My MacBook Neo handled a week of stress better than I did
Macworld I noted in my MacBook Neo review that benchmarking the Neo as well as using it as a daily computer resulted in an experience that was quite satisfying. But that was only for a few days of very specific testing, and the Neo’s A18 Pro processor and 8GB of RAM, which can’t be upgraded at all, is certainly underpowered compared to the other M5 models. The chip and 8GB of RAM had not been a problem during my evaluation period. You can obviously see the difference in benchmarks, where the mobile chip and limited RAM affected performance, but by “problem,” I mean as a person using the Neo. They weren’t an issue. But the concern is real–after all, Apple only upgraded its base RAM configuration for its other Macs to 16GB nearly two years ago. So I decided to make it a problem–in other words, I used the MacBook Neo in ways to see if usability became problematic because of its low-end chip and 8GB of RAM. This meant I had to break my habits and purposefully push my Mac to its limit–and it left me a little frazzled at times. But what I found is that the Neo still feels capable under heavy loads and handled the “mess” better than I did. Here are some of the tasks I did to push the MacBook Neo as far as I could. I used the MacBook Neo to edit the Macworld Podcast in Adobe Premiere Pro.Foundry Editing 1080p video in Adobe Premiere Pro As a reviewer of Macs, when people ask me for a recommendation, I ask them what kind of stuff they do on their computer, and then I try to fit what they do with a specific Mac. But as Sam Henri Gold points out, that’s a script reviewers like me use out of convenience. A lot of people want to do what they’ve been told not to do on a $599 computer like the MacBook Neo. So I did one of those things you’re not supposed to do. I edited a few videos with Adobe Premiere Pro, a professional-level video editing tool. I edited episode 974 of the Macworld Podcast and a couple of video shorts with the MacBook Neo and its 8GB of RAM. The editing I did on the full podcast episode included basic trimming, adding lower thirds, a basic multi-camera setup, and some audio clean-up. The video shorts involved more editing, but nothing complex. I am by no means an experienced Premiere Pro user (in fact, I only recently started learning how to use it). But that’s exactly the use case a MacBook Neo user could have: they have a budget computer, and they’re just starting to learn higher-end software. They’re not going to go buy a more powerful computer just for this situation. And the whole experience went off without a hitch. I never had to wait for the Mac to catch up to what I was doing, nor did the MacBook Neo stall, hiccup, or churn. The only thing where I noticed a slowdown was in the export of the full podcast episode, where the 67-minute video at 1080p took 31 minutes to complete, about 10 minutes longer than it took on the M5 Max MacBook Pro. Foundry Above is a screenshot of Activity Monitor after I had finished the project and saved it, but did not quit the app. The only other apps that were open were Slack and Microsoft Edge (which I needed to access the online recording tool that we use for the podcast). I used up all of the available memory during these tasks, and macOS used the SSD as swap. When the Mac runs out of available RAM, it resorts to using the SSD. This is called swap memory, or just swap. A drawback of swap is that access speeds are slower than RAM, but Apple has a lot of confidence in its swap implementation. During this task, I ended up with 2.58GB in swap (which isn’t uncommon), but I never noticed a performance hit. Editing 4K video in Adobe Premiere Pro My next attempt to stress out the MacBook Neo was to edit 4K video in Adobe Premiere Pro. I shot the video using an iPhone 17 Pro Max at 4K and 60 frames per second. I had 20 minutes of footage where I did some basic edits, titles, transitions, and color adjustments. The only other app that was open during editing was Safari. I kept expecting the MacBook Neo to stutter and lag, but it never did. Another experience without any issues. I wasn’t doing anything complicated, but I was working with a large file and doing the kind of stuff someone learning Premiere would do. I could’ve used iMovie, but as I said, I’m learning the software, and I feel like the tasks I did were more easily done in Premiere Pro. Plus, using an Apple app is basically cheating. Foundry When I finished that project, the MacBook Neo used 1.75GB in swap. Not a lot, and it would have been more had the project been more complicated and longer. What I learned from this experience is that as I continue to use Adobe Premiere Pro and develop my skills as an editor, I should be fine with the MacBook Neo for a while. I may never need to create a cinematic video, but I can progress towards that goal on the Neo. I think there are a lot of users who are in a similar situation. Even a pro who already knows what they can do and knows what Macs they want can use a Neo if the situation calls for it. Safari browser tabs This is the task that stressed me more than the MacBook Neo. I have a habit of closing any browser tabs I am not using. I’d rather not risk a hidden tab running in the background, affecting performance, even if that’s not supposed to happen. But I went against my nature and spent an afternoon working in Safari without closing a browser tab. During a four-hour session, I used Macworld’s web-based content tools, visited websites to research articles, and after I was done with work, I did some personal browsing. By the end, I had 41 tabs open in Safari (and just a little freaked out by it). Foundry A lot of users instinctively open new tabs when they start a new search, and many don’t close unused tabs. In case you didn’t know, browsers are RAM-hungry apps, which is why I developed a habit of closing unused tabs. In my experience, the MacBook Neo used over 4GB of swap, which will vary depending on how many Safari tabs you have open. The MacBook Neo handled it all without any issues I could notice. But if you’re using any Mac with 8GB of RAM and it’s starting to feel a littlle sliggish, close a few or those tabs. Google Chrome browser tabs I did the same thing with Google Chrome: a four-hour session without closing any tabs. After a couple of hours, I had 41 tabs open (though not the same sites as in the Safari test). I set Chrome’s Memory Saver to Maximum and did my best to fight the urge to close any tabs until the session was done. As I said, browsers are RAM hungry, and Google Chrome has a reputation as a particularly resource-hungry app. At the end of four hours, the MacBook Neo had a swap that was over 5GB. Again, I didn’t notice any performance hiccups. Foundry But once again, the MacBook Neo didn’t flinch. I could switch between tabs easily, and even when I used an app and kep Chrome open in the background, there was no noticeable performance hit. I wasn’t done, however. I poshed my browser until I had 59 tabs open, stopping only when it became way too difficult to navigate. The swap grew to nearly 8GB–the swap and the installed RAM were the same size. But still, my Neo powered through. Foundry Your milage may very This is all anecdotal. Your video editing project could be much more complex, and the websites you visit could be more or less demanding on your resources. If you’re the type of person who knows 8GB of RAM isn’t enough, then the MacBook Neo isn’t for you, but making a blanket statement that it’s not good for anyone isn’t correct. My experience with the MacBook Neo remains the same as it was during the review. It’s a great Mac for everyday tasks, and will even handle the occasional pro app. I’m sure there’s a ceiling to what you can do with it, but with so much headroom, there’s a good chance you’ll never get anywhere near it. Apple MacBook Neo Read our review Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $595 at Amazon | $597 at Walmart | $599 at Apple

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Is your iPhone too old? This is how long Apple really supports iPhones for
Macworld If you are thinking of buying an older generation or used/refurbished iPhone, or wondering whether it’s worth upgrading your current iPhone to a new one, one important factor to consider is how long Apple will continue to offer support for that handset. The good news is that Apple supports iPhones for a long time. In general, you can get seven to eight years of security-related software updates, while battery and other repairs are often available on five to seven-year-old handsets, according to Apple’s own Vintage and Obsolete categorizations. More on that below. Read on to find out which iPhones are supported with the latest operating systems, and which are supported for servicing and repairs. Macworld’s advice: The iPhone XS and XR and any older iPhone should be avoided as they can’t run the 2025 iOS update: iOS 26. Update: In March 2026 Apple removed the iPhone 4 (8GB) and iPhone 5 from it’s list of vintage products, to the obsolete list, more than 12 years after the company stopped selling them, which goes to show just how long support can last… How long does Apple support iPhones with iOS updates? Seven years: Apple supports some iPhones that can’t run the latest version of iOS with security updates. Currently there is such support for iPhones from 2018. A January 2026 update relating to FaceTime and Messages on iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 included the twelve year old iPhone 5S. Apple generally provides major iOS updates for iPhones for approximately five to six years, though security-related support often extends even longer. While Apple does not officially guarantee a specific duration, its historical track record shows a consistent commitment to long-term device viability, with up to eight years of cover in the past. It is important to distinguish between major iOS version updates (which bring new features and interface changes) and security-only updates, though. Major iOS Updates: You can expect an iPhone to be compatible with the latest version iOS typically for around 5–7 years. The iPhone 11, released in late 2019, can run iOS 26, although not every feature will run on older iPhones. Security Updates: That doesn’t mean older iPhones are not supported by Apple. The company continues to provide critical security patches for older versions of iOS for several years after they stop receiving new features. This can extend the total “safe” lifespan of a device to nearly a decade. The iPhone XR and XS, launched in 2018, did not receive the 2025 update, iOS 26, but Apple has issued security updates for those phones via iOS 18. Device specific security updates: A key change is that with release of the iOS 18 security update in January 2026 was specific to those iPhones unable to run iOS 26. This means that those running iOS 18 on a phone compatible with iOS 26 needed to update to iOS 26 in order to get the security update for their iPhone. Previously the security update to an older version of iOS ran on any device running that version of the software. In January 2026 Apple issued updates to iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 that extended the certificate required by features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to continue working after January 2027. Those updates include the 2013’s iPhone 5S, and 2014’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. However, just a few days later Apple withdrew these updates after network issues that meant some older iPhones couldn’t make emergency calls. It is unlikely that Apple will issue an iOS 17 specific update because all iOS 17-compatible iPhones can run iOS 18, so Apple would encourage anyone running iOS 17 to update to iOS 18 to get the security update. The last update to iOS 17 was 17.7.2 in November 2024. You should be very cautious if using an iPhone that won’t receive these security fixes for what could be dangerous vulnerabilities. Since we can only guarantee that iOS 18 support will continue we would recommend that you should replace your iPhone if it can’t run iOS 18, which includes the iPhones X, 8 and 8 Plus and iPhones 7, 6S, 6S Plus and the 1st gen SE. Which iPhones can run the latest iOS? Britta O’Boyle The 2019 iPhone 11 is the oldest iPhone able to run iOS 26. iOS 26 is available as a free software update for all iPhone models released from 2019 onwards. This includes the following devices: iPhone 17 Series, including iPhone Air (2025) iPhone 16 Series, including iPhone 16e (2024) iPhone 15 Series (2023) iPhone 14 Series (2022) iPhone 13 Series (2021) iPhone 12 Series (2020) iPhone 11 Series (2019) iPhone SE iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) Which iPhones run each version of iOS? The chart below shows each version of iOS and the iPhones it ran on. As you can see, in recent years support for new iOS versions has stretched back for around six years, while, if you include the versions that Apple supports with security updates, the cover goes back a further year. iOS support chart by model Find your iPhone here and check which versions of iOS it can run.Foundry What is the oldest iPhone still supported by Apple? 2018 iPhone XS and iPhone XR – supported by iOS 18 security update As of early 2026, Apple is still supporting the 2018 iPhone XS and iPhone XR with security updates. While the 2019 iPhone 11 runs the latest version of iOS. However, the support on these older iPhones is unlikely to continue for much longer: the iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are already on Apple’s vintage list, which, as explained in more detail below, means that repairs will be limited by whether Apple has the required parts. However, as recent as September 2025 the 2015 iPhone 6S was the oldest iPhone supported with security updates, with Apple updating iOS 15 with a security update that month. Which iPhones to avoid The iPhone 5S. Remember? It’s been a while.IDG We don’t recommend the following iPhone models because they no longer receive regular updates, though some models may occasionally get a critical security update: iPhone 11/11 Pro (2019) iPhone XR (2018) iPhone XS/XS Max (2018) iPhone X (2017) iPhone 8/8 Plus (2017) iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016) iPhone SE (2016) iPhone 6s/6s Plus (2014) iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014) iPhone 5s (2013) iPhone 5c (2013) iPhone 5 (2012) iPhone 4s (2011) iPhone 4 (2010) iPhone 3GS (2009) iPhone 3G (2008) iPhone (2007) For more information, see our list of every version of iOS. When will Apple stop supporting each iPhone? Truth is we don’t know for sure, but on the basis that Apple supports phones for five to seven years after they are removed from sale: iPhone XS (2018-2019) – Approx 2026 iPhone XR (2018-2021) – Approx 2026-2028 iPhone 11 (2019-2022) – Approx 2027-2029 iPhone SE2 (2020-2022) – Approx 2027-2029 iPhone 12 (2020-2023) – Approx 2028-2030 iPhone 13 (2021) – Approx 2032 iPhone SE3 (2022) – Approx 2033 iPhone 14 (2022) – Approx 2034 iPhone 15 (2023) – Approx 2035 iPhone 16 (2024) – Approx 2036 iPhone 17 (2025) – Approx 2037 Apple Intelligence: With the arrival of Apple Intelligence AI features and their hardware requirements, the older iPhones are likely to become obsolete faster. When does Apple stop repairing old iPhones? Foundry When it comes to repairs, Apple supports iPhones (and all devices it makes) for seven years from the last time it sold that particular model. So as long as your iPhone was still being sold by Apple up to seven years ago, the company or a third-party service provider will still service it. Apple distinguishes between iPhones (and other devices) that are obsolete and vintage. Vintage Apple Products: These are products that Apple stopped selling between five and seven years ago. They are considered old, but there may be limited access to repairs depending on whether Apple has the parts available. Obsolete Apple Products: These are products that Apple stopped selling between more than seven years ago. They are considered end-of-life and will no longer be repaired by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Obsolete iPhones The following iPhones are now considered Obsolete, which means sales were discontinued more than seven years ago and Apple has now discontinued all hardware servicing. iPhone iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 (all models now obsolete from 2026) iPhone 4s iPhone 5 (discontinued September 2013, obsolete in 2026) iPhone 5c (discontinued September 2013, obsolete in 2021) iPhone 5S (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2021, obsolete in 2024) iPhone 6 (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2021, obsolete in 2025) iPhone 6 Plus (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2021, obsolete in 2024) iPhone 6s (32GB) (discontinued in 2018, obsolete in 2024) iPhone 6s Plus (32GB) (discontinued in 2018, obsolete in 2024) iPhone SE, 2016 (discontinued in 2018, vintage in 2023, obsolete 2025) Vintage iPhones And the iPhones below are listed as Vintage, which means they have not been sold for more than five years (but less than seven years). Apple will still service these products as long as it has the required parts. So you could say that the oldest iPhone still supported by Apple is now the ten-year-old iPhone 6s, but we don’t expect that Apple will have the required parts. Prior to March 2026, Apple still listed the iPhone 5 and one 8GB model of the iPhone 4 as vintage, more than 12 years on from when they were first sold. iPhone 6s (16GB, 64GB, 128GB) (discontinued in 2016, vintage in 2022) iPhone 6s Plus (discontinued in 2018, vintage in 2022) iPhone 7 (discontinued in 2019, vintage in May 2025) iPhone 7 Plus (discontinued in 2019, vintage in May 2025) iPhone 8 (discontinued in 2020, vintage in 2024) iPhone 8 Plus (discontinued in 2020, vintage in 2024) iPhone X (discontinued in 2018, vintage in 2024) iPhone XS Max (discontinued in 2018, vintage in 2024) iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max (discontinued in 2020, vintage in September 2025) All iPhones that followed those handsets should be fully supported by Apple. You may also be interested to learn how long Apple supports Macs and how long Apple supports iPads. We also have guides for getting a broken iPhone fixed and how much Apple product repairs cost. Is your iPhone slipping into obscurity? Find a great deal on a new iPhone here or check the best prices below and take a look at our round-up to choose the Best iPhone for you. iPhone Air Retailer Price $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 17 Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 17 Pro Retailer Price $1099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

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The LiberNovo Omni creates a smarter workspace for Mac users, creators and designers
Macworld Sppring Refresh Sale Get up to 30% off LiberNovo Omni ergonomic chair Building healthier, more human-centered workspaces View Deal For designers and Mac users, the workspace is more than a desk—it’s a creative environment. The balance between aesthetics, comfort, and performance directly affects how ideas take shape. As remote work and digital creation continue to dominate modern workflows, many designers are rethinking not just their tools, but how their bodies interact with those tools for hours every day. This spring, LiberNovo is encouraging that shift through its Spring Refresh promotion, a seasonal initiative focused on building healthier, more human-centered workspaces. At the center of the campaign is the LiberNovo Omni, a dynamic ergonomic chair designed to support movement rather than force the body into a fixed posture. For designers who spend entire days working across apps like Final Cut, Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Cloud on a Mac, the difference between static support and responsive support can be significant. LiberNovo From static seating to motion-driven ergonomics Creative work rarely happens in a perfectly upright posture. Designers lean forward during deep focus, recline when reviewing layouts, and shift positions when sketching ideas or brainstorming. Traditional ergonomic chairs assume the body will stay in one position. But modern ergonomics increasingly recognizes that movement—not stillness—is the key to comfort and productivity. The Omni chair embraces this philosophy through its Bionic FlexFit backrest, engineered with 16 precision joints and eight adaptive panels. Together, they create a dynamic structure that mirrors the spine’s natural S-curve and maintains consistent support as the user shifts position. Instead of adjusting your body to match the chair, the Omni adapts to you. For creative professionals who often experience back fatigue or neck tension during long design sessions, that responsiveness can help reduce the physical friction that interrupts creative flow. LiberNovo Precision support for creative workflows The Omni was designed with highly variable work styles in mind. Designers often transition between different modes of work throughout the day, and the chair supports that shift with four intelligent recline positions: 105° Deep Focus Mode for precise editing and presentations 120° Solo Work Mode for long design sessions 135° Soft Recline for reviewing layouts or watching renders 160° Spine Flow for restorative stretching and recovery Complementing these modes are 4D armrests and 3D neck support, allowing precise adjustments when working with a keyboard, stylus, or tablet. Another thoughtful feature for screen-centric professionals is dynamic screen alignment. The neckrest and backrest tilt independently, helping maintain a consistent gaze angle when reclining—particularly helpful when working with large displays or dual-monitor setups common in design studios. LiberNovo Built-in recovery for long creative sessions Design work often happens in extended bursts of concentration. Over time, static posture can lead to accumulated tension in the spine. The Omni addresses this with OmniStretch, a built-in motorized spinal stretch and massage system powered by an internal chip-driven mechanism. When activated, the backrest provides up to 50mm of controlled spinal extension—essentially offering a physical reset during breaks. For designers who regularly work through multi-hour creative sprints, this feature introduces something rare in office furniture: active recovery during the workday. LiberNovo Biophilic design meets modern technology Spring also introduces a new aesthetic option: Moss Green, inspired by natural environments and biophilic design principles. The subtle green tone reduces visual fatigue and integrates easily into minimalist setups popular among Mac users. Paired with the Omni’s breathable materials and layered seat cushion design, it transforms the workstation into a calmer, more restorative environment. LiberNovo Spring Refresh: a seasonal opportunity to upgrade LiberNovo’s Spring Refresh program runs from March 18 to April 15 across the U.S. and Canada, offering tiered incentives for workspace upgrades. Key highlights include: Omni starting at just $848 Up to 30% off bundle offers $15 instant checkout discount for orders above $800 Orders of $900+ (CA$1,400+) include a complimentary Eco Comfort Set, including an silk eye mask, eco tote bag, and StepSync mat. Orders of $1,000+ (CA$1,500+) unlock the Ultimate Perks Pack that Includes a brand-exclusive cap, creative sticker set, eco tote bag, and limited-edition fridge magnet. Rather than positioning the promotion purely as a sale, LiberNovo frames it as a seasonal reset—an opportunity to rethink how creative professionals work and recover throughout the day. LiberNovo Designing for the designer For Mac users and designers, tools are often evaluated by how seamlessly they integrate into the creative process. The LiberNovo Omni approaches ergonomics the same way good design approaches software: quietly solving problems so creators can focus on their work. When the workspace moves with the body, creative energy can move more freely as well. Get up to 30% off the LiberNovo Omni

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Best iPhone Battery Cases 2026: Mophie vs Newdery Compared (Slim vs High Capacity)
Macworld A battery case is a protective phone case with a built-in power pack, letting you recharge your device without carrying a separate charger. Once popular, battery cases are now less common due to the rise of MagSafe and wireless power banks (see: Best magnetic power banks and MagSafe portable battery packs for iPhone). The choice between the two comes down to convenience versus capacity: battery cases offer an all-in-one solution, while magnetic power banks provide more flexibility and higher charge. Battery cases are ideal if you want a simple, “always there” power source. Because the battery is built in, you don’t need to remember extra cables or accessories – and you get added drop protection at the same time. They’re especially useful for: Forgetful travelers who don’t want to carry separate chargers Users needing protection alongside extra battery Active professionals who want a secure, wired connection Minimalists who prefer one device instead of two The downsides are added bulk and limited longevity, as cases are tied to specific phone models. They also tend to have smaller batteries (around 3000mAh) compared to the 5000mAh+ typical of standalone power banks. Still, their key advantage is convenience: reliable backup power, always attached to your phone. So you can find the best battery case for your iPhone, this article looks at options from our two favorite battery case manufacturers: Mophie and Newdery. There are options for all iPhones from the past few years, because, frankly, it’s the older iPhones that tend to need the battery boost. You may also want to check out our roundup reviews of the best iPhone 15 cases, best iPhone 16 cases and best iPhone 17 cases. Mophie Juice Pack – Slimmest case for iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max & iPhone Air Pros Internal battery in protective case Fast input and passthrough power Slimmer than rival battery cases Robust feel Cons Smaller battery than power banks Price When Reviewed: $99.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.95 View Deal Zagg $99.95 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: 11.55Wh (3000mAh) for iPhone 17 Pro; 3600mAh for 17 Pro Max Input charger: USB-C (45W) Output charger: Wired (45W) passthrough; 10W to iPhone On test charged iPhone to: 55% Weight (Pro): 3.5oz (98g) Dimensions (Pro): 6.3-x-3-x-0.75 inches (160-x-77-x-19mm) Colors: Black Compatibility: iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air This Mophie battery case is for the iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and Air only (so not the plain iPhone 17). Like the version for iPhone 16 (see below) it feels more robust in its two part design than the version for the 15. It is slimmer and noticeably lighter than the iPhone 16 Juice pack, yet hosts a higher-capacity battery. It will give an empty iPhone a little over half a full charge, which should keep you going until the next recharging opportunity. The back of the case features four LEDs that indicate remaining battery life in the case. To the left of these lights is the Standby/Status button that needs to be pressed to start or pause the charging process. Simon Jary Inside the case is a USB-C connector that slots into the iPhone’s port, see above. Just because the actual charging isn’t wireless doesn’t mean that the Mophie Juice Pack abandons MagSafe altogether. The back features an integrated passive magnet that allows a strong hold for wallets and other magnetic accessories. You cannot, however, wirelessly charge the case or the phone when inside it. Read our full Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro review Mophie Juice Pack – Best for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max Pros Internal battery in protective case More efficient than a wireless power bank Slimmer than rival battery cases Feels more robust than model for iPhone 15 Cons Smaller battery than power banks Price When Reviewed: $99.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Zagg $99.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: 10.78Wh (2800mAh) for iPhone 16 and 16 Pro; 3600mAh for 16 Pro Max Input charger: USB-C (36W) Output charger: Wired (27W) On test charged iPhone to: 50% Weight (Pro): 3.6oz (103g) Dimensions (Pro): 6.4-x-2.9-x-0.7 inches (163-x-73-x-17mm) Colors: Black Compatibility: iPhone 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max This Mophie battery case for the iPhone 16 family (omitting the 16 Plus) feels more robust in its two part design than the version for the 15, reviewed below. It will fill your iPhone up to around half when it’s slipped into low single digits of battery percentage, which could be a life saver. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry It offers less recharge potential than its rival Newdery case, reviewed below, but is significantly slimmer and lighter with its smaller battery capacity. Read our full Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case for iPhone 16 Pro review Newdery Battery Case – Longest battery life for iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max Pros Internal battery in protective case High-capacity battery Cons Bulky Price When Reviewed: $32.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $32.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: From 17.78Wh (4800mAh) Input charger: 12W Output charger: 7.5W On test charged iPhone to: 72% Weight: 5oz (143g) Dimensions: 6-x-2.9-x-0.8 inches (151-x-73-x-20mm) Colors: Black Compatibility: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max This more affordable battery case for all models of iPhone 16 is noticeably wider and fatter than the Mophie Juice Pack but that’s because it hosts a larger battery, which means you get more recharge potential at the price of the bulk. Newdery iPhone 16 Battery Pack (left) and Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 16 (right).Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry It’s a one-piece design, compared to the Mophie’s two sections. The iPhone charges wirelessly within the case, which means less stress on the iPhone’s charging port but the ensuing compromise means that charging is notably slower. That shouldn’t matter while you are on the road and the capacity will keep your iPhone going for longer. Read our full Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 16 review Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case – Best for iPhone 15, 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max Pros Internal battery in protective case More efficient than a wireless power bank Slimmer than rival battery cases Cons Smaller battery than power banks Top section can pull off easily Price When Reviewed: $99.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Zagg $99.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: 9.24Wh (2400mAh) for iPhone 15 and 15 Pro; 3000mAh for 15 Pro Max Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wired (18W iPhone) On test charged iPhone to: 57% Weight: 8oz (227g) Dimensions: 6.3-x-2.5-x-0.6 inches (160-x-63-x-15mm) Colors: Black Compatibility: iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max No wireless charging here because the Juice Pack is a protective case with an internal battery. The iPhone is charged via a wired USB-C connector, so charges faster and more efficiently than a wireless-only power bank. Mophie has designed this battery case to be as slim as possible while still offering enough recharge power to get your iPhone to over a half full battery. The other iPhone 15 battery case we tested, the Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 15, reviewed below, comes in two much larger battery capacities (5K and 10K) but the cases themselves are much heavier and bulky. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry It’s a two-piece design that fits the iPhone well, and offers robust protection from knocks, bumps and drops. The top part did slip off a couple of times in testing from a tight trouser pocket but should fare better from a coat or bag. If you want a one-piece iPhone battery case choose one of the Newdery battery cases, reviewed below. The Mophie Juice Pack is available for all iPhone 15 models except the 15 Plus. If you have an earlier iPhone model, look for options with the Newdery battery cases below. Read our full Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 review Newdery Battery Case – Longest battery life for iPhone 15 and older Pros Options for older iPhones Protective case Near 100% battery charge Cons Bulky Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: From 17.78Wh (4800mAh) Input charger: Lightning, USB-C (18W), Qi Output charger: Wired (18W iPhone) On test charged iPhone to: 95% Weight: 4.66oz (132g) Dimensions: 6.3-x-2.5-x-0.8 inches (160-x-63-x-20mm) Colors: Black Compatibility: iPhone 11-16 The Newdery Battery Case offers full protection and nearly a full battery recharge, and this dual function makes it a cheaper alternative to a MagSafe case and MagSafe battery pack. However, some may find the bulky design too chunky, although the case for the iPhone 15 Pro itself weighs just 134g. The 5000mAh Newdery Battery Cases scored around 95% in our tests, with the 10K battery cases reaching an amazing 168%. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Those test results are from the iPhone 15 Pro models, but Newdery has battery cases for all the recent iPhones. Newdery iPhone Battery Cases on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA. Some models are wireless compatible themselves so can be charged itself on most Qi charging pads. If you desire protection as well as longer battery life, the Newdery Battery Case offers both in an affordable package. It is much cheaper than the Mophie Juice Pack reviewed above. Read our full Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 15 and 15 Pro review Does Apple make a battery case for iPhone? Battery cases for iPhones used to be all the rage. Apple even made one from 2015 to 2019—the Apple Smart Battery Case that was mocked for its humped back, which was last seen for iPhone 11. Apple then switched to a magnetic power bank (the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack), and even got bored with that until it released a new one for the iPhone Air. There are much better magnetic alternatives—see our reviews of the best magnetic power banks for iPhone. Apple used to make its own battery case for iPhone but pushed customers to MagSafe alternatives after its Smart Battery Case for iPhone 11.Apple Which battery case is best: Mophie vs Newdery Choosing between Mophie and Newdery battery cases depends on whether you prioritize a slim, premium design or maximum charging capacity at an affordable price. While Mophie has long been the market leader for iPhone battery cases, Newdery has established itself as a reliable alternative that often provides significantly more power for a lower cost. Mophie Juice Pack SeriesMophie’s Juice Pack is generally considered the “best” for users who want a high-quality, integrated feel without excessive bulk. The latest models for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max continue this trend by being slimmer and lighter than previous iterations. Design and Build: Mophie uses a signature two-piece design where the top pulls off to allow the phone to slide onto a built-in USB-C connector. In our review of the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro, we note that “Mophie keeps making its Juice Pack battery cases slimmer, lighter and more robust than previous models”. Performance: Because the cases are slim, the batteries are smaller (typically 2,400mAh to 3,600mAh). In tests, these cases usually provide a 50% to 55% recharge, which is intended to get a user through the day rather than providing multiple full charges. Protection: Mophie cases offer 6-foot drop protection and include raised corners to save the screen from impacts. Newdery Battery Case SeriesNewdery is the better choice for “power users” or travelers who need to stay away from a wall outlet for extended periods. They offer much higher capacities, including 5,000mAh and even 10,000mAh models. Design and Innovation: Unlike Mophie’s physical connector, some Newdery models for the iPhone 16 and 17 use internal wireless charging. As noted in our Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 16 review, “Newdery uses wireless charging so that there is no risk of jamming the phone into the case too hard and damaging the iPhone’s charging port.” . However, this makes the case significantly bulkier, often measuring nearly 2cm deep. Performance: The 5,000mAh Newdery case can recharge an iPhone 16 Pro to approximately 72%, compared to Mophie’s 50%. The 10,000mAh version can recharge a phone over 1.5 times. Value: Newdery cases are substantially cheaper, often priced around $30–$33, whereas Mophie cases typically retail for $99.95. How battery cases work Battery cases typically function through one of two primary connection methods: Physical Connector: Most traditional models, such as the Mophie Juice Pack, use a two-piece design where the phone slides into a base containing a built-in USB-C or Lightning connector. This physical link is generally more efficient than wireless alternatives. Internal Wireless Charging: Some modern cases, like those from Newdery, use internal wireless charging to power the phone while it is inside the case. This design eliminates the risk of damaging the phone’s charging port during installation. Do battery cases damage your phone battery? Battery cases are generally considered safe for your phone’s battery health, provided they are used correctly and come from reputable manufacturers. While they do not inherently “damage” the battery, they can introduce environmental factors – specifically heat – that may accelerate natural degradation over time. What to avoid when using a battery case To maintain your phone’s battery health while using a battery case, consider the following: Avoid “Parasite Loads”: Using your phone heavily (like watching video) while it is being charged by the case can create “mini-cycles” that deteriorate the battery faster. Monitor Charging Limits: Modern iPhones include features like “Optimized Battery Charging” or hard limits (such as stopping at 80%) to conserve battery longevity. Choose Trusted Brands: Experts recommend sticking to well-known brands like Mophie or tested alternatives like Newdery, as cheap, “no-name” hardware often lacks the protective circuits necessary to prevent overheating. Do battery cases support fast charging? Battery cases do support fast charging, though the implementation and speed vary significantly between models. Unlike standalone power banks, which often rely on magnetic wireless connections, battery cases typically use a physical connector – such as USB-C – to deliver power more efficiently. The fastest way to charge an iPhone remains a wired connection. Many modern battery cases utilize an integrated USB-C connector that plugs directly into the phone’s port. Others have designed cases that charge the phone wirelessly while it sits inside the case. While this reduces the risk of damaging the phone’s charging port, it results in slower charging speeds compared to a direct “hard” connection. Would a MagSafe Power Bank be better? While battery cases offer protection, they are often “bulkier than a normal case” and rarely offer a full 100% recharge. For example, the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro typically recharges a drained device to about 55%. In contrast, as noted in Best magnetic power banks and MagSafe portable battery packs for iPhone, a 10K (10,000mAh) power bank can charge a phone close to two times over. You should choose a power bank if you prioritize maximum battery life for long-haul travel or camping, or if you want to keep your phone slim most of the time and only add bulk when a charge is actually needed.

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Organize, clean, and supercharge your Mac with Dr.Buho utilities for $30
Macworld TL;DR: The Dr.Buho Mac Utility lifetime bundle gives you four tools to declutter, organize, and optimize your Mac, with lifetime access for up to three Macs for $30. If your Mac feels messy, slow, or hard to manage, the Dr.Buho Mac Utility lifetime bundle is here to save your digital life. Right now, you can get lifetime access to all four tools — BuhoBarX, BuhoLaunchpad, BuhoCleaner, and BuhoNTFS — for just $30. Each app works on up to three Macs and gives you a suite of features to organize, clean, and optimize your system. BuhoBarX declutters your menu bar, hiding rarely used icons and managing limited space on notched MacBooks. BuhoLaunchpad brings your apps into neat, customizable layouts with multiple scenes and smooth gestures. BuhoCleaner frees up storage and boosts performance by removing junk, duplicates, and leftover files. BuhoNTFS unlocks full read and write access to any NTFS drive on your Mac, making file transfers painless and fast. All four tools are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with modern macOS and Apple Silicon Macs. You can get the Dr.Buho Mac Utility lifetime bundle for just $30, though prices can change at any time. Redeem your code within 30 days to get full access for three Macs. The Dr.Buho Mac Utility Lifetime BundleSee Deal Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply. StackSocial prices subject to change.

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iPhone 17e teardown shows how to add MagSafe to iPhone 16e
The iPhone 17e teardown reveals a surprising upgrade path, enabling iPhone 16e owners to add MagSafe support with a simple part swap. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Imperfect Women’s first two episodes are now available on Apple TV
Apple just released the first two episodes of its new psychological thriller starring Kerry Washington (Ray), Elisabeth Moss (The Invisible Man), and Kate Mara (The Astronaut). Here’s what to expect from the limited series. more…

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Benchmarks show MacBook Neo rivaling more powerful cloud servers in database workloads
In an interesting test, DuckDB’s Gábor Szárnyas compared the 512GB MacBook Neo with a range of cloud servers to see how Apple’s new entry-level laptop performs on heavy database workloads. Here’s how it did. more…

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Musi hands Apple big win as judge rules apps can be delisted 'with or without cause'
A lawsuit from music streaming app Musi suggested Apple had removed its app over unsubstantiated copyright claims, but it has been dismissed by courts with prejudice.Musi loses its lawsuit over App Store removalApps are removed from the App Store for many reasons, some less clear than others. However, a judge just ruled that Apple can remove an app from the App Store, "with or without cause."It's a significant win for Apple that sets precedence for future potential lawsuits. US District Judge Eumi Lee didn't just rule in Apple's favor — he tore Musi's case apart on multiple levels. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Squashing
CNBC’s headline is journalistic malpractice. The rest of their report is even worse.

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Streaming app Musi loses App Store case as judge rules Apple can delist apps at any time
When Apple removed the free music streaming app Musi from the App Store in 2024, the developers sued. This week, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice in what might become a landmark case related to App Store delistings. Here are the details. more…

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Get easy, effective Mac malware protection with Moonlock
Stay protected with our Mac virus scan deal. MacPaw's Moonlock offers powerful malware protection, privacy tools and clear guidance (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple Relaunches Background Security Improvements with WebKit Patch
Remember Rapid Security Responses? Apple renamed and relaunched them as Background Security Improvements, and the first one patches a WebKit flaw in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26.3.1. Here's what you need to know.

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Apple Home hardware chief leaves for Oura
Brian Lynch hasn't been at Apple long, and he's left his position overseeing Apple's smart home hardware for a senior executive position at the smart ring maker Oura.Apple Home executive departs for Oura. Image source: AppleLike any company in Silicon Valley, Apple sees employee churn up and down its chain of command. Even executives depart for better pay or opportunities when they feel like it's time to move on from Apple.According to a report from Bloomberg, the latest departure is Brian Lynch. He was an engineering executive in charge of Apple Home hardware development. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Security Bite: Your Instagram DMs were likely never encrypted to begin with
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. Meta quietly updated its Instagram Help Center recently announcing that end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging will no longer be supported on the platform after May 8, 2026. If you have encrypted chats, you will want to export them before the deadline. The company’s official reasoning: low adoption. “Very few people were opting in to end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs, so we’re removing this option from Instagram in the coming months,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Anyone who wants to keep messaging with E2EE can easily do that on WhatsApp.” That explanation could be technically true, but still a little hard to take seriously… more…

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Apple executive overseeing home devices joins Oura
As reported by Bloomberg, Apple’s hardware chief for home devices, Brian Lynch, is leaving the company to join smart ring maker Oura. Here are the details. more…

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WhatsApp update brings the new profile tab to iOS users
Following a few weeks of testing, WhatsApp is officially rolling out the new profile tab to iOS users. Here are the details. more…

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Apple can delist apps “with or without cause,” judge says in loss for Musi app
Judge tosses Musi case against Apple, sanctions lawyers for "mak[ing] up facts."

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Apple TV announces new animated series from Academy Award-winning studio Cartoon Saloon
The new kids and family adventure premieres globally on April 24, featuring the voices of Brian Cox (Succession, Adaptation), and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings, Andor), among others. Here’s what to expect. more…

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Upgrading MacBook Neo to 1TB of storage takes serious skill
A MacBook Neo can be upgraded to 1TB of storage, but the DIY project isn't for amateurs. It's fascinating to watch, though. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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