9to5Mac Daily: December 20, 2024 – Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors, more
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 CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 50%. more…

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Next-gen CarPlay’s first models should still ‘arrive in 2024,’ per Apple’s site
Holiday breaks are starting to kick off, when Apple and other companies tend to not make many new announcements. But there’s one big update we’re still expecting, according to Apple’s website: the arrival of the first next-gen CarPlay models. more…

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Apple Vision Pro is driving VR use from games to healthcare and productivity
Despite low sales, the Apple Vision Pro is reportedly shaking up the VR/MR industry and moving the trend of headsets from entertainment to productivity and innovation.Apple Vision ProThe global VR and MR headset market is expected to grow steadily in 2024, with shipments projected to reach 9.6 million units, an 8.8% increase year-over-year, according to a new report by TrendForce. Apple Vision Pro, despite moderate growth, is setting new standards.Launched in 2024, Apple Vision Pro has already claimed 5% of the market, a significant achievement given its high price. Starting at $3,499, the Vision Pro is not positioned as a mass-market device but rather as a high-end product aimed at professionals and early adopters. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Here are 20+ last-minute Apple gift ideas with holiday delivery
Are you still racing to finish your holiday shopping? Don’t worry, me too. Here are some last-minute ideas for the Apple and tech fans in your life – all of which should arrive in time for Christmas gift-giving next week. more…

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New AA-powered AirTag case promises 10-year lifespan
Aluminum AirTag case replaces coin cell with 2 AA Lithium batteries for extended lifespan.

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Best iPad for kids 2024-2025: To go cheap or small, that is the question
Macworld Kids love iPads. The simplicity of tapping on the screen when they want things to happen means they can learn to use them in seconds, but there’s plenty that Apple’s tablets can do. Whether it’s educational games, entertainment apps, using them to create art with an Apple Pencil or just something to stop them getting bored on car journeys, iPads can be a godsend. Choosing the right one can feel a bit daunting. After all, don’t they all do the same things? What’s the difference between the normal iPad and the iPad Air? Well, we’re here to simplify things so you can be sure you’re buying the right one. You can also read our best iPhone and iPad apps for kids guide to get them off to a good start. Plus, we have a roundup of the best iPhones for kids if you want to immerse them fully in the Apple world as they grow up. Should I get an iPad for my child? There’s been lots of research published about how much screen time our kids should be allowed. Some parents might argue that kids shouldn’t be exposed to screens at such a young age, but frankly, in a world where everything is dominated by technology we think that we owe it to our kids to make sure they are comfortable in that environment, hence the introduction of an iPad is good for their education. That said, just sticking them in front of an iPad rather than interacting with them probably isn’t great: Disney+ shouldn’t really be babysitting your kids for hours on end, but if it allows you a few minutes of peace to make dinner then fair enough. With that out of the way, there are many reasons why you should be confident about getting an iPad for your kids to use. There are, after all, many other tablets on the market, most of which are cheaper than the iPad. So, if you are looking for some reassurance on is whether the iPad is the best option for your child, here are a few compelling reasons: The App Store is full of great apps designed specifically for kids. Many of those apps will be ideal for school children of various ages, or even toddlers. There is an ecosystem of great accessories designed to work with the iPad. iPadOS is easy to use, especially if your child has used your iPhone. The bonus is your iPhone apps will be available on your iPad too and vice versa. If you have older children, then take a look at our guide to the best iPads for students. What iPads are there to choose from? At the time of writing, Apple offers four categories of iPad, which are as follows. iPad iPad mini iPad Air iPad Pro In all honesty, we wouldn’t recommend the iPad Pros for children, as you’d just be paying quite sizeable amounts for performance and compatibility features that they just won’t need. The standard iPad and iPad mini range offer plenty of scope and power for younger users, and the iPad Air will satisfy the more demanding teen. Our advice is to stick with those and ignore the Pros. When it comes to older students though, it’s a potentially different argument, but the good news is you can put that off for a few years and save up for the more expensive iPad in the meantime.  Speaking of savings, check out our round-up of the best iPad deals you can get on the whole range of iPads here: The best iPad deals. Is 64GB enough? This depends on how you want to use the iPad. For long trips, you might want to download lots of movies, TV shows, or games to entertain the kids in the car or on the plane. In that case, more storage is better. Otherwise, any apps you purchase can always be deleted and then downloaded again, plus public Wi-Fi can often be available as an easy solution for the little ones streaming a few episodes of their favorite shows. Our advice would be to get more than 64GB storage if you can. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) that launched in October 2024 starts at 128GB storage now, rather than 64GB as it did before, and as the standard iPad still does. If you compare the standard iPad with 64GB for $349/£329 to the 128GB iPad mini which costs $499/£499, it’s well worth spending $150/£150 more to get the extra storage and everything else the mini offers. And if you want even more storage, the iPad mini with 256GB costs $599/£599 compared to $499/£479 for the 256GB iPad. If you are buying a refurbished or used iPad, then we’d strongly advise against a 32GB or lower, it simply isn’t enough storage and you will regret it. For more advice regarding buying a used or refurbished iPad read: Why a refurbished iPad could be the best tablet for you. Do I need cellular? Probably not. It adds $150/£150 to the price of the iPad and we’d suggest that money was better spent on upgrading the storage, or getting a better model. If you want to add cellular capabilities to your kids’ iPad, we recommend that when you are outside the house you hotspot from your own iPhone rather than spend money on a contract for your child. That said, most apps will work offline and you can download movies to the device when heading on a long trip. Best iPad for kids and toddlers Here’s our advice on which iPad to choose when buying for a child. iPad mini (A17 Pro) – Best for small hands Pros Lightweight Powerful Apple Pencil Pro support Cons Smaller doesn’t mean cheaper Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB; Wi-Fi only) | $599 (256GB; Wi-Fi only) | $799 (512GB; Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $469 View Deal $484 View Deal $484 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $469 at B&H$484 at Amazon$484 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from AppleApple United StatesBest BuyTarget Close × Best Prices Today: iPad mini (A17 Pro) – Best for small hands Retailer Price $469 View Deal $484 View Deal $484 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket While the iPad mini might be the smallest member of the family, don’t let that fool you, there’s plenty of power and features packed into the diminutive frame. The only negative is the price, which is a little higher than the bigger iPad, so it’s not quite as much of a bargain for kids. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is gorgeous. Like all the modern iPads, there is no Home button – Apple ditched that a generation ago and instead put a Touch ID sensor in the Power button on the side.  Under the hood, there’s an A17 Pro driving things, this processor is the lowest spec required to run Apple Intelligence features. If you are choosing between the iPad mini and cheaper iPad and are curious about Apple Intelligence, only the iPad mini, iPad Air and Pro will support it). Even if Apple Intelligence doesn’t peek your interest, the A17 Pro chip means there is no lack of power in this smaller iPad, ensuring the latest games and apps will absolutely fly on this device. It also has support for the Apple Pencil (USB C) or the Apple Pencil Pro, meaning your child can use if for doodling, creating art or note-taking at school when they get a bit older.  The compact dimensions of 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm at 297g make it small and lightweight, which can be easier for little ones to hold. There are also four different colors to choose from, including soft shades of Purple and Blue.  Oh, and there are 5G versions if you want to add a fast data connection for streaming and messaging on the go.  The iPad mini is available in these configurations: iPad mini (A17 Pro) 128GB – $499/£499 iPad mini (A17 Pro) 256GB – $599/£599 iPad mini (A17 Pro) 512GB – $799/£799 iPad mini (A17 Pro, cellular) costs $150/£150 more than the non-cellular versions. Check our guide to the best iPad mini deals to see if you can get one for a lower price.  Read our full Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) review iPad Air (M2) – For bigger kids Pros Inexpensive Apple Pencil Support (1st Gen) A13 Bionic Processor, Headphone Jack Cons Lower quality screen than other models Older design. No longer in production Price When Reviewed: $599 (128GB, Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $549 View Deal $554 View Deal $589 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $499 at Best Buy$499 at Target $549 at B&H$589 at Amazon View more prices from AmazonWalmart ElectronicsAppleApple United States Close × Best Prices Today: iPad Air (M2) – For bigger kids Retailer Price $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $549 View Deal $554 View Deal $589 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We said in the introduction that the iPad Air is probably overkill for kids, but that does depend a bit on the age of the child. For some there will be a lot of appear in the 11-inch iPad Air (M2), with its 11-inch display, modern design, low weight (462g), great cameras, and hugely powerful processor, and as we recommend in our round up of the Best iPads for Students – it is a great choice for students. Unfortunately, it’s a bit on the pricey side, starting at $599/£599 (higher education students get a discount but not school aged children). That’s still only $100/£100 more than the iPad mini though, and it has a lot more to offer. Not least the M2 chip than makes it the perfect combination of power, storage and features. The M2 processor is the same chip that powered the previous generation of iPad Pro models, not to mention several Macs. If your kid enjoys gaming on their iPad then the iPad Air will likely meet their needs (for anyone else then there’s always the iPad Pro, which has an M4 and the addition of ProMotion for faster screen refreshes, but that really is overkill for kids!) The camera is a 12MP Wide lens (also like on the iPad Pro) and the front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra-Wide that is positioned on the longer side of the chassis to allow landscape views during FaceTime calls. There are some nice colors to choose from including pale Purple and Blue shades (that are similar to those on the iPad mini). There’s also the standard Starlight and Space Grey. You can use the Apple Pencil Pro ($129/£129) and Apple Pencil USB-C ($79/£79) with the iPad Air. See: Apple Pencils compared: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad? The iPad Air (M2) is available in these configurations: 11-inch iPad Air (M2) 128GB – $599/£599 11-inch iPad Air (M2) 256GB – $699/£699 11-inch iPad Air (M2) 512GB – $899/£899 11-inch iPad Air (M2) 1TB – $1,099/£1,099 11-inch iPad Air (M2), cellular) costs $150/£150 more than the non-cellular versions. If they want a larger display, there is also the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) that comes with all the same specs and features. It starts at $799/£799. Read iPad Air (M2) vs iPad Pro (M4) to find out how the iPad Air compares to the iPad Pro. Read our roundup of the best iPad Air deals. Read our full Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2, 2024) review 10th-gen iPad (2022) – Budget option Pros Modern design 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display USB-C for charging Vibrant colors Cons 64GB SSD A14 Bionic processor doesn’t work with Apple Intelligence Price When Reviewed: From $349 (64GB) | $499 (256GB) (was $449 and $599) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279.99 View Deal $319 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad 10.9 (2022) 64GB – Silver – (WiFi) $315 View Deal $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $279 at Amazon$279 at Best Buy$279 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from Target B&HWalmartAdorama Close × Best Prices Today: 10th-gen iPad (2022) – Budget option New Refurbished Retailer Price $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279.99 View Deal $319 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad 10.9 (2022) 64GB – Silver – (WiFi) $315 View Deal $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket In 2022, Apple gave its standard iPad a makeover when it launched this 10th-generation model, replacing the classic Home button design with the mini/Air approach of gesture-based controls. There is still Touch ID available, but now you’ll find the sensor embedded in the power button on the top edge. This means there’s more space for the display, which increases from the 10.2-inch panel in the 9th generation iPad to 10.9-inch in this 10th generation model. As with the previous standard iPad models, the display isn’t laminated, meaning there is a slight air gap between the glass and the display beneath. This is a minor thing and probably won’t even be something you notice, unless you use an Apple Pencil often, in which case you’ll probably experience a slight lag as you write. It’s all good though, and after no time at all, you’ll be able to incorporate that into your technique and scribble away with the best of them. This model supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil (USB C). Apple fits the 10th-gen iPad with an A14 Bionic processor, which is the same tech that powered the iPhone 12 range (including the Pros). That processor is a little on the old side now, and doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, of which Apple is making a big deal right now. Apple Intelligence has some features that might appeal to students, so it could be a benefit, then again it might lead your child to cheat on their homework… That said, the A14 chip will still provide adequate performance for playing basic games, streaming content, and running educational apps. Another notable feature is the inclusion of a USB-C port rather than Lightning. This opens up a world of peripherals that you can use with the iPad, and you can even connect it to a compatible monitor if your child needs a desktop-style experience. Of course, you can always pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to create the perfect, compact laptop for homework and any creative endeavors your child wants to try. The iPad comes in four bright, bold colors (Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Silver), so your child can pick one that reflects their personality or just the one with the hues they like the most. One of the best features of the 10th generation iPad is its low price. You can pick them up for the following prices: iPad (10th gen) 64GB – $349/£329 iPad (10th gen) 256GB – $499/£479 iPad (10th gen, cellular) costs $150/£150 more than the non-cellular versions. We recommend opting for the 256GB storage variant, as 64GB can fill up pretty quickly if you’re downloading games, large apps, or TV/movie content. At this point you might be better served by the iPad mini (A17 Pro) 128GB at $499/£499 though, which is why this iPad isn’t our top choice right now, but that may change when Apple gets around to updating it in 2025. Read: New iPad 11th generation rumours. Check our guide to the best iPad 10th-gen deals to see if you can get one for a lower price.  Read our full Apple iPad (10th gen, A14, 2022) review

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TimeCapsule case weatherproofs AirTag and greatly extends its battery life
Sick of replacing AirTag batteries? The new TimeCapsule AirTag battery case greatly extends the tracker's life. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Deals: Apple Watch Ultra 2 doorbuster price, AirTag 4-pack down at $70 ($17.50 each), action cams, more
We are ready to cap off the work week with a fresh batch of discounts alongside ongoing lows at up to $250 off on Apple’s most affordable M4 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro configurations. The last round of Doorbuster deals from Best Buy before the holidays is now live for everyone with a notable $80 price drop on Apple Watch Ultra 2 alongside the return of Black Friday pricing on Apple’s 4-pack of AirTags at $70 – both of these deals are also matched at Amazon. These highlights join a host of deals on LG OLED smart TVs, charging gear, action cams, and more. Scope it all out down below.  more…

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TikTok nonsense, iPhone 17 rumors, and the Blackmagic Camera on the AppleInsider Podcast
Maybe we'll see more movies made for Apple Vision Pro now there's a Blackmagic Camera, and maybe we'll see different cameras on the iPhone 17 Slim, but we'll never see the end of Apple nonsense on TikTok.The new Blackmagic Camera for spatial videoThere's also the never-ending and sometimes ever-increasing set of rumors about Apple making folding devices. This time the claim is that we'll see a foldable iPad Pro, but it's definitely not coming soon and co-host Wesley Hilliard has reasons to lower our expectations of it happening at all.What is definitely happening is that Apple Vision Pro is getting more entertainment in the form of short films and documentaries. It's also definitely happening far too slowly, though, so the launch of a dedicated spatial video camera from Blackmagic is welcome — even if it's costly enough that only studios will be able to afford it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New MacBook Air OLED timeline reveals two unfortunate drawbacks
Last week we received word that the MacBook Pro would be getting OLED and lose its notch starting in 2026. That same report also detailed the OLED timeline for Apple’s other products, and it doesn’t look great for the MacBook Air in two key ways. more…

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Keep it all connected with this speedy Thunderbolt 4 hub [Setups]
Today's featured M4 Pro Mac mini user keeps a ton of peripherals connected with a speedy Thunderbolt 4 hub. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How to stop spam calls and reclaim some sanity on your iPhone
Spam calls are a seemingly endless nuisance with no solution, but there are several ways to get relief built into your iPhone and through services like those provided by Incogni.Stop spam calls with Incogni's robust service. Image credit - IncogniIt's not just you — robo calls, spam calls, telemarketing calls, and scam calls can inundate your call logs, email inbox, voicemail, and Messages app incessantly. Though, there is no need to give up and waste countless hours sifting through the garbage left by unwanted calls.First, you need to take a few important and necessary steps to prevent spam calls from ever making it through. Second, you need to take the fight to the problem — data brokers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Today in Apple history: NeXT buyout brings Steve Jobs back to Cupertino
On December 20, 1996, Apple Computer officially bought NeXT, the computer company Steve Jobs founded after leaving Apple a decade earlier. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Get Windows 11 Pro for less than $23 in CdkeySales Christmas Sale
Merry Christmas! In the CdkeySales Christmas Sale, you can get an incredible deal on Windows 11 Pro and other Microsoft software. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Here are the airlines that officially let you track your luggage with Apple AirTags
Apple's "Share Item Location" feature enables users to share the location of their AirTags with select airlines (see below) to assist in… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Get an unlocked iPhone 15 for over $300 off in this blowout sale
Macworld Finding an unlocked iPhone for less than Apple’s listed price is a rare thing unless it’s refurbished or otherwise used. But we found one today: Amazon’s Woot is selling an unlocked iPhone 15 in black for $580 (128GB), $610 (256GB), and $695 (512GB), a savings of $149, $189, and $304, respectively. This iPhone 15 isn’t sold by Apple but is promised to be in “Pristine” condition having “never been in customer hands.” Woot says the phone “will arrive with a test sticker showing 100% battery life and inside a sleek custom black box, not the original retail packaging. It comes with a 1-year vendor warranty but isn’t AppleCare-eligible. While it’s a year old, Apple still sells the iPhone 15 for $699 and up. And it’s still a great phone, with an A16 processor, 6.1-inch OLED display, and Apple’s innovative Dynamic Island. We loved it in our 4-star review and It’s even better with iOS 18. It will receive updates for years to come, but just note it isn’t compatible with Apple Intelligence. So if you want a great iPhone at a great price without needing to jump through carrier hoops, go grab this deal before it’s gone forever. Save up to $300 on the iPhone 15Buy Now at WOOT!

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Apple warns spyware targets via ‘threat notifications,’ offers these next steps
Did you know that Apple, for years, has had a system and process for sending ‘threat notifications’ to users of suspected spyware attacks? Here’s what that means, and new details on the guidance Apple gives users with a compromised device. more…

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Apple begins discontinuing iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in EU
Ahead of an EU regulation mandating USB-C ports for wired charging on new smartphones, Apple has today listed the third-generation… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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10th generation Apple iPad hits its lowest price ever
The 10th generation iPad is a highly recommended, budget-friendly option for those looking to get in on the best tablet computers… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhones take 2 MKBHD Smartphone Awards, including a big surprise
This year's MKBHD Smartphone Awards from Marques Brownlee honor iPhone 16 as Best Small Phone, surprisingly. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Wrap up your shopping with these low-price gift cards for Apple fans
Macworld If you haven’t checked the calendar lately, the holidays are nearly upon us, and if you haven’t gotten around to getting something for the Apple fans in your life, we have the perfect solution: an eGift card. You don’t have to spend a lot, you’ll get it immediately, and your recipient will love it. Of course, you’ll want to get them a card they can use to buy one of their favorite Apple devices, and there are several great options. The most obvious is an Apple Store gift card, which they can use to buy at the Apple Store or the App Store, but other official Apple retailers are an excellent choice too. Best eGift cards for Apple lovers Apple – Starts at $10 Amazon – Starts at $25 Best Buy – Starts at $15 Walmart – Starts at $5 Target – Starts at $5 All these stores feature an abundance of Apple products, quite often on sale, so they’re great picks for anyone who wants something now or is saving up for the flurry of new devices coming in 2025. More eGift ideas If you want to branch out and get them something different, then check out these other gift cards you can get on slle right now: Meta Quest eGift Card – Save $5 on $50 (via Amazon) Google Play eGift Card – Save $5 on $50 with code GOPLAY (via Amazon) Taco Bell eGift Card – Starts $7.50 on $50 with code TACO (via Amazon) VUDU eGift Card – Save $10 on $50 (via Amazon) Uber/UberEats eGift Card – Save $10 on $100 (via Amazon) Lyft Gift Card – Save $15 on $100 with code LYFT (via Amazon)

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How to use AirTag sharing when travelling with family and friends
I didn’t waste any time when AirTags first came out, immediately buying eight of them: for five bags, keys, a videography rig, and a bicycle. But I’ve also repurposed some of them during trips for some AirTag sharingwith friends, and iOS 18.2 makes this option even better. I’ve confessed before to being something of a bagaholic, so the first thing I did was to slip an AirTag into each of my main bags, where they live almost permanently … more…

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Best Apple Watch: Which Apple Watch to buy in 2024-2025
Macworld Apple released only one new Apple Watch in 2024: the Apple Watch Series 10. It offers a refined design and a few modest upgrades over the Series 9. Apple did not update the Ultra 2, and instead just added a new color option. You can also still buy the Apple Watch SE from 2022. In this guide, we will help you decide which Apple Watch is best for you. We’ll compare the features, specs and price as well as offer advice on choosing cases, colors, and straps in our Apple Watch comparison chart so you can be confident you are choosing the right Apple Watch.  Here’s what you need to know before buying an Apple Watch.  What can an Apple Watch do? Practically every Apple Watch ever made has offered the same set of basic functions. Apple Watch can be used in conjunction with an iPhone (or separately if the user has a cellular contract) to:  Make or take phone calls  Read and send text messages Read and send emails Listen to music or podcasts Receive notifications relating to iPhone and Apple Watch apps  Use apps, such as Maps for navigation, a calculator or a compass Track fitness, including steps and calories burned Monitor your health, including heart rate Detect a fall or car crash Tell the time – especially if your watch has an always-on display (they don’t all offer that) Act as a flashlight (or torch)  Pay via Apple Pay  Track your sleep  The Apple Watch doesn’t need an iPhone to work, but it helps, and it is needed for initial setup. See: Does an Apple Watch work without an iPhone? There’s another choice to be made. Do you need an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity or not?  We examine GPS versus cellular in a separate article, read: Should I buy a cellular Apple Watch. Also read: You probably don’t need an LTE Apple Watch. If you choose a cellular version of the Apple Watch you’ll be able to leave your iPhone at home and use your Watch for making calls, receiving texts, and streaming music. Apple Watch can also support Family Setup if you are looking for a Watch for someone who doesn’t have an iPhone. Apple Watch comparison chart Apple Apple Watch SE 2Apple Watch Series 10Apple Watch Ultra 2Price from$249/£219$399/£399$799/£799Screen size44mm or 40mm46mm or 42mm49mmDisplay 1,000 nits2,000 nits3,000 nitsWeight40mm from 26.4g / 44mm from 32.9g42mm from 30g / 46mm from 36.4g61.4 gMaterials AluminiumAluminium or TitaniumTitaniumColorsMidnight, Starlight, SilverAluminium: Silver, Rose Gold, Jet Black. Titanium: Slate, Natural, GoldNatural or BlackProcessorS8S10S9Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours, Faster charging 0-80% in 30 minsUp to 36 hours, Fast charging 0-80% in 1 hourExtra featuresSiri, Find iPhone, Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Depth gauge to 6m and water temperature sensor, speakers and media playback, microphone with voice isolationAlways-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Customisable Action button, Depth gauge to 40m and water temperature sensor, scuba to 40m, Dual speakers, media playback and three-mic array with beamformingHealth features Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Cycle Tracking, Sleep stagesBlood Oxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stagesBlood Oxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stagesSafety features Emergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash DetectionEmergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash DetectionEmergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash Detection, SirenWater resistance 50 meters, Swimproof 50 meters, Swimproof 100 meters, Swimproof, High-speed water sports, dive to 40m Connectivity L1 GPS, cellular optionL1 GPS, cellular optionPrecision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5 GPS), cellular only Best Apple Watch Right now Apple sells three different Apple Watches, although there are different combinations of case and wristband that can make it seem like a bit of a minefield. These is the newest Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Series 10 (2024), and the older Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023), and the Apple Watch SE 2 (2022). Generally, each Apple Watch offers a few more features than the one that came before it. Below we will run through the features available on each Apple Watch so you can see what you are getting for your money.   Apple isn’t the only place where you can buy an Apple Watch, and if you shop around you can still buy older models that Apple doesn’t sell. To get the best deal on an Apple Watch take note of the best prices shown below, you might also like to look at our roundup of the Best Apple Watch Deals. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros 1 to 3,000 nits brightness Ultra capabilities for extreme sports Tough exterior Cons Still uses S9 as wasn’t updated in 2024 Only one size Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal $799.99 View Deal $849.55 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Ocean band Blue $503.97 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Alpine loop Blue $567 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Alpine loop Starlight $599 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $799 at Apple$799.99 at Target $849.55 at Amazon View more prices from Adorama Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Watch Ultra 2 New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal $799.99 View Deal $849.55 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Ocean band Blue $503.97 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Alpine loop Blue $567 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm – Titanium Natural Titanium – Alpine loop Starlight $599 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket This is the second generation of Apple Watch Ultra that launched in 2023. In 2024 there was a minor update to the color options on offer. The Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate Apple Watch. It’s designed for athletes and adventure, so it isn’t a watch for everyone, but it goes beyond the standard Apple Watch with features for divers (depth gauge, water temperature sensor, water resistance to 100 meters) and features for hikers such as precision dual-frequency GPS. The Apple Watch Ultra is constructed from tougher materials: a titanium case and a sapphire crystal cover for the screen. However, the Apple Watch Series 10 shares now offers a Titanium option, depth gauge and water temperature sensor, so the difference isn’t as great as it was between the Series 9 and the Ultra. But there are still a lot of superior features offered by the Ultra. The Ultra’s battery life is better than the standard Apple Watch series at 36 hours for the Ultra and 18 hours for the Series 10 (and the Series 9 and 8 before it). You can eke out even more battery life in the Ultra too, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode (Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch 8 to 10 models results in 36 hours of battery life).  The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra features the S9 chip. The S9 is superior to the S8 in the original Apple Watch Ultra, with 60% more transistors, a four-core Neural Engine that is twice as fast than the S8, and 30 percent faster graphics. The newer Apple Watch Series 10 has the S10 chip, but there is very little difference between the S10 and S9. You might wonder why you need a powerful chip anyway, but it allows for things like smoother animations, faster and more accurate dictation, Siri on device and the Double Tap feature.  When introduced, the Apple Watch Ultra screen offered 2,000 nits of brightness, the second generation Ultra offers 3,000 nits (while the Series 9 and 10 get 2,000 nits). This should make it easier to see the screen in bright light, perhaps on the ski slopes. The always-on screen can also turn down to 1 nit so as not to disturb others.  Like the Series 10, the Ultra 2 offers the new U2 Ultra-wideband chip that enables Precision Finding to make it easier to find your iPhone. Rather than just ping with iPhone, you will get navigation instructions on the watch.  The original Ultra has the Action Button, to make controlling the Watch a bit easier, but the second-gen model goes a step further. Thanks to the Double-Tap gesture (also in the Apple Watch 9 and 10) you won’t have to touch the screen to control the Watch, useful if your other hand isn’t free. Just tap your thumb and index finger together and the gesture is recognized by the watch (via sensors and algorithms) so that the primary action of whatever app is showing will be triggered. You will also be able to use on-device Siri to do – like ask Siri to open Watch apps or check or input data.  Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Pros Bigger, easier-to-read display Faster charging Refined design Cons Still only 18 hours battery life Blood Oxygen unavailable in the U.S. Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $399 View Deal 399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $349 at Amazon$349 at Best Buy$349 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from AdoramaAppleTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Retailer Price $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $399 View Deal 399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Series 10 is a modest set of improvements over the Apple Watch Series 9. Notably, the watch is now a tiny bit thinner and larger, just enough to make the display fractionally bigger (42mm up from 41mm or 46mm up from 45mm) and slightly easier to read (it’s got wider viewing angles, too). Performance hasn’t changed and neither has battery life, still rated at 18 hours, but there’s a new water temperature sensor and the ability to sense depth up to 6 meters. The premium model is now encased in titanium instead of Stainless Steel, which results in a big weight reduction. The titanium Series 10 is barely heavier than the aluminium model, while the stainless steel Series 9 was a lot heavier. The Series 10 charges faster, too. It will go from 0-80% in 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes, which is enough of a change to make a real difference. If you have a Series 8 or Series 9 this isn’t an upgrade you need, but it’s probably the best Apple Watch to get if it’s your first one or you’re coming from a much older model, unless you live the sort of life of adventure that necessitates the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Read our full Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) review Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Pros Cheapest Apple Watch Crash detection Fall detection Cons Lacks health sensors: no ECG, no O2 Smaller screen Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $189 View Deal $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $189 at Walmart Electronics$199 at Best Buy$199.99 at Target Not Available at Amazon View more prices from AmazonApple United StatesTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Retailer Price $189 View Deal $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Apple Watch SE, which arrived in 2022, is the second generation SE, with the first being introduced in 2020. The 2022 Apple Watch SE introduced new features and component improvements compared to the original. Like the Series 8 and subsequent Watches, it offers Crash Detection and an improved Compass app. The heart sensor in the SE (old and new) is second-generation, while the Series 7 and above offer a third-generation heart sensor. The SE also lacks the body temperature sensor for cycle monitoring. You also don’t get Blood Oxygen monitoring or the ability to perform an ECG. The SE comes in two sizes, but the screen is slightly smaller than the screen on the Series 10 and older at 44mm and 40mm, rather than 46mm and 42mm. This means the screen is a little bit more cramped, especially when compared to the Ultra’s 49mm screen. Speaking of the screen, the SE doesn’t offer an always-on display like the other watches, so if that is likely to be a point of frustration for you it’s a good reason to upgrade. Battery life is the same 18 hours as the Series 10. Read our full Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) review How the new Apple watches compare  That’s an overview, but in a little more detail here’s how the features of each Apple Watch compare.  Dimensions The Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest Apple Watch sold by Apple. To accommodate the 49mm screen the watch measures 49mm by 44mm by 14.4mm. It weighs from 61.4 grams depending on the color chosen. The Apple Watch Ultra is big and heavy. If you have slim wrists you might prefer a smaller case, in which case Apple offers the option of a large and smaller variant of each watch with the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE. With the Ultra only one size is available. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers either a 46mm or 42mm screen. To accommodate the 46mm screen the watch measures 46mm by 39mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 36.4 grams for the aluminium option, 41.7 grams for titanium. For the 42mm screen the watch measures 42mm by 36mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 30 grams for the aluminium option, 34.4 grams for titanium. The Apple Watch SE (2) offers either a 44mm or 40 screen. To accommodate the 44mm screen the watch measures 44mm by 38mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 32.9 grams. For the 40mm screen the watch measures 40mm by 34mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 26.4 grams. Display The bigger the watch the bigger the screen, of course. Or at least that’s what you might think. In fact, the display area of the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is fractionally bigger than the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2. Here’s how those two compare: Apple Watch Ultra 2: 410×502 pixels, 1,185 sq mm display area, 3,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm): 416×496 pixels, 1,220 sq mm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm): 374×446 pixels, 989 sq mm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE (44mm): 368×448 pixels, 977 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE (40mm): 324×394 pixels, 759 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness It’s not just size that matters with the screens though. The 3,000 nits brightness on the Ultra means it should be easier to read in particularly bright light, for example, when skiing. This beats the Series 10, which offers 2,000 nits, as did the Series 9, but the Series 10 also offers wide-angled OLED screen which helps when viewing the screen at an angle. The SE offers 1,000 nits brightness. A bigger screen means you can see more text.Apple Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer an Always-On display – so you can always see the time without having to wake it. This is a feature that was also shared by the Apple Watch Series 5 and later. The Apple Watch SE doesn’t offer an Always-On display.  Design  There may be three variants of the Apple Watch, but there are a number of combinations that mean that there are more design differences than you might expect.  As we explained above, there are five sizes to choose from if you consider all models: 49mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 40mm.  In addition to the sizes, Apple uses two different materials for the cases: aluminum for the Watch SE; aluminum or titanium for the Series 10; and titanium for the Ultra 2. For each case there is a choice of colors:  Aluminium comes in midnight, starlight, rose gold, and silver. Titanium is available in gold or natural on the Series 10, or natural and black on Ultra 2. As well as a choice of case color, you also have a vast choice of straps or bands to go with the Apple Watch, some are only compatible with certain Watch sizes. See: Do Apple Watch straps fit all models? Some add a considerable expense to the cost of the Apple Watch.  The Apple Watch Ultra has a choice of three straps designed to be rugged and suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts, these new straps can be used with the larger Apple Watches as well. Take a look at all the watch straps on offer on Apple’s site. We discuss the best Apple Watch straps and Apple Watch straps: how to find the perfect size separately. Durability  Various elements of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 design help it withstand altitudes, high temperatures, low temperatures, immersion, freeze/thaw, shock, and vibration. So if you want a watch that can be worn at a depth of 40 meters (it’s certified for scuba diving) the Ultra 2 will be the one for you. Also making the Ultra a little better able to withstand knocks is a sapphire front crystal display, around which raised edges of the case provide protection. The Apple Watch Series 10 also features strong sapphire glass with the TItanium models (and the 9 and 8 did on the Stainless Steel models). There’s Ion-X screen glass on the aluminium models.  The Apple Watch Ultra can be used by divers Apple All three watches are “Swimproof” according to Apple, but they are not equal in this respect. The Apple Watch 10 and SE have a water resistance rating of 100 meters and Apple suggests that they can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. The Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 50 meters and includes a Depth gauge and water temperature sensor. With these feature it’s no surprise that Apple states that the Ultra can be used for recreational scuba diving, however Apple adds that “Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters” and also points out that “water resistance can diminish over time”. The Ultra offers the same IP6X dust resistance as the Series 10. The SE does’t offer this certification. Health and Safety features  All the Apple Watches offer Car Crash detection, a feature that arrived in 2022. Apple Cycle Tracking: Just like the Series 10, the Ultra offers temperature sensing for Cycle Tracking, which was a new feature introduced with the 2022 Watches that should help women trying to get pregnant identify when they have ovulated. Blood Oxygen: You’ll also find the Blood Oxygen app (which arrived with the Series 6) in the Ultra and Series 10 Watches. Measuring blood oxygen can alert the wearer to any reduction of oxygen in their bloodstream and can help with management of conditions like asthma. This isn’t available in the SE. Due to a patent battle, this feature is disabled in Apple Watches sold and used in the United States, though it may return via a software update in the future. ECG: The Apple Watch 10 and Ultra offer the ECG app (introduced with the Series 4). The 2022 SE can’t perform an ECG (electrocardiogram), but it can notify you of high and low heart rate and irregular heart rhythm, as can the other Watches.  Crash Detection: In 2022 Apple Watches gained the ability to detect a car crash. This feature means that if you are in a severe car crash while wearing any Apple Watch from 2022 or above, the Watch will detect the impact and dial emergency services if you are unresponsive (you’ll get a 10-second warning).  Fall Detection: Another safety features that is shared by all the Apple Watches is Fall Detection (the feature arrived with the Apple Watch Series 4). If the watch identifies that you have fallen it will sound an alarm and display an alert so you can confirm if you are ok. If you aren’t ok the watch can call the emergency services. If you don’t have a cellular plan for your Apple Watch you will need your connected iPhone to be nearby for the call to be placed.  Siren: This safety feature is unique to the Ultra (1 and 2). That model can play a 86-decibel siren that is audible up to 600 feet (182 meters), handy if you get lost on a mountain. Compass & Backtrack: Speaking of mountaineering, the new 2022 Watches gained an improved Compass app with and Backtrack feature that should help you avoid getting lost. The Apple Watch Ultra 9 and 2) could be better at this job though because it features a new dual-frequency GPS that should make it better at positioning you because it won’t be affected by tall trees and buildings. If you are frustrated that your Watch can’t pinpoint your exact location when you are trying to use it for directions amid tall buildings this is a feature for you.  Sleep Tracking: The Apple Watches can also track your sleep and wake you up. Since watchOS 8 the Apple Watch has been able to track your breathing rate, notifying you of possible health issues. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 offer Sleep apnoea notifications. Specs  Chip: The 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the S9 chip and the Series 10 has the S10 chip, but they appear to be identical in performance. The S8 chip in the SE (as well as in 2022’s Series 8 Apple Watch and the original Ultra) didn’t offer a significant power boost over the S7, which itself wasn’t a lot better than the S6. While the S6 delivered just a 20 percent boost in performance over the Series 5, which launched in 2019. GPS: Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE have L1 GPS, while the Apple Watch Ultra (1 and 2) offer Precision dual-frequency (L1 and L5) GPS. L1 GPS is the standard GPS, but it can be blocked by tall buildings and other obstacles. L5 GPS is more advanced and should cope better with buildings blocking the satellite signal.  U2: The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 both offer an upgraded ultra-wideband chip that will improve their ability to track the location of an object, such as the iPhone 15. This improves on the U1 chip in the Series 8 and Ultra 1. Note the Apple Watch SE is the only Apple Watch that doesn’t even include the U1 chip. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is better in the Series 10 and Ultra: the SE offers only 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n. I Cellular: If you have a cellular contract, the Apple Watch 8, 9, 10 and Ultra models offer 5GHz Wi-Fi, but the SE only 4G LTE. Double Tap on Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch 9 and 10 makes engaging with the Watch easier.Apple Battery life  The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers 36 hour battery life (as did the original Ultra). This is much more than the other Watches’ 18 hours. The Series 10 offers faster charging (0-80% in 30 minutes), an improvement over prior models’ fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes). That 36-hour figure for the Ultra can be even higher though if you use the Low Power Mode you should be able to get up to 72 hours, according to Apple. This same Low Power Mode brings the Watch 10 battery life to 36 hours. That’s battery life measured in typical use, but athletes and other users might not be quite so typical. Apple says that there’ll be enough battery power to get users through a triathlon (that’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon of 26.2 miles). The problem for other Apple Watch users is that the battery would probably run down if you were tracking such extensive exercise.  Check out our roundup of the best Apple Watch chargers and docks. Which Apple Watch to buy  As you can see from the above, it’s not a simple case of being able to say a particular Apple Watch is the winner. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 clearly has the best features and if you are off up a mountain, diving in the ocean, or heading out for a marathon, then the Ultra is the way to go. But it’s big, perhaps too big, and it has a big price attached to it.  The Apple Watch Series 10 offers some enticing new features, and is probably the best choice for most users that don’t have specific need of the rugged outdoor qualities of the Ultra. The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s cheapest Apple Watch, starting at $249/£219, which will be a big point in its favor, but it’s not the cheapest Apple Watch ever sold. Apple used to sell the Apple Watch Series 3 for just $199/£179 for the 38mm version. The 2022 SE is cheaper than the 2020 generation though, which started at $279/£269. Along with a lower price, the SE also offers features such as Car Crash detection, but it lacks some of the health-related features that people are looking for.  It’s the health-related features that will probably stand out as the main differentiator between the SE and the Series 10, and this hasn’t changed from the previous generation. If the ability to check blood oxygen, take an ECG, and temperature monitoring, are important to you then it has to be the Series 10. If those aren’t something that you think you need then the SE will be quite sufficient.  If you are after a bargain though, we recommend that you look for a deal on an older Apple Watch. We often see the Apple Watch Series 9 on sale and we think it’s just as good as the 10, unless you really wanted a slightly bigger display. Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $349 at Amazon | $349 at Best Buy | $349 at Walmart Electronics Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $399 Best Prices Today: $279.99 at Target | $319.99 at Best Buy | $399 at Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $799 at Apple | $799.99 at Target | $849.55 at Amazon Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $189 at Walmart Electronics | $199 at Best Buy | $199.99 at Target

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Bluesky extortion problem gets first response; Mentions tab added
We learned earlier this week of a Bluesky extortion issue, emerging after the social network said that it would use domain name ownership as a way to verify the identity of public figures. Bluesky hasn’t fully addressed the issue, but has taken one step toward reducing the problem of scammers impersonating well-known people on the platform … more…

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Review: Eve Outdoor Cam is a great HomeKit camera with floodlight [save 28% right now]
Update: Right now, you can . Eve Outdoor Cam is a sleek outdoor video camera for HomeKit, with integrated LED floodlight ideally designed to light up your driveway at night. I’ve been a fan of the for a while, and my experience with the Outdoor Cam is similarly positive. HomeKit cameras are better than ever, thanks to significant user interface upgrades to the Apple Home app in iOS 16. And HomeKit Secure Video support means clips are saved to your iCloud account in an end-to-end encrypted manner. To make things even more compelling, this set up requires no additional monthly subscription to use, assuming you pay for some iCloud storage. So how does Eve Outdoor Cam and the state of HomeKit Secure Video fare? Very well, for the most part … more…

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AI video editing coming to Instagram next year, using text prompts
AI video editing based on text prompts is coming to Instagram next year, with the company’s head showing off the ability to do things like change your clothing and video background, as well as some funkier stuff like adding animated characters. The company had earlier shown a demo video (below) of completely AI-generated video, stating that it was just a research project, but it seems the first practical application of the tech is arriving sooner than expected … more…

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Apple has big plans for the smart home in 2025
Macworld . Having long struggled with limited device support and complex standards, the company wants to move forward with simplified platforms, deeper device integration and improved software. This change in strategy is intended to strengthen the Apple ecosystem and make it competitive at a time when the larger industry is resting its hopes on Matter and Thread to restart a faltering market. In this article we outline Apple’s smart home strategy for 2025, and explain what this means for the HomePod range. The seamless smart home Apple is planning to significantly expand compatibility with cross-industry standards in 2025. Apple already supports the universal standard Matter, which makes it easier for you to use a wide variety of smart home products from different manufacturers. The Eve and Nanoleaf brands, which are well established in the Apple ecosystem, were among the first to jump on the bandwagon, and others are gradually being added. By doing this, Apple is breaking away from previous restrictions and opening up its platform to a wider range of devices. But it will also make it much easier for users to pick and choose which manufacturers they want to buy from and find the best-value choice. This can be a double-edged sword, as Apple is rarely the cheapest option. Apple Intelligence is also a central element of the new strategy. This AI-based technology is designed to understand commands, react flexibly and perform complex tasks. It is intended to enhance Siri so that the voice assistant can better implement contextualized commands. The goal is a true smart home experience in which your devices respond efficiently to your needs and work together seamlessly. Apple Intelligence isn’t just about providing smart summaries of emails. It has an important role to play in the smart home.YouTube / Apple There’s no place like homeOS A key element of the new strategy is the introduction of homeOS. This operating system is intended to bring together several hardware lines and provide the basis for a standardized smart home. Currently, the Apple TV has tvOS running in the background, while the HomePod runs customized software. In future, homeOS could serve as a common platform that provides updates and functions more quickly. The new homeOS software won’t be limited to the HomePod and Apple TV: it will play a role in new device categories too. These could include stationary smart displays that allow you to control your home devices more directly and intuitively, instead of using the fiddly controls on an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. This would benefit both the HomePod and the HomePod mini: the more devices are controlled via homeOS, the more seamlessly your HomePod integrates into the overall experience. But one question remains unanswered: What will the smart display be able to offer that can’t already be accomplished with an (inexpensive) iPad? The Apple TV 4K is not yet capable of running Apple Intelligence, although it already has some useful smart home functions.Apple Where does this leave the HomePod? The HomePod range has barely evolved since the launch of the original model. Although there have been software updates, there have been no real hardware innovations. We don’t even want to talk about the 2nd-gen HomePod; rarely has there been such a loveless relaunch of an Apple product. As part of the new strategy, however, Apple could give the HomePod and HomePod mini more significance. In future, the HomePod should be able to handle Apple Intelligence. This is not yet the case, as the hardware requirements are high and the HomePods are controlled by lower-power chips from the Apple Watch range. But Apple is likely to equip future generations of HomePods with more powerful chips to process complex local commands. This would allow Siri to react more intelligently on the HomePod without delays caused by cloud processing, and would enable Apple to remedy the HomePod’s biggest weakness: its limited voice assistance. The next generation of the HomePod mini should also benefit from the new strategies. Improved processors and optimized wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6E should reduce response times and make operation smoother and more intuitive. Apple can also upgrade its sensor technology to better capture environmental data, which would make it easier to use an updated HomePod mini as a smart hub. Another factor is new displays. Apple is understood to be working on HomePod variants with an integrated screen, and although these will not appear for some time, they could significantly enhance the HomePod family. With a display, the speakers could be used much more flexibly, for example for video calls or displaying camera images. The idea is not entirely new; Amazon has been offering the Echo Show for a long time. The smart home of the future Support for Matter, the introduction of homeOS, and the deeper integration of Apple Intelligence in Siri will all drive Apple’s smart home ecosystem forward. For the HomePod and HomePod mini, this means a long-awaited upgrade. While Siri was previously seen as a weak point, better hardware, AI features and a simplified software platform could turn the HomePod into a valuable home hub in the future. While new HomePods with displays and significantly upgraded hardware may not be launched until after 2025, Apple is laying the foundations for a more powerful smart home offering.

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5 exciting products that will shape Apple’s 2025–and beyond
Macworld Apple has had a jam-packed 2024. From kickstarting its spatial computing era with the Vision Pro to finally embracing AI on its platforms—the firm has laid some solid groundwork that could reshape the tech industry in the coming years. Nevertheless, the iPhone maker still has some tricks up its sleeve. If the rumors turn out to be accurate, Apple will launch several exciting products next year, and we’ve got our eyes set on a few of them. HomePad Perhaps the most thrilling 2025 announcement for smart home enthusiasts will be Apple’s long-rumored HomePod with a display—better known as HomePad. The HomePad is rumored to launch late next year as a smart home hub that rivals Nest and similar products. The tablet-like device will likely feature a 6- to 7-inch screen and pack the iPhone 16’s A18, a chip more powerful than anything HomePod runs. While the HomePad is expected to offer a specialized interface that revolves around smart home controls, its purpose could extend beyond that. After all, the hub will reportedly support Apple Intelligence and next-gen Siri, FaceTime calls, and other features not necessarily related to smart home functions, including Music, Safari, and Notes. More importantly, it could mark the beginning of a new smart home chapter at Apple, as the company is also rumored to be working on a security camera for 2026. The iPhone 17 could introduce a model that’s dramatically thinner than the iPhone 16.Connor Jewiss / Foundry iPhone 17 Air Another exciting device that could launch late next year is the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is reportedly developing an ultra-slim smartphone that could dethrone the 6.9mm iPhone 6 as its thinnest ever, along with a new design. Opting for a 5mm to 6mm thickness will likely push Apple to make several compromises. For example, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a single rear camera centered on the top rear of the phone. It may also miss out on the Pro variant of the A19 chip and retire the physical SIM card slot globally. In short, the iPhone Plus replacement will likely appeal to those seeking the sleekest aesthetics rather than the best possible performance and specs.  However, even if the iPhone 17 Air isn’t the most technologically advanced compared to the rest of the line, it could act as the foundation for Apple’s future products, particularly foldables. The new design appears to be a way to test the real-world performance and durability of an ultra-thin handset as Apple continues to work on its rumored foldable iPhone, which isn’t due until 2026. iPhone SE 4 Despite being a midrange phone, the iPhone SE 4 will be getting a lot of love—and attention—in 2025. Rumored to launch in its usual spring slot, the budget-friendly model looks to finally retire the prehistoric chassis in favor of a more modern one. On the front side, it will reportedly resemble an iPhone 14, boasting a notched edge-to-edge display that drops the physical home button at long last. Other notable improvements could include Face ID support, a sharper rear camera, a USB-C port, and an A18 processor. For years, those opting for SE iPhones had to sacrifice the design and some nice-to-have perks. With the iPhone SE 4 supporting Apple Intelligence and finally adopting a modern enclosure, it won’t feel like a device from the 2010s anymore. And if Apple can keep the price under $499, it’ll be a real winner. A new Studio Display could make an appearance in 2025.Willis Lai / Foundry Studio Display 2 Apple released its first and only Studio Display back in 2022. The 27-inch LCD monitor starts at $1,599 and features a humble refresh rate of 60Hz, a stunning 5K pixel resolution, up to 600 nits of brightness, a 12MP ultra-wide webcam, multiple USB-C ports, six speakers, and three microphones.  While the current Studio Display looks great and works well with Apple’s Mac lineup, its specifications could use a bump. For starters, Apple could give it a mini-LED display similar to the MacBook Pro, with a higher refresh rate, 1,600 nits of max XDR brightness, and a Nano-texture option. The design could also use an update, perhaps with “Liquid Retina” rounded corners and a thinner enclosure like the iMac. It’s not as certain as the other products on this list, but the latest rumors suggest Apple will launch an update to the 27-inch monitor in the spring alongside the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro. It’ll look equally slick next to the new micro Mac mini and the next item on our list. M4 Ultra Mac Pro The Mac Pro is no longer powered by an Intel chip, but it’s the only Apple computer that still has its Intel-era design. While all other Macs have been seriously slimmed down since the transition to Apple’s M-series processors, the Mac Pro’s body—despite not needing memory slots for RAM sticks anymore—continues to be relatively bulky. In 2025, Apple will reportedly launch an M4 Ultra-powered Mac Pro, boasting up to 32 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, and 512GB of RAM when maxed out. While the rumors seemingly don’t reference a fresh exterior look, it’ll be around six years since its last facelift. On the other hand, the Mac Pro is generally a niche computer, so Apple could easily get away with just boosting its performance. Not just an iterative year The HomePad and iPhone 17 Air will potentially ignite Apple’s push into two new categories: the smart home and foldables. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE 4 will be the first of its kind to offer both impressive specs and a modern exterior for a reasonable price tag. And while the Studio Display and Mac Pro may not be as popular as other Apple products, their potential 2025 successors will feature welcome enhancements that their fans will appreciate. Tech reviewers and enthusiasts often complain that today’s devices, particularly those coming out of Cupertino, have become too iterative. Vision Pro aside, that was largely the case with 2024’s slate of releases. But 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Apple.

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Reporters Sans Frontières, BBC News, complain about Apple Intelligence headline error
The Apple Intelligence summary feature is drawing criticism due to a headline error stating that suspected gunman Luigi Mangione had shot himself, prompting Reporters Sans Frontières to say that the feature itself should be banned. The non-profit body advises the United Nations, Council of Europe, and other governmental agencies on issues relating to journalism and […] Source

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Additional airlines add Find My item support to help customers locate lost luggage
A number of airlines this week implemented support for Apple’s new iOS 18.2 Find My item location-sharing feature, which helps track down lost luggage and other items. The full list of airlines now features United, Delta, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Turkish Airlines, Aer Lingus, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, […] Source

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Holiday Sale: 14-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro for $300 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $300 discount on new 14-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs as part of their ongoing Holiday sales. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $2899, $300 off MSRP Their price is the lowest available today for a new 14" M4 Max MacBook Pro among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Holiday Sale: 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro for $300 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $300 discount on new 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros (36GB/1TB/Black) as part of their ongoing Holiday sales. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3199, $300 off MSRP Their price is the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Clearance 16-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pros in stock today at Apple for $1969, $530 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished
Apple has clearance 16" M2 Pro MacBook Pros available in their Certified Refurbished store for $1969, $530 off original MSRP. These models contain a 12-core M2 Pro CPU, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of SSD storage. Each MacBook Pro features a new outer case, shipping is free, and an Apple 1-year warranty is standard. These models are the cheapest 16" MacBook Pros currently available for sale at Apple: - 16" M2 Pro MacBook Pro (12-Core CPU, 16GB RAM,512GB SSD, Space Gray): $1969 save $530 - 16" M2 Pro MacBook Pro (12-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Silver): $1969 save $530 See our 16" MacBook Pro Price Tracker for the latest prices & deals from Apple's retailers, updated daily.

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13-inch M2 MacBook Airs with 8GB of RAM on Holiday sale for $799, $200 off Apple’s MSRP, with optional free store pickup today
Best Buy has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 8GB of memory in stock and on Holiday sale on their online store for $200 off original MSRP in Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight colors. Prices start at only $799. Their prices are the lowest currently available for new 13" M2 MacBook Airs: - 13" M2 MacBook Air (8GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP - 13" M2 MacBook Air (8GB RAM/512GB SSD): $999 $200 off MSRP Prices valid for online orders only. In-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker.

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Save up to $290 with Certified Refurbished 27-inch Studio Displays at Apple
Apple has 27" Studio Displays (tilt-adjustable models) available for up to $290 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished. Each display comes with Apple's one-year warranty and ships free. The following models are available: Tilt Adjustable Stand: - Studio Display (Standard glass): $1359 $240 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass): $1609 $290 off MSRP According the Apple, “You will receive a “like new” device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems. All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns.” Their prices are the lowest available for Studio Displays among the retailers we track. For the latest prices and sales, see our Studio Display Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Save up to $290 with Certified Refurbished 27-inch Studio Displays at Apple
Apple has 27" Studio Displays (tilt-adjustable models) available for up to $290 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished. Each display comes with Apple's one-year warranty and ships free. The following models are available: Tilt Adjustable Stand: - Studio Display (Standard glass): $1359 $240 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass): $1609 $290 off MSRP According the Apple, “You will receive a “like new” device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems. All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns.” Their prices are the lowest available for Studio Displays among the retailers we track. For the latest prices and sales, see our Studio Display Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple iPads are on Holiday sale for $70 off MSRP at retailers this weekend, here’s where to get one
Apple retailers have 10th-generation iPads on Holiday sale this weekend for the same prices they posted on Black Friday. Take $70 off MSRP at these retailers with the lowest prices currently available: (1): Amazon has Apple's 10th-generation WiFi iPads on sale for $70 off MSRP. Shipping is free: - 10" 10th-generation 64GB WiFi iPads: $279 $70 off MSRP - 10" 10th-generation 256GB WiFi iPads: $429 $70 off MSRP - 10" 10th-generation 64GB WiFi + Cellular iPads: $429 $70 off MSRP - 10" 10th-generation 256GB WiFi + Cellular iPads: $579 $70 off MSRP (2): Best Buy has Apple's 10th-generation iPads on sale for $70 off MSRP on their online store. Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 10" 10th-generation 64GB WiFi iPads: $279 $70 off MSRP - 10" 10th-generation 256GB WiFi iPads: $429 $70 off MSRP - 10" 10th-generation 64GB WiFi + Cellular iPads: $429 $70 off MSRP - 10" 10th-generation 256GB WiFi + Cellular iPads: $579 $70 off MSRP (3): Walmart has base-model Apple's 10th-generation iPads on sale for $70 off MSRP on their online store. Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 10" 10th-generation 64GB WiFi iPads: $279 $70 off MSRP For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Lowest Holiday Prices: Apple Watch Series 10 for $50 off MSRP this weekend
Retailers have Apple Watch Series 10 models on Holiday sale for $50 off MSRP with prices available starting at $349. These are the lowest prices available for Series 10 Watches this weekend: Apple Watch Series 10 (aluminum cases): - Amazon: $50 off MSRP, prices start at $349 - Best Buy: $50 off MSRP, prices start at $349 - Walmart: $50 off MSRP, prices start at $349 Sale prices at Best Buy and Walmart are for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Holiday Sales: Apple MacBook Airs for $200 off MSRP this weekend, lowest prices available
Amazon and Best have Apple's M3 MacBook Airs with 16GB of memory, the newest models recently upgraded by Apple, on Holiday sale this weekend for the same prices they had posted over Black Friday. Save $200 on each MacBook Air right now, with prices available starting at only $899. These are the cheapest prices available this weekend for new MacBook Airs among Apple and its retailers. Sale prices below apply to all colors. (1): Amazon has new 16GB M3 MacBook Airs on sale for $200 off MSRP, each including free shipping: - 13" 16GB M3 MacBook Airs: from $899, $200 off MSRP - 15" 16GB M3 MacBook Airs: from $1099, $200 off MSRP Note that stock at Amazon varies, and be sure to select Amazon as the seller rather than choosing a third-party retailer. (2): Best Buy has new 16GB M3 MacBook Airs on sale for $200 off MSRP as well. Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 13" 16GB M3 MacBook Airs: from $899, $200 off MSRP - 15" 16GB M3 MacBook Airs: from $1099, $200 off MSRP For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, both updated daily.

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Holiday Sale: Get a 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM for only $749 at Amazon
Amazon has 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 8GB of RAM in stock today and on clearance Holiday sale for $250 off MSRP with prices starting at only $749. Shipping is free. These are the lowest prices available for M2-powered MacBook Airs anywhere: - 13" M2 MacBook Air 8GB/256GB: $749, $250 off MSRP Silver and Starlight models were available at this price point, at the time of this post. Space Gray was $50 more expensive. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Holiday Sale: Get a 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM for only $749 at Amazon
Amazon has 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 8GB of RAM in stock today and on clearance Holiday sale for $250 off MSRP with prices starting at only $749. Shipping is free. These are the lowest prices available for M2-powered MacBook Airs anywhere: - 13" M2 MacBook Air 8GB/256GB: $749, $250 off MSRP Silver and Starlight models were available at this price point, at the time of this post. Space Gray was $50 more expensive. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C on Holiday sale for $189, $60 off MSRP
Amazon has Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C in stock and on Holiday sale this weekend for $189.99 including free shipping. Their price is $60 (24%) off MSRP, and it's currently among the lowest prices available for new AirPods Pro 2. For the latest prices & deals, see our Apple AirPods Price Tracker, updated daily.

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