Fortnite returns to iPhone in Japan with Epic Games Store launch, still unavailable on Mac
Epic Games has launched its Star Wars-themed Fortnite update for May, and the release comes with the arrival of Fortnite on the iPhone in Japan. Fortnite returned to the iPhone and iPad in the US this month a year ago. Next, Epic Games is targeting iOS availability in another region soon. Meanwhile, Fortnite’s return to the Mac doesn’t sound too promising. more…

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Best MacBook for students: Which Mac should you buy for school or university?
Macworld Thinking of buying a Mac or MacBook for school, college or university? Choosing the right one in 2026 isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest model. Apple’s lineup now includes everything from the low-cost MacBook Neo to lightweight MacBooks, powerful Pro machines, and even desktop Macs—all with different strengths depending on your course, workload, and budget. Whether you’re writing essays, coding, editing video, or just need a reliable laptop for lectures, the best choice depends on how you plan to use it. In this guide, we break down the best Mac for every type of student – from budget buyers to creative pros – compare the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and explore whether a desktop Mac might actually be a smarter option for some. We’ll also help you choose based on your subject and budget, and show you how to save money. Students can take advantage of Apple’s Education Store discounts, but it’s worth checking resellers too, where you may find even better deals. What is the best Mac for students? We’ve picked out the best Macs for students right now, including the MacBook Neo, the latest MacBook Air and Pro models, and even desktop alternatives like the Mac mini. Here are our top recommendations based on price, performance and what most students actually need. 1. MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 2025) – Best MacBook for Most Students Pros Lightweight and portable Silent fanless design Strong all-around performance Cons Higher starting price No active cooling Less Pro-level features Price When Reviewed: From $1,099 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $949.99 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $1022 View Deal $1099 View Deal $1099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The MacBook Air is the ideal laptop for most students, offering an excellent balance of portability, battery life, and performance. With the introduction of the M5 chip in early 2026, it further strengthens its position as a dependable everyday “workhorse” for academic and light creative use. You might assume the MacBook Air is significantly less powerful than the MacBook Pro, but that’s not entirely the case. The entry-level MacBook Pro uses the same M5 chip, meaning day-to-day performance is very similar. The Pro does offer additional advantages, such as improved cooling, more ports and a higher-end display, which we’ll explore in more detail below. Why the MacBook Air is a good choice for students The MacBook Air’s biggest advantage is its lightweight, fanless design. It’s easy to carry between classes and operates completely silently – ideal for lectures, libraries, and study spaces. Combined with all-day battery life, it’s well-suited to students who spend long hours away from power outlets. MacBook Air offers the following benefits: Portability: The 13-inch model weighs under 3 pounds (1.24 kg), making it easy to carry all day. Silent operation: The fanless design means no noise, even under moderate workloads. Battery life: Up to 18 hours battery life means students can often leave the charger at home and the MacBook Air can last for the while working day. Which students is the MacBook Air best for? The MacBook Air is the mainstream choice for students who want a reliable, versatile laptop without the cost or weight of a Pro model. It’s ideal for: General students: Writing, research, lectures, and productivity apps (Office, Google Workspace). Mobile users: Those constantly moving between classes, libraries, and cafés. Creative students: The 15-inch model is a good fit for light design, editing, or multitasking where Pro-level power isn’t required. Budget-conscious buyers: M5 starts at $1,099 ($999 education), while older models (M4) often offer excellent value on sale. MacBook Air performance for student workloads While the MacBook Pro is designed for sustained, high-end professional workloads, the MacBook Air delivers more than enough performance for the majority of students, including: Everyday tasks: Smooth handling of web browsing (even with many tabs), document work, and streaming. Creative work: The M5 chip adds improved graphics performance, including enhanced shader cores and ray tracing, making it capable of light video editing and 3D work. MacBook Air specs Processor (CPU/GPU): The M5 chip features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. Memory (RAM): As of late 2024, Apple began shipping all models with a minimum of 16GB of RAM. For students looking at older or refurbished models, experts recommend a minimum of 16GB to ensure longevity and smooth multitasking. 13-inch or 15-inch Display: Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and strong color accuracy – great for both study and creative use. Storage (SSD): The base storage for the M5 model has doubled to 512GB. This is particularly beneficial for students who need to store large project files, though those on a budget can still find older 256GB models sufficient if paired with cloud storage. MacBook Air tradeoffs Choosing the Air over the MacBook Pro or the budget-friendly MacBook Neo involves several specific tradeoffs regarding sustained power, display technology, and port selection. Performance and Thermal Management: The most significant technical tradeoff is the Air’s fanless design. While this makes the laptop completely silent, it limits performance during long, intensive tasks. Refresh Rate: The Air is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, missing the 120Hz ProMotion technology found on the Pro. Brightness and HDR: It lacks the HDR capabilities and extreme brightness levels of the Liquid Retina XDR displays. Audio: The 13-inch Air uses a four-speaker system, whereas the 15-inch Air and MacBook Pro models offer superior six-speaker systems with force-canceling woofers. Connectivity and Ports: MacBook Air is designed for portability, which results in a more limited selection of physical ports compared to the Pro. How much can students save on the 13-inch MacBook Air, M5? MSRP: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,799 / CA$1,499 Student: $999 / £999 / AU$1,639 / CA$1,359 Students save: $100 / £100 / AU$160 / CA$140 You’ll also see the best prices right now in the block above, which may be even better than Apple’s education pricing. Read our full Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review 2. Apple MacBook Neo – Best Budget MacBook Pros Low starting price Premium metal build Solid everyday performance Cons Limited to 8GB RAM Fewer ports, no Thunderbolt Weaker display quality Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $589.99 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599.99 View Deal $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop, launched in March 2026 to target the education market. While the MacBook Air remains the mainstream choice for students, the Neo is designed to compete directly with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops – bringing the macOS experience to a much lower price point. Why the MacBook Neo is a good choice for students The MacBook Neo’s biggest advantage is value. It delivers a premium-feeling Mac experience at a significantly lower cost, making it especially appealing to students on a tight budget. MacBook Neo offers the following benefits: Affordability: Starts at $599 ($499 education), making it the most accessible Mac ever. Performance: Powered by the A18 Pro chip, offering fast single-core performance for everyday tasks. Build quality: All-aluminum design that feels closer to a MacBook Air than typical budget laptops. Battery life: Up to 16 hours – enough for a full school day. Display & camera: 13-inch Liquid Retina display (500 nits) and 1080p webcam for calls and classes. Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with iPhone features like iPhone Mirroring, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud. Design: Available in multiple colors, including silver, indigo, blush, and citrus. Which students is the MacBook Neo best for? The MacBook Neo is ideal for students who want a reliable, well-built laptop for everyday use without paying for higher-end performance. It’s ideal for: K–12 and first-time users: A great entry-level device for schoolwork and general productivity. Budget-conscious college students: A strong option for those who want macOS at a lower price. Casual creative learners: Suitable for beginners exploring tools like Adobe apps without heavy workloads. Apple ecosystem users: Best for students who already use an iPhone or other Apple devices. The MacBook Neo is best suited for students with simple, everyday computing needs. For more demanding workflows – such as advanced video editing, 3D work, or software development – the MacBook Air (M5) or MacBook Pro models remain better choices. MacBook Neo performance for student workloads The MacBook Neo is optimized for typical student use and handles everyday tasks with ease, including: Everyday tasks: Smooth performance for web browsing, email, documents, and streaming. Light creative work: Capable of basic photo and video editing (including 1080p and light 4K), though not designed for sustained professional workloads. MacBook Neo specs As a low-priced device so the specs are basic, but should be enough to handle the “day-to-day stuff” essential for schoolwork, such as writing papers, browsing, and streaming. Processor: An A18 Pro or A19 Pro chip (depending on the specific model year), which provides excellent single-core performance for a smooth operating system feel. Memory: 8GB of unified memory, which is the maximum available for this model. Storage: Options for a 256GB or 512GB SSD. Battery Life: Up to 16 hours of video playback, which comfortably covers a full school day. MacBook Neo tradeoffs To reach its lower price, the MacBook Neo makes several compromises compared to the Air and Pro models, so there are some trade-offs to consider: Memory: 8GB RAM only, with no upgrade option. Ports: Two USB-C ports, no Thunderbolt; one limited to USB 2.0 speeds. Display limitations: Lacks P3 wide color and True Tone, making it less ideal for color-critical work. Features: No MagSafe, no keyboard backlight, and no Touch ID on the base model. External display support: Limited to a single external monitor. How much can students save on the MacBook Neo? MSRP: $599 / £599 / AU$899 / CA$799 Student: $499 / £499 / AU$749 / CA$679 Students save: $100 / £100 / AU$50 / CA$20 You’ll also see the best prices right now in the block above, which may be even better than Apple’s education pricing. Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review 3. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 2025) – Best MacBook for Student Power Users Pros Exceptional sustained performance Best-in-class display quality Wide port selection Cons Expensive for most students Heavier and less portable Overkill for basic tasks Price When Reviewed: $1,599 (Discontinued) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal $1349 View Deal $1599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket While the MacBook Air is the best choice for most students, the MacBook Pro is designed for those who need sustained performance, a superior display, and more advanced features. It’s the top option for students working with demanding software or intensive workloads. Why the MacBook Pro is a good choice for students The MacBook Pro’s biggest advantage is sustained performance. With active cooling and more powerful chip options, it’s built to handle heavy workloads without slowing down. Key benefits of the MacBook Pro include: Performance: M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips deliver exceptional power for intensive tasks. Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (up to 120Hz) and up to 1,600 nits HDR brightness. Battery life: Up to 24 hours—enough for a full day and late-night work sessions. Ports: Includes HDMI, SDXC card slot, and MagSafe – no adapters needed for many tasks. Cooling system: Active cooling allows sustained performance under heavy loads. Camera & audio: 12MP Center Stage camera and high-quality six-speaker system for calls and media. Which students is the MacBook Pro best for? The MacBook Pro is ideal for students whose coursework or projects require high performance and professional-grade tools. Creative majors: 4K video editing, advanced photo work, and 3D animation. Computer science & engineering: Compiling large codebases, simulations, and development workflows. Data science & research: Handling large datasets and compute-heavy tasks. Advanced users: Students running intensive apps, multitasking heavily, or working on complex projects. For most students needing Pro-level performance, the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro offers the best balance of power and portability. Those in more demanding fields may benefit from M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations. Performance for student workloads The MacBook Pro is built to maintain high performance over long periods, making it ideal for demanding academic tasks. Sustained performance: Active cooling prevents slowdowns during long rendering or compile sessions. Advanced display: ProMotion (up to 120Hz) and higher brightness improve visual work and outdoor use. Battery life: Up to 24 hours, covering full days plus extended study sessions. Connectivity: Built-in HDMI and SDXC make it easy to connect displays or transfer files without dongles. MacBook Pro specs The current lineup is powered by the M5 family of chips, offering a wide range of performance options: Processor options: M5: 10-core CPU/GPU for general and light creative tasks; M5 Pro: Up to 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU for advanced workloads; M5 Max: Up to 40-core GPU for extreme tasks like 3D, AI, and high-end production. Memory: Starts at 16GB unified memory. Configurable up to 128GB for professional workflows. Storage: Starts at 1TB (M5/M5 Pro). Up to 2TB and beyond on higher-end models. Display: 14-inch or 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR. ProMotion up to 120Hz and up to 1,600 nits HDR brightness Ports & connectivity: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3. Thunderbolt 4 (M5) or Thunderbolt 5 (M5 Pro/Max) Battery life: Up to 24 hours, among the longest in any laptop. MacBook Pro trade-offs While powerful, the MacBook Pro comes with a few downsides compared to the Air: Price: Significantly more expensive than Air and Neo models. Weight: Heavier and less portable, especially the 16-inch model. Overkill for most students: Many users won’t need this level of performance. Less silent: Active cooling means occasional fan noise under load. How much can students save on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5? MSRP: $1,699 / £1,699 / AU$2,699 / CA$2,399 Student: $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,539 / CA$2,259 Students save: $100 / £100 / AU$160 / CA$140 4. Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) – Best Desktop Option for Students Pros Excellent performance for price Most affordable Mac option Supports multiple displays Cons Not portable at all Requires separate accessories Upgrade costs add up Price When Reviewed: $599 | $799 | $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Mac mini is a strong option for students who prioritize performance and value over portability. While laptops are the default for university life, the Mac mini offers a powerful, lower-cost entry into the macOS ecosystem for those who primarily work at a desk. Students who need mobility for lectures can pair a Mac mini with an iPad or another device for note-taking, using the desktop as their main workstation at home. Why the Mac mini is a good choice for students The Mac mini’s biggest advantage is performance per pound (or dollar). It delivers desktop-class power at a much lower price than a MacBook, making it one of the best-value Macs available. Key benefits of the Mac mini include: Affordability: Starts at $599 ($499 education), the cheapest Mac available. Performance: M4 and M4 Pro chips deliver strong desktop-level performance. Compact design: Small 5×5-inch footprint fits easily on any desk. Flexible setup: Works with a wide range of monitors and accessories. High-end option: M4 Pro model offers powerful performance at a lower cost than MacBook Pro. Multi-display support: Supports up to three external displays for multitasking. Which students is the Mac mini best for? The Mac mini is ideal for students who primarily work from a fixed location and want maximum performance for their budget. Budget-conscious students: The most affordable way to get a modern Mac. Students with existing peripherals: Best if you already own a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Creative and technical majors: M4 Pro model handles demanding apps at a lower cost than laptops. Hybrid users: Students who use an iPad or laptop for notes but want a powerful desktop at home. Performance for student workloads The Mac mini is highly capable for both everyday and demanding academic tasks. Everyday tasks: Fast performance for browsing, documents, and general schoolwork. Advanced workloads: M4 Pro handles video editing, coding, and heavier multitasking. Multitasking: Supports multiple displays, making it ideal for complex workflows. Mac mini specs The latest Mac mini models offer strong desktop performance in a compact form: Processor options: M4: Excellent for general student use; M4 Pro: Higher performance for demanding creative and technical work.Memory: Starts at 16GB unified memory; Up to 64GB on M4 Pro models.Storage: Starts at 256GB SSD, 512GB or higher recommended for most students.Ports & connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 (M4) or Thunderbolt 5 (M4 Pro), HDMI and front-facing USB-C portsSupports multiple external displays: Some models can support up to three displays at once. Mac mini trade-offs While powerful and affordable, the Mac mini has some important limitations: No built-in peripherals: Requires separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse. No portability: Not suitable for lectures or working on the go. Extra costs: Accessories and upgrades can increase total price. Limited upgradeability: RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later. No USB-A ports: Newer Mac mini models lack USB-A so you may require adapters for older accessories. How much can students save on the Mac mini, M4? MSRP: $599 / £599 / AU$999 / CA$799 Student: $499 / £499 / AU$829 / CA$669 Students save: $100 / £110 / AU$170 / CA$130 Best MacBook by Student Type You’ll be carrying your laptop around a lot, so weight is a factor to consider. For most students, the 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is the best overall choice, offering the ideal balance of portability, battery life, and performance. If your budget is tight the MacBook Neo delivers the Mac experience at a significantly lower cost. If you’re a creative student who wants more screen space – but doesn’t need full Pro power – the 15-inch MacBook Air is a strong middle ground. The MacBook Pro is best reserved for students with demanding workloads like 4K video editing, software development, or 3D modelling. Best for school, K-12 education – MacBook Neo The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop. Despite using an A18 Pro chip, it delivers a full macOS experience for everyday schoolwork. Why it’s a good fit for education: Ideal for browsing, writing, and light media tasks. Durable aluminum design in student-friendly colors. Long battery life for full school days. Best for University, higher education students – MacBook Air The 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is the best choice for most university students. It offers a strong mix of performance, portability, and battery life, making it suitable for a wide range of majors. Why it’s a good fit for higher education: Lightweight (under 3 lbs) and easy to carry. Silent, fanless design for lectures and libraries. All-day battery life. Best for coding and engineering students – MacBook Pro For students in computer science or engineering, performance and memory are key. Heavier workloads will benefit from the MacBook Pro. Why it’s a good fit: Fast performance for coding and compiling. Higher RAM configurations available. Pro models handle sustained workloads better. Best for design and media Students – MacBook Pro For students working in video editing, design, or 3D workflows, the MacBook Pro is the best choice due to its superior display and sustained performance. Why it’s a good fit: Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz). Better color accuracy and brightness. Handles intensive creative workloads. MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Neo for students How do the different types of MacBook compare?Foundry Choosing between the MacBook Air, MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro for students in 2026 depends primarily on your major and budget. For the vast majority of students, the MacBook Air is the best choice due to its balance of portability and performance, while the MacBook Pro is reserved for those with demanding technical workloads. If your budget is tight, the MacBook Neo is an affordable entry to macOS with performance that is good enough for common tasks. Alternatively you could purchase a previous generation MacBook Air, either refurbished, or if old stock is being sold off at a discount. See our MacBook Air deals roundup. FeatureMacBook Air (M5)MacBook Pro (M5)MacBook NeoBest ForEveryday work, essays, streaming.Creative majors, video editing, 3D work, coding.Basic tasks & tight budgetsPortabilityUltra-light (under 3 lbs for 13-inch).Heavier; built for sustained power. 3.4 lbs (Heavier)Ultra-portableDisplay13 or 15-inch Liquid Retina. 2.7 lbs (Very light)14 or 16-inch HDR ProMotion.14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDRCoolingSilent, fanless design.Active fans for heavy workloads.Silent, fanless design.Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 24 hoursUp to 16 hoursStarting Price$1,099 ($999 Education)$1,599 ($1,499 Education)$599 ($499 Education)How the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacBook Neo compare for students. MacBook vs iPad for students MacBook compared to an iPad with a keyboard attached.Foundry Choosing between a MacBook and an iPad depends on your course requirements and how you prefer to work. While the iPad has evolved into a versatile device that can replace a laptop for some students, the MacBook remains the stronger option for multitasking and full desktop software. For students with more demanding workflows, the MacBook is generally the better long-term choice. It offers a full desktop operating system with broader software support and more advanced multitasking. The iPad is a strong option for students who prioritize portability, note-taking, and creative input methods. It works especially well as a companion device or for specific types of learning. Choose a MacBook if you need full desktop software, better multitasking, and long-term versatility. Choose an iPad if you value portability, handwritten notes, and a more flexible, touch-first experience. To compliment an iPad consider an one of the best iPad keyboard case and best iPad styluses we have reviewed. We also explain Which Apple Pencil works with each iPad. FeatureMacBookiPadBest ForHeavy writing, complex multitasking.Note-taking, drawing, media consumption.InputKeyboard and Trackpad.Touch, Apple Pencil, Detachable Keyboard.SoftwareFull desktop OS (macOS).Mobile-first OS (iPadOS).Battery lifeTypically 15-18+ hours.Approximately 10 hours.How the MacBook and iPad compare for students. How to save money at Apple’s Education Store Apple offers several ways for students and educators to save money on Macs and iPads, including year-round discounts and seasonal promotions. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly reduce the overall cost of a new device. We have a dedicated guide to How to shop at the Apple Education Store. Year-Round Education Discounts at Apple’s Education Store Apple provides consistent discounts for iPads and Macs through its Education Store, available to full-time higher education students and their parents, and educators. Typical savings include: Up to $200/£200 off MacBooks and iMacs Up to $100/£100 off iPads Click on the links below to go straight to Apple’s Education Store where you are. Apple’s U.S. Education Store Apple’s U.K. Education Store Apple’s Canada Education Store Apple’s Australian Education Store In many regions, such as the UK, you must verify your student status through UNiDAYS before accessing the store. In the U.S., verification may be required during or after the purchase. Seasonal “Back to School” Offers The biggest savings typically come during Apple’s annual higher education promotion, often called the “Back to School” event as it falls in the summertime when students are preparing for college and university. Read more about the offer for Apple’s back to school shopping event this year. This promotion adds free extras on top of education pricing, significantly increasing overall value. What you can get: Free AirPods or Apple Pencil Sometimes gift cards (up to ~$150) instead of accessories Occasional discounts on add-ons like keyboards or mice When it runs: U.S., Canada, UK, Europe: June/July – September/October Australia, NZ: January – March If you’re a student, you can also get Apple Music for half price with free Apple TV+ included. How much can students save on a Mac? You can save hundreds on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and even a Mac Pro at Apple’s Education Store all year round. Here’s how the Mac and MacBook MSRP compares to the student price: ProductU.S.U.K.AustraliaCanadaMacBook Neo, A18 Pro, MSRP$599£599$899$799MacBook Neo, A18 Pro, Student discount$499£499$749$67913.6-inch MacBook Air, M5, MSRP$1,099£1,099$1,799$1,49913.6-inch MacBook Air, M5, Student discount$999£999$1,639$1,35915-inch MacBook Air, M5, MSRP$1,199£1,199$2,199$1,79915-inch MacBook Air, M5, Student discount$1,099£1,099$2,029$1,65914-inch MacBook Pro M5 MSRP$1,699£1,699$2,699$2,39914-inch MacBook Pro M5 Student discount$1,599£1,599$2,539$2,25914-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro MSRP$2,199£2,199$3,499$2,99914-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro Student discount$2,049£2,049$3,259$2,78916-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro MSRP$2,699£2,699$4,299$3,59916-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro Student discount$2,299£2,299$3,979$3,329iMac M4 MSRP$1,299£1,299$1,999$1,699iMac M4 Student discount$1,249£1,249$1,919$1,629Mac mini M4 MSRP$599£599$999$799Mac mini M4 Student discount$499£499$849$669Mac Studio M4 Max MSRP$1,999£2,099$3,499$2,699Mac Studio M4 Max Student discount$1,799£1,899$3,199$2,399Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. Other ways students can buy a Mac for less Simon Jary Getting a student discount from Apple’s Education Store isn’t the only way to save money when buying a Mac. Here are some other ways to find a good deal: Look out for reseller discounts You can often find significant savings at Apple resellers and retailers like Amazon, sometimes with discounts of up to $500. Check regularly for deals, including: Best MacBook Air deals this month Best MacBook Neo deals available now Best MacBook Pro deals this month Best iMac deals this month Best Mac mini deals this month Best MacBook deals for students Buy a refurbished Mac Apple’s Refurbished Store offers ex-display, returned, and previous-generation Macs at reduced prices. These devices are fully tested and come with a one-year warranty, making them a reliable option. You can also buy refurbished Macs from third-party resellers, though quality can vary – so always check what “refurbished” includes before buying. Read our advice about buying a refurbished Mac, including Pros, cons, savings, and what to avoid. What to avoid Avoid Intel-based Macs: Macs used to use Intel Processors but over the past few years Apple has transitioning to its own silicon (M1, M2, M3, etc.). Only a small number of Intel Macs receive security updates, and that will not continue for long. This could mean needing to upgrade sooner than expected. Don’t buy second-hand or used: While used Macs can be cheaper, they come with more risk. Unlike refurbished models, they may not be tested or come with a warranty. If you do consider buying second-hand, proceed with caution and buy from a trusted source. Consider older models carefully: The biggest discounts are often on older Macs. While these can be good value, make sure you understand how they compare to newer models. Older devices may lack performance improvements, battery efficiency, and long-term software support. See: How long does Apple support Macs for. FAQ 1. Is a MacBook Neo good enough for students? Yes. The MacBook Neo is considered an excellent choice for students with more than enough power for the average student. However, students in specialized fields like engineering, 4K video editing, or heavy software development may find the device limiting. 2. Is a MacBook Air good enough for students? The MacBook Air is the best laptop for most students due to its balance of portability, battery life, and performance. While the Air is “good enough” for the vast majority, a MacBook Pro is better for heavy workloads, connectivity and display tech. 3. How much RAM do students need? 8GB should be sufficient, but we recommend 16GB. 4. Is 256GB enough storage? For most students, 256GB of storage is a functional minimum rather than an ideal long-term solution. It can work if you rely heavily on cloud storage, but many students will find it fills up quickly over time. 256GB is usually enough for basic academic tasks such as writing essays, web browsing, streaming, and light media use. However, modern operating systems and apps take up more space than ever, and storage can fill up faster than expected. Performance can also suffer as a drive nears capacity. A common rule of thumb is to buy at least twice the storage you think you’ll need to allow for growth and maintain performance. For most students, 512GB is now the practical minimum if your budget allows. It provides more flexibility and longevity, especially as course materials and apps grow in size. 5. What Apple Intelligence/AI features do Macs have for students? Apple Intelligence brings a range of AI-powered tools to Macs designed to support academic work – from smarter note-taking to writing assistance and automation. These features are increasingly integrated into everyday apps like Notes, Messages, and Shortcuts. Useful features include: Smart transcription and scanning: Turn lectures and printed text into searchable notes. In-line maths and handwriting refinement: Solve equations and improve handwritten notes. Editing and summarisation: Refine essays and condense key information. Live translation: Translate messages and add captions in calls. Automation: Use Shortcuts to generate text or images automatically. While these features can boost productivity, it is important to note that over-reliance on AI for writing could raise plagiarism or originality concerns if not used carefully. Not all Apple devices support Apple Intelligence and some features are still less advanced than competing AI platforms. How to choose the best MacBook for students There is no “best MacBook for students” because everyone has different needs and choosing the best MacBook for a student depends on balancing academic requirements, portability, and budget. With the introduction of the MacBook Neo, Apple has significantly expanded its entry-level options, making the decision more complex than simply picking the most popular model. When evaluating which model fits your needs, consider these primary components: Portability vs. Screen Real Estate: The 13-inch models (Neo, Air, and Pro) weigh under 3 pounds, making them ideal for carrying between lectures. However, creative majors often benefit from the 15-inch Air or 16-inch Pro for more workspace. Performance Needs: For general coursework (writing papers, browsing, streaming), the A18 Pro or M5 chips are more than sufficient. Students in engineering, data science, or high-end video editing should prioritize the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or Max chips for sustained performance and better cooling. Battery Life: This is critical for long days on campus. While the Neo offers up to 16 hours of video streaming, the M5 MacBook Air provides 18 hours, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro leads with up to 24 hours. Connectivity: The MacBook Neo and Air feature silent, fanless designs but limited ports . The MacBook Pro includes HDMI and SDXC slots, which are useful for presentations and transferring media. In conclusion, we recommend the following Macs depending on your use case: Student TypeWhich ModelWhy?Budget-Conscious / K – 12MacBook NeoMost affordable Mac ever; starts at $499 for education.Everyday College UseMacBook Air (M5)Best balance of power, 18-hour battery, and portability.Creative & STEM MajorsMacBook Pro (M5/Pro)High-end displays (ProMotion) and power for heavy workloads.Budget Desktop SetupMac Mini (M4)Best value if portability isn’t required; $499 with education discount.The best Mac for different types of student

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Apple plans to reinvest tariff refunds in US manufacturing
CEO Tim Cook revealed Apple's plans to reinvest tariff refunds -- possibly well north of a billion bucks -- in U.S. manufacturing projects. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Indian antitrust body draws Apple's ire as $38 billion fine looms
Apple has set its sights on India's antitrust watchdog, questioning the legality of a request for its financial data as part of an ongoing battle over its App Store policies.Apple's App Store rules continue to get it into troubleIndia's competition body wants the information so it can calculate what penalty Apple should face. This comes after a 2024 investigation found that Apple had abused its dominant position in the market.Reuters reports that Apple could be on the hook for a whopping $38 billion penalty. However, in court documents seen by the news outlet, Apple has pushed back on India's request for financial data. The company doesn't believe that the antitrust body has exceeded its powers as part of its request for financial data. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Vision Pro isn't dead, Ternus talk, & AI rumors on the AppleInsider Podcast
An odd rumor led to premature calls of Apple Vision Pro's death, rumors of AI and Home Hubs abound, and Apple's App Store troubles continue on the AppleInsider Podcast.Apple Vision Pro isn't deadAppleInsider Managing Editor Mike Wuerthele joins host Wesley Hilliard as a guest this week to catch up on CEO transition news. It's clear that the silly coverage surrounding the upcoming transition is already becoming exhausting.The Apple vs Epic trial continues to be an ongoing event that seems to have no end. This time, Apple has to go to the Supreme Court and Circuit Courts at once. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Get Apple’s best earbuds for $50 off: AirPods Pro 3 are a steal at $200
Macworld AirPods Pro 3 View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Mother’s Day is coming, and summer is right around the corner, so it’s a perfect time to pick up a new set of AirPods—especially when you can get the AirPods Pro 3 for $200, saving a fantastic $49 at Amazon or Best Buy. We’ve only seen them cheaper one other time, so this is definitely a solid deal. The earbuds were built for anyone who loves music. The advanced active noise cancellation is one of the things we loved most about these earbuds when reviewing them, blocking out unwanted noise while still letting you stay connected to the world around you with Transparency mode. And you won’t need to worry about charging either, with up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC active, or up to 10 hours in Transparency mode, and up to 24 hours when popping them into the charging case. We gave the AirPods Pro 3 a near-perfect 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, finding them to be super comfortable, with a secure fit, and loving how handy the heart rate sensor is when you’re working out. Without needing an Apple Watch or any fitness tracker, your AirPods Pro 3 can track every step you take and even help calculate the calories you burn. Don’t miss out on the chance to get the AirPods Pro 3 for $200 before the price jumps back up.

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AI’s Real Bottleneck Is Power, Not Compute
As AI demand accelerates, infrastructure limits are emerging as the real bottleneck. Power, cooling, and supply chains now shape deployment timelines and ROI. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Apple at 50: Steve Jobs, the first star CEO
There's plenty to like, admire, and definitely dislike about Steve Jobs, but he did an incredible job saving Apple, and will forever be treated like a rock star.Steve Jobs with the original Macintosh in 1984 - image credit: AppleThe greatest thing that Gil Amelio, Apple's fifth CEO, ever did was pave the way for Steve Jobs to become its sixth. It was great for Apple, it was great for users, but it was probably horrible for Amelio himself.That's because what he did was have Apple acquire Steve Jobs's failed NeXT firm. As part of that acquisition he got Jobs as no more than an advisor. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: Keyboard dictionary, pipeline of products for Ternus
Have you ever wanted to reset your keyboard dictionary? Dave shows you how, but it's a bit scary to press the buttons. We also look at the pipeline of products that John Ternus will be released under his tenure as CEO. Many of the products, we've already heard about but they couldn't be released because the software wasn't ready. Others are new categories. There are reports that Apple has given up on the Vision Pro after a lukewarm response. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: NordLayer: Get an exclusive offer: up to 22% off NordLayer yearly plans plus 10% on top with the coupon code: DALRYMPLE10. Try it risk-free—14-day money-back guarantee. Show Notes: Apple’s Cook Gives Ternus a Pipeline of 10 Major New Product Categories Will we see Ternus’ folding iPad? Apple Has Likely Abandoned 'iPad Ultra' Plans Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop Apple Vision Pro Used in World-First Cataract Surgery Ted Lasso, Season Four Shows and movies we're watching Countdown, Amazon Prime Marty Supreme, HBO Red Hot Chili Peppers, Netflix

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The RAM crunch leaves Apple with the same tough questions as everyone else
Macworld Sure, Apple just released its most affordable MacBook ever, but you probably shouldn’t expect a big wave of affordable Apple products anytime soon. To hear CEO (for now) Tim Cook tell it, the company is facing the same exorbitant RAM prices as everyone else as AI server demand gobbles up the entire planet’s chip capacity. Apple’s ultra-efficient architecture makes it better-suited for phones, tablets, and laptops with limited RAM, but that can only go so far. And even that limited RAM is going up in price. During its investor conference call after announcing record revenue for the March-ending quarter, Cook said for the last quarter and the current (June-ending) quarter, the impact of high memory prices is “partly offset by carry-in inventory.” In other words, all the chips Apple’s already got on hand. But beyond the June quarter, memory costs will “drive an increasing impact on our business.” We will look at a range of options with memory costs increasing…Tim Cook What are they going to do about it? It’s impossible to say without resorting to plain guesswork. Cook again said Apple is looking at “a range of options” and noted that Mac mini and Mac Studio will likely remain in short supply for a few more months. What exactly those “range of options” are is anyone’s guess. Will Apple raise prices, either on whole products or on RAM upgrades? Will Apple ship products with less RAM, forgoing expected RAM increases? Will some products just remain in short supply, affecting total sales figures? Will Apple keep hardware prices steady and make up the margin on Services and new revenue streams such as ads in Maps? The answer to each of these is… maybe. Apple is second-to-none in the consumer tech industry at managing supply, prices, and keeping an absolutely crazy-high profit margin. This quarter, the company had a gross margin of 49.3 percent, and that’s with the impact of tariffs. For the next quarter, despite the chip challenges, Apple expects a margin of around 48 percent. Apple doesn’t give guidance beyond the next quarter, though. And that’s the point at which the carry-in inventory dries up, and the RAM price hikes are really going to hit. It looks like Tim Cook might be leaving John Ternus with the an “incredible roadmap” when he takes over as CEO on September 1, but he’s also inheriting a ticking time bomb of chip prices for a company that is already oft-criticized for the relative price of its products. It will be managing this chip crisis, and not the launch of the iPhone Ultra or smart glasses, that will be the first real test of John Ternus’ tenure as CEO.

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Kensington SD5900T EQ Thunderbolt DisplayLink Dock review: Connect up to four displays to Macs
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Supports up to four external displays at 4K 60Hz Up to two displays at 6K 60Hz 16 ports, inc. three 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 3x DisplayPort video ports 2x HDMI video ports 2.5Gb Ethernet Speedy SD card readers 96W laptop charging Cons Weak 149W power supply Our Verdict Bristling with dedicated video ports, the Kensington SD5900T is our new number-one choice for high-bandwidth DisplayLink docking station. MacBook Neo owners needn’t bother with spending the extra on a Thunderbolt dock, but for everyone else looking to add more external displays than Apple’s limited Macs allow the SD5900T is a fine flexible choice. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$299.99 Best Prices Today: Kensington SD5900T EQ Thunderbolt 4 Quad 4K Dock with DisplayLink Retailer Price $260.99 View Deal $260.99 View Deal Kensington $299.99 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $300.99 View Deal $391.24 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best for: People hitting Apple’s display limits.Not for: Users who don’t need more than 1–2 monitors.Key limitations: DisplayLink downsides (HDCP/streaming issues, 60Hz cap); Weak 149W power supply. When it comes to connecting multiple displays it’s important to check out your Mac’s processor. The base/Pro/Max type of Apple M-series chip isn’t just about raw processing power—it also decides the limit of how many monitors you can attach. And that limit for the MacBook Neo or older base M1 and M2 Macs is just one. Since Apple ditched Intel chips for its own Silicon M-series processors users have frequently stumbled across this frustrating limitation—but fear not as there is a way past Apple’s screen limit. The M-series chips are either base (M1, M2, M3, etc) or more advanced (M1 Pro, M2 Pro, M4 Max etc). All the chips have a maximum number of external displays that they support, but the non-Pro/Max chips are the weakest. The MacBook Neo doesn’t even have an M-series processor, working off a less powerful A18 chip (the same used in some iPhones). Base M1 and M2: one external monitor Neo: one external monitor Base M3: two external monitors when MacBook’s lid is closed Base M4, Base M5, M4 Pro, M4 Max chip: two external monitors M5 Pro: three external monitors (via Thunderbolt 5, otherwise two) M5 Max: four external monitors (via Thunderbolt 5, otherwise two) Thankfully, there’s a workaround for all the above Macs, involving some free software and a supporting hub or dock, that means any Mac can support at least three displays—even the Neo. The most popular free software that solves the Apple chip limitation is DisplayLink. Installation is simple—there’s some initial fiddling around in System Settings—but after that you can connect up to five external displays depending on the prowess of the hub or dock. We’ve gone into more detail about how to connect multiple monitors to M1/M2/Neo Macs in our dedicated how to and list of the best DisplayLink docks. Most DisplayLink docks use USB-C to connect to the Mac, which is not a problem for the MacBook Neo that has USB-C itself but is a lower data bandwidth for the other Thunderbolt Macs. Typical USB-C DisplayLink docks have a data-transfer rate of 10Gbps (gigabytes per second), while Thunderbolt 4 is rated at 40Gbps and Thunderbolt 5 at 80Gbps. 10Gbps might be all you need from a dock but if you are connected to external storage drives, for instance, then Thunderbolt speeds become more important. Right now, there’s no 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 DisplayLink dock on the market but there are some 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 DisplayLink docks. We’ve tested the best Thunderbolt DisplayLink docks, and rate both the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink and Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (TBT-6950PD). These docks are almost identical and differentiated only by the Plugable dock having a cable 8 inches (200mm) longer than the Satechi! Both feature one upstream Thunderbolt 4 port and three downstream, plus two HDMI 2.0 video ports, two 10Gbps USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack and a 180W power supply. They support up to four external extended displays at 4K/60Hz: two via Thunderbolt 4 and two via HDMI as long as the DisplayLink software has been installed. Kensington’s SD5900T EQ Dock also uses Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayLink to support up to four external displays, but it features a different set of ports to achieve this—offering more dedicated video ports for your monitor connection of choice. Simon Jary Specs One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)
 Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
 Two HDMI ports Three DisplayPort One USB-C port (10Gbps, 4.5W) on front One USB-A port (10Gbps, 4.5W) on front Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 4.5W) on rear 2.5Gb Ethernet 
 SD Card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
 MicroSD Card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
 3.5mm audio jack on front 149W power supply The SD5900T’s 16 ports outgun the Satechi and Plugable Thunderbolt 4 DisplayLink docks, which both host just 11. Simon Jary Display configurations: How many displays can you run with this dock? While it sacrifices one of the Thunderbolt ports for an extra DisplayPort, there are two more DisplayPorts (DP) as well as two HDMI—that’s more choice of dedicated video ports, with one of the TB4 ports also available for a display connection. You get to choose between DP and HDMI in each of the two video port banks and then get to use either the third DP and/or one of the front/rear downstream TB4 ports. How many external displays you can connect depends, as ever, on your Mac’s processor. With this DisplayPort dock, the MacBook Neo and Macs with the base M1/M2/M3/M4/M5 chips can support three displays: two 4K/60Hz via the DP/HDMI ports and a third up to 6K/60Hz via either the third DP or TB4. Kensington Macs with a Pro or Max M-series chip get the option of a fourth display, with two 4K/60Hz via DP/HDMI plus up to two 6K/60Hz using the other ports. You can also connect four displays to Macs with the base M3 chipset, but you must keep the laptop lid closed for this to work. The extra external displays allowed with the M5 Pro and M5 Max are for Thunderbolt 5 only, so not supported by this dock (or any DisplayLink dock at the time of writing). The Satechi and Plugable DisplayLink TB4 docks feature fewer dedicated video ports so must choose between TB4 and HDMI ports. That third TB4 port offers the user more flexibility but Kensington rightly knows a DisplayLink dock purchaser is principally using the dock for its multiple display functionality rather than as a standard docking station. Simon Jary DisplayLink required: What do you need to install, and what are the downsides? The point of a DisplayLink dock is, of course, the benefits bestowed by that free software download and reasonably easy install. Where a base M1/M2 Mac or MacBook Neo can natively handle only one monitor, DisplayLink lets them connect to up to three, and Pro/Max-chipped Macs up to four. DisplayLink is a simple install with the only fiddly bit when you have to grant “Screen Recording” rights to it via Systems Settings–it sounds scary but don’t worry as it doesn’t actually record anything. Instead, it just allows the DisplayLink Manager app to capture pixels and send them to the dock. There are some potential negatives to having DisplayLink installed on your Mac: Unless you disconnect the DisplayLink-enabled screens or unhook the dock, you can’t watch some protected content in Netflix, AppleTV, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or YouTube TV and other streaming applications due to those platforms using High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), which is Intel-developed digital copy protection. DisplayLink’s maximum screen refresh rate is 60Hz, which is fine for most users but can introduce noticeable lag with rapidly changing content, which is not ideal for video editing or gaming. If you are using your multiple screens for general productivity work, then you’ll likely never bump into these DisplayLink downsides. Simon Jary USB extras: What ports do you actually get (and what’s missing)? The SD5900T hosts three type-C ports: two downstream Thunderbolt 4 and one 10Gbps USB-C. That’s the same number as found on the Plugable and Satechi TB4 DisplayLink docks, although those docks feature three downstream TB4 ports instead. TB4 is better than USB-C but it’s likely you’ll use it for video anyway so unless you are using it to just move from one display to two on base M1/M2 Macs it doesn’t really make a difference. Simon Jary Power The upstream TB4 port can passthrough up to 96W of power to the connected MacBook, which should be enough to keep any of Apple’s laptop going even under a heavy workload. Each of the two downstream TB4 ports can output 15W of power, but the other USB ports are puny at 4.5W. It would have been great if the front-mounted USB-C port could output even 20W of power to allow for iPhone fast-charging but you should look to other USB-C or wireless chargers for this rather than hook your phone up to the dock for charging. Check our recommendations for the best iPhone USB-C chargers and best wireless iPhone chargers for superior power options. The lack of USB output power is in some ways fortunate as the SD5900T’s power supply is rated at just 149W, which is the lowest we’ve seen of self-powered docking stations. Most docks offer at least 180W, but as the ports offer little in the way of charging it’s again less of a worry. Kensington’s KonstantCharge technology enables devices connected to the dock to charge even when your MacBook is undocked. Kensington Storage options The dock has both SD and MicroSD card readers at its front for easy-access portable storage cards. With MacBook internal storage being less than generous unless you fork out a lot of money at the point of purchase, this is an affordable storage solution with 512GB cards starting from around $100 on Amazon. Kensington has added these card readers at the top-end in terms of speed, rated at UHS-II’s 312MBps in comparison to Apple’s 250MBps SDXC card reader on the MacBook Pro. The Satechi and Plugable TB4 DisplayLink docks feature just the one SD card reader, but also at 312MBps. Simon Jary Network Another area where the Kensington SD5900T beats the Satechi and Plugable DisplayLink docks is its inclusion of faster 2.5Gb Ethernet compared to 1Gb Ethernet. Again, most users won’t benefit as the standard office network remains Gigabit Ethernet but having the backwards-compatible 2.5GbE is useful if you do run a fast wired network or you want to future-proof yourself for if/when you do. Price The Kensington SD5900T is priced at $299.99 / £269.99, which is the same as the Satechi and Plugable TB4 DisplayLink docks mentioned in comparison above. Unless you’re a base M1/M2 Mac user looking to add just two external displays, Kensington’s greater choice of video ports is the better solution at the same price. And the SD5900T includes superior Ethernet and two card readers if these are important factors to you. There are several versions of the Kensington SD5900T, and these seem to be differentiated only by color. We tested the Midnight Blue SD5900T but the Black SD5910T is exactly the same except for the more standard dock color. E.U. and U.K. customers should look for the SD5920T model, which sadly is in black only. You’ll find more of our recommendations for the best DisplayLink docks and non-DisplayLink best Thunderbolt docks if you want to dig deeper for other solutions. Simon Jary Should you buy the Kensington SD5900T? Bristling with dedicated video ports, the Kensington SD5900T is our new number-one choice for high-bandwidth DisplayLink docking station. M5 Pro/Max users can probably look to a standard Thunderbolt 5 dock and MacBook Neo owners needn’t bother with spending the extra on a Thunderbolt dock, but for everyone else looking to add more external displays than Apple’s limited Macs allow the SD5900T is a fine flexible choice.

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Best Portable Monitors for MacBooks 2026: Compact, travel-ready screens
Macworld Most monitors sit on a desk and don’t move any more than their stand or arm allows. We have a separate round up of the best monitors for Mac. But sometimes a more portable solution makes sense when the MacBook’s own screen simply isn’t large enough. There are two main types of portable display: travel monitors that can be slipped into a backpack; or moveable monitors that can be carried from one room to another or quickly hidden from sight when not in use. Here are our picks for the best portable displays to match with your Mac. Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Lightweight portable USB-C 15.6-inch HD screen Pros Full HD (1920×1080 at 60Hz) IPS display Lightweight   Integrated folding travel cover and stand 85W pass-through charging 2x downstream 10Gbps USB-C ports Cons Not much larger than a laptop screen Price When Reviewed: $239.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $239.95 View Deal $239.95 View Deal $239.95 View Deal Plugable $239.95 View Deal $260.58 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Size: 15.6-inch Resolution: 2K (1920×1080 pixels) aka HD sRGB Color Gamut: 45% Brightness: Up to 300 nits Connections: 3x USB-C Webcam: No Stand: Foldable Weight: 1.85lb (840g) Orientation: Landscape This 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display doubles most laptops’ screen space and is simple to setup and connect, and then disconnect and lightweight enough to carry away when you’re done. Weighing just 1.85lb (840g) with its cover/stand or 1.35lb (615g) without, it is barely noticeable alongside your laptop in your backpack or briefcase On the back of the display is a detachable PU vinyl cover that can protect the screen in transit or storage and doubles up as a foldable stand that is easy to setup.–Simon Jary Read our full Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display review

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Forget the MacBook, I want an iMac Ultra
Macworld Apparently, 2026 is going to be the year when Apple introduces the “Ultra” branding for the iPhone and MacBook. Which sounds interesting and leads to pedantic arguments over what constitutes an Ultra product. But it’s Apple, it can define “Ultra” however it sees fit. Which leads me to the gaping hole in the proposed Ultra lineup: a desktop Mac. (Settle down, iPad fans; CEO-in-the-wings John Ternus has been working on what sounds like an iPad Ultra, though it has an uncertain status.) It just seems like if Apple is going down this Ultra road, it has to have a Mac Ultra. After all, of all of Apple’s products, the desktop Mac is the one best suited to go all out and truly hold up the “Ultra” branding. The Mac Pro had its day The Mac Pro seemed like the most fitting computer to be rebranded as a Mac Ultra. The tower form factor allows Apple to go hog wild with its components, fitting it with an M-series Ultra chip, installing a ton of RAM, installing the fastest SSD, and using the latest specifications with Thunderbolt, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Apple could redesign the tower so it doesn’t have as many expansion slots. Apple doesn’t really want anything to do with the tower form factor anymore.Thiago Trevisan There’s a reason why Apple discontinued the Mac Pro, however. Apple just doesn’t sell enough towers to make it worthwhile, and even a redesigned, smaller tower probably wouldn’t sell in the numbers Apple would like. As much as I would love to see Apple create a “hot rod” Mac, it doesn’t fit in Apple’s product methodology. The Mac Pro–actually, the tower Mac, to be more specific–is no longer a supported Apple form factor. iMac Ultra: iMac Pro reborn Of all the desktop Macs, the iMac is the most likely candidate for an Ultra version. Would it be the fastest, most powerful Mac available? No, but Apple isn’t necessarily defining “Ultra” that way. “Ultra” applies to the product in a particular line that goes above and beyond a typical feature set in some way, like an iPhone that folds or a MacBook with an OLED touchscreen. An iMac Ultra could fill a demand for an all-in-one with a larger display. As someone who has reviewed the M1, M3, and M4 iMacs, I get a lot of reader feedback stating that the 24-inch display isn’t big enough, with some saying that if it’s not at least 30 inches, it’s not worth their time. After all, the iMac Pro was 27 inches, and that was 10 years ago, so an Ultra iMac would need to be bigger than that. An iMac Ultra could have a 32-inch display, which will surely satisfy those users. It could be a 6K display, too. Basically, Apple could take the panel from the old Pro Display XDR. (I know the execution isn’t as simple as that, but it’s the right size and the design would be perfect.) While we’re making wishes, how about this one: Use the same design of the Pro Display XDR for the iMac Ultra.Foundry As for the chip, Apple could go with a Pro or Max chip to set it apart from the standard model and preserve the Mac Studio’s status as the top-end Mac. But a Pro or Mac chip is a significant upgrade from the base chip in the current iMac. The larger display would be the key component of the iMac Ultra. Much of the other features could mirror those of the current iMac: Thunderbolt ports (upgraded to Thunderbolt 5 for the iMac Ultra), Ethernet through the power adapter, etc. And of course, Apple can make it in Space Black as an ode to the old iMac Pro and include the black Magic Mouse or black Magic Trackpad. Would it sell? Admittedly, an iMac Ultra would address a niche that’s even smaller than the current iMac’s. But it seems like it would be bigger than that of the Mac Pro, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the demand exceeded that of the upcoming iPhone Ultra. Price would be the key factor in its ability to sell. The iMac with four Thunderbolt ports is $1,499, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro starts at $2,199, and the Pro Display XDR was $4,999. That $4,999 XDR price, however, did not change from its original release in 2019, so it stands to reason that a panel like the one it used is much more affordable now. So perhaps the iMac Ultra would start in the $2,799 range. I think a lot of people would buy it at that price. I know I would.

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Lost your wallet again? This $24 fix connects to your phone so you can keep tabs on it
Macworld TL;DR: The MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card, which works with the Apple Find My app, is on sale for $23.99 (MSRP $59.99), making it an easy way to track your wallet or bag in real time without adding any bulk. Losing your wallet isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a full-day derailment. Cards to cancel, IDs to replace, and that nagging feeling you left it somewhere obvious. Most trackers help, but they’re bulky enough that you don’t always want them crammed into something slim like a wallet. The MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card connects to the Apple Find My app to make sure you never lose it again, and right now it’s down 60% from $59.99 to $23.99. It’s built to be practically invisible (about as thin as a credit card), so it slides into your wallet, passport holder, or bag without changing how you carry things. Once it’s in place, it taps into Apple’s Find My network for real-time tracking. If you leave something behind, you’ll get a heads-up, and if it’s nearby, you can trigger a sound to track it down quickly. Why the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card stands out: Ultra-slim 1.5mm design that fits in wallets and tight spaces Works with Apple Find My for global tracking Left-behind alerts, which help you catch mistakes early Loud beeping that makes nearby items easy to locate Rechargeable battery that lasts up to 5 months with wireless charging Waterproof and dustproof for everyday use and travel It’s one of those small upgrades that quietly removes a recurring headache. If you’re tired of second-guessing where you left things, grabbing the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card is an easy way to stay a step ahead — on sale for just $23.99 (MSRP $59.99). MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card – Works with Apple Find My AppSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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iPhone 17 lineup is Apple’s biggest hit yet
The iPhone 17 lineup is now the most popular iPhone lineup in Apple’s history, with its strong demand helping the company report record revenues every quarter. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple stock sees slight bump following Q2 2026 earnings report
Following the release of Apple’s earnings report for the second fiscal quarter of 2026, shares rose slightly in after-hours trading as the market digested the results and outlook for Q3 2026. Here are the details. more…

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