Philips Hue lighting is about to get a lot smarter with SpatialAware
Philips Hue lighting scenes are about to get a lot more sophisticated thanks to an upcoming feature called SpatialAware. Rather than mix scene colors randomly between different lights in a room, the new feature knows where each light is positioned and can use that information to create a much more coherent look … more…

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CES 2026: The best Mac and iPhone accessories Apple fans need to see
Macworld Every start of the year in Las Vegas, the tech world queues up for monorails, shuttles, and taxis for the opportunity to get a look at what’s on the horizon. CES isn’t just a trade show; it’s a launching pad for the tech community and sets the tone for what’s to come the rest of the year. And even though Apple doesn’t attend, there are lots of accessories and gadgets made just for iPhones and Macs. CES 2026 has the usual crazy stuff on show: smart cat food bowls that monitor your pet’s facial expressions, smart Lego bricks with lighs and sound, robot phones, and the usual array of smart appliances and robot servants. Trying not to be distracted by the AI robots, here are the best new Mac, iPhone, and iPad-friendly accessory products announced at this year’s CES. Aukey MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro – Top-end compact charging cube Auckey Charging your Apple devices is regarded by many as a necessary chore, but not me—I love a new charger. Bear with me. Aukey wowed us last year with its MagFusion range, and its latest MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro looks like it can consolidate most of your power needs into its 3.76 x 3.76 x 3.07 inch (9.6 x 9.6 x 7.8cm) integrated hub stand. The sleek, space-saving yet powerful 5-in-1 desktop charging station has integrated high-output wired charging, Qi2 25W wireless charging, intelligent cable management, and a real-time power display to monitor 200W of simultaneous output. It features four wired outputs, including two retractable 30-inch USB-C cables plus 140W PD 3.1 USB-C and USB-A ports. The Qi2 25W magnetic wireless charging pad can be angled between 0–65 degrees via its aluminum-alloy hinge. Aukey says the MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro will be available in the second quarter of 2026 with an MSRP of $150. Aukey also showed off an upgraded Qi2 25W edition of its MagFusion Z Plus foldable 3-in-1 charger, and the MagFusion Reel 10000, a multifunctional Qi2 25W 10K wireless power bank featuring a retractable USB-C cable, adjustable wireless charging stand, and digital display for power and battery status. Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock – Mac mini-mimic dock with SSD enclosure Satechi Speaking of compact cubes, if you looked quickly at Satechi’s Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock with SSD Enclosure, you might have thought Apple had introduced a new M5 Mac mini. But no, this is an Apple-inspired docking station for your Mac. As any self-respecting Thunderbolt 5 docking station should offer, the CubeDock can deliver up to 120Gbps bandwidth, display support and 140W charging. On top of that, or rather inside the 5 x 5 x 2-inch shell, is an integrated NVMe SSD bay (PCIe 4×4) that supports up to 8TB at 6000MBps. The solid aluminum dock boasts a full complement of three Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports, plus 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A, UHS-II SD/microSD, and speedy 2.5Gb Ethernet. The 180W CubeDock can fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro at 140W plus an iPhone or iPad at another 30W. It supports up to two 6K/60Hz external displays on M3/M4/M5 Macs. Satechi’s Thunderbolt 5 CubeDockTM is available for preorder on Satechi.net for $400 and will begin shipping this quarter. Satechi is offering 20 percent off all CES-launched products with code CES2026 on Satechi.net throughout January. While you’re at it, you can also grab a new Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable made with reinforced aluminum housings and a premium braided jacket. ESR 25W MagSlim Magnetic Power Bank – Slimmest-ever 10K power bank ESR Wireless power banks keep getting faster and slimmer, and at CES, ESR introduced its new 10K MagSlim Power Bank, which it claims to be the thinnest Qi2 25W power bank on the market. Sleek and available in five colors, including one especially for the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro models. The 10K MagSlim measures 4 x 2.75 x 0.54 inches (10.2 x 7 x 1.38cm), with the standout number there being the last. Half an inch thick/thin is certainly the slimmest 10K magnetic power bank we’ve seen. It weighs 185g. And it’s fast: iPhones from the 16 and 17 series can wirelessly charge at up to 25W. Additionally, the spare USB-C port can deliver a 30W wired charge. Older iPhones will charge at a more pedestrian 15W. As with many products that wow us at CES, it won’t actually appear till much later in the year—in this case, ESR suggests it won’t ship until August. BMX SolidSafe Air Power Bank – Slimmest-ever 5K power bank BMX Another super-slim power bank introduced at CES is the 5K BMX SolidSafe Air power bank, which is just 0.68cm thin but still packs a kickstand and full-color LCD. It will be available in a range of titanium-copper colors to match the newest iPhones Pro models. It’s not at the fastest 25W level, but the Qi2 power bank will still wirelessly charge at 15W. It’s a semi-solid-state power bank, so it should last longer than standard liquid-electrolyte battery packs. The SolidSafe Air, also including 10K power banks, will become available in Q2 from BMX. As well as the SolidSafe Air, BMX also showcases GaNsta AI-powered GaN chargers and ByteSize micro SSDs. Anker 45W Nano Charger – Wall charger with 180° foldable plug prongs Anker A charger with a full LCD display? Sure, why not? The tiny 45W Anker Nano Charger boasts a smart interactive display that shows real-time charging status (charging power, temperature, and phone battery level) and an adorable little face. That’s all very useful, but what we love about this charger is its dual 70-degree or 180-degree foldable plug prongs, which means it should fit in any socket as it suits you, fitting tight wall socket spaces in the home or office (behind cupboards, or in bed corners and sofa gaps), while always showing its screen. In addition, the Nano Charger identifies your model of iPhone model to deliver up to 45W for a tailored charging solution, with an auto-matching three-stage power delivery. Anker claims the one-tap TÜV-certified Care Mode protects battery health by reducing phone battery temperature by 9°F compared to other 45W chargers during charging. At 45W, it’s even powerful enough to charge the MacBook Air. The Anker Nano Charger will be available later this month at an MSRP of $40. Anker is busy at CES 2026, premiering not just the Nano Charger but a foldable 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station, and a 10-in-1 Nano Power Strip with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and six AC outlets for a clutter-free desk setup. Moreover, its Eufy smart-home spin-off is showing the Robot Vacuum Omni S2, Video Doorbell S4, and Smart Lock E40. Plugable TBT-UDH2 – First Thunderbolt 5 dock with dual HDMI 2.1 Plugable Plugable, the company already behind Macworld’s current best value Thunderbolt 5 dock, has another TB5 dock to shout about at CES 2026.: The new TBT-UDH2 Thunderbolt 5 Dock, which it claims is the only one to have dual HDMI 2.1 ports. The TBT-UDH2 is a 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 docking station that can lie flat or sit upright. It has just the one downstream Thunderbolt 5 port (140W), but an impressive five USB-C, one of which can output at up to 30W, as can the spare TB5 port. Legacy devices are supported with three USB-A ports. As we now see with most modern docking stations, networking is looking to the future with 2.5Gb Ethernet—backwards compatible with Gigabit Ethernet. The SD and microSD slots are both rated at UHS-II. The TBT-UDH2 is expected to launch in Q2 2026 in North America for $350. Ugreen NASync iDX6011 Pro – Adding Local AI to NAS Ugreen Best known for its chargers and docking stations, Ugreen made a big splash into the Network Assisted Storage market last year with its NASync range of NAS drives, which are more secure and more stable than standard external hard drives at a higher capacity and a lower long-term price point than Cloud storage. It may look like something from a data center, but it could be the new hub for all your home media. Announcing two new high-end models at CES 2026, the company is pushing its own implementation of on-device intelligence with the NASync iDX Series that uses local AI to help users search and interact with their files, quickly finding moments, faces, objects, documents, and memories. The AI can auto-organize photo libraries, enable offline AI chats, and transcribe or speedily summarize voice notes. The series also works with ChatGPT and DeepSeek. Both the iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro boast dual-10GbE ports plus two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast external storage and peripherals. Each aluminum-alloy unit supports up to six SATA drives and two NVMe SSDs, enabling total storage of 196TB, which should allow you oodles of archiving as well as easy-access media. Ugreen is already taking preorders with special pricing for the iDX6011 ($999 for 32GB) and the iDX6011 Pro ($1,599 for 64GB memory and a faster processor). Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based Edition – Greening the power station Bluetti We’ve all heard about Green Power, and a portable power station is certainly cleaner than a gas-guzzling, deadly carbon monoxide-fuming generator. But the batteries themselves are something of an environmental conundrum, and that includes portable power stations that come in handy for camping, tailgates, and emergencies. Power station supremo Bluetti addresses this with its Bio-Based Elite 100 V2 Edition, which features the first chassis crafted from bio-circular plastics. Developed with Covestro, the ISCC PLUS-certified blend utilizes renewable agricultural residues that Bluetti claims will slash carbon emissions by 25 percent. And we certainly applaud that initiative. In terms of raw power, the Elite 100 V2 has a 1,024Wh battery capacity and a maximum 1,800W output to be shared by its 11 ports, including four AC sockets. Further green points are gained by its 1,000W solar input potential when hooked up to panels.

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iPhone Air designer joins Hawk AI startup
One of Apple's iPhone Air designers, Abidur Chowdhury, left to become the head of design at a new AI startup called Hawk.iPhone Air designer joins AI startupChowdhury left Apple in November 2025 and it was reported then that he was moving to an AI startup. Now Bloomberg has reported that the firm is Hawk, founded by Brett Adcock, who is known for the robotics company, Figure AI.Adcock reportedly self-funded Hawk with $100 million of his own money, and says that it is intended to grow alongside Figure AI. Where the robotics firm is developing a general-purpose humanoid robot, Hawk is said to be working on AI models. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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We might have just got our first sighting of the iPhone Fold screen
Macworld It’s early January, and in the tech world that means one thing: The Consumer Electronics Show. At this time of year, tech companies, fans, and journalists converge on Las Vegas for a showcase of the very latest innovations, and in 2026, that surprisingly included a glimpse of Apple’s most highly anticipated new product. To be clear, Apple isn’t in attendance at the show. But rival Samsung, or more specifically its subsidiary Samsung Display, is in Las Vegas this week, and it just revealed a foldable screen that will be of great interest to Apple fans. As reported by the Samsung-focused news site SamMobile, the new offering is the company’s first crease-free foldable panel. Product managers had set up a comparison between the new screen and that of the (widely admired) Galaxy Z Fold 7, and from photography, it’s easy to see the difference that having no crease makes to the viewing experience. Samsung displayed it next to a standard foldable screen, and the difference is massive. This development is key to the progress of the foldables sector. If makers of folding phones are to achieve mainstream acceptance, they need to accomplish two things: to build a hinge that customers believe is pretty much indestructible, and to kill the crease. And it looks like Samsung Display just solved the second problem. Unsurprisingly, foldable products by other subsidiaries of Samsung Electronics will be in line to benefit from this development, and SamMobile notes that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 is likely to use the new creaseless panel. But Samsung Display is also a major supplier to another company by the name of Apple Inc., and that could prove significant later this year. Apple has reportedly been working to eliminate the crease for its first folding iPhone, and judging by the looks of this prototype, its years of work have paid off. At long, long last, we’re expecting Apple to unveil its first foldable at some point in 2026. The iPhone Fold has been delayed for so long because Apple wants to get this product right on its first swing, which is where those two missions I mentioned earlier come in. The device’s hinge will be made of ultra-durable metallic glass marketed as LiquidMetal. And the screen will be crease-free thanks to the work of Samsung Display. There’s a decent chance, in other words, that visitors to this year’s CES–and you–have just seen the screen of the iPhone Fold.

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Logitech mice and keyboards are currently broken on Mac
A certificate issue has broken the Logi Options+ app on macOS, leaving many Logitech mouse and keyboard features unusable (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Best Lightning Cables for iPhone 2026
Macworld Lightning ports were once ubiquitous across Apple’s iPhone and iPad line-up. Apple has switched fully to USB-C ports for its iPads, and from the iPhone 15 family onwards, the Lightning port is now replaced by USB-C. But for iPhone versions 5 to 14, plus older AirPods cases and trusty Apple mice and keyboards, Lightning is the port you need a cable for. iPhone 14 and older: Lightning iPhone 15 and later: USB-C For iPhones and older iPads that use the Lightning port, you can buy a cable that has a Lightning connector at one end and either full-size rectangular USB-A or the smaller, reversible USB-C connector at the other to plug into a charger. Using a USB-C charger rather than one with older USB-A allows for fast charging. Here we pick the best Lightning charging cables, including some that work with both older Lightning devices and newer USB-C models. If you still have a charger with a USB-A port, consider upgrading to a USB-C charger as iPhone fast-charging only works with a USB-C charger. The best setup for iPhones before the iPhone 15 is a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. Check out our tests for the best USB-C chargers for iPhone. As most Apple users will agree, one phone-charging cable is never enough. Whether it gets damaged through wear and tear, or it is misplaced, borrowed or stolen, you can guarantee it is never there when you need it. Third-party Apple-certified cables are more expensive than many online alternatives but we highly recommend you buy a certified cable, because cheap third-party alternatives have a nasty habit of suddenly deciding to stop working with your device. Moreover, they can be dangerous—here are some good reasons why you shouldn’t buy a cheap Lightning cable. There are exceptions, however, so a few of the cables recommended below have been tested by us but don’t have the MFi stamp of approval. These are clearly marked. If you’re forever buying new cables, you might also want to consider a magnetic wireless charger, with traditional docks, stands and pads as well as portable wireless chargers with built-in batteries now available. All current-generation iPhones support wireless charging, but do note that this is a slower process than charging via a cable (depending on your cable and adapter). MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers output at 7.5W while certified MagSafe and Qi2 chargers double that to 15W, and the latest Qi2 25W wireless chargers are nearly as fast as charging via a cable. iPhone 15/16/17 and USB-C iPad users should go to our roundup of the best USB-C charging cables for iPhone. Best Lightning cables for iPhone and iPad in 2026 Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable – Apple's own USB-C to Lightning Cable Pros Made by Apple Fast charge Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: From $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $13.47 View Deal $19 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 1m or 2m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes To unlock Fast Charge on your iPhone you need a USB-C to Lightning cable (and at least an 18W adaptor). Apple’s variant might be one of the more expensive examples, but it’s also the most trustworthy, hailing direct from Apple itself. That said, Apple’s non-braided cables have a reputation for fraying and losing their pristine white color over time. The standard cable that ships with most Apple products is the 1m cable ($19 /£19), but it’s also available at 2m ($29/ £29). Apple Lightning to USB-A cable – Apple's own USB-A to Lightning Cable Pros Made by Apple Cons No Fast Charge Expensive Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $19 View Deal $19 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $27.98 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-A Length: 0.5m, 1m or 2m MFi: Certified Fast charge: No Not as iconic as the white earbuds, but white and useful nonetheless, you might want to buy your Lightning cable direct from Apple. As a USB-A cable it won’t support Apple’s Fast Charge on iPhone, but it’s pretty handy none the less if you own a charger with the old rectangular USB-A port. We still recommend you upgrade to a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable. It is available at half or double the standard 1m length (0.5m is the same price; 2m is a little extra). Either way, it’s still expensive compared to some third-party Lightning cables. Do note that these Apple white cables often tend to go a nice shade of murky gray pretty fast, depending on your usage. Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best budget USB-C to Lightning cable Pros Super tough Affordable Fast Charge Color options Price When Reviewed: $16.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $15.99 View Deal Anker $16.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 1m or 2m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes Anker is one of the most trusted Apple-accessory brands, and it offers a wide range of USB to Lightning cables. The Apple-certified, nylon-braided Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable is its budget offering but is still more robust than Apple’s cables and available in a wider choice of lengths (from 1m to 2m) and colors (Black, Silver, Blue and Red). Anker claims that the 331 cable can withstand up to 12,000 bends. The Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable ups that claim to 35,000 bends. Remember that you need a USB-C to Lightning cable like this one for fast-charging iPhones older than the iPhone 15. Amazon Basics USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best basic USB-C to Lightning cable Pros Affordable USB-C for Fast Charge Multiple colors and lengths Price When Reviewed: $11.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $8.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes Products in the AmazonBasics range just work and they’re very cheap to boot. Cheap does not mean bad though—Basics’ 1.82m cable is cheap, and if you can find the shorter variant in stock it’s even cheaper. Amazon does note that it works with ‘nearly all cases’, so you may want to double-check, but we doubt this would be a problem for most accessories. It’s available in white or black and red, in most regions. AmazonBasics Lightning cable – Best basic USB-A to Lightning cable Pros Affordable Multiple colors and lengths Cons No Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $11.69 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $8.96 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-A Length: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m MFi: Certified Fast charge: No For older chargers, this is a decent affordable USB-A to Lightning cable available in various lengths and in black or white. It’s USB-A so not a Fast Charge option like the USB-C version. Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1 – Best USB/Lightning combo cable Pros Fast charges nearly everything Travel pouch with longer models Three color options Price When Reviewed: From $34.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $34.90 View Deal Rolling Square $34.90 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C or USB-A Length: 15cm, 30cm, 2m or 3m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes This magic cable has USB-C or USB-A at the charging end, and USB-C or Lightning at the other, so it should sort out all your device charging—especially as the Lightning connector is cleverly combined with MicroUSB. It’s available in white, black or yellow. InCharge XL 1ft (30cm): $29.99 / £29.99 InCharge XL 6.6ft (2m): $34.90 / £34.90 InCharge XL 10ft (3m): $39.99 / £39.99 InCharge XL Pocket 0.5ft (15cm): $29.99 / £29.99 Read our full Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1 charging cable review Native Union Belt Cable Duo USB-C to Lightning and USB-C Cable Pros USB-C or Lightning connectors Robust cable Color options Price When Reviewed: $39.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19.99 View Deal $31.98 View Deal $39.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 15cm, 30cm, 2m or 3m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes Five foot long, braided for toughness and available in snazzy shades of gray, green and yellow, the Native Union Belt Cable Duo gives you the choice between a USB-C and Lightning connector at one end of the cable. This is a great solution for people with a mixture of device connectors. It can charge at up to 60W, so is even capable for charging your MacBook. StarTech.com USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best coiled USB-C to Lightning cable Pros Compact and tangle-free USB-C for Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $25 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19.98 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 0.5 m or 1m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes One way to avoid cable snakes is a coiled cable that takes up less space on your desk or wherever you lay it. This coiled Lightning cable from StarTech.com is available with either USB-A or USB-C but USB-C to Lightning is better for Fast Charge, and in either 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths. The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer version extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft. StarTech.com USB to Lightning Cable – Best coiled USB-A to Lightning cable Pros Compact and tangle-free Cons No Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $25.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $22.29 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-A Length: 0.5 m or 1m MFi: Certified Fast charge: No This coiled Lightning cable with USB-A at the other end fits older chargers but doesn’t support Apple’s Fast Charge like the USB-C version does. Like its more modern sibling, it is available in either 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths. The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer version extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft. Bawanfa Extra Long Lightning Cable – Best long Lightning cable Pros Long Color options Price When Reviewed: $17.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $17.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-A Length: 6m (20ft) MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes This Lightning cable is an amazing 6m (that’s 20-feet) long. If the plug outlet in your room of choice is further away from your sprawling place of choice then this is the answer. It’s also handy for passing round in a car. The thicker than Apple cable is more durable and should last you a while. If you really must stick with a slower USB-A charger, there is a 20-foot USB-A to Lightning cable version. Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable Pros Short and tangle-free Price When Reviewed: $16.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $16.99 View Deal $16.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 0.3m (1ft) MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes You know what? Sometimes you just need a short cable, rather than a skinny python snaking over your desk. One of the best short Lightning cables we’ve seen is from Anker, it’s just a foot long, and it’s MFI certified. CableCreation Short iPhone Charger Cable – Best short USB-A to Lightning cable Pros Short Color options Cons No Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $16 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $13.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-A Length: 15cm MFi: Certified Fast charge: No This USB-A to Lightning cable from CableCreation is MFI certified but won’t support iPhone Fast Charge as it has USB-A at the other end. It’s 15cm (6in) long, and available in either black-&-white, black or rose gold depending on which Amazon store you are buying from.  Wave Bio-Based Lightning Charging Cable – Best eco-friendly Lightning cable Pros USB-C for Fast Charge Eco friendly Price When Reviewed: $13 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Wave $12 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 1m MFi: No Fast charge: Yes The exterior of these USB-C to Lightning cables is constructed using plant-based materials, thus reducing a reliance on petroleum-based plastics like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The packaging is recyclable (the bio-based cables are secured by a recyclable paper sleeve) and even the shipping is carbon neutral, offsetting the CO2 produced. Shipping outside the UK is an extra US$6.30 or €6, but if you value the planet that’s not a lot to pay. Wave also makes a USB-A to Lightning version of the cable, but remember that this won’t support fast charging like the USB-C to Lightning cable. The cables are not yet MFi certified but could be at a later date, depending on demand. RapidX Lightning Charging Cable Stand – Best Cable/Stand hybrid Pros Acts as stand Cons Landscape mode only for stand Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price RapidX $19.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-C Length: 1.2m MFi: No Fast charge: Yes Most cables just do one or two things: charging and data transfer or both. The RapidX 2-in-1 Lightning Charging Cable can also be used as a phone stand—great for streaming movies or making FaceTime calls while charging your phone. The stand works in landscape mode only. The 4-foot braided nylon jacket is made from recycled materials, such as fishing nets and textile production waste. It has USB-C on one end and Lightning on the other, USB-A vs USB-C: Which Lightning cable should I buy? Fast Charge on an iPhone (available on iPhone 8 and above) can be achieved only when using a USB-C to Lightning cable, and pairing it with either an 18W or higher charger or a third-party model that supports Power Delivery. See our roundup of the best iPhone chargers. A USB-A to Lightning cable will charge your iPhone more slowly, regardless of what adapter it is paired with. It is true that there are also some differences between USB-C and USB-A when it comes to data-transfer speeds, with only USB-C able to accommodate the latest USB4 standard, which can achieve Thunderbolt 3/4-equivalent speeds of 40Gbps. Regardless, Lightning can carry only 480Mbps (akin to USB 2.0 speed), making this a moot point for this batch of cables. Thunderbolt 5 is backwards compatible with USB-C and can handle data transfers of up to 120Gbps. Identical in design to Thunderbolt, USB-C is a conveniently reversible and future-proofed connector. But USB-A remains commonplace and, for that, it is still sought after by iPhone and iPad users.

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Why UGREEN’s new iDX NAS is more than storage—and superior to the Cloud
Macworld UGREEN’s presence at CES 2026 wasn’t just about adding another pair of NAS boxes to an already crowded market. With the introduction of the NASync iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro, the company made a clear argument: network-attached storage is overdue for a rethink. In UGREEN’s vision, a NAS shouldn’t merely hold files—it should understand them, help you work with them, and do so without pushing your most personal data into the cloud. UGREEN Rethinking what a NAS is for Traditional NAS systems excel at one thing: storage. They back up data, share files across a network, and little else. As data volumes grow and workflows become more complex, that passive role feels increasingly limited. UGREEN’s new NASync iDX Series aims to change that dynamic by embedding intelligence directly into the device, turning local storage into something closer to an active data partner. Both the iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro are built around Intel® Core™ Ultra processors and paired with up to 64GB of LPDDR5x memory. On paper, the specs are immediately attention-grabbing: dual 10GbE Ethernet ports capable of 20Gbps via aggregation, dual Thunderbolt™ 4 ports offering up to 40Gbps, and storage scalability up to 196TB through six SATA bays and two NVMe slots. This is clearly hardware designed not just for backups, but for demanding creative, professional, and multi-user environments. UGREEN Local AI, not Cloud dependence What truly sets the iDX Series apart, however, is UGREEN’s insistence on fully local AI. At a time when “AI features” often translate to cloud subscriptions and opaque data pipelines, UGREEN is taking a different approach. Its Local AI Engine runs entirely on the NAS itself, meaning files never need to leave the device to be analyzed, searched, or summarized. The most immediately useful expression of this is Universal Search. Instead of hunting through folders, users can describe what they’re looking for in natural language—an idea, a scene, or even a vague memory—and the system retrieves relevant files across documents, photos, videos, and app data. It’s a small shift in interface, but a big one in daily usability. UGREEN’s Uliya AI Chat builds on this foundation. Acting as an offline large language model, it allows users to ask questions about their stored content, summarize lengthy documents, or generate notes from local files. Because everything runs on-device, the experience is both fast and private, positioning the NAS as a personal knowledge base rather than a simple file server. Optionally you can access popular third-party cloud-based AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini directly through your NAS. UGREEN Smarter media and documents For users with large photo and media libraries, the AI Album feature is likely to be a standout. The system can recognize faces, animals, objects, scenes, and text within images, automatically organizing and tagging content. Typing a phrase like “girl riding a bike” or “meeting notes on whiteboard” surfaces the right images instantly. Voice Memos extend similar intelligence to audio files, enabling on-device transcription, translation, and summarization—useful for meetings, interviews, or lectures. Behind the scenes, AI File Organization ensures that uploads don’t become a digital junk drawer. Files are automatically sorted by type, date, and name as soon as they’re added, keeping large libraries manageable without constant manual effort. Two models, two audiences UGREEN is careful to differentiate the two models in the lineup. The NASync iDX6011 uses an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125H processor and is available with either 32GB or 64GB of memory. It’s positioned for creators, families, and prosumers who want strong performance, intelligent organization, and private AI without venturing into workstation territory. The NASync iDX6011 Pro is aimed squarely at power users and studios. Powered by the more capable Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 255H and equipped with 64GB of memory as standard, it adds an OCuLink port for external GPU connectivity. This opens the door to GPU-accelerated AI workloads, rendering, and other compute-heavy tasks, effectively turning the NAS into a hybrid storage and processing hub. A built-in smart touch display provides at-a-glance visibility into system status, resource usage, and network activity. UGREEN Performance meets practical design UGREEN hasn’t ignored the fundamentals. Multiple RAID options, pro-grade encryption, real-time virus scanning, and granular permission controls underline a serious approach to security. The aluminum-alloy chassis, magnetic dust filter, and low-noise hydraulic fan result in a system that looks premium and runs quietly, even under load. A three-year warranty and five years of security updates add confidence for long-term deployment. UGREEN Pricing and the bigger picture Pre-orders are already open, with aggressive early pricing: the iDX6011 starts at $999 for the 32GB version and $1,199 for 64GB, while the iDX6011 Pro comes in at $1,559. A Kickstarter launch is planned for March. Taken together, the NASync iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro feel less like incremental updates and more like a statement of intent. UGREEN is betting that the future of NAS lies not in bigger drives alone, but in smarter, privacy-first systems that actively help users understand and use their data. If that vision resonates, the iDX Series could mark a meaningful turning point for the category.

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These ultra-slim trackers fit where AirTags don’t and are on sale
Macworld TL;DR: Track your wallet and other essentials with ultra-slim Apple Find My–compatible SmartCards, now $69.97 for a 3-pack (reg. $119.97). We’ve all been there. You get home from a great night out, start unloading your pockets, and suddenly it hits you. Your wallet isn’t there. In that moment, you’ll wish you had a KeySmart SmartCard. Designed to slide directly into a wallet like a credit card, it turns items bulky AirTags can’t handle into trackable things for ultimate peace of mind. Right now, a 3-pack is available on price drop for $69.97. Each SmartCard works seamlessly with Apple’s Find My app, so there’s no extra software to learn. Once paired, you can check your wallet’s last known location on a map, play a sound if it’s nearby, or enable Lost Mode so whoever finds it can see your contact information. The ultra-thin design is what makes these different from traditional trackers. They fit into wallets, passport holders, ID badges, or slim bags without adding bulk. They’re also IPX8 waterproof, so spills, rain, or an accidental wash won’t stop them from working. Charging is handled wirelessly, keeping things simple and eliminating tiny cables. With three trackers included, you can cover more than just your wallet. Use the extras for a work bag, travel pouch, or other everyday essentials. For a limited time, you can grab a 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards for $69.97 (reg. $119.97) and add some peace of mind to your everyday carry. KeySmart® SmartCard – Works With Apple Find My | Wireless Charging (3-Pack)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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How folder emoji & customization works in macOS Tahoe
You've long been able to customize folders in the Mac's Finder, but only with a lot of non-obvious fiddling. Now with macOS Tahoe, Apple has made it a lot simpler.You can now customize the color and look of folders much more easily than beforeMaybe you have been using the Mac long enough to remember when third-party firms sold utilities that changed your folders into 3D. Or perhaps you've never given a folder a passing through beyond wondering where you saved it.Whichever folder customizing camp you're in, do take a moment to see what Apple has added — and how it can benefit you. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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This is the weirdest auction of Steve Jobs memorabilia we’ve ever seen
Some rather strange Steve Jobs memorabilia is up for auction, showcasing unique items related to the Apple co-founder. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Mcon mobile gaming controller review: Compact design with premium feel
The new Mcon controller balances portability and performance in a compact, MagSafe-compatible design for iPhone gamers.Mcon mobile gaming controller review: A new take on mobile controllersGaming controllers usually come in two flavors. You'll find ones that are extremely comfortable and capable, as well as those that are small and portable.Finding a controller that is both portable and capable is a rarity, to say the least. The OhSnap Mcon is the first one I've tested that makes good choices on compromises and uses MagSafe for easy connection to iPhone. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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9to5Mac Daily: January 6, 2026 – CES news
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 9to5Mac Daily Plus: Get ad-free versions of every episode by visiting 9to5mac.com/join.  more…

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Price drop: Luminar Mobile’s powerful AI makes every photo Instagram-ready
Luminar Mobile is powerful yet easy to use. The AI photo editor will help you edit amazing pictures on iPhone, iPad or Vision Pro. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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macOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 double 5GHz Wi-Fi bandwidth for Wi-Fi 6E devices
Apple has quietly enhanced Wi-Fi performance on certain Wi-Fi 6E-compatible Macs and iPads with the release of macOS Tahoe 26.2 and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Pluribus had many alternate titles, here’s ‘the worst one of all’ per Vince Gilligan
Pluribus season 1 is over, and in an interview creator Vince Gilligan gave during the show’s run, he revealed how hard it was to land on the meaning-filled final title. more…

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Apple TV has long-delayed thriller series returning this week
Tehran is one of Apple TV’s longest running thriller series, but you may have never heard of it because for years, the new season’s release has been delayed. Recently though, Apple announced that Tehran season 3 is finally about to premiere, and there’s even a season 4 on the way. more…

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Apple TV has long-delayed thriller series returning this week
Tehran is one of Apple TV’s longest running thriller series, but you may have never heard of it because for years, the new season’s release has been delayed. Recently though, Apple announced that Tehran season 3 is finally about to premiere, and there’s even a season 4 on the way. more…

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Apple TV has long-delayed thriller series returning this week
Tehran is one of Apple TV’s longest running thriller series, but you may have never heard of it because for years, the new season’s release has been delayed. Recently though, Apple announced that Tehran season 3 is finally about to premiere, and there’s even a season 4 on the way. more…

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Apple TV has long-delayed thriller series returning this week
Tehran is one of Apple TV’s longest running thriller series, but you may have never heard of it because for years, the new season’s release has been delayed. Recently though, Apple announced that Tehran season 3 is finally about to premiere, and there’s even a season 4 on the way. more…

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Apple TV has long-delayed thriller series returning this week
Tehran is one of Apple TV’s longest running thriller series, but you may have never heard of it because for years, the new season’s release has been delayed. Recently though, Apple announced that Tehran season 3 is finally about to premiere, and there’s even a season 4 on the way. more…

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Apple tests Background Security Improvements in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3
Apple is currently testing a Background Security Improvement update, a feature originally introduced in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple lays important groundwork for stronger iPhone security
Apple began testing Background Security Improvements, which aim to provide additional security between iPhone and Mac software updates. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Dell goes big with UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Dell's UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is a massive display that aims to be better than a dual-display setup, and simultaneously supports up to four PCs and Macs, too.Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor - Image Credit: DellWhile generally associated with PCs, Dell has a decent lineup of monitors that are usually a good option for Mac users. With its latest introduction, Dell is thinking big.As the name implies, the Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is a massive display. At 52 inches, it's big enough to take the physical space of two, or even three, smaller screens. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Use Apple Health to track your mental well-being
Simply log how you feel throughout the day, and your iPhone's built-in mood tracker will help you ID what’s troubling you. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple releases iOS 26.3 security test for beta users, details here
If you’re running the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple has just released a new security update you can install. But there’s a catch: rather than including fixes, the update is simply testing out a new system. Here are the details. more…

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Save $250 on Apple's M4 MacBook Air with 32GB RAM
With memory prices increasing in the tech space, these deals on Apple's M4 MacBook Air with a bump up to 32GB of RAM are especially enticing.Save $250 on two 13-inch MacBook Air configs with 32GB RAM.Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo is knocking $250 off two popular 13-inch MacBook Air configurations that sport 32GB of unified memory.Save $250 on select M4 MacBook Airs Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New Soundcore earbuds morph between open-ear awareness and immersive sound
With Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds, you can physically adjust them to hear surroundings or dive deep into sound with noise cancellation. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple TV’s axed series ‘The Last Frontier’ continues to dominate global streaming charts
At the dawn of 2026, Apple TV+'s recently canceled thriller "The Last Frontier" is defying expectations by maintaining a strong presence… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Innovative ByteSize iPhone SSD boasts fingerprint security, Find My tracking
Unlock your iPhone's potential with the BMX ByteSize SSD, adding up to 2TB of blazing-fast storage for high-res video and other files (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How Tahoe’s Menu Icons Undermine Usability
Software engineer Nikita Prokopov uses Apple’s 1992 Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines to show how macOS 26 Tahoe’s menu icons violate fundamental usability principles—increasing visual search time and error rates, especially for users with low vision.Read original article

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Black Friday: iPad Airs on sale for $150 off Apple’s MSRP, prices start at $449
Take $150 off 11-inch M3 iPad Airs and 13-inch M3 iPad Airs at Amazon as part of their Black Friday sale. Shipping is free. Be sure to order from Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. These are the lowest prices currently available for new M3-powered iPad Airs. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPad Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday: Apple iPads for $70 off MSRP, prices start at $279
Black Friday prices on Apple's 11" A16 iPads are now live at Amazon and Walmart. Take $70 off WiFi models with prices available starting at $279: (1): Amazon has Apple's 11th-generation A16 WiFi iPads on Black Friday sale for $70 off MSRP. Shipping is free: - 11" 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $279 $70 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 256GB WiFi iPads: $379 $70 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 512GB WiFi iPads: $579 $70 off MSRP (2): Walmart is offering a $70 discount on Apple's 11" A16 WiFi iPads as well. Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 11" 128GB WiFi A16 iPad: $279, $70 off MSRP - 11" 256GB WiFi A16 iPad: $379, $70 off MSRP - 11" 512GB WiFi A16 iPad: $579, $70 off MSRP For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Sams Club offering $40 Black Friday savings on Apple HomePods, now $259
Sams Club has Apple HomePods on Black Friday sale for $259. Their price is $40 off Apple's MSRP, and both Space Gray and White colors are available. Sale price is for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup, if available. Sams Club membership required. For the latest prices & sales, see our HomePod Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday: Apple M4 Mac minis on sale for up to $200 off MSRP, prices start at $479
Amazon has M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis on Black Friday sale starting at only $479 and ranging up to $200 off MSRP. Shipping is free. Their prices are the lowest currently available for these popular minis: - Mac mini M4 (16GB/256GB): $479, $120 off MSRP - Mac mini M4 (16GB/512GB): $719, $80 off MSRP - Mac mini M4 (24GB/512GB): $889, $110 off MSRP - Mac mini M4 Pro (24GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off MSRP For the latest prices and sales, keep an eye on our Mac mini Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Black Friday: Apple AirPods on sale for up to $120 off MSRP, prices start at $79
Official Black Friday prices for Apple AirPods are now live at Amazon and Walmart. Both retailers are offering AirPods models for up to $120 off Apple's MSRP. These are the best deals on AirPods this year: (1): Amazon has Apple AirPods on Black Friday sale for up to $120 off MSRP, including free shipping: - AirPods 4: $79.99, $50 off - AirPods 4 with ANC: $109.99, $70 off - AirPods Pro 3: $219.99, $30 off - AirPods Max: $429.99, $120 off (2): Walmart has Apple AirPods on Black Friday sale on their online store for up to $100 off MSRP. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - AirPods 4: $79.99, $50 off - AirPods 4 with ANC: $109.99, $70 off - AirPods Pro 3: $219.99, $30 off - AirPods Max: $499.99, $100 off Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Mac mini with M4 Pro CPU on Black Friday sale for $1199, $200 off Apple’s MSRP
B&H Photo has Apple's Mac mini with the M4 Pro CPU on Black Friday sale for $1199, $200 off MSRP. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - Mac mini M4 Pro CPU (24GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off MSRP Their price (along with Amazon's) is the lowest available for this mini among the retailers we track. For the latest prices and sales, keep an eye on our Mac mini Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Mac Studio with M4 Max CPU on early Black Friday sale for $1799, $200 off Apple’s MSRP
B&H Photo has the standard-configuration Mac Studio model with Apple's M4 Max CPU in stock today and on sale for $200 off MSRP, now $1799 (10-Core CPU and 32GB RAM/512GB SSD). B&H also offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses. Their price is the lowest available for this model. For the latest prices and sales, see our Mac Studio Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Week’s Best early Black Friday MacBook deal: Take $150 off all M4 MacBook Airs, prices start at only $749
Amazon has all 13" M4 MacBook Airs and 15" M4 MacBook Airs on early Black Friday sale right now for $250 off Apple's MSRP right now, starting at only $749. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $749.99, $250 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $949.99, $250 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1149.99, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $949.99, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1149.99, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB/): $1349.99, $250 off Their prices are the lowest available for new M4 MacBook Airs anywhere and represent the best Black Friday deal on Apple products so far this Holiday shopping season. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, both updated daily.

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Apple Watch Series 11 models now on sale for $50 off MSRP
Amazon is now offering a $50 discount on new Apple Watch Series 11 models as part of their early Black Friday sales. Shipping is free: - 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS: $349.99, save $50 - 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS: $379.99, save $50 - 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + 5G: $449.99, save $50 - 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + 5G: $479.99, save $50 These are the lowest prices available for Apple Watch Series 11 models. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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128GB and 256GB M3 iPad Airs on sale for $100 off Apple’s MSRP
Amazon is offering early $100 Black Friday discounts on Apple's 128GB and 256GB M3 iPad Airs. Shipping is free: - 11-inch 128GB M3 iPad Air: $499.99 $100 off MSRP - 11-inch 256GB M3 iPad Air: $599.99 $100 off MSRP - 13-inch 128GB M3 iPad Air: $699.99 $100 off MSRP - 13-inch 256GB M3 iPad Air: $799.99 $100 off MSRP Be sure to order from Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPad Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple AirPods Max on sale for $479, $70 off MSRP
Amazon has AirPods Max with USB-C on sale for $479.99 in most colors. Shipping is free. Their price is $70 off Apple's MSRP, and it's the lowest price available for these AirPods among the retailers we track. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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More Apple Watch Ultra 3 models on sale for $699, $100 off MSRP
Amazon is offering a $100 discount on several Apple Watch Ultra 3 models as part of their early Black Friday sale. Their discounts are the first significant sales for these new Watches. Shipping is free: - Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Black Titanium Case/Black Ocean Band): $699.99 - Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Black Titanium Case/Black Alpine Loop): $699.99 - Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Rugged Titanium Case/Bright Blue Trail Loop): $699.99 - Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Rugged Titanium Case/Light Blue Trail Loop): $699.99 For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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