3 apps to help you with your New Year’s resolutions [Awesome Apps]
It’s the new year, but if you haven’t given up on your New Year’s resolution already, I have three apps that’ll help you through it. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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The 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 and 256GB SSD is $300 Off
The 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is an excellent blend of power and portability, and today’s discount makes the purchase all the more attractive. You can bring home the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with 256GB SSD for just $999 from its original price of $1,299 on Amazon. Apple Intelligence makes the MacBook Air […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Today in Apple history: Apple IIe becomes a high-profit hit
On January 1, 1983, Apple launched the Apple IIe, the third model in the series (and the last before the Macintosh's arrival a year later). (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple may have stopped production of Apple Vision Pro
Apple might have ordered the halting of production of its first-generation Apple Vision Pro. Information about reduced production of the mixed reality headset began in October last year, with added details on how Apple intended to stop making them by 2024’s end. With the new year coming around, it’s believed that the device is no […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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iPhone 17 base model might have higher refresh rate
A rumor suggests that the base iPhone 17 will have a higher refresh rate and possibly the ‘ProMotion’ technology in a company first. A leaker by the handle ‘Digital Chat Station’ said on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that supply chain news said that a higher refresh rate would be available for the iPhone […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple TV+ is free from January 3-5
Apple confirmed the free weekend of Apple TV+ for all users after teasing about it several days before. During the ‘free weekend’ promo, users can access the entire Apple TV+ library and watch anything they want. All you have to do is open the Apple TV app and go to the Apple TV+ section to […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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The 1-Meter MagSafe Charger is $11 Off
The ability to charge your iPhone wirelessly is now more affordable than ever. Today, the Apple MagSafe Charger (1m) is down to just $27.99 from its original price of $39 on Amazon. The Apple MagSafe Charger is the standard for MagSafe charging as it’s made by the company. As such, you won’t have to worry […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple Homepage updated with Jimmy Carter tribute
Apple’s homepage has changed to honor Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived US president. Former President Carter passed away in December and reached the age of 100. He served the US from 1977 through 1981, becoming a known proponent of human rights. He established the Carter Center for this goal and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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New Magic Mouse might debut in 2026
A recent leaker with the handle ‘yeux1122’ said Apple is developing the next Magic Mouse which might launch in 2026. Following up with Mark Gurman’s claim of a new Magic Mouse, ‘yeux1122’ said that the upcoming Magic Mouse will have a new charging port location as part of its redesign. The current Magic Mouse is […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Next iPhone SE may have a higher price tag
The upcoming iPhone SE 4 could have a higher price point, according to a report from Asia. A social media post on Naver by ‘yeux1122’ claims that the 4th generation iPhone SE will be sold for around $500 to $540, which is higher compared to the previous iPhone SE 3 at $429. Previous reports claim […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Unreliable leakers agree on unlikely 'iPhone 16E' name for iPhone SE 4
Apple's iPhone SE line has existed since 2016 as an entry-level option, but a couple of leakers with poor accuracy suggest a new name is coming for Apple's 2025 budget model.iPhone SE 4 is rumored to resemble iPhone 14There is no doubt that an iPhone SE 4 is due in early 2025. It is rumored to have the iPhone 14 design, but with a single rear camera.Apple's naming scheme for the iPhone SE hasn't changed in its eight years and likely won't because of simple brand power. Yet two leakers think Apple might try to utilize a stronger brand to promote the budget model. Rumor Score: 💩 B#$&(*it Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Save big on terabytes of storage in Samsung SSD sale
A Samsung SSD can help you reach your New Year’s resolution to get organized, and a sale knocks up to $200 off the T9. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Save big on terabytes of storage in Samsung SSD sale
A Samsung SSD can help you reach your New Year’s resolution to get organized, and a sale knocks up to $200 off the T9. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Next generation CarPlay is missing in action as Apple fails to hit its own deadline
Back in 2022, Apple loudly talked up its next-generation CarPlay before quietly committing to it being released in 2024 — and now it's saying nothing about having missed that deadline.The new CarPlay would take over all car information and entertainment functions — image credit: AppleApple has always had a reputation for refusing to announce or even admit to something it was working on, until it was ready to ship. Yet when it gave what it called a sneak peek at the new CarPlay in 2022, it sounded as if it were ready."Automakers from around the world are excited to bring this new vision of CarPlay to customers," said Emily Schubert, Apple's Senior Manager of Car Experience Engineering at WWDC 2022. "Vehicles will start to be announced late next year, and we can't wait to show you more further down the road." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Transfer and sync all kinds of files among your Apple devices
AnyTrans is a one-stop content manager for iOS devices. The app makes it easy to transfer any kind of data -- music, photos, texts, etc. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Try these sobriety apps to win Dry January
Tired of alcohol's toll on your health and wallet? Try these sober apps to drink less alcohol and stay sober longer. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Keychron Q5 HE review: Marvelously magnetic mechanical keyboard
The Keychron Q5 HE is a great mechanical keyboard that proves that magnetic switches are useful for more than gaming.Keychron Q5 HE reviewHE keyboards are a great upgrade for typists and gamers for their durability, precision, and customizability.The HE stands for Hall Effect, which describes part of how magnets influence electric charge. This finds its way into keyboards when manufacturers put magnets into the switches and use this effect to sense when a key is pressed much more accurately than an analog mechanical switch. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Pencils compared: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad?
Macworld In May 2024, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its Pencil stylus for iPad—Apple Pencil Pro. It’s essentially a replacement for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, made to support only the newest iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) models, and with similar design but several new features. That means Apple now has four products all named “Apple Pencil,” but two of them are essentially only for products no longer sold as new, but rather only for legacy models. If you want to save money, consider alternative styluses for your iPad. Read our round-up of the best stylus for iPad, iPad Air, Pro, and mini. Which Apple Pencil: Specs Before we look at the differences between the three Apple Pencil models, here’s a brief breakdown of their technical specifications: Apple Pencil (1st Gen)Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil ProPrice$99/£99$129/£129$79/£79$129/£129Low LatencyYesYesYesYesTilt SensitivityYesYesYesYesPressure SensitivityYesYesNoYesAttaches Magnetically to iPadNoYesYesYesCharging and PairingLightningWirelessUSB-CWirelessHover on iPad Pro or iPad AirNoYesYesYesDouble-tap featureNoYesYesYesRoll to change orientationNoNoNoYesSqueeze gestureNoNoNoYesHaptic FeedbackNoNoNoYesFind My supportNoNoNoYesDimensions (Length x Diameter)176mm x 8.9mm166mm x 8.9mm155mm x 7.4mm166mm x 8.9mm Which Apple Pencil: Price The prices for each Apple Pencil vary by features and compatibility. The most expensive options are the Apple Pencil Pro and the second-gen Apple Pencil, which are both $129/$129. The cheapest is the Apple Pencil with USB-C at $79/£79. Apple Pencil (1st generation) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: $69 at Amazon | $69 at Walmart Electronics | $99 at Adorama The first Apple Pencil was launched in September 2015. Apple sells it for $99/£99/€119. It works with the current 10th-generation iPad as well as a number of older iPad models. To charge you plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port, so you can’t use it when charging. It is pressure-sensitive, which is good if you are an artist. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $89 at Walmart | $99.95 at B&H | $124 at Amazon This is the best Apple Pencil for those that do not have the very latest iPad Air or Pro. It launched in 2018 and Apple sells it for $129/£129. It works with recent iPad Air, mini, and Pro, but not the 10th gen iPad or the M2 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro. This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup. Apple Pencil (USB-C) Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: $69 at Best Buy | $69 at Walmart Electronics | $69.99 at Adorama This Apple Pencil was launched in 2023 to support iPads with USB-C charging ports instead of the older Lightning port. It lacks many of the features of the 2nd generation model, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking newer means better. But it is cheaper at $79/£79. This is essentially a Pencil with a USB-C port. It lacks pressure sensitivity, which even the 1st gen model has. It doesn’t work with the 9th gen iPad or the earliest iPad Pros. Apple Pencil Pro Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $99 at Target | $99 at Walmart Electronics | $118.5 at B&H This is the best Apple Pencil, as long as you have a compatible iPad. Apple sells it for $129/£129. It works with the most recent iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly, and has all of the features of 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and several more, like haptic feedback, Find My support, and support for rolling and squeeze gestures. Which Apple Pencil: Design There’s not exactly a lot of room for flamboyant designs or new aesthetics when it comes to something as form-dependent as a stylus. But, the engineers at Apple have been busy, incorporating a few elements that make the Pencils recognizable from each other.  In all cases, you’re looking at a white plastic, cylindrical casing with no buttons or markings except for the Apple Pencil name. The 1st-Gen Pencil is the only one that is completely round (and has a glossy finish), as the Pro, 2nd-Gen, and USB-C versions have a flattened side so that they can be attached magnetically to the edge of a compatible iPad. Foundry Apple has constantly been refining the balance and handling of its Pencil range, as you can see from the fact that with each generation the length of the stylus has slowly been shortened. Here’s how they measure up: Apple Pencil (1st Gen): 6.92in/176mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil (USB-C): 6.10in/155mm (Length); 0.29in/7.4mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil Pro: 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Both the 1st-Gen and USB-C Pencils have a lid at the top end that can be taken off to charge the device. On the 1st-Gen, removing the cap reveals a Lightning connector, while the USB-C slides up to reveal a USB-C port. The 2nd-Gen and Pro models charge wirelessly and don’t have a port or connector. At the business end of the Pencil, you’ll find the replaceable rubber tips that make the Apple Pencil such a comfortable experience. Some of the models have more functionality built into their slender frames, which we’ll cover in the next section.  Which Apple Pencil: Features While all of the Pencil models will allow you to write notes and sketch on your iPad, they do offer different capabilities depending on the model you choose. The 1st-Gen Pencil delivers a precise writing experience, with low latency and pressure sensitivity to allow thinner and wider pen/brush strokes, plus the ability to sense when you are tilting the stylus for shading and similar techniques.  Pairing and charging are done via the Lightning port, as there is no wireless charging in this model, plus you can’t magnetically attach it to an iPad. You also don’t get the hover feature on iPad Pro models, which enables you to preview where your mark will be made without having to touch the screen. You will also have to make do without the double-tap action to switch between the various pens, brushes, and other tools.  Apple The Gen 2 Pencil offers all of the features included in its predecessor, except for the Lightning port charging and pairing, which is instead achieved wirelessly. It introduces the double-tap feature through a touch-sensitive area near the tip, plus there’s the option to have it engraved with a personal message.  The Apple Pencil USB-C attaches via a USB-C-to-USB-C cable from your iPad’s charging port to the Pencil. You can magnetically attach it to an iPad for safe-keeping, but it doesn’t charge. It has nearly all the same features as the 1st-Gen Pencil, albeit strangely without pressure sensitivity, which does seem like a step backward. As a minor compensation, you do get the 2nd-Gen’s hover feature if you own an iPad Pro.  The latest is the Apple Pencil Pro, which only supports the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4), and presumably future iPad Air and Pro models. It has all the features of the 2nd-Gen model with the addition of roll and squeeze sensitivity, haptic feedback, and Find My support. Which Apple Pencil: Compatibility Every Pencil supports different iPads, so you’ll need to check which model you have before you buy one of the three stylus models Apple offers: Apple Pencil (Gen 1) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air (3rd Gen) iPad mini (5th Gen) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Gen) Apple Pencil (Gen 2) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) iPad mini (6th Gen) Apple Pencil (USB-C) iPad Pro (M4) iPad Air (M2) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) iPad mini (6th Gen) iPad (10th Gen) Apple Pencil Pro iPad Pro (M4) iPad Air (M2) Which Apple Pencil: Verdict Some of the main considerations when considering an Apple Pencil are how you want to use it and which iPad you have. If you’re interested in creating art or more decorative writing, then you’ll no doubt find the pressure sensitivity of the Gen 1, Gen 2, and Pro models an essential feature. Then you’ll just need to select the one that is compatible with your device. The Gen 2 Pencil does have the additional benefits of wireless charging, plus the double-tap and hover capabilities, although the latter only works on iPad Pro. If you have a newer iPad with a USB-C connector and just want to take down notes, then the USB-C model could serve those purposes admirably, with the added advantage of being the most affordable model available from Apple. If you buy a brand-new iPad Air with M2 or iPad Pro with M4, you can choose between the USB-C model with its very basic functionality or Apple Pencil Pro, which has by far the most features of any Apple Pencil. The edge case is if you have an iPad mini or 10th-gen iPad but really need pressure sensitivity. While you would normally choose the USB-C Pencil for those models, the only compatible Pencil with pressure sensitivity is the first-gen Apple Pencil, which comes with a little USB-C to Lightning charging adapter you’ll have to use to charge it.

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Best Apple Watch for seniors
Macworld The Apple Watch may be advertised as a device for virile young twenty-somethings who are always out running or climbing mountains, but that’s not really the profile of most people who wear them. At least, not at the Macworld offices. But, they are fantastic devices if you want to keep an eye on your health, be sure not to miss notifications on your iPhone and in the case of the elderly they can also be something of a lifesaver. If you’re thinking of whether to get one of your older family members an Apple Watch, then here’s all you need to know.  Do they need an iPhone? It might seem a basic question, but the Apple Watch isn’t that useful if you give it to someone with an Android phone or even a classic non-smartphone. They only work with iPhones and that’s very likely the way it will stay. So, the most important first question to answer is whether the person in question has an iPhone or not. If they do, great, otherwise we’d recommend looking for one of the alternative smartwatches on our sister-site Tech Advisor’s best smartwatch or best fitness tracker roundups.  That being said, you can set up an Apple Watch on your iPhone and then give it to your elderly relative or friend. The iPhone is required for Apple Watch setup and any subsequent software updates, but beyond that it doesn’t matter. Once the Apple Watch is set up and they are wearing it, you can then use the health monitoring features to ensure they’re safe. Here’s a rundown of all the things an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone. If you do this, you’ll want to ensure the Apple Watch isn’t blasting your relative with all the notifications from your iPhone. For more information about the current range of Apple Watches read our guide to the Best Apple Watch. We can also help you save money, read: The best Apple Watch deals this month. Why is an Apple Watch good for older people? Aside from the useful ability of not having to keep getting your iPhone out of a bag or pocket when messages come in, an Apple Watch can also be very useful in terms of monitoring the current health of an older person. Some models come with an ECG sensor, which can detect a specific kind of heart problem or variances that might suggest conditions such as atrial fibrillation. Some have SpO2 sensors to measure blood oxygen levels, again this can warn if the wearer is getting into difficulties, potentially due to respiratory problems. There’s also a fall detection feature that can sense when someone takes a tumble and might not be ok–it can even alert the emergency services. You can input important medical information so that it can be displayed on the Watch if required. And if they do need to call the emergency services they can do so from an Apple Watch it is easy to do so (if it has cellular connectivity or a nearby iPhone to route via). You can also set up the Find My to show you someone’s current location and can be very helpful if the person in question suffers from memory issues and may wander off.   We should note that, in the United States, Apple is currently in the middle of a patent dispute with a company named Masimo over its implementation of the blood oxygen sensor. All new Apple Watches sold in the U.S., regardless of model, have this functionality disabled. The hardware is still there, and Apple will probably be able to re-enable the feature when the patent dispute is resolved. Aside from these more serious use cases, there’s also the simple truth that as hearing starts to diminish, having a notification come up on your wrist can mean you don’t miss important calls or messages.  Which is the best Apple Watch for seniors in 2025? As with most tech purchases, this depends on what you want and the budget you have available. We’d say that unless your family member or friend is the outward-bound type that’s likely to go canoeing through ravines, the Apple Watch Ultra will be overkill. It’s large, heavy and costs a small fortune. So, here’s our pick of the current crop: 1. Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $329 View Deal $329 View Deal $349 View Deal $399 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 $329 at Amazon$329 at Best Buy$349 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from AdoramaAppleApple United StatesTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Retailer Price $329 View Deal $329 View Deal $349 View Deal $399 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 latest Apple Watch has the best blend of new features and a significantly larger display than earlier models. That makes text a little easier to read, which is good for old eyes. It has all the safety features you’d want, and the improved sound quality from the new speaker makes it easy to take calls right in your wrist. Battery life is the same as ever, which means you’ll need to charge it every day. But with a good power adapter, the charging speed is faster than ever before, which means you’ll only need to leave it on the charger for 30-45 minutes a day. Read our full Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) review 2. Apple Watch SE (2nd-generation) Price When Reviewed: From $279 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $229 View Deal $279 View Deal $279.99 View Deal $309.14 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $229 at Best Buy$279 at Apple United States$279.99 at Target Not Available at Amazon View more prices from AmazonWalmart Electronics Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Watch SE (2nd-generation) Retailer Price $229 View Deal $279 View Deal $279.99 View Deal $309.14 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket While the Apple Watch SE might not boast as many sensors as its bigger brother, there’s still plenty to love about this less expensive model. You still get the heart monitoring feature, albeit with the second-generation optical sensor. Unfortunately, there is no ECG feature to warn against irregular heart rhythms and there is no blood oxygen monitoring. But there is Fall Detection and Crash Detection onboard, plus the SE is waterproof up to 50 meters, just like the Series 10.  The display is smaller than the Series 10, which could be an issue if the intended recipient has poor eyesight, but the 41mm and 44mm models still have clear and bright panels that do a great job of relaying information.  GPS is standard and you can add cellular capabilities to increase what the Watch can do without an iPhone (the Series 10 has this option too). The chip is the S8, the same as the Apple Watch Series 8. For many of the features older users would require, the Apple Watch SE is a very good option, especially as it costs quite a lot less than the Series 10. 3. Apple Watch Ultra 2 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 Though it is the most expensive option at $799, the bulky Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not necessarily a bad idea for the elderly, especially if they don’t mind wearing a larger watch. The screen is larger and easier to read, the buttons are more prominent, and the additional Action button may help get things done without fiddling with a tiny display. All Apple Watch Ultra models include cellular hardware (cellular service always costs extra), too. It’s extra-rugged and durable, which may be just the thing for someone who is more accident-prone. It has all the functions of the latest Apple Watch Series 10, and even more accurate GPS tracking. Best of all, it’s got much longer battery life—you may only need to charge it every two or three days. Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review Wondering if you need cellular? Read: The pros and cons of a cellular Apple Watch.

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iPhone buying guide: Best iPhone to buy in 2025
Macworld Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone? Which iPhone is the best compromise between specs and value for money? In this article we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss iPhone prices, specs and features, paying particular attention to the cameras, screens and durability, so you should leave feeling much more confident about which iPhone you should get. For more help with your choice see our reviews of the latest iPhones (linked below) and our Best iPhone comparison chart where we compare all the new iPhone with the ones still on sale. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max review iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review iPhone 15 Plus review iPhone 14 review iPhone 14 Plus review What iPhones does Apple sell? When you include both the larger and smaller sizes, there are nine iPhones in Apple’s current lineup. We’ll start of by looking at how the design of each handset differs, so you can tell which iPhone is which at a glance, before going on to discuss how the iPhones compare in other ways including screens, cameras, safety features, specs and battery life. You can also find out all about the new features in the latest iPhones in our iPhone 16 guide. You might also want to check out our best iPhone deals, and comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today. Before we start, a quick-at-a-glance comparison of the iPhones: 1. Apple iPhone 16 Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB – Pink – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Teal – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Black – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 is similar to 2023’s iPhone 15, but the new processor supports Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative-AI features that Apple is rolling out through several iOS updates. It also delivers much longer battery life and includes a new Camera Control button to make it faster and easier to launch your favorite photo app and take pictures. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review 2. Apple iPhone 16 Plus Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $929 View Deal $929.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $929 at Apple$929.99 at Best Buy A larger version of the iPhone 16, with the same specs and features, outside of the obviously larger display. The only place the iPhone 16 Plus differs in performance from the iPhone 16 is in its significantly longer battery life. After all, if the phone is bigger, it can fit a larger battery inside. 3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal Apple $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $999 at Apple$999 at Apple $999.99 at Best Buy The Pro version of the iPhone 16 comes in a titanium shell (like it’s predecessor) and offers slightly better performance and battery life than the standard iPhone 16. The photo and video capabilities are where the Pro models stand out. They include a 5x telephoto camera, a sharper 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, and support for high-end formats like ProRAW, HLG video, and video recording at up to 4K and 120fps. And yes, it includes the new Camera Control button. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Pro review 4. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1199 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1199 at Apple$1199.99 at Best Buy Just as the iPhone 16 Plus is simply a larger version of the iPhone 16, so too is the iPhone 16 Pro Max just a larger iPhone 16 Pro. In past years, the Pro Max version would have some distinguishing feature (like better telephoto camera) but that isn’t the case this year. The iPhone 16 Pro Max does get a big boost in battery life from its larger battery, however. 5. Apple iPhone 15 Price When Reviewed: From $699 (Was $799) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $729 at Apple$729.99 at Best Buy The standard iPhone 15 model, introduced in 2023, offers some great new features in comparison to 2022’s iPhone 14. For example, the iPhone 15 (and 15 Plus) gained the Dynamic Island instead of the notch. The iPhone 15 camera is significantly better than the iPhone 14 camera at 48MP and with Smart HDR 5. You’ll get USB-C instead of Lightning. The processor is the A16 Bionic first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro. 6. Apple iPhone 15 Plus Price When Reviewed: $799 (was $899) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy The same phone as the iPhone 15, only larger! You get a bigger, longer-lasting battery with the larger size, but the features and performance are otherwise identical. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Plus review 7. Apple iPhone 14 Price When Reviewed: £599 (was £699) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $629 View Deal $829 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 14 128GB – Midnight – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $382.83 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Starlight – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $398.99 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Blue – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $401.01 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Purple – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $420 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $629 at Apple$829 at Visible Introduced in 2022, the iPhone 14 brought new camera features like the Photonic Engine, better low-light photos and the Action mode, which weren’t available on the iPhone 13. Other than that the iPhone 14 was not that much different to the iPhone 13, with the same generation chip and practically identical appearance. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 review 8. Apple iPhone 14 Plus Price When Reviewed: £699 (was £799) Introduced in 2022, this iPhone is identical to the iPhone 14 except for one big difference: it’s bigger. If you prefer a larger iPhone, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the iPhone for you. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 Plus review 9. Apple iPhone SE (2022) Price When Reviewed: $429 (64GB) | $479 (128GB) | $579 (256GB) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone SE (2022) 64GB – Midnight – Unlocked $153.22 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $429 at Amazon$429 at Apple$429 at Apple United States View more prices from Walmart Close × Best Prices Today: Apple iPhone SE (2022) New Refurbished Retailer Price $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone SE (2022) 64GB – Midnight – Unlocked $153.22 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Apple introduced the iPhone SE 3rd generation in spring 2022. It’s the cheapest iPhone you can buy, and, now that the iPhone 13 mini is no longer sold by Apple, this is Apple’s smallest iPhone. Plus if you want or need a Home button – perhaps because the lack of a button could cause accessibility problems, although there is a way to add a software Home button if you need to – this is the only iPhone that has one. If you are looking for an iPhone for an elderly relative, this might be the one, see: Best iPhone for seniors. Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) review How much do iPhones cost? Back in 2023 Apple reduced pricing across most of the range (and across the whole range if you are based in the U.K.) Each year when Apple introduces a new set of iPhones it reduces the price of the older models it continues to sell. Below you will find pricing for U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia (scroll across to see pricing in your region). ModelRelease dateStorage optionsU.S. Price U.K. PriceCanada PriceAustralia PriceiPhone 16 Pro MaxSeptember 2024256GB512GB1TB$1,199$1,399$1,599£1,199£1,399£1,599$1,749$2,049$2,349$2,199$2,549$2,899iPhone 16 ProSeptember 2024128GB256GB512GB1TB$999$1,099 $1,299$1,499 £999£1,099£1,299£1,499$1,449$1,599$1,899$2,199$1,849$2,049$2,399$2,749iPhone 16 PlusSeptember 2024128GB256GB512GB$899 $999$1,199£899£999£1,199$1,279$1,429$1,729$1,649$1,849$2,199iPhone 16September 2024128GB256GB512GB$799$899$1,099£799£899£1,099$1,129$1,279$1,579$1,499$1,699$2,049iPhone 15 PlusSeptember 2023128GB256GB512GB$799 $899$1,099£799£899£1,099$1,149$1,299$1,599$1,399$1,599$1,949iPhone 15September 2023128GB256GB512GB$699$799$999£699£799£999$999$1,149$1,449$1,249$1,449$1,799iPhone 14 PlusSeptember 2022128GB256GB512GB$699$799$999£699£799£999$999$1,149$1,449$1,249$1,449$1,799iPhone 14September 2022128GB256GB512GB$599$699$899£599£699£899$849$999$1,299$1,049$1,249$1,599iPhone SE (3rd gen)March 202264GB 128GB256GB$429$479$579£429£479£579$579$649$789$719$799$969iPhone prices September 2024. You don’t have to pay full price for a new iPhone though. Read our iPhone deals roundup for more advice on getting the lowest possible price from various different resellers. We have also collected the best deals for the iPhone 16-series in the U.K. and the best deals for the iPhone 16-series in the U.S. in separate articles. Design: How do the iPhones compare? Apple There are two big new features in the iPhone 16 line: the Camera Control button and support for Apple Intelligence. Camera Control is a new button, flush with the iPhone body, that resides about 2/3 of the way down the right side, so it is under your finger when held in landscape orientation to take photos or video. Press it to launch your desired camera app, press it in that app to act like a shutter button. You can lightly tap or swipe on it, too, to control various camera options within apps. Apple Intelligence is a suite of AI features that is being released in waves, starting with iOS 18.1 and continuing in updates through 2025. There are writing tools, image generation, image recognition, “Genmoji” emoji generation, and new capabilities for Siri. Apple Intelligence is also available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which Apple no longer sells. It is not available on the iPhone 15 or any prior model iPhone. In our testing, the iPhone 16 line offered a big boost in battery life over prior models, too. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are very similar to the iPhone 16, but with slightly slower performance, less battery life, no Camera Control button, and no support for Apple Intelligence. If you go back to the iPhone 14, you’re also going to lose out on the Dynamic Island–instead of the little pill-shaped cutout for the front camera and sensors, you’ll have a notch at the top of the screen. Apple and app developers use the Dynamic Island to display all sorts of live information. Here’s how the dimensions and colors compare: iPhoneDimensionsWeightColoursiPhone 16 Pro Max6.42 inches (163 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.6 mm) x 0.32 inch (8.25 mm)7.99 ounces (227 grams)Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium, Black TitaniumiPhone 16 Pro5.89 inches (149.6 mm) x 2.81 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.32 inches (8.25 mm)7.03 ounces (199 grams)Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium, Black TitaniumiPhone 16 Plus6.33 inches (160.9 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.03 ounces (199 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 165.81 inches (147.6 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)6.00 ounces (170 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 15 Plus6.33 inches (160.9 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.09 ounces (201 grams)Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, BlackiPhone 155.81 inches (147.6mm) x 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) x 0.31 inches (7.80 mm)6.02 ounces (171 grams)Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, BlackiPhone 14 Plus6.33 inches (160.8 mm) x 3.07 inches (78.1 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.16 ounces (203 grams)Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, RediPhone 14 5.78 inches (146.7 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)6.07 ounces (172 grams)Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, RediPhone SE 35.45 inches (138.4 mm) x 2.65 inches (67.3 mm) x 0.29 inch (7.3 mm)5.09 ounces (144 grams)Midnight, Starlight and RedHow Apple’s 2024 iPhone lineup compares. Screen: How are the iPhone displays different? The Pro and Pro Max iPhones have the best screens available on an iPhone. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max offer ProMotion, which allows for an adaptive refresh rate. The refresh rate goes as high as 120Hz for really smooth scrolling and as low as 1Hz. ProMotion has been a staple of the “Pro” iPhones for years, but new this year to all iPhone 16 models is the ability for the screen to get very very dim (down to 1 nit) while still remaining usable. It’s great for dark rooms. Thanks to the Always-On screen you will always be able to see elements such as the time and date, notifications and Lock Screen widgets without waking the iPhone. The screen dims to minimize onscreen power usage to preserve battery life and it will turn off should you place it face down or walk away while wearing an Apple Watch. Like ProMotion, always-on displays are a feature of Pro iPhones. Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus also offer a few more pixels than their predecessors, matching the pixels of the Pro and Pro Max handsets this time round. The screen size may be the most important factor in your decision. If you prefer a larger screen, you’ll want the “Plus” or “Pro Max” version. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.9 inches diagonally, up from 6.7 inches in prior years and with the other Plus-size iPhones. It’s a small difference, but one you can notice. The iPhone 16 Pro is larger than the iPhone 16, too: 6.3 inches compared to 6.1 inches. Camera: How do the iPhone cameras compare? Jason Snell / Foundry For many it’s the capabilities of the cameras that sell the iPhones, so it’s no wonder that every year Apple improves the camera on its iPhones, sometimes improving the tech, sometimes the software. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus still feature a dual-camera array with wide and ultra-wide lenses, while only the Pro and Pro Max offer the additional 5x telephoto lens. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have a 48 megapixel Ultra Wide camera, while the 15 and 15 Plus have a 12 megapixel Ultra Wide. However, the 16 and 16 Plus can now shoot macro photos, a feature that used to be reserved for the Pro models. There are also new video recording features for the pro models, including ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps, LOG video recording and Academy Color Encoding. In 2022 the TrueDepth (FaceTime and Face ID) camera was upgraded on the front of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, gaining autofocus and improved low-light performance thanks to the wider aperture. It hasn’t changed since then. All models on sale currently offer Portrait Mode and the Portrait Lighting effects on the rear cameras for images with depth of field. The only camera that doesn’t offer Night Mode is the iPhone SE 3. The iPhone SE 3 also only has one camera on the rear. iPhoneCamerasVideoPhoto & video featuresiPhone 16 Pro and Pro MaxThree rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.78 aperture), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture) and 12MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8 aperture), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 5x, 2x, 0.5x optical zoom, Adaptive True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12 MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: ProRes video recording up to 4K at up to 120 fps (with external recording), 4K video recording at up to 120 fps, 1080p HD video recording at up to 120 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsLOG video recording, Academy Color Encoding System, Photonic Engine, Night mode portraits, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Macro photos, ProRaw, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Macro video recording, Action Mode, Audio zoomiPhone 16 and 16 PlusTwo rear cameras: 12MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 0.5x zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoomiPhone 15 and 15 PlusTwo rear cameras: 12MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x optical zoom out, digital zoom up to 5x, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for videoPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoomiPhone 14 and 14 PlusTwo rear cameras: 12MP Main (ƒ/1.5 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x optical zoom out, digital zoom up to 5x, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12 MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for videoPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 4Cinematic mode, Audio zoomiPhone SE 3One rear camera: 12MP (ƒ/1.8 aperture), optical image stabilization, digital zoom up to 5x, True Tone flash Front camera: FaceTime HD camera, 7MP (ƒ/2.2 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, Optical image stabilization for videoPhotographic Styles, Smart HDR 4The camera features of the 2022-2024 iPhone lineup. Safety features: Emergency protection Apple added some safety features to all the iPhone 14 series has carried them forward to iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. These features include a Crash Detection feature and Satellite Connectivity for emergency phone calls. Crash detection uses the gyroscope and accelerometer in the iPhones to recognize if the vehicle you are in has crashed. If the iPhone thinks you’ve been involved in a crash, it will call emergency services and notify your preferred contacts (unless you tell it not to). All phones offer the ability to send an Emergency SOS, but the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 can do so via satellite, which would be useful if you were in an area with no signal. You just need to be able to establish a clear view of the sky, and be in a country that supports the feature (many do now). Thanks to the feature your iPhone can alert the emergency services to your location in an emergency, the iPhone will also contact your emergency contact. Durability: Which iPhone is the toughest? Another factor in the choice of which iPhone to choose is how durable the model is. How likely are you to damage the iPhone? As you can see from the section on design (above) the majority of iPhones on sale right now (except for the iPhone SE 3) offer a Ceramic Shield front, which should mean that the glass on the front is less likely to smash if you drop it. Only the Pro and Pro Max are constructed from titanium (previous generations were stainless steel), which is more durable than aluminum, which all other iPhones are encased in. All iPhones have a glass back (which is necessary for MagSafe charging). This does mean that if you drop your iPhone with no case on then you are pretty much guaranteed to break the glass on the back. So be sure to pop your new iPhone in a case. For our recommendations see our round-up of the Best iPhone cases. The other way people damage their iPhones is by dropping them in water. Most iPhones are rated as water resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes (IP68), the iPhone SE 3 only offers water resistance to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes (IP67). We still wouldn’t recommend getting your iPhone wet though because Apple will know if it’s gotten wet and it could void your warranty should anything go wrong. Which iPhone would be worse off if you dropped it? Apple Specs: Storage and processor options The A18 in the iPhone 16 models is considerably faster than the A16 found in the iPhone 15, especially when it comes to graphics or AI tasks. The A18 Pro is distinguished primarily by the extra GPU core, though it has super video hardware to support the Pro video features, too. Each iPhone is available in between three and four capacity options. It’s important to consider how much you need before buying because iPhones don’t have a microSD card slot that will allow you to add additional storage at a later date. For the typical iPhone user, 128GB is probably sufficient. Only the iPhone SE offers less than that, with a 64GB option and we strongly recommend you pay a few dollars/pounds extra to buy the 128GB model. One reason you may not need more storage is if you choose to sync your data to the cloud. If you pay a monthly fee for iCloud storage all your data will be available on any of your devices, and crucially your photos will be stored in the cloud rather than on your device, freeing up many gigabytes of space. iCloud starts at $0.99/£0.99 for 50GB. See How much does iCloud cost for more information, including Australian and Canadian prices. Before you decide how much storage you need have a look at your current phone’s usage (go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage) and think about how much space you really need. Read How much storage do you need on an iPhone? for more advice. iPhoneProcessorStorageBattery lifeiPhone 16 Pro MaxA18 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU128GB256GB512GB1TBUp to 33 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16 ProA18 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU128GB256GB512GB1TBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16 PlusA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 24 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 15 PlusA16 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 26 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 15A16 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 20 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 14 PlusA15 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 26 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 14 A15 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 20 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone SE 3A15 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU64GB 128GB256GB15 hrs video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher Battery life and charging The iPhone 16 models offer a big boost in battery life over the iPhone 15 and even further over the iPhone 14. In our testing, the difference in battery life was even more pronounced than Apple’s spec sheets indicate—we saw battery life improvements of around 20 percent for the regular models and 30 percent for the Pro models. As for how you charge the iPhone, fast charging requires a 20W adapter or higher that plugs into either the USB-C on 2023 iPhones, or the Lightning port on older iPhones. All but the iPhone SE 3 can also be charged wirelessly via MagSafe. The iPhone 16 models support faster MagSafe charging when used with a 30W power adapter. Apple’s official battery life and charging times can be seen in the table above. Which iPhone should I buy? The best iPhone you can buy right now is the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, depending on whether you want a larger display or not. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are probably a better value, though. They support Apple Intelligence and have the Camera Control button and have fantastic battery life and performance, so all you’re really giving up is the 5x telephoto camera (you still get a 2x optical crop-zoom mode) and some high-end video features. You could save money and opt instead for an iPhone 15 or 14, which might appeal if you are upgrading from a particularly old iPhone. Our recommendation would be that if saving money is the most important thing the iPhone 14 is a better choice. The iPhone SE is missing many of the features of the other iPhones and is really just for the most budget-conscious, though it also is the only modern iPhone with Touch ID, which some consider essential. Once you have chosen your new iPhone be sure to read our iPhone setup guide. Buying an iPhone on contract The two most common ways to buy an iPhone are SIM-free from Apple itself or a third-party reseller (which is where the pricing information throughout this information fits in, because you’ll be paying upfront for the phone, you will own it, and you will then need to pay for a SIM-only contract for minutes, texts and data), or buying an iPhone on contract. A contract usually starts with an upfront payment that will vary depending on the iPhone model you go for and also how much you’ll be paying each month. That upfront payment is followed by monthly payments, normally for a total of 24 months, after which you own the phone (in most cases). Those monthly payments also cover data, minutes and texts. The following networks are worth checking for their contract offers: AT&T Sprint T-Mobile Verizon UK readers can find iPhone contracts from the following networks: O2 EE Vodafone Three Tesco Mobile Sky Mobile Virgin Mobile And from the following third-party resellers: Carphone Warehouse Mobiles.co.uk E2save Mobile Phones Direct The iPhone Upgrade Program Apple offers a scheme called the iPhone Upgrade Program, which works with your carrier and starts at $39.50/£42.95 per month. You can then upgrade to the new iPhone each time one is announced, staying on the same or a very similar plan. You should be cautious about the value this offers, but in some circumstances, it may be the right approach for you. The scheme works slightly differently in the U.K., where this is for a SIM-free iPhone. You will also need to get a SIM-only contract for your data, minutes and texts. You do get AppleCare+ included in the Upgrade Program, though, which is a two-year insurance for your iPhone that will cover you for two incidents of accidental damage. You’ll still have to pay an excess fee should you need to use it, but it’ll be much cheaper than having to cough up the full price of a repair. Second-hand and refurbished iPhones You’ll have noticed that buying an iPhone doesn’t come cheap. However, if you’re strapped for cash you don’t have to dismiss the idea of buying an iPhone completely. You may be able to get a good deal on one of the older handsets if someone is looking to sell their current handset. Here are or recommendations of the best place to buy a used iPhone.

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As a new year begins, the Mac’s Apple silicon transition is finally complete
Macworld Over four years ago, Apple announced that it was going to stop using Intel processors in its Macs and start using its own silicon. At the time, it sounded like a daunting task, but feasible thanks to the years of success using its own silicon in the iPhone. The fourth generation of M-series chips in the Mac was released in November. While on the surface, that doesn’t sound like much, it actually has a deeper meaning. The Mac lineup now feels like it is whole–there aren’t major hangups that could make customers second-guess an investment. The transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon is finally complete. Here’s why that is: the obstacles that have been overcome and the considerations that users had to make that no longer cast any doubt. Production rhythm Apple released its very first Apple silicon Macs, the M1 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini in November 2020 during the height of the pandemic. The pandemic affected production, which in turn affected Apple’s chip release cycle. Once the pandemic ended, Apple and its chipmaker, TSMC, worked to get back on track and yeah later we’re finally starting to see a regular cycle with the M chips. Implementation of new production techniques affects that cycle, but it’s not as disruptive. We now have a better sense of when a new generation of chips will arrive, which makes for shoppers who can make informed buying decisions. The M4 comes at the right time When the M1 was released, it offered incredible performance boosts over the Intel chips it replaced. But Mac users tend to hold on to their Macs for as long as possible—there’s a strong desire to get the most out of the sizable investment. If someone had bought a new Intel Mac a year or two before the M1’s release, convincing them to upgrade so soon wasn’t easy, especially when Intel apps ran perfectly fine thanks to Rosetta 2 (see below). Even the new design and performance gains of the M2 or M3 may not have been convincing enough. But with the release of the M4, the time and performance gap between it and the last set of Intel CPUs used in Macs is so vast now that it can’t be ignored any longer. Below are benchmarks for the M4, M1, and the Intel 3.8GHz Core i7, which was one of the last Intel chips (and one of the fastest in a Mac) in the 2020 27-inch iMac.

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AirPods Max fans: I switched to Beats Studio Pro and you should too
Macworld Eons ago, when iPhones still had Lightning ports, I used to rely on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max for private audio consumption. The former’s portability and water resistance made it ideal for outdoor use, while the latter’s longer battery life and large ear cups excelled at delivering long, immersive music listening sessions—mostly indoors. With my iPhone switching to USB-C last year, it was time to bid the AirPods Max farewell. I just wasn’t willing to keep a Lightning cable around and clutter my desk for this single accessory. Plus, silly me, I figured Apple would soon release the AirPods Max 2, featuring USB-C and other internal upgrades. Well, except that the company casually rereleased the AirPods Max 1 with a USB-C port, fresh colors, and nothing else. So, despite being theoretically inferior, I decided to opt for 2023’s Beats Studio Pro. Beats Studio Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: $349.99 Best Prices Today: $169.99 at Target | $199.99 at Amazon | $199.99 at Best Buy I refuse to pay $529 (again) for 2020 technology The AirPods Max (USB-C) are objectively a lazy upgrade. Apple didn’t bother to put any effort into the product, and it feels wrong to reward that by paying a premium. At the very least, it could’ve introduced the newer features already offered by the more affordable AirPods Pro 2, but it didn’t. The absentees include the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Conversation awareness, Siri (not Hey Siri) trigger word, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Bluetooth 5.3, and more. Alternatively, Apple could’ve discounted the $529 price tag, as users are now paying full price for four-year-old components. Spoiler alert: it didn’t do that, either. Since all my primary devices are Apple-branded, buying third-party headphones didn’t feel like the right move. I’ve tried a couple in the past; while they may deliver superior sound quality and comfort, the lack of proper integration with the Apple ecosystem makes them irritating to use. That’s not to mention needing to rely on companion apps for maintenance and firmware updates and whatnot. So, the only first-party over-ear headphones with ANC I was left with were the Beats Studio Pro. While they typically sell for $350, the company often discounts them heavily, sometimes by over 50%. In fact, at the time of writing, Apple is offering them for just $170 through Amazon. Shiny materials come at a cost The first thing I noticed after unboxing my Beats Studio Pro is how cheap they feel compared to the AirPods Max. They’re primarily made of plastic (instead of stainless steel and aluminum), their ear cups are smaller, the physical button clicks lack the flagship feel, etc. The cheaper build, however, improved my overall listening experience, as the Beats headphones are around 125 grams lighter. While this may sound like a negligible number to some, it makes a big difference when putting that weight on your head for prolonged periods. I will admit that, while the AirPods Max’s ear cups look too clunky, they rested more comfortably over my ears. The color options didn’t really sway my purchase decision, as I always opt for black, and they both offer it. Those seeking vibrant options may find the AirPods Max more appealing. Otherwise, the Beats Studio Pro come with a proper carrying case (rather than a weird bra of sorts), along with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm analog audio cable. For reference, the AirPods Max offer a charging cable but lack the headphone jack and its respective cable. Performance: A balanced mix of pros and cons Beyond the price, comfort, and cosmetics, how the headphones perform obviously plays a major role in the picking process. I’m not an audiophile to comment on which gets what best in terms of sound quality. However, I was still able to make some applicable observations. For starters, both devices sound crisp and offer an acceptable active noise cancelling (ANC) mode. I can’t tell which ANC is stronger, as the two isolated noise for me in a similar, moderate manner. Though, the AirPods Max certainly get louder, as I often find myself blasting the Beats Studio Pro’s volume to 90% or so. With the former headphones, I wouldn’t typically cross the 75% volume mark. Audiophiles may appreciate the Beats more as they support lossless playback through wired USB-C connections, thanks to the built-in DAC. They also support three different sound profiles in wired mode, each tailored for a different kind of audio (music, games, movies, calls, etc.). Foundry Beyond that, both headphones are deeply integrated into Apple’s ecosystem. You get fast pairing support that automatically connects them to all of your iCloud devices, although Automatic Device Switching is absent on the Beats Studio Pro. The two headphones similarly support Audio Sharing on Apple devices, Find My, Spatial Audio, OTA software updates through the Settings app, and handy Control Center toggles. Admittedly, the Beats Studio Pro’s ANC toggle in the Control Center often bugs out for me, which then limits me to switching between ANC modes using the physical button. That’s an issue I’ve never encountered with the AirPods Max. Otherwise, the Beats Studio Pro feel a bit old-fashioned compared to the AirPods Max. For example, taking them off doesn’t automatically pause the music. You similarly have to manually turn them on and off with each listening session using the physical button. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max automatically wake up when you take them out of their questionable case and eventually go to sleep after staying idle for a while. The lack of a power button on the AirPods Max drain their battery faster, though, as they’re often left unnecessarily powered on. Besides, the Beats Studio Pro offer a longer battery life by default, reaching up to 24 hours of playback with ANC on (or 40 hours with ANC off). The AirPods Max, on the other hand, last up to 20 hours with ANC enabled—according to Apple’s own tests. Nothing beats a pair of cheap AirPods Taking all of the above into consideration, the Beats Studio Pro are essentially a cheaper AirPods Max replica. For a fraction of the latter’s price, you can get a very similar listening experience and seamless ecosystem integration while arguably not sacrificing any notable perks. Sure, the Beats Studio Pro look cheaper and pack some annoyances, but they also get many things right—like lossless playback, Bluetooth 5.3 (Class 1), lighter design, longer battery life, etc. And while this doesn’t apply to me personally, the Beats Studio Pro also exclusively offer similar integrations with Android, which makes them the perfect pick for those relying on multiple platforms. Foundry Until the AirPods Max live up to their name and support all the essential features present on the Pro 2 variant and some of Beats’ products, I would stay away from them. It makes absolutely no sense to pay multiple folds more for a superficial pair of headphones that lacks technology offered by cheaper iterations sold by the exact same company.

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Happy new year from O’Grady’s PowerPage!
The ball has dropped, the clock has struck midnight, vast amounts of fireworks were launched into the air, and 2025 is here! Happy new year and the staff of O’Grady’s PowerPage will be taking the day to spend time with friends and family and relax. We encourage you to do the same and have an […] Source

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32-inch iMac Pro: What you need to know about the rumors
Macworld Prior to March 2022, Apple sold two sizes of its iMac desktop computer. The smaller-screened model was more suited to home users due to its less powerful processor, while the larger 27-inch model, with more speed, higher-end features, and high-res display, was meant to be powerful enough for more demanding users. When Apple introduced the 24-inch iMac in 2021 with a colorful redesign and M1 chip, it was the beginning of the end for the high-end version. First Apple discontinued the iMac Pro, and a year later introduced the Mac Studio with the 27-inch Studio Display in March 2022 and discontinued the 27-inch iMac at the same time. But the story doesn’t end there. Ever since it was retired, there have been rumors that Apple has plans to introduce a new version of the iMac Pro that would also mark the return of the 27-inch iMac–although it could have an even bigger screen, perhaps 32-inches! In this article, we’ll evaluate the reports that suggest that Apple could revive the old brand with a brand-new iMac Pro. Read on to find out when it could launch and what features it might offer. Is there even a need for a new iMac Pro now the Mac Studio has arrived? We think there will always be room for a pro desktop with a large screen built in. See: How the iMac Pro could come out of retirement to dominate the desktop. With Apple having updated the iMac at an event on October 30, 2024 could we soon see it revive the larger iMac? Now that Apple has introduced the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, it’s feasible we could see a new iMac Pro with an M4 Pro chip, although Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman doesn’t expect this iMac until 2024 or 2025. Is a new iMac Pro 27-inch (or 32-inch) coming out? The rumors that Apple would revive the iMac Pro have been circulating for years. Back in October 2021, in a tweet that is no longer online, retired Apple leaker Dylan made predictions about an iMac Pro. Clearly, Dylan was incorrect about the timing of his prediction, but even if we discount him, others have also claimed that Apple is working on a new iMac Pro. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo made predictions about a new iMac Pro back in March 2022. Suggesting that Apple would ship an iMac Pro in 2023. However, that prediction came just before Apple introduced the Mac Studio and removed the 27-inch iMac from the lineup. https://twitter.com/mingchikuo/status/1502163650387542019 Kuo had been quiet about the new iMac, until October 18, 2023, when he tweeted that a 32-inch iMac could arrive in 2025. https://twitter.com/mingchikuo/status/1714350456565350625 It’s not only Kuo who sees a larger iMac in Apple’s future. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote in April 2022 (after the launch of the Mac Studio): “For those asking, I still think an iMac Pro is coming. It just won’t be anytime soon.” In June 2023 Gurman mentioned the larger iMac again in a weekend newsletter. He claimed that Apple “is also conducting early work on an iMac with a screen over 30 inches.” Then towards the end of October 2023, Gurman wrote that the larger iMac, although “tabled” a while back “due to cost concerns”, was never “canceled”. “This larger model is still poised to follow the 24-inch one, coming in either late 2024 or 2025,” he wrote in his October 22, 2023 newsletter. There is evidence that development was even at prototype stage before being put on hold: In July 2022 a report on Macrumors, based on information shared by a source to a forum member—so we can’t vouch for its accuracy—suggested that “Apple prototyped at least three larger iMac models with Apple silicon chips” in 2021. If these reports are true Apple has been working on a replacement for the 27-inch iMac (and iMac Pro) for some time, and yet nothing has materialized. It seems that there are difficulties that are leading to delays. In December 2022, Gurman indicated that the iMac Pro had been delayed, citing (as with the new Mac Pro) high development costs and difficulties engineering chips as the cause of the delay. In his first newsletter of 2023, Gurman also wrote that the iMac Pro “has been on and off Apple’s road map”, and that “I would be surprised at this point if it arrives in 2023”. In April 2024, Gurman reported that the M4 rollout involves “iMacs,” and by “iMacs” he could be referring to the different configurations that revolve around the base M-series chip that Apple puts in the all-in-one. He doesn’t provide specifics. Reading between the lines, perhaps “iMacs” means Apple is working on a M4 24-inch iMac, and a larger (32-inch?) iMac with, say, an M4 Pro. In August 2024, Gurman reported that Apple would release a M4 iMac before the end of 2024. He also reported that Apple is working on it, but “it’s unclear if that will be an M4 product or something that comes the following year [2025] or later.” In October 2024, Kuo posted on X that Apple will ship a “Higher-end 32-inch mini LED display iMac in 2025.” iMac Pro: Release date 2024 or 2025, according to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg. When Gurman referred to the big iMac in July he claimed that the 32-inch iMac has entered the early testing phase of development and could launch in late 2024 at the absolute earliest, although we could be waiting until 2025. In his October 22 newsletter Gurman reiterated this, writing: “This larger model is still poised to follow the 24-inch one, coming in either late 2024 or 2025.” Kuo’s October 2023 tweet also indicated that we might have to wait until 2025. Before this new iMac with a larger screen appears Apple is expected to launch an M3-powered iMac, perhaps in late 2023 or early 2024. If the new 27-inch iMac (or larger) arrives in 2025 that will be three years after the equivalent model was discontinued. That’s a long hiatus. iMac Pro 27/32-inch: Design and colors In a July 31, 2021 newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that the new iMac Pro will have “a similar design to the current M1 iMac.” It makes sense that the iMac Pro will borrow some of its design inspiration from the 24-inch iMac. Apple offers the 24-inch iMac in several color choices, but there haven’t been reports on what color choices Apple will use for the iMac Pro. To create a differentiation between the consumer and pro levels, Apple may decide on different color choices as with the iPhone Pro, or stick with the traditional silver like that on the 27-inch iMac or Space Gray as on the discontinued iMac Pro. Another difference we could see on the larger iMac is dark bezels rather than a white border around the screen. There may also be a notch as there is with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. This could allow Apple to extend the height of the screen as it has with these models. We’d also like to see the iMac Pro lose some of its “chin.” Based on teardowns of the iMac and the Studio Display, and the low power and heat requirements of Apple silicon, a chinless iMac Pro could be possible. The next large iMac Pro will probably look nothing like the current 27-inch model (right) and more like the 24-inch iMac (left).Apple iMac Pro 27/32-inch: Display size Display analyst Ross Young and others had stated that the iMac Pro will have a 27-inch display, the same as the predecessor, which we have to admit to being disappointed by. However, in June 2023 Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that he had information suggesting that Apple is developing an iMac with a screen larger than 30-inches. He then elaborated further a few weeks later suggesting that a giant 32-inch iMac is reportedly in testing. In October 2023 he reiterated that the new iMac Pro “will have a 32-inch display, making it the biggest iMac in Apple’s history.” Currently, the 32-inch Pro Display XDR is Apple’s largest display. Kuo agrees that this new larger iMac could have a 32-inch display, as per his October tweet. Neither Kuo or Gurman expands on the screen specs, but it will presumably have ProMotion and XDR (Extreme Dynamic Range). A larger display would certainly make the iMac Pro more attractive to potential buyers. Next to the 24-inch iMac, with its 4.5K display (4,480 x 2,520 pixels), the 27-inch iMac only looks slightly more impressive with its 5K display (5,120 x 2,880 pixels). But it’s not only the 24-inch iMac that the iMac Pro will be compared to. The 27-inch screen also doesn’t compare particularly favorably with many modern displays that are larger than 30-inch (including the 32-inch, 6K Apple Pro Display XDR). We would like to see a 32-inch display on the new iMac Pro. Gurman has previously predicted that the 27-inch iMac could see its display size increase by a similar amount to the 24-inch iMac: “I absolutely still believe that a larger, redesigned iMac to replace the Intel 27-inch models is en route. Apple increasing the screen size of the smaller model from 21.5 inches to 24 inches seems to indicate that the 27-inch model could see a size increase as well,” he wrote in July 2021. A larger display could be possible without increasing the size of the iMac significantly. The 27-inch iMac measured 25.6-inches wide, 20.3-inches tall, and 8-inches deep, and Apple’s new design helps make the 24-inch iMac smaller than even the 21.5-inch iMac it replaced (21.5-inches x 18.1-inches x 5.8-inches vs. 20.8-inches x 17.7-inches x 6.9-inches). Apple could also incorporate a notch into the top of the screen to accommodate the FaceTime camera, thereby reducing the size of the bezel at the top of the screen. The new iMac Pro wouldn’t actually need to be as big as the Pro Display XDR to offer a 6K display. A 30-inch display with smaller bezels could still accommodate the 6,016 x 3,384 pixels for Retina 6K resolution and a 6K iMac. On an October 2024 post on X, Kuo stated that the new iMac will have a 32-inch mini LED display, which would be an upgrade over the LED display used in the 24-inch iMac. To get an idea of what we could expect with the display in the larger iMac if Apple takes it beyond the Studio Display we can look at how it compares to Apple’s Pro Display XDR. Pro Display XDR: 6K Retina display (6,016-by-3,384 resolution), 1,000 nits (XDR) or 500 nits (SDR) brightness, wide color (P3), True Tone Studio Display: 5K Retina display (5,120-by-2,880 resolution), 600 nits, wide color (P3), True Tone The upcoming larger iMac is likely to have smaller bezels than the 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro, which could help the display reach a higher pixel density without having to make the display much bigger. A rumor by Ross Young in October 2021 and a follow-up report in December 2021 claimed that Apple will bring a Liquid Retina XDR display with “around 1,000 zones and over 4,000 mini-LEDs” to the iMac. That would be fewer than the 10,000 mini-LEDs in the iPad and the 8,000 mini-LEDs in the MacBook Pro, though it would likely be visually indistinguishable due to the size and viewing distance. The 27-inch iMac has a nano-texture glass option (right) that does a better job of resisting glare and reflections.IDG The 27-inch iMac used to ship with standard glass on the front of the display, but (for $300) Apple offered a nano-texture glass that provided a matte-like finish and did a good job of cutting down glare. Apple will probably continue to offer this with the new iMac Pro. As you can see above, it dramatically cuts down on the gloss and glare. iMac Pro: CPU and GPU Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported back in January 2022 that the iMac Pro would have “similar chips to the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors inside of the MacBook Pro.” That rumor came before the launch of the Mac Studio, which did ship with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, so it seems likely that Gurman’s source was referring to that machine. With the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max already on the market, we can get some idea of what to expect from a larger iMac. It could feature the M4 Pro, which offers a 12- or 14-core CPU and 16- or 20-core GPU. Will this iMac only offer the M4 Pro, or will it offer the M4 Max too? It’s unclear but the expectation is that Apple will differentiate the Mac Studio and Mac Pro from the iMac Pro by offering just the M4 Pro with that model, as it does with the Mac mini. The M4 Max offers a 14- or 16-core CPU and 32- or 40-core GPU. In April 2024, Gurman reported that the M4 chip rollout involved “iMacs,” and by “iMacs” he could have been suggesting that Apple is working on a M4 24-inch iMac, and a larger (32-inch) iMac with, say, an M4 Pro. But Apple released only the M4 24-inch iMac. iMac Pro: RAM The M4 Pro can support up to 48GB of unified memory (up from 36GB) while the M4 Max can support up to 128GB. The 27-inch iMac did support up to 128GB RAM, so that’s one reason why the new iMac Pro may support the M4 Max. The M4 Pro comes standard with 24GB unified memory, the M4 Max comes with 36GB as standard (previously 32GB). Other configurations include 48GB, 64GB, and 128GB. One limitation of Apple’s RAM is that it will not be user upgradable. The 27-inch iMac had RAM slots that were user-accessible. With Apple silicon RAM (Apple calls it unified memory) is built into the SoC, so it is not user upgradable. iMac Pro: Storage An October 2021 tweet from the now-retired account from “Dylan” suggested that there will be 512GB storage as standard with the new iMac (Pro). That would be an improvement on the 256GB offered by the entry-level 27-inch iMac prior to it being retired. It would follow the pattern of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has 512GB and 1TB options for the standard machines (and 8TB as a build-to-order option). iMac Pro: Ports and Expansion The 24-inch iMac comes with four Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, and a headphone jack (the base $1,299 iMac has only two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports). After Apple launched the MacBook Pro with HDMI and an SDXC card slot, rumors suggested the iMac would follow suit. The thin enclosure could be an issue, but Apple solved that issue on the 24-inch model by putting the headphone jack on the side. Apple could position the SD slot similarly to avoid making the iMac thicker. Thunderbolt 5 is now on the M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, so this would be included in an iMac Pro. Thunderbolt 5 offers double the bandwidth at 80 Gbps. Learn more about Thunderbolt 5. For all but the entry-level 24-inch iMac, Apple placed the ethernet port in the power adapter brick. The same power adapter is likely to be used for the larger iMac as well. The ethernet-equipped power adapter will probably be standard with the larger iMac Pro.Apple iMac Pro 27/32-inch: Other features With the M4 iMac, Apple upgraded the camera to a 12-megapixel FaceTime camera with Center Stage support. It replaced the 1080p camera int he previous iMac. Apple would use the same 12MP camera in an iMac Pro. We’d like to see the camera also support Face ID. True Depth references were spotted in macOS Big Sur indicating that this was something Apple had looked at. However, no Mac has yet arrived with support for Face ID. If it doesn’t have Face ID, the new iMac will have Touch ID built into the keyboard, that being offered with the 24-inch iMac and the Touch ID keyboards. Read: When will Face ID come to Mac? iMac Pro 27/32-inch: Price As for the price, it will likely fall in line with the pricing of the 27-inch iMac, which started at $1,799 since Apple kept similar pricing to the 21.5-inch iMac when it launched the 24-inch model. It’s also possible that the price will be a bit higher, perhaps starting at over $2,000, which would be more in line with Apple’s price increase for the higher-end MacBook Pro. A higher price is likely outside the U.S. where Apple has been increasing prices in line with the exchange rates.

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Enjoy seamless streaming on the go with this $85 adapter for iOS and Android devices
Macworld If you’re tired of hearing your kids ask, “Are we there yet?” during road trips or simply want to outfit your car with streaming abilities, this wireless adapter opens a world of entertainment. Now only $84.97 (reg. $149), this plug-and-play and iOS and Android-compatible adapter allows your passengers to watch content from an array of popular social media and streaming apps. This nifty device is like having a Roku player in your car, and it’s compatible with over 800 car models going back to 2016 (though it’s not usable for vehicles with wireless CarPlay). Simply plug it in, and passengers can immediately watch their favorite content from apps like TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and more. The adapter itself is powered by Qualcomm QCM2290 and boasts 16GB of storage, dual Bluetooth technology, WiFi 2.4G and 5G, Android 11.0, and TF card support. It even comes with the following cables and connections: USB-A to USB-C Cable USB-C to USB-C Cable USB-A to USB-A Tee Cable Make long (and short!) car rides more enjoyable for your riders with this Apple and Android-compatible wireless adapter, now just $84.97.   Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) – $84.97 Get It Here StackSocial prices subject to change.

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A Very Happy New Year from AppleInsider
Thanks for being with AppleInsider in 2024, the year of the Apple Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence. Have a very good 2025 — which promises to be a rollercoaster for Apple.Fireworks at a celebration — image credit: Malcolm OwenThis time last year we were awaiting the release of the Apple Vision Pro and wondering whether it would revolutionize the world, or prove to be a costly flop. Nearly twelve months on, we still don't know, but it feels as we're at the beginning of something great.Apple Vision Pro was unusual in that it wasn't just a device, it was a whole new platform for Apple. And, perhaps surprisingly, it looks as if we may get yet another one in 2025. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best AirPods 2025: AirPods, AirPods Pro or Max?
Macworld If you’re thinking of buying AirPods any time soon (or hoping to get some as a gift), you’ve got a few options to choose from. Apple currently has four models in the range, but how do they compare in terms of features? In this article, we take a look at which AirPods are the best for your needs, not to mention your bank balance. We consider the features that make the AirPods Pro better than the AirPods 4, but also consider just how much better the AirPods 4 are than the older third- and second-generation AirPods Apple used to sell. As a result, it’s the perfect time to buy AirPods, unless you want to wait to see what’s the AirPods Pro 3 might include when they launch. What types of AirPods are there? Apple sells various types of AirPods. These range from the standard AirPods right up to the over-the-ear AirPods Max and as the models vary quite a bit in terms of construction and features, the range also encompasses a wide span of pricing. In September 2024 Apple announced two new AirPods 4 (one with and one without Active Noise Cancelation), an update that can turn the AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids, and an update to the AirPods Max that refreshed the color options and switched the Lightning connector for USB-C. More about those updates below. Read: AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4 to find out what’s changed between the two generations and how much better the AirPods 4 are than the AirPods 3. This means that, as of September 2024, Apple’s AirPods line up is as follows: AirPods 4: $129 at Apple U.S. / £129 at Apple U.K. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation: $179 at Apple U.S. / £179 at Apple U.K. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, with USB-C): $249 at Apple U.S. / £229 at Apple U.K. AirPods Max: $549 at Apple U.S. / £499 at Apple U.K. Apple Those aren’t the only earphones that Apple sells. Apple also sells the $19 Apple EarPods / £19 Apple EarPods (either with Lightning connector, USB-C connector, or 3.5mm plug). Plus, Beats is a subsidiary of Apple, so Beats headphones often include Apple-specific features. If you are happy to consider alternatives to AirPods, take a look at our roundups of the best earbuds for iPhone, best USB-C headphones and best over-ear headphones we have tested. For more advice read AirPods vs AirPods Pro. Also read: New AirPods: What to expect from the next-gen AirPods. AirPods 101: A timeline Apple sells four distinct AirPod models right now, but, in the past, the range has included the following AirPods, many of which are no longer sold by Apple. We mention them here because you might still find one of these older models on sale elsewhere, so you should be aware of them: AirPods (1st generation): Launched in December 2016, discontinued in March 2019. AirPods (2nd generation): Launched in March 2019, discontinued in September 2024. AirPods (3rd Generation) with Lightning or MagSafe charging case: launched in October 2021, discontinued in September 2024. AirPods Pro (1st generation): Launched in October 2019, discontinued in September 2022. AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Launched in September 2022 with Lightning connectivity. Updated in September 2023 to add USB-C connectivity. AirPods Max with Lightning: Launched in December 2020. Updated in September 2023 to add USB-C connectivity and refresh the color choices. You may be able to get any of the above AirPods at a discounted price from an independent reseller, including the generations no longer sold by Apple. However, we rarely see these older AirPods at a good enough price now that the AirPods 4 without ANC start at just $129/£129. To get the best prices take a look at the best pricing for Apple’s AirPods right now in the sections below, but we also have a separate roundup of the best AirPods deals that we update monthly. Apple What can AirPods do? You may be thinking of Apple’s AirPods as earbuds, earphones, headphones, or whatever you call them. Perhaps all you want to do with your AirPods is listen to music, but there is so much more that they can do. Here are a few of the benefits of having AirPods: Simple setup: the AirPods are easy to set up to use with all your Apple products. You can instantly pair them with every device linked to your iCloud account just by tapping the AirPods once on your iPhone or iPad. Bluetooth headphones: that’s not to say AirPods can only be used with Apple products. You can connect to PCs, Android phones, game consoles, and TVs via Bluetooth. See: AirPods compatibility: What Do AirPods work with. Automatic switching: You can seamlessly move from listening to audio on your Mac to answering a call on your iPhone. They are intelligent: They sense when they’re in your ears, pause when you take them out and resume when you put them back in. They recognize when you’re speaking and filter out external noise so that your voice is clear. Audio Sharing: You can share an audio stream between two sets of AirPods. Want to listen to your favorite album or Podcast with a friend? Bring their AirPods near the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV you’re listening to and they will connect. You can listen together and each of you will have independent volume control. Conversation Boost: helps you hear people talking to you. Read: How to use Conversation Boost. Live Listen: helps you to hear people across the room by working with your iPhone to pick up sound from a distance. Read: How to use Live Listen. Access to Siri: Siri, your AI assistant, can read your messages or alerts as they arrive. You can even get Siri to reply to messages using voice commands. Free Apple Music: if you haven’t previously had a trial you can get 3 months of Apple Music free See How to get Apple Music for free. Hearing aid: A software update for the AirPods Pro 2 means they are able to function like over-the-counter hearing aids. Read: How to use AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. AirPods compared: Which AirPods are best? If you are wondering what the main differences between the various AirPods read on. We also cover elements like design, controls, waterproofing, noise cancelling, sound quality, charging times and battery life, below. First we’ll run though the key differences between the various AirPods sold by Apple, starting with the most expensive model. You can also see the best prices right now. We recommend the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 with ANC and the standard AirPods 4. We feel that the AirPods Max are too lacking right now to be worth their high price. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $219 View Deal $245 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $219 at B&H$245 at Amazon$249 at Apple The AirPods Pro had a significant update in 2022, bringing Find My to the charging case, better battery life, improved noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality, new extra small ear tips and so much more. Then in 2023 Apple added a few new features including a case that charges with USB-C instead of Lightning, the ability to use an iPhone 15 or later to reverse your AirPods case, better protection against dust, and Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency for Apple Vision Pro. In September 2024, Apple announced that the AirPods Pro 2 would get a firmware update that will add hearing aid features to the earphones. The update is now available so AirPods Pro 2 can function as hearing aids. The AirPods Pro are better than ever, but the price is still high. Read our full AirPods Pro 2 USB-C review Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $168.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) – Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $139.95 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $168.99 at Amazon$169.99 at B&H$179 at Adorama View more prices from AppleApple United StatesWalmart ElectronicsBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) New Refurbished Retailer Price $168.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) – Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $139.95 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods have been redesigned with each generation, each one promising a better fit. The AirPods 4, according to Apple, has a design with “a natural and secure fit for more people than ever.” The effectiveness of the AirPods 4’s active noise cancelation is affected by the open design. The AirPods 4 don’t absolutely cancel the noise around you, which might be preferable, depending on your situation. If you’re in conditions where you need to muffle as much as possible, you’ll be better off with the AirPods 2’s snug ear tips. Like the AirPods Pro 2 case, the $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC case has a speaker to play alerts through Find My. It also supports USB-C or wireless charging–it works with the Apple Watch charger as well as Qi chargers. If you use active noise cancelation, it shortens the AirPods 4’s battery life: when fully charged Apple states a 4-hour listening time with the earbuds and 20 hours of charge with the case. Turn off ANC, and fully charged earbuds can last 5 hours, and the case adds 30 total hours.The AirPods 4 with ANC for $179/£179 are a much better value than the 3rd-gen AirPods with numerous pro-level features. They sound great, the active noise cancelation is extremely useful and works surprisingly well, they fit better than previous AirPods, and the wireless charging and Find My speaker on the case are much-welcomed conveniences. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $119 View Deal $119.99 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $119 at Amazon$119.99 at B&H$129 at Apple United States View more prices from Walmart ElectronicsBest BuyTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Retailer Price $119 View Deal $119.99 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple offers the AirPods 4 without Active Noice Cancelation for $129/£129, a $50/£50 lower price than the model with ANC. Apple identifies this product as the AirPods 4. The earbud and case designs are the same as the $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC. However, the $129 AirPods 4 does not have the following features: Active Noise Cancelation (as well as Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode) Conversation Awareness Wireless charging case Speaker on the case for Find My alerts Otherwise, they’re the same. The AirPods 4 have an H2 chip like the ANC model as well as the same audio quality, fit, and features. So you’ll have to consider if those features listed above are worth the extra $50. The real bonus of the AirPods 4 is the fact that they are being sold for the same price as the 2019 second generation AirPods were prior to September 2024, making them exceptional value for money. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $449.99 View Deal $529 View Deal $529 View Deal $547 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549.99 View Deal $549.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $449.99 at Walmart$529 at Amazon$529 at B&H View more prices from Walmart ElectronicsAppleApple United StatesBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Retailer Price $449.99 View Deal $529 View Deal $529 View Deal $547 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549.99 View Deal $549.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket At more than twice the cost of the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max are the definition of a considered purchase. Thanks to the size of the ear-cups, Apple is able to put a H1 chip in each one, as opposed to the single chip that appears in all of the other AirPods. There are features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Spacial Audio, but the Max doesn’t have the custom high-dynamic range amplifier found in the AirPods (3 and 4) and AirPods Pro, or (more surprisingly) any form of waterproofing. The smart case is also different in that you can’t use it to charge the AirPods Max, but this isn’t as bad as it sounds, as the onboard batteries provide around 20 hours of listening time. Again, thanks to the size of the AirPods Max, controls are handled not by taps but a Digital Crown similar to that found on the Apple Watch, and a dedicated Noise Control button. There are also multiple microphones to aid with noise cancellation, plus updated sensors for better performance. Since the September 2024 update, the AirPods Max charge with USB-C, but prior to that used the Lightning connector. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack. It is possible to use the Lightening connector to plug in the headphones to an analog audio source, such as an in-flight entertainment system, or if you want to eliminate the latency of Bluetooth by using a wired connection, but the USB-C connectivity doesn’t work as seamlessly for this purpose. The September 2024 update also added new color options of blue, purple, Midnight, Starlight or orange. The price didn’t change. For a comprehensive look at the AirPods Max, read our full review. AirPods features: How to choose the best AirPods We’ll now run through all the differences between the various AirPods, looking at the design, controls, waterproofing, noise canceling, sound quality, compatibility, charging times and battery life to help you decide which AirPods will meet your needs. Design All earbud style AirPods are available in white, just like the iPod earbuds that were so iconic. However, if you are willing to spend more on a pair of over-ear Apple headphones then the AirPods Max come in a variety of two-tone colors including (from September 2024) Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. The AirPods Max are designed to create an acoustic seal around your ear to aid noise cancellation. There’s a Digital Crown on one side for volume control. Foundry There was an expectation that the AirPods Pro would have shorter stems when Apple updated them in 2022, but this wasn’t the case. This means that to distinguish between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) you need to look to the earbud. Only the AirPods Pro come with silicone ear tips to create a seal in your ear. There are four sizes: XS, S, M, L included in the box. The extra small size is new with the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro are the only other AirPods to offer external noise cancellation. Michael Simon You might not be keen on pushing something inside your ear, in which case it’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 offer a vent system for pressure equalization so that it feels comfortable to wear them. This vent system combined with the silicon ear tips means you may find the AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable to wear than the standard AirPods with their hard plastic tips that sit in your ear. The most obvious difference between the new AirPods 4 and the older AirPods 2 and 3 is the size of the stem. There’s a lot else that is visibly different though, as you can see from the image above. Foundry Size is another difference, that may or may not matter to you since it doesn’t really impact comfort or fit. The AirPods 4 are lighter than the AirPods Pro 2, which are 5.3g (0.19oz). The AirPods Max weigh a lot more at 384.8g (13.6oz). Controls One of the benefits of using any kind of AirPods is that you can also tell Siri (the artificial intelligent assistant) to do things for you. However, you don’t have to use Siri to control your music playback (luckily). You can use a combination of taps and swipe depending on which AirPods you have. On AirPods 2nd generation you use a double tap to play, skip or answer the phone. AirPods 3 and 4 use a force sensor. It’s one press for play, pause or answer call, two presses to skip forward, and three presses to skip back. Press and hold to activate Siri. AirPods Pro 2 use touch control with different presses for different features. It’s one press for play, pause or answer call, two presses to skip forward, three presses to skip back. You press and hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Transparency, swipe up and down to adjust volume, and you Say Hey Siri to trigger the voice assistant. AirPods Max feature a Digital Crown that you turn to control volume, press to play, pause or answer a call, press twice to skip, three times to go back, and press and hold to activate Siri (or say Hey Siri). There’s also a Noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. There’s a Noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode on the AIrPods Max.Apple Waterproofing: Are AirPods waterproof? Given that a lot of people like to wear headphones when exercising or walking around outside, so the question “can AirPods get wet” is a fair one. The answer to the question is that the AirPods 4 generation and AirPods Pro 2 are sweat and water resistant (IPX4 rated), according to Apple. Which means you can wear then when exercising, in the shower and in the rain, but not in the swimming pool. The AirPods aren’t considered water resistant. Noise canceling: Are AirPods noise canceling? The AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 offer Active Noise Cancelation. Noise cancellation works by using a microphone to detect external sounds and then countering them by playing anti-noise. The AirPods Pro 2 offer better noise cancellation thanks to a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms as well as better microphones and a new speaker grille on top of each earbud to help filter out outside sounds. Apple also offers the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancelation. Active Noise Cancellation isn’t the only sound related feature in the AirPods. There is a Transparency mode available on the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max that lets the outside noise in when you need to hear what’s going on around you. You can switch between these two modes by tapping on a location on your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max (indicated by the blue arrows in the image above). There’s a difference between the Transparency Mode on the AirPods Max and the Pro: the AirPods Pro 2 offer Adaptive Transparency, which will minimise the intensity of loud noises like sirens, so you won’t be deafened if an ambulance passes while you are using Transparency Mode. Conversation Boost is a feature that came to the AirPods Pro in an October 2021 software update. The feature can be used to enhance the voice of the person talking beside you, which could be helpful for the hard of hearing. The feature can be turned on in iOS Accessibility settings, here’s How to use Conversation Boost to turn your AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. Another related feature is Live Listen, which can be used in conjunction with an iPhone or iPad to help you listen to someone speaking from across the room or in a noisy place. You can use Live Listen with AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and also Powerbeats Pro or Beats Fit Pro. Read How to use Live Listen. Sound quality: Which AirPods have the best sound quality? We’ve never had any reason to criticise any AirPods sound quality, although they aren’t necessarily the best sounding headphones you can buy. However, we were glad to find that the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 use the same H2 chip that processes sound, so the audio quality is similar in both, which the differences due mostly to the eartips in the AirPods Pro 2. Another way that AirPods can create personalized sound is via Personalized Spatial Audio, which requires iOS 16 on iPhones with the TrueDepth camera and is compatible with 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro, AirPods, and AirPods Max. It can also be used with Beats Fit Pro. A personal profile based on your unique ear shape is set up for you, based on a photo of your head and each of your ears to create a three-dimensional audio experience when you move your head. Dynamic head tracking can also be beneficial in group FaceTime calls. All AirPods support Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio in Apple Music, but only the 3rd and 4th-generation AirPods, or either generation of the AirPods Pro support Spatial Audio for video with head tracking. Charging and battery life AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 in their charging casesApple Before we get onto battery life, a few words on charging. The $129/£129 AirPods 4 case charges only through USB-C. The $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC has USB-C charging but also can charge wirelessly. The charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 includes USB-C and wireless charging. But perhaps even better, you don’t need to find a power adapter to plug the cable into: you can reverse charge the 2023 version by plugging the case into any iPhone 15. You can also charge the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro and the MagSafe-equipped 3rd-gen AirPods wirelessly. Here’s how the battery life of the different AirPods Apple sells compares: AirPods 4: 5 hours listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus 30 hours listening or 20 hours talking from charging case. AirPods 4 with ANC: 4 hours (with ANC on) or 5 hours (with ANC off) listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus 20 hours (with ANC on) 0r 30 hours (with ANC off) listening or 20 hours talking from charging case. AirPods Pro 2: 6 hours listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus the AirPods Pro 2 charging case can add a total of 30 hours of listening or 24 hours talking. AirPods Max: 20 hrs on one charge, but no charging case boost here. These battery life measures are claimed by Apple. It’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 battery life if superior to the 1st generation of that model (previously 4.5 hours and 24 hours listening time). To check the remaining battery life users can hold AirPods next to their iPhone or ask Siri “How’s the battery on my AirPods?”. Should AirPods need charging a notification will appear on the paired iPhone. Prospective buyers will also want to know how quickly the AirPods will charge – or how quickly you can charge them before leaving the house. AirPods 4: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life. AirPods Pro 2: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life. AirPods Max: 5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of battery life. Again, those are the times quoted by Apple. You won’t always be in a hurry to charge your AirPods of course. Under more usual circumstances the AirPods have a variety of ways in which they can be charged. All but the AirPods 4 without ANC can come with a wireless charging case. There did used to be a version of the AirPods 2 that came with a wireless charging case, but Apple no longer sells that model. Compatibility We mentioned already that AirPods don’t only work with Apple products. They are Bluetooth headphones and as such can connect to any device that supports Bluetooth. In that respect, there might be some difference based on the fact that both generations of AIrPods and the AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.0 while the AirPods Pro 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, which brings improvements such as less interference and improved sound quality. So, if you were wondering if AirPods can connect to your PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Android or even Samsung phone, the answer is yes. You just need to connect via Bluetooth. One last thing to note: if you have a really old iPhone and want to use AirPods, only the AirPods 2nd gen work with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s and the iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air (1st generation) and iPod touch (6th generation). Other AIrPods won’t work with those ageing devices. But we can’t imagine many AIrPod users will have such old Apple devices. We cover various scenarios separately: How to use AirPods with PlayStation or Xbox How to pair AirPods with a Nintendo Switch (without an adapter) How to connect AirPods to Apple TV Which AirPods to buy The AirPods that are right for you will no doubt depend on a variety of factors. Perhaps you want the cheapest option, in which case the AirPods 4 without ANC at $129/£129 might look the most attractive. You will need to really want active noise cancellation to spend $50/£50 more to get it. But if you are a real music lover the AirPods might not be enough for you. The AirPods Pro offer superior sound and many more benefits. They cost a lot more though, at $249/£229. We think they are worth the extra expense, but you might not. If you have money to spend the AirPods Max, which have a very high price in comparison with the rest of the range, at $549/£499, do have a lot of appeal. But those who would appreciate what they offer can look beyond Apple’s offering and probably find something just as good, or better. See: Best over-ear headphones. One other factor influencing your decision though is if you find a good deal on a new or old pair of AirPods. Check out the deals below to see if the AirPods you want are discounted – then perhaps you can afford to splash out on the AirPods Pro instead of the AirPods.

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Which iPhone has the best camera?
Macworld Every year without fail, the new iPhone delivers one of the best cameras on any smartphone. Basically, any iPhone you buy—even the previous year’s model—will snap excellent photos and record videos in stellar quality. It’s that consistency, along with the popularity of Macs among photo and video professionals, that makes the iPhone so popular among photographers and videographers. Whether you’re a pro or just an enthusiast, the iPhone that is best for photography is almost always the newest one—but that also tends to be the most expensive option, so is that the model you should buy? While the top of the range iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max both offer advanced cameras and impressive technologies that will result in professional-looking photographs, the other iPhones still take excellent photos and are worthy of consideration. We will run through the current iPhones that Apple is selling now, along with some iPhones from the past few years. This way we can advise on the best iPhone for photography that fits within your budget.  Apple iPhone 16 Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple | $999 at Apple | $999.99 at Best Buy You may also like to read our iPhone buying guide and our iPhone comparison. How the iPhone cameras compare Every year, with each new iPhone, Apple improves the camera and video features of its iPhones. We’ll begin with an overview of the camera specs for the current iPhone models, before going on to look at the camera features that Apple has introduced over the years.  With the iPhone 16 line, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have the same camera hardware, while the Pro models that launched a year earlier in 2023 had different telephoto cameras. The Pro models differentiate themselves from the non-Pro models with the third camera – telephoto (as usual) and a sharper 48 megapixel ultra-wide camera. iPhoneMain cameraUltra WideTelephotoOptical ZoomiPhone 16 Pro/Max48MP, f/1.7848MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.80.5, 1, 2, 5xiPhone 16 Pro48MP, f/1.7848MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.80.5, 1, 2, 5xiPhone 16 Plus48MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.20.5, 1, 2xiPhone 1648MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.20.5, 1, 2xiPhone 15 Pro Max48MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.212MP f/2.80.5, 1, 2, 5xiPhone 15 Pro48MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.212MP f/2.80.5, 1, 2, 3xiPhone 15 Plus48MP, f/1.612MP, f/2.40.5, 1, 2xiPhone 1548MP, f/1.612MP, f/2.40.5, 1, 2xiPhone 14 Pro Max48MP, ƒ/1.7812MP, ƒ/2.212MP, ƒ/2.80.5, 1, 2, 3xiPhone 14 Pro48MP, ƒ/1.7812MP, ƒ/2.212MP, ƒ/2.80.5, 1, 2, 3xiPhone 14 Plus12MP, ƒ/1.512MP, ƒ/2.40.5, 1xiPhone 14 12MP, ƒ/1.512MP, ƒ/2.40.5, 1xiPhone SE12MP, ƒ/1.80.5, 1xRecent handsets that are no longer sold by Apple are shown in italics, you may still be able to buy one of these models. Looking at the specs sheet you wouldn’t think the iPhone 16 offered an improvement over the iPhone 15, but its Ultra Wide camera now supports macro photography, which is very popular. The cameras can now shoot spatial photos and video for the Vision Pro, too. “Hidden Gem” (water bead in leaf) by Jirasak Panpiansin (@joez19). Macro photograph, shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple The apertures are also a significant variation across iPhones, changing practically every generation as Apple tries to design an iPhone capable of even better low-light photography. An ƒ/1.6 aperture on the iPhone 15 will take in more light than the ƒ/1.8 aperture on the iPhone SE, for example. You may therefore be wondering if the ƒ/1.6 aperture would match the ƒ/1.5 aperture in the iPhone 14, but the aperture is only part of the story. In each generation, Apple also improves the camera sensor, image pipeline, and processing software. The iPhone 14 Pro gained a quad-pixel sensor that combines every four pixels into one large quad-pixel equivalent to 2.44 µm, and this is retained in more recent iPhones. Another benefit of the newer iPhone cameras is second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which was a new feature of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, and is now only available in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This enhances the sensor-shift optical image stabilization found on the iPhone 15, 14 and the 13-series. The 5x zoom introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro Max makes a huge difference in telephoto shots, and is retained in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. How the zooms compare: iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max Simon Lohmann However, if you don’t require a telephoto lens and aren’t interested in macro photography, there are good options for photography fans among Apple’s less expensive iPhones.   What features do iPhone cameras have?  All iPhones can take good photographs thanks to Apple’s innovations in photography software and the processing that runs in the background. The Photonic Engine (which arrived with the iPhone 14 range) is a computational photography technology that can make low-light photos look better, among other things.  The Photonic Engine builds on the Deep Fusion software, which arrived with the iPhone 11. The Deep Fusion process involves the camera taking multiple shots with different exposures and combining them using AI to produce better images that the tiny sensors in a smartphone would otherwise be capable of.  Photographic Styles arrived with the iPhone 13 and also features on the iPhone SE (3rd generation). These are preset styles that are applied when you take a photograph, rather than adding a filter after the photo is taken. The benefit is that adjustments are applied to the right elements of an image—maintaining skin tones, etc—rather than to the whole image. The five presets are Standard, Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm and Cool and you can adjust Tone and Warmth for each. If you find a Photographic Styles you are happy with you can set it so your iPhone always uses it, saving you editing time later. You can of course edit your photos later using the filters in the Photos app.  New to the iPhone 16 line are second-generation Photographic Styles, which offer greater control over color and tone mapping with an easier interface. They can also be applied non-destructively after the shot is taken, and even changed, while the first Photographic Styles had to be applied as you took the photo. It’s a really big deal—proper application of the new Photographic Styles can allow you to produce iPhone shots let look a little more natural, contrast-y, and less over-saturated. A low-light photo taken with the iPhone 15 Pro.Jim Martin / Foundry With every generation, Apple seeks to improve low-light photography. This is no more apparent than in the automatic Night Mode settings that arrived in the iPhone 11 and have improved over the generations since. A Night Mode Portrait setting arrived with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, and is available in all Pro models since. Speaking of portraits, Portrait Mode is available in iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, iPhone X and later, and the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus. There is also a Portrait Lighting feature in the iPhone X and 8 Plus and later that allows you to select one of five effects to ‘light’ your portrait. You can adjust the depth of field for these portraits to create more or less background blur. Since the iPhone 15, you have been able to take regular shots and apply the portrait effect later if you wish, as they record depth information as well. The Portrait Mode also inspires Cinematic Mode for making videos on the iPhone. With this setting the camera can record video with a shallow depth of field, so that there is more focus on the subject. Cinematic Mode is available on the iPhone 13-series and later.  Another video mode that arrived recently is Action Mode. A feature that arrived with the iPhone 14-series, Action Mode lets you capture smooth video when you’re moving. Smart HDR has been around since the iPhone XS and XR in 2018, but, since the 15th-generation iPhone, it’s now Smart HDR 5. Those are some of the standout features that have arrived in recent years, but there is so much more. For example, Live Photos let you take 3-second captures with each picture so you can pick the still image you want, create a Gif-like effect, or just keep the short clip. You can make a QuickTake video by holding the shutter button on the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later. And, of course, every iPhone can shoot time-laps and slo-mo videos as well as square, Portrait, and pano photographs.  Are iPhones good for video? All iPhones currently sold offer 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps and Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps. New to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120fps. The differences relate to features like Cinematic mode on the iPhone 13 and 14-series (but on only in 4K HDR on the iPhone 14-series and up), ProRes and Macro video recording (only available on the Pro and Max iPhones, and HDR video recording, which is not available on the iPhone SE. The video recording features of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are superior to the previous generation, with the addition of Log video recording and the Academy Color Encoding System. ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording equipment for these models too. An omission on the iPhone SE is Audio Zoom, which can help reduce background noise when recording – that feature is present on iPhones 11 and later.  Features like Action Mode and Cinematic mode, mentioned above, will no doubt prove useful to anyone making video with an iPhone.  Best iPhone Camera 1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal Apple $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $999 at Apple$999 at Apple $999.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have identical camera systems. They improve upon the iPhone 15 Pro Max with an upgraded 48 megapixel ultra wide camera, but the real improvements come from the addition of a new Camera Control button and improved software. The second-generation Photographic Styles are a big improvement over the previous version of the feature, giving you more creative control over how your photos and videos look. The Camera Control button can open your camera app (even third-party apps), acts like a shutter button, and can be tapped and swiped to adjust image controls like exposure or zoom. If you’re into video, you’ll appreciate the improved microphones, higher 120fps 4K frame rate, and AI-powered audio mix feature that lets you quickly produce videos that sound great. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Pro review 2. Apple iPhone 16 Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB – Teal – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Pink – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Black – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy Even better than the older Pro models is this year’s regular iPhone 16. Sure, it lacks a dedicated telephoto camera and it doesn’t shoot in ProRES video, but it can zoom in to a 2x optical image using the main camera’s 48 megapixel sensor. It supports the new Photographic Styles, has the Camera Control button, and now takes macro photos and video and Spatial video too. Between the Camera Control button, features like Audio Mix, and the new photographic styles, we’d take the regular iPhone 16 over the iPhone 15 Pro. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review 3. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Price When Reviewed: Was $1,199 (Discontinued) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1099.99 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1099.99 at Best Buy$1199.99 at Target Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro Max, so you won’t be able to buy one directly – unless it’s from Apple’s Refurbished Store (U.K) or Apple’s Refurbished Store (U.S), but you may find it on sale elsewhere. If you can find one to buy, the iPhone 15 Pro Max model is much more than a big iPhone 15 Pro thanks to its a 5X zoom on the telephoto camera, which is a big increase over the 3x/77mm telephoto camera on the iPhone 15 Pro. The digital zoom also increases from 15X to 25X. The ultra-wide camera offers an anti-glare lens coating and improved night mode quality compared to the previous generation. You also get ProRes and Log color video recording plus the ability to shoot ProRAW photos. Some people have found the Camera Control button on the newer iPhone 16 Pro Max awkward to use due to the size of the phone, so if you’d rather bypass that feature, the older model could be a good option. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review 4. Apple iPhone 15 Price When Reviewed: From $699 (Was $799) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $729 at Apple$729.99 at Best Buy If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 still sounds a little bit expensive to you, the iPhone 15 is still a great option if you are looking for a good iPhone for photography. iPhone 15 has a dual-camera array with a wide-angle and ultra-wide camera, and, with this generation, Apple upped the main camera’s megapixels from 12 to 48 with a quad-pixel sensor and 100 percent Focus Pixels for fast autofocus. Shots are saved in 24MP by default so it shouldn’t fill up all your memory. The iPhone 15 can take 2X telephoto shots despite not having a dedicated telephoto lens. If you aren’t keen on the Camera Control button on the newer iPhones, this could be a good option. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 review Further reading: iPhone camera tips to take better photos How to disable the camera shutter sound on an iPhone or iPad How to remotely control your iPhone’s camera

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iPhone comparison chart: Every iPhone compared
Macworld Picking out an iPhone used to be easier—just get the newest one with all the storage you can afford. We still recommend buying as much storage as you can afford, but the choice of which iPhone isn’t quite so simple. Apple currently sells nine iPhone models, four of which launched in fall 2024, two in fall 2023, two in fall 2022, and one in spring 2022. Plus you can still buy older refurbished models from the Apple Refurbished Store and elsewhere. Apple offers all this choice because, quite simply, different people have different priorities. Apple’s latest iPhone lineup includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which it sells alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd gen). The best iPhone depends on your own personal preferences, so it’s not necessarily the case that the number one iPhone is the one you should buy. This group test of all the iPhones Apple sells should give you a good idea of which iPhone will suit you, and whether you can save money or if it would be worth spending more. Read our reviews of the new range: iPhone 16 & 16 Plus review and iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max review. For more help choosing the iPhone for you read our Buying Guide where we explain how each iPhone is different in terms of price, specs and features, cameras, screens, and durability. See: Which iPhone should I get? We also look at iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16. Want to buy a new iPhone 16? Don’t pay more than you need to! We have also collected the best deals for the iPhone 16-series in the U.K. and the best deals for the iPhone 16-series in the U.S. in separate articles. iPhone specs compared Apple sells four current-generation model iPhones: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. You can also buy the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone SE (3rd gen). Here’s how their most important specs compare, but remember, specs aren’t everything! We’ve put these in price order, so scroll across to find the phone you are after. iPhone SE (3)iPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 15iPhone 15 PlusiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxCurrent price$429/£429$599/£599$699/£699$699/£699$799/£799$799/£799$899/£899$999/£999$1,199/£1,199Screen size4.7″6.1″6.7″6.1″6.7″6.1″6.7″6.3″6.9″Size (H x W x D)5.45″ x 2.65″ x 0.29″5.78″ x 2.82″ x 0.31″6.33″ x 3.07″ x 0.31″5.81″ x 2.82″ x 0.31″6.33″ x 3.06″ x 0.31″5.81″ x 2.82″ x 0.31″6.33″ x 3.06″ x 0.31″5.89″ x 2.81″ x 0.32″6.42″ x 3.06″ x 0.32″Weight5.09 oz6.07 oz7.16 oz6.02 oz7.09 oz6oz7.03 oz7.03 oz7.99 ozColorsStarlight, midnight, redBlue, purple, midnight, starlight, redBlue, purple, midnight, starlight, redPink, yellow, green, blue, blackPink, yellow, green, blue, blackUltramarine, teal, pink, white, blackUltramarine, teal, pink, white, blackDesert, natural, white, blackDesert, natural, white, blackDisplayLCD (1334×750-pixel at 326 ppi)OLED with HDR (2532×1170-pixel at 460 ppi)OLED with HDR (2778×1284-pixel at 458 ppi)OLED with HDR (2556×1179-pixel at 460 ppi) 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor)OLED with HDR(2796×1290-pixel at 460 ppi)2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor)OLED with HDR (2556×1179-pixels at 460 ppi) 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightnessOLED with HDR(2796×1290-pixels at 460 ppi)2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightnessOLED with HDR (2622×1206-pixel at 460 ppi), ProMotion 120Hz2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightnessOLED with HDR (2868×1320-pixels at 460 ppi), ProMotion, 120Hz2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightnessProcessorA15 Bionic (4-core GPU)A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)A16 Bionic (5-core GPU)A16 Bionic (5-core GPU)A18 (5-core GPU)A18 (5-core GPU)A18 Pro (6-core GPU)A18 Pro (6-core GPU)Storage64/128/256GB128/256/512GB128/256/512GB128/256/512GB128/256/512GB128/256/512GB128/256/512GB128/256/512GB/1TB256/512GB/1TBAuthenticationTouch IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDRear Camera12MP f/1.8 Wide camera, 0.5, 1x zoom12MP f/1.5 Wide camera,12MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide camera, 0.5, 1x zoom12MP f/1.5 Wide camera,12MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide camera, 0.5, 1x zoom48MP f/1.6 Wide camera,12MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide camera, 2x zoom48MP f/1.6 Wide camera,12MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide camera, 2x zoomCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.6 Fusion, 12MP f/2.6 Ultra Wide; 0.5X, 1X, and 2X zoom; Macro, Spatial CaptureCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.6 Fusion, 12MP f/2.6 Ultra Wide; 0.5X, 1X, and 2X zoom; Macro, Spatial CaptureCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.78 Fusion, 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and f/2.8 12MP Telephoto; 0.5X, 1X, 2X and 5X zoom; Macro, Spatial CaptureCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.78 Fusion, 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and f/2.8 12MP Telephoto; 0.5X, 1X, 2X and 5X zoom; Macro, Spatial CaptureFront Camera7MP f/2.2 camera, 1080p12MP f/1.9 camera, 4K HDR12MP f/1.9 camera, 4K HDR12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K HDR12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K HDR12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K HDR12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K HDR12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K HDR12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K HDRBattery capacity15 hrs video20 hrs video26 hrs video20 hrs video26 hrs video22 hrs video27 hrs video27 hrs video33 hrs video Wireless features5G (sub-6 only), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0,NFC5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0,NFC, Ultra Wideband5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0,NFC, Ultra Wideband5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, ThreadPortLightningLightningLightningUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CMagSafeNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesAll the iPhones currently sold by Apple As you can see in our iPhone 16 battery life tests, the battery life for the whole iPhone 16-series is drastically better. 1. Apple iPhone 16 Pros A18 chip marls a leap of two chip generations Catching up to the iPhone 16 Pro Camera Control and Action buttons Cons Lacks the camera prowess of the Pro models No Always-On Display No Pro Motion Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB – Teal – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Pink – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Black – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $775.15 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 is a big leap from the previous generation, in fact, the step is large enough that it is catching the Pro model up. Where the iPhone 15 brought only a few new features that the iPhone 14 lacked, in the iPhone 16 we have a new phone with a significantly better processor, the new Camera Capture and Action buttons, and improved battery life. The question is more about why you would want to buy the iPhone 16 Pro when you can get a decent phone for $200/£200 less. The iPhone 16 has a new look thanks to a bold color palette and two new buttons on the right-hand side: the Action button and a Camera Capture button. The colors on offer are Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black, all darker shades than the previous generation. Color choices are a matter of personal preference, but we would suggest that choosing a new iPhone based on the color would be a bad idea as you will be keeping it in a case if you are sensible. The Action button first arrived on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in 2023. It is a customizable button that gives quick access to various functions that you can choose, such as the flashlight (torch), activating Voice Memos, or accessibility features. The Camera Control button is a new feature of all four 2024 iPhones and lets users quickly access camera tools and use various gestures to adjust camera functions like exposure or depth of field. This camera button uses a Taptic Engine to simulate the feeling that it is being pressed, so you get a bit more feedback than the onscreen button. However, the Camera Control button has its limitations: you won’t be able to use it while wearing gloves. This button is a good reason to choose the smaller iPhone models though, as it can be a bit of an uncomfortable stretch to use if you have small hands. The cameras themselves get a boost in the iPhone 16 thanks to some innovations. The two-in-one ‘Fusion’ camera offers built in 2x telephoto functionality and features a new 48-megapixel sensor that offers better resolution and light intensity. The 12MP Ultra Wide camera has a larger aperture and bigger pixels than the previous generation. It can capture 2.6x more light and can now shoot close‑up macro photos or wider photos. When it comes to video the iPhone 16 can shoot 4K/60fps, which is more than enough for most people. A new Audio Mix feature lets you adjust the way voices sound in your videos. You can decrease background sound, or just focus on the voices that are in frame, for example. There is also a new Spatial Capture feature, but that only really matters to those who own a Vision Pro. Many of the new photo-related features are made possible by the A18 chip. This is a leap of two generations from the A16 that featured in the iPhone 15 (and the iPhone 14 Pro before that). Since 2022’s iPhone 14, Apple has given the standard iPhone the processor used by the Pro models in the preceding generation, but in 2024, rather than equip the iPhone 16 with the A17, the iPhone 16 has the same generation of processor as the iPhone 16 Pro, albeit with one fewer GPU chip and other behind-the-scenes differences. The A18 is an impressive chip and our Geekbench results prove it. In the Geekbench 6 multi-processor test the iPhone 16 shows a significant 25% increase in performance from 6,242 points to 7,828 points. Performance jumps in the graphics benchmarks were even more pronounced. Another improvement compared to the previous generation is the battery. The phones have been re-engineered to better dissipate heat and to make space for a larger battery, as a result, battery life extends to 22 hours on the iPhone 16, compared to 20 on the iPhone 15. If you want longer battery life, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro can manage 27 hours, while the Pro Max boosts that to 33 hours. Also read: Best iPhone 16 deals (US) and Best iPhone 16 deals (UK) Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review 2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Pros Biggest screen on an iPhone More battery life than you might need Cons Camera Control button could be uncomfortable to use with small hands Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1199 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1199 at Apple$1199.99 at Best Buy If it’s a huge iPhone you want then the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the biggest screen on an iPhone ever. Like the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple’s upped the screen size for this generation, so the iPhone 16 Pro Max now boasts a 6.9-inch screen, up from 6.7 inches. The larger screen is made possible by reduced bezels, so the dimensions aren’t much bigger than the previous generation and it is a similar size to the iPhone 16 Plus. It’s about 30g heavier than the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro though. Other than that there is little to separate the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, so all the details in the iPhone 16 Pro section (below) apply here too. This year the cameras in both the pro iPhones are identical, so that is no longer a reason to go Max. What stands out most about the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the battery life, which, according to Apple is up to 33 hours compared to 27 hours for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus. Those are Apple’s battery claims and depend on what you are using the iPhone for. But six extra hours of battery life should be significant. That said, does battery life beyond the length of a typical waking day really matter? In theory, it could get you through most of a second day if you didn’t have access to a charger the night before. If you like a large phone and you want all the camera features the iPhone 16 Pro Max will more than satisfy, although if you have the iPhone 15 Pro Max you could just wait another generation for the iPhone 17 Pro Max without missing out on too much. 3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Pros Same camera as the iPhone 16 Pro Max Improved battery life Cinematic Slo-mo for video Cons Color choices are getting a bit boring Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal Apple $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $999 at Apple$999 at Apple $999.99 at Best Buy The gap may have closed somewhat between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, but there are still plenty of features only offered by the iPhone 16 Pro that may well entice you, and some significant generational updates worthy of consideration.  First up, perhaps the most obvious difference (other than the new Camera Control button which is a feature of all the new iPhones for 2024) is the larger screen. It is no longer the case that the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro share the same screen size, now the iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches. The phone itself is only fractionally bigger than the iPhone 16, the larger screen is made possible by reduced bezels. It weighs a fair bit more than the junior handset though, at 199 games (7.03 ounces) rather than 170 grams (6.00 ounces). Only the Pro models get the Always-On display and ProMotion (120hz) refresh rate introduced a couple of generations ago. The other thing setting the pro and standard iPhones apart is the color choices. Traditionally Apple positions the standard iPhone as more consumer-friendly, with fun bold color choices. The Pro models get more businesslike micro-blasted metallic finishes. The 2024 iPhone 16 Pro color options aren’t a lot different from the iPhone 15 Pro color options. The new entry is Desert Titanium, replacing Blue Titanium as an option. Desert Titanium is a nice shade that fluctuates between bronze and a subtle rose gold depending on the light. At the end of the day, the color doesn’t really matter because you are going to put it in a case to protect it despite Apple’s claims that all the 2024 iPhones are protected by next-generation Ceramic Shield technology that makes it two times tougher than any smart­phone glass. Externally not so Mac has changed, but on the inside it’s a different story. There are internal design improvements including changes to the aluminum thermal substructure and back glass optimizations that further dissipate heat and enable up to 20 percent better sustained perform­ance than 15 Pro, according to Apple.  The A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is superior to the A18 in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. In our Geekbench tests, the iPhone 16 Pro Max scored 8,146 compared to 7,828 in the iPhone 16. There is also two times faster hardware-accelerated ray tracing in the A18 Pro that will enhance games. In practice, you are unlikely to benefit from the computing power of the A18 Pro, unless you shoot professional films or play games like “Resident Evil Village” on the best possible graphics settings. But that has always been the case with Pro models. Speaking of photography, this is an area where the iPhone 16 Pro and Max stand out from the iPhone 16 and Plus. There have been times in the past the the Pro Max would have a superior camera, but this year the iPhone 16 Pro gets the same camera as the 16 Pro Max.  As is traditional, the Pro model has a three-lens array on the rear module while the iPhone 16 has two lenses on the back. For 2024, there is a new 48MP Fusion camera with second-generation quad-pixel sensor. The rear camera is made up of the 48MP f/1.78 Fusion, 48Mp f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and 12Mp f/2.8 Telephoto lenses. The latter lens now brings 5x optical zoom capabilities to the Pro. Previously the  5x optical zoom was only a feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. There’s also a new 48MP Ultra Wide camera with a more advanced quad-pixel sensor for high-resolution 48MP ProRAW and HEIF photos. Macro photography has been a feature of the Pro iPhones for some time, but now that it is available on the iPhone 16 Apple needs to offer something more on the pros, which is 48MP macro photos. There is also new second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the pro models.  The new 48MP Fusion camera brings Cinematic Slo-mo to the pro iPhones by enabling 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision, that is up from 4K/60fps on the iPhone 15 Pro. There’s now what Apple calls a studio-quality four-mic array for capturing audio and you can also remix the audio to remove or change the prominence of audio elements like off-screen talking.  These camera features are impressive, but they may only be important for photography professionals and those wanting to start a film career. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Pro review 4. Apple iPhone 16 Plus Pros Camera Control and Action buttons Cons Camera Control button could be uncomfortable to use with small hands Screen isn’t as big as the iPhone 16 Pro Max No Always-On Display No Pro Motion Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $929 View Deal $929.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $929 at Apple$929.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 Plus is essentially a bigger version of the iPhone 16. It features the same camera and processor. Everything we mention in the iPhone 16 section applies here too. However, there are both benefits and disadvantages to the larger form factor.  One key benefit is that the iPhone 16 Plus offers better battery life than the smaller iPhone 16. Like the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 16 Plus can offer 27 hours, according to Apple’s tests, while the iPhone 16 is limited to 22 hours. It’s one hour more than the iPhone 15 Plus’s 26 hours. Still a long way behind the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 33 hours, though.   This is one reason why the iPhone 16 Pro Max could be considered a more worthy purchase: if you want a big phone with the best battery life the Pro Max model is further ahead than the iPhone 16 Plus. Other than battery life, the differences between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are (like the differences between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro) less pronounced than usual. There is a smaller gap between processors in the pro and standard models than there has been in a couple of years, and the whole iPhone 16 series shares the Camera Control and Action buttons.  As mentioned in the iPhone 16 section, the Camera Control button may be a bit of a stretch to use comfortably on the iPhone 16 Plus if you have small hands. If you have small hands the Plus probably isn’t going to be that comfortable to hold anyway. If you are lucky enough not to be disadvantaged by hand size, the big screen is a good reason to choose the Plus size over the smaller iPhone. But if it’s a really big screen you want then you might want to consider the even-bigger iPhone 16 Pro Max.  Like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Pro, is significantly better than the previous generation, but where we’d suggest that the differences between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are less pronounced, the differences between the iPhone 16 Plus and Pro Max are more significant.  5. Apple iPhone 15 Pros Much better camera than iPhone 14 Dynamic Island Cons No Always-On Display No Pro Motion No Apple Intelligence Price When Reviewed: From $699 (Was $799) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $729 at Apple$729.99 at Best Buy While the standard iPhone 15 model didn’t get all the bells and whistles of 2023’s Pro models, it did offer some great new features in comparison to 2022’s iPhone 14.  First up is the Dynamic Island, the breakthrough feature of the iPhone 14 Pro and Max that transforms the notch into something a little more useful. The iPhone 15 doesn’t get the other features of the iPhone 14 Pro though: there’s no ProMotion and no Always-On display, for example.  The camera for the iPhone 15 is also better than the predecessor’s. It gains a dual-lens rear camera with 48MP f/1.6 Main, 12MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide; and up to 2X optical zoom. That’s compared to the 12MP Main with ƒ/1.5 aperture in the iPhone 14. Like all the 2023 iPhones it also gains Smart HDR 5.  This generation’s colors: black, blue, green, yellow, and pink are a bit more muted than the bolder blue, purple, yellow, midnight, starlight, and Product Red of 2022. Compared to the bright color options of the iPhone 16 they look like pastel shades. We prefer them. Where the iPhone 15 Pro models are smaller, due to reduced bezels, the iPhone 15 is actually a tiny bit taller than the iPhone 14 at 5.81in (147.6cm) compared to 5,78in (146.7mm). It also weighs a fraction more than the predecessor did. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 share the same dimensions. All the 2023 iPhones offer a USB-C port where the Lightning port once was. The USB-C port on the Pro models offers some more pro features though, for example, the USB-C on the iPhone 15 supports USB 2 while the same port on the iPhone 15 Pro (and 16 Pro) supports USB 3 up to 10GB/s.  The iPhone 15 gets the processor of the iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic. It has a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU and should offer a nice boost compared to that in the iPhone 14.  Also read: Best iPhone 15 deals (US) and Best iPhone 15 deals (UK). Read our full Apple iPhone 15 review 6. Apple iPhone 15 Plus – Get a big iPhone for less Pros Lower price Dynamic Island Cons No always-on display No Pro Motion No Apple Intelligence Price When Reviewed: $799 (was $899) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 15 Plus is essentially a larger version of the iPhone 15 and it shares the same features,  including the USB-C port and A16 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU).  It has a 6.7-inch display like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but is actually slightly larger than the pro variant. Despite this, it’s lighter than the Pro Max at 7.09oz rather than 7.81oz, and is also lighter than the 2022 Plus model was.  The Pro Max is the superior phone with its “tetra prism” periscope lens, 5x zoom, and other features, but the iPhone 15 Plus does at least get an improved camera compared to the previous generation, with a new 48MP main camera with a ƒ/1.6 aperture compared to the 14 Plus’s 12MP, ƒ/1.5 aperture. It also offers Smart HDR 5.  Like the iPhone 15, the Plus gets the Dynamic Island, which transforms the notch into something a little more useful. You won’t find the other features of the iPhone 14 Pro though: there’s no ProMotion and no Always-On display.  The price is better for 2023. The iPhone 14 Plus started at $929 / £949 but the iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899/£899.  Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Plus review 7. iPhone 14 Pros Lower price Cons No Dynamic Island No always-on display No Pro Motion No Apple Intelligence Price When Reviewed: £599 (was £699) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $629 View Deal $829 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 14 128GB – Midnight – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $382.83 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Starlight – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $398.99 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Blue – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $401.01 View Deal iPhone 14 128GB – Purple – Unlocked – Dual eSIM $420 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $629 at Apple$829 at Visible Rather than upgrading the processor to the A16 Bionic, as seen in the iPhone 14 Pro (and Max), the iPhone 14 (and Plus) instead features the A15 Bionic, albeit the variant from the iPhone 13 Pro. This was the first time Apple gave the standard iPhone the pro iPhone’s hand-me-downs–it did the same with the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 gets a brand-new chip though. The iPhone 14 was very similar to the iPhone 13, but offered some camera improvements including a faster aperture (ƒ/1.5 rather than ƒ/1.6) and a larger sensor on the main camera to bring better overall performance and improvements in low-light shooting. The iPhone 14 also benefits from the Photonic Engine computational system that helps capture more detail in challenging light and aids features such as Foreground Blur. The Action Mode was another bonus feature that made the iPhone 14 a better phone than the iPhone 13. Action Mode means you can video while walking, or even running and get a steady result. It’s a fun feature that people will probably take advantage of. The selfie camera on the front is also improved on the iPhone 14, with a bigger aperture and autofocus. There are other features that the iPhone 14 offers and the iPhone 13 lacked, such as the Crash Detection feature. If you are in such a situation then you’ll probably be glad to have the 14. As for how the iPhone 14 compares to the iPhone 15, which also costs just $100/£100 more, the newer iPhone offers a lot for that extra money, including a superior 48MP camera, USB-C port, Dynamic Island, and the A16 Bionic chip. For another $200/£200 you could get the much more superior iPhone 16 though, which offers Apple Intelligence features. Also read: Best iPhone 14 deals. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 review 8. iPhone 14 Plus Pros Large format at a lower price Cons No Dynamic Island No always-on display No Pro Motion No Apple IntelligenceNo always-on display Price When Reviewed: £699 (was £799) When it was introduced as a brand new model in 2022, the iPhone 14 Plus rocked the boat a bit because it meant that people who might have chosen the iPhone 14 Pro Max, because they wanted a big iPhone, now had a choice. They could save a decent amount of money and purchase a new iPhone with standard features. Or, to look at it another way, they could save money and get more storage by choosing a 512GB iPhone 14 Plus over a 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max. For some, more storage will trump additional Pro features. Now Apple has dropped the price of the iPhone 14 Plus to $699/£699 from its original $929/£949, so it’s good price if you want a big phone and don’t mind that it’s an older model. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 Plus review 9. Apple iPhone SE (2022) – The smallest iPhone and it has a Home button Pros Home button Cheapest iPhone Small Cons Old, mediocre quality cameras Dated display with huge bezels No mmWave support Disappointing battery life Price When Reviewed: $429 (64GB) | $479 (128GB) | $579 (256GB) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone SE (2022) 64GB – Midnight – Unlocked $153.22 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $429 at Amazon$429 at Apple$429 at Apple United States View more prices from Walmart Close × Best Prices Today: Apple iPhone SE (2022) – The smallest iPhone and it has a Home button New Refurbished Retailer Price $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone SE (2022) 64GB – Midnight – Unlocked $153.22 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The second generation iPhone SE (introduced in 2022) is the smallest iPhone sold by Apple. It’s a similar size to what the iPhone 8 was, so if that’s the iPhone size that’s right for you then this is the iPhone to consider – although we’d suggest an iPhone with a 6.1-inch screen (the iPhone 14, 15 or 16) would be preferable (the screen is larger, but the iPhone isn’t a lot bigger). However, there’s one other important reason why for some people the iPhone SE is a good choice. Anyone who feels that they need the Home button will probably feel lost with any iPhone other than the iPhone SE. While most of us can adjust to Face ID and swiping rather than pressing a button, some benefit from the accessibility of a physical button, and there is no doubt that is the reason why Apple still sells an iPhone with a button (although we don’t know for how much longer that will be the case). There is a way to add a software Home button to any iPhone though. Read: How to add a software Home button. The other reason to choose the 2022 iPhone SE is that it is Apple’s cheapest iPhone you can buy new. It now costs $429/£429. Although that is more than the older generations cost: the 2020 iPhone SE cost $399. While we don’t really recommend buying the iPhone SE, if you need that Home button–and we know some older folk who are concerned about not having that button–it’s the only available option. If you are looking for an iPhone for an elderly relative, this might be the one, see: Best iPhone for seniors. Also read: Best iPhone SE deals. Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) review That’s the low down on every iPhone Apple sells as of the end of 2024. Also read our Best iPhone Deals to get a good price on all iPhones at stockists near you.

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Best iPhone chargers: How to pick the right USB-C power adapter
Macworld If you’ve ordered a new iPhone recently, you’ll notice that the box is a whole lot slimmer than in previous years. That’s because the bulkiest accessory is gone: the power charger. Apple has removed the power adapter from all iPhones it sells, so you need to bring your own. If you’ve been using Apple’s feeble old 5W adapter, it’s a perfect time to upgrade. Apple now supplies a cable in all iPhone boxes to allow for fast charging, so all you need is the right charger. Here we list our favorite trusted iPhone chargers—many of which do more than the plain Apple-branded charger, and nearly all of which are much smaller. Lightning or USB-C for iPhone? When we talk here about USB-C chargers, we mean the port on the charger, not on the iPhone. Starting with the iPhone 15 family, Apple has switched the port on its iPhone from Lightning to USB-C. But iPhones older than the 15 with the Lightning port should still hunt out a charger with a USB-C port as only these offer fast iPhone charging. Older phones will use a USB-C-to-Lightning cable, while the iPhone 15 series will have USB-C at both ends. Which wattage charger for iPhone? It’s important to consider the amount of wattage a charger will provide to your device. For years, Apple supplied “good-enough” 5-watt chargers in the iPhone box, which take about 2.5 hours to fill up your iPhone. The newest iPhone models require a charger that can handle 20 watts or greater for fast charging—30W will charge recent iPhones even faster. You can fill up about 50 percent of an iPhone 15 or 16’s battery in about 30 minutes with the right adapter. The latest iPhones can take in around 30W of power, so aim for that as a minimum for your iPhone charger. Higher wattages mean you could use the charger for your MacBook, too. Wired and wireless iPhone charging? From the iPhone 8 on, iPhones have the ability to be charged wirelessly. The iPhone 12 and later also feature Apple’s superior MagSafe wireless charging technology that uses magnets to make the connection with the wireless charging pad more efficient; check out our roundup of the best MagSafe chargers, most of which require one of the USB-C wall chargers tested here. Magnetic wireless chargers come in different charging speeds: 7.5W for MagSafe compatible, 15W for certified MagSafe and Qi2, and 25W on Apple’s newest MagSafe Charger. However, charging with a cable plugged into the iPhone will always be faster than wireless as less power is lost than in a wireless connection. Below our chart of the best iPhone chargers we recommend our favored charging cables. Count the ports Many adapters offer multiple ports on a single wall charger. If you’re going to be regularly charging more than one device at a time, buy an adapter with at least two ports—some have as many as four ports. You can even get a mix of USB-C and USB-A, depending on your needs. Plugs: To fold or not to fold Some chargers have folding pins to protect the adapter as well as other items if you toss it in a bag, but Apple’s 20W charger and a few others have less flexible protruding prongs. It’s a small thing, but it could make a big difference in your travel bag. As any traveler knows, plugs come in all shapes and sizes around the globe. We’ve tried to cover the most used types here. Some USB-C power adapters even come with different prong sets so you can leave the multi-holed travel adapter at home when you travel. Best iPhone chargers 2025 Official Apple iPhone charger: Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter Pros Official Apple charger Foldable prongs on U.K. model Cons No foldable prongs on U.S./AU models One port Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $14.99 View Deal $14.99 View Deal $19 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $29 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $14.99 at Best Buy$14.99 at Walmart Electronics$19 at Apple$29 at Amazon View more prices from AmazonAdorama Close × Best Prices Today: Official Apple iPhone charger: Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter Retailer Price $14.99 View Deal $14.99 View Deal $19 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $29 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we love it: Apple’s 20W USB-C power adapter is as basic as it gets. It’s one of the bulkiest chargers on this list as well as one of the heaviest, It won’t charge a laptop, and you can’t charge more than one device at a time. However, if you want to keep your chargers in the Apple family, it’s a solid option for $19/£19. In our testing, it won’t charge your phone noticeably faster than the old Apple 18W plug, but it is noticeably cheaper than the model it replaces. We’d like it better if Apple offered a half-price option for iPhone buyers, but even at full price, it’s not a terrible value at all. The U.S. and Australian models don’t feature a folding plug, but the more cube-like U.K. model does, despite the larger plug type, and is a much cleaner design as a result. While 20W is the minimum for fast charging, we recommend a 30W charger for newer iPhones. Best single-port iPhone charger: Anker 30W Nano Charger 511 Pros Smallest, lightest 30W charger 30W Foldable plug Multiple color options Cons One port Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $18.99 View Deal Anker $19.99 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $22.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $18.99 at Amazon$19.99 at Anker$19.99 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from Walmart Close × Best Prices Today: Best single-port iPhone charger: Anker 30W Nano Charger 511 Retailer Price $18.99 View Deal Anker $19.99 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $22.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we love it: Measuring just 1.12 × 1.12 × 1.39 inches (U.S. model), the 30W Anker USB-C Nano 3 Charger 511 is the smallest 30W USB-C charger we’ve had in our labs for testing. It weighs just 1.3oz (36g). We recommend you buy a 30W charger over 20W as it will charge newer iPhones even faster. The iPhone 15 Pro models will probably fare better with 35W for the fastest iPhone charging, so owners of the very latest iPhones should look at the two-port 40W Anker Nano Pro charger reviewed lower down. Earlier iPhones should be fine with 30W chargers such as this one. It’s available in a range of pastel colors, including Misty Blue, Lilac Purple, Phantom Black, Aurora White and Natural Green. The U.K. Anker Nano 3 (511) model is larger and doesn’t feature foldable prongs—so for U.K. buyers, we recommend the equally incredibly light and powerful Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W), pictured above, that does have foldable prongs. Ugreen Nexode 30W USB-C GaN Charger Pros Small size 30W Foldable plug Cons One port Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $11.99 View Deal $12.99 View Deal $16.99 View Deal Ugreen $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $11.99 at Walmart$12.99 at Amazon Prime$16.99 at Amazon View more prices from Ugreen Close × Best Prices Today: Ugreen Nexode 30W USB-C GaN Charger Retailer Price $11.99 View Deal $12.99 View Deal $16.99 View Deal Ugreen $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we love it: At 1.26 x 1.26 x 1.57 inches and 48g (U.S. model), the tiny Ugreen Nexode 30W GaN Charger is slightly larger than the similar Anker Nano (reviewed above). To make it even more portable both U.S. and U.K models feature foldable prongs. That extra power won’t make much difference with many iPhones as 20W is enough for fast charging. But if you have an iPhone Pro or Max, a 30W charger will allow it to charge a little faster (27W), and it certainly won’t hurt to have the added power on other models. At 30W, It could even recharge a 13-inch MacBook Air! While the 2-Port Nexode 45W Charger, also by Ugreen and reviewed below, gives you two ports, the single port of this charger pumps out a few more watts than either of the two on the 45W dual charger—so if you only have one device to charge, this is the better (and cheaper choice). Plugable 30W USB-C GaN Charger Pros Small size 30W Foldable plug Available in white or black Cons One port North America only Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $15.95 View Deal $18.95 View Deal $18.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $15.95 at Walmart$18.95 at Amazon$18.95 at B&H Why we love it: This is another new-generation USB-C charger that measures just 1.22 × 1.26 × 1.37 inches—only marginally larger than the 30W Anker Nano and about the same as the Ugreen Nexode. It weighs just 45g—although you’ll likely not notice the difference with the 36g Anker Nano or 50g Ugreen Nexode. Available in either white or black, it’s not available outside of North America. Budget iPhone charger: Anker PowerPort III 20W Cube Fast Charger Pros Small size Foldable plug on U.S. model Available in white or black Cons One port No foldable plug on U.K. model Price When Reviewed: $14.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Anker $14.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $14.99 at Anker Why we love it: At 1.23 x 1.25 x 1.3 inches, the compact GaN-tech Anker PowerPort III is also pretty tiny and may be found cheaper than the 30W USB-C chargers as it is rated at the lower 20W. The U.K. model is less flexible due to the size of the U.K. plug and doesn’t allow for foldable prongs, so we prefer the Anker Nano or the even finer Apple 20W Charger in that country only. However, if you can afford it we recommend you go for a 30W charger if your iPhone is a version 13 or later. Fastest two-port iPhone charger: Ugreen 2-Port Nexode 45W Charger Pros Two ports 45W Small size Foldable plug (U.S. and U.K.) Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $24.99 View Deal $29.99 View Deal Ugreen $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $24.99 at Amazon Prime$29.99 at Amazon$39.99 at Ugreen Why we love it: The Ugreen Nexode 45W GaN Wall Charger 2-Ports Charger has more ports and power than the Anker 511 Nano Pro, but at 1.57 x 1.57 x 1.93 inches isn’t much larger. Each USB-C port is rated at 45W, although note that 45W is the maximum total output—you can choose either port to supply it. Using both ports, one will give 25W and the other 20W. It’s a great compact choice for homes with a couple of iPhones in need of a power boost. Slimmest two-port iPhone charger: Plugable 40W Dual USB C Charger Pros Two ports 40W Foldable plug Slimline Cons North America only Price When Reviewed: $34.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $34.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $34.95 at Amazon Why we love it: Measuring 1.7 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches (4.4 x 4.8 x 2.3cm), the Plugable 40W Dual USB C Charger is a dual-port charger that is a little larger in volume than the Ugreen 2-Port Nexode 45W Charger reviewed above, but has a slimmer profile when plugged into a power socket. It’s wider but sticks out of the wall half as far as most chargers. It’s also lighter than the two-port Ugreen charger: 2.5oz vs 3.46oz (70g vs 98g). Each USB-C port is rated at 40W (maximum total output is 40W). Using both ports, that 40W is intelligently shared by priority. A 9V or higher device will charge faster than a 5V device, and you can see which devices is charging the fastest with the LED indicating the charge speed: blue for fastest, and green for slow. The Ugreen beats it on charging speed, but that which means more for 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 Samsung users than max 30W iPhone users. If you want to use it to charge a MacBook, that extra 5W might be more useful. Best four-port charger: Minix NEO P3 100W Turbo Pros Four ports Up to 100W U.S./U.K./EU pins Foldable plug Cons May be overkill for just a phone Price When Reviewed: $65.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.90 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.90 at Amazon Why we love it: The Minix NEO P3 100W Turbo packs a lot of power and has four ports: three USB-C and one old-school USB-A. Two of the USB-C ports can charge at 100W, although obviously not at the same time. That means you can use this power adapter to charge a laptop as large as the 16-inch MacBook Pro as well as tablets and phones. The third USB-C is perfect for fast iPhone charging at 20W, as is the 18W USB-A port if you have an older charging cable. Using two ports at the same time it supports one 65W and one 30W feed. Using three supports 45W, 30W, and 20W charges. With all four, it supports, 45W, 30W, and two 7.5W feeds. Like Apple’s dual-port charger, this adapter features intelligent power allocation, automatically adjusting the power output of each port depending on the devices connected to it. The U.S. plug folds, making it a tidy package for carrying around, and the U.K. and EU pin converters simply slide onto the U.S. pins to make this a great home charger in those territories and a useful international travel companion. Best travel adapter charger: OneAdaptr OneWorld 65 Pros Five ports Travel plug adapter 65W PD Cons Total output limited to 5 ports Price When Reviewed: $74.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price OneAdaptr $74.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $74.99 at OneAdaptr Why we love it: The OneWorld 65 is an international adapter that also boasts a built-in 65W PD Charger that can charge up to six devices simultaneously. It features one 65W USB-C PD port, one 20W USB-C PD port, another USB-C charging port, and two USB-A charging ports—the non-PD USB-C port and two USB-A ports share 15W of power. Note that the maximum power output is 65W so if you are charging a mid-sized laptop in full use, there won’t be much spare juice for fas-charging your iPhone. But the real benefit of the OneWorld 65 is that as well as all the USB ports you can also use this as a travel adapter. Sliding connectors will fit into U.S., European, Australian/Chinese, and British wall sockets so covering over 200 countries, and you can plug a similar range of plugs into the OneWorld 65 from the other side. OneAdaptr has a few versions of this handy travel adapter—all with the sliding international prongs and an AC socket. The $39 entry-level OneWorld30 features one 20W USB-C PD port, 2x 15W USB-C and 2x 15W USB-A ports; the $69 OneWorld65 reviewed here; the $89 OneWorld100 features two 60W USB-C PD ports and 2x 15W USB-A ports; and the $109 OneWorld135 features two 100W USB-C PD ports, 1x 20W USB-C and 1x 18W USB-A port. Colorful two-port iPhone charger: Casetify 33W Fast Charger Pros Small size Two ports Foldable plug on U.S. model International plug heads Cute Pink/Blue model Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $42 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Casetify $42 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $42 at Casetify Why we love it: The biggest selling point of the Casetify Fast Charger is its cute pink/blue color, although it is also available in plain white. Its 33W beats standard 30W chargers—enough for an iPhone fast charge and AirPods or Apple Watch at the same time. This two-port charger (USB-C and USB-A) is not as tiny as some other chargers but at 1.3 x 1.9 x 1.5 inches it isn’t much larger. It comes with U.K. and E.U. plug heads that slip over the foldable U.S. prongs, so makes a great travel charger, too. Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter Pros Two ports U.S. models have a foldable plug Cons Non-U.S. models don’t have a foldable plug Expensive Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59 View Deal $59 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59 at B&H$59 at Best Buy$69.99 at Adorama Why we love it: Apple offers its own dual-port USB-C charger in two models. As far as we can tell they are identical in everything except shape and size. As an Apple product, it’s reassuringly expensive but also a little smarter than most power adapters. The neat 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter is aimed at iPhone users, and the larger non-compact model is called the 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter, which is the one built for the newer MacBook Air models. Both U.S. chargers feature foldable plugs. The larger version is maybe only preferable if you prefer the ports pointing straight on rather than below the plug itself. As it was designed to work with an iPhone and also something as energy-hungry as an M2/M3 MacBook Air, it needs to be able to distinguish which device needs what. When you connect two devices, power is automatically distributed between them based on their power requirements. In most cases, it will give each device 17.5W, but if you connect a MacBook or iPhone and an Apple Watch or AirPods, it will receive up to 27.5W and the Watch/AirPods gets up to 7.5W. Apple doesn’t say so, but we expect that it uses GaN technology to keep its size to a minimum. Plugable Wall Outlet Extender Pros Adds two ports, keeps AC socket 30W Cons North America only Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $22.95 View Deal $22.95 View Deal $24.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $22.95 at Amazon$22.95 at B&H$24.95 at Walmart Electronics Why we love it: If you are short on power sockets, adding a wall charger leaves you with one less place to connect a plug for another device. You could add an extension strip—such as the Ugreen GaN Power Strip reviewed below—but the Plugable Wall Outlet Extender is smaller and neater, giving you two USB ports and a passthrough power socket. The USB-C socket can power an iPhone at up to 30W, and there’s another USB-A port that can handle 12W. Note, though, that the combined USB power output is 32W, so if you use both, that USB-C port might get pegged back to just 20W. UGreen 100W USB-C GaN Power Strip Pros 4 USB ports and 3 AC power sockets 100W Cons Bulky Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $48.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Ugreen $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $48.99 at Amazon Prime$69.99 at Amazon$99.99 at Ugreen Why we love it: This power strip is both a desktop charger and AC extender with three power sockets, and includes four USB ports (3x USB-C, 1x USB-A), two of which are PD compatible at 100W so powerful enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro or super-fast-charge the latest iPhones. This is great for adding all sorts of device-charging on or underneath your desk. The other USB-C port and the USB-A port can each fast-charge an iPhone at 22.5W. Maximum output on the USB ports is 100W, and for the three power plugs (one on the top, and two behind) 1,870W. Amazon FAQ 1. What’s the best iPhone Lightning charging cable? Apple still includes a cable in the box with all new iPhones whether they have Lightning or USB-C. But you can never have enough charging cables, right? Older iPhones (before iPhone 15) require a Lightning port on one end. If you need a spare, make sure you buy a USB-C to Lightning cable that’s certified Made for iPhone (MFI). Anker makes several of our recommended iPhone chargers, and its MFI-certified USB-C to Lightning cable is a little cheaper than Apple’s own cable and is twice as long. Anker has a bunch of USB-C to Lightning cables in various lengths and colors on its U.S. Amazon Store and at Amazon UK. We also rate UGreen’s USB-C to Lightning iPhone charge cables. For more detail, read our roundup of the best Lightning cables. 2. What about USB-C to USB-C cables? From the iPhone 15 onwards—or until Apple offers only wireless charging—Apple has replaced the iPhone’s Lightning port with a standard USB-C port so you need a USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C cable. The new iPhones ship with the correct cable so you don’t need to go looking for a new one unless you require a spare—and, let’s face it, most of us need several. Check out PCWorld’s list of the best USB-C cables. For more advice on charging your iPhone read: iPhone Clean Energy Charging: How it works and why you want to keep it on, How to charge an iPhone properly and What’s the fastest way to charge an iPhone.

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