New HomePod Mini Announcement Could Be Closing In
A new HomePod mini with a new chip may be announced soon. The second-gen smart speaker is expected to feature a state-of-the-art chip for better responsiveness and advanced computational audio. The company is expected to equip the device with an S9 chip, up from the S5 chip of the Apple Watch Series 5 from 2019. […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Unified Rear Look Coming To The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Next year’s iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly no longer use the iPhone 17 Pro’s two-tone look on its rear casing and instead will be using a more aesthetic, seamless design. Current iPhone 17 Pro models have a glass cutout for MagSafe charging at the rear, and there is a difference in color between the cutout […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple board preparing for a post–Tim Cook era
Apple may be nearing a CEO transition, with a report claiming the board is stepping up its search for a Tim Cook replacement. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Tim Cook to step down as chief executive as soon as next year – FT
Apple is intensifying succession planning efforts, as the company prepares for Tim Cook to step down as chief executive as soon as next year… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Meta Replaced the Native WhatsApp for Windows 11 With a Shitty Web App
The question is, did Meta scrap its native Windows app because they don’t care that much about Windows in particular? Or because they don’t care that much about native desktop apps, period — and a crude web app wrapper is coming to Mac next?

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Apple hit with $634 million verdict in Apple Watch patent fight with Masimo
A federal jury in California has sided with Masimo in a patent battle with Apple over Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature. The jury awarded Masimo $634 million in damages and concluded that Apple infringed on a Masimo patent covering low power pulse oximeter features. As explained by Daily Journal, much of the case centered on whether Apple Watch can be categorized as a “patient monitor” per Masimo’s patent. more…

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Will Apple’s rumored A18-powered budget MacBook be a winner?
Next year, Apple is reportedly going to debut a new MacBook model beneath the MacBook Air. It’ll be the first MacBook to utilize iPhone silicon, and it’ll be the first MacBook that sells far beneath the $999 price point. It sounds like a winning formula – but will it actually be one? more…

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Indie App Spotlight: ‘Dimewise’ is a minimal budgeting app for iPhone, with Liquid Glass
Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact. Budgeting apps are certainly plentiful on the App Store, but if you want one that’s simple, good looking, and easy to use – Dimewise might be a good choice for you. more…

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Best stylus for iPad: Turn your iPad into a sketchbook
Macworld The iPad is a capable device for both art and productivity, but it becomes a stronger proposition in both areas if you have a good stylus to hand. Whether you’re sketching a new building design, taking notes during a work meeting or designing graphics, a stylus is a game-changer. But with so many to choose from in just about every shape and size, which is the best for your needs? Everyone has heard of the Apple Pencil, but there are plenty of great alternatives that cost a fraction of the price.  If you want an Apple Pencil and need more information to help you choose, take a look at our Best Apple Pencil guide, which should help you determine which one works with your iPad. The best iPad stylus If you’d prefer to consider all the options alongside Apple’s, here’s what we consider to be the best iPad styluses available right now. Apple Pencil Pro – Best stylus for artists Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (Pro) – 2024 $100 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: M2 & M3 iPad Air; M4 iPad Pro, iPad mini A17 Pro The Apple Pencil Pro replaced the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil (featured below). Both support pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, features appreciated by artists. The Apple Pencil Pro adds the following features: A gyroscope that lets you “roll” the pencil to change the orientation of shaped brushes and tools. A taptic engine for haptic feedback. Find My support. Squeeze sensitivity, to open palettes or change tool options like weights or colors. These features make the Apple Pencil Pro ideal for artists and illustrators, but the Apple Pencil 1 and 2 are still available and cheaper options for artists who don;’t need the additional features. Also, you can’t buy an Apple Pencil Pro and use it with any iPad made before May 2024. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – Good for artists with older iPads Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $17.99 View Deal $109 View Deal $123.68 View Deal $124.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Pencil (2nd gen) – 2018 $82.58 View Deal $94.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th gen); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th gen); iPad Air (4th-5th gen); iPad mini (6th gen) The Apple Pencil 2nd gen, which launched in 2018, is shorter than the original Pencil and has a flat edge you can tap to trigger app-specific functions. This makes Apple’s stylus easier to hold and it stops it rolling off your desk. The 2nd gen Pencil is also magnetically attachable to the iPad, which also helps with the rolling. Unlike the 1st gen Pencil, the 2nd-gen Pencil doesn’t use a Lightning connector for charging, instead, it charges wirelessly when connected to the iPad, which is much neater. The 2nd-gen Pencil is matt white rather than the glossy white of the original (which could be a bit dazzling). You can also tell the two apart because the original had a metallic ring next to the charging cap. Both the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils are equally responsive and pressure-sensitive. You can tilt the stylus to create different textures, making it a great tool for handwriting, sketching, note-taking and illustration. Read our full Apple Pencil (2nd generation) review Zagg Pro Stylus 2 – Best Apple Pencil alternative Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $60.90 View Deal $66.22 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Zagg $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: All iPads 2018 and newer We loved the original Zagg Pro Stylus so we were happy to hear that there was a new model. The Pro Stylus 2 is a good alternative to the Apple Pencil with many of the same features including wireless charging, a replaceable tip and attaching magnetically to the iPad Air and iPad Pro. One advantage is that unlike the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil the Zag Pro Stylus 2 can be used with any iPad since 2018. The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is comfortable to hold, has a matt coating, and comes in a selection of colors. There are two tips: a replaceable stylus tip and a capacitive rubber tip which can be used for scrolling and also functions as the power button. To save power, the Pro Stylus 2 switches off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity. The battery should last for around 6.5 hours. We tested with a number of creative apps and found the experience akin to the Apple Pencil 2, however, it didn’t work well with Adobe Photoshop due to significant delays. If you are using Photoshop then look elsewhere. Read our full Zagg Pro Stylus 2 review Baseus Smooth Writing PS4 360° – Great stylus for note-taking Price When Reviewed: $89 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.19 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen), iPad Pro (from 2nd gen), iPad Air (from 3rd gen), iPad Mini (from 5th gen) It is easy to pair the Baseus PS4 Smooth Writing 360° stylus with an iPad. Like the Apple Pencil, the Baseus pen automatically enters standby mode after three minutes of inactivity. You can wake it by pressing the clicker or simply lifting the pen. This clicker is a clever touch, instead of retracting a writing tip as it would on a traditional ballpoint pen, it powers the stylus on or wakes it from standby. In compatible apps, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, the clicker can even be used to advance slides. A small LED ring around the clicker displays battery status: blue when above 6%, red when it drops below. The stylus also includes a hardware clip that cleverly hides the charging port. This means no extra caps to lose, and the design remains clean and practical. Functionally, the Baseus PS4 offers many of the same basics as an Apple Pencil: it supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, which is especially noticeable in Crayon or Pen modes in Notes and Freeform. The handwriting recognition in ballpoint mode works reliably as well. If your iPad has a screen protector, Baseus recommends adjusting the settings in its app to boost Bluetooth performance for smoother input. A double-tap on the flat side of the pen also serves as an undo gesture. A built-in magnet along the flat side lets you attach the stylus to compatible iPads, much like Apple’s model. Overall, the Baseus PS4 is a strong alternative to the Apple Pencil. The thoughtful mechanical features stand out, solving issues that often crop up in other third-party styluses. If you primarily need core functions—writing, note-taking, sketching, or university and school work—the Baseus PS4 is a practical and appealing option. It comes with an extra replacement tip and a USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Read our full Baseus Smooth Writing PS4 360° review Apple Pencil (1st generation) – Pressure sensitive Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (6th-10th generation); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st-2nd gen); iPad Pro 10.5-inch; iPad Pro 9.7-inch; iPad Air (3rd gen); iPad mini (5th gen) The second generation Apple Pencil features earlier this round-up, but we still recommend the first generation Apple Pencil, which launched way back in 2015 but is compatible with the standard iPad from 6th to 10th generation and A16 model (as well as a number of older iPad models). If those are the iPads you have this is the Apple Pencil for you. We compare the two generations of Apple Pencil in Apple Pencil (2018) vs Apple Pencil (2015). One benefit of the older Apple Pencil, assuming it works with your iPad, is that it is cheaper than the second-generation version at $99/£99 rather than $129/£129. It is still more expensive than the Apple Pencil (USB-C), which costs $79/£79, though. However, the Apple Pencil 1 supports pressure sensitivity and tilt detection where the USB-C Apple Pencil doesn’t, making the Apple Pencil 1 a better choice for artists, as long as they don’t mind the Lightning connector. The original Apple Pencil is almost entirely white, with just a metallic band at the non-writing end by the charging cap. This cap conceals a Lightning port for charging and syncing. When you want to charge the Pencil you can just plug it into the iPad’s Lightning port or use an adapter if your iPad has a USB-C port (as is the case with the iPad 10th gen and A16). There is a downside to charging this way: you can’t use the Pencil while it is charging and it looks pretty ridiculous. Here’s how to check the Apple Pencil’s battery percentage. The Pencil feels pretty good in the hand, with a nice weight to it. The Apple Pencil and compatible iPads have sensors that can detect the pressure you’re using and the angle you’re holding the stylus at, making it effortless to create lines of different thicknesses. In the Pencil’s tip there are two tilt sensors which the iPad’s display will keep track of to work out the exact orientation and angle of your hands as you draw. For example, you can use the side of the Pencil’s tip for realistic shading like you would with a real pencil lead. The Apple Pencil knows to ignore the wrist and palm You get a spare tip in the box, but it’s identical to the one that comes attached to the Pencil. Read our full Apple Pencil (1st generation) review Baseus Smooth Writing 3 Stylus – Cheapest Apple Pencil alternative Price When Reviewed: $40 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Ali Express $12.81 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen), iPad Pro (from 2nd gen), iPad Air (from 3rd gen), iPad Mini (from 5th gen) If you’re on the hunt for a cheap and cheerful stylus that looks and feels (for the most part) like an Apple Pencil USB-C, then the Baseus Smooth Writing 3 is one to consider. At just under £30 (there’s no current US distribution), you get a lightweight plastic construction that’s comfortable for writing and drawing. There’s a central flat edge, where you can attach the stylus magnetically to the edge of a compatible iPad, at the top of which is the USB-C port (neatly hidden under a branded rubber cover), power button and three indicator lights so you can see the current state of the battery charge. The removable rubber tip seems quite durable and Baseus includes a spare one in the box, alongside a charging cable. Taking notes with the Smooth Writing 3 is pleasant, as the responsiveness is even and reliable. There’s also decent palm cancelling, allowing you to scribble away without suddenly finding the cursor has jumped to another part of the screen. The power button doubles as a quick command trigger, with the accompanying Baseus app giving the option of up to 32 different functions of which you can assign one at a time. These include going back to the Home Screen, muting sound, taking a screenshot, opening search, undoing the last action, and on some apps (although sadly not Apple Notes) switching to the eraser. The Baseus stylus doesn’t feature tilt or pressure sensitivity, so it isn’t good for art or more advanced graphics work, but for doodling and quick sketching it can do the job.   Battery life is good, with Baseus claiming 17 hours of continuous use from a single charge. My arthritic hands wouldn’t allow that kind of marathon, but across a week of daily use for an hour or so there was still power left in the 140mAh cell. There’s no wireless charging, but plugging in the USB-C cable for half an hour had it back up to full capacity.  If you want a simple, affordable and reliable writing tool, then the Baseus Smooth Writing 3 is well worth checking out. Adonit Note+ 2 – Comfortable to hold stylus Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adonit $69.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch The Adonit Note+ 2 is a slimline stylus that features an impressive amount of versatility. Housed in an aluminum body that weighs only 14g, it’s comfortable to hold and use for longer writing or sketching sessions. On the body there are two buttons, one is for the standard power and pairing features, but once connected to Bluetooth they can both be programmed in a variety of supported apps to execute commands. So, you might set one for Undo and the other for Redo which enables you to quickly fix mistakes in your note or illustration without having to access menus. In the box you’ll find three different replacement tips – soft, medium and hard – allowing users to tailor the physical experience to their personal preferences. The Note+ 2 supports palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, so long as the app you’re using does too (the list of compatible apps covers pretty much all the big hitters for notes and art). Adonit has also built-in an angle detection technology which means you can have thicker or thinner pen-strokes by simply tilting the stylus. Writing and drawing with the Note+ 2 is smooth and reliable, with the slim profile nestling into the hand. There’s a flat side opposite the buttons which provides a steady grip and is also home to magnets that mean you can attach the stylus to the edge of your iPad when you’re taking a break. Battery life tops out at eight hours, which takes one hour of charging through the USB-C port to achieve. But, if you run out of juice while in the midst of a creative frenzy, five minutes of charging will keep you going for another hour. Apple Pencil (USB-C) – Best value iPad pencil Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $79 View Deal $79 View Deal $79 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (USB-C) – 2018 $64.22 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad Pro 13-inch M4; iPad Pro 11-inch M4; iPad (10th gen); iPad Air 13-inch (M2 & M3); iPad Air 11-inch (M2 & M3); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th gen); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th gen); iPad Air (4th-5th gen); iPad mini (6th gen & A17 Pro) The Apple Pencil (USB-C) isn’t quite as good as the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil from 2018 and doesn’t even have all of the same features of the 1st-gen Apple Pencil from 2015. It includes some of the same features as the prior models (including low latency and tilt sensitivity), but is also missing pressure sensitivity and wireless charging–in fact, it is the only model with a port for charging. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is really more for handwriting than illustrations, so this isn’t the Apple Pencil for artists. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for storage, like the 2nd-gen model. It is also shorter than both the 1st-gen and 2nd-gen models (6.10 inches vs 6.92 inches and 6.53 inches). You can’t engrave it, but it’s cheaper than both its Apple siblings. Logitech Crayon (USB-C) – Good compatibility Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $53 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Logitech $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch The Logitech Crayon was one of the first quality alternatives to the original Apple Pencil, and since then the company has updated the stylus to an improved second generation. This features a refined design and ditches the Lightning port of the first one, replacing it with the more useful USB-C. Where the first-gen model featured orange plastic coloring at the top and bottom as an option, the new version goes for a sleeker, simpler aesthetic with a silver aluminum and grey plastic combination.  Much of the construction remains the same, as the initial version proved so popular, meaning you get a slim, lightweight plastic chassis that’s flat on the two longer sides. This gives the Logitech Crayon a similar feel to a carpenter’s pencil, which brings the added benefit of not rolling off a table when you put it down.  It’s not magnetized, which seems a shame as the shape lends itself to sitting flush along the side of an iPad, which also means it can’t be recharged wirelessly. This makes it akin to the original Apple Pencil and remember that the similarly priced Apple Pencil (USB-C) doesn’t support wireless charging either.  You get excellent palm rejection, tilt support, instant pairing by simply sliding the power switch, and the Crayon writes smoothly with no noticeable lag. As with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) there’s no pressure sensitivity, so this isn’t really a stylus for graphic designers or artists, both of whom would be better off with the Apple Pencil Pro.  The Logitech Crayon works with all iPads from 2018 or later and will give you around 7 hours of writing time when fully charged – which takes just under an hour. It also comes with three indicator lights to let you know how much charge is left in the device, so you don’t suddenly find the power goes out mid-sentence. If you want an alternative to the Apple Pencil (USB-C) that offers the same features but with a different take on the design, then the Logitech Crayon (USB-C) is a solid choice. Plus, the original version is still available if you prefer the Lightning connector (you’ll find it further down on this list).  Adonit Star – Classy note-taking Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adonit $49.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch If you want something that feels more like a real pen, a fountain pen at that, then the Adonit Star will be a breath of fresh air. The classic design is reminiscent of a Mont Blanc, but without some of the bulk and most of the price. Popping off the cap reveals a fountain-pen style nib, replete with the ink feed on the back, but on closer inspection, you’ll see that the metal cuts off early, with a black rubber 1mm fine tip being what will actually touch the screen. As you might expect, the Star is very much intended for those who want to make notes and generally just write on their iPad. It doesn’t have pressure sensitivity, so you can’t have thicker or thinner strokes depending on how hard you press, which would rule it out for most artists. That’s fine though, there’s the Apple Pencil for that. Instead, you get a balanced and very comfortable writing experience, aided in no small measure by Adonit’s excellent palm cancellation feature. Pairing is simply a matter of pressing the small button on the Star, then when the blue light comes on you should be good to go. If it starts flashing red, this means it is time for a recharge, so unscrew the bottom of the pen and there’s a USB-C port. The Star takes around an hour to charge and will then work happily for around 10 hours or so. Adonit has come up with something genuinely unique in the Star. Classy looking, nice to write with, and it will definitely get some looks when you pull it out in a meeting to make notes. If there’s such a thing as a Stylus connoisseur, then you can bet that the Adonit Star would be a prizes part of their collection.  Logitech Crayon (Lightning) – Education focused Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $69.95 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Logitech $69.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Logitech 914-000033 Pen $30 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch While the Logitech Crayon (Lightning) was originally framed as an education tool, the cheap Apple Pencil alternative is now available to anybody that wants it.  In many ways, the Crayon functions in the same way as the original Apple Pencil, complete with easy pairing, reliable palm rejection and tilt support, but there’s one big omission: there’s no pressure sensitivity available here. That’s likely to be a dealbreaker for graphic designers, but if you’re only looking to use a stylus for note-taking, you’re unlikely to notice a difference in performance. You’ve also got a seven-hour battery life on offer, which should be more than enough for the majority of consumers, and it’s charged up via a hidden Lightning port. That’s not quite as premium as the wireless charging from the second-gen Apple Pencil or the second generation Crayon that uses USB-C, but it’s certainly better than the original Apple Pencil. Bargains Depot B&D 2-in-1 Stylus – Basic stylus Price When Reviewed: $6.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $8.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: all iPads The B&D Stylus is a bargain at under a tenner. It’s made fully of aluminum and comes with twenty extra rubber tips in two different sizes so you can adjust the accuracy of lines. It’s dual tipped too, so you can use a different size on either end. There is no need for Bluetooth or charging with this stylus. The B&D Stylus is compatible with all iPads, iPhones, and other touchscreen devices. Meko Capacitive Stylus Pen – Multi-tipped option Price When Reviewed: $13.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: all iPads The Meko stylus can be used for note-taking, drawing, writing, and basic selection and navigation – and like the B&D option, it is also made of aluminum without any plastic parts. It uses a disc tip unlike others on this list. It’s also 100% compatible with any iPad, iPhone or touchscreen device, which isn’t always the case with stylii. iPad stylus buying advice When looking for a stylus to use with your iPad you should consider the following: 1. Is the stylus compatible with your iPad? You would be surprised how many people buy a stylus only to discover it is incompatible with their iPad. At least with the Apple Pencil 1 the fact that it charges and syncs via Lightning doesn’t mean it can’t be used with newer iPads, you just need an adapter. 2. Does the stylus support pressure sensitivity and tilt? If you want to use your stylus for art then make sure you buy one that can support pressure sensitivity so that you can shade and create thin or thick lines accordingly. 3. How will you store the stylus? Some styluses attach to an iPad magnetically. Alternatively you might like to attach a pouch to your iPad case. You won’t want to lose your stylus! 4. How long does the battery last? Check that you can get a reasonable amount of battery life out of the pen, especially if you can’t charge it while using it. You may be able to view battery life for the stylus on the iPad. 5. Is it optimised for the apps you want to use? If you are an artist make sure that the stylus works with the apps you use – even better if it has features specific to that app. 6. Can you replace tips and other parts if necessary If you lose a tip can it be replaced. Are there extra parts that you can use. What are the best sketching apps for iPad? A good sketching app will include lots of brushes, support for pressure sensitivity and layers, and a means to easily export your art. Our favorite drawing app is Autodesk Sketchbook. It is freeware for personal use that include various professional tools, including customisable brushes, layers. It’s a great option for beginners and professionals alike. Adobe Fresco (previously known as Sketchpad) is another free option that supports drawing on any iPad. It includes in-app purchases for additional features. Other options include Procreate, a popular iOS application specifically designed for digital painting, with its capabilities being a primary reason some individuals purchase an iPad. It costs $12.99/£12.99. Want a keyboard for your iPad? Check out our round-up of the Best iPad Keyboards. For more advice about accessories for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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Best early Black Friday MacBook Air deals slash up to $600 off
Early Black Friday MacBook Air deals are in full swing, with prices as low as $599 and discounts of up to $600 off.Save up to $600 on MacBook Air ahead of Black Friday - Image credit: AppleApple's MacBook Air is a popular gift idea this holiday season thanks to the 2025 M4 chip release and its travel-friendly, ultraportable chassis. With these early Black Friday deals, you can also snag discounts of up to $600 off a variety of models, from the latest M4 configurations to blowout M3 specs.These are our top picks, but you can also compare prices on every model in our Mac Price Guide. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best iPad for students 2025: Comparing every model
Macworld Preparing for student life can be exciting and stressful. To make things easier, it’s good to know that you’ve got the right tech to help you with note taking, writing essays, and so you can kick back with Netflix and games when the work is done. The iPad has evolved in recent years to something that can now act as a laptop replacement for many students, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the most versatile devices you can buy.  Choosing the best iPad can be tricky though. Apple currently offers a wide range of models with different prices and features, including the M5 iPad Pro updated in October 2025, the iPad mini A17 Pro that arrived in October 2024 and the and M3 iPad Air and iPad A16 that arrived in March 2025. Can students get discounts on iPads? The good news is that, yes, students can get money off an iPad when buying from Apple’s education store in their country. Apple offers money off new iPad purchases to students in higher education all year round. The best time for students to buy a new iPad from Apple is during the summer months because Apple gives qualifying students a free gift such as a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil with the purchase of certain iPads and Macs. So, if you’re a student about to start higher education, take advantage of the company’s “Back To School/Uni” event which runs during the summer months (between June and September in the U.S. and Canada, from July to October in the U.K and Europe and from January to March in Australia, New Zealand and other southern hemisphere locations). Read our guide to Apple’s Back To School offer. Another bonus if you’re a student: you can get Apple Music for half price with free Apple TV+ included. How to get an iPad student discount If you are a student you can buy a discounted iPad by clicking on the link for Apple’s Education Store where you live: Apple’s U.S. Education Store Apple’s U.K. Education Store (in the U.K. you will need to verify your student status via UNiDAYS). Apple’s Canada Education Store Apple’s Australian Education Store Depending on your location you may only need to sign up with details of your student status and course and prove your identity. Some countries have less stringent checks than others. In the U.K., for example, you need to be registered with UNiDAYS in order to even see the student prices. We explain how to do this in our article How to get an Apple student discount. To qualify for a discount you need to meet Apple’s conditions. You either need to be a student in higher education, or a teacher at a teaching institution. The only way to get a discount for a child still at school is to be home educating them or to be a teacher yourself. If you can’t get a student discount that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get money off a new iPad though. Below we recommend the best iPads for students, and you will find links to the best prices at resellers where you are, some of which may be bigger discounts than those offered by Apple. Also read our round-up of the best iPad deals. How much can students save on an iPad? Students can save as much as $100 in the U.S., £100 in the U.K., $170 in Australia, and $150 in Canada if they buy from the Apple education store. You may find more money off at a third party reseller, see the best prices in the sections below. ProductU.S.U.K.AustraliaCanadaiPad (A16) MSRP$349£329$599$499iPad (A16) Student Price$329£309$559$469iPad mini (A17 Pro) MSRP$499£499$799$679iPad mini (A17 Pro) Student Price$449£449$719$609iPad Air (11-inch, M3) MSRP$599£599$999$799iPad Air (11-inch, M3) Student Price$549£549$919$729iPad Air (13-inch, M2)MSRP$799£799$1,299$1,099iPad Air (13-inch, M2) Student Price$749£749$1,219$1,029iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) MSRP$999£999$1,699$1,399iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) Student Price$899£899$1,529$1,249iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) MSRP$1,299£1,299$2,199$1,799iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) Student Price$1,199£1,199$2,029$1,649Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price. Best iPad for students We recommend the 11-inch iPad Air for students because we think it offers a good size screen, supports Apple’s AI Apple Intelligence features and is therefore better future proofed than the standard iPad. Read on to find out whether the iPad Air will be best for you or if another iPad might suit you better. 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025): Best iPad for students Pros M3 processor Nice selection of color options Cons It’s not cheap Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $499.99 View Deal $542.17 View Deal $559 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The 11-inch iPad Air (M3), with its 11-inch display, modern design, low weight (462g), great cameras, hugely powerful processor, and plenty of colors to choose from, is a great choice for students. Unfortunately, it’s a bit on the pricey side for a tablet, with the current prices starting at $599/£599 ($549/£549 for students). Still, it’s cheaper than a laptop and it’s the perfect combination of power, storage and features, for a price that isn’t unreasonable. This is why we can heartily recommend for those starting out on their studies.   The biggest feature of the model introduced in 2025 is the inclusion of the M3 processor. This is the same chip that has powered several Macs. In an iPad Air, it makes the device fly.  The camera is a 12MP Wide lens (also like on the iPad Pro), which can record video up to 4K/60fps, and as with other iPads on this list, the front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra-Wide that allows for Center Stage and is sensibly positioned on the longer side of the chassis to allow landscape views for FaceTime calls. While the 2025 iPad Air is missing some of the flagship features of the iPad Pro, such as the 120Hz ProMotion screen, TrueDepth camera, four speakers, and the powerful M4 chip, it offers more than enough for the average user. If you want to turn your iPad into a laptop you can team it with a Magic Keyboard ($299/£299), or one of the other iPad keyboards we’ve looked at. If you prefer a larger display, there is also the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) that comes with all the same specs and features. It starts at $799/£799 (or $749/£749 for students). We highly recommend the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for students who need premium performance and the best iPad you can buy without the Pro name. Read iPad Air vs iPad Pro to find out how the iPad Air compares to the iPad Pro. How much can students save on the iPad Air? MSRP: $599 / £599 / AU$999 / CA$799Student: $549 / £549 / AU$919 / CA$729 Students save: $50 / £50 / AU$80 / CA$70 Get the best deal on a new iPad Air. Read our full Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) review iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best for note-taking and reading Pros Small and light More storage Centre Stage for FaceTime calls Cons May feel cramped depending on your needs Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB); $599 (256GB); $799 (512GB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $469.36 View Deal $489 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If the most important factor to you is portability there’s one iPad in particular that you might want to consider. The iPad mini, updated in October 2024 with the Apple Intelligence-capable A17 Pro, is the smallest and lightest iPad you can buy, weighing in at 293g. Of course, the low weight is a result of the iPad itself being smaller, thanks to the 8.3-inch display (which is bigger than it used to be since Apple got rid of the Home button and relocated Touch ID to the power button on the top edge a few generations ago). The result is a compact but powerful device that doesn’t feel too small. We think this screen size is perfect for reading books or taking notes (especially with an Apple Pencil), so it may well be ideal if that’s how you intend to use your iPad. And don’t let the diminutive form fool you: the A17 Pro chip is the same as that found in the iPhone 15 Pro, so there’s no shortage of power on tap. Connectivity is top-notch too, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and 5G networks available, depending on the model you choose.  The front-facing camera is an Ultra-Wide lens, so it can track you and keep you in the center of the frame on video calls thanks to Center Stage, while the 12MP Wide camera on the back can capture great photos and videos that could be used in presentations or for media-based assignments.  There are three storage options available (128GB, 256GB and 512GB). We are glad Apple has stopped selling the 64GB model as we didn’t think that was enough storage. 128GB should be enough for you to store your apps, music, movies, photos, and videos, and if you need more space we recommend iCloud’s various storage options.  One disadvantage is that the mini only works with Bluetooth keyboards, rather than Apple’s range of iPad-specific keyboard, but whether that’s a significant disadvantage is debatable–at this size, a built in keyboard would be too small to type on comfortably. Prices start at $499/£499 ($449 for students) for the 128GB model (which is what the 64GB model used to cost). The 256GB option raising the cost to $599/£599 (down from $649/£649 previously), and the 512GB model costing $799/£799. In Australia the price of the iPad mini dropped with the arrival of the new model from $829 to $799. How much can students save on the iPad mini? MSRP: $499 / £499 / AU$799 / CA$679Students: $449 / £449 / AU$719 / CA $609 Students save: $50 / £50 / AU$80 / CA$70 Get the best deal on a new iPad mini. iPad (A16, 2025): Best for students on a budget Pros Air-style design 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display Cons 64GB storage on base model No compatibility for Apple Intelligence New model coming soon (we hope) Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $329 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPad (A16) model that arrived in March 2025 is the cheapest iPad available from Apple. It features the same design approach as the iPad mini and iPad Air, with Touch ID sensor integrated in the power button on the top edge. This makes room for a larger display that’s almost identical in size to the 11-inch iPad Air. However, in terms of the screen technology the two iPads aren’t equal. The iPad Air sports a fully laminated display, while the iPad’s display has a slight air gap between the glass and the digitizer beneath. You probably won’t notice it at all, but if you intend to use the Apple Pencil for notes (1st-gen 1 and USB-C Apple Pencils are supported) then you may experience slight delays in the tracking. Like the iPad Pro and iPad Air there is a front-facing camera located on the longer end of the panel, meaning it offers a true landscape view that’s centrally located. This is much better suited to FaceTime and other video calling apps. The landscape 12MP Ultra Wide camera has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122-degree view; it’s also compatible with the Center Stage feature that keeps you in the center of the frame even if you move about while on video calls. Apple bestows this iPad with a 12MP f/1.8 rear camera so you can get some great shots and shoot video 4K video at 60fps. If your course requires any kind of video content, then either the front or back optics of the iPad A16 should prove more than sufficient. Plus you can call home and look good doing so. An A16 Bionic processor is at the heart of this iPad, which is the same chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. So there’s more than enough power for word processing, note-taking, coding, and most other education apps, not to mention gaming and entertainment duties. There’s a USB-C at the base, so you can use various peripherals and even power an external display if you want the iPad to become more like a fully-fledged computer. However, the A16 is not powerful enough for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI features that are available on the other iPads on sale right now. Whether that matters depends on your needs, but the editing assistance that is one of the Apple Intelligence features may be useful for a student. (This may well be exactly why Apple hasn’t included it on the iPad that is the choice of many schools and education institutions). Read about what is in Apple Intelligence. The best news about the 2025 update is that Apple has stopped shipping a 64GB version. Even better, the 128GB iPad is the same price that Apple used to sell the 64GB iPad for. If 128GB isn’t enough space for all your movie downloads, music, games, photos and videos, you can get 256GB or 512GB, or there’s the option of expanding your iCloud storage so that you can keep stuff safe in the cloud instead. There are four colors to choose from (Blue, Yellow, Silver, and Pink) so you should be able to find one that suits your personality, and for extra functionality, you could invest in the new two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio, although the $249/£249 price tag does seem very high. Of course, a standard Bluetooth keyboard will get you the same results for a lot less money. The new iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but as the charging port is now USB-C you’ll need an adaptor from Apple if you’ve already bought the Pencil. Otherwise, the dongle is now included in the box when you buy a new Apple Pencil (1st gen). Of course, there’s also the compatible Apple Pencil (USB-C) which gets around the dongle madness but lacks the presure sensitivity that artists will crave. See: Apple Pencils compared: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad? As you can see, there are a few caveats, but with its modern design, solid processor, and larger display, the iPad (A16) is a great all-rounder that would prove a wise investment for those heading off to pursue their studies. How much can students save on the iPad (A16)? MSRP: $349 / £329 / AU$599 / CA$499Students; $329 / £309 / AU$559 / CA$469 Students save: $20 / £20 / AU$40 / CA$30 Read our full Apple iPad (A16) review 11-inch iPad Pro (2025): Best for Power and Performance Pros M4 Processor OLED display Stupidly light and thin Cons Expensive Probably overkill for students Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $931 View Deal $946 View Deal $949 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pro iPads are the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet range, and as such they feel like the power and price are probably overkill for your average student. That being said, if you want the best, then this is where you’ll find it. The 11-inch iPad Pro (M5), was introduced in October 2025, boasting incredibly light and thin construction, but with a stupid amount of power inside. In an unprecedented step, Apple introduced the new M5 processor in the iPad alongside the MacBook Pro, making the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro the most up-to-date devices in the Apple catalog. The question really, is do you need all that grunt? If you’re after an iPad for taking notes, writing essays, watching Netflix, playing some games and using it for video calls home, then the iPad Air is a better balance of power and price. But, for those with money burning a hole in their pockets, and those planning to do a lot of gaming when they should be studying, the 11-inch iPad Pro comes with a Ultra Retina XDR OLED display that has two layers (Apple calls this Tandem OLED) to produce the brightest panel they’re ever made, kicking out up to 1600 nits. It’s also ProMotion, with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 2025 M5 model is visibly unchanged from the M4 model, but features more RAM (Apple doesn’t disclose this), there is also an improved cellular modem (in that model) and Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The new model is also fast charge capable too, promising up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 60W adapter or higher. Cameras are 12Mp sensors, with the rear unit a wide lens that can record video up to 4K/60fps, plus ProRes capabilities which would be of interest to video content creators. The front-facing lens also has the TrueDepth array, allowing Face ID, which remains a Pro-only features on iPads. You get Centre Stage for video calls, and the placement of the camera on the longer edge means you get landscape view. The two size variants offer the same capabilities, with 256GB of storage the baseline, and prices starting at $999/£999 ($899 for students) for the 11-inch model and $1,299/£1,299 for the 13-inch variant. As we’ve said, the iPad Pros are probably too much for your typical student, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t excellent products for those who can afford them and take advantage of all the power on offer. How much can students save on the 11-inch iPad Pro? MSRP: $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399Students: $899 / £899 / AU$1,529 / CA$1,249 Students save: $100 / £100 / AU$170 / CA$150 Get the best deal on a new iPad Pro. Read our full Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 2025) review Should students buy an iPad or a laptop? Before you go ahead and buy your iPad you may want to consider its suitability for your purpose. As a student you probably have a few requirements: Low price Great apps for things like note-taking, recording lectures and revision Light enough to carry around all-day Keyboard and stylus support Suitable for making video calls home You might be wondering whether a tablet or a laptop would be better for those needs, and if you lean towards the latter, take a look at our guide to the best Macs for students. We think, however, that an iPad is a great choice. It runs many of the apps you’ll find on a laptop, including Office apps like Word and PowerPoint and the Apple equivalents, and in some cases, an iPad is actually more powerful than a laptop thanks to the super-fast processors Apple uses. Another benefit is that an iPad is portable and light – far lighter than even the lightest laptop, so you won’t get backache from carrying it to lectures and the library. Plus you can have all the books you need for your course on your iPad and carry them with you to lectures and tutorials. You could even photograph pages from books in the library and use optical character recognition to save the text to your iPad. The iPad is great for reading, web browsing, emails and note-taking. For the latter you could use an Apple Pencil or one of the Best styluses we’ve tested for iPad. If you are likely to be typing long essays you might prefer a laptop, but you can always get a iPad keyboard and essentially turn your iPad into a laptop. See the Best iPad Keyboards we’ve tested or use any Bluetooth keyboard. With battery life of 10 hours–plenty for a day on campus–you aren’t going to need to find a space beside a plug socket in order to get through a day at uni. And when you’ve finished studying use the iPad to stream your favourite shows. There are also loads of games and apps for video calling your parents and friends. Still not sure? We have more information comparing a MacBook laptop and an iPad. FAQ 1. Do iPads run the apps I need? It is very likely that you can run the apps you need. iPads support Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, or for an alternative you can also use Google apps like Google Docs and Sheets. Google Classroom is also supported. Other common apps used by students, including Notion, OneNote, Evernote, Wolfram Alpha and Khan Academy are supported. And you’ll be able to video conference using Zoom, Teams and other options. That’s in addition to the Apple apps such as Pages and Numbers. The App Store is heaving with great apps designed specifically for the iPad. Many of those apps will be ideal for students: note-taking apps, apps for converting handwriting to text, apps for recording lectures, timetable management, and of course video calling via Zoom, Teams, FaceTIme and others (so you can stay in touch with mum and dad). 2. How well does an iPad handle multitasking? In the past, one of the disadvantages of iPads was that it wasn’t easy to work with multiple apps at the same time in the same way as you do on a computer. Apple introduced Split View as a way to run two apps side by side, and this is a feature offered by most new iPads. You can also have a third app that floats in a window. The iPad Air and iPad Pro go a step further with Stage Manager, which brings desktop style multitasking to those iPads. There are still some limitations though, for example, some apps don’t run in the background when you aren’t using them. 3. What iPad screen size is best for students? The best screen size depends on a number of factors. If you are looking for the ultimate in portability then the iPad mini may be the best option, but a larger screen will be better suited to reading and multitasking. Your budget will also have an impact on this decision. A 13-inch iPad Air costs more than an 11-inch iPad Air, and much more than a standard iPad. 4. Is battery life long enough for a school day? Typically you can expect around ten hours of battery life, which should be enough to get you through a day of lectures. Note that your battery will last longer if you keep the screen dim and don’t multitask or use draining apps. 5. Will the iPad sync with my computer? If your computer is a Mac and you use iCloud it really couldn’t be easier. You can automatically sync your work if you use certain apps, and share files via iCloud Drive. There are some useful features that come from linking up a Mac, iPad and iPhone including Universal Clipboard, so you can copy on one device and paste on another, AirDrop for easy file transfers and you can even use an iPad as a second display for your Mac. If you don’t use iCloud you can still sync by plugging your iPad into your Mac with the USB C cable. If you are a PC user you can still sync in the same way. Also consider: Three of these iPads are capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s AI tool that powers several features, but the iPad A16 doesn’t support Apple Intelligence and its features centered around reading, writing and image generation. These AI features may be useful for you as a student, although they may also get you into trouble if you are seen to be using AI to write your essays! That’s all of our student-related buying advice, but if you’re buying for someone younger, check out our guide to the best iPad for Kids.

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The Sandmarc 2x Telephoto lens is great for iPhone portrait photos
The iPhone’s Portrait mode uses computational photography to simulate the shallow depth of field of a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with a larger sensor. It’s evolved from a very crude tool into something which is now pretty convincing, but it’s still no substitute for the real thing. There are some circumstances in which you can get genuine shallow-ish depth of field with an iPhone shot, but these are very limited as we’ll discuss. The Sandmarc 2x telephoto lens is a much more practical way to get true optical blurring when shooting portraits … more…

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Here’s why AirPods Pro 3 are more worthy of an upgrade than you might think
When AirPods Pro 3 initially debuted, I was a little bit hesitant about upgrading. I felt that AirPods Pro 2 were still excellent. On top of that, one of the key features of AirPods Pro 3, Live Translation, was also coming to AirPods Pro 2. However, now that I’ve actually given them a shot – I can genuinely say I was wrong about my pessimism. more…

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iPhone Pocket takes us by total surprise! [The CultCast]
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Best iPad keyboards 2025: We review the top models
Macworld The iPad is getting ever more powerful, and a good add-on keyboard can help you turn your iPad into a real rival for a conventional MacBook laptop When the iPad was first launched, it was primarily intended as a device for entertainment–for tasks such as web browsing, streaming video and gaming. In recent years, though, Apple has increasingly turned the iPad into a productivity tool, both for routine office work, and also for creative users who work in fields such as graphics, video and design. The big drawback here, of course, is the iPad’s lack of a physical keyboard–but, of course, Apple never misses the chance to sell some expensive peripherals and accessories, and it has been quick to release a number of keyboards designed specifically for the iPad. Currently, Apple sells two kinds of iPad keyboard: the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard Folio. The former is an all-in-one keyboard and cover that encases the iPad, and the latter is a two-part keyboard and stand. Some of Apple’s iPad keyboards are designed for specific iPad models and some are available in different sizes for use with several different iPad models. Of course, there are also plenty of alternative keyboards available from rivals such as Logitech, which are often cheaper than Apple’s own keyboards, and may provide additional features too. So here’s our guide to the best keyboards that can help you to get some serious work done with your iPad. This article covers keyboards that can be used with a variety of iPad models, we’ve included links so you can find the model that works with your iPad. You don’t have to use a keyboard designed specifically to work with an iPad though–any Bluetooth keyboard will connect to and work with an iPad, and this can often be a cheaper solution. So if you are looking for a wireless keyboard check out our round-up of the best Mac keyboards. Best keyboard for iPad Pro: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Pros Perfectly designed for iPad Pro Function key strip Larger trackpad Cons High price Cover material attracts dust Price When Reviewed: 11-inch iPad Pro: $299, 13-inch iPad Pro: $349 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $288.86 View Deal $289 View Deal $289 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal Apple (13-inch iPad Pro) $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" () Wireless – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $189.99 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2023) Wireless – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $225 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 13" (2024) Wireless – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $229.99 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2023) Wireless – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $230 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket For: 11-inch iPad Pro (M4 & M5), 13-inch iPad Pro (M4 & M5). Why we like the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: Because it’s made by Apple this is a perfectly fitting and designed keyboard. The Magic Keyboard is a stable case with real keys. It connects via the via the Smart Connector so doesn’t need to be paired over Bluetooth. It does not require its own power supply – the USB-C port is a pass-through port for charging, leaving the USB-C port on the iPad Pro free. The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro comes in white or black for both 11-inch and 13-inch configurations. Apple introduced a new design for the Magic Keyboard with the arrival of the M4 iPad Pro, but this is unchanged for the M5 iPad Pro so this keyboard is compatible with the M4 iPad Pro. It is aluminum on the inside, which (if you choose the black model) makes it look similar to a current MacBook Air when in use. A strong magnet holds the iPad Pro tightly in place and three contacts connect to the keyboard. Like all Apple iPad keyboards the iPad doesn’t connect via Bluetooth, but via the three contacts of the Smart Connector. You don’t have to pair the keyboard with the iPad and it does not require its own power supply, which allows it to be compact and light. There is a USB-C port on the joint, but this is a pass-through port, only for charging. Thus, the USB-C port at the base of the iPad Pro remains free. When open, the cantilever design smoothly adjusts to multiple viewing angles. The keyboard is sturdy. The keys are pleasant to type with. Along the tip is a strip of 14 function keys (including screen brightness, volume controls and other features), the older model lacked this, although the 10th generation iPad keyboard (below) shares this feature.  Apple has also improved the trackpad for this model. It is now larger, made of glass and works much more precisely and reliably than the trackpad on the standard Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard Folio. It delivers haptic feedback and works with Multi‑Touch gestures.  When folded up the case provides front and back protection for your iPad. The outside of the 658g/1.45lb case is rubberized, so it’s quite grippy and can’t slip out of your hand easily. However, this surface is unfortunately also more sensitive to dirt than the aluminum inside, and the black cover seems to attract dust. At least this can be wiped off. Apple no longer sells the keyboard for older iPad Pro M4 models, but if you find one on sale it is compatible with the newer iPad Pro. You may find the previous Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro on Amazon at a discount using the links below. Amazon is yet to list the 2025 version of the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. 13-inch iPad Pro: Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK 11-inch iPad Pro: Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK Protective case with detachable keyboard: Logitech Combo Touch Pros Light Large trackpad Function keys (including screen grab and Siri triggers) Cons Doesn’t match the Apple Magic Keyboard quality Price When Reviewed: iPad Air M2, 11-inch: $199.99; 13-inch: $229.99; iPad Pro M4, 11-inch: $229.99; 13-inch: $259.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $229.95 View Deal $229.99 View Deal Logitech (iPad Pro M4 model) $229.99 View Deal $259.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There version of Combo Touch for iPad (A16 and 10th gen and older), 11-inch iPad Pro (M4 & M5), 11-inch iPad Air (M4 & M5), 13-inch iPad Pro (M2 & M3), 13-inch iPad Air (M2 & M3). Why we like the Logitech Combo Touch: One advantage over Apple’s Magic Keyboard is that, despite its slim design, the Combo Touch actually protects your iPad through the case – the Magic Keyboard only covers the front and back of the iPad, not the sides. Another benefit is that the keyboard can be detached, so if you watch a movie or work with the Apple Pencil, the keyboard can be removed. Previous models in the Combo Touch range were all very similar, simply varying in size to accommodate different iPad models, and the different types of Smart Connector that Apple has introduced over the years. The 2024 edition had a bit of a redesign. It still retains the detachable, two-piece design of previous models, with a separate case and keyboard panel. You can use the iPad in the case without the keyboard, just to provide some extra protection when you’re holding the iPad in your hands or carrying it around, and there’s a cut-out section on the case that leaves room to attach an Apple Pencil. The case also has an adjustable stand that will allow you to sit back and watch video while the iPad sits on a desk or table. When you’re ready to do some work you can simply use the Smart Connectors on the case to attach the keyboard panel and start typing. That’s business as usual for the Combo Touch keyboards, but these redesigned models for 2024 are quite a bit lighter than their predecessors. The keyboards for the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air weigh 495g and 686g respectively, and–as with Apple’s new Magic Keyboard–the iPad Pro version is even lighter, at 474g for the 11-inch model and 660g for the 13-inch model. The trackpad on these new keyboards is larger as well, which makes it easier to use multi-finger gestures for tasks such as zooming in on photos, or flicking from one photo to another. The keyboard feels firm and responsive, and there have been some changes to the Function keys as well. The keys that previously activated the on-screen keyboard and Search have been replaced with keys for capturing screenshots and using Siri or dictation, and the key that used to lock the iPad screen now switches to Do Not Disturb mode. So while it might not have the luxurious materials and build quality of the new Apple Magic Keyboard, the Combo Touch for 2024 provides a lightweight and versatile keyboard/case combo at a considerably lower price than its Apple rival. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Pro: $259/£259. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Pro: $229.99/£229.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 13-inch iPad Air: $229.99/£229.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Air: $199.99/£199.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK iPad (10th gen, A16 gen): $159.99/£159.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK Read our full Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air/iPad Pro (2024) review Best for using iPad in portrait mode: ESR Rebound 360 Pros Can position iPad in landscape or portrait mode Competitive price Function keys Cons Heavy Small trackpad Price When Reviewed: 11-inch iPad Air, M2 (and 11-inch iPad Pro 2-4 gen, iPad Air 4-5 gen): $119.99; 13-inch iPad Air, M2: $119.99; 11-inch iPad Pro, M4: $149 (currently $119.99); 13-inch iPad Pro, M4: :$149 (currently $119.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $104.99 View Deal ESR $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: 11-inch iPad Pro M4, 13-inch iPad Pro M4 Why we like the ESR Rebound 360: Most keyboards designed for the iPad stick with a conventional landscape (horizontal) design, but ESR’s competitively priced Rebound 360 lets you place the iPad in either landscape or portrait (vertical) mode. ESR makes two types of of iPad keyboard cases for iPad, iPad Pro and iPad Air: the Rebound and the Rebound 360, the main difference being that with the 360 you can orientate the iPad in portrait so make sure you buy the correct model if that appeals to you. Like most iPad keyboards, the Rebound 360 has a hinged stand that allows you to adjust the viewing angle. However, the iPad itself is held in place by slotting it into a detachable magnetic case. This allows you to remove the iPad while it’s in the case and rotate it between portrait and landscape modes as required, perhaps using portrait mode for typing or scrolling through long documents or web pages. The only disadvantage of this design is that the keyboard is heavier than some of its rivals, weighing in at a full one kilogram. The keyboard is well built though, providing good protection for the iPad when you’re traveling. There’s a magnetic clasp to make sure that the screen isn’t exposed accidentally, and the clasp can also be used to hold an Apple Pen or stylus in place as well. The trackpad is a little small, perhaps, but the keyboard itself is ideal for working on the move, with firm keys that feel smooth and responsive when you’re typing. There’s a row of Function keys that can be used to adjust volume and brightness, Play/Pause for music and video, and activate the Lock screen. Like most keyboards, the Rebound 360 has a Function key that lets you adjust the level of the backlight, but there’s also a key that lets you change the color too. If you get carried away with the colorful backlight then the battery will only last for about two weeks, but you can extend that to around three months of daytime use without the backlight, and we like the fact that the backlight turns itself off automatically after 90 seconds of inactivity to help save power. The Rebound 360 is available in a variety of sizes, including models for the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air. ESR provides U.S. and U.K. keyboard layouts as well. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Pro: $119.99/£116.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Pro: $119.99/£107.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 13-inch iPad Air: $119.99/£107.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Air: $119.99/£107.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK The standard iPad only gets the Rebound not the Rebound 360. There is also a ESR iPad Flex Keyboard Case. Designed for iPad (A16): Apple Magic Keyboard Folio Pros Function keys Keyboard less suited to long periods of typing Cons Only available for iPad (A16 & 10th gen) Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $189.99 View Deal $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $227 View Deal $239 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad not included) (2022) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $159 View Deal Apple Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9" (2023) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $176 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket For: iPad (A16 & 10th generation) Why we like the Magic Keyboard Folio: You can remove the keyboard, and also use the keyboard panel to protect the screen when travelling. The Magic Keyboard Folio available in a single size and is only compatible with the standard iPad (A16 or 10th generation) with the 10.9in display. The key difference between the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard Folio is that the latter comes in two parts, with a stand that attaches to the back of the iPad magnetically, and a separate keyboard panel that can be removed altogether when you simply want to use the iPad in tablet mode. We assume that Apple believes that users. of the standard iPad won’t always want to have their keyboard attached. The keyboard panel is wafer-thin, so it’s best suited to basic tasks such as typing out emails rather than writing longer documents for school or for work. It does include a trackpad, though, which means there’s no need for a separate mouse or trackpad, which allows you to control most of the iPad’s main features right from the keyboard rather than having to reach forward to keep tapping the screen all the time. When you don’t need to type you can simply detach the keyboard panel, leaving the back panel in place. This acts as a stand for the screen, allowing you to lean back and adjust the viewing angle for watching video or chatting with friends on FaceTime. You can also fold the stand flat when you’re holding the iPad in your hands, so that it acts as a protective cover the back panel of the iPad. And, when you’re traveling, you can re-attach the keyboard panel so that it protects the screen as well. Pick the correct model for your iPad: iPad (10th generation): $249/£249. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK Designed for iPad Air: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air Pros Folds to provide protection Multi-touch trackpad Cons Price is the same as the newer version No function keys Price When Reviewed: 11-inch iPad Air, M2 and 11-inch iPad Pro (4th gen and earlier): $299; 13-inch iPad Air, M2, iPad Air (4th, 5th gen) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gen): $349. Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $237.50 View Deal $273 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Apple (13-inch iPad Air, M2 model) $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $97.20 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2021) – Charocal gray – QWERTY – English (US) $100 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2020) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $100 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $145 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2020) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $248.40 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices For: 13-inch iPad Air (M2 & M3), 11-inch iPad Air (M2 & M3), iPad Air (4th & 5th gen) Why we like Magic Keyboard for iPad Air: This keyboard is made for the iPad and it folds up to protect the iPad. It also tilts so you can get a good angle on the screen. Along with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard Folio, Apple makes one more keyboard for iPads called the Magic Keyboard. That’s actually quite a confusing name because there is also a Magic Keyboard that is designed to be used with Macs (although you can use the Mac version of the Magic Keyboard with an iPad–you can use any Bluetooth keyboard with an iPad). Of course, what sets the iPad version of the Magic Keyboard aside from the Mac keyboard is the fact that it’s made for the iPad and it folds up to protect the iPad. And the main difference between this Magic Keyboard (and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro) and the Magic Keyboard Folio is that the latter comes in two parts so that the keyboard can be separated from the stand, while this model is one unit that folds up around the iPad when closed providing wrap-around protection for both the iPad screen and the back panel. Like the newer Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, this Magic Keyboard features an adjustable magnetic stand that holds the iPad firmly in place. The stand also tilts so that you can easily alter the angle of the screen for up-close work or sitting back and watching video. The keyboard itself feels firm and comfortable to use–as a full-time writer I’d prefer a little more ‘travel’ on the keys, but it’s fine for general day-to-day use for writing emails and web browsing. A trackpad is included which makes using the iPad much almost like a conventional laptop, and you’ll rarely need to lift your hands away from the keyboard in order to use the iPad’s touch-screen controls. There’s also a USB-C pass-through connector on the keyboard, which allows you to charge the iPad via the keyboard and leaves the iPad’s built-in USB-C port free for connecting other devices, such as a memory stick for transferring files. There are two different sizes available to fit the different iPad Air sizes and it’s also compatible with the older 4th and 5th gen iPad Air. it is important to note that it wasn’t designed for the newer M2 and M3 iPad Air – this isn’t a new iPad keyboard, it’s just lucky for Apple that the older model fits the new iPad Air. It’s a shame because the Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad gets a better keyboard than the iPad Air, thanks to its row of function keys. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Air, M2/M3, iPad Air (4th, 5th gen) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gen): $349/£349. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK 11-inch iPad Air, M2/M3 and 11-inch iPad Pro (4th gen and earlier): $299/£299. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK Connect to three devices – Logitech Flip Folio for iPad Pros Integrated adjustable stand Keyboard can be removed Long battery life Cons Expensive No trackpad No backlight Keyboard could be better attached Price When Reviewed: $159.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we like Logitech’s Flip Folio: One of the Flip Folio’s standout features is its ability to connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth and easily switch between them with the touch of a button. The adjustable kickstand means you can position the iPad in any orientation with the flexibility of the detachable keyboard. Logitech’s Flip Folio comes in two parts: a Bluetooth keyboard and a sleeve to which is magnetically attaches. This is unlike Logitech’s Combo Touch and Slim Folio, which attach the iPad to a sleeve attached to the keyboard. It’s comes in three colours: Graphite with turquoise accents, light grey with orange accents, and purple with darker purple accents. The Flip Folio is compatible with recent iPad Air and iPad Pro models. The keyboard size varies based on whether you buy the 11-inch or 13-inch version, with wider keys on the larger version. The keyboard snaps securely to the lid when not in use. The Flip Folio’s standout feature is its versatile lid, which creates an adjustable stand for the iPad. Inside hinges allow you to set the angle to your preference, with the steepest angle at around 60 to 70 degrees and the flattest at about 10 to 20 degrees. The mechanism has a noticeable “clack” when it reaches the lowest angle, but it’s not very flexible. One downside is that the fold direction isn’t immediately obvious, as both the inside and outside of the lid look identical. A sticker helps guide you. Inside, a mini “ledge” allows your iPad to rest vertically (the magnetic connection is only for horizontal use). This ledge can also accommodate an iPhone, which could serve as a secondary screen. The keyboard is a modified version of Logitech’s Keys-to-Go 2, with a similar layout and feel, but lacking a trackpad. The Flip Folio can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth and easily switch between them with a button. It’s powered by four CR2016 button cells and rated for up to two years of use, assuming two hours of daily use. The long battery life is partly due to the lack of backlighting, so consider this if you often work in low-light environments. Read our full Logitech Flip Folio for iPad review Protects Apple Pencil – Logitech Folio Touch Pros Protective loop for Apple Pencil iPad specific function keys Connection to the iPad via Smart Connector Cons Only available for some iPads Price When Reviewed: $159.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $159.99 View Deal $159.99 View Deal Logitech $159.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: iPad Air (M3, M2, 4th & 5th gen) Why we like Logitech’s Flip Touch: We like the loop to attach the Apple Pencil, which is the main advantage over the Combo Touch. The inclusion of the touch pad is a benefit over the Flip Folio. The Folio Touch is the predecessor to the Folio Flip and the little brother of Logitech’s Combo Touch. Like the Combo Touch it combines all-round protection for the iPad and a full-fledged keyboard with trackpad. The mounting of the iPad in the Folio Touch case is easy and the rubber corners keep the iPad secure at all times, the fit is good. Thanks to the connection via the Smart Connector on the back, the Folio Touch does not require its own battery or connection via Bluetooth. There is a row of iOS specific keys along the top row offering a home button, volume control, a search key, and screen locking. The keyboard is firmly connected to the case, but, if you do not need the keyboard, you can fold it onto the back of the iPad. Otherwise, the construction with the fold-out stand is identical to the Combo Touch. So, in addition to a position for the disc, it also offers a desk position for drawing. There is a loop to attach the Apple Pencil, which is a good solution because the Pencil may detach if you only rely on the magnet. This is the main advantage over the Combo Touch. iPad Air 11-inch (M2/M3) and iPad Air (gen 4 – 5): $159.99/£169.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK Zagg Pro Keys for iPad Pros Removable keyboard Compact compartment for Apple Pencil Robust Good keyboard Cons No trackpad Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79 View Deal $80.89 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Zagg 99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: iPad (A16 & 10th generation) Models for iPad Pro and iPad Air available. Why we like the Zagg Pro Keys: Typing is easy in low light thanks to the large buttons and a backlight that can be in seven background colors. There is also a compartment for the Apple Pencil. The Zagg Pro Keys offers a combination of a robust protective case and a removable keyboard. The model we reviewed was for the iPad (10th generation). Since we reviewed that, Zagg has introduced a Zagg Pro Keys 2 that is more ergonomic, improves the magnetic attachment and key design, and adds an emoji key. The connection to the iPad is via Bluetooth and due to the correspondingly necessary battery, the Pro Keys weigh between 450 and 650 grams, depending on the model. The protective cover has rubberized edges and offers fall protection from two meters. The protective case is connected to the keyboard via magnets, if you do not need the keyboard you can remove it and still use the cover to protect the iPad. There is a compartment for the Apple Pencil. The layout of the keyboard corresponds to common compact keyboards, but the buttons are sufficiently large so it’s not to compact for comfortable typing. In the top row are various function keys: including buttons to switch between two devices, the home button, a button to put the iPad into sleep mode, a button for an overview of all active apps, a globe to switch between emoji and a keyboard language, media control and volume. When you close the keyboard, it automatically goes to sleep. A backlight makes typing possible in low light. There are seven background colors to choose from and the brightness can be controlled in three levels.The biggest drawback with this model is that it lacks a trackpad. iPad (10th generation): $99.99/£99.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK Basic and compact: Keys-To-Go 2 for iPad Pros Slim, lightweight design Sturdy but comfortable keyboard Wraparound cover Good battery life Cons No backlight No stand Screwdriver needed to replace batteries Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.30 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Logitech $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we like Logitech’s Keys-To-Go 2: It’s basic but it’s also compact and the keyboard keys use a scissor mechanism for pleasing travel. Logitech’s Keys-To-Go 2 is a portable keyboard designed for iPad users who want a basic keyboard, rather than a full-size keyboard that includes a trackpad, stand, and protective, wrap-around cover like the Logitech Folio and Combo Touch options above. Available in two versions, the standard version is suitable for Windows and Android devices, as well as iPad and Macs. It comes in light grey, dark grey or Lilac blue. There’s also a version designed specifically for iPad, which is still compatible with Windows and Macs, but has a more Apple-centric keyboard layout. That is the model we tested. The price of both versions of the keyboard is the same. The Keys-To-Go 2 For iPad is designed specifically for iPad, offering a more Apple-centric layout with Apple’s standard Command and Option keys. It also includes a full row of Function keys, allowing users to pair the keyboard with up to three devices via Bluetooth, control brightness and volume, and take screenshots.The keyboard also offers layouts for various languages, including U.S., U.K., French, German, and Swiss. The keyboard does not have a trackpad or numeric keypad, so business users may prefer the larger Combo Touch or Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Despite its compact design, the Keys-To-Go 2 is sturdy and responsive, with a firm, responsive keyboard panel that doesn’t flex like some cheaper keyboards. The individual keys use a scissor mechanism for easy travel and are large enough not to feel cramped while typing. It does not act as a stand, so a stand or other way to support the iPad is required. Logitech offers customization options through its Options+ app, but this app is only available for Mac or Windows PCs. The keyboard measures 9mm thick, 250mm wide, and 105mm deep, and weighs only 222g. It can be easily slipped into a backpack or carrying case alongside the iPad, and the keyboard does not provide a protective cover for the iPad. Read our full Keys-To-Go 2 for iPad review How we test iPad keyboards We attach great importance to various aspects, including the fit, the material quality, the battery life (if any) and the typing experience of the keys. To check these properties, we use the keyboards as part of our daily editorial work. FAQ 1. Do the keyboards have a battery? Apple’s iPad keyboards are charged via the Smart Connectors. Other iPad keyboard cases use batteries. 2. Does the keyboard use a lot of power? The power consumption is very low, even when using the screen keyboard, the consumption is hardly measurable. 3. Can you connect USB-C devices to the Magic Keyboard? The Magic Keyboard has a USB-C interface, but this is only for charging the iPad. 4. Do I need a trackpad? With the latest iPad OS versions, Apple has improved the support of the mouse and trackpad, under iOS 26 you can now work with it even better. 5. Does the trackpad support gestures? Some iPad gestures are supported on the Apple Magic Keyboard cases. For example, you can scroll with a swipe with two fingers, change the app with three fingers and open a context menu with a two-finger click. 6. Are key commands supported? You can display the available key commands by long pressing the apple keys. Most common key commands on Mac also work on iPad. For example, you can open the search function with Command key + Spacebar. 7. Can you also use Bluetooth keyboards? You can use Apple’s Bluetooth keyboards and all Bluetooth keyboards with iPads. Pairing is possible via the Bluetooth setting. Apple’s Magic keyboard without a numeric keypad is particularly suitable for mobile use. 8. Why you should get a keyboard for iPad A keyboard for the iPad is useful because it makes typing more efficient and comfortable. For longer texts or documents, a physical keyboard is usually faster and more precise than typing on the touchscreen. The use of a keyboard promotes a better hand posture, reduces fatigue during longer writing sessions and thus reduces the load on the hands. In addition, navigating and editing texts is much easier by using keyboard shortcuts. 9. Does a keyboard affect the use of the iPad in other applications? Yes, a keyboard can interfere with the use of iPad in certain applications, especially if they are heavily dependent on touch gestures. It can be cumbersome to switch between keyboard and touchscreen, which can interfere with the workflow. Therefore, it is advantageous if the keyboard has a touchpad. For more advice about accessories and software for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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