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- Wednesday February 25
- 03:28 pmToday in Apple history: Massive layoffs clear out Apple’s ‘bozo explosion’
On February 25, 1981, Apple CEO Michael Scott oversaw mass layoffs, then held a massive party marking the end of the "bozo explosion." (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:26 pmiOS 26.4 beta 2 changes and features: hints at upcoming upgrades [Video]
Although it lacked the much-anticipated new Google Gemini-powered Siri features, the initial iOS 26.4 beta release was still jam-packed with new changes. As a result, we showcased over 40 new updates in our iOS 26.4 Beta 1 walkthrough. The second iOS 26.4 Beta doesn’t include nearly as many changes, but there are still several new additions and updates to consider. There’s also some interesting under-the-hood stuff that hasn’t been discussed yet. This includes an upcoming redesign of the permissions prompt, a new NSPredicateValidating protocol, and more clues about Apple’s upcoming Studio Display refresh. In this latest episode of iOS Decoded, we explore 10 new features and changes in iOS 26.4 beta 2. Watch the full walkthrough, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac for more. more…03:17 pmiPhone Fold hinge crease will be about 1/4 the depth of the Galaxy Fold 7
Apple's focus on the iPhone Fold display will finally pay off when it is released, with the device rumored to have a tiny crease compared to other foldable smartphones.The iPhone Fold's screen should be crease-free — image credit: AppleInsiderThe long-rumored iPhone Fold's key feature is its ability to fold its larger display in half. But, as other foldables have shown, there is a risk of there being a noticeable crease in the middle.If a new leak is correct, Apple's work to minimize the crease has resulted in an exceptional display. If this rumor is correct, it will have a crease, but one only barely observable to its users. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:08 pmApple is launching new products next week, here’s what’s coming
Apple is holding a hardware launch event next week on March 4, and rumors indicate several new products will debut in the days beforehand too. Here’s everything Apple is rumored to launch next week. more…03:00 pmCarrot Weather adds The Weather Channel data, new dynamic interface, more
Carrot Weather is one of the most robust and versatile weather apps for iPhone, and it’s getting even better. With a new update today, Carrot Weather is adding support for The Weather Channel as a data source, plus new discussions from the National Weather Service and a new dynamic interface. more…02:55 pmApple age verification in iOS 26.4 beta 2 took less than 30 seconds
The latest beta of iOS 26.4 has an extra step for iPhone owners based in the UK. Once installed, the Settings app will prompt you to confirm that you are 18+. If Apple isn’t sure how old you are, you may need to scan a credit card or photo ID to confirm that you’re an adult. In my case, it was completely automatic and took less than 30 seconds … more…02:23 pmGet Samsung’s glasses-free 3D 4K monitor for an insane $1,200 off
Macworld There are cool gaming monitors out there… and then there’s the Samsung Odyssey 3D, which turns your images tridimensional without you wearing any glasses. And the best part is that you can get this insanely expensive $2,000 monitor for under $800 — an incredibly low price and the best we’ve ever seen. The Samsung Odyssey 3D is one of the coolest monitors we’ve ever seen. Our friends at PCWorld actually got to play around with this monitor, and they absolutely loved it, dubbing it “the most impressive glasses-free 3D display” they’ve tried, which is saying something considering they’ve tested dozens over the years. Even better, thanks to the built-in AI-powered technology, this monitor can convert standard videos into 3D, so if you’re into content creation, you’ll have extra fun when streaming content too. But even if you don’t care about 3D, this display delivers 4K resolutions and a speedy 165Hz refresh rate, as well as a 1ms response time. Basically, that translates into smooth and sharp visuals. It’s also compatible with both G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium for minimal screen tearing and stutter during gameplay. Grab this $1,200 discount while it’s still live over at Amazon and order the Samsung Odyssey 3D for under $800 sooner rather than later — you never know when these deals will expire. Buy now at Amazon02:22 pmiPhone Fold leak details crease depth and folding angle
Leaker Fixed Focus Digital took to Weibo once again to spill some extra details on what to expect from Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Here’s what he said. more…02:15 pmGive your MacBook a sidekick screen for just $60
This 15.6-inch portable monitor from AOC exists for the places a desktop monitor don't fit: kitchen tables, hotel rooms, etc. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:12 pmWith this report, I’m no longer scared of a touchscreen Mac
We know from Steve Jobs that Apple’s experiments with touchscreen Macs date back to at least 2008. At the time he said it was a “terrible” idea. A lot has changed since then, and reports that we are finally going to see a touchscreen Mac have grown in credibility to the point where it now seems more likely than not. I’ve so far been a little concerned about the idea, but the latest report gives me confidence … more…02:00 pmNever miss a live show in your hometown with Apple Music Concerts
Apple Music Concerts solves one of life’s biggest heartbreaks — finding out that your favorite artist has already passed you on tour. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:00 pmAdobe Firefly can now use AI to turn raw footage into a first-cut video
Adobe is rolling out Quick Cut in beta today, a new Firefly feature that uses AI to automatically assemble multiple uploaded or generated clips into a structured first edit. Here are the details. more…01:54 pmApple shareholders approve executive pay packages
Apple shareholders approved the company's latest executive compensation packages, based on preliminary vote tallies. The results… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:47 pmApple battling rising component costs in low-cost MacBook production
Apple is expected to make multiple product announcements next week, culminating in a special “Apple Experience” for the press on Wednesday. A new low-cost MacBook is rumored to be among the new products. A new report today from Digitimes reaffirms Apple’s work on a more affordable MacBook, and how the company is battling increasing component costs. more…01:26 pmHow Apple will target consumers with a lower-cost MacBook — again
Apple's expected less-expensive MacBook is one of the company's worst-kept secrets, but if it's priced right, it could become a huge hit — just as certain previous MacBooks did.The original MacBook from 2006 — image credit: AppleThis anticipated new MacBook is expected to be significant because it will use an iPhone processor instead of the Mac's now usual M-series ones. It is that lower-cost processor that means Apple may be able to compete with Chromebooks.That's key now, and it was important when Apple would release a MacBook range in 2015. But back in 2006 with the follow up to the iBook, the MacBook, the budget-priced and low specification Chromebook was five years away. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:17 pmSelling iPhones without chargers in Brazil cost Apple one second of global revenue in fines | AppleInsiderSelling iPhones without chargers in Brazil cost Apple one second of global revenue in fines
Apple has been fined a tiny $20,000 by Brazil, as the country continues to disagree with Apple's 2020 decision to stop selling power adapters with iPhones.Apple's 60W charger it introduced in September 2025Government fines are usually quite sizable when dealing with a company at the scale of Apple. However, in one long-running legal disagreement with Brazil, the fine is unusually small.State consumer protection watchdog Procon-AL has levied the fine against Apple over its continued lack of a power charger in the iPhone box that ships to consumers. Stemming from an environmental decision made in late 2020 that Apple still follows,the fine insists that it is an essential accessory that should be provided. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:13 pmHere’s how to switch from 1Password to Apple Passwords
A password manager used to be one of the most important third-party apps anyone could have. It was the thing that made it practical to have strong, unique passwords for every app, website and online service we used. Once Apple Passwords launched, however, the writing was on the wall for paid apps and subscriptions. The price hike just announced by 1Password looks set to persuade many more people to make the switch – and it’s very easy to do … more…01:06 pmThe iPhone 18 Pro’s Dynamic Island could get the first-ever redesign
Macworld Ever since Apple launched the iPhone X in 2017, customers have been wondering when they’ll finally get access to all of the screen. At first, there was an ugly notch cut out of the top. This notch shrank in 2021, then was replaced the following year by the Dynamic Island, which housed the front-facing cameras and sensors in a pill-shaped cutout that’s genuinely functional. The Dynamic Island is undoubtedly an improvement on the notch, but it’s still an obstruction: turn the phone on its side to watch a movie, and you’ll have to live with a black bar blocking out a small part of the display. Some day, Apple will release a truly all-screen phone by hiding all of the sensors and cameras under the display, but we’re pretty sure that day isn’t coming anytime soon. But while technology remains expensive and difficult to deliver without weakening screen quality, we could get the next best thing: another shrinkage and potentially a bold new look, with the iPhone 18 Pro now expected to get a redesigned, smaller version of the Dynamic Island. New backing for this theory came in the briefest of throwaway comments in an article this week by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While discussing a scoop about the Dynamic Island coming to the MacBook Pro (something we’ve covered elsewhere), Gurman drops a single sentence indicating his agreement that the same screen element will change size on the iPhone. “Apple is also planning a redesigned Dynamic Island for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max this year that is smaller,” he writes. Such a bare claim wouldn’t ordinarily be especially convincing, even if Gurman is one of the better-informed leakers on the circuit. But this isn’t a new idea. In December an account on Chinese social media claimed Apple was testing “a micro-transparent glass panel” which would enable it to put some front sensors under the display and thereby shrink the Dynamic Island or even reduce it to a tiny and barely noticeable punch-hole circle. And something similar was proposed later that month by The Information. So this should be regarded as corroboration of an existing theory rather than something new, and when multiple sources say the same thing, it starts to be worth our while to listen. It starts to sound convincing. Nevertheless, we’re still more than six months from launch, so everything we hear should be taken with a degree of skepticism. There will be plenty of rumors to come; to keep up with it all, remember to bookmark our iPhone 18 superguide. And to have your mind blown by the (possible) major upgrades, take a look at 5 iPhone 18 rumors that will make you hate the phone you have now.12:49 pmApple TV: Martin Scorsese adds another A-lister to upcoming project
Martin Scorsese’s “What Happens At Night” has reportedly added yet another big name to what was already a stellar cast. Here are the details. more…12:30 pmBest magnetic wireless and USB car chargers and mounts for iPhone
Macworld We’ve all had that feeling, the one where we’re in the car and our phone suddenly warns that it’s about to run out of charge. There’s the frantic scramble for the relevant cable, only to remember that it’s in a bag at home. With the iPhone now functioning as a satnav and music player while we’re on the move, there’s a good chance that you could arrive at your destination with its battery levels severely depleted. That’s why in-car iPhone and MacBook chargers and mounts are essential purchases these days, as they ensure that we don’t run out of power while following directions in the back of beyond or struggle to get through the rest of the afternoon without our phones dying. You can charge your iPhone in a car using either a wired or a magnetic wireless charger. A wired charger will likely be faster but may also require a separate basic phone mount to secure your phone in a line-of-sight position for you to view the screen for navigation, notification or other safe-driving experience. A wireless charger will magnetically hold your iPhone (version 12 and later) and itself be held in a convenient position with a hook into the car’s ventilation grille. The adapter—make sure it’s at least 20W—will be plugged into the car’s 12V power socket (aka cigarette lighter) and connect to the iPhone or phone mount via a USB-C port for fast charging. Almost certainly, this will be faster than any built-in USB port in the car. Many magnetic wireless charging mounts come with a power adapter but some may require you to buy that as an extra. At the end of our list of recommended car chargers, we review some great power adapters—add a simple phone mount (also reviewed here) if wireless isn’t for you, but we find magnetic wireless the easiest solution. While wireless charging can be slower than wired charging, the latest wireless chargers can support up to 25W to achieve wired-like speeds. But what makes a good in-car iPhone charger, and which are the best options currently available? We’ve put together a selection that covers simple mounts and MagSafe wireless chargers (for iPhone 12 and above), up to ones that can deliver power to multiple devices and even laptops. So, if you spend time in your car, then one or more of these could be the best purchase you make this year. 1. Anker Prime 25W Wireless Car Charger – Fast wireless iPhone charger Pros 25W wireless charging (iPhone 16/17) 15W for older iPhones Adjustable design Secure magnet Includes 45W power adapter Cons 25W only for iPhone 16 and 17 Expensive Incompatible with Tesla or Mercedes Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $67.49 View Deal $67.49 View Deal Anker $89.99 View Deal $89.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This wireless charger clips into the vent of most cars but is not for Tesla or Mercedes drivers (or with cars that lack vent blades or use non-standard vent designs). That’s bad news for those car owners as the Anker Prime Car Charger is the fastest magnetic wireless iPhone car charger available right now, as it utilizes the latest Qi2.2 standard to reach the top 25W output. That compares to 15W for certified MagSafe and Qi2 chargers and a mere 7.5W for “MagSafe Compatible” chargers. Note that only iPhones 16 and 17 models can benefit from the full 25W, and the iPhone Air is limited to 20W; older iPhones slip back to Qi2’s standard 15W. 25W should get your iPhone up to a 50% charge in just over half an hour, compared to 45 minutes for 15W, and well over an hour for the older and cheaper chargers at 7.5W. On a short car journey, you need all the power you can get to pump up your iPhone before you park up and the phone goes back in your pocket. It uses a Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) active cooling system to keep your iPhone below 95°F (35°C) while charging, with grills circling the top of the charging pad. This should also benefit older iPhones as temperature is a major charging disruptor. A ball joint holder’s tail hook clips onto an air vent and can be angled at a 32-degree adjustable tilt. The USB-C port at the base of the unit is powered by the included 45W dual-port charger that plugs into the power outlet (aka cigarette lighter port) in the car. The other port is legacy USB-A that can output at 12W. Anker Who should you buy the Anker Prime 25W Wireless Car Charger? If in-car charging speed is of vital importance to you, the 25W Anker Prime is the fastest wireless car charger for iPhones that you’ll find. It’s sturdy and neat and tidy with cable holders included, and a dual-port USB charger included.–Simon Jary Read our full Anker Prime 25W Wireless Car Charger (MagGo, AirCool, Pad) review 2. ESR OmniLock Magnetic Car Charger – Fast wireless iPhone charger Pros 25W wireless charging (iPhone 16/17) 15W for older iPhones Adjustable design Secure magnet 58W dual-port charger included Cons 25W only for iPhone 16 and 17 Expensive Incompatible with some car vents Price When Reviewed: $74.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.98 View Deal ESR $74.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Another 25W magnetic wireless in-car iPhone charger, the ESR OmniLock clips into the vent of most cars but check the list of exclusions before buying for your car. These include include vertical, circular or mesh vents plus some other types listed by ESR. LIke the Anker Prime Car Charger, reviewed above, it employs the Qi2.2 standard to reach the support up to 25W output, making it much faster at topping up your iPhone than mere 15W or 7.5W chargers, with the same caveat that only iPhones 16 series and later support the full 25W. Installation is simple, and the omni-rotational ball-joint plus 360-degree rotating arm make the ESR car charger even more flexible than the Anker, with 60-degree up and down as well as side-to-side adjustability. The charger feels secure in position when the car is in motion. It uses ESR’s proven whisper-quiet CryoBoost active cooling system to reduce iPhone heat by 6.5° F. The dual-port 58W dual-port charger plugs into your vehicle’s power outlet. Use the USB-C port to connect to the wireless charger and the legacy 18W USB-A port if you need to charge a second device. Who should you buy the ESR OmniLock 25W Wireless Car Charger? If your car’s vents support this charger the 25W wireless speed can’t be beat, and the adjustability is unmatched. The included dual-port USB charger included.–Simon Jary 3. Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max Car Charger – 105W or 67W wired iPhone charger with cables Pros Simultaneously powers multiple devices Retractable cables Cons USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and later only Requires phone mount for in-car positioning Price When Reviewed: From $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $35.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Baseus $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Car chargers can be a messy affair. It’s not uncommon to have USB cables dangling around the cabin if you have teenagers who quickly had to top up their phones before heading out of the car. The Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max has superior retractable built-in cables and additional charger ports that make it purpose-built for families and people that want to power up multiple devices while on the go. Plug the connector into the auxiliary power socket in the car, then pull out a cable from the top of the squarish section that houses the coiled leads. There are two flat tangle-free USB-C cables available, each of which will reach up to 2.6 feet (80cm) and gently retract back into the casing when your done. Should you require a different connection, say Lightning for iPhones older than the 15 models, then the two USB ports (1x USB-C, 1x USB-A) at the base of the PrimeTrip VR2 Max can be used with all four power outlets available simultaneously to charge multiple devices. The housing section can twist 90 degrees in either direction, allowing you to angle it towards the device you’re charging, and it also rotates around 180 degrees for the same purpose. The charger delivers up to a maximum of 163W or 240W depending on the model you choose. On the 163W model the main built-in cable (USB-C1) maxes out at 67W, while the second one outputs at 33W. For the 240W model both built-in cables go to 105W. On both models the USB-C port outputs at up to 33W, with the USB-A port slightly behind at 30W. Even 30W should be enough to fast-charge an iPhone, and 67W is great for even MacBook charging. Baseus Who should you buy the PrimeTrip VR2 Max? The Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max is an easy way to power up several devices at the same time or fast charge a single one in your car. The versatile port and positioning options are very useful, and the retractable cables keep things neat and tidy. MacBook owners on the move should pay the extra for the 240W model, but for iPhones and iPads the 163W charger will be plenty.–Martyn Casserly Read our full Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max Car Charger review 4. Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger – 15W wireless iPhone charger Pros 15W wireless charging Simple, effective design Secure magnet Study hinge Includes 25W power adapter Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Satechi $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There’s nothing fancy about the Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger, but that’s not a bad thing as it does the simple stuff well and will keep your iPhone charged during journeys and positionable for line-of-sight positioning for satnav, notifications and other displays. If you’re looking for a simple magnetic in-car charger, then the Satechi Qi2 unit is one that could fit the bill. The unit is compact and features a slim body to which an iPhone can be attached magnetically. There’s a ball joint holder that clips onto an air vent and can be angled a little bit in each direction so you can see the screen, with a supporting bracket to keep things steady. The vent hinge feels more secure than the Anker Prime Car Charger’s hook. At the base of the unit is a USB-C port into which you connect the included 3.3-foot (1m) cable, which itself is powered by the 25W single port charger that plugs into the power outlet (aka cigarette lighter port) in the car. You’ll get 15W of wireless Qi2 charging, and the magnet does a solid job of keeping the device secure while still being able to remove it at the end of your drive without ripping the holder out of the vent. Martyn Casserly Who should you buy the Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger? The no-fuss approach of the Satechi charger is one that will appeal to anyone that simply wants to plug and go. The bracket feels sturdy, as do the magnets that hold the iPhone, while power is enough to top up the battery as you drive. It does feel a little on the expensive side when compared to some of the multi-port units that are around, but if you prefer the idea of wireless charging, then there’s plenty to like about this good-looking model.–Martyn Casserly 5. Pitaka Magez Car Mount Pro 2 – 15W wireless iPhone charger Pros 15W wireless charging Secure magnet NFC shortcuts are helpful Cons Require power adapter Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $56.99 View Deal Pitaka $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Pitaka’s MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 fast charges iPhones at Qi2’s 15W. There are two versions of the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2: one specifically for Tesla 3 and Tesla Y cars; and another universal mount for ventilation grilles on other cars. The version for the ventilation grille has a hook that is screwed to a ventilation lamella using a rotary wheel. This is easy to do if the ventilation grille is large enough. A long USB-C cable is included for the power supply, which is connected directly to the power supply in modern cars. If you don’t have a USB port in your car, you must also provide a charger for the power outlet (aka cigarette lighter). Pitaka also includes two practical adhesive cable guides. What makes the MagEX Car Mount Pro 2 unique is its built-in NFC support and its ability to work with iOS’s Shortcuts app. The NFC chips are small circles on the mount that can trigger a short command when the iPhone is held over them. For example, when getting into the car, the NFC can trigger the iPhone to set the focus to “Do not disturb” and play your favorite music. It’s a great feature and Pitaka has a guide on how to set up NFC with your iPhone. The design with the aramid fiber surface is very stylish and the magnetic hold is excellent. Who should you buy the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2? The MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 impresses across the board: fast charging, strong hold, and the unique NFC function is one of the killer features if you are someone who likes to use automatic functions such as shortcuts.–Thomas Bergbold Read our full Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 review 6. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Wireless Car Charger – 15W wireless iPhone charger Pros 15W wireless charging Secure magnet Includes 20W power adapter Cons Has slight movements with vertical vents. Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Belkin $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This Qi2 15W wireless charger and car vent mount stands out in an elegant white color, although you may prefer a wireless mount in the same black as most vent grilles. It boasts a convenient cable strap and rear cable holder to prevent messy tangling, and comes with a 20W power adapter that plugs into your car’s power outlet. The magnetic link is strong, which should mean that it can cope with any big bumps in the road. It works best with straight, horizontal vent slats up to 3mm in thickness and 20mm in depth. It does work with vertical slats, but there might be slight movements if the mount is overloaded with weight, says Belkin. Who should you buy the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger? This is a solid magnetic wireless car charger and mount that fast charges at 15W.–Simon Jary 7. Ugreen Nexode Fast Car Charger – 100W wired iPhone charger Pros 100W USB-C port Retractable cable Choice of 4 ports Cons USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and later only Requires phone mount for in-car positioning Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $34.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Ugreen $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Ugreen Nexode Fast Car Charger comes fitted with a built-in extendable USB-C cable and ports for other ones too. It’s not a mount so you’ll need one if you want in-car line-of-site iPhone positioning. The unit itself is a squarish block that’s just a little bigger than an AirPods Pro case but chunky as they are about twice as thick. Once plugged into the power outlet (once known as the cigarette lighter port) in a car, the top surface gives you access to the extendable USB-C cable that can stretch to a full 2.3 feet (70cm) giving it a good degree of reach, plus two USB-C ports as well as one for legacy USB-A cables. Total power output is 145W, split between the various ports. The built-in cable delivers up to 60W, while the USB-C2 port goes up to a whopping 100W (with a compatible cable) so you can even recharge a MacBook from 0% to over 80% in around an hour. The other two ports top out at 30W, and all can be used simultaneously—but with the power obviously divided between them. There’s support for various charging standards, such as PD 3.0, PPS, QC 3.0 and others, plus protection against overcharging and overheating. Ugreen Who should you buy the Ugreen Fast Car Charger A multi-port charger is a great addition to any car and this offering from Ugreen can fast charge up to 100W, and has a built-in retractable cable, additional ports, plus a reasonable price, all of which make it easy to recommend.–Martyn Casserly 8. Baseus PrimeTrip C03 Car Mount – Flexible iPhone mount Pros Sturdy construction Adjustable magnet intensity Bendable arm with swivel head for easy positioning Cons No charging capabilities Need to be left in place Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The good-looking Baseus PrimeTrip C03 feel reassuringly sturdy and the magnetic grip can hold onto any iPhone quite happily. Due to the sticker base, it will have to remain in place once you’ve stuck it down, so be sure to choose the right location in your car. You may already have a charger in your car, or don’t feel you need one, but chances are you’ll still use your iPhone as a satnav and as such need a way to hold it in your car where you can see the display. If that’s the case, then the Baseus PrimeTrip C03 is a cost-effective way to get this done. The unit itself is a simple one, with a base sticker that secures it to your dashboard (or wherever you want to put it), attached to which is the holder. There’s a twistable button at the base that allows you to rotate the holder through 360 degrees once fixed in place, plus the arm of the holder is bendable so you can position the phone at the right height and angle be seen easily. A square magnetic plate makes up the main area of the holder, to which any version 12 or later iPhone (except the 16e) can be held securely. The intensity of the magnet can be adjusted by a dial on the back, so if you want to be able to easily remove the device or have a heavier one held very strongly, then you can cater the PrimeTrip C03 to your whim. The head can also be swivelled through 360 degrees, making it easy to choose the optimum viewing angle. Unlike some other mounts, this one needs to the stuck in place, so you won’t be able to easily remove and reposition it once it’s installed. Baseus does include a second sticker base in the pack though, so if you buy a new car you can take it with you. Be aware that this is just a mount, so if you want to power your iPhone you’ll need to buy an actual charger. It will work well in conjunction with either the Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max or Ugreen Fast Car Charger power adapters reviewed above or the simple Ugreen or Anker car chargers reviewed below. Or consider the more flexible Baseus PrimeTrip C03s, also reviewed below. Baseus Who should you buy the Baseus PrimeTrip C03? If you just want a way to see your iPhone screen while driving, and don’t want or need a power source, then the adjustable and compact design of the PrimeTrip C03 is well worth considering. Just remember that once it’s stuck down you won’t be able to easily move it.–Martyn Casserly 9. Baseus PrimeTrip C03s Magnetic Car Mount – Ultra-flexible iPhone mount Pros Sturdy construction Can fit into cramped spaces easily Flexible and adjustable Cons No charging capabilities Need to be left in place Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Baseus $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Baseus PrimeTrip C03s is an interesting car mount due to the split feet design that makes it more flexible than the plain C03 mount reviewed above. These allow it to be positioned in a wide variety of places, while retaining a secure hold of your iPhone. Just be aware that there’s no charger included and once it’s in place it can’t be moved. The bendable arms are used to position the height and placement of the phone are split and can be stuck in different places. This design allows the C03s to be used in more spaces than a standard holder, as the arms can be placed at unusual angles and curved around parts of the dashboard or centre console. If you prefer a more traditional approach, then there are magnets in the base feet that can hold the arms together, while still being pliable enough that you can contort them into the angles that you need to comfortably see the display on your iPhone. The latter is secured in place by place by a magnet, so you’ll need a device with MagSafe (iPhone 12 or later— except for the oddball iPhone 16e) otherwise it will just fall off. With the arms split, the C03s can be positioned in a wide range of areas, such as bent around the curved area directly in front of a steering wheel so you could quickly glance at your iPhone while driving. Obviously, physics still exists, so if you splay the arms wide in the same plane, then drive over rough ground, the stickers on the base feet might not have enough grip to guarantee that the phone won’t fall forward or back. But the flexibility on offer does mean that the C03s might fit where other mounts have struggled. Due to the stickers on the base feet, you’ll need to leave the C03s in place once you’ve installed it in your car. Baseus does include a spare set though, so you can move it at least once. Baseus Who should you buy the Baseus PrimeTrip C03s? If you’ve had issues in the past with positioning traditional mounts in your car due to space or design, then the PrimeTrip C03s is something a little different that could solve your conundrum.–Martyn Casserly 10. Ugreen 130W USB-C Car Charger – Powerful in-car charger Pros 100W can charge any MacBook 3 ports Cons Requires phone mount for in-car positioning 12W ports a bit puny Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $18.99 View Deal Ugreen $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Nearly every car has a power outlet aka 12V accessory outlet, and once known as the cigarette lighter socket. Place you charger in here and connect directly to your iPhone or to a magnetic wireless charger or simple mount with a long enough USB-C or Lightning cable. You should aim for at least a 20W power charger with a USB-C port as USB-A cannot fast-charge an iPhone. The Ugreen USB-C Car Charger has three ports that can output 130W of power: one port at 100W, which is enough to power up a MacBook Pro, another USB-C at 12W and a USB-A at 12W. 12W is a bit puny for phones and iPads but fine for an Apple Watch or headphones. 11. Anker 30W USB-C Car Charger – Affordable in-car charger Pros Affordable 2 ports Cons Requires phone mount for in-car positioning Only 12W per port at same time Price When Reviewed: $13.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This in-car charger is a highly affordable tool for the accessory outlet. It won’t be much good if you want toi charge your MacBook, but it’s fine for iPhones. Each of the USB-C and USB-A ports can output about 30W on their own—enough to fast-charge an iPhone—but use both at the same time and each will slow to just 12W—again, enough for headphones or a Watch but a little slow for an iPhone. Safety and best practices for in-car charging Extreme temperatures are a battery’s enemy. Avoid overheating and very cold temperatures as they will damage the battery. In particular, don’t leave your phone to charge in a hot car, especially in direct sunlight. Make sure you use quality accessories. Choose one of the chargers we recommend here or at least from quality charging companies such as Anker, Belkin, Ugreen, Baseus, Satechi and Plugable. Cheapo chargers and cables may damage your phone’s battery and internal components over time. If you use quality accessories you shouldn’t need to worry about overcharging. Today’s iPhones have sophisticated built-in power management that prevents this. Car-charging alternatives If you don’t lose it and remember to keep it charged, having a power bank in your car is another way of charging your iPhone on the move—and you can keep it clamped to your phone when you leave the car. Take a look at our recommended best magnetic power banks for iPhone for a variety of solutions.