iOS 26 still struggles to gain traction with iPhone users
iOS 26 is turning out to be a dud — adoption among iPhone users trails way behind what's typical months after an Apple OS release. Here's why. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Disney+ announces vertical video is coming to the app soon
Disney+ will soon be home not just to the Disney, Hulu, and ESPN content libraries—vertical video is being added too. Here are the details from Disney’s announcement. more…

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Future AirPods may gain finer and faster gesture recognition
New research shows that Apple is looking to improve gestures on AirPods by dropping the separate detection circuitry of AirPods, and instead using the RF antenna to sense the gesture.In the future, the antenna may be used to sense a user's touch — image credit: AppleIn the surprisingly long history of AirPods — the first known patent for them was back in 2011 — there have been many plans for gesture control. Some have yet to appear, such as camera-based systems.Now in a newly-revealed patent application called "Gesture Detection Based on Antenna Impedance Measurements," Apple has detailed another gesture approach entirely. Where the current AirPods have a touch surface, it's a separate system from the rest of the earbud and Apple doesn't think that's good enough. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone Fold might be more like an iPad than an iPhone
The latest iPhone Fold leaks provoke interesting questions around whether the device will feel more like an iPhone or an iPad. more…

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We love our favorite 3-in-1 charging station even more that it’s $70 off right now
Macworld If you love how tidy your desk looks and you wish it would look the same when you’re charging all your gear, then we have a great solution for you. This gorgeous Anker Prime 3-in-1 charging station is 30 percent off at Amazon, bringing the price down to $161. We loved this Anker charger when we reviewed it, giving it a near-perfect 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, appreciating its elegant design, the smart display, and the fact that it comes with a 65W wall charger and cable. There are two MagSafe “branches” for your iPhone and Apple Watch. The left one delivers 25W ultra-fast wireless charging, while the right one can hit 15W charging, which means your Apple Watch will get up to 50 percent charge in less than 20 minutes. Plus there’s the large charging pad at the bottom where you can place your AirPods. The built-in 1.65-inch HD display gives you access to a ton of real-time data on power output and device temperature, and you can swipe between various modes. For instance, “Ice Mode” maximizes cooling, while “Boost Mode” increases charging speed. The Sleep Mode is perfect for overnight charging, as it dims the display and quiets the cooling system. So clean up your desk and take advantage of this 30 percent discount for this 3-in-1 Anker Prime MagSafe charger over at Amazon. Buy now at Amazon

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iPhone 4 is having a TikTok revival, here's how to use yours safely
TikTok is full of people using an old iPhone 4 to take trendy, grainy photos, but most are blissfully unaware of the danger they're putting themselves in.The iPhone 4 is iconic, and it's making a comeback thanks to TikTokJust months after Apple released the iPhone 17 lineup with its best-ever cameras in tow, people are going old-school. TikTok trends have been responsible for some strange things, but using an iPhone 4 because it's bad at taking photos is a whole new level.The new trend centers around a fondness for photos that offer a vintage camera look. And it appears the iPhone 4's grain-filled photos now fall into that category. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV series ‘The Studio’ leads as the most-nominated series for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards
Apple TV this week was recognized with 12 nominations for the 32nd Annual Actors Awards, including five total nods for “The Studio,” starring… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Roborock unveils app updates, CES 2026 robot vacuum & mop lineup to automate home care
Roborock is at CES 2026 with a new lineup and AI-powered app that emphasizes its core mission of ensuring users don't need to worry about keeping their home clean, inside and out, so that they can focus on their family.Roborock presents The Greatest meeting the Greatest at CES 2026 - Image credit: RoborockRoborock's theme for CES 2026 is "The Greatest Meeting the Greatest," which is built on the idea that the best cleaning technology built by human-centered craft to give users more freedom. Reduce the time spent cleaning and focus on what's most important — time with friends and family.Learn more from Roborock at CES Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Elon Musk’s lawsuit over OpenAI for-profit conversion can go to trial, U.S. judge says
Billionaire visionary Elon Musk is allowed a jury trial on his allegations that ChatGPT maker OpenAI violated its founding mission… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple TV unveils the return of one of its best-reviewed shows
Apple TV has a stacked lineup of returning shows coming soon, including the just-unveiled season 2 of Drops of God, one of the streamer’s best reviewed shows ever. more…

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Apple TV unveils trailer for cult hit series ‘Drops of God’ season two
A new season of the globe-trotting wine odyssey “Drops of God” is about to be served. On Thursday, Apple TV debuted the riveting trailer… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Your Mac and iPad just got a secret Wi-Fi boost–here’s how to start using it
Macworld Those who own a Mac or iPad and would like to improve their device’s Wi-Fi speed are in luck. Apple has released free software updates for numerous models in both product lines that offer exactly this. iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 were rolled out midway through December, but this feature wasn’t noticed at the time. Only now has it been spotted that they contain an improvement to Wi-Fi performance. As spotted by MacRumors and confirmed by updated tech specs in an Apple support document, iPads and Macs equipped with Wi-Fi 6E are now capable of a maximum channel bandwidth of 160MHz when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi. That’s double the previous limit of 80MHz, and matches what was already offered on 6GHz networks (which are far less common, and require newer router hardware). In other words, you can now get the smooth streaming, speedy file transfers, and other benefits of 6GHz’s higher bandwidth limit, without the difficulties of actually connecting to 6GHz. Fortunately, plenty of iPads and Macs support Wi-Fi 6E. The iPad Pro M2 and later, the iPad Air M2 and later, and the iPad mini A17 Pro all do so. As do the MacBook Pro M2 (Pro/Max) and later, the MacBook Air M3 and later, the iMac M3 and later, the Mac mini M2 and later, and the Mac Studio M2 (Max/Ultra) and later. Owners of a standard iPad miss out, as do Mac Pro users, though anyone using one probably has it hooked up to an Ethernet cable anyway. iPhone 16 and 17 models already support this higher bandwidth, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro. Not to mention that the software updates contain other new features and tweaks that are worth having. macOS Tahoe 26.2, for example, adds a new ‘Edge Light’ for improved video calls and brings new AI features to the Mac Studio. iPadOS 26.2, meanwhile, is packed with critical security updates, including a pair of zero-day WebKit flaws. To update iPadOS on your iPad, open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update. The system will tell you if any new updates are available; if there are, simply follow the instructions to install them. On Mac, open System Settings and go to General > Software Update.

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Best laptop stands for Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
Macworld Apple’s MacBooks are great, but—as with all laptops—using one isn’t that great for your back or neck. Continual bowing of the head to see a screen can lead to a stiff neck and what doctors scarily call spinal stenosis, which can compress blood vessels and displace nerves—cutting off blood supply to the brain. That’s not a good thing. Your screen should be at a comfortable height that doesn’t make you bend your neck down to see it. Try to make sure your eyes are in line with the screen while sitting with a straight back. This also helps when making video calls, so the other people aren’t staring up your nostrils. Using a laptop stand also makes using a separate keyboard and mouse much easier. See our roundups of the best Mac keyboards and best Mac mouse. And, after use, you can hide away your keyboard under the raised stand on certain models. Some stands raise the laptop to eye level, and others—known as “vertical” or “closed” stands—just keep the MacBook closed for minimal desk disruption if you have connected external displays to increase your screen size—learn how to set up a second screen for a Mac. The eye-level, open laptop stands are more ergonomic, raising the MacBook screen so that you are not straining your neck muscles, shoulders and back. It should also reduce screen glare, which means less eye strain and fewer headaches. On such a stand, the MacBook’s webcam will also be at a more natural level with your head, meaning less video calls with people looking up your nose or down on your head. Buy a vertical/closed laptop stand to keep your desk tidy and free up space for other stuff—be that a charger for your iPhone, backup hard disk, or a cup of coffee. Both types of stand should also raise the laptop, raising it off the desk and keeping it cooler. If a laptop gets too hot, its performance is likely to suffer. A laptop stand also works nicely with a MacBook docking station, which can multiply the number of ports and slots available to you and allow for multiple larger displays. Some stands even have their own integrated USB-C hub, which is a very clever addition. We’ve rounded up the best laptop stands for MacBook that we can find, each with its own special features. Most mimic the clean metal lines of the MacBook range, while others think differently. Twelve South Curve Flex – Most stylish flexible MacBook stand Pros Stylish Multiple height and tilt settings Portable Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal Twelve South $79.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Many laptop stands are rigid and offers little flexibility. The Cuve Flex, from premium accessory maker Twelve South, remedies this limitation with both height and tilt adjustability. It can elevate your MacBook screen and camera up to 22 inches (56cm) so it can be close to eye level and aligned with an external screen if you have one. This flexibility is better for your neck, back and eyes. You can angle the MacBook’s keyboard from 0 to 45 degrees. The Curve Flex is not just flexible; it’s portable, too. It weighs 28oz (795g), folds flat and comes with a padded neoprene travel sleeve. While it costs more than the original fixed-position Curve and even cheaper Curve SE (reviewed below), and indeed many of the MacBook stands tested here, the flexibility and portability justify the extra expense. The Curve Flex is available in matte black or white. Twelve South also has a companion stand for the external display you might connect to your MacBook. The Curve Riser will put your second screen at a similar height to the laptop, and includes a handy shelf for a docking station or other device. Plugable Portable Foldable Laptop Stand – Best portable MacBook stand Pros Portable (fits in laptop bag) Foldable Four angle settings Cons Doesn’t raise MacBook Expensive outside of the U.S. Price When Reviewed: $29.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.95 View Deal $29.95 View Deal $29.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Plugable’s Foldable Laptop Stand is more portable than most, being collapsible and lightweight (12.6oz, 356g). You can simply fold it up, and pack it in your bag or suitcase for travel like a slim notebook. It folds into a neat 9 x 4.35 x 0.6-inch (23 x 11 x 1.5cm) package. It doesn’t raise the MacBook like other laptop stands do, but it does bring the screen closer to eye level than sitting flat on the desk. There are four viewing angle: 25°, 30°, 45° and a steep 60 degrees. It will work with any laptop 12in-17in, and with some hidden tabs will also support an iPad. The base feels secure on your desk and will fit an average airplane seat tray or in a tight gap by the window (and power point) of your favorite café. Lululook 360 Rotating Foldable Laptop Stand – Rotating laptop stand Pros Rotates 360 degrees Multiple height settings Foldable and portable Cons Will topple if tilted too much Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $65.99 View Deal Lululook $89.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Ideal for shared laptops in meeting or other group environments, a rotating laptop stand offers a 360° rotatable axis on the base, so you can flexibly swing the laptop round to show the screen or share the camera. This laptop stand also boasts a handy mechanical arm that can raise the screen by 10 inches. The spin is smooth and has a reassuring clicking noise as you spin it. It’s great for meetings where you can quickly turn the screen to your colleagues or even hand over control in presentations. It will take up to a 17-inch laptop, but don’t tilt it too much or it will topple backwards. The UGreen Swivel Laptop Stand feels more sturdy but we prefer the looks of the Lululook rotating stand. Made of lightweight aluminum alloy, the well-built stand is foldable so can be carried around in a laptop bag when you are between offices. It features a cut-out base to help dissipate heat to cool the MacBook. Rain Design mBar pro+ – Best minimalist MacBook stand Pros Minimalist design Lightweight Foldable Price When Reviewed: $64.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $57.90 View Deal $58.41 View Deal $64.39 View Deal Rain Design $64.90 View Deal $67.46 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The mBar Pro+ is the top-end thin aluminum minimalist laptop stand from Rain Design. It raises the MacBook nearly 5 inches from the desk and provides a comfortable, sturdy typing angle. It folds up to 9.6 x 6.3 inches (24 x 16cm) and only 0.5 inches (1.2cm) thick. At 0.45lb (205g) it’s portable, and perfect for taking to the local café or WeWork. Also in the range is the basic mBar stand ($25), which raises a MacBook about 3 inches. Although it doesn’t fold up, it weighs just 3.5oz (100g). The mBar Pro ($55) is similar but folds. All are available in MacBook-matching Silve, Space Gray or black. Aulumu G07 POP-UP Laptop Kickstand – Best simple portable MacBook stand Pros Minimalist design Super lightweight Foldable Price When Reviewed: $25.98 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $25.98 View Deal Aulumo $25.98 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This portable pop-up leg stand for laptops includes a built-in spring that means it can be activated with a click and folded back just as easily. Its beauty isn’t just the convenience and ergonomic benefits but the fact that once attached the mini zinc alloy legs (1.4oz or 40g each in weight) stay in place as you travel around. With a smooth round edge and non-abrasive polyurethane surface, the legs stick parallel to the underside of the MacBook and shouldn’t scratch or dent the surface. Anti-slip rubber pads are also included. Urmust Laptop Notebook Stand Holder – Best laptop stand for small desks Pros Multiple height settings Foldable Color options Cons Plain Price When Reviewed: $34.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $27.99 View Deal $29.99 View Deal $50.79 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Working from home and remote learning is forcing a lot of to work in small, tight spaces. And, in safer times, that coffee shop is convenient, but not designed for healthy laptop use. The adjustable, aluminum-alloy Urmust Laptop Notebook Stand Holder raises the laptop to a more ergonomic height–up to 10 inches for the screen—leaves the little desk space you have for you to spread out papers and books, and maybe room for that cup of coffee. It also tilts between 0-90°. There’s anti-slip rubber on the feet, so shouldn’t scratch your surface, while remaining stable while in use. It can hold 4kg and up to 15.6in laptops. Super narrow, it works well in small spaces. Plus, it’s lightweight and foldable, so can be stored away out of sight when not required–or carried around with you. It’s even available in seven colors, from Silver, Black, Rose Gold and Grey, to Red, Blue and Blueish Grey. Twelve South Curve SE – Best fixed MacBook stand Pros Stylish Decent height Great price Cons Only one height setting Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19.99 View Deal Twelve South $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Elevating your screen to an ergonomic height is important for relieving neck strain on your muscles and vertebrae. A quality laptop stand will do just that for you. One of our favorites is the Curve from premium Mac accessory maker Twelve South. A recent addition to the Curve family—see also the Curve Flex reviewed above—is the slightly cheaper Curve SE, which is exactly the same as the original fixed Curve but you need to assemble the three pieces yourself. Don’t worry, it’s super easy to snap the pieces together, and actually makes the stand easier to transport. For ultimate portability, though, the more adjustable Curve Flex folds down to a handy package. The Curve SE and original Curve stands are not as flexible as their adjustable sibling, the Curve Flex, although they do raise your MacBook 6.5 inches off your desk so you can sit up straight and look directly at your screen—and so feel less tension in your neck and shoulders. They also keep your laptop cool with air flowing underneath it. The metal design features non-slip silicone grips on the bottom and arms. Both Curve and Curve SE look fantastic, just like your MacBook. While the pre-assembled Curve is available in Apple-friendly matte black and white, the Curve SE is in Silver only. An alternative fixed laptop stand, the $49 Rain Design mStand is another sturdy option, below, and is available in a wide range of colors: Black, Gold, Midnight, Silver, Space Gray and Starlight. There’s even a rotating version, the $59 Rain Design mStand 360. Rain Design MOFT Z Sit-Stand Laptop Desk Pros Height adjustable Foldable and flexible Stylish Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Moft $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Measuring 11-x-9.4 inches (28-x-24cm), this multi-angle laptop stand lies flat at around the same size as a small MacBook, so can be easily stored out of sight or even carried between meetings. It weighs 34oz (960g) so isn’t lightweight but is certainly transportable. Made of polyurethane leather and stiff fiberglass, it can be folded up into four different sitting viewing angles—25, 35, 45 and 60 degrees—and creates a small 10-inch laptop table in Standing Mode where it creates a sturdy Z-shaped structure.. It can hold up to 22lbs (10kg). Depending on the country you are buying in, it is available in up to four colors: Black, Gray, Blue and Orange. Twelve South HiRise Pro for MacBook – Best MacBook stand for wireless iPhone charging Pros Height adjustable Housing for Apple MagSafe Charger Stylish Cons No tilt Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.95 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Twelve South $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Twelve South makes a range of quality laptop stands for MacBooks. It’s one of the few third-party manufacturers that feature on Apple’s own Accessories store, and there are several of its MacBook stands in this roundup. The HiRise Pro is height-adjustable—raising the screen 2.5 to 6 inches—and also features a hidden cut-out chamber that can invisibly host Apple’s MagSafe Charger (not included, and an extra $39/£39) at the stand’s base so you can wirelessly charge (at up to 15W) an iPhone (12, 13, 14 or 15), 25W on the iPhone 16, or your AirPods (at 5W) if in a wireless charging case. This will keep your desk space at a maximum while always having your iPhone within reach. The stand is height adjustable, although it doesn’t reach the heights of some of the MacBook stand tested here. There’s a screw at the back that you adjust to the best height for your setup. It is compatible with all sizes of Apple’s MacBooks, up to 16 inches. An alternative is the Alogic Elite Power Laptop Stand with Wireless Charger, which we have reviewed. This can raise the laptop 8 inches and has a Qi wireless charging pad at its base. While you don’t need to supply your own MagSafe Charger, the stand’s pad isn’t magnetic so you have to be very precise in positioning your phone. It also maxes out at 7.5W rather than MagSafe’s 15W charging power. Rain Design iLevel – Simple-to-adjust laptop stand Pros Height adjustable Stylish design Cons Chunky Price When Reviewed: $64.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $58.40 View Deal $58.41 View Deal $59.88 View Deal $64.65 View Deal Rain Design $64.90 View Deal $67.37 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iLevel laptop stand from Rain Design looks a bit chunky but features a neat sliding knob that you can use to very accurately and simply adjust the screen height and angle to your preferred position. Made from anodized aluminum, the iLevel2 raises the back of a MacBook between 6.5 and 8.5 inches above the desk. While we never found raising an adjustable stand very difficult, it couldn’t be simpler than with this sturdy stand, which is available in Silver, Space Gray and Black.. Hyperdrive 7-in-1 USB-C Hub Laptop Stand – Best portable MacBook stand with built-in USB-C hub Pros Built-in USB-C hub integrated cable Portable Foldable Cons USB-C not Thunderbolt Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Hyper $99.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This clever USB-C hub is a laptop stand that also includes a range of ports to expand those on the connected MacBook. It features a 5Gbps USB-C port, two 5Gbps USB-A ports, both SD and microSD card slots and an HDMI port for attaching an external display, which will also help you achieve a better ergonomic position. You can add memory sticks or other external storage devices, or a wired mouse or keyboard if you fancy. The connection is USB-C rather than Thunderbolt so doesn’t offer the full bandwidth but it is still compatible with modern MacBooks. Some rival hub/stand combos don’t include the built-in cable so you need to use another of your laptop’s Thunderbolt ports to keep it charged, but the Hyperdrive stand connects to your MacBook (13-16in) using its own integrated USB-C cable, leaving the separate USB-C port on the hub free for other devices or more likely a USB-C PD wall charger. It can support up to 100W MacBook charging power. It’s lightweight (308g or 11oz) and collapsible and can be used in five ergonomic positions. The base features a silicon layer of cushioning to keep your MacBook securely in position. Two USB-A 3.0 ports (5Gbps) HDMI – 4K at 30Hz UHS-I SD and microSD card slots for adding affordable, portable storage Twelve South BookArc Flex – Stylish closed MacBook stand Pros Minimal & stylish Closed design White, black or chrome options Cons Laptop must be closed Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Twelve South $39.99 View Deal $49.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket A closed laptop stand will save you space on your desktop and let you focus on your external display or displays.. Twelve South, maker of some of our favorite MacBook stands, offers the minimalist metal BookArc Flex, a stylish closed MacBook stand. BookArc Flex holds your MacBook vertically for a MacBook mini desktop setup. Cleverly, the MacBook’s own weight draws the stand’s supporting arcs together to gently cradle the Mac. It will automatically adjust to any size MacBook—even the 16-in Pro—up to 1-inch thick without the additional inserts that some closed stands require. There are three finishes: matte black and matte white, and a premium chrome edition with a mirrored finish. PWR+ Ergonomic Laptop Stand – Most adjustable laptop stand Pros Multiple height settings Stable USB fans Cons Bulky Price When Reviewed: $44.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The PWR+ Ergonomic Laptop Stand is like a small Transformer, which can morph into just about any shape you need from a laptop stand. It has varying heights (much higher than most of the laptop stands reviewed here), and can be angled as you please as a traditional stand or have its surface flat to be used as a table. It even has two USB-powered fans in its tabletop, which will keep your laptop cooler and more efficient. It’s versatile enough to be used as a standing tray in bed if you fancy—handy when you fancy stretching out in your “home office”. It’s not heavy, but it is bulkier than some other collapsable stands. It can easily be folded up to store, however. Anker 675 USB-C 12-in-1 Docking Station and Monitor Stand Pros Stylish Stand/Hub combo Raises monitor height Fast USB ports Wireless phone charging Cons Stand not height adjustable Price When Reviewed: $249.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $249.99 View Deal Anker $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This stand can take a laptop of any size or a large external display. It comes with a row of fast ports and even a wireless charging pad on top. It would probably best suit a desktop setup of a MacBook in a closed stand connected to this stand’s able hub via USB-C to one of the laptop’s Thunderbolt port. Then you can place the external display on the stand—so it’s more a monitor stand that works with a MacBook, than a laptop stand on its own. Read our full Anker 675 USB-C 12-in-1 Docking Station and Monitor Stand review Satechi Dual Laptop Stand – Best closed dual laptop/tablet stand Pros Holds both laptop and tablet Cons Laptop must be closed Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $39.99 View Deal $39.99 View Deal Satechi $39.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This 2-in-1 stand is great to keep your desk tidy when you sport both MacBook and iPad. The Satechi Dual Vertical Stand can cradle up two laptops, two tablets, or two smartphones vertically at the same time. It’s a closed design so works well with a dock allowing for an external display for the laptop. While sleek, the stand is sturdy with a weight-balancing base and frame built from stress-resistant aluminum.  An internal silicon mat has protective grip beds to protect electronics from unwanted scratches, and non-slip pads keep your devices upright and protected. Bestand Aluminum Cooling Stand – Best stand for cooling laptop Pros Decent height setting Cooling holes Cons Only one height setting Price When Reviewed: $39.98 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $38.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you need a stand that keeps the MacBook open with screen showing, the Bestand Aluminum Cooling Stand looks the part in either Silver or Gray to match your Apple laptop. It lifts your MacBook to eye level, which should be better for your posture, back and neck. There are three strip-shaped holes to the pad that the MacBook sits on, which should offer some degree of cooling compared to stands without such basic ventilation. Another hole at the back allows for cable management and can be used as a handle, too. There are optional extras that allow you to add your iPhone to the stand. Rain Design mTower – Minimal closed stand Pros Minimal Closed design Cons Laptop must be closed Price When Reviewed: $44.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $43.90 View Deal $44.91 View Deal Raindesign $49.90 View Deal $67.71 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The mTower from Rain Design is a simple, minimal vertical (closed) stand that saves you desk space and elevates the MacBook’s vent to keep your laptop cool. Its anodised aluminum body–that allows the MacBook to “float” above it–neatly matches the design and color of the Space Gray and Silver MacBooks. It raises the laptop 88mm (3.5in) off the desk, and fits the 12in MacBook, 13in/14in/15in/16in MacBook Pro and 11in and 13in MacBook Air. It includes a number of inserts to make sure your MacBook fits snuggly. It’s for use in setups where you have a second or third screen as the screen remains closed. Twelve South BookArc – Most elegant closed laptop stand Pros Stylish Great price Cons Laptop must be closed Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Twelve South $19.99 View Deal $26.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The BookArc, from Twelve South, is a simple, elegant stand that lifts your closed Apple laptop off your desk, and supports the MacBook in closed-display mode for a less cluttered desk when paired with one or two external displays. It has been designed to match the design aesthetic of Apple’s laptops, and works with the MacBook, MacBook Air (2018-2022) and MacBook Pro (2016-2022) including 13in, 14in, 15in and 16in models. An insert is included with the BookArc so that each laptop fits perfectly.  OMoton Vertical Laptop Stand – Simple closed stand Pros Adjustable widths Cons Laptop must be closed Plain Price When Reviewed: $26.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $24.99 View Deal $26.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The OMoton Vertical Laptop Stand is a simple, small-footprint design, but with a clever underside. Flip the aluminum stand over and you’ll find four adjustable screws (it comes with a tool to turn them) so you can determine its width to fit your laptop–from 14mm to 40mm. Really skinny laptops will still feel some wobble, but you wouldn’t want it gripped too tight anyway. It’s reassuringly heavy at 600g. The inner (and bottom) features anti-slip silicone, which should also stop any scratching of the laptop shell. The OMoton stand is available in Black, Gray, and silver. It measures 150mm x 97mm x 47mm. There’s also a double version, if you want to keep your tablet nearby. You might also consider one of our best monitor stands for PC or Mac, which can also raise your laptop. Satechi even has a special iMac stand that really looks the part.

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This Google Chrome feature is why I’m never going back to Safari
Macworld The browser is one of the most-used apps on the Mac, and for a lot of users like me, it’s a key productivity tool. A majority of what I do for work involves web-based apps and tools, all accessed through my browser. As I write this article, for example, I’m using a browser that’s connected to the content management system for Macworld. I also have a number of windows open to resources, references, and numerous sources for the stories I need to write. I’ve been using Google Chrome for the past couple of years. I switched from Safari because I got tired of the memory management issues that Apple never seems to fix. A month ago, Google introduced a new feature that I absolutely love–I may never go back to Safari on my Mac. Two different websites appear in one tab. That’s the beauty of Google Chrome Split View.Foundry That Chrome feature is called Split View. It lets you see two websites within a single tab. It sounds simple, and it is, but it’s made work so much more manageable. For example, I can have our CMS with an article I’m working on on one side, and a company’s website that I’m using for fact-checking on the other. In the past, I either had separate tabs that I clicked between, or two different browser windows opened and carefully placed side by side. The new Split View means I don’t have to worry about managing those tabs and windows anymore. When using Split View, just move your pointer to the website you want to use, and it’s immediately active. The tab itself is split, so if you decide to close one of the sites, all you have to do is click on the appropriate “x” within the tab. If you press Command+W, the site that you are using will close, and the other will stay open. If you’re using Chrome and want to give it a try, first, you have to have the latest version of Chrome. You can do this in Chrome; go to Chrome > Settings > About Chrome, and you can update the app. After that, there are two ways to use Split View. How to use Split View One tab open. When you have a single tab open, and you want to split it and open a second website. Control-click the tab and select Add Tab to New Split View. The window will be split into two. To open the website you want in the new space, click it and then enter a URL in the box or select a bookmark. Foundry Multiple tabs open while on active tab. If you have multiple tabs open, you can Control-click on the tab of the site you are currently on, select Add Tab to New Split View and in the second pane, a list of the other tabs that are open appears. Select the one you want, and it will load. Foundry Multiple tabs open on inactive tab. If you have multiple tabs open and Control-click on an inactive tab, you’ll find an option for New Split View with Current Tab. When you select this, the tab that is active combines with the inactive tab you are clicking on. Foundry

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The Smartlet dual watch band is the most ridiculous Apple Watch accessory yet
Choosing between a conventional watch and an Apple Watch can be tricky, especially if you love mechanical watches but still want the features of its high-tech offspring. But the creators of what may be the most ridiculous Apple Watch accessory yet think you shouldn’t have to choose … more…

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Apple corrals 12 nominations for 32nd Actor Awards, led by 'The Studio'
Apple TV hit "The Studio" is the most nominated series in the forthcoming SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards, with nods as well for "Slow Horses," "F1," and more.Seth Rogen in 'The Studio' - Image Credit: Apple TVJust beating 2025's nominations, Apple TV has had 12 nods at the Actor Awards. "The Studio" had the most nominations with five, just ahead of four for the next most-nominated show, "The White Lotus," across three categories:Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Ike Barinholtz, Seth Rogen Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Watch blood sugar monitoring a step closer as new tech launches
Apple Watch blood sugar monitoring is something the company reportedly wanted to do right from the start. A report back in 2023 said that the very first Apple Watch was initially intended to launch with non-invasive glucose measurement as a headline feature. There have been numerous reports since then, a number of them claiming that the health feature would launch in whatever the upcoming Apple Watch was at the time. More than a decade later, it still hasn’t happened, but the launch of a new device suggests that we might be getting closer … more…

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Apple Back to School deals are live in several countries
Apple’s Back to School deals in the US and Europe don’t launch until the summer, but they are live in several countries that get them much earlier in the year. In addition to the normal education discounts, you can choose from one of a number of free accessories when buying an iPad, MacBook, or iMac … more…

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Best MacBook Pro deals & discounts: Top price drops right now
Macworld Best MacBook Pro deals available January 2026 These recommendations are based on the best prices right now at hundreds of resellers of Apple products. Today’s best MacBook Pro deals: U.S. Amazon, 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (1TB/16GB RAM): $1,599 ($200 off, MSRP $1,799) Amazon, 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (512GB/24GB RAM): $1,749 ($250 off, MSRP $1,999) Amazon, 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (1TB/24GB RAM): $2,099 ($300 off, MSRP $2,399) Apple Refurbished, 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (1TB/24GB RAM): $2,039 ($360 off, RRP $2,399) Amazon, 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (512GB/24GB RAM): $2,239 ($260 off, MSRP $2,499) See more U.S. MacBook Pro deals below… Today’s best MacBook Pro deals: U.K. KRCS, 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (512GB/16GB RAM): £1,519.05 (£80 off, RRP £1,599) KRCS, 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (1TB/16GB RAM): £1,709.05 (£90 off, RRP £1,799) KRCS, 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (1TB/24GB RAM): £1,899.10 (£100 off, RRP £1,999) Amazon, 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (512GB/24GB RAM): £1,849 (£150 off, RRP £1,999) Amazon, 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (1TB/24GB RAM): £2,118 (£281 off, RRP £2,399) Apple Refurbished, 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (512GB/24GB RAM): £2,119 (£380 off, RRP £2,499) See more U.K. MacBook Pro deals below… Last updated January 8, 2026 Want to buy a MacBook Pro for less than Apple’s price? We can help you find the best deals on a MacBook Pro using our Best Prices Comparison. Our deal finder looks at all the stores that sell Apple Macs and finds the best prices right now. Whether it’s the brand new M5 MacBook Pro, or an older M4 Pro or M4 Mac MacBook Pro model that you want to find on sale, we share the best prices you can get the MacBook Pro for.  How we find the best MacBook Pro deals When choosing the best MacBook Pro deals, our editors draw on years of experience with both new and older Apple hardware, alongside continual tracking of market pricing. Because we monitor MacBook Pro prices year-round, we know exactly what resellers have charged in the past, so we can quickly spot a genuinely great discount versus an average one. We’ve reviewed every MacBook Apple sells and use these machines daily, so we understand which models offer the strongest value for money and can guide you toward the smartest purchase. You can trust our deals recommendations because: We check leading U.S. and U.K. retailers throughout the year to stay on top of the best available prices. We also check the Apple Refurbished store to see if prices are better. We use price-tracking tools to monitor discounts in real time and identify which store truly has the lowest price. Our editors hand-select deals based on long-term pricing trends and insights from our own in-depth product reviews. We take Apple’s release cycles into account, helping you avoid buying right before a major update. We highlight upcoming shopping events or special promotions that might see prices lowered further. We update the prices in this article regularly, but it’s still worth checking multiple retailers in the comparison tables below because MacBook Pro prices shift frequently. If you’re targeting a specific model, look in the price comparison boxes below to secure the best possible deal. If you would also consider a MacBook Air then take a look at our round up of the best MacBook Air deals. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including iMac, Mac mini, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.  Is now a good time to buy a new MacBook Pro? The M5 MacBook Pro launched in October 2025 and now is a great time to buy one.Foundry Now is a good time to buy a new MacBook Pro if you are looking for the entry-level model or want to find a significant discount on a more powerful, slightly older version. Apple released the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new M5 chip in October 2025, and it offers a great combination of price, performance, and features and we are seeing some great discounts, though not quite as large as they were during Black Friday. For the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max models, the decision is more nuanced. These laptops are over a year old, and Apple is expected to release the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the spring of 2026 – in fact we are already seeing low stock on some models. However, these older models are seeing discounts making them ideal for those requiring high-end power on a budget. Just keep in mind that price may drop further on the M4 Pro and Max models when M5 Pro and Max launch, as reseller clear out the old stock. In the case of the M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro, our recommendations are: Buy now if: You need maximum power immediately. Retailers have been offering substantial price cuts on the M4 Pro and M4 Max models, with savings ranging from $300 to $500, making them excellent value for workstation-level performance. Wait if: You want the absolute latest and greatest performance and are not in a hurry. The upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to be significant upgrades over the M4 series. If you can wait even longer, rumors suggest the M6 generation in 2026 may bring even bigger changes, like an OLED touchscreen and a new design, but that won’t happen for a while. Which MacBook Pro to buy The choice of which MacBook depends a lot on how much you have to spend.Foundry When deciding on a MacBook Pro, it’s important to understand the performance hierarchy. The M4 Pro and M4 Max models are for a completely different user than the standard M5 MacBook Pro. While the M5 chip is from a newer generation, the M4 Pro offers more CPU and GPU cores, supports more memory, and includes more advanced ports like Thunderbolt 5. 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip: This is the newest entry-level model, launched in October 2025. It’s considered a chip refresh but delivers significant performance gains, particularly in graphics and SSD speeds, over the previous M4 generation. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is designed for users who need more sustained performance than a MacBook Air can offer but don’t require the top-tier power of the M4 Pro or M4 Max models. It strikes a balance of price, performance, and premium features, making it the best MacBook for most people as of late 2025. However, this stance may change once the MacBook Air gains an M5 chip. 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips: For the most demanding professional work, the M4 Pro and M4 Max models, released in October 2024, still provide superior power, despite the arrival of the M5 at the entry-level. The Pro and Max iterations offer more power, more ports (including Thunderbolt 5), and are aimed at professionals with demanding workflows. These MacBooks are ideal for creative professionals (such as high-end video creators, digital artists, illustrators, photographers, 3D animators); technical professionals (programmers, designers, and software developers) and power users who needs more “oomph” for movie editing or gaming. There is another element to the decision. Both the M4 Pro and M4 Max are available in both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which offer similar specifications but differ in screen size and battery life. To determine which would suite you best consider the following: The 14-inch M4 Pro/Max is best for those who value portability, work frequently on the road, or primarily use an external monitor at their desk. It offers up to 22 hours of battery life. The 16-inch M4 Pro/Max is the choice for users who need a large, powerful screen on the go and the best possible battery life, which is rated at up to 24 hours. One final factor in the decision is whether you are prepared to wait for an update. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros are anticipated for spring 2026. For more help with your decision read our comparison of every Apple Mac and MacBook, and our direct comparison of the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro. Best MacBook Pro refurbished deals While Apple rarely discounts new Macs, from time to time there are some excellent deals to be had in Apple’s Refurbished Store. The Macs in Apple’s refurbished store may be ex-display stock, or they may have been returned to Apple due to a fault, but they are fully reconditioned now and come with a full year’s warranty. Read about buying a refurbished Mac. It’s not only Apple that sells refurbished Macs, but Apple does offer some great incentives to buy from Apple’s Refurbished Store, so we do recommend taking a look there for great MacBook Pro deals. Apple’s U.S. refurbished store has the following MacBook Pro models in stock: M4 MacBook Pro, up to $260 off M4 Pro MacBook Pro, up to $360 off M3 Pro MacBook Pro, up to $350 off M2 Pro MacBook Pro, up to $470 off We recommend: Apple Refurbished, 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (1TB/24GB RAM): $2,039 ($360 off, RRP $2,399) Get a refurbished MacBook at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) Apple’s U.K. refurbished store has the following MacBook Pro models in stock: M4 Pro MacBook Pro, up to £380 off M4 Max MacBook Pro, up to £600 off M3 Pro MacBook Pro, up to £360 off M2 Pro MacBook Pro, up to £590 off M2 Max MacBook Pro, up to £710 off We recommend: Apple Refurbished, 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (512GB/24GB RAM): £2,119 (£380 off, RRP £2,499) Get a refurbished MacBook at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) Best MacBook Pro deals right now While you could buy a MacBook Pro from Apple, below you will find price comparison tables that show the best prices right now for each model of MacBook Pro from various stockists. You will also find deals on MacBook Pro models that Apple has now discontinued, as long as stockists still have them available. Not sure which MacBook to buy? For help choosing we have a comparison of the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro and you may also like to read our Mac buying guide that covers every Mac Apple makes. M5 MacBook Pro deals 14-inch, M5, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 512GB/16GB RAM, $1,599/£1,599 Retailer Price $1399 View Deal $1,449 View Deal $1449 View Deal $1449 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 14-inch, M5, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 1TB/16GB RAM, $1,799/£1,799 Retailer Price $1,599.99 View Deal $1693 View Deal $1799 View Deal $1799 View Deal $1799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 14-inch, M5, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 1TB/24GB RAM, $1,999/£1,999 Retailer Price $1875 View Deal $1,955 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket M4 Pro & M4 Max MacBook Pro deals 14-inch, M4 Pro, 12-core CPU/16-core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM, $1,999/£1,999 Retailer Price $1599 View Deal $1,749 View Deal $1749 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 14-inch, M4 Pro, 14-core CPU/20-core GPU, 1TB/24GB RAM, $2,399/£2,399 Retailer Price $1899 View Deal $2,099 View Deal $2099 View Deal $2299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 14-inch, M4 Max, 14-core CPU/32-core GPU, 1TB/36GB RAM, $3,199/£3,199 Retailer Price $2906 View Deal $3024.88 View Deal $3199 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 16-inch, M4 Pro, 14-core CPU/20-core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM, $2,499/£2,499 Retailer Price $1799 View Deal $2,239 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2329 View Deal $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 16-inch, M4 Pro, 14-core CPU/20-core GPU, 512GB/48GB RAM, $2,899/£2,899 Retailer Price $2599 View Deal $2,616 View Deal $2897.09 View Deal $2899 View Deal $2899 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 16-inch, M4 Max, 14-core CPU/32-core GPU, 1TB/36GB RAM, $3,499/£3,499 Retailer Price $2897.09 View Deal $2899 View Deal $3,152.21 View Deal $3152.21 View Deal $3499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 16-inch, M4 Max, 16-core CPU/40-core GPU, 1TB/48GB RAM, $3,999/£3,999 Retailer Price $3299 View Deal $3899 View Deal $3999 View Deal $3999 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Clearance deals on discontinued MacBook Pro If you don’t mind buying an older MacBook Pro, there are some great deals to be had, if you take a look at the charts below. Best MacBook Pro M4 deals 14-inch, M4, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 512GB/16GB RAM, WAS $1,599/£1,599 (Discontinued) Retailer Price $1159 View Deal $1429 View Deal $1,499 View Deal $1499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 14-inch, M4, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 1TB/16GB RAM, WAS $1,799/£1,799 (Discontinued) Retailer Price $1399 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1765 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 14-inch, M4, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 1TB/24GB RAM, WAS $1,999/£1,999 (Discontinued) Retailer Price $1699 View Deal $1,749 View Deal $1749 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Where to buy a MacBook Pro You can find the MacBook Pro on sale at various locations. You could buy a MacBook Pro directly from Apple, or at stores and Apple Premium Resellers around the world – many of whom offer discounts on new and old Macs, so it’s worth shopping around. Find out more in our Where to buy a Mac article for more advice. One benefit of buying from Apple is you could trade in your old Mac and get money off. We have an article explaining  How to get money off with Apple’s trade-in program. We recommend the following resellers in the U.S. and U.K.: U.S. retailers Apple Store Apple Education Store Amazon B&H Photo Best Buy Walmart Adorama Looking for other ways to save money. Find out if you can save money buying Apple products from another country. U.K. retailers Apple Store Apple Education Store Amazon AO.com BT Shop Currys Ebuyer John Lewis Laptops Direct Very Additionally, Apple has a number of Apple Premium Resellers in the U.K. who stock Macs and offer other services: KRCS Insight iStore Select Western Computer Jigsaw Where to get a refurbished MacBook Pro You can get refurbished Macs from other suppliers too, including the following refurbished resellers listed below: In the U.S.: Apple Amazon Back Market Best Buy Gainsaver OWC Mac Of All Trades Refurb.me In the U.K.: Affordable Mac Apple Amazon Back Market Hoxton Macs Laptops Direct MacFinder Mac 4 Sale Music Magpie Amazon also has a certified refurbished store for Apple products but we would advise against buying any products that are older than five years – most of the products we see on the Amazon refurbished store are unfortunately very old. Another place to look is BackMarket US and BackMarket UK, which sells refurbished Macs and other Apple products. We also recommend Hoxton Macs in the U.K. Find the latest Apple refurbished deals here. If you are considering buying a second-hand Mac read: Should I buy a used Mac?

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India fights Apple's attempts to reduce a potential $38 billion fine
While Indian regulators prepare to fine Apple for alleged antitrust practices in the App Store, they have also been arguing against the company's attempts to limit any potential fine.India's CCI denies Apple's attempt to reduce potential finesIn 2021, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launched an investigation into Apple's App Store practices, after a complaint from the "Together We Fight Society" (TWFS) group. By July 2024, the CCI found that Apple has "significant influence" over digital services and products.Since then, Apple has been arguing against the CCI's findings, but at the same time has worked to cut the potential fines that are yet to be decided. According to Reuters, in November 2025, Apple asked New Delhi judges to intervene. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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