to feel like drawing with fountain pens or paintbrushes
Apple has been researching how to adjust the Apple Pencil's tip angle, haptic feedback, weight distribution and even stiffness of the Apple Pencil to contextually turn it into the right tool for painting or calligraphy.Detail from the patent showing an Apple Pencil stylus tip and how it might adjust — image credit: AppleIt's been over a decade since the Apple Pencil was announced to criticism that it was just an expensive stylus with an over-engineered name — and also praise that it was great. Since then, though, Apple has maybe spent more time developing this stylus than it has the Mac Pro.So many patents have been filed before, such as having the Apple Pencil detect colors and textures. Or it might gain a see-through Touch Bar, or even be usable as a TV antenna, for some reason. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro proves to be a formidable laptop processor – review
Apple's all-new MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop ever, starts at just $599 (and $499 for education customers), bringing the full Mac… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Deals: MacBook Pro, Air, Neo w/ up to $100 gift cards + iPad Air $350 off, iPad Pro $400 off, more
While it is officially Mario Day 2026 over at 9to5Toys with the Switch game deals and new product announcements flying, it is also the last day at all of the brand new MacBook pre-orders ahead of release tomorrow. Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is highlighting your last chance at up to $100 in FREE gift cards with pre-orders on the new MacBook Pro, M5 MacBook Air, and MacBook Neo (here’s our hands-on review), but we also spotted a $100 price drop on Apple’s new base model 1TB M5 MacBook Pro as well. As for iPad, we have up to $100 off the new M4 iPad Air, but we also spotted a giant $350 price drop hits this 1TB M3 iPad Air and an even deeper $400 discount on Apple’s 13-inch M5 iPad Pro cell model. Hit the jump or a closer look.  more…

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Sonos CEO explains why company killed Apple TV 4K competitor before launch
In addition to launching new products, Sonos has publicly acknowledged its defunct hardware project that would have competed with the Apple TV 4K set-top box. more…

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2 new Sonos AirPlay 2 speakers rock the house (and beyond)
The new Sonos Play and Sonos Era 100 SL speakers easily expand home sound systems and seem like a "back-to-basics" approach for the company. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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MacBook Neo ports explained: The right USB-C port to use
Macworld Once you’ve unboxed your MacBook Neo, it’s important to know that the two ports on the side are not equal in terms of ability. While both are equal when it comes to the charging function, the USB 3 port is best for data transfer, while the second USB 2 should be used for charging. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about MacBook Neo wired connectivity, including how to know which MacBook Neo port to use. At a glance: How to use MacBook Neo ports Rear port, closest to the hinge (USB 3, 10Gbps): Use for displays, hubs, storage, and data transfer Front port (USB 2, 480Mbps): Use for charging or low-speed accessories We recommend: Apple MacBook Neo Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $599 at Amazon | $599 at Apple | $599 at Walmart Why the two MacBook Neo USB-C ports are different Apple Apple lists the MacBook Neo’s ports as: One USB 3 (USB-C) port, at 10Gbps, with support for: Charging DisplayPort USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s) and One USB 2 (USB-C) port, at 480Mbps, with support for: Charging USB 2 (up to 480Mb/s) The USB-C port closest to the hinge is the 10Gbps “USB 3” port. According to Apple, this is good for “Charging” and “DisplayPort”. By “DisplayPort” Apple means this port is powerful enough to connect to a USB-C monitor. It can also be used for general data transfer tasks so is great for adding storage drives such as USB-C thumb drives, SSDs, card readers or other video connections such as HDMI. The second USB-C port on the Neo is less able—a lot less when it comes to data transfers. It’s just as useful for charging the Neo but its “USB 2” bandwidth is just 480Mbps (megabits per second). To put that in perspective, 480Mbps is 21 times slower than the 10Gbps port; 83 times slower than Thunderbolt 4, and 160 times slower than Thunderbolt 5. Because charging works the same on both ports, it usually makes sense to use the slower USB-2 port for charging and keep the faster USB-3 port free for accessories. How MacBook Neo ports compare to MacBook Air and Pro The ports on the MacBook Neo may be enough for your needs, but if they aren’t then the more expensive MacBook Air and MacBook Pro both boast Thunderbolt ports. These Thunderbolt ports look identical to USB-C ports and are compatible with that standard. The Air features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which each have a data-transfer bandwidth of 40 Gbps (gigabits per second); the plain M5 MacBook Pro also has Thunderbolt 4 ports, although three of them rather than the Air’s two. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro boast three Thunderbolt 5 ports, which have a bandwidth of 80Gbps and a boost potential of 120Gbps for high-end video connections. The Neo’s data-transfer 10Gbps potential looks weedy in comparison: four times slower than Thunderbolt 4 and eight times slower than Thunderbolt 5. But 10Gbps is plenty fast enough for most of us not engaged in pro video editing or other demanding data-transfer tasks. Also note that both the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro also feature a MagSafe 3 charging port that is used for charging only, freeing up the Thunderbolt ports for data tasks. At a glance: MacBook UCB C/Thunderbolt Ports Port typeMacSpeedTypical useUSB 2 (front port)MacBook Neo 480MbpsCharging, keyboard, mouseUSB 3 (rear port)MacBook Neo 10GbpsDrives, hubs, displaysThunderbolt 4MacBook Pro & MacBook Air40GbpsPro storage, docksThunderbolt 5MacBook Pro M5 Pro & M5 Max80–120GbpsHigh-end video and pro workflows What to plug into the faster USB-3 port Use the Neo’s 10Gbps USB-C port to connect a hub such as the Anker 555 if you want to really upgrade your port options.Anker/Amazon Your best bet if planning on adding extras, such as an external monitor, or a storage drive, is to buy a USB-C hub that will add up to 12 additional ports via one connection to the MacBook Neo’s USB-3 capable port; check out our reviews of the best USB-C hubs for MacBook for our recommendations. Some adapters and hubs also offer an Ethernet port if you want to hook up to a wired network. You can also buy a USB-C to HDMI cable if your chosen external monitor doesn’t support a direct USB-C connection. Anker What to plug into the slower USB-2 port This should be the port you use for charging, keeping your other port free for other accessories. When not charging you can use this port for low-power accessories. You can attach a storage drive to this port, but it will be much slower than if you use the alternative 10Gbps port. You can’t attach a monitor to this port: Apple warns you off using the front port to connect to a monitor. Foundry Other considerations: Get a better Power Adapter The Neo comes with Apple’s 20W Power Adapter—although U.K. and E.U. purchasers don’t even get that in the box. Apple knows it’s not a great charger, because it doesn’t offer it as an individual buy on the Apple Store. 20W is pretty puny, and even though Apple doesn’t list a fast-charging feature for the Neo, we expect it can handle more power input so buy a better charger should be one of your first accessory buys. We will be testing the Neo’s faster-charging potential soon. In the meantime, you can find the best USB-C chargers for MacBook that have gone through our labs.

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Studio Display XDR adding full calibration support in future update
The first reviews of Apple’s new Studio Display XDR were published yesterday, providing our first in-depth look at the mini-LED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and more. In a review for The Verge, John Higgins spotted that there’s still one Studio Display XDR feature still to come: support for full calibration. more…

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Apple’s new MacBooks have keyboard change you might notice instantly
Apple’s new M5 MacBook Air and M5 MacBook Pro models are pretty light on new features beyond the chips. But it turns out, both MacBooks also change the keyboard to remove text labels in favor of glyphs. more…

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Today in Apple history: Apple reconsiders the Newton?
On March 10, 2004, Apple sent out a customer survey asking why the Newton MessagePad failed. It was stealth iPhone reconnaissance. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Inside MacBook Neo shows a little computer and a lot of battery, speakers, and trackpad
Apple’s new MacBook Neo comes out tomorrow, and you can read our hands-on review now. While the official release will instantly prompt teardown efforts, we’re already learning more about the internal layout today. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: March 10, 2026 – Apple smart home display rumors, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by BenQ: Check out BenQ’s smarter displays made for how Mac users actually work. Sign up for the giveaway here.  more…

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Apple’s new M5 Max MacBook Pro delivers a huge SSD read/write speed boost
Apple's latest MacBook Pro, armed with the blazing-fast M5 Max chip, isn't just another incremental bump, it's a genuine performance… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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German Publishers Push Regulators To Fine Apple Over App Tracking Transparency
German publishers and advertising groups are urging regulators to fine Apple over its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system, arguing it unfairly restricts access to advertising data while allowing Apple to remain the central gatekeeper -- without subjecting its own apps to the same restrictions. If Germany's antitrust authority does rule against Apple, the company could face fines of up to 10% of its global revenue. 9to5Mac reports: One of the countries investigating whether ATT is anticompetitive is Germany. Last year, in an attempt to appease the country's antitrust watchdog, the company proposed several changes to the framework's rules. From Reuters' original coverage of Apple's changes proposals: "Apple had agreed to introduce neutral consent prompts for both its own services and third-party apps, and to largely align the wording, content and visual design of these messages, said Andreas Mundt, head of Germany's Bundeskartellamt. The company also proposed simplifying the consent process so developers can obtain user permission for advertising-related data processing in a way that complies with data protection law." [...] At the time, German regulators launched a consultation with industry publications to determine whether the proposals addressed their concerns. As it turns out, the answer was a hard no. As Reuters reported today: "Apple's proposed changes to its app tracking rules do not resolve antitrust issues in the mobile advertising market, associations representing German publishers and advertisers said on Tuesday as they urged the country's antitrust authority to slap a fine on the U.S. tech giant. [...] 'The proposed commitments would not change the negative effects of the App Tracking Transparency Framework,' Bernd Nauen, chief executive of the German Advertising Federation, said in a joint letter signed by the trade bodies. 'Apple would remain the data gatekeeper and would continue to decide who gets access to advertising-relevant data and how companies can communicate with their end customers,' he said." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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This Samsung 37-inch 4K monitor is nearly half-off today
Macworld Samsung ViewFinity S7 37" View Deal You could spend a fortune on Apple’s new 27-inch Studio Display, or you could get something more practical, like this 37-inch Samsung ViewFinity S7 monitor for $280, a massive $220 off at B&H. This giant monitor is an excellent pick, especially if you need a screen for work and creative projects. With a 4K resolution, there’s nothing that won’t look gorgeous when displayed on it. With HDR, this display supports over 1 billion colors that are highly accurate, which is essential for creative work. The monitor features a UHD 4K HDR display that delivers crisp, lifelike visuals. It supports up to 1.07 billion colors with 100% sRGB color coverage, ensuring the precise color accuracy necessary for detailed creative work and intensive productivity tasks. The monitor has a super slim bezel, too, so you get more screen and fewer distractions. This Samsung ViewFinity S7 is a fantastic monitor for multitasking, too, as it comes with both picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture modes, which will make it possible to see content from multiple inputs at the same time. Plus it comes with an HDMI cable, so you can plug it right into your MacBook Pro. So stop wasting time and get yourself this Samsung ViewFinity S7 for $280 at B&H before this deal runs out.

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PC industry forced to make giant RAM & SSD price hikes, Apple still mostly insulated
Apple's MacBook lines will not be badly affected by the extreme memory, processor, and SSD price increases, that are forcing the rest of the industry to hike retail prices more than 40%.A Samsung LPDDR5X memory chip - Image Credit: SamsungThe tech industry is currently being squeezed by demand for chips used for memory and SSD storage. It's a situation worsened by shortages in CPU supplies, which will only apply more pressure on manufacturers to charge consumers more.While most of the computer manufacturing industry will be affected, Apple's supply chain has insulated itself enough that it won't be an issue. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Woz on Apple's 50th: We didn't predict the computing future, but took the first step
Instead of predicting the future, Apple was forward-thinking from the outset and took the first steps toward global computing for everybody, co-founder Steve Wozniak has said as part of a series of interviews marking the company's 50th anniversary.Steve Wozniak - Image Credit: CBS Sunday MorningAfter a lengthy interview with current CEO Tim Cook on Sunday discussing Apple's culture, Monday saw more commentary about the company's early history. This time, it was Steve Wozniak's turn.Talking as part of a CBS Sunday Morning piece on the anniversary posted to YouTube on Monday, "Woz" first jokingly boasts that the story of Apple started when he was born. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Tim Cook gets a tune-up as Apple TV speeds ahead with F1 promotions
Apple's push to build momentum around its Formula 1 partnership continues as the rolled out another promotional clip tied to the racing series.Apple continues to race forward with its F1 promotionIn a new short video posted to X on Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook gets a golf cart tune-up courtesy of Max Verstappen, the four-time consecutive Formula 1 World Driver Champion. In the post, Cook playfully challenges Verstappen to a race "next time."Verstappen reposted the video to his own profile, playfully asking Cook, "What's the speed limit at Apple Park?" Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.4 is coming: Here are my four favorite new features
iOS 26.4 launches later this month, and it’s a big update for new iPhone features. Here are my four favorite iOS 26.4 features that are coming soon. more…

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Meta just bought Moltbook, the social network for AI bots
If Dystopia Daily were a newspaper, this story would lead… more…

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iPhone cameras move deeper into podcast studios with the RodeCaster Video Core
The new RodeCaster Video Core brings iPhone and Mac video switching, audio mixing, recording, and streaming to a single hardware mixer.RodeCaster Video CoreCreators can place the console alongside a Mac or iPhone as the center of a small studio setup. Rode says the goal is to simplify production without requiring traditional broadcast gear.The console also works with Rode Capture to turn an iPhone into a dedicated production camera. Creators who already rely on Apple devices can integrate an iPhone directly into a video workflow. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Bluetti's new Elite 300 portable power station can keep your Apple Home & gear powered for any adventure
Whether you're working from home or a campsite, the Bluetti Elite 300 is ready to keep your iPhone, Mac, iPad, and other essential gear running through any situation.Bluetti Elite 300. Image source: BluettiHome battery backup solutions aren't just about making it through a blackout — they're great for making sure you've got the freedom to do anything. There's no need to be limited by access to outlets or power sources when the Elite 300 portable power station can keep your Apple ecosystem running all weekend.If you've heard of Bluetti's Elite 200 V2 portable power station, then you're already familiar with the company's efforts to condense power into smaller form factors. The Elite 300 continues that approach. According to Bluetti, it is the smallest product in the global 3kWh portable power station market by volume as of January 2026 — a claim certified by Frost & Sullivan. Even with that compact design, it still delivers 3,014.4Wh of capacity and 2,400W of output (4,800W Lifting Power). Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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China’s grip slips: Apple now assembles 25% of iPhones in India
Apple ramped up iPhone assembly in India by roughly 53% last year, now assembling about a quarter of its flagship devices there as the… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Sonos announces two new products, including $299 portable AirPlay 2 speaker
Remember that leaked Sonos speaker from just over a week ago? It’s now official, and there’s a second new Sonos product announced today too. more…

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MacBook Neo review roundup — great price and the right compromises
The first reviews of the MacBook Neo are now out and they are uniformly praising, and also all concentrate on the corners Apple cut to make this budget model.The new MacBook Neo is a hit with reviewersEvery review so far agrees that the MacBook Neo is the right Mac for at least many, if not most, users. Until it actually got into reviewers' hands, though, there were complaints about its limitations and iJustine, for one, launched straight in on addressing those."Normally when you see my reviews, I'm happy, I'm excited, I'm really bubbly," she begins. "But today, I am upset." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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MacBook Neo reviews share our view that this is an incredible buy
Our editor-in-chief Chance Miller has been testing the MacBook Neo for just under a week, and his review described it as “a truly great Mac at an unbelievable price.” Other reviewers clearly share his view. While there are of course compromises, everyone agrees that this machine leaves all of the Windows competition in the dust … more…

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Best MacBook Neo accessories: Chargers, hubs, stands and more
Macworld The MacBook Neo, Apple’s entry-level laptop officially announced in early March 2026, is a sensation, bringing the Mac to a whole new market with its low price but surprisingly powerful specs and features. For just $599 you get the full Mac experience in a premium aluminum 13-inch laptop with FaceTime HD camera, speakers, mic and two USB-C ports. Compared to similarly priced Windows laptops and iPads with keyboards, the MacBook Neo offers superior build quality, performance, and storage capacity—for hundreds of dollars less than any previous Mac laptop. We’ve outlined some of the small compromises that Apple has made to get to that ultra-keen price point, but most of these technicalities won’t bother the target audience at that great deal of a price tag. That’s not to say that the MacBook Neo is perfect—otherwise why would the MacBook Air and Pro exist? For not a whole lot of extra outlay you can make the MacBook Neo an even better product and part of your digital lifestyle with these accessories. Here we list some of our favorite Mac accessories that we think every MacBook Neo owner should purchase or at least put on their wish list. MacBook Neo limitations Here are some of the limitations of the MacBook Neo that you can solve with the accessories in this guide. Slow 20W charger Only two USB-C ports One slow 480Mbps port Single external display support Small screen for desk use Essential MacBook Neo accessory 1: A charger Apple ships the MacBook Neo with a 20-watt (20W) Power Adapter (unless you’re in the U.K. or E.U., where–tough luck–you’ll get just a charging cable and no actual charger). At just 20W, it’s a pretty low-powered adapter. In fact, it’s now hard to find a charger rated that low, with 30W or 45W increasingly the minimum output. If you’re in a hurry for power, you’ll want something more capable than Apple’s puny 20W adapter. While Apple doesn’t list fast charging in the Neo’s tech specs, we’d expect it to recharge faster when paired with a more powerful charger. Charging speed is largely determined by power output. The more watts available, the faster a device can charge—up to its maximum supported input. For example, you can plug a 140W charger into an iPhone, but it won’t charge any faster than it would with a 40W adapter. That said, it would be surprising if the MacBook Neo were limited to just 20W when even an iPhone–with a much smaller battery–can charge at roughly 25–30W. We’ve chosen two alternative chargers to consider: a compact 45W single-port model and a 65W multiport charger. For more options, see our roundup of the best USB-C chargers for MacBook for even more choice. Anker 45W Nano Charger (Foldable) – Best little charger Pros More powerful than Neo charger Super compact/cute Smart display 180° Foldable plug pins Color choices Cons North America only Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal $39.99 View Deal Anker $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We think a 45W charger is the minimum you should be looking at with any MacBook (or even iPhone for that matter). Keep the Apple 20W Power Adapter as a spare, and buy the Anker 45W Nano Charger with smart display and 180-degree dual foldable plug pins that are designed to adapt to any outlet angle while keeping the screen clearly visible and/or USB-C port easy to locate. Not only is it more powerful than Apple’s weedy 20W Power Adapter, it’s smarter too. It has a front display that gives you real-time updates on power, temperature, and charging modes. The Apple 20W charger is just a plain white brick with non-foldable plug pins. It measures 1.63 x 1.67 x 1.06 inches (41 x 42 x 27mm). The Anker Nano is smaller at 1.34 x 1.38 x 1.57 inches (34 x 35 x 40mm). It’s not just the super-compact body that’s cute in its four colors—Black, White, Orange and Misty Blue—the display can show playful animations for every charge. Anker has another 45W Nano Charger without the display and only single foldable plugs that is available in the U.S., U.K. and E.U. that you might find even cheaper at Amazon / Amazon UK. Ugreen Nexode 65W – Multiport charger with retractable USB-C cable Pros More powerful than Neo charger Two ports plus built-in cable Price When Reviewed: From $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $34.99 View Deal Ugreen $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Two ports are nice but how about a couple of ports—one USB-C and one legacy USB-A—plus a built-in retractable USB-C cable so you never have to go looking for that lost cable again? The Ugreen Nexode is a multiport wall charger available in 65W (2 ports) or 100W (3 ports) models, each with the integrated 2.5-foot cable. Read our full Ugreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable review Essential MacBook Neo accessory 2: More ports The MacBook Neo has just two USB-C ports on one side. You’ll need one for your charging cable (included in the box), leaving just one port spare to connect other devices such as storage thumb drives, external displays, card readers, and so on. Simon Jary One of the Neo’s two USB-C ports is limited to a 480Mbps data transfer rate—that’s up to 250 times slower than the Thunderbolt 5 port on a MacBook Pro—that will really bore the pants off you during a long backup to an external storage device. Use the slow one for your charging cable, and save the other much faster 10Gbps USB-C to connect a hub that boasts many more types of ports to make your Neo more like a proper desktop workstation. We like the Satechi OnTheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter reviewed below but there are many more to choose from, adding between 4 and 12 extra ports, including USB-C and USB-A ports, card readers, Ethernet, HDMI, and more. There’s sure to be the perfect one for you and your MacBook Neo. See our reviews of all the best USB-C hubs and adapters for MacBooks. You can add up to 23 extra ports to the Neo if you splash out on one of the best Mac docking stations. Satechi OnTheGo 7-in-1 – Multiport USB-C Adapter Pros Adds seven ports to the Neo Portable Magnetic Cons Only in black Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Satechi $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Connect this cute hub to the spare USB-C port—make sure it’s the fast 10Gbps one near the end of the Neo’s side—and you instantly get access to a range of ports denied to non-hub users. Many of these you don’t get even with the top-end MacBook Pro. It’s magnetic so can clamp to metal objects and comes with a magnetic adhesive ring that you can stick to the front of your Neo. The OnTheGo 7-in-1 is a portable pocket-sized hockey puck shape (65mm diameter) with a coiled braided USB-C cable and seven varied ports; 2x legacy USB-A ports, SD and MicroSD card readers, HDMI 2.0 for connecting an external display (up to 4K/60Hz), and Gigabit Ethernet for when you need to access a stable, fast wired network. You can supply up to 80W of passthrough power via the hub’s USB-C PD port so leaving the Neo’s other port still free. What might interest Neo owners are the card readers that are ideal for adding cheap, portable storage. You can pick up a 512GB microSD card for $50, and 1TB for around $150, although storage prices can be very volatile. Read our full Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter review Essential MacBook Neo accessory 3: A desk stand A laptop is a far more flexible computer than one always tethered to your desk, but that portability and ability to work just about anywhere comes with a hidden price: sore shoulders and back. Ergonomics—the study of people in their working environment—proves that being hunched over a laptop screen and keyboard takes a toll on your body; particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and tendonitis caused by repetitive strain and awkward postures. One solution is to raise the laptop to a better height and angle so that your neck and shoulders are relieved from those dangers, and that is best sorted by using a laptop stand with your MacBook Neo. For more adjustable options go to our reviews of the best MacBook stands. Twelve South Curve SE – Best MacBook Neo stand Pros Stylish Decent height Great price Cons Only one height setting Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Twelve South $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Curve SE is super affordable and raises your MacBook 6.5 inches off your desk so you can sit up straight and look directly at your screen—and so feel less tension in your neck and shoulders. It also keeps your laptop cool with air flowing underneath it. The Curve SE is available in Silver only. An alternative fixed laptop stand, the $49 Rain Design mStand (direct or from Amazon) is another sturdy option, and is available in a wider range of colors: Black, Gold, Midnight, Silver, Space Gray and Starlight. There’s even a rotating version, the $59 Rain Design mStand 360. Essential MacBook Neo accessory 4: A mouse Using a separate mouse is often better than a laptop’s trackpad because it offers superior precision, faster navigation, and improved ergonomic comfort. A mouse can reduce strain on the neck, shoulder, and forearm, and is essential for tasks that require more precise accuracy, such as photo editing or gaming. We have more options in various shapes, sizes and colors in our roundup of the best mouse for Mac. Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse – Best compact mouse Pros Affordable Allows for very accurate scrolling Curved ergonomic design Color choices Cons No horizontal scrolling Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $24.99 View Deal $29.99 View Deal Satechi $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Satechi’s low-price USB-C aluminum M1 Bluetooth Wireless Mouse comes with a twiddly scroll wheel rather than the trackpad that you get with the Apple’s own Magic Mouse. Compared to sticking with Neo’s trackpad, using a mouse such as the M1 offers faster and more accurate scrolling and tracking. The cursor fairly flies around the screen as I move the ergonomically curved M1—much faster than my Apple mouse, and almost disconcertingly at first. It feels like it floats across my desk, and allows for more accurate scrolling than Apple’s. Its aluminum body is good for both left- and right-handed users, and is available in Silver, Space Grey, Blue, Gold, and Rose Gold colors. Satechi has two other affordable mice you might consider: the squarer, higher battery capacity Slim EX Wireless Mouse and even more accurate and three-color vegan leather OntheGo Bluetooth Mouse, both of which can be connected to up to three devices at the same time so work with your iPad, phone or another laptop. If you want both an even greater choice of colors for your mouse—or a bright mouse-&-keyboard combination—take a look at the Logitech Pop Icon Mouse, available in eight colors. Essential MacBook Neo accessory 5: A power bank The MacBook Neo has a decent built-in 36.5‑watt‑hour lithium‑ion battery. That compares to a 13-inch MacBook Air’s 53.8Wh or 14-inch MacBook Pro’s 72.4Wh battery. According to Apple that should give you up to 16 hours of battery life, or 11 hours if using Wi-Fi. Depending on your usage—and how regular you are at recharging your laptop—you might find the Neo runs out of juice at just the wrong time. Take it to a café or on a flight and that battery life can seem to disappear in front of your eyes. A power bank is a portable battery pack from which you can recharge your MacBook on the go. For laptops there are three basic power bank capacities—measured in milliamp hours (mAh)— 10K, 15K and 25K. If catching a flight you need to know the Watt Hour rating as that is used by airlines to determine whether your power bank is allowed on the plane. Most airlines accept power banks of up to 100Wh, and any power bank of 27000mAh (27K) or lower should be within that limit. We have tested numerous models, so read our reviews of the best power banks for MacBook for alternatives. INIU Cougar P62-E1 20000mAh (65W) – Best power bank for MacBook Neo Pros Compact size Decent battery capacity 3 ports Color choices Price When Reviewed: $50.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.99 View Deal INIU $50.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The INIU P62-E1 20000mAh (65Wh) Power Bank may have a dull name but it stands out a mile with its colorful looks—it’s available in six bold colors—and dare-to-be-different compact shape. Its removable USB-C cable creates a handy carrying loop. Not just fun to look at and easy to hold, it performed excellently in our tests, with the ability to recharge a MacBook Neo around one and a half times. While 65W is a little lacking for the Pro MacBooks it’s ample for the MacBook Neo or Air. Read our full INIU Cougar P62-E1 20000mAh (65W) Power Bank review Essential MacBook Neo accessory 6: Add a bigger screen The MacBook Neo’s 13-inch screen ensures it is a nimble and portable laptop, but when based at home or the office a second screen is often helpful. We are recommending both a desktop monitor and a portable display depending on your screen needs. To see more options go to our roundups of the best Mac monitors and best portable screens for MacBook. BenQ GW2790QT – Affordable HD monitor Pros Affordable HD monitor Thin frame Sharp and stress-free image quality Price When Reviewed: $339.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $249.99 View Deal BenQ $249.99 View Deal $272.58 View Deal $391.33 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This large (27-inch) IPS monitor has a maximum resolution of 2K, a brightness of 350 nits and a decent color gamut. If all that technical jargon means little to you, then rest assured we consider it a very able budget monitor. Connect it via the Neo’s spare USB-C port (choose the 10Gbps one) and also get 65W of power delivery for the MacBook. The integrated hub offers three legacy USB-A ports. The monitor features Low Blue Light Plus technology, which filters out blue-violet radiation harmful to the eyes, and automatic adjustment of screen brightness. A display coating is designed to reduce glare. The monitor can be rotated 20 degrees in any direction, tilted 5 degrees downwards and upwards, and the entire screen can be rotated 90 degrees into portrait format. The monitor has built-in speakers and a microphone optimized for video conferencing, equipped with noise filter and noise cancellation. Read our full BenQ GW2790QT review Mobile Pixels Duex Float 2 Pro – Best Portable monitor for MacBook Neo Pros QHD at 120Hz Lightweight   Integrated folding travel cover and stand 65W pass-through charging Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $229.99 View Deal $254.99 View Deal $269.94 View Deal Mobile Pixels $299.99 View Deal $306.65 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This lightweight 16-inch QHD display ‘floats’ above your MacBook’s screen via a clever built-in stand that is simple to setup. This Stacked mode more than doubles the Neo’s screen space—yet doesn’t feel like a second screen, just an extension. You can keep it physically attached to your laptop with the included magnets but this is an option rather than a necessity. As well as Stacked (‘floating’) there are two other viewing modes: Free Standing (not floating and separate from your MacBook), and Presentation (the screen is flipped to share content with the person in front of you). The QHD (2.5K) screen sets it apart from many of the HD portable screens reviewed here. There is a non-Pro version, the Mobile Pixels Duex Float 2, with a slightly smaller 15.6-inch HD screen. Read our full Mobile Pixels Duex Float 2 Pro review Essential MacBook Neo accessory 7: An adaptor to connect another screen Like some of Apple’s other entry-level Macs, the MacBook Neo is limited to just one external screen—the much more expensive MacBook Pro supports up to four. However, a clever and free piece of software called DisplayLink will let you connect two or more monitors to the cheaper Neo. First you will need a DisplayLink Hub or Docking Station to connect to your Neo; you then connect the second or third monitor to that hub or dock to get it to work with your Neo. The hub or dock must support DisplayLink or another software called InstantView. Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Adapter (USBC-6950M) – Best DisplayLink adapter  Pros Dual 4K monitor support for M1/M2/M3 Macs Quad 4K model available Cons No passthrough laptop charging (dual model) Price When Reviewed: $89.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $76.76 View Deal $95.95 View Deal $95.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The simplest one-function multiple monitor Neo solution is the affordable Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Adapter (USBC-6950M) that uses DisplayLink to enable dual 4K 60Hz displays with two HDMI ports. There’s a slightly pricier (but still cheaper than a dock) version, the Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort & HDMI Adapter (USBC-7400H4) that supports four external 4K displays at 60Hz and features 90W passthrough charging to the laptop. Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) – Best DisplayLink dock Pros Dual 4K monitor support for M1/M2/M3 Macs 13 ports 100W PD to laptop Fast SD card reader Cons North America only Price When Reviewed: $179.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket With Plugable’s UD-6950PDH docking station (plus free-to-download DisplayLink software) you can connect two extra 4K/60Hz displays to your MacBook Neo, plus add an impressive bank of handy 13 ports, including Gigabit Ethernet, SD and MicroSD card readers and five spare USB ports. You won’t get data transfer any faster than 5Gbps so if you crave the Neo’s full 10Gbps bandwidth you should instead consider the more powerful Anker Prime Triple Display 14-in-1 Docking Station, which offers the 10Gbps Neo connection as well as three 100W USB-C ports and super-fast 2.5Gb Ethernet. That dock is also available in the U.K. Read our full Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) review Essential MacBook Neo accessory 8: A separate keyboard When using the Neo with a second screen you might want to make the new monitor the main display. This makes the Neo into more of a desktop Mac when you are working—you can use it as a laptop again whenever you want. In addition to a laptop stand (see above), you can significantly reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) by decoupling the keyboard from the screen so that while elevating the MacBook to eye level to prevent neck strain, you keep your wrists, arms, and shoulders in a neutral position. As fine a keyboard as the Neo’s own is, independent keyboards also offer greater functionality and convenience. For more keyboard options, read our reviews of the best Mac keyboards. Logitech Pop Icon Keyboard – Best colorful keyboard Pros Great looks Nice key feel and quiet keystroke Smart functions for AI and multitasking Three Bluetooth channels Long battery life Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $42.47 View Deal $44.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The attractive design of this keyboard immediately catches the eye. It come in Graphite & Green, Graphite & White, Lilac & Off-White, Off-White & Orange and Rose & Off-White. But it’s not just looks: Logitech makes some of our favorite keyboards. We like the contoured, flat keys that feel comfortable when typing and are quiet, which is, of course, less of an attraction for fans of mechanical keyboards—if you prefer the clickety-clack, look to Logitech’s $99 Pop Keys mechanical models.  Thanks to its slim design, the Pop Icon keyboard is also easy to position and has all the keys you need. The Pop Icon keyboard also offers all the usual shortcut key combinations, such as for muting, an emoji menu or taking a screenshot. The four action keys can be customized using the Logi Options application, which is available to download free of charge. The keyboard has a battery life of up to 36 months, using standard AA batteries rather than being recharged via USB. You can buy a $69 Logitech Pop Icon Combo of keyboard and mouse, or Pop Keys Combo if you prefer a clacky mechanical keyboard. Essential MacBook Neo accessory 9: A case to protect your Neo A laptop can stay at home with you all the time if you like. You shouldn’t need a special bag when moving it around your home, but if you plan on taking your MacBook Neo with you to an office, café or on holiday, we certainly recommend you keep it protected. We’ve suggested a simple laptop sleeve for the Neo and also a more capacious backpack, but there are many different types of bag that include padded laptop compartments, including totes, duffels and briefcases—see the best bags for MacBook Neo in our feature. Case Logic Laptop Sleeve – Best padded sleeve Pros Tight fit Padded Color range Price When Reviewed: $44.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal $29.99 View Deal $37.26 View Deal Case Logic $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Keep your MacBook Neo looking like new in this bright laptop sleeve, available in ten different colors. The padded laptop compartment will reassure you of the Neo’s safety when carrying it around or storing it at home. Other sleeve options include the STM Origin, STM Kin, Bellroy Laptop Sleeve, and lovely Mari Kondo-inspred Orbitkey Hybrid Laptop Sleeve (pictured below) that folds out to a comfortable desk mat for Neo. Orbitkey Buy a sleeve suited for a 13-inch or 14-inch laptop to properly fit the Neo. Troubadour Neo Backpack – Best backpack and it's called Neo too! Pros Stylish and smart inside and out Plenty of organizer pockets Recycled materials Cons Premium price Price When Reviewed: $179 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal Troubadour $179 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Ok, it costs about a third as much as the MacBook Neo itself but it’s called the Neo Backpack so we had to include it. It’s also a lovely laptop backpack, available like the MacBook Neo in four different shades: Rust, Bronzed Olive, Charcoal Black and Basalt. Troubadour’s lightest and latest laptop (and most affordable) backpack is the 22L Neo, built for the daily commute or whenever you need it. Inside the waterproof and durable FortiWeave fabric—woven from 100% recycled plastic bottles—are lighter-colored compartments that make it easier to spot your tech, hydration and quick-access essentials via a discreet front pocket with a gracious magnetic closure. A CrashPad Cocoon laptop sleeve suspends and cushions your namesake MacBook Neo. Essential MacBook Neo accessory 10: A better cable The MacBook Neo comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-C cable for charging. As mentioned earlier in this feature, the more able 10Gbps USB-C port can be used to connect other devices or a hub for multiple types of devices. There are plenty of great 60W-240W USB-C charging out there, such as the Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable, available in three colors and either 3-foot or 6-foot lengths, but the data speed is a puny 480Mbps so is not suitable for connecting the MacBook Neo to a monitor or storage drive. At a minimum we suggest a USB-C cable that can handle the same 10Gbps data-transfer speed and at least 60W of charging power. We’ve recommended an affordable solution below but there are cables with added functionality that you might consider; here are some of our favorites, but to discover more look to our best USB-C cable roundup. Cable Matters 10Gbps USB-C – Best cable Pros 100W Power Delivery 4K monitor support 10Gbps data transfer Up to 8.2 feet (2.5m) in length Cons Available in black or white only Price When Reviewed: $14.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $13.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple has given the MacBook Neo a decent wired data transfer bandwidth of 10Gbps—20x faster than the 480Mbps (0.48Gbps) USB-C cable that it includes in the box. If you want to take advantage of this significantly increased wired bandwidth, you’ll need a cable like this one from Cable Matters that also supports 10Gbps and can be used to connect the Neo to a USB-C monitor. Connect it to the first USB-C port on the side. It can also charge at up to 100W—more than enough for MacBook Neo, and could be used to charge your iPhone (15 or later) or USB-C iPad, too. Sadly, not available in Citrus or Blush, this able cable available in black or white and 3ft / 6ft / 8.2ft lengths. Baseus 100W 6.6ft – Retractable USB-C cable Pros 100W Power Delivery Retractable Up to 6.6 feet (2m) in length Cons Slow data transfer Price When Reviewed: $21.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $18.99 View Deal Baseus $21.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This USB-C cable retracts into a neat pocketable shell for tangle-free portability. It’s a good choice for charging but not so great at data transfer so won’t connect your Neo to a monitor or do your storage drive many favors. It’s available in black, blue, purple or white. Zens USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable Pro 3 – Best cable to charge all your Apple devices Pros Charges iPhone or AirPods and Watch 15W for iPhone, 5W for Watch 140W USB-C cable for MacBook Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price 99.95 View Deal Zens $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This is a smart MacBook USB-C charging cable that includes a 15W wireless pad for iPhone or AirPods case plus an adjustable 5W Apple Watch charger. Built of aluminum, it’s quite chunky but is probably all you need on your travels alongside at least a 65W USB-C charger, and it folds up on itself for easy transport. It’s rated at 140W so is easily up to powering a MacBook Neo—indeed it can fast-charge even the 16-inch MacBook Pro—and just as adapt at either wired or wirelessly charging Apple’s recent USB-C devices. If you don’t own an Apple Watch—and have no intention of doing so—Zens has a version (the $49.95 Zens USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable Pro 2) without that module, and just the iPhone/AirPods wireless pad in the middle of the 140W cable. It’s available in white or black from Amazon, and from the Apple Store in an exclusive Dark Cherry color.

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Turn a simple idea into a full presentation in minutes
PowerPresent turns ideas, notes or docs into presentations in seconds. Get a lifetime subscription to the AI presentation maker for $79.99. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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HomePad reportedly delayed (again), and it’s all Siri’s fault (again)
Macworld Apple’s first-ever smart home display, which the company hoped to launch this spring, has reportedly hit another development snag. It now won’t appear until the fall, according to the latest rumors, and you guessed it, it’s all Siri’s fault. Writing for Bloomberg, analyst Mark Gurman claims Apple had previously planned for its first wave of smart home devices to run a “variation” of tvOS 26, the current Apple TV operating system, but has now pushed this back to tvOS 27. Like the rest of the 27 OS updates, tvOS 27 will be announced in June at WWDC 2026 before rolling out to the public in September. Instead of launching in spring, as expected, the so-called HomePad, a smart home hub with an integrated display, is now slated to launch in the fall. This change of plan, Gurman says, is entirely due to issues with Siri; the hardware has been ready for some time. He bases this on the testimony of anonymous sources with knowledge of the matter. If that sounds tenuous, it’s worth noting that Gurman’s claims are corroborated by another leaker. In fact Kosutami, who has made accurate predictions in the past, actually posted “Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming.” some time before Gurman published his article, so really it’s the latter who is corroborating the former. Apple hasn’t announced anything publicly, but the company is believed to be working on a major push into the smart home space. This includes two tiers of smart home hubs: the stationary wall-mounted HomePad device with a 7-inch screen, focusing on HomeKit and FaceTime calls, and a high-end robotic hub featuring a display mounted on a robotic arm, which is expected to launch at a later date. Both devices, however, will depend for their convenience and user-friendliness on effective voice control, which is why Siri is so key to their release, and why Siri’s current woes are such a problem. Apple announced a new and more sophisticated version of Siri back in June 2024, but the project has been afflicted by a disastrous series of delays. On the positive side, the extra six months may give Apple a chance to tinker somewhat with the hardware side. In a separate post to Twitter/X, Kosutami adds that the device might have an intriguing “MagSafe snap-to-wall feature” and “it can [ring] your door,” which presumably means it lets you see who rings your doorbell. Both sound like useful additions, if Apple can ever actually launch the thing.

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Tim Cook’s golf cart gets F1 treatment in new video from Apple Park
Apple TV is now home to Formula 1 races in the US, and to promote the partnership, Tim Cook just shared a new video where his Apple Park golf cart gets an F1-style pit stop. more…

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