Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro review: MacBook’s dual QHD screen wingspan
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Adds two 14-inch screens Portable High QHD resolution Easy setup Cons Could be unwieldy in some environments Requires software installation Our Verdict But if what you need is a more lightweight and flexible solution that’s perfect for video conferencing, presentations or multiple application work, the Trio 3 Pro is a striking solution with some clever customizations. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$499.99 Best Prices Today: Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro Retailer Price $449.99 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Mobile Pixels $499.99 View Deal $656.87 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Connecting an external display to your MacBook to extend your desk-based screen space is a common practice, but making your laptop into a desktop workstation isn’t pushing the boundaries of laptop screen expansion. Even with many of today’s best portable monitors it’s not easy to take this setup on the road with you or pack it neatly away in a drawer. The Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro is a foldable package weighing 4.13lbs (1.9kg) that physically attaches to your MacBook to add a 14-inch 1400p QHD screen to each side of the laptop’s own screen. It makes your MacBook look like it has wings. Design Previously, we’ve tested some screen extenders that hang off just one side of the laptop and look rather strange and lopsided, like a motorbike with a dangling sidecar. A while ago we tested the Limink Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor (LK14) that looks and acts a lot like the Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro. Both the Trio 3 Pro and LK14 are a more symmetrical screen setup when in standard Landscape Mode: either side of the MacBook’s own screen. When set up, the screen wings certainly create an impressive look sat next to a standard one-screen MacBook. At the end of the day or when it’s time to move to a new space, you simply disconnect and the two side screens fold onto the central area. When folded up, the Trio 3 Pro measures 13.4 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches (34 x 22.4 x 2.3cm). In all its unfurled glory, it spans 40.3 inches (just over 1m) but can be pulled closer together if your available desk space doesn’t stretch that far. It’s a design that will either excite you with its screen breadth or scare you with its wingspan. It looks cumbersome but is actually quite light and flexible. The second and third screens each measure 14 inches diagonally, and the system is compatible with 13-inch to 16-inch MacBooks. I tested it with a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Simon Jary Setup and installation You can just lean your MacBook into the central section of the Trio, or by attaching four super-strong magnets to the lid of your MacBook—a cardboard template is included in the box—you can achieve a stronger, yet more adjustable bond; see above photo. Once the magnets are in place, you unfold the Trio 3 Pro’s two side screens and clamp the MacBook into the central section. If you don’t want magnets stuck to your MacBook the Trio 3 Pro might not be for you as without them the setup is not as easily adjustable. You can nervously prise the magnets off but you wouldn’t want to frequently add and remove them. If you’re using the Trio a lot, having the magnets there is recommended. The LK14, in comparison, connected via a couple of metal clips at the top that snapped everything in place snap. With that dual-monitor I appreciated not having to add magnets to my laptop, but if you will be frequently using the triple screen setup, it’s a small initial task using the cardboard template and a fast one when attaching the Trio. Simon Jary The screens connect to the MacBook with the included two USB-C cables. The cables include a USB-A connector that you can pull away to reveal the more Mac-friendly USB-C end. One of the cables accidentally shed its USB-A connector while I was setting up, which is no problem for Mac users who don’t need it. If I had needed the USB-A section I’d have been more concerned. Note that plain (non-Pro/Max) M1 and M2 Macs plus the new MacBook Neo are limited to connecting just a single monitor. To work with the Trio 3 Pro users of those Macs will need to download and install free software (rather like DisplayLink). Installation is fairly simple and a on-time operation—we have more detailed advice on connecting multiple screens to M1 and M2 MacBooks. You’ll need to tinker with your Mac’s Systems Setting during the installation—there’s detailed directions in the user manual, which is a QR code download. The manual states that “if your laptop has two DP enabled USB-C ports … driver installation is not necessary”. “Two DP enabled USB-C ports” means your MacBook has at least one USB-C/Thunderbolt port on either side, which most MacBooks after 2018 do have. A MacBook with anything as or more powerful than a standard M1/M2/M3 processor can set up the Trio’s two screens without the software download. That means an M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max or any M4/M5 MacBook should be fine. However, the Trio’s screens can’t draw enough power from the connected laptop to allow for maximum screen brightness. The Trio 3 Pro takes power from the MacBook rather than having an external power supply or battery, making it more portable. I found the capped screen brightness to be fine but if you want to max the brightness on the Trio’s two extra screens you need to attach a power adapter to one of the Trio’s USB-C ports. That will also passthrough up to 65W of power to your laptop. In turn, that means that you need to install the software so that your can run both screens from the single cable connection. If you have a Mac faster than a standard M1 or M2 I’d experiment first to see if you need the maximum brightness. Simon Jary Finally, go into your Mac’s System Settings >Displays to arrange the screens in the right order and set the resolution of each screen. The USB-C cables are short at just 20 inches (0.5m) but must reach only a few inches from your MacBook’s Thunderbolt or USB-C port to the screen’s port. When in Portrait Mode (where it can be rotated and used as a single deeper vertical screen) the cable length is more important. In Landscape Mode they don’t get in the way but could surely have been shorter to reduce cable clutter, although you can hide the trailing cable within the stand if set up in that way. Simon Jary The Trio 3 Pro’s protective and subtly magnetic folio cover doubles up as an integrated stand that is reasonably firm. I prefer to use my laptop stand, and while the Trio didn’t unbalance when atop it I wouldn’t want to mess around with the position once in place (see above). Performance Resolution: 2240 × 1400 pixels Brightness: 300 nits Aspect ratio: 16:10 Color saturation (sRGB): 100% Color saturation (NTSC): 72% The IPS screens are not as sharp as the MacBook’s own, although the QHD resolution up to a maximum 2240 x 1400 pixels is superior to the LK14’s mere HD (1920 x 1080). Available resolutions range from 800 x 600, and a great many others for you to find the space vs clarity resolution that suits your needs. 2240 x 1400 is likely to be just too tight for most detailed tasks but allows for a lot of windows and tabs that would otherwise crowd out your main MacBook screen. The 14.1-inch size is enough to host simple spreadsheets, browser windows or other applications—but if you’re looking for a large screen where you can enlarge Excel sheets for easier viewing, a much larger portable screen, such as the 24-inch Asus ZenScreen MB249C or even dual-screen UPerfect Delta Mega, is called for. What you’re not getting is a screen larger than the laptop’s own. You are almost replicating it either side for expansion. Using the Trio in Landscape Mode during a video call is a great use case. Leave the MacBook’s screen for the Zoom/Teams/Google Meet window and you can keep supporting apps or notes open either side. You can control the Backlight, Contrast, Saturation, Color Temperature, Signal Source, Screen Mode, and Eye-care Mode via buttons at the top of the central section above your laptop’s screen. Color saturation is fine for general productivity work. Unsurprisingly, it’s not of a standard that professional graphic designers would accept but for most of us it’s fine. Each extra screen has a maximum brightness of 300 nits—compared to the peak MacBook brightness of 500 nits for standard SDR content, you will notice that the Trio’s screens are not quite as bright, but I found them bright enough. To increase to maximum brightness, you need to connect to an external charger—check our reviews of the best USB-C chargers. Eye-care Mode controls the screen’s color temperature and brightness to minimize the emission of blue light, which should mean less eye fatigue while working in low-light environments. Like an external display, you can set the extra screens to either mirror your laptop’s screen or extend it for extra real estate. This where the Trio 3 Pro gets clever. Simon Jary In addition to its wing-like Landscape Mode, in Portrait Mode you can pull the Trio away, rotate the screen vertically and set it to a 90° rotation in System Settings >Displays. Simon Jary With one screen folded around 180°, Presentation Mode is useful for face-to-face meetings, where the person sitting opposite sees the slideshow while you present on the other side. Mobile Pixels Another innovative setup is Collaboration Mode, where both of the Trio’s screens are rotated outward, forming a wraparound that would work in meetings, creative reviews or at events. Price and availability The Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro is priced at $499.99 / £369.99. U.K. availability was limited at the time of writing. Read our comparisons for more of the best portable monitors and best monitors for MacBook. Simon Jary Should you buy the Mobile Pixels Trio 3 Pro? You’ll make quite the impression in your shared working space when you unfurl the Trio’s screen wings and probably cause a scene if you do so at your local coffee shop. While a more fixed desktop solution with one or more larger external displays offers far greater screen-estate potential, the Trio 3 Pro can be attached quickly and detached with ease to be stored away when not in use. If you want a permanent second screen at home or in the office, buy a larger external display. See our recommended best monitors for Mac. If you want the same large size screen but easier to store out of site, look at our other best portable monitors for Mac. But if what you need is a more lightweight and flexible solution that’s perfect for video conferencing, presentations or multiple application work, the Trio 3 Pro is a striking solution with some clever customizations.

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Best magnetic power banks and MagSafe portable battery packs for iPhone 2026
Macworld Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apple’s magnetic MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Air users. Phone batteries are prone to run dry just when you’re heading away from a power source, so having a portable charging source is one of today’s necessities. Annoyingly, most power banks require you to carry around a cable, too. Wireless power banks do away with cables but come with their own major limitation—the inefficiency of wireless charging means you need a high-capacity power bank to fully charge a drained iPhone. MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Air models, from the mini to the Pro Max, but strangely missing from the 16e model. It allows accessories to clamp magnetically to the back of the iPhone, making the charging connection more efficient. For more information read our Complete guide to Apple MagSafe: What is MagSafe? Read on or go straight to the best magnetic power banks we have tested, listed by power, portability and functionality: Best high-capacity 10k MagSafe power banks Best small portable magnetic power banks Best multi-device charging MagSafe power banks Best size magnetic power bank for you You should consider size when it comes to a power bank: physical size and battery capacity. The higher the battery capacity, the more recharging power you’ll get from the power bank—but you’ll also be carrying around a larger, heavier item. Lighter, slimmer power banks are easier to pocket even when clamped to your phone. Larger power banks might not fit in your trouser pocket and can slide off easier when pocketed even if clamped magnetically. 10K power banks (with a 10000mAh battery capacity) can charge a phone close to two times over, while 5K (5000mAh) battery packs usually stretch between 60-75%, which is often enough to get you to the next wall-socket powering opportunity. If you are relying on the power bank for long-haul travel or a camping trip, a 10K battery or higher will suit you better. Belkin even offers a mid-range 8K power bank. Milliamp hours (mAh) is quite a blunt measurement of battery capacity. It’s great for quickly differentiating between power bank sizes but we also list the capacity in the more accurate watt hours (Wh). Wireless power bank charging speed Wireless charging speeds vary from 7.5W (MagSafe Compatible) to 15W (certified MagSafe and Qi2), all the way to the very fastest wireless charging at 25W (Qi2.2). While it’s not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, magnetic wireless charging is a step closer to doing away with cables altogether. Qi2 25W brings wireless charging close to wired speed but only iPhones 16 and later support that speed, and some power banks include a built-in USB-C cable for even faster charging up to 45W. The iPhone Air can manage 20W max on even a 25W charger. See Which wireless tech is best for your iPhone?. We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself (Input charger) and charge the iPhone (Output charger). The higher the wattage, the faster the charging should be. Best high-capacity 10K MagSafe power banks A 10000mAh (10K) battery is the sweet spot for both power and portability. 5000mAh (5K) power banks reviewed further down are slimmer, lighter and easier to pocket, but generally offer a maximum of 70-80% recharge potential versus a 10K power bank that should be able to recharge an iPhone at least one and a half times over. EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 10K – Best wireless battery pack for charging options Pros Large battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 15W wireless or 30W wired charging Super-fast 65W input Kickstand Cons A little larger than its rivals Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price EcoFlow $89.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: 38.7Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (65W) Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2) & USB-C (30W) On test charged iPhone to: 190% Weight: 9.7oz (275g) Dimensions: 4.25-x-2.8-x-0.9 inches (108-x-70-x-23mm) Colors: Gray/silver The EcoFlow RAPID 10K is our overall winner as it is a champion in terms of both recharging capacity and speed at which it can be recharged itself. It has a large capacity, refilling a iPhone 16 Pro twice over in our tests—equalling the best we’d seen before. We run the iPhone’s battery down, recharge using the power bank, and keep doing this until the power bank is empty. What makes this power bank special—although not unique—is its short built-in 65W USB-C cable that can be used for fast-charging an iPhone 15, 16 or 17 or refilling the power bank itself. The cable fits neatly away when not in use at the bottom of the power bank. Wirelessly it will work with any MagSafe iPhone (12/13/14/15/16/17) at 15W. iPhone 15/16/17 users can connect via the integrated USB-C cable or a separate longer cable via the side USB-C port if required, for faster 30W charging. Owners of earlier iPhones can use a USB-C to Lightning cable instead for fast 20W wired charging from the power bank’s port. Note that the iPhone 16e does not work with magnetic wireless charging. For faster wireless charging, consider the new generation of Qi2 25W power banks such as the Kuxiu S3, Baseus PicoGo and Ugreen MagFlow reviewed below. That said, the 25W power banks we have tested didn’t match the EcoFlow or Anker on battery capacity in our tests. No 10K magnetic wireless power bank can match the EcoFlow on input speed—that is the rate at which it is recharged itself. Its 65W is much faster than the average 30W input speed. While winning on charging performance and capacity, the EcoFlow Rapid is reasonably chunky compared to the Anker MagGo Slim and Benks ArmorGo, and notably bulkier than smaller-capacity 5K power banks. It’s still pocketable but the slightly larger size is the compromise for the other benefits. If you want a slimmer battery pack, look for a smaller 5000mAh option—we’ve tested the best slim power banks further on. It has a handy pull-out kickstand at the back. This power bank is clearly built for the iPhone 15/16/17 families—with its neat integrated USB-C cable—but it works as well as any other wireless power bank tested here with the other MagSafe iPhones, and that built-in cable can be used to charge the power bank itself. Read our full EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 10K review

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Macworld Podcast: Memories of Apple on its 50th anniversary
Macworld On the day Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re talking this cue and chatting with former Macworld editorial director and current Macworld columnist, Jason Snell. We talk about our favorite memories, the moments that defined the company, where it’s at, and what to expect in the future.   This is episode 977 with Michael Simon, Jason Snell,  and Roman Loyola.  Watch episode 977 on YouTube Listen to episode 977 on Apple Podcasts

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Secure your internet for 3 years for just $67
Macworld TL;DR: Browse privately, unlock geo-restricted content, and protect unlimited devices with Surfshark—3 years for $67.20 using code VPN20. Most of us don’t think about online privacy until something feels off. Maybe it’s the ads that follow you everywhere, the “not available in your region” message, or that moment you connect to public Wi-Fi and immediately regret it. Surfshark can make it all go away. And right now, you can get a 3-year Starter Plan for just $67.20 (regularly $430) with code VPN20. At a basic level, Surfshark encrypts your internet connection and hides your location, which helps reduce tracking and keeps your data more secure—especially on public networks. But it also does more than just protect you. With access to thousands of servers in over 100 countries, you can browse as if you’re in different locations, unlocking geo-restricted content and avoiding unnecessary limits. Whether you’re streaming, researching, or just trying to access your usual sites while traveling, it gives you more control over your experience. It also works across unlimited devices, so your phone, laptop, tablet, and even smart TVs can all stay protected under one plan. Add in features like ad and malware blocking, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, and it starts to feel less like an extra tool—and more like a default setting your internet probably should have had all along. Don’t miss getting this 3-year Surfshark Starter Plan for just $67.20 (regularly $430) with code VPN20. Surfshark VPN Starter Plan: 3-Yr SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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What Apple’s 50th Anniversary Misses
Rather than revisiting Apple’s corporate milestones at its 50th anniversary, Adam Engst reflects on how the community around Apple once fostered connection and idealism—and why rebuilding that human infrastructure may matter more than celebrating the company.

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Apple Fitness chief Jay Blahnik retiring in July after 13-year tenure
Apple has confirmed to The New York Times that Jay Blahnik, the company’s vice president of Fitness Technologies, will retire in July. Here are the details. more…

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Amazon looking to buy Globalstar, the company behind Apple's SOS via Satellite
Apple purchased a 20% stake in Globalstar, so it has been thrown in the middle of the negotiations for Amazon to purchase the company. It powers SOS via Satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch.Globalstar powers SOS via SatelliteIt seems that Amazon could end up owning the infrastructure behind Emergency SOS via Satellite. The critical feature launched with iPhone 14 and has even become available with Apple Watch Ultra 3, but it relies on satellites operated by Globalstar.According to a Financial Times report covered by 9to5Mac, Amazon is in talks to acquire Globalstar. Apple purchased a 20% stake in the company in 2024, which means it has been included in these acquisition talks. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Amazon ‘in talks’ to acquire Globalstar, and Apple’s stake is a key factor
Amazon is reportedly “in talks” to acquire Globalstar, the company that connects Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features. Apple’s 20% stake in the company is a key factor in negotiations. more…

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Apple Sports adds support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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9to5Mac Daily: April 1, 2026 – iOS 18 update, Siri multitasking
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily.  more…

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Tim Cook to Apple employees on 50th anniversary: ‘Here’s to the next fifty years’
To mark Apple's 50th-anniversary milestone, CEO Tim Cook sent a reflective internal memo to employees, quoting Steve Jobs and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Meta alerts iPhone users who downloaded spyware-laced version of WhatsApp
Italy’s Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA) reports that Meta has issued an alert to approximately 200 users who were tricked into downloading a fake version of WhatsApp. Here are the details. more…

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Stay ahead of storms with Weather Hi-Def Radar app’s real-time alerts
Stay ahead of inclement weather events with Weather Hi-Def Radar, a weather radar app that goes beyond your phone's usual weather alerts. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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All iPad Air 3 variants are now on Apple's 'vintage products' list
The third-generation iPad Air, in all its variants, is now officially a "vintage product," as more than five years have passed since its launch.All variants of the 2019 iPad Air 3 are now vintage, according to Apple.The iPad Air debuted back in 2019, five years after the second-generation iPad Air. Relative to its predecessor, the iPad Air 3 featured a larger 10.5-inch display, Apple Pencil support, and a much more powerful A12 Bionic chip.Both cellular and Wi-Fi only variants are have now made their way to Apple's "vintage products" list. Apple considers a product "vintage" when it stopped offering the device for sale more than five years ago, and less than seven years ago. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Eddy Cue talks Jobs, iTunes, & F1 in 50th anniversary interview
Apple SVP of Services Eddy Cue has been with Apple for 38 out of Apple's 50 years, and he's out celebrating the anniversary with an interview where he shares familiar anecdotes about his time there.Eddy Cue has been with Apple for decadesIt is Apple's 50th anniversary, so there has been a lot of celebration and press tours going on. Paul McCartney may have concluded the concert series, but Apple executives have been making the rounds on Wednesday.The SVP of Services, Eddy Cue, appeared on the internet talk show/podcast TBPN to discuss some of Apple's history. While he didn't share anything revolutionary, it was a peek inside of how he thinks and feels about Apple today after 38 years of work there. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Watch new MacBook Neo ads starring the adorable Little Finder Guy
Apple is doubling down on the adorable mini-Finder character it created for the MacBook Neo campaign. Watch the ads here. more…

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Apple Offers iOS 18.7.7 Security Update as Alternative to iOS 26.4 Upgrade
To address the DarkSword exploit, Apple now lets iOS 18 users install the iOS 18.7.7 security update instead of upgrading to iOS 26.4. If you’re still using iOS 18, update immediately.

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Download these ‘Apple at 50’ wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
It’s a big day for Apple, as the company marks 50 years since its founding. To celebrate, you can find a great set of wallpapers made by Basic Apple Guy featuring Apple’s 50th anniversary artwork. more…

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Apple releases new firmware for AirTag 2
Following the launch of the AirTag 2 earlier this year, Apple has begun rolling out firmware version 3.0.45. The new update replaces the… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Discounted M5 MacBook Pro hits Apple refurb store with key storage distinction
Apple has added the plain M5 MacBook Pro to its refurbished store for a discounted price. However, the base storage change from last month means the value compared to new discounted hardware might not be as competitive as usual. more…

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