StreamSaver bundles Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock at a discount
Combine Apple TV+, Netflix, and Peacock for a reduced price. Discover the new StreamSaver streaming bundle option for cordcutters. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Apple & Samsung tied for top spot in customer satisfaction study
Apple and Samsung sit at the top of the heap for satisfaction among smartphone buyers, but the Galaxy edges out the iPhone when it comes to 5G users.Apple's iPhone 15 Pro (left) and Samsung's Galaxy S24Apple is habitually at the top of satisfaction surveys and analysis of hardware sales throughout the year. In a new survey from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, it's something that Apple continues to do with the iPhone.In the ACSI Wireless Phone Service and Cell Phone Study 2023-2024, the overall phone industry saw an improvement in customer satisfaction. The 2024 figure of 81 is a 3% increase from 2023's result, and an all-time high score. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple, SpaceX, Microsoft return-to-office mandates drove senior talent away
"It’s easier to manage a team that’s happy.”

Read more »

Logic Pro now lets you record a fully AI-built band across iPad and Mac
Last week at its iPad event, Apple demoed the future of Logic Pro when it previewed Logic Pro 2 for iPad. The new update leans heavily into AI-driven features, including powerful automatic stem-splitting and the ability to record a fully AI-built band. These Logic Pro updates are now available on both iPad and Mac. Here are the details. more…

Read more »

Comcast plans cheap Apple TV+, Netflix, Peacock bundle
Comcast is preparing to offer consumers a bundle of three streaming services, combining Apple TV+ with Peacock and Netflix in a discounted package.Comcast's bundle will combine Peacock with Apple TV+ and NetflixCord-cutting has been growing over the years, as consumers ditched cable channel bundles in favor of streaming services. To try and reduce customer churn through cancellations, Comcast will be offering users a selection of streaming services in a single package.Called the StreamSaver bundle, Variety reports it is an option for broadband, TV, and mobile customers. It will consist of three services, with Peacock combined with Netflix and Apple TV+. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

iPhone forced to share smartphone satisfaction crown with this competitor, says study
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) released its latest report on how consumers feel about their smartphones. After just edging out the competition last year, Apple’s iPhone has lost its title as the sole winner of the study. more…

Read more »

Hands-on with Setapp Mobile, as limited beta launches in the EU
Setapp Mobile launches as an invitation-only beta in the EU today, offering European iPhone owners a far easier way to get access to multiple apps for a single monthly subscription than the clunky US experience. Even better, for the lucky ones given access to the early beta, it’s free for now … more…

Read more »

Apple wants iPhone-like touch surfaces to be able to wrap around spheres
A flat touch surface isn't enough — thirty years after it retired the trackball in favor of touch-sensitive trackpads on PowerBooks, Apple could be planning to combine the two ideas into a new input device for the MacBook Pro.If Apple did make a trackball again, it would be a touch-sensitive one.First Apple did that thing of putting the trackball at the front of a laptop while moving the keyboard to the back — and everyone followed suit. Then in 1994 it introduced the PowerBook 500 series that had a trackpad, and everyone followed suit.In 2024, a newly-granted patent suggests that Apple could be finally putting two and two together, to get a touch-sensitive trackball. That is definitely one clear example use case for the patent "Spherical or highly curved touch-sensitive surfaces." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

M4 iPad Pro reviews praise what it looks like but not what it does
Macworld Just a week after Apple’s Let Loose event, the first reviews of Apple’s new flagship tablets have arrived. And as with all iPad Pros that came before, two things are true: The hardware is incredible, but the software is lacking. Design Writing at The Verge, David Pierce calls the M4 iPad Pro “a genuine achievement in tablet design” in the very first sentence. He remarks how the device “feels like a piece of glass in your hand” and it’s so thin that “the USB-C plug I use to charge the 13-inch Pro I’ve been testing is already thicker than the iPad itself.” Samuel Axon at Ars Technica writes that the iPad Pro is “a prime example of Apple flexing its engineering and design muscles … with one of the best screens I’ve ever seen, performance that few other machines can touch, and a new, thinner design that no one expected.” Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham calls the iPad Pro “an undeniable feat of engineering” with a thin design that “radically” changes the experience and makes the 13-inch iPad Pro easier to handle. Jason Snell at Six Colors agrees, saying the 13-inch model is “less awkward to hold in one hand now.” Display All reviewers praised the OLED screen, with CNET’s Scott Stein saying it is “the display I want in every Pro-level Apple computer, or just every Apple device period.” Blacks and HDR content were particularly praised, with Pierce pointing out that “the letterboxes above and below a video just disappear into the bezel, and photos look much more dynamic.” Snell writes that watching movies on the M4 iPad Pro is “uniformly great” and “a huge leap from a more traditionally backlit display.” Words like “gorgeous,” “delightful,” and “vibrant” peppered nearly every review and it’s clear that the display is the best reason to upgrade. The iPad Pro’s display is richer and deeper than that of any tablet Apple has ever made. The iPad Pro’s display is richer and deeper than that of any tablet Apple has ever made.Petter Ahrnstedt The iPad Pro’s display is richer and deeper than that of any tablet Apple has ever made.Petter Ahrnstedt Petter Ahrnstedt Processor and battery life The M4 processor brings a big boost over the previous model’s M2 and the current M3 in the latest MacBook Airs, but reviewers agree that it’s overkill in an iPad. Stein sums it up best: “It’s hard for me to figure out how to push the M4 in meaningful ways, and that’s because a lot of apps optimized for it aren’t here yet.” Nevertheless, benchmarks show the chip to be extremely fast, with Geekbench 6 multicore scores of nearly 15,000. That’s better than all but the highest-end M3 Macs on the market, a fact that several reviewers pointed out as somewhat strange, especially since iPadOS is optimized for older chips and doesn’t have many apps to take advantage of such high-end silicon. Even with extra efficiency cores and an OLED display, battery life for the new iPad Pro is still roughly the same as the M2 model, enough to last all day but less than a MacBook Air. According to YouTuber Dave2D, it actually lasts slightly less than the M2 model, but not enough where anyone would notice. 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $1299 at Apple Conclusion Ultimately, the biggest drawbacks to the new iPad Pros are the same as with every previous model: the high price, and the underpowered software. The new iPads cost $200 more than the M2 models across the board, which Axon and others call “overkill” when other iPads run the same software as every other model which, as Pierce writes, “has let its hardware down for years.” Our colleagues at Macworld Sweden were more succinct, calling iPadOS “lame” and challenging Apple to add features and capabilities to the operating system. In the end, reviewers agree that the M4 iPad Pro is a stunning piece of technology with cutting-edge hardware that probably won’t be matched for years. But unless money is no object, you’re probably better off with an iPad Air. iPad

Read more »

New Chinese import tariffs could see Apple caught up in new trade war
The White House has announced steep increases in a number of Chinese import tariffs, raising the prospect of another trade war between the two countries. The last time this happened, China directly threatened to use Apple as a bargaining chip in response to new tariffs imposed by the previous administration … more…

Read more »

Will Apple ever take the training wheels off iPadOS?
The iPad experience, for iPad pro users especially remains frustrating as Apple's training wheels remain stubbornly in place in iPadOS … The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Space Gray vs. Silver MacBook (Buyer’s Guide)
After you’ve settled on the specs, there’s still one more crucial decision to make before you buy a MacBook Pro: Silver vs. Space Gray. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Amazon drops Apple's M4 iPad Pro to $949 ahead of tomorrow's release
Amazon's preorder discount on Apple's M4 iPad Pro knocks double digits off the 2024 tablet.The 11-inch iPad Pro with 256GB capacity, Wi-Fi functionality and Standard Glass is on sale at Amazon today, but the $50 preorder discount may end when the tablet is officially released on May 15.Buy for $949.99The redesigned iPad Pro features a landscape front camera, great for video calls, and a powerful M4 chip. Amazon's price drop on the standard 11-inch model matches the lowest price we've seen since the 2024 tablet was announced on May 7. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

Read more »

The best video apps for professional video editing on any iPad
The recently launched Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 is a great iPad editor, but it's not the only one and it might not be the right one for you. Here are some excellent choices for professional-grade video editing on iPad.Final Cut Pro for iPad 2The original iPad, once primarily used for video consumption, has evolved into a powerful tool for video creation. This is thanks to the advancements in video editing apps, some new features, and the increased power of the iPad's processor.Here are the five best video editors on iPad — and you don't need an iPad Pro to get the most out of them. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Streaming bundle of Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock announced, ‘vastly reduced’ price promised
The trio of Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock are to be packaged in a new streaming TV bundle option, as teased by Comcast CEO Brian Roberts at a conference today. More details about the bundle offering will be revealed later this month, but Roberts promised a “vastly reduced” price compared to buying the three services separately. more…

Read more »

AI-Enhanced Searches May Pose Threat to Creators, Publishers
Anyone who's done a Google search knows it's already stuffing AI summaries into its search results, but it will be upping its ante in AI when a program called Search Generative Experience (SGE) exits its current experimental phase. The feature could be a nightmare for content creators. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

Read more »

New iPad Pro display struggles to display some shades of blue
The OLED screen is the headline feature of the shiny new iPad Pro, but it seems that a little more software tweaking may be needed. Testing by one reviewer found that the device struggles to display certain shades of blue. Specifically, HDR highlights are blown out, appearing almost white, in a problem the report says is replicable on the 13-inch iPad Pro … more…

Read more »

iPhone 16 Pro may get Apple's brightest display yet
The display of the iPhone 16 Pro line could be easier to see in daylight, if a new rumor is accurate.Apple already includes a very bright display in the iPhone 15 ProThe iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are already the brightest iPhones available. The months-away iPhone 16 Pro could end up being even brighter for everyday use.According to serial leaker Setsuna Digital on Weibo, the iPhone 16 Pro will have a typical maximum brightness of 1,200 nits, and a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

The best USB-C hubs for iPad
Macworld Apple’s iPads now all use the universal USB-C connector port rather than Apple’s old Lightning connector. The M1/M2/M4 iPad Pro models use the even more capable but identical-looking (and compatible to USB-C) Thunderbolt connection (USB4). What many people don’t realise is that the USB-C port is good for more than charging or plugging in wired earbuds. Apple’s tablets can also be used with other peripherals that transform it into an even more versatile computer. As such, iPad owners have a wide range of USB-C accessories available to them unless their older iPad still uses the Lightning connector. Some of the USB-C hubs connect directly into the iPad. Others require a cable connection; some come with both, which helps when the iPad is in a protective case. We have also included stands for iPads that include built-in multiport hubs. Best USB-C hubs and docks for iPad HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best overall USB-C hub for iPad Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad 60W passthrough charging Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $50 at B&H$78.04 at Walmart$99.49 at Amazon Colors: Space Gray, Silver Ports: USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, UHS-I microSD, SD card, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz, although that might be a push if you are using all the other ports at the same time. This good-looking hub, with built-in USB-C connector, features a grip that secures it onto an iPad Pro without damaging the surface. However, you can remove the grip if you use a third-party iPad case. It connects direct to the iPad but handily also comes with a USB-C extender cable so you can use it as a USB-C hub for your MacBook or another USB-C device, too. It can charge a device at up to 60W. It’s also lightweight at just 33g (1.16oz) and at 3.66-x-1.3-x-0.39in (9.3-x-3.3-x-1cm) it’s small enough to slip into a pocket. If you don’t need the memory card readers, the $59.99 HyperDrive 4-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad, available in either Silver or Space Gray, adds four ports: 4K 30Hz HDMI, 60W USB-C power delivery, 5Gbps USB-A, and 3.5mm audio jack. It weighs just 1.34oz (38g). Twelve South StayGo mini – smallest USB-C hub for iPad Pros 4 ports inc HDMI Super small and lightweight 85W passthrough charging Direct fit to iPad Cons Slower USB-A 4K at 30Hz No card reader Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: $59.75 at Walmart$59.99 at Amazon$59.99 at B&H Colors: Black Ports:  USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (85W), USB-A (480MBbps, 7.5W), HDMI 2.0, Audio Out Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This small hub can connect to your iPad (or MacBook) via either the integrated USB-C connector or a detachable cable (20in). The cable is useful if your iPad is in a protective case, and you could use your own longer cable if required. StayGo mini adds just four ports, but enough for you to attach an external display (4K at 30Hz), a USB-A device and headphones as well as powering your tablet or laptop at the same time–especially handy for tablets that have just the one port. It weighs just 36g and measures 2.8-x-1.25-x-0.3in (72-x-32-x-8mm), making it the smallest USB-C iPad hub we have tested. The USB-A port is USB 2.0, so limited to 480Mbps data transfer compared to the 5Gbps on offer on some of the other hubs reviewed here. Twelve South also sells a less-mini but still highly portable StayGo USB-C hub that boasts nine ports, including Gigabit Ethernet and SD and Micro USB card readers alongside the HDMI, USB-A and USB-C passthrough power delivery. Satechi USB-C Mobile Pro Hub SD – lightest USB-C hub Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad 60W passthrough charging Cons UHS I SD speed Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: $58.99 at Amazon$69.99 at B&H$69.99 at Satechi Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This is the lightest USB-C hub we tested weighing just 33g (1.16oz). Its dimensions are 3.85-x-1.45-x-0.4in (98-x-37-x-11mm) so It’s a little bigger than the Twelve South StayGo mini but a few grams lighter, and includes both SD and microSD card reader slots, which are lacking from the StayGo. The HDMI port can push a 4K monitor at 60Hz. And the hub can charge a device at up to 60W via the USB-C PD passthrough charger port. It ships with a detachable USB-C extension cable if you want to use it with a device other than an iPad or use with an iPad in a case. Satechi also sells a slightly cheaper USB-C Mobile Pro Hub that doesn’t include the card readers. Kensington StudioDock iPad Docking Station – best stand/dock for iPad Pros 8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Wireless device charging Stand Cons Not height adjustable Price When Reviewed: $289.99 Best Prices Today: $99.95 at Amazon$199.99 at Kensington Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: K39160WW StudioDock: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021 and 2022 models); K34031WW StudioDock: 11-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021 and 2022 models) and iPad Air (2020/2022) but not with the 10.9-inch (10th generation) iPad; K34030WW StudioDock: 2.9-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020). For the ultimate iPad hub, enter the Kensington StudioDock—a full-featured docking station that’s also a good-looking 120-degree tilting stand that will raise your iPad up to 13cm from the desk. StudioDock turns your iPad into a desktop workstation, with attached peripherals, charging and external display. The iPad magnetically attaches in either portrait or landscape mode and will even fast-charge your iPhone (7.5W) and AirPods (5W) at its base; you can also add an optional Apple Watch charging module for the full Apple experience.   The iPad is connected via USB-C with 37.5W charging and 5Gbps data transfer. The latest iPad Pro uses USB4/Thunderbolt 4 but it is backwards compatible with USB-C, although some of its 40Gbps will be lost in the connection. At the back a single HDMI 2.0 video output connects your iPad to an external 4K or HD display at 60Hz; maximum resolution is 3840 x 2160. Alongside the HDMI are three 5Gbps USB-A ports (slightly underpowered at just 4.5W) and Gigabit Ethernet for wired Internet access. To the side is a fast UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader, which adds portable storage to your iPad when connected, and a 5Gbps USB-C port (15W). There is also a combo 3.5mm audio jack here. The included power supply can offer up to 135W. StudioDock is available in three models, so make sure you select the right one; see compatibility list above. Satechi 6-in-1 Aluminum Stand & Hub – best mini USB-C dock Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Built-in iPad stand Foldable Cons Bulkier than most Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Amazon$99.99 at B&H$99.99 at Satechi Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI (4K at 60Hz), 3.5mm audio, and UHS-I microSD and SD Card readers Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Combining both a stand and a handy array of easy-access ports at the back, this iPad Pro hub raises your iPad to a better angle for viewing and Zoom calls as well as enabling simple device connection. It folds into a neat portable package (283g, 10oz), and connects to the iPad with its integrated USB-C cable so everything is included.  Plugable USB-C Docking Station (UDS-7IN1) – best budget stand/dock for iPad Pros 8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD Light, portable stand Cons Not height adjustable 4K at 30Hz Price When Reviewed: $69 Best Prices Today: $59.95 at Amazon$59.95 at B&H$59.95 at Walmart Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/91W), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: A more affordable hub/stand alternative to the mighty Kensington StudioDock is the Plugable USB-C Docking Station, which is both a USB-C dock and a convenient stand for up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It features two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4 port, both SD and MicroSD card readers and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and a 20-inch (50cm) USB-C cable is included. At the back, alongside the HDMI port is another USB-C port that you can connect to a USB-C wall charger to allow up to 91W charging for the connected device—plenty for even the hungriest iPad. The USB-A ports aren’t really built for charging connected devices, so are limited to 4.5W charging. With the HDMI 1.4 port you can connect a 4K external display at 30Hz. Gamers and streamers might prefer a hub with at least HDMI 2.0 to get the smoothest 60Hz screen refresh rates, but for general productivity usage 30Hz is perfectly acceptable. Made of aluminum, it’s light enough (303g) to be carried around and it folds up for added portability points. The iPad can be tilted on the stand for the best viewing angles. iPadOS 16.1 or later is required for using Stage Manager to extend your laptop screen to the iPad. StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter – best USB-C hub for passthrough charging Pros 5 ports inc HDMI 92W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad Cons No card reader Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: $29.99 at Amazon$39.99 at Startech.com Colors: Space Gray, silver Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/92W), USB-A (5Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps, BC 1.2 Fast Charge), HDMI, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The 92W passthrough charging is impressive. Although this may be overkill when used with a tablet, it makes a big difference when you use it with a laptop. The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz. This compact hub, with built-in USB-C connector, is the lightest we have tested, at just 44g (1.5oz). It’s also small, at 3.5-x-1.3-x-0.3in (90-x-32-x-8.5mm). As well as the HDMI and audio port, it features two USB-A ports, one for data (5Gbps) and one for fast charging (7.5W). HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub for iPad Pro/Air – best USB-C hub for media controls Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Media controls Direct fit to iPad Cons Longer than most Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $32.99 at Best Buy$99.96 at Amazon$99.99 at Hyper Colors: Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), one USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, 3.5mm audio, Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow. We’ve seen faster ports on the other hubs reviewed here, but it’s the media buttons that make the difference here. It can connect in a tight fit to the iPad or via a detachable longer 2in cable if you need the extra length. At 3.85-x-1.14-x-0.47in (9.8-x-2.9-x-1.2cm), it’s a little longer than other iPad hubs tested here, but it’s lightweight at just 1.62oz (46g). Baseus 8-in-1 USB-C Hub Pros 8 ports inc HDMI, Ethernet and SD/microSD 92W passthrough charging Three USB ports Cons Cable fit to iPad 4K at 30Hz Larger than most Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: $35.99 at Amazon$39.99 at Baseus Colors: Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/100W), three USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The Baseus 8-in-1 USB-C Hub does not fit directly to the iPad, as it’s more of a general USB-C hub that can work with any USB-C computer. While that may be a negative point in terms of neatness, it does mean this has more ports than most other hubs reviewed here. The integrated USB-C cable itself is quite neat, with its end stored in a special slot, creating a handy loop to keep things tidy. At 132mm long and 82g in weight, it’s larger than most but still highly portable. Its eights ports include Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI (although 4K at 30Hz rather than 60Hz), three 5Gbps USB-A ports, passthrough charging at 100W (overkill for a tablet but great if you also use it with a laptop), and both SD and MicroSD card readers. Baseus has a varied but almost overwhelming range of cabled USB-C hubs on Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and Amazon UK so you can pick out only the ports you need. Caldigit USB-C SOHO Dock Pros 7 ports inc HDMI, DisplayPort and SD/microSD Fast USB-C ports 4K at 60Hz Small for a dock Cons Large for an iPad hub Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Amazon$79.99 at CalDigit Colors: Silver Ports:  USB-C (to iPad), USB-C (10Gbps), USB-C PD (10Gbps/100W), USB-A (10Gbps), DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, UHS II SD, UHS II microSD Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Coming with a separate USB-C cable, this aluminium mini dock has the highest-spec ports. Although pretty small (3.66-x-2.53-x-0.75in or 93-x-64.3-x-19mm) for a docking station, it’s larger than the dedicated iPad hubs tested here, so there’s space for both DisplayPort and HDMI ports so you can choose your preferred connection to add an external display to the iPad. As the cable is detachable, you can use your own longer cable if necessary, but you’ll need one rated to handle 10Gbps. And because of the high bandwidth, the dock can easily handle a 4K display at 60Hz, even with other ports in use. Read the full Caldigit SOHO Dock review. CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub – best Thunderbolt 4 hub for multiple USB devices Pros Four Thunderbolt 4 ports Four fast USB-A ports 5K at 60Hz Multiple external displays Cons No card reader Large for an iPad hub Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: $199.95 at Amazon$199.95 at CalDigit Colors: Space Gray Ports:  Upstream Thunderbolt 4 (to iPad; 60W PD), three downstream Thunderbolt (40Gbps, 15W), four USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W) Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Apple’s iPad Pro (2021) models use 40Gbps Thunderbolt rather than 5Gbps USB-C, so to gain that full bandwidth a Thunderbolt hub is the best you can get. This is a hub that you can also use for maximum MacBook bandwidth as well as with your iPad Pro. Choosing a hub or dock with the latest Thunderbolt 4 connection standard makes perfect sense as TB4 is backwards compatible with USB-C and so will work with any USB-C iPad too. You won’t find more modern USB ports on a hub than you get here, and they are all rated at top speeds. As such, it’s larger than other dedicated iPad hubs, measuring 4.48-x-2.74-x-0.7in (114-x-70-18mm) and weighing 6.2oz (180g). Recommended if you require multiple devices to connect to your iPad, and if you use it with a MacBook, too. Read the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub review. Choosing a USB-C hub With a hub you can add extra USB ports (Type-C and the older Type-A), SD and MicroSD card readers, gigabit ethernet, wired headphones, cameras, keyboards, and more. You can also connect your USB-C iPad to your computer or to an external display using a hub’s USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort outputs. The latest iPad Pro models (with Thunderbolt/USB4) can even connect to Apple’s Pro Display XDR display. Some USB-C hubs are specially designed for the iPad (and fit neatly with the need for a long cable connection), but you can also use an array of generic USB-C hubs. And you can take it one step further with a full docking station that can also work with your laptop. Depending on which model you buy, a hub or dock connects to the iPad and offers an array of extra ports. USB-C Whatever hub you buy will use up the iPad’s sole port, so you’ll need at least one extra USB-C port on the hub for pass-through charging, as you don’t want your tablet’s battery to fade mid use. Make sure at least one of the hub’s USB-C ports is capable of Power Delivery (PD) for charging. And look for high charging power if there is a maximum wattage on the hub. The iPad requires at least a 20W charger for fast charging, which all the hubs can handle but a more powerful charger may enable speeds up to 30W. More USB-C ports on the hub mean you can use them for more modern peripherals and an external display that connects via a USB-C cable. The minimum data-transfer bandwidth of USB 3 is 5Gbps, so this is the most common speed on hubs, but some offer 10Gbps that is more capable for things like connecting an external monitor. In Apple’s latest (2024) iPad line-up, the iPad mini has a 5Gbps USB-C port, while the standard iPad has a USB-C port with a much slower USB 2 data-transfer rate of just 480Mbps. The iPad Air has 10Gbps bandwidth, and the iPad Pro uses 40Gbps Thunderbolt, see below. Thunderbolt The M1/M2/M4 iPad Pro boasts the more capable Thunderbolt connection. It uses the USB-C connector, but Thunderbolt has bandwidth up to 40Gbps compared to just 5Gbps or 10Gbps for USB. Thunderbolt hubs and docks are more expensive than their simpler USB-C cousins, but power users will benefit from the extra bandwidth. For example, a Thunderbolt hub or dock can use this bandwidth to connect a 4K display running at 60Hz and still have data-transfer capacity for other devices such as hard drives. USB-A Universal and reversible, USB-C is a great connector, but most of us still have a few devices that connect via the more common Type-A USB port, such as flash memory sticks, hard drives, and input devices. USB-A ports are used mainly for lower-powered devices, but the ports do come in different speeds. USB 2.0 is the slowest at 480Mbps. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is rated at 5Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2 is 10Gbps. Some hubs boast multiple USB-A ports, so consider how many you might need to use at the same time. SD and microSD Card readers You can connect a camera or a card reader directly to the iPad’s USB-C port, but a more flexible option is to use a hub with either an SD or microSD Card reader, and many hubs have both. These little memory cards are also an inexpensive portable storage and backup solution, with capacities of up to 1TB. Look for the faster UHS-II type reader, which can handle up to 312MBps data transfer, compared to UHS-II’s maximum 104MBps. Gigabit ethernet Wired internet or network access is much faster than WiFi, so if you’re using your iPad at a desk, make sure the hub you choose has a gigabit ethernet port. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a USB-C-to-gigabit ethernet adapter that plugs directly into your iPad. Audio If you want to hook up some wired headphones or a microphone, look for a hub with 3.5mm audio jack port since none of Apple’s current iPad range has one. Some older iPads have an audio port. External displays A hub is basically essential when using an external display because the iPad has just one USB-C port and you can’t simultaneously charge the tablet at the same time. So, you’ll want to look for a hub with either two USB-C ports (one for charging) or a hub with an HDMI or DisplayPort (or even VGA if you have an older display). It you want to mirror your iPad’s screen to a larger one, it’s possible to connect an external display direct with a USB-C cable, but unless the monitor has its own USB-C input, look for a hub with a DisplayPort or HDMI port. Using a hub’s USB-C port, you will need either a USB-C-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable or adapter. For general productivity purposes, 30Hz screen rates are acceptable for 4K monitors, but 60Hz is better for gaming or action-graphics video. Depending on the cable, you might get varied refresh rates. It’s a little confusing, but for the most part, 5Gbps USB-C is mostly limited to 30Hz (but can be pushed to 60Hz if the bandwidth is not taken up by the other ports), a 10Gbps USB-C connection should allow 60Hz 4K, and Thunderbolt will easily push 6K displays with high refresh rates. Docks and Hubs, Tablet Accessories

Read more »