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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Best stylus for iPad, iPad Air, Pro, and mini
Macworld The iPad is a capable device for both art and productivity, but it becomes a stronger proposition in both areas if you have a good stylus to hand. Whether you’re sketching a new building design, taking notes during a work meeting or designing graphics, a stylus is a game-changer. But with so many to choose from in just about every shape and size, which is the best for your needs? Everyone has heard of the Apple Pencil, but there are plenty of great alternatives that cost a fraction of the price.  If you want an Apple Pencil and need more information to help you choose, take a look at our Best Apple Pencil guide, which should help you determine which one works with your iPad. If you’d prefer to consider all the options alongside Apple’s, here’s what we consider to be the best iPad styluses available right now. Apple Pencil Pro – The ultimate stylus for compatible iPads Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $118.5 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $149 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (Pro) – 2024 $110 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $99 at Target $99 at Walmart Electronics$118.5 at B&H$149 at Amazon View more prices from AmazonAdoramaAppleApple United States Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Pencil Pro – The ultimate stylus for compatible iPads New Refurbished Retailer Price $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $118.5 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $149 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (Pro) – 2024 $110 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: M2 iPad Air; M4 iPad Pro The Apple Pencil Pro is essentially a replacement for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil (below), made to work only with the new M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro introduced in 2024 (or later iPad Air/Pro models). It works just like the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, with the same overall shape and size and magnetic pairing and charging. The difference is that Apple added four very welcome new features: A gyroscope that lets you “roll” the pencil to change the orientation of shaped brushes and tools. A taptic engine for haptic feedback. Find My support. Squeeze sensitivity, to open palettes or change tool options like weights or colors. Those new features are going to make them much more appealing to digital artists, but you can’t buy an Apple Pencil Pro and use it with any iPad made before May 2024. Zagg Pro Stylus 2 – A good alternative to the Apple Pencil Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $54.74 View Deal $54.99 View Deal $58.99 View Deal $66.06 View Deal Zagg $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $54.74 at Amazon$54.99 at B&H$58.99 at Best Buy View more prices from Walmart ElectronicsZagg Close × Best Prices Today: Zagg Pro Stylus 2 – A good alternative to the Apple Pencil Retailer Price $54.74 View Deal $54.99 View Deal $58.99 View Deal $66.06 View Deal Zagg $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch We loved the original Zagg Pro Stylus so we were happy to hear that there was a new model. The Pro Stylus 2 is a good alternative to the Apple Pencil with many of the same features including wireless charging, a replaceable tip and attaching magnetically to the iPad Air and iPad Pro. One advantage is that unlike the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil the Zag Pro Stylus 2 can be used with any iPad since 2018. The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is comfortable to hold, has a matt coating, and comes in a selection of colors. There are two tips: a replaceable stylus tip and a capacitive rubber tip which can be used for scrolling and also functions as the power button. To save power, the Pro Stylus 2 switches off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity. The battery should last for around 6.5 hours. We tested with a number of creative apps and found the experience akin to the Apple Pencil 2, however, it didn’t work well with Adobe Photoshop due to significant delays. If you are using Photoshop then stick with the Pencil 2. Read our full Zagg Pro Stylus 2 review Adonit Note+ 2 – A slimline stylus with impressive versatility Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adonit $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $69.99 at Adonit$69.99 at Amazon Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch The Adonit Note+ 2 is a slimline stylus that features an impressive amount of versatility. Housed in an aluminum body that weighs only 14g, it’s comfortable to hold and use for longer writing or sketching sessions. On the body there are two buttons, one is for the standard power and pairing features, but once connected to Bluetooth they can both be programmed in a variety of supported apps to execute commands. So, you might set one for Undo and the other for Redo which enables you to quickly fix mistakes in your note or illustration without having to access menus. In the box you’ll find three different replacement tips – soft, medium and hard – allowing users to tailor the physical experience to their personal preferences. The Note+ 2 supports palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, so long as the app you’re using does too (the list of compatible apps covers pretty much all the big hitters for notes and art). Adonit has also built-in an angle detection technology which means you can have thicker or thinner pen-strokes by simply tilting the stylus. Writing and drawing with the Note+ 2 is smooth and reliable, with the slim profile nestling into the hand. There’s a flat side opposite the buttons which provides a steady grip and is also home to magnets that mean you can attach the stylus to the edge of your iPad when you’re taking a break. Battery life tops out at eight hours, which takes one hour of charging through the USB-C port to achieve. But, if you run out of juice while in the midst of a creative frenzy, five minutes of charging will keep you going for another hour. Apple Pencil (USB-C) – Good value iPad pencil Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $69 View Deal $69 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $79 View Deal $79 View Deal $79 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (USB-C) – 2018 $63.40 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $69 at Best Buy$69 at Walmart Electronics$69.99 at AdoramaNot Available at Amazon View more prices from AmazonTarget AppleApple United States Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Pencil (USB-C) – Good value iPad pencil New Refurbished Retailer Price $69 View Deal $69 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $79 View Deal $79 View Deal $79 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (USB-C) – 2018 $63.40 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad Pro 13-inch M4; iPad Pro 11-inch M4; iPad (10th gen); iPad Air 13-inch M2; iPad Air 11-inch M2; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th gen); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th gen); iPad Air (4th-5th gen); iPad mini (6th gen) The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is a slightly confusing entry to Apple’s range of Pencils. It isn’t as good as the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil from 2018 and doesn’t even have all of the same features of the 1st-gen Apple Pencil from 2015. It includes some of the same features as the prior models (including low latency and tilt sensitivity), but is also missing pressure sensitivity and wireless charging–in fact, it is the only model with a port for charging. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for storage, like the 2nd-gen model. It is also shorter than both the 1st-gen and 2nd-gen models (6.10 inches vs 6.92 inches and 6.53 inches). You can’t engrave it. But, at $20/£20 less than the 1st-gen Pencil and $50/£50 less than the 2nd-gen model, it’s cheaper than both. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – For older iPads only Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal $89 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $124 View Deal $124.99 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (2nd gen) – 2018 $68.10 View Deal $109.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $79.99 at Target $89 at Walmart$99.95 at B&H$124 at Amazon View more prices from AmazonAdoramaAppleApple United States Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – For older iPads only New Refurbished Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal $89 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $124 View Deal $124.99 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Pencil (2nd gen) – 2018 $68.10 View Deal $109.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th gen); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th gen); iPad Air (4th-5th gen); iPad mini (6th gen) The Apple Pencil 2nd gen, which launched in 2018, is shorter than the original Pencil and has a flat edge you can tap to trigger app-specific functions. This makes Apple’s stylus easier to hold and it stops it rolling off your desk. The 2nd gen Pencil is also magnetically attachable to the iPad, which also helps with the rolling. Unlike the 1st gen Pencil, the 2nd-gen Pencil has no Lightning connector for charging, instead, it charges wirelessly when connected to the iPad, which is much neater. The 2nd-gen Pencil is matt white rather than the glossy white of the original (which could be a bit dazzling). You can also tell the two apart because the original had a metallic ring next to the charging cap. Both the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils are equally responsive and pressure-sensitive. You can tilt the stylus to create different textures, making it a great tool for handwriting, sketching, note-taking and illustration. Read our full Apple Pencil (2nd generation) review Apple Pencil (1st generation) – For iPads with Lightning ports Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69 View Deal $69 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $69 at Amazon$69 at Walmart Electronics$79.99 at Target View more prices from AdoramaAppleApple United StatesBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Pencil (1st generation) – For iPads with Lightning ports Retailer Price $69 View Deal $69 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (6th-10th generation); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st-2nd gen); iPad Pro 10.5-inch; iPad Pro 9.7-inch; iPad Air (3rd gen); iPad mini (5th gen) The second generation Apple Pencil features earlier this round-up, but we still recommend the first generation Apple Pencil, which launched way back in 2015 but is compatible with the standard iPad from 6th to 10th generation (as well as a number of older iPad models). If those are the iPads you have this is the Apple Pencil for you. We compare the two generations of Apple Pencil in Apple Pencil (2018) vs Apple Pencil (2015). One benefit of the older Apple Pencil, assuming it works with your iPad, is that it is cheaper than the second-generation version at $99/£99 rather than $129/£129. It is still more expensive than the Apple Pencil (USB-C), which costs $79/£79, though. The original Apple Pencil is almost entirely white, with just a metallic band at the non-writing end by the charging cap. This cap conceals a Lightning port for charging and syncing. When you want to charge the Pencil you can just plug it into the iPad’s Lightning port or use an adapter if your iPad has a USB-C port (as is the case with the iPad 10th gen). There is a downside to charging this way: you can’t use the Pencil while it is charging and it looks pretty ridiculous. Here’s how to check the Apple Pencil’s battery percentage. The Pencil feels pretty good in the hand, with a nice weight to it. The Apple Pencil and compatible iPads have sensors that can detect the pressure you’re using and the angle you’re holding the stylus at, making it effortless to create lines of different thicknesses. In the Pencil’s tip there are two tilt sensors which the iPad’s display will keep track of to work out the exact orientation and angle of your hands as you draw. For example, you can use the side of the Pencil’s tip for realistic shading like you would with a real pencil lead. The Apple Pencil knows to ignore the wrist and palm You get a spare tip in the box, but it’s identical to the one that comes attached to the Pencil. Read our full Apple Pencil (1st generation) review Logitech Crayon (USB-C) Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $53.99 View Deal $66.42 View Deal Logitech $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $49.99 at Amazon$53.99 at Best Buy$66.42 at B&H View more prices from LogitechTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Logitech Crayon (USB-C) Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $53.99 View Deal $66.42 View Deal Logitech $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch The Logitech Crayon was one of the first quality alternatives to the original Apple Pencil, and since then the company has updated the stylus to an improved second generation. This features a refined design and ditches the Lightning port of the first one, replacing it with the more useful USB-C. Where the first-gen model featured orange plastic coloring at the top and bottom as an option, the new version goes for a sleeker, simpler aesthetic with a silver aluminum and grey plastic combination.  Much of the construction remains the same, as the initial version proved so popular, meaning you get a slim, lightweight plastic chassis that’s flat on the two longer sides. This gives the Logitech Crayon a similar feel to a carpenter’s pencil, which brings the added benefit of not rolling off a table when you put it down.  It’s not magnetized, which seems a shame as the shape lends itself to sitting flush along the side of an iPad, which also means it can’t be recharged wirelessly. This makes it akin to the original Apple Pencil and remember that the similarly priced Apple Pencil (USB-C) doesn’t support wireless charging either.  You get excellent palm rejection, tilt support, instant pairing by simply sliding the power switch, and the Crayon writes smoothly with no noticeable lag. As with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) there’s no pressure sensitivity, so this isn’t really a stylus for graphic designers or artists, both of whom would be better off with the Apple Pencil Pro.  The Logitech Crayon works with all iPads from 2018 or later and will give you around 7 hours of writing time when fully charged – which takes just under an hour. It also comes with three indicator lights to let you know how much charge is left in the device, so you don’t suddenly find the power goes out mid-sentence. If you want an alternative to the Apple Pencil (USB-C) that offers the same features but with a different take on the design, then the Logitech Crayon (USB-C) is a solid choice. Plus, the original version is still available if you prefer the Lightning connector (you’ll find it further down on this list).  Adonit Star Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adonit $49.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $49.99 at Adonit$49.99 at Amazon Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch If you want something that feels more like a real pen, a fountain pen at that, then the Adonit Star will be a breath of fresh air. The classic design is reminiscent of a Mont Blanc, but without some of the bulk and most of the price. Popping off the cap reveals a fountain-pen style nib, replete with the ink feed on the back, but on closer inspection, you’ll see that the metal cuts off early, with a black rubber 1mm fine tip being what will actually touch the screen. As you might expect, the Star is very much intended for those who want to make notes and generally just write on their iPad. It doesn’t have pressure sensitivity, so you can’t have thicker or thinner strokes depending on how hard you press, which would rule it out for most artists. That’s fine though, there’s the Apple Pencil for that. Instead, you get a balanced and very comfortable writing experience, aided in no small measure by Adonit’s excellent palm cancellation feature. Pairing is simply a matter of pressing the small button on the Star, then when the blue light comes on you should be good to go. If it starts flashing red, this means it is time for a recharge, so unscrew the bottom of the pen and there’s a USB-C port. The Star takes around an hour to charge and will then work happily for around 10 hours or so. Adonit has come up with something genuinely unique in the Star. Classy looking, nice to write with, and it will definitely get some looks when you pull it out in a meeting to make notes. If there’s such a thing as a Stylus connoisseur, then you can bet that the Adonit Star would be a prizes part of their collection.  Bargains Depot B&D 2-in-1 Stylus Price When Reviewed: $6.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $8.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $8.99 at Amazon Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch The B&D Stylus is a bargain at under a tenner. It’s made fully of aluminum and comes with twenty extra rubber tips in two different sizes so you can adjust the accuracy of lines. It’s dual tipped too, so you can use a different size on either end. There is no need for Bluetooth or charging with this stylus. The B&D Stylus is compatible with all iPads, iPhones, and other touchscreen devices. Meko Capacitive Stylus Pen Price When Reviewed: $13.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.95 at Amazon Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch The Meko stylus can be used for note-taking, drawing, writing, and basic selection and navigation – and like the B&D option, it is also made of aluminum without any plastic parts. It uses a disc tip like a few other options in this list. For an affordable price, you get two Meko styli, two fibre tips, and four replacement disc tips. Logitech Crayon (Lightning) Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $69.95 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Logitech $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Logitech 914-000033 Pen $30 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $69.95 at Apple$69.99 at Adorama$69.99 at Best Buy View more prices from Logitech Close × Best Prices Today: Logitech Crayon (Lightning) New Refurbished Retailer Price $69.95 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Logitech $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Logitech 914-000033 Pen $30 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Works with: iPad (from 6th gen); iPad mini (from 5th gen); iPad Air (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (from 3rd gen); iPad Pro 13-inch While the Logitech Crayon (Lightning) was originally framed as an education tool, the cheap Apple Pencil alternative is now available to anybody that wants it.  In many ways, the Crayon functions in the same way as the original Apple Pencil, complete with easy pairing, reliable palm rejection and tilt support, but there’s one big omission: there’s no pressure sensitivity available here. That’s likely to be a dealbreaker for graphic designers, but if you’re only looking to use a stylus for note-taking, you’re unlikely to notice a difference in performance. You’ve also got a seven-hour battery life on offer, which should be more than enough for the majority of consumers, and it’s charged up via a hidden Lightning port. That’s not quite as premium as the wireless charging from the second-gen Apple Pencil or the second generation Crayon that uses USB-C, but it’s certainly better than the original Apple Pencil. Want a keyboard for your iPad? Check out our round-up of the Best iPad Keyboards. For more advice about accessories for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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The best iPhone for kids 2025
Macworld Let’s face it: Kids want iPhones. Their favorite celebrities use them, their parents use them, and some of their friends have them, too. But which iPhone is best for your kid? There are lots of factors to consider, not the least of which is the age of the child in question. When should a child be given their own iPhone? We’ll discuss that in a section below. For toddlers who need a simple device for watching parent-approved videos and playing some games or educational apps, we recommend avoiding iPhones altogether and getting a basic iPad. It’s affordable, you don’t have to worry about cellular connectivity, and the large size is easy for toddlers still working on their fine motor skills. You can check out our best iPad for kids guide to see if this would be a better fit for your child, and we recommend a look at our best iPad deals roundup so you can get the best prices. But, once a child gets old enough for phone connectivity to be useful (for mobile internet, texting friends, tracking and being contactable by you), it’s time to step up to a proper iPhone. Apple has just updated the iPhone for 2024, introducing the iPhone 16 series and reducing the prices of the current handsets. How does that change the landscape for the best iPhone for kids? Read on to find out and see our recommendations. Whatever iPhone you get, you should consider using Screen Time to manage their use. Built into iOS, Screen Time lets you set limits on how long your kid can use their phone, what apps they can download and use, and when they need to put it down for the night. It’s a great way for busy parents to keep tabs on what their kids are doing when they’re not within eyeshot, and ought to be the first thing you set up. Best iPhone for kids in 2025 Below you will find our top choices for iPhones for children. We aren’t recommending the ultimate iPhones because we think that unless you have a money tree in the garden you won’t want to be spending a whole lot of money on a phone for a child who is just as likely to leave it on a bus or drop it. But if you’d like a wider range of iPhones to choose from read our iPhone buying guide and our iPhone comparison. Apple iPhone 14: Best iPhone for older kids Pros Price Display size Good battery life Decent camera Cons Older processor 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 Older kids (young teens and high school students) have demanding standards. An iPhone SE may serve them well, but that smaller screen is a little archaic and they’re going to want to look cool in front of their friends. More importantly, photo-taking and social media have started to become an important part of their social life. So if you’re willing to spend more on an iPhone with a more capable camera, Face ID, and a full-screen display, we recommend looking no further than the iPhone 14. With a 6.1-inch display, it’s considerably bigger than the iPhone SE, which older kids will appreciate, and it has a more modern design and features. The iPhone 14 will deliver, with battery life that will easily last a full day. You might be wondering why we picked the iPhone 14 over the iPhones 15 and 16. It’s cheaper, which is a good enough reason. But we also think that the iPhone 14 compares very favorably with the iPhone 15. Sure, you’re giving up some of the newer features, such as improvements to the camera, or the iPhone 15’s USB-C port instead of Lightning. The iPhone 14 still has a faster chips and excellent battery life. The iPhone 14 starts at $599/£599 for 128GB, you pay another $100/£100 for the iPhone 15 and yet another $100/£100 for the iPhone 16. Since your 9th grader is probably going to fill up the memory quickly making TikTok videos and taking selfies and pics for social media and texting with friends, we’d suggest that if you do have a bigger budget that the extra money is spent on increasing the storage in the iPhone 14 rather than the bells and whistles of the newer models. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 review Apple iPhone SE (2022): Best iPhone for younger kids Pros Price Small size Durability Cons No Face ID Older, less modern, design 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): Best iPhone for younger kids 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 If you have a kid at grade school/elementary/primary school who’s mature enough to handle their own phone, you should look no further than the iPhone SE. It’s got the same A15 processor used in the iPhone 13 range, so you know it’s going to perform well and get software updates for years. With a 4.7-inch screen, it’s also pretty small, which is good for younger kids’ hands and pockets. It’s a more than serviceable iPhone, and there’s really nothing your kid may want to do that they won’t be able to, outside of using features like Memoji or Animoji, which require the TrueDepth camera found in the Face ID-equipped higher-end iPhones. The best part is that it’s inexpensive (for an iPhone) at $429/£429, although that is for the 64GB version, which could fill up quickly if the child in question wants to download plenty of games and content to watch. Stepping up to the 128GB version ($479/£479) can alleviate this, but the price does start to creep up. Still, cutting back on features like the all-screen Liquid Retina display and dual cameras, and sporting Touch ID instead of Face ID saves a lot of cost, so the SE will still be cheaper than all the other iPhones. And since young kids tend to be rough on stuff, even with a good case and screen protector (which are highly recommended), you’re not going to want to risk putting a $700 phone in their hands. In truth, we don’t really recommend the iPhone SE (2022) for adults (although it can be ideal for the elderly), as in modern terms it seems a bit dated and limited, but for a kid’s first step into the Apple world it would be a great choice. Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) review Apple iPhone 16 (128GB): For kids who want everything Pros Latest iPhone Huge improvement in battery life Supports macro and spatial photography and video recording Cons Pricey 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 There is of course a certain status that you can only get from having the latest iPhone, and kids certainly aren’t immune to that. There are a lot more reasons to buy the iPhone 16 than there were for the iPhone 15 in 2023, including the new Camera Control button and an improved camera that’s capable of taking macro and spatial photos. That might be handy if your child is often working on projects and wants to expand their artistic eye for the pictures they take. Perhaps the biggest change for 2024 though, is the huge improvement in battery life. In our tests, we saw a four-hour boost in battery life for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 15. That’s a drastic improvement. Kids are never aware of the amount of battery their phone uses, so the iPhone 16’s battery life gives them even less to think about. We also recommend getting a case, see Best iPhone 16 cases. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review iPhone 15: Best iPhone for kids who want higher-quality photos and video Pros 48MP sensor in the camera Cons iPhone 16 offers much better battery life 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 iPhone 16 is a better overall phone, the iPhone 15 is no slouch. It has a better camera than the iPhone 14, shooting at higher resolution to provide better quality. It also records excellent video that kids can use in presentations or social media. The main drawback to the iPhone 15 is its battery life–it’s actually very good but the iPhone 16 offers a dramatic improvement. But otherwise, the iPhone 15 is a top performer and can handle anything you child wants to do on it, including streaming videos, games, and a lot more. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 review iPhone 13 mini – Best value iPhone for kids Pros Fantastic size Lightweight Great cameras Cons Discontinued by Apple so harder to find Battery life isn’t amazing Price When Reviewed: Was $599 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $643.07 View Deal $660.33 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 13 mini 128GB – Midnight – Unlocked $276.65 View Deal iPhone 13 mini 128GB – Blue – Unlocked $276.86 View Deal iPhone 13 mini 128GB – Starlight – Unlocked $284.97 View Deal iPhone 13 mini 128GB – Pink – Unlocked $288.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $643.07 at Walmart$660.33 at Amazon Apple has discontinued the iPhone 13 mini, but if you can get hold of one it is an excellent choice for youngsters with a small frame that is perfect for small hands. The device shares most of the attributes of its bigger brother the iPhone 13, including the processor and twin rear cameras. Somehow the engineers at Apple still managed to fit a 5.4-inch display into a device that’s smaller than the iPhone SE. One thing to bear in mind is that the smaller nature of the mini means that battery life can be a little lacking. So, if you’re expecting your kid to be on it all the time, especially when out and about, we’d suggest maybe picking up a portable power bank to top up the battery if things get low. As the iPhone 13 mini supports MagSage, you can choose one from our roundup of the best MagSafe portable battery packs and power banks. Read our full Apple iPhone 13 mini review Buy a refurbished iPhone Before you buy one of the phones mentioned above our advice is to explore the second-hand and refurbished market. Buying a second-hand or refurbished iPhone can save you a lot of money. Your first port of call should be Apple’s Refurbished store where Apple sells iPhones that have either been returned as faulty or unwanted. These iPhones (and other products) are fixed up so they are good as new and sold at around 15% off their normal price. There are various benefits to buying from Apple’s Refurbished Store in the U.S. or U.K., including the fact that all products in the Refurbished Store come with a one-year warranty. You may even be able to find an older iPhone model that Apple doesn’t sell anymore, such as the iPhone 12 mini or an iPhone 13 Pro in Apple’s refurbished store. However, Apple is not the only place that sells refurbished iPhones; plenty of companies make a living from refurbishing and selling iPhones. Check out our where to buy second-hand and refurbished iPhones guide for more details. musicMagpie There is a growing marketplace for older devices that are fixed up and sold on. Before you buy from one of these do check their policies regarding refurbishment and returns, and also we’d advise buying recent models of iPhones – some of these outlets have much older models. Consult How long does Apple support iPhones for more information about the handsets to avoid. Always make sure that the iPhone’s previous owner has completely wiped the iPhone and removed it from their iCloud account or you will encounter many problems. This is a good reason to buy from a reputable refurbished seller, rather than someone on eBay or Marketplace. Refurbished iPhone sellers in the U.S. Decluttr: A popular destination for refurbished devices, often with sales that slash even more money off. You can also trade in any of your old tech, gadgets, and media (including books and CDs) to get steeper discounts. The iOutlet on eBay: Offers competitive pricing for refurbished devices and also accepts other gadgets such as iPads, Apple Watches, and gaming consoles.  Amazon Renewed Store: This site’s greatest benefit is that purchases are all backed by Amazon’s standard returns policy and its “Renewed Guarantee” lets you get a refund or replacement within 1 year of receiving your product. Best Buy: Best Buy doesn’t offer a great deal of information on pre-owned iPhones’ condition, but you can return within 14 days if the item is “unopened or defective in any way.” Walmart: Walmart doesn’t sell refurbished iPhones directly; rather, they are sourced from other sellers. Return policies vary from seller to seller, but there are minimum requirements that apply universally. Refurbished iPhone sellers in the U.K. Music Magpie: The UK version of Decluttr and a good place to start looking for refurbished iPhones. You may find that sales reduce the price still further. The iOutlet or The iOutlet on eBay: Offers competitive pricing for refurbished devices and also accepts other gadgets such as iPads, Apple Watches, and gaming consoles.  Amazon Renewed Store: While you can’t really sell on Amazon Renewed unless you’re a business, those looking to buy a refurbished iPhone Amazon Renewed have plenty of options to choose from. Its greatest benefit is that purchases are all backed by Amazon’s standard returns policy and its “Renewed Guarantee” lets you get a refund or replacement within 1 year of receiving your product. Envirofone: Also allows you to trade in your old phone for cash towards purchasing a refurbished phone. However, it mostly specializes in phones so you won’t be able to trade in your DVDs or books for cash. 4Gadgets: Offers a 12-month warranty for all online orders. Reboxed: Pledges that devices “are fully tested and in perfect working order.” All come with a 12-month no quibble warranty. Smartfone Store: Look out for the additional 10 percent discount for students and young people. Refurb-Phone: Like most refurb sellers, this site offers a 12-month warranty. Less commonplace is its policy of allowing returns within 14 days if you simply change your mind. The Big Phone Store: Says it ensures refurb phones “are thoroughly tested, repaired, and cleaned before being sent out.” Backs this with a 12-month warranty. Laptops Direct: You get a 12-month warranty on parts and labor. Watch out for slightly confusing grading system: “A3,” for example, means “Average condition.” Back Market: You get 30 days to change your mind and a 12-month warranty… or occasionally more. Companies like musicMagpie (UK), Decluttr (US), Amazon and eBay are all now providing this service, along with one-year warranties and money-back guarantees if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase. Of course, investing in older tech is also better for the environment, as it stops the iPhones from being thrown into landfills even though they are capable of providing years more service to a happy kid. So, they come with guarantees, save you money, and protect the planet. What’s not to love? Pass on an old iPhone to them Another route to explore is handing over your current iPhone and buying yourself a new one! If you’ve had yours for a while, then it may be out of its contract period, but if you bought it outright then all you need to do is get a new SIM card for your youngster, give them your handset, then head off to the Apple store to give yourself a present for being such a magnanimous parent. If you’re unsure what to treat yourself to, our best iPhone roundup should prove a helpful guide. Before you hand over your old iPhone make sure you set it up correctly for your child. Have a look at 5 things to do before giving an old iPhone or iPad to your kid, how to prepare an iPhone for sale, how to reset an iPhone and how to set up parental controls on iPad & iPhone. Should kids have iPhones? This is a huge question and a topic fraught with pros and cons. Everyone is different. There are still parents who don’t allow their kids to watch TV, let alone play computer games. Other parents don’t see any harm in letting their kids be familiar with technology. And others just need a few minutes of peace while they push a toddler around a supermarket, or something to stop the tweens fighting in the back of the car on a long journey. Surely allowing the kids a few minutes here and there with a mobile phone won’t damage their development. You could give them your own iPhone of course, but that depends on how prepared you are for the risk of them sending their favorite YouTube video to your manager at work. A better solution may be to give them an old iPhone or iPad: it can still be linked to your account so there is no need to pay for the apps you’ve already downloaded for them. You may want older kids who walk to and from school to have an iPhone for safety and security, so that they can contact you to let you know their bus is canceled, for example. You may also want to use an app to track their locations via the iPhone. Teens will no doubt want a handset with a bit of credibility. It’s also at this age that the risks associated with mobile phone ownership become more prominent as concerns about their use of, and influence of, social media become apparent. You will want to familiarise yourself with Parental Controls and ensure that they are really mature enough to handle all that comes with this connection with the world and that they are able to avoid becoming addicted to their handsets. Apple founder Steve Jobs famously limited his kid’s use of technology, so maybe we should take a leaf out of his book. Or maybe we should accept that our kids are growing up in a world so immersed in technology that it is going to be a part of their lives whether we like it or not. We just need to control their access to it, rather than stop it altogether.

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Best iPhone for seniors
Macworld The old trope that old people are hopelessly illiterate when it comes to technology is somewhat unwarranted. The home computer revolution is decades old at this point, and smartphones have been around for over 15 years. Seniors may not operate their smartphones as adroitly as their grandkids, but they aren’t just sitting around pining for the days of rotary dial phones. Social media has, in particular, provided a way for seniors to more easily keep in touch with family and connect with friends, and smartphones help make it all possible. It’s also an increasingly important part of healthcare services.  Seniors need iPhones, too, but they may have unique needs. They’re often on fixed incomes and may have difficulty reading small text, or suffer from arthritis or have other accessibility needs. The best iPhone for seniors is one that won’t cost an arm and a leg and will continue to be updated for at least a few years. Beyond that, we’re going to make two recommendations: a small iPhone for seniors who find large phones difficult to carry and manipulate, and a large iPhone for those who need larger text and images. 1. Apple iPhone SE (2022) Pros Low price Small size Touch ID Cons Small screen Single camera 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 The iPhone SE is a godsend for seniors or anyone on a fixed income. Starting at only $429/£429, you get an iPhone with an A15 processor (same as the iPhone 13 and 14). Battery life runs around 15 hours, so they will need to remember to plug the iPhone in at the end of the day. Even with just a single lens, the camera is quite good with features like Deep Fusion for better low-light photography, and Photographic Styles if they want to get creative. Some seniors will find Touch ID easier to deal with than Face ID (especially if their previous smartphone was an older iPhone). The iPhone SE is small. If a senior is coming from an iPhone 8 or older, that size will be familiar and comfortable. However, the small 4.7-inch display may be too small for someone with failing eyesight. The iPhone SE supports 5G and comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities. We’d usually dissuade buyers from the 64GB model if they are likely to take a lot of photos and store music on the device. Since the 128GB model only costs $50/£50 more we recommend the extra storage, but you could instead set them up with an iCloud account for additional storage. Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) review 2. Apple iPhone 14 Pros Price Display size Face ID Cons Older processor 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 Not every senior wants an iPhone as small as the iPhone SE. An iPhone with a larger display will be much easier for old eyes to see clearly. There is big and there is bigger though. If it’s the biggest iPhone you want then there is a Plus version of the standard handset with a 6.7-inch screen, but if that is too heavy then the best choice is one of the 6.1-inch iPhones. That could include the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, or iPhone 14. We’re recommending the iPhone 14 as the top choice here primarily because it represents the best value for money right now. At $599/£599 it costs $200/£200 less than the iPhone 16, and $100/£100 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 14 offers the same A15 chip that’s in the iPhone SE), but the iPhone 14 has a dual camera system. It can also shoot 4K video at 60 fps. The iPhone 14 also offers Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, Roadside Assistance via satellite, and Messages via satellite–that’s a lot of stuff not on the iPhone SE. That processor is more than fast enough for email, checking social media apps, taking pictures, making FaceTime calls, and everything else a senior wants an iPhone for. And it’ll still get several years of iOS software updates. Face ID might take a little getting used to if the user is used to Touch ID and the Home button, but could prove to be an easier way to secure an iPhone for those with arthritis. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 review 3. Apple iPhone 15 Plus Pros Large 6.7-inch screen Lightest large screened iPhone Cons Bulky and heavier than smaller iPhones 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 large display of one of the Plus-sized iPhones will be much easier for old eyes to see clearly. Excluding the iPhone 16 Pro Max, there are three choices with a 6.7-inch screen here: the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 16 Plus. Again, you can save $100/£100 by buying the iPhone 15 Plus (at $799/£799) instead of the newer iPhone 16 Plus (at $899/£899). This time we recommend spending the extra money if there is budget available because the iPhone 15 generation is a leap ahead of the iPhone 14 in terms of processor and camera. Another reason to choose the iPhone 15 Plus: it is lighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Plus. But if you’d prefer to save the money we don’t think you would be disappointed with the iPhone 14 Plus. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Plus review For more advice about accessories for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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Best iPad keyboards
Macworld The iPad is getting ever more powerful, and a good add-on keyboard can help you turn your iPad into a real rival for a conventional MacBook laptop When the iPad was first launched, it was primarily intended as a device for entertainment–for tasks such as web browsing, streaming video and gaming. In recent years, though, Apple has increasingly turned the iPad into a productivity tool, both for routine office work, and also for creative users who work in fields such as graphics, video and design. The big drawback here, of course, is the iPad’s lack of a physical keyboard–but, of course, Apple never misses the chance to sell some expensive peripherals and accessories, and it has been quick to release a number of keyboards designed specifically for the iPad. Currently, Apple sells two kinds of iPad keyboard: the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard Folio. The former is an all-in-one keyboard and cover that encases the iPad, and the latter is a two-part keyboard and stand. Some of Apple’s iPad keyboards are designed for specific iPad models and some are available in different sizes for use with several different iPad models. Of course, there are also plenty of alternative keyboards available from rivals such as Logitech, which are often cheaper than Apple’s own keyboards, and may provide additional features too. So here’s our guide to the best keyboards that can help you to get some serious work done with your iPad. This article covers keyboards that can be used with a variety of iPad models, we’ve included links so you can find the model that works with your iPad. You don’t have to use a keyboard designed specifically to work with an iPad though–any Bluetooth keyboard will connect to and work with an iPad, and this can often be a cheaper solution. So if you are looking for a wireless keyboard check out our round-up of the best Mac keyboards. Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Pros Perfectly designed for iPad Pro Function key strip Larger trackpad Cons High price Cover material attracts dust Price When Reviewed: 11-inch iPad Pro, M4: $299, 13-inch iPad Pro, M4: $349 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $257.86 View Deal $274.95 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $319 View Deal Apple (13-inch iPad Pro, M4 model) $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $257.86 at Walmart Electronics$274.95 at B&H$299 at Adorama$319 at Amazon View more prices from AmazonAppleApple United StatesBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Retailer Price $257.86 View Deal $274.95 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $319 View Deal Apple (13-inch iPad Pro, M4 model) $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: 11-inch iPad Pro M4, 13-inch iPad Pro M4 Apple introduced a brand new keyboard alongside the M4 iPad Pro models in 2024, while it seems to consider the existing Magic Keyboard good enough for the M2 iPad Air.  The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro M4, comes in white or black for both 11-inch and 13-inch configurations. It is aluminum on the inside, which (if you choose the black model) makes it look similar to a current MacBook Air when in use. A strong magnet holds the iPad Pro tightly in place and three contacts connect to the keyboard. Like all Apple iPad keyboards the iPad doesn’t connect via Bluetooth, but via the three contacts of the Smart Connector. You don’t have to pair the keyboard with the iPad and it does not require its own power supply, which allows it to be compact and light. There is a USB-C port on the joint, but this is a pass-through port, only for charging. Thus, the USB-C port at the base of the iPad Pro remains free. When open, the cantilever design smoothly adjusts to multiple viewing angles. The keyboard is sturdy. The keys are pleasant to type with. Along the tip is a strip of 14 function keys (including screen brightness, volume controls and other features), the older model lacked this, although the 10th generation iPad keyboard (below) shares this feature.  Apple has also improved the trackpad for this model. It is now larger, made of glass and works much more precisely and reliably than the trackpad on the standard Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard Folio. It delivers haptic feedback and works with Multi‑Touch gestures.  When folded up the case provides front and back protection for your iPad. The outside of the 658g/1.45lb case is rubberized, so it’s quite grippy and can’t slip out of your hand easily. However, this surface is unfortunately also more sensitive to dirt than the aluminum inside, and the black cover seems to attract dust. At least this can be wiped off. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Pro, M4: $349/£349. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK 11-inch iPad Pro, M4: $299/£299. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK Logitech Combo Touch Pros Light Large trackpad Function keys (including screen grab and Siri triggers) Cons Doesn’t match the Apple Magic Keyboard quality Price When Reviewed: iPad Air M2, 11-inch: $199.99; 13-inch: $229.99; iPad Pro M4, 11-inch: $229.99; 13-inch: $259.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199.99 View Deal Logitech (iPad Air M2 model) $199.99 View Deal $229.95 View Deal Logitech (iPad Pro M4 model) $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $199.99 at Amazon$199.99 at Logitech (iPad Air M2 model) $229.95 at Apple View more prices from Logitech (iPad Pro M4 model) Close × Best Prices Today: Logitech Combo Touch Retailer Price $199.99 View Deal Logitech (iPad Air M2 model) $199.99 View Deal $229.95 View Deal Logitech (iPad Pro M4 model) $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: 11-inch iPad Pro M4, 11-inch iPad Air M2, 13-inch iPad Pro M4, 13-inch iPad Air M2 Logitech also sells versions of the Combo Touch for iPad (10th gen) and older iPad models. Previous models in the Combo Touch range were all very similar, simply varying in size to accommodate different iPad models, and the different types of Smart Connector that Apple has introduced over the years. However, the new 2024 edition has had a bit of a redesign and is available for the latest 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro with M2 and M4 processors that were launched in May this year. It still retains the detachable, two-piece design of previous models, with a separate case and keyboard panel. You can use the iPad in the case without the keyboard, just to provide some extra protection when you’re holding the iPad in your hands or carrying it around, and there’s a cut-out section on the case that leaves room to attach an Apple Pencil. The case also has an adjustable stand that will allow you to sit back and watch video while the iPad sits on a desk or table. When you’re ready to do some work you can simply use the Smart Connectors on the case to attach the keyboard panel and start typing. That’s business as usual for the Combo Touch keyboards, but these redesigned models for 2024 are quite a bit lighter than their predecessors. The keyboards for the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air weigh 495g and 686g respectively, and–as with Apple’s new Magic Keyboard–the iPad Pro version is even lighter, at 474g for the 11-inch model and 660g for the 13-inch model. The trackpad on these new keyboards is larger as well, which makes it easier to use multi-finger gestures for tasks such as zooming in on photos, or flicking from one photo to another. The keyboard feels firm and responsive, and there have been some changes to the Function keys as well. The keys that previously activated the on-screen keyboard and Search have been replaced with keys for capturing screenshots and using Siri or dictation, and the key that used to lock the iPad screen now switches to Do Not Disturb mode. So while it might not have the luxurious materials and build quality of the new Apple Magic Keyboard, the Combo Touch for 2024 provides a lightweight and versatile keyboard/case combo at a considerably lower price than its Apple rival. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Pro, M4: $259/£259. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Pro, M4: $229.99/£229.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 13-inch iPad Air, M2: $229.99/£229.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Air M2: $199.99/£199.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK iPad (10th gen): $159.99/£159.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK Read our full Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air/iPad Pro (2024) review ESR Rebound 360 Pros Can position iPad in landscape or portrait mode Competitive price Function keys Cons Heavy Small trackpad Price When Reviewed: 11-inch iPad Air, M2 (and 11-inch iPad Pro 2-4 gen, iPad Air 4-5 gen): $119.99; 13-inch iPad Air, M2: $119.99; 11-inch iPad Pro, M4: $149 (currently $119.99); 13-inch iPad Pro, M4: :$149 (currently $119.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $104.99 View Deal ESR $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $104.99 at Amazon$119.99 at ESR For: 11-inch iPad Pro M4, 13-inch iPad Pro M4 Most keyboards designed for the iPad stick with a conventional landscape (horizontal) design, but ESR’s competitively priced Rebound 360 has a handy trick up its sleeve as it allows you to place the iPad in either landscape or portrait (vertical) mode. The Rebound 360 is available in a variety of sizes, including models for the 2024 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air, and ESR also provides U.S. and U.K. keyboard layouts as well. Just take care when ordering, though, as there’s an older model – simply called the Rebound – which is limited to landscape mode only. Like most iPad keyboards, the Rebound 360 has a hinged stand that allows you to adjust the viewing angle. However, the iPad itself is held in place by slotting it into a detachable magnetic case. This allows you to remove the iPad while it’s in the case and rotate it between portrait and landscape modes as required, perhaps using portrait mode for typing or scrolling through long documents or web pages. You can also just remove the iPad while it’s in the case and hold it in your hands when you want to use it as a tablet, and then attach it to the keyboard again when you need to get back to work. The only disadvantage of this design is that the keyboard is heavier than some of its rivals, weighing in at a full one kilogram. The keyboard is well built though, providing good protection for the iPad when you’re traveling. There’s a magnetic clasp to make sure that the screen isn’t exposed accidentally, and the clasp can also be used to hold an Apple Pen or stylus in place as well. The trackpad is a little small, perhaps, but the keyboard itself is ideal for working on the move, with firm keys that feel smooth and responsive when you’re typing. There’s a row of Function keys that can be used to adjust volume and brightness, Play/Pause for music and video, and activate the Lock screen. Like most keyboards, the Rebound 360 has a Function key that lets you adjust the level of the backlight, but there’s also a key that lets you change the color too. If you get carried away with the colorful backlight then the battery will only last for about two weeks, but you can extend that to around three months of daytime use without the backlight, and we like the fact that the backlight turns itself off automatically after 90 seconds of inactivity to help save power. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Pro, M4: $119.99/£116.99. Buy from Amazon US 11-inch iPad Pro, M4: $119.99/£107.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 13-inch iPad Air, M2: $119.99/£107.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK 11-inch iPad Air M2: $119.99/£107.99. Buy from Amazon US Logitech Folio Touch Pros Protective loop for Apple Pencil iPad specific function keys Connection to the iPad via Smart Connector Cons Only available for some iPads Price When Reviewed: $159.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $131.99 View Deal $135 View Deal $159.99 View Deal $159.99 View Deal Logitech $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $131.99 at Best Buy$135 at Amazon$159.99 at Adorama View more prices from B&HLogitech Close × Best Prices Today: Logitech Folio Touch Retailer Price $131.99 View Deal $135 View Deal $159.99 View Deal $159.99 View Deal Logitech $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: iPad Air 11-inch (M2) and iPad Air (gen 4 – 5) The Folio Touch is the little brother of Logitech’s Combo Touch. Both combine all-round protection for the iPad and a full-fledged keyboard with trackpad – both have succeeded. The mounting of the iPad in the Folio Touch case is easy and the rubber corners keep the iPad secure at all times, the fit is good. Thanks to the connection via the Smart Connector on the back, the Folio Touch does not require its own battery or connection via Bluetooth. There is a row of iOS specific keys along the top row offering a home button, volume control, a search key, and screen locking. The keyboard is firmly connected to the case, but, if you do not need the keyboard, you can fold it onto the back of the iPad. Otherwise, the construction with the fold-out stand is identical to the Combo Touch. So, in addition to a position for the disc, it also offers a desk position for drawing. There is a loop to attach the Apple Pencil, which is a good solution because the Pencil may detach if you only rely on the magnet. This is the main advantage over the Combo Touch. Pick the correct model for your iPad: iPad Air 11-inch (M2) and iPad Air (gen 4 – 5): $159.99/£169.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK Apple Magic Keyboard Folio Pros Function keys Keyboard less suited to long periods of typing Cons Only available for iPad (10th gen) Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $219.99 View Deal $239 View Deal $239 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad not included) (2022) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $157.45 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $199 at Amazon$199.99 at Target $219.99 at Walmart View more prices from AdoramaB&HAppleApple United States Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Magic Keyboard Folio New Refurbished Retailer Price $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $219.99 View Deal $239 View Deal $239 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad not included) (2022) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $157.45 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket For: iPad (10th generation) The Magic Keyboard Folio is only available in a single size and is only compatible with a single iPad model–the 10th generation standard iPad with the 10.9in display. It’s priced at $249/£249 (down from £279 at introduction). That’s a fairly steep price given that the iPad is, after all, the entry-level model in the range, but when introduced the Magic Keyboard Folio boasted an entirely new design that set it apart from Apple’s other iPad keyboards. Some of the new features have since been adopted by the 2024 Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (the function key row, for example). The key difference between the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard Folio is that the latter comes in two parts, with a stand that attaches to the back of the iPad magnetically, and a separate keyboard panel that can be removed altogether when you simply want to use the iPad in tablet mode. We assume that Apple believes that users. of the standard iPad won’t always want to have their keyboard attached. The keyboard panel is wafer-thin, so it’s best suited to basic tasks such as typing out emails rather than writing longer documents for school or for work. It does include a trackpad, though, which means there’s no need for a separate mouse or trackpad, which allows you to control most of the iPad’s main features right from the keyboard rather than having to reach forward to keep tapping the screen all the time. When you don’t need to type you can simply detach the keyboard panel, leaving the back panel in place. This acts as a stand for the screen, allowing you to lean back and adjust the viewing angle for watching video or chatting with friends on FaceTime. You can also fold the stand flat when you’re holding the iPad in your hands, so that it acts as a protective cover the back panel of the iPad. And, when you’re traveling, you can re-attach the keyboard panel so that it protects the screen as well. Pick the correct model for your iPad: iPad (10th generation): $249/£249. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK Apple Magic Keyboard Pros Folds to provide protection Multi-touch trackpad Cons Price is the same as the newer version No function keys Price When Reviewed: 11-inch iPad Air, M2 and 11-inch iPad Pro (4th gen and earlier): $299; 13-inch iPad Air, M2, iPad Air (4th, 5th gen) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gen): $349. Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $224.99 View Deal $237.50 View Deal $237.5 View Deal $269 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Apple (13-inch iPad Air, M2 model) $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2020) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $118 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2021) – Charocal gray – QWERTY – English (US) $123.63 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2020) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $199 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $199 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $225 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $233.53 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $249 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices $224.99 at Amazon$237.50 at Adorama$237.5 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from B&HAppleWalmartTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Magic Keyboard New Refurbished Retailer Price $224.99 View Deal $237.50 View Deal $237.5 View Deal $269 View Deal $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Apple (13-inch iPad Air, M2 model) $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2020) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $118 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2021) – Charocal gray – QWERTY – English (US) $123.63 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2020) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $199 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $199 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $225 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) (2021) – Black – QWERTY – English (US) $233.53 View Deal iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) – White – QWERTY – English (US) $249 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices For: 13-inch iPad Air M2, 11-inch iPad Air M2, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (gen 3-6), 11-inch iPad Pro (gen 1-4), iPad Air (gen 4-5) Along with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard Folio, Apple makes one more keyboard for iPads called the Magic Keyboard. That’s actually quite a confusing name because there is also a Magic Keyboard that is designed to be used with Macs (although you can use the Mac version of the Magic Keyboard with an iPad–you can use any Bluetooth keyboard with an iPad). Of course, what sets the iPad version of the Magic Keyboard aside from the Mac keyboard is the fact that it’s made for the iPad and it folds up to protect the iPad. And the main difference between this Magic Keyboard (and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro) and the Magic Keyboard Folio is that the latter comes in two parts so that the keyboard can be separated from the stand, while this model is one unit that folds up around the iPad when closed providing wrap-around protection for both the iPad screen and the back panel. Like the newer Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, this Magic Keyboard features an adjustable magnetic stand that holds the iPad firmly in place. The stand also tilts so that you can easily alter the angle of the screen for up-close work or sitting back and watching video. The keyboard itself feels firm and comfortable to use–as a full-time writer I’d prefer a little more ‘travel’ on the keys, but it’s fine for general day-to-day use for writing emails and web browsing. A trackpad is included which makes using the iPad much almost like a conventional laptop, and you’ll rarely need to lift your hands away from the keyboard in order to use the iPad’s touch-screen controls. There’s also a USB-C pass-through connector on the keyboard, which allows you to charge the iPad via the keyboard and leaves the iPad’s built-in USB-C port free for connecting other devices, such as a memory stick for transferring files. There are two different sizes available, starting at $299/£299 for the model that fits the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) as well as the 11-inch iPad Pro (1-4 gen), and iPad Air (4-5 gen). The larger model costs $349/£349 and fits the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3-6 gen). While this model fits the 2024 iPad Air models it is important to note that it wasn’t designed for them–this isn’t a new iPad keyboard, it’s just lucky for Apple that the older model fits the new iPad Air. It’s a shame because the Magic Keyboard Folio for the older 10th-generation iPad gets a better keyboard than the 2024 iPad Air, thanks to its row of function keys. Pick the correct model for your iPad: 13-inch iPad Air, M2, iPad Air (4th, 5th gen) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gen): $349/£349. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK 11-inch iPad Air, M2 and 11-inch iPad Pro (4th gen and earlier): $299/£299. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple US / Apple UK Zagg Pro Keys for iPad (10th generation) Pros Removable keyboard Compact compartment for Apple Pencil Robust Good keyboard Cons No trackpad Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Zagg 99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $99.99 at Adorama$99.99 at B&H$99.99 at Best BuyNot Available at Amazon View more prices from AmazonZagg Close × Best Prices Today: Zagg Pro Keys for iPad (10th generation) Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Zagg 99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket For: iPad (10th generation) The Zagg Pro Keys offers a combination of a robust protective case and a removable keyboard. The model we reviewed was for the iPad 10th generation, but there models for the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air are expected. The connection to the iPad is via Bluetooth and due to the correspondingly necessary battery, the Pro Keys weigh between 450 and 650 grams, depending on the model. The protective cover has rubberized edges and offers fall protection from two meters. The protective case is connected to the keyboard via magnets, if you do not need the keyboard you can remove it and still use the cover to protect the iPad. There is a compartment for the Apple Pencil. The layout of the keyboard corresponds to common compact keyboards, but the buttons are sufficiently large so it’s not to compact for comfortable typing. In the top row are various function keys: including buttons to switch between two devices, the home button, a button to put the iPad into sleep mode, a button for an overview of all active apps, a globe to switch between emoji and a keyboard language, media control and volume. When you close the keyboard, it automatically goes to sleep. A backlight makes typing possible in low light. There are seven background colors to choose from and the brightness can be controlled in three levels.The biggest drawback with this model is that it lacks a trackpad. iPad (10th generation): $99.99/£99.99. Buy from Amazon US / Amazon UK Keys-To-Go 2 for iPad Pros Slim, lightweight design Sturdy but comfortable keyboard Wraparound cover Good battery life Cons No backlight No stand Screwdriver needed to replace batteries Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Logitech $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $69.99 at Amazon$69.99 at B&H$69.99 at Best Buy View more prices from Target Logitech Close × Best Prices Today: Keys-To-Go 2 for iPad Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Logitech $80 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Logitech’s Keys-To-Go 2 is a portable keyboard designed for iPad users who want a basic keyboard, rather than a full-size keyboard that includes a trackpad, stand, and protective, wrap-around cover like the Logitech Folio and Combo Touch options above. Available in two versions, the standard version is suitable for Windows and Android devices, as well as iPad and Macs. It comes in light grey, dark grey or Lilac blue. There’s also a version designed specifically for iPad, which is still compatible with Windows and Macs, but has a more Apple-centric keyboard layout. That is the model we tested. The price of both versions of the keyboard is the same. The Keys-To-Go 2 For iPad is designed specifically for iPad, offering a more Apple-centric layout with Apple’s standard Command and Option keys. It also includes a full row of Function keys, allowing users to pair the keyboard with up to three devices via Bluetooth, control brightness and volume, and take screenshots.The keyboard also offers layouts for various languages, including U.S., U.K., French, German, and Swiss. The keyboard does not have a trackpad or numeric keypad, so business users may prefer the larger Combo Touch or Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Despite its compact design, the Keys-To-Go 2 is sturdy and responsive, with a firm, responsive keyboard panel that doesn’t flex like some cheaper keyboards. The individual keys use a scissor mechanism for easy travel and are large enough not to feel cramped while typing. It does not act as a stand, so a stand or other way to support the iPad is required. Logitech offers customization options through its Options+ app, but this app is only available for Mac or Windows PCs. The keyboard measures 9mm thick, 250mm wide, and 105mm deep, and weighs only 222g. It can be easily slipped into a backpack or carrying case alongside the iPad, and the keyboard does not provide a protective cover for the iPad. Read our full Keys-To-Go 2 for iPad review For more advice about accessories and software for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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Best virtual machine software for Mac
Macworld Even the most loyal Mac users recognize that Windows still rules the roost in the world of desktop and laptop computers, and there are many important apps that only run on Windows. For example, the Windows version of Microsoft Office includes the Access database that has never been available for the Mac, and there are many professional graphics and video tools that are Windows-only. And, of course, there are all those A-List games that have never even glanced in the direction of us poor, forgotten Mac gamers. If you need to run Windows software or games on your Macs then this article will reveal the best way to do so. We’ll run through the best virtual machines for Mac, including Parallels and VMware, as well as looking at alternative options, from emulators that let you run Windows apps on a Mac without even installing Windows, to Apple’s Boot Camp and Microsoft’s Windows 365 service. So read on to discover the best options for running Windows, and Windows apps, on your Mac. You may also like to read our guide to How to install Windows and run Windows apps on a Mac (M-series models). We also cover how to run Windows on an Intel Mac. Can I run Windows on my Mac? If you are one of the millions of people using an Intel-based Mac you can use Apple’s Boot Camp to run Windows. We evaluate Boot Camp as an option for running Windows below and it has a number of pros and cons. However, in 2020 Apple started using its own processors that are based on Arm architecture rather than the x86 architecture used by Intel. Now every Mac Apple sells has an Apple-made M-series processor. Boot Camp is not available on M-series Macs. That doesn’t mean that M-series Macs can no longer run Windows, it just means they can’t use Boot Camp and they need the Arm version of Windows. Luckily, there are plenty of options if you want to run Windows on an M-series Mac. You can choose from virtualization options like Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion, or emulation solutions like CrossOver and Wine, and even Microsoft’s Windows 365 service. Our top choice is Parallels Desktop, but all the others have some benefits that may suit you. For example, CrossOver doesn’t actually need a copy of Windows to run Windows apps, and there are even free options like Whisky and Wine. What is a Virtual Machine? Virtualization programs such as Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion run on the macOS, but allow you to create a Virtual Machine (or VM) that mimics the hardware of a Windows PC. This makes it possible to create a VM on your Mac and then install Windows – or another operating system, such as Linux – on the VM. This is a great solution as it allows you to run the Windows apps that you need right alongside your main Mac apps as well. The only disadvantage is that you need a pretty fast Mac with plenty of memory and storage to run Windows as a VM, since it means that your Mac is effectively running two operating systems at the same time. What is emulation? Emulation is a process that allows individual Windows applications to run on a Mac without the need for the Windows operating system to be installed. This is achieved through emulation tools, such as Wine and CrossOver, which are typically used by technically proficient users. Do I need a Windows license? It depends on which of those two methods you are using. If you are running Windows in a VM then you need a license in order to create a Windows VM on Macs with Apple Silicon processors, and, unfortunately, the less expensive Home edition isn’t supported. However, it is possible to use an existing Windows license if you have one and Microsoft doesn’t differentiate between Windows On Intel and Windows On Arm, see Parallel’s website here. If you are using emulation you won’t need a copy of Windows. How to get the Arm version of Windows The good news is that an ARM version of Windows does exist. Windows On ARM, aka WoA, is Microsoft’s version of Windows is designed to run on ARM chips. The Arm version of Windows isn’t normally licensed to individual users. Fortunately, Parallels has worked closely with Microsoft to simplify the process of creating VMs that use the ARM version of Windows. With the arrival of Parallels Desktop 18 in 2022 Parallels gained the ability to download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within Parallels itself. Microsoft even endorsed Parallels for Windows on M1 and M2 Macs, effectively authorizing Parallels Desktop 18 users to run Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise. Read our full review of Parallels Desktop for more information. To download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within Parallels itself. All you need to do is: Press the button that says Get Windows 11 From Microsoft. Parallels will download the relevant version of Windows 11 for your Mac (if your Mac has an ARM processor then it will download the ARM version of Windows 11). You can then use the Microsoft Store app within your Windows VM to purchase a license or use an existing Windows 11 license if you have one. You can also buy a license through the Download option from the Microsoft store. How to download the X86 version of Windows 11 If you are looking to run Windows on a Mac that isn’t powered by an Apple M-series chip, then you can download Windows 11 for free (as long as your Mac has the necessary specs, such as the Trusted Platform Module, to qualify for the free upgrade). Download Windows 11 from Microsoft, free upgrade as long as you qualify. You could take advantage of various deals for Windows 11 Pro including: Windows 11 Professional, $79.99 (usually $199.99). Windows 11 Price When Reviewed: Free upgrade (eligible PCs) Best Prices Today: $79.99 at PCWorld Software Store Best Virtual Machine for Mac 2025: Best VMs to run Windows on a Mac 1. Parallels Desktop Pros Frequent updates and new features. Good performance on multi-core Apple chips. Slick, easy-to-use interface. Discounts for education users. New AI features and tools for developers Cons Most editions require a subscription. Virtual machines require a lot of memory and processor power. Windows On ARM is expensive. Price When Reviewed: Standard – £89.99 annual subscription or £104.99 perpetual license; Pro – £99.99 annual subscription; Business – £119.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Parallels (Subscription) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $99.99 at Parallels (Subscription)$129.99 at Parallels (Perpetual License) Parallels Desktop allows you to create a virtual machine on your Mac. The software simulates the physical hardware of a Windows PC and lets you run Windows on your Mac.   One of the benefits is Parallels Desktop allows you to run Mac and Windows apps side by side, without having to reboot to switch between the operating systems (which is necessary with Boot Camp). With Parallels you can keep Windows and macOS completely separate or you can use Coherence mode to fully integrate your Windows apps on your Mac–you can even add them to your Dock. Parallels also offers a Rollback mode, which is useful for experimenting developers. Nothing is saved, so when you restart the computer the VM will return to it’s original state.  Parallels makes installing Windows really easy. Since Parallels Desktop version 18 it has been possible to download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 within Parallels. You do need to buy a license for the ARM version of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise (unfortunately, the cheaper Home edition isn’t supported). Parallels Desktop has a regular update cycle that tends to coincide with Apple’s big macOS updates. Parallels Desktop 20 arrived in September 2024, bringing support for macOS Sequoia and it’s new features, including the AI-powered Apple Intelligence features. It will be possible to use the Apple Intelligence-powered Writing Tools feature within Windows apps once that arrives on Macs later in 2024. There are a number of new AI-specific features aimed at developers. A ‘Parallels AI Package’ allows developers to create a new virtual machine with a pre-installed set of AI tools and features, including the ability to control Parallels Desktop using plain language commands (more info here).   Version 20 is also compatible with the Windows 11 24H2 update, and Parallels claims significant performance improvements when running older Intel-based apps on 24H2 (although that’s probably due to improvements in Windows 11 On Arm itself, rather than Parallels). There are also improvements to Parallels’ file-sharing features, and Macs with Apple Silicon now gain the quick-save snapshots feature that was previously only available on older Macs with Intel processors.  There’s a new Enterprise Edition due for release later in 2024, which will provide new security features for businesses that need to install and manage multiple virtual machines and users within their organization.  Currently, Macs with Apple Silicon only have the ability to create virtual machines that run Windows 11 On Arm. However, Parallels informed us that it is working on an update that will allow Macs with Apple Silicon to run the original Intel version of Windows. Read our full Parallels Desktop for Mac review 2. VMware Fusion Pros Fusion allows you to use it for free if it’s for personal, home and student use. Cons VMware doesn’t update Fusion as regularly as Parallels is updated. Price When Reviewed: Free (personal use); $120 (commercial) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price VMware (Fusion Player, personal use) Free View Deal VMware Fusion Pro (non-commercial use) Free View Deal VMware Desktop Hypervisor Pro $120 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at VMware (Fusion Player, personal use)Free at VMware Fusion Pro (non-commercial use)$120 at VMware Desktop Hypervisor Pro For many years, VMware Fusion was in lock-step with Parallels Desktop, with the two rivals releasing regular updates and competing for the top spot in the Mac virtualization market. In recent years, though, VMware seems to have taken its foot off the pedal and has allowed Fusion to fall behind a bit (in fact, you actually have to dig around quite a bit simply to find Fusion on the VMware website these days). When Fusion version 13 arrived in November 2022, it brought support for ARM virtualization on Apple’s M1 and M2-series chips. As is the case with Parallels Desktop, you can only run the Arm version of Windows on M-series Macs. Unfortunately, installing the Arm version of Windows via VMware isn’t as simple as it is with Parallels, VMware told us that it’s up to the user to buy a license from Microsoft (which is a challenge due to it not being available to individual users). Version 13.5 arrived in October 2023 and with it much needed support for DirectX 11 3D graphics and an easier way to install Windows 11 on Arm via a “Get Windows” button. A year later and there is still no release date for VMware Fusion 14 though. At the same time as launching Fusion 12, VMware also announced that it would release a free version of the program – called Fusion Player – for personal use only, for home users and students. It’s now changed this strategy and is offering the Fusion Pro for free as long as it is for personal use. You’ll need to register for a VMware account, but Fusion Pro is free to download here. While Fusion hasn’t kept up to date with the latest developments in Mac hardware and software, the availability of the free version of Fusion Pro still makes it a great option for home users and students who occasionally need to run Windows apps or games on their Intel Macs. Read our full VMware Fusion review 3. CrossOver Pros 14-day trial. Doesn’t require a full version of Windows. Improved interface and ease of use. Regular updates, good technical support. Cons Some Windows apps aren’t compatible. Can be complicated to use. Requires Rosetta on Apple Silicon. Price When Reviewed: $59.95 for a year, $494 for life Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CodeWeavers $74 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $74 at CodeWeavers CrossOver is based on WINE (see below), and uses a similar compatibility layer to allow Windows apps to run on the Mac without requiring a full version of Windows to be installed as well (you need to buy a copy of Windows for use with virtualization programs such as Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion). Although WINE is a free, open-source program, it’s complicated to use, so the team at Codeweavers developed CrossOver as a user-friendly alternative. They even provide technical support. CrossOver isn’t free – a copy of CrossOver with a year of support is $74, or you can pay $494 for lifetime support. There is a 14-day free trial available. CrossOver allows you to install Windows apps into Bottles, which are self-contained files that can be launched and run on your Mac without requiring a full copy of Windows. You can create lots of different bottles for different apps, and bottles can even be configured to provide compatibility with different versions of Windows. This is useful as it allows you to create bottles that are suitable for older games and software that might require a particular version of Windows in order to run properly. Even so, CrossOver can still be quite complicated at times, so version 22 introduced a more Mac-like interface and provides more help when installing Windows apps and games. For example, when you launch CrossOver you see the main Install window, which lists popular Windows apps and games, such as Grand Theft Auto V and the Quicken accounting software for business users. There’s also a search tool that provides information on hundreds of other Windows apps, and an indication of how well they run with CrossOver. Some apps run well, others may run with problems, and some don’t work with CrossOver at all. But we were able to install and run a 20-year old copy of Microsoft Publisher from an old DVD with no trouble at all, and old favorite Icewind Dale II ran. At the moment, CrossOver is based on code written for Intel processors, so it relies on Apple’s Rosetta to run on Macs with Apple Silicon, but we found that performance was pretty good regardless. Codeweavers says that it is working on native support for Apple Silicon. Codeweavers’ focus tends to be on popular Windows games. The Game Porting Kit that Apple released last year to help game developers produce Mac versions of their games is based on open-source code from Codeweavers. CrossOver receives regular updates to improve support for individual Windows games. Version 22.1 fixed problems that were affecting games such as BioShock Infinite and Grand Theft Auto V, and version 23.0 introduced limited support for games, such as Diablo IV, that use Microsoft’s DirectX 12 graphics software (something that even Parallels Desktop is still working on). Diablo IV got a further performance boost with version 23.7, along with Counter Strike 2 and a number of other games, while the recently released version 24.0 provided compatibility with the latest version of WINE and included interface improvements. The Codeweavers team puts a lot of effort into regular updates for CrossOver and the tech support is impressive. Even so, CrossOver can still be a little daunting at times, so it’s worth downloading the trial version to see how well it works with your favorite Windows games and other Windows software. Read our full CrossOver for Mac review 4. Whisky Pros Free, open-source app Works with Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit Supports DX12 Cons Supports fewer games than CrossOver No technical support Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Whisky Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Whisky It the main reason you want to run Windows on your Mac is so you can play Windows games on your Mac this is the solution for you. Whisky emerged following Apple’s launch of the Game Porting Toolkit in 2023 and is based on GPTK and is focused on running Windows games rather than more serious business software that the other VM solutions focus on.  Whisky isn’t an emulator or virtualization program, like Parallels Desktop or UTM. Rather than letting you run Windows on a virtual machine, it’s more like CrossOver in that it allows you to run a variety of Windows apps and software on your Mac without needing to install Windows. CrossOver and Whisky – and even Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit – are all based on the open-source WINE (see below for our review of WINE), which acts as a translation layer that converts the programming code in Windows apps and software into the Mac equivalent (a bit like Apple’s own Rosetta software, which translates software written for older Intel Macs to run on Macs with Apple Silicon processors). Whisky is a free, open-source alternative to CrossOver (CrossOver is also open-source, but has a $64 annual ‘license fee’ for technical support). Whisky allows you to create bottles, which are files that act as a container for the Windows apps you want to run. The bottles provide compatibility with various versions of Windows (right back to Windows 7 and XP for 32-bit era games). Once a bottle is created press Run to launch the installer program for the Windows game and that game then becomes part of that bottle. Whisky also allows you to install the Windows version of Steam within a bottle and install Windows games that you own on Steam in that bottle. In comparison to CrossOver Whisky isn’t quite as easy to use, lacks the step-by-step help, and doesn’t work with the same wide range of games, but Whisky still does an impressive job for a free open-source app that was developed by just one person (and a 17 year old one at that). In our tests Whisky had no trouble at all with Call Of Cthulhu from 2018 and Guild Wars 2, providing very good performance on my MacBook Pro with M2 processor. Whisky supports a number of Windows games that use Microsoft’s DX12 graphics software. However, it doesn’t currently work with games such as Diablo IV and Fortnite. There’s a list of compatible games on the Whisky website. Read our full Whisky review 5. UTM Virtual Machines Pros Affordable/free option for running Windows on Mac Runs on Intel and Apple Silicon Runs older versions of Windows and Linux Cons More complex than its rivals No tech-support Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mac App Store $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $9.99 at Mac App Store UTM Virtual Machines from Turing Software is currently sitting at no.1 on the Business section of the Mac App Store. It costs $9.99/£9.99 on the Mac App Store, but, because UTM is an open-source project, there’s also a free version–simply called UTM–available on the Turing website. UTM can run on Macs with either Intel or Apple Silicon processors (running macOS Big Sur 11.3 or later). It provides two different options depending on the type of Mac you’re using–virtualization and emulation. So, if you have an Intel Mac, UTM can use virtualization to create a virtual machine that runs the Intel version of Windows. And, if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon you can use virtualization to create a virtual machine that runs Windows On Arm. But, if you want to run the older Intel version of Windows on a Mac with Apple Silicon, then UTM will use emulation in order to run Window since that version isn’t designed for the Mac processors. Virtualization provides better performance, but emulation is useful if you need to run Windows apps or software that require a specific version of Windows. Having those two options available within UTM makes it a more versatile than Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion, which focus on virtualization rather than emulation. However, this adds complexity to UTM, and the app lacks the polished interface and ease of use of Parallels and VMware. You’ll need a basic understanding of Windows disk image files, such as ISO and VHDX, in order to download and install your copy of Windows. Don’t expect the level of step-by-step help available in Parallels Desktop. Performance is good, though. The one weakness is that UTM doesn’t currently support 3D graphics acceleration on its Windows virtual machines, which means that you won’t be able to play most Windows games that have 3D graphics. But if you just want to run business apps or check out the new AI features in Windows, then UTM is a good, low-cost option that will appeal to developers and technical users. Read our full UTM Virtual Machines review 6. Windows 365 Cloud PC Pros Can run Windows on your Mac and also your iPad or iPhone. Cons Needs a fast – and always on – Internet connection. Expensive. Price When Reviewed: $31 – $66 per month Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $31 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $31 at Microsoft Windows 365 (which launched in July 2021) has the potential to really challenge traditional virtualization programs such as Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion. However, at the moment, Windows 365 is still pretty expensive and is very much aimed at large corporate users, rather than the individuals and smaller businesses that tend to use Parallels and Fusion. Microsoft describes Windows 365 as a Cloud PC, but its technical notes make it clear that Windows 365 is a form of virtual machine. The difference is that Parallels and Fusion create virtual machines that are stored locally on your Mac itself, and these virtual machines rely on your Mac’s own processor power, memory and storage to run Windows and Windows apps. In contrast, Windows 365 creates a virtual machine that is stored up in the cloud, and runs on Microsoft’s own servers. The video image for the Windows desktop on your cloud PC is then streamed to your Mac – or any other device, such as an iPad or even another Windows PC – via your broadband connection. This form of virtual machine can work well, as long as you have a fast enough – and always-on – Internet connection. But, as mentioned, Windows 365 is quite expensive, with prices ranging from $31/£26.40 to $66/£56.20 per month. That’s compared to $99.99/£89.99 for a full year for the home user version of Parallels Desktop, while Fusion even has a completely free version for home users and students. Windows 365 certainly has appeal to larger businesses that want to provide a standardized cloud PC that their staff can connect to from any location that has an Internet connection – it’s ideal for hybrid working and the ‘new normal’. However, it’s too expensive for ordinary home users, students and smaller businesses, so existing users of Parallels and Fusion will probably want to stick with those apps for the time being. Read more here: How to use Windows 365 on Mac, iPad and iPhone. 7. Wine Pros Free. Cons Not really for beginners. Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Wine Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Wine As we mentioned above, the third technology option – after Boot Camp and virtualization – is Wine, which allows you to run Windows apps without Windows itself. Version 8 of Wine arrived at the end of January 2023, like version 7.5 of Wine, which arrived in March 2022, Wine still runs on M1 and M2 Macs via Rosetta 2. Wine 8 includes support for the latest versions of the Vulkan graphics engine and Microsoft Direct3D. It also adds support for the OCSP networking protocol. If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands a bit dirty, then Wine is an unusual but feasible option for running Windows software on your Mac. Like VirtualBox, Wine is an open-source program that you can download for free. However, it doesn’t use conventional virtualization technology to create a virtual machine for installing Windows – in fact, Wine is the only program in this group that doesn’t even require a copy of Windows at all. Instead, Wine acts as a kind of software middleman that translates the programming routines – called APIs – in Windows apps so that they can talk directly to macOS, without needing a full copy of Windows itself. And as you don’t need a lot of extra memory or processor power in order to run Windows, you may find that Wine can actually provide better performance than using a virtual machine (especially for games and graphics apps). Wine also gets very regular updates from a team of dedicated developers who provide the software for free. The downside is that Wine can be spectacularly confusing for beginners – to the point where we can only really recommend it to hobbyists who like a bit of a challenge. CodeWeavers CrossOver for Mac is a little easier to use than Wine, despite being closely related to the software. But of course Wine is free, which is a big bonus. 8. VirtualBox 7 Pros Free for personal/educational use. Cons Won’t run on M-series Macs. VirtualBox hasn’t officially been updated to run on macOS Monterey. Price When Reviewed: Free (personal/education); $50 per user (Enterprise Edition – minimum 100 users) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Oracle Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Oracle This open-source virtualization program is free for personal use – but more at home in a corporate environment. VirtualBox, in version 7.0.6 since January 2023, is a bit of a mixed bag. Like Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion, it allows you to create a virtual machine that can run Windows and Windows apps from within macOS itself. If you want it for personal or educational use then VirtualBox is free – it’s actually been made available as an open-source program by Oracle (Oracle also makes Wine available as an open-source program). You might think of Oracle as a big database company, but they basically own the core code for these solutions. There are Linux and Windows versions of VirtualBox too, which allows you to use your virtual machines on many different types of computers (although you’ll still need to pay for your own Windows license to get started). The disadvantage of open-source software is that VirtualBox isn’t as polished or easy to use as Parallels or Fusion. To be fair, the version 6.0 update tidied up its interface to make the initial setup of your virtual machines a little easier. It has also improved its support for audio and 3D graphics in Windows games and apps. VirtualBox is now in version 7. It doesn’t yet support M1 or M2 Macs – unlike Parallels and VMware, Oracle has made no commitment as yet to getting the software running on an M-series Mac. But this version of VirtualBox does offer support for Windows 11, macOS Big Sur and Monterey – there isn’t support for macOS Ventura yet though, which appears to be due to changes Apple made to kernel extensions. VirtualBox throws a lot of jargon at you and if you don’t know the difference between a virtual hard disk and a virtual machine disk then you might find it a bit tricky to get started. And, as the program is free, you don’t get any technical support – although there is a busy user forum where you can ask a few questions when you need to. To be honest, Oracle is really aiming VirtualBox at large corporations that have a proper IT department to help them out. However, business users do need to pay £40/$50 for the VirtualBox Enterprise edition, and you may need to commit to buying 100 licenses at a time, which pretty much rules it out for all but the largest businesses, or educational users who are prepared to tackle the free version. 9. Apple Boot Camp Pros Windows can run at full speed because its not being run at the same time as macOS. Cons Intel only. Absent from M-series Macs. You can’t run Windows and macOS at the same time. You can’t run Windows 11. Price When Reviewed: Free; preinstalled on macOS Using dual-boot rather than virtualization technology, Boot Camp provides the best performance for Intel-based Macs that need to run Windows. (As we explained above, M1 or later Macs do not offer Boot Camp). It’s important to make a distinction between Boot Camp and the virtualization programs that we look at here, such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion and VirtualBox. Instead of creating a virtual machine that allows you to run Mac and Windows apps together at the same time, Boot Camp is a dual-boot system that simply allows you to boot (start) your Mac using either the native macOS or Windows (but not both at the same time). Thanks to Boot Camp your Mac can act as a straightforward Windows PC, and devote all its processor power and memory to running Windows and your Windows apps. And, crucially, if your Mac has a decent graphics card, it can use the full power of the graphics card to help run your Windows software. That’s definitely the best option for people who need to run high-end graphics software or 3D games, as you get much better performance than when running Windows in a virtual machine. The disadvantage of using Boot Camp is that you lose access to all your Mac apps while you’re running Windows. If you use Apple Mail for your emails then you’ll need to shut down Windows and Boot Camp, and switch back to macOS every time you want to send or receive an email. And, if truth be told, the current version of BootCamp 6.1 isn’t quite as straightforward to set up as it used to be. Previous versions of Boot Camp did all the work for you – they would partition your hard drive, install Windows from a normal installer disk, and also install any driver software that you needed so that components such as your graphics card, keyboard and mouse all worked properly within Windows. Boot Camp 6.1.19 (as of August 2022) can only be used to install Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. Windows 11 requires the host computer to have a TPM (trusted platform module) which Macs don’t have (some VM solutions, such as Parallels, can allow Macs with a T2 chip to run Windows 11). Since not all Macs will work with all versions of Windows, so before you even start to run the Boot Camp Assistant you’ll need to check the compatibility tables on Apple’s website to see which version of Windows will work on your Mac. You can’t install Windows from an old installer disk anymore either, so you’ll either have to download a disk image file for Windows – called an ISO file – from Microsoft’s own website, or use your Windows disk to create one. Boot Camp includes driver software for setting up Windows 8 and Windows 10, but if you’re a fan of Windows 7 (which some people prefer for gaming) then you’ll have to hunt around on Apple’s website for the drivers you need and make sure you follow the correct procedure when copying them on to your Boot Camp partition. Still, if you persevere with all that, you will eventually have Windows running at full speed on your Mac, giving you access to a wide range of Windows software and games that require more power and speed than you can get from using virtual machine technology. Just as long as you don’t have an M1 Mac… For more advice about accessories and software for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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Best Lightning Cables for iPhone 2025
Macworld Lightning ports were once ubiquitous across Apple’s iPhone and iPad line-up. Apple is switching to USB-C ports for its iPads and from the iPhone 15 family, the Lightning port is now replaced by USB-C. But for iPhone versions 5 to 14, Lightning is the port you need a cable for. For iPhones and older iPads that use the Lightning port, you can buy a cable that has a Lightning connector at one end and either full-size USB-A or the smaller, reversible USB-C connector at the other to plug into a charger. If you still have a charger with a USB-A port, consider upgrading to a USB-C charger as iPhone fast-charging only works with a USB-C charger. The best setup for iPhones before the iPhone 15 is a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. Check out our tests for the best USB-C chargers for iPhone. As most Apple users will agree, one phone-charging cable is never enough. Whether it gets damaged through wear and tear, or it is misplaced, borrowed or stolen, you can guarantee it is never there when you need it. Third-party Apple-certified cables are more expensive than many online alternatives but we highly recommend you buy a certified cable, because cheap third-party alternatives have a nasty habit of suddenly deciding to stop working with your device. Moreover, they can be dangerous—here are some good reasons why you shouldn’t buy a cheap Lightning cable. There are exceptions, however, so a few of the cables recommended below have been tested by us but don’t have the MFi stamp of approval. These are clearly marked. If you’re forever buying new cables, you might also want to consider a Qi wireless charger or for iPhone 12/13/14/15 a MagSafe charger, with traditional docks, stands and pads as well as portable wireless chargers with built-in batteries now available. All current-generation iPhones support wireless charging, but do note that this is a slower process than charging via a cable (depending on your cable and adapter). Buy a MagSafe version only if you have an iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15. iPhone 15 and USB-C iPad users should go to our roundup of the best USB-C charging cables for iPhone. Best Lightning cables for iPhone and iPad in 2025 Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable – Apple's own USB-C to Lightning Cable Pros Made by Apple Fast charge Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19.99 View Deal $29 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $19.99 at Target $29 at Walmart USB type: USB-C Length: 1m or 2m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes To unlock Fast Charge on your iPhone you need a USB-C to Lightning cable (and at least an 18W adaptor). Apple’s variant might be one of the more expensive examples, but it’s also the most trustworthy, hailing direct from Apple itself. That said, Apple’s non-braided cables have a reputation for fraying and losing their pristine white color over time. The standard cable that ships with most Apple products is the 1m cable, but it’s also available at double that length (2m). Apple Lightning to USB-A cable – Apple's own USB-A to Lightning Cable Pros Made by Apple Cons No Fast Charge Expensive Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $24.36 View Deal $24.99 View Deal $29 View Deal $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.99 at Adorama$19.99 at Best Buy$24.36 at Walmart$24.99 at Amazon View more prices from AmazonB&HTarget Close × Best Prices Today: Apple Lightning to USB-A cable – Apple's own USB-A to Lightning Cable Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $19.99 View Deal $24.36 View Deal $24.99 View Deal $29 View Deal $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket USB type: USB-A Length: 0.5m, 1m or 2m MFi: Certified Fast charge: No Not as iconic as the white earbuds, but white and useful nonetheless, you might want to buy your Lightning cable direct from Apple. As a USB-A cable it won’t support Apple’s Fast Charge on iPhone, but it’s pretty handy none the less if you own a charger with the old rectangular USB-A port. We still recommend you upgrade to a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable. It is available at half or double the standard 1m length (0.5m is the same price; 2m is a little extra). Either way, it’s still expensive compared to some third-party Lightning cables. Do note that these Apple white cables often tend to go a nice shade of murky gray pretty fast, depending on your usage. Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best budget USB-C to Lightning cable Pros Super tough Affordable Fast Charge Color options Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $17.99 View Deal Anker $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $17.99 at Amazon$19.99 at Anker USB type: USB-C Length: 1m or 2m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes Anker is one of the most trusted Apple-accessory brands, and it offers a wide range of USB to Lightning cables. The Apple-certified, nylon-braided Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable is its budget offering but is still more robust than Apple’s cables and available in a wider choice of lengths (from 1m to 2m) and colors (Black, Silver, Blue and Red). Anker claims that the 331 cable can withstand up to 12,000 bends. The Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable ups that claim to 35,000 bends. Remember that you need a USB-C to Lightning cable like this one for fast-charging iPhones older than the iPhone 15. Amazon Basics USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best basic USB-C to Lightning cable Pros Affordable USB-C for Fast Charge Multiple colors and lengths Price When Reviewed: $11.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.19 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.19 at Amazon USB type: USB-C Length: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes Products in the AmazonBasics range just work and they’re very cheap to boot. Cheap does not mean bad though—Basics’ 1.82m cable is cheap, and if you can find the shorter variant in stock it’s even cheaper. Amazon does note that it works with ‘nearly all cases’, so you may want to double-check, but we doubt this would be a problem for most accessories. It’s available in multiple color choices, including white, black and red, in most regions. AmazonBasics Lightning cable – Best basic USB-A to Lightning cable Pros Affordable Multiple colors and lengths Cons No Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $11.69 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $9.99 at Amazon USB type: USB-A Length: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m MFi: Certified Fast charge: No For older chargers, this is a decent affordable USB-A to Lightning cable available in various lengths and colors. It’s USB-A so not a Fast Charge option like the USB-C version. Fonemax Retractable USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best retractable Lightning cable Pros Tangle-free and tidy Affordable Price When Reviewed: $12.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Lightinthebox $12.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.99 at Lightinthebox USB type: USB-C Length: Stretches to 1.2m MFi: No Fast charge: Yes If long, messy cable snakes annoy you, then a retractable Lightning cable will save you from tangles, and is much easier to store and carry around. This retractable USB-C to Lightning cable isn’t Apple certified but worked well in our tests, and we can’t find a certified retractable Lightning cable for sale anywhere. It is a real boon for keeping your desk or cable drawer tidy. We’d like all our cables to be retractable! StarTech.com USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best coiled USB-C to Lightning cable Pros Compact and tangle-free USB-C for Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $25 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $17.03 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $17.03 at Amazon USB type: USB-C Length: 0.5 m or 1m MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes Another way to avoid cable snakes is a coiled cable that takes up less space on your desk or wherever you lay it. This coiled Lightning cable from StarTech.com is available with either USB-A or USB-C but USB-C to Lightning is better for Fast Charge, and in either 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths. The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer version extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft. StarTech.com USB to Lightning Cable – Best coiled USB-A to Lightning cable Pros Compact and tangle-free Cons No Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $18.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $6.77 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $6.77 at Amazon USB type: USB-A Length: 0.5 m or 1m MFi: Certified Fast charge: No This coiled Lightning cable with USB-A at the other end fits older chargers but doesn’t support Apple’s Fast Charge like the USB-C version does. Like its more modern sibling, it is available in either 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths. The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer version extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft. Bawanfa Extra Long Lightning Cable – Best long Lightning cable Pros Long Color options Price When Reviewed: $17.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $17.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $17.99 at Amazon USB type: USB-A Length: 6m (20ft) MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes This Lightning cable is an amazing 6m (that’s 20-feet) long. If the plug outlet in your room of choice is further away from your sprawling place of choice then this is the answer. It’s also handy for passing round in a car. The thicker than Apple cable is more durable and should last you a while. If you really must stick with a slower USB-A charger, there is a 20-foot USB-A to Lightning cable version. Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable Pros Short and tangle-free Price When Reviewed: $14.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Not Available at Amazon USB type: USB-C Length: 0.3m (1ft) MFi: Certified Fast charge: Yes You know what? Sometimes you just need a short cable, rather than a skinny python snaking over your desk. One of the best short Lightning cables we’ve seen is from Anker, it’s just a foot long, and it’s MFI certified. CableCreation Short iPhone Charger Cable – Best short USB-A to Lightning cable Pros Short Color options Cons No Fast Charge Price When Reviewed: $16 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $13.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $13.99 at Amazon USB type: USB-A Length: 15cm MFi: Certified Fast charge: No This USB-A to Lightning cable from CableCreation is MFI certified but won’t support iPhone Fast Charge as it has USB-A at the other end. It’s 15cm (6in) long, and available in either black-&-white, black or rose gold depending on which Amazon store you are buying from.  Wave Bio-Based Lightning Charging Cable – Best eco-friendly Lightning cable Pros USB-C for Fast Charge Eco friendly Price When Reviewed: $12 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Wave $12 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12 at Wave USB type: USB-C Length: 1m MFi: No Fast charge: Yes The exterior of these USB-C to Lightning cables is constructed using plant-based materials, thus reducing a reliance on petroleum-based plastics like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The packaging is recyclable (the bio-based cables are secured by a recyclable paper sleeve) and even the shipping is carbon neutral, offsetting the CO2 produced. Shipping outside the UK is an extra US$6.30 or €6, but if you value the planet that’s not a lot to pay. Wave also makes a USB-A to Lightning version of the cable, but remember that this won’t support fast charging like the USB-C to Lightning cable. The cables are not yet MFi certified but could be at a later date, depending on demand. RapidX Lightning Charging Cable Stand – Best Cable/Stand hybrid Pros Acts as stand Cons Landscape mode only for stand Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19.99 View Deal RapidX $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $19.99 at Amazon$19.99 at RapidX USB type: USB-C Length: 1.2m MFi: No Fast charge: Yes Most cables just do one or two things: charging and data transfer or both. The RapidX 2-in-1 Lightning Charging Cable can also be used as a phone stand—great for streaming movies or making FaceTime calls while charging your phone. The stand works in landscape mode only. The 4-foot braided nylon jacket is made from recycled materials, such as fishing nets and textile production waste. It has USB-C on one end and Lightning on the other, USB-A vs USB-C: Which Lightning cable should I buy? Fast Charge on an iPhone (available on iPhone 8 and above) can be achieved only when using a USB-C to Lightning cable, and pairing it with either an 18W-plus charger (now available in 20W up to 96W, with the 140W model not recommended for iPhone) or a third-party model that supports Power Delivery. See our roundup of the best iPhone chargers. A USB-A to Lightning cable will charge your iPhone more slowly, regardless of what adapter it is paired with. It is true that there are also some differences between USB-C and USB-A when it comes to data-transfer speeds, with only USB-C able to accommodate the latest USB 4.0 standard, which can achieve Thunderbolt 3/4-equivalent speeds of 40Gbps. Regardless, Lightning can carry only 480Mbps (akin to USB 2.0 speed), making this a moot point for this batch of cables. Identical in design to Thunderbolt, USB-C is a conveniently reversible and future-proofed connector. But USB-A remains commonplace and, for that, it is still sought after by iPhone and iPad users.

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Best web browser for Mac
Macworld A web browser is arguably the most important app on your Mac. It’s the one we use all day, every day, whether it’s for keeping up with friends, searching for things online, streaming entertainment, using services for work or doing a bit of shopping. So, choosing the one that best meets your needs is important. Many people just stick with Safari on their Mac, as it’s a fully developed app that’s already there and works very well with your other Apple devices. But, if you’re willing to look beyond Apple’s favored child, there are plenty of interesting alternatives available. With this in mind, we round up the best alternatives to Safari and see what they have to offer. If you want to increase the privacy and security on your browser then you should also read Best VPN for Mac and How to use a VPN on your Mac. Safari Pros Included with every Mac Syncs well with other Apple devices Good performance and features Cons Fewer extensions that Chrome-based rivals Doesn’t play well with non-Apple devices Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Apple Apple’s Safari browser has been around for a long time, and over the years it’s been improved to the point where it’s now a very solid choice for most people. As you’d expect, it boasts the standard features found on most modern browsers, including bookmarks, tabbed browsing, a password manager, private browsing options, a dark mode, a Reading List that you can return to later (and read offline), plus a Shared with You section on the Home page that lists links you’ve been sent in Messages.  The Reader View is one of Safari’s hidden gems as it turns any webpage into a clean, clear article devoid of ads and other distractions. Coming later in 2024 is a refined Reader mode that will include an AI-powered summary and a table of contents, so you can quickly get the information you require. A new Highlights feature will bring up the most relevant information on a webpage, plus a Viewer will pops out videos on a site so you can control it in it’s own window. If you want to use Safari for work and personal activities, then you can set up dedicated profiles of each, complete with separate bookmarks, extensions and cookies. The Quick Note feature, as the name suggests, allows you to instantly grab text or images from a webpage and have them appear (complete with links) in the Notes app. Tab Groups is a handy feature that allows you to assemble particular tabs together by a category of your choosing, so you don’t have to search for them among your other open tabs. This is useful if you’re planning a holiday, event or researching another interest. Best of all, the Group Tabs sync to Safari on your iPhone, iPad or other Macs. They’re also shareable, so you can send them with friends, colleagues or family who can instantly see all the pages and links–perfect if you’re all collaborating on a project. You can also pin tabs within these groups and give them customized start pages too. Privacy is an important part of Apple’s offering, with Intelligent Tracking Protection there to stop advertisers from watching what you do. This is accompanied by anti-fingerprinting settings that prevent sites from looking at your hardware and software configuration to work out who you are online, plus security features that block sites that could contain malware.    Later in 2024 Apple will introduce a new Password manager in macOS Sequoia, but Safari already supports PassKeys. These are encrypted logins that seek to eventually do away with passwords altogether. You can check out more details in our how to use PassKeys guide. There’s also full integration for Apple Pay, making it easy to buy items online, either through the Touch ID sensor on compatible Macs (or the Mac keyboard with Touch ID) or via Face ID on your iPhone. See our How to use Apple Pay on a Mac for more details.  In its current form, Safari is better than ever, and that’s before you start exploring the available extensions that can increase its capabilities even further. The truth is, the best browser for your Mac is probably already installed. Chrome Pros Huge selection of extensions Fast Cross-platform Loads of features Cons Traditionally a memory-hog Requires Google account Can affect battery life Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Google Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Google Google’s Chrome remains the world’s most popular desktop browser by quite a margin, although that does encompass Windows users too. This success isn’t hard to fathom, as Chrome is an excellent tool that has an entire ecosystem of plug-ins and extensions, ranging from privacy monitors to ones that fix your grammar. Multiple tabs are handled very well, although it can lead to RAM being hogged by Chrome if you like to leave a huge amount open at the same time, but this is often true of most browsers. Chrome can be a resource-hungry browser though, which in some cases can reduce the battery life on a Mac. Google has addressed this, allowing users to now set memory and energy use filters that should improve performance. It also updates Chrome regularly, so the browser is constantly being tweaked to make it run as smoothly as possible on macOS. In use, it’s fast. Pages are rendered quickly and there’s a global setting for the zoom, which can be handy if you find text a bit small on modern sites. Due to its dominence, it’s also the browser that most developers test their sites on, so you can guarantee that any page you visit will work well with Chrome. As you’d expect, being a part of the same family, Chrome dovetails effortlessly with Google’s online apps – Drive, Docs, Calendar, Photos, Translate, etc – allowing users to launch them from an app tray in the menu bar. Chrome has a huge selection of extensions available in the Chrome Web Store, that add a vast array of features into the browser. The extensions are the things that differentiate Chrome from other browsers, with a bewildering 150,000+ to choose from. You can use password managers like Dashlane, discount coupon checker Honey, Grammarly to improve your writing, and so much more. To see our colleagues at Tech Advisor’s pick of the crop read Best Chrome extensions. As with Safari, there’s also a group tabs feature in Chrome that can keep your window tidy and make it easy to quickly find related webpages among your open tabs. These can be saved, so you can access them later or on another device. Chrome is also cross-platform, so you can use it on Apple, Android or Windows. Password storage is secure, and you can keep your payment details in Chrome so that it’s easy to make payments online, albeit not through Apple Pay. There’s also the new Family Link feature that lets you set website restrictions for your kids when they’re using the browser. Google uses high levels of security to ensure you don’t access sites that contain malware and also isolates each tab to prevent cross-infection should you stumble into something nasty. Of course, this is Google we’re talking about, so you’ll be giving your data directly to the company as you use Chrome, including your online habits, so just be sure you’re ok with that before you begin. Edge Pros Uses Chrome extensions Built-in PDF editor Built-in AI features Cons Design can be cluttered Works best with Microsoft account Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Microsoft Microsoft initially launched Edge with its own engine, but after a while decided to adopt the Chromium one that drives Google’s Chrome browser. Since then, the app has grown into a very good option for those who want the Chrome experience, but with its own distinct flavor.  The design on Edge is modern and tidy, albeit a little cluttered at times, with plenty of powerful features built into the main menu. Collections opens up a sidebar where you can drag web pages or add notes. It’s a great way to use Edge to plan for a trip or research a major purchase. Alternatively, you can use the Tab Groups that are similar to the ones on Safari and Chrome. These are displayed on the tab bar along the top, with the ones you’ve assigned to group all color-coded so you can see them instantly. Then, if you want to focus on something else, click the group name, and all the tabs are collapsed into that, ready to reopen when you want to see them again. Vertical tabs also let you instantly switch the open tabs from along the top of the page to a list in a column on the left. It’s a nice little feature that can make it easier to find what you are looking for quickly. You’ll also find a reader mode that reduces a page down to just the words, plus Edge can read aloud the contents if you prefer that approach. A very useful addition is a built-in PDF editor that can make filling out online forms a doddle, and the Web Select feature allow you to copy and paste contents from a page while retaining all of the formatting. AI is built right into Edge, with the Copilot feature always a click away. This opens up a dialogue window where you can ask questions and have Copilot generate the answers via AI. It can summarise the contents of the page you’re reading, as well as answer any queries about the information on the screen. It can also compare products you’re viewing (particularly useful in the split screen view) and even create tables to show the differences. Designer will allow you to create AI-generated images directly in the browser, and you can even use the AI in Edge to create bespoke themes for the browser. The Home page does feel cluttered and busy, but there are various settings you can use to display a different landing page or just reduce the barrage of news stories and other ephemera that greet you each time you open a new tab. As with most major browsers, Edge has a password manager that can store your details for websites and online accounts, plus it offers a Password Health and Password Monitor feature so you know if your details could be compromised.  If you use Outlook, then you’ll find quick access to mail, calendar appointments and To Do items very handy. Those with a Microsoft 365 account can also launch free versions of MS Office apps from within the browser, much like with Google apps on Chrome. There’s also a grammar and spelling checker borrowed from Microsoft 365 that helps improve your writing when online in Edge. This new Editor works across social media sites or pretty much anywhere you can enter text.  Microsoft also includes various privacy features, all of which can be tweaked in the settings, plus you have access to the thousands of extensions that come with Chrome. If you’ve dismissed Edge in the past as just Internet Explorer with a facelift, we think you should reconsider that opinion.   Arc Browser Pros Feels genuinely innovative Easel and Split Screen features All the Chrome extensions Cons Initially disorientating Still Chrome-based Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price The Browser Company Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at The Browser Company Arc is one of the hottest new browsers on the Mac, gathering quite an enthusiastic fanbase since it first arrived in 2022. Based on the Chromium engine, it has access to all the plug-ins and extensions that you’d find on Chrome–including the password managers and other essentials – but the look and feel of it is quite different. The main difference is that Arc uses a very clean interface, so there’s no bookmark row at the top of the page and tabs don’t even appear there, which can be a little disconcerting at first. Instead, not unlike Safari, you have a left column that opens and close and is home to all the tools, tabs and other accoutrement. If you want the extensions–such as Add to Pocket–then they are found at the top of the column where you’ll also find the URL of the current page. So, you don’t lose any functionality, but you might get lost the first few times you use it. There are also four main boxes underneath the URL space, which are quick links to the likes of Notion, Slack, Gmail and Google Calendar, although you can edit these to be anything you want.  Then, all the open tabs appear in a list in the main part of the column. These can be pinned to create a kind of bookmarks bar, plus you can quickly arrange them into folders. It sounds weird, but you get used to it very quickly and I have to say it’s a great way to manage browsing. This is improved more by Spaces. Arc allows you to set up multiple of these, which are like instances of the browser, but tailored to different needs. You can create a Personal one with logins to certain accounts, specific pinned tabs, and different color-schemes. Then you can have one for work with entirely different content. If you’re planning an event or researching something, you can save yourself having 20 open tabs in your normal browsing area by creating a space just for that one activity. It’s a near solution that can be incredibly handy. That’s not all though, as you can make use of two special features. The first is Split Screen. With this you can simply drag a pinned tab onto the main pane and Arc will automatically create two windows side-by-side. This is perfect if you’re filling in forms, writing up a report, or just want to have the information from one site to hand. Then there’s Easel. Think of this as a whiteboard where you can make notes, create mind maps, and generally let your imagination run wild inside your browser. You can insert image files from your Mac, draw shapes, and enter text, which becomes particularly helpful when combined with Split Screen. Arc takes a little getting your head around, but if it clicks with you (and it did with me), you might just find it’s your new home online. Firefox Pros Focus on privacy New Firefox view feature Loads of themes and plug-ins are available Cons Not as many features as Safari or Chrome Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mozilla Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Mozilla Another stalwart that’s been through constant evolution over the years is Firefox. There was a time when this was one of the major players in the browser field, but time hasn’t been kind to Mozilla’s creation and Google Chrome has been one in particular that tempted people away. That’s a shame, as today’s Firefox version is slick, smart, and provides a worthy alternative to its higher-profile competitors.  Mozilla takes privacy seriously and has a range of features to keep you safe online. Tracking Protection stops websites from following you around the web and collecting data that can be used to serve ads. There’s also ad and script blocking that speed up webpage loading times. There’s even an extension that sandboxes Facebook so it can’t follow your activities around the web. Whatever the tweaks under the hood, our experience with the app proved it rapid and reliable.  Firefox has always been a browser that lets you personalise things, so be sure to take a look at the various themes and extensions available that can decorate the menu section of the browser or add additional features. The menu bar has a number of functions, providing quick links to things such as emailing links, saving the page to Firefox’s Pocket app to read later, or sending pages directly to your phone. There’s also a Reader mode to simplify the contents of a webpage. Some features worthy of note include a built-in PDF editor, plus Firefox View which allows you to pick up on your Mac from wherever you may have been on a webpage on another device. A bit like Handoff on Safari. You also get a free password manager, pinned tabs, pop-out windows for videos, syncing across multiple devices and platforms, and built-in language translation. The extensions might not be as plentiful as they are on Chrome, but there’s lots of useful add-ons that can tailor your Firefox experience to just the way you like it. Mozilla also offers various tools such as Relay (similar to iCloud Private Relay) that creates email alisases you can use for signing up to online services, or giving to people that you don’t want to know your real address. A VPN that can hide your location, plus Monitor watches out for password breaches that may have included any of your accounts and passwords. It may not be the force it once was, but there’s plenty of life left in Firefox yet.  Opera Pros Aria AI features built-in Free VPN Group Tabs and Pinboards Cons Owned by Chinese company Kunlun Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Opera Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Opera Opera is built on the same foundations as Chrome, giving it a familiar feel in terms of features and performance. That doesn’t mean it’s a clone with a different badge though, as the app comes with some interesting design choices and handy tools that make it a solidly modern browser. The first is a column on the left side of the screen that contains shortcuts to various options. Three initial icons represent the Workspaces. These are dedicated areas that you can instantly switch between. Each one can house different tabs that are relevant to work, home, a trip you’re planning or any other topic you prefer. More can be added, with plenty of icons to choose from too. It’s a simple way to stop your browser window filling up with too many open tabs on a variety of subjects. There are also links to various messaging apps, all of which can be logged into and used while browsing the web. There’s also an option to add an X or TikTok account too if that’s your bag, all of which is very useful if you don’t want to keep picking up your phone. Another icon is for My Flow, a feature that allows users to send webpages directly to their iPhone. At the bottom of the column are three dots that open the options menu. In here you can add or remove lots of other icons that take you to your bookmarks, a news section that collates the latest stories from your favorite outlets, a speed dial for commonly used sites, and plenty of other goodies.  A new addition to the list is AI services. You can either use Aria, the built-in one from Opera, or ChaptGPt and ChatSonic if you have accounts. Aria does require that you set up a free Opera account to use it, but that’s the same for most of the features. With Aria you can ask questions, upload pictures and have it tell you about the contents, summarise webpages, create images and all the other fun that AI has to offer. It’s similar to Copilot in Microsoft Edge, but the interface in Opera does feel cleaner. Opera also has some privacy tools that make life easier when browsing, including a built-in ad blocker and a free VPN. The latter is great for keeping yourself safe when using public WiFi, even if the choice of server locations is limited. Extensions are available in aplenty, thanks to the Chrome heritage, as are themes to personalize the aesthetic. There’s also Pinboards, which is essentially a built-on version of Pinterest that lets you collect images from around the web and build them into mood boards. If you’re looking for a browser that not only protects your privacy online, but also reduces the need for other apps on your system, Opera has much to offer. One caveat is that Opera is now owned by Chinese company Kunlun. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re worried about your data and online behaviors being held on Chinese servers then we thought it best to mention the fact. Brave Pros Great privacy features Ad-free browsing New built-in AI features Cons It can be a bit obsessed with Crypto currencies VPN is subscription based Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Brave Software Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Brave Software Brave is a relative newcomer when compared to all of those listed above, making its debut as recently as 2016. Since then it’s gone from strength to strength, powered by its focus on removing all ads from the pages you visit. From a creator’s point of view, this can be problematic, as most sites (including this one) rely on advertising in order to pay the writers and technicians who produce the content you’re reading. But for consumers, the freedom from intrusive ads can make the web a place where you can breathe once more.  Brave takes things one step further by giving users the option to view ‘privacy-respecting ads’ that will pay them for the honor. This is all done via the Brave Rewards scheme, which is an innovative idea and has the added bonus of allowing users to essentially pay tips to sites they enjoy. All that aside, Brave is a slimline app that speeds its way around the web. You’ll find plenty of settings to hone its performance to your whims, plus there’s the normal collection of password managers, bookmark menus, and accompanying mobile apps that can sync your profile. You can also avail yourself of a built-in Crypto wallet, plus there’s a Brave VPN, although that will cost you $9.99 per month or $99 for a year. Brave offers its own Independent Search function that won’t track your inquiries, there’s a private video-conferencing feature, the Playlists capability with which you can compile videos and tracks from the web and have the playlist automatically available to enjoy on your iPhone, plus a customizable news feed that again won’t track your reading activities online. Have you gotten the idea yet? Brave is all about privacy, but not at the expense of functionality. You’ll also get the benefits of the Chromium engine on which it’s built, including Chrome extensions, a password manager, the ability to group or pin tabs, and plenty more. As with a few others on this list, Brave now has integrated AI features in the form of its agent Leo. This lets you ask it to summarise a page you’re on, translate or analyze text (including from PDFs, Google Docs or Google Sheets), as well as tell you jokes, write poems or whatever else you can come up with. You don’t get the artwork or theme generation like in Edge or Opera, but Leo is a welcome addition to Brave. As it’s built on the Chromium engine, you’ll find all the normal Chrome features, but without some of the ads and tracking behavior. Whether you support the idea of a total ad-blocking browser or not, there’s little argument that Brave gets the job done in style. Vivaldi Pros Fast performance Swiss army knife approach to app integration New features added regularly Cons Almost too many features Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Vivaldi Technologies Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Free at Vivaldi Technologies There’s a good chance you haven’t have heard of Vivaldi, or at least the browser rather than the 17th century Venetian composer. It’s a name you should familiarise yourself with though, as the company was started by Jón von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera back in 1994.  At its heart, Vivaldi uses the Chromium engine. This gives it the advantage that you can use Chrome’s plugins. Where it differs is in its attitude to your data. Once you set up a password on your Mac you can sync your devices knowing that everything in protected by end-to-end encryption that not even Vivaldi can see. Abusive ads that track you are blocked by default and there are various other settings to minimize any intrusions to your privacy.  Like Opera, Vivaldi has a sidebar containing various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, plus a few innovative options. One is Notes, which allows you to quickly jot down information without having to leave the browser and you can even include screenshots. This is great if you’re researching something or just want to remember a quote. You can also create tab groups and stack them on two levels in the menu bar. That’s not all though! Vivaldi lets you set whether the tab bar appears in the traditional vertical position at the top of the page or move it to the the flanks or along the bottom. You can also open multiple tabs at once in a split-screen view, so you can work on them at the same time.  Sessions is the equivalent of grouped tabs in Chrome or Safari, where you can keep related open tabs if you’re working on a specific topic or planning something that requires multiple webpages. These can be quickly created by selecting the tabs that are open, then with one click they can be sent to a Session. Web panels is another clever feature, in that it enables users to setup mini versions of webpages that can be accessed by clicking on its panel name. This is best suited to messaging services but also for X and mobile optimized sites like Spotify, as they will fit into the single-column view.  You’ll also find further options in the bar across the bottom of the page, including the ability to capture a screenshot, adjust the zoom level via a slider, turning off images and videos on a page, as well as a comprehensive list of page actions you can instantly enable or disable by clicking a tickbox. Personalization is another big feature, with plenty of themes available or you can even create your own icons from images or GIFs. Vivaldi is now offering integrated Mail and Calendar apps that can help you stay organized without ever needing to leave the browser, plus the Vivaldi Translate feature means you can look up words and phrases not in your native tongue, but without Google getting to see what you’re translating.  Keeping the open source spirit alive is the recent integration of Mastodon, the federated alternative to the hate-filled X bonfire of Elon Musk’s vanity. There’s so much to explore in Vivaldi and it keeps growing at a steady pace. It might be one of the newer browsers around, but we think it could well be the way they all go in the future. 

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Learn about AI and computer programming for only $30
Ready to learn the latest advances in coding and artificial intelligence? Grab the ultimate AI ChatGPT coding and Python programming bundle. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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These are some of the best camera and photo editing apps for your iPhone
If you just got a new iPhone, there are lots of things you can do to make the most of the great cameras you now have in your pocket. I’ve selected some of the best camera and photo editing apps to help you enhance your shots from your iPhone. And even if you’re already a long-time iPhone user, it’s worth giving these apps a try. more…

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Tim Cook told us how Apple will change the world, but it’s finally taking shape
Apple has a reputation for creating game-changing products. It’s done this in a variety of categories spanning its history of hardware, software, and services. But it’s natural to always seek out the next big thing. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook though, interestingly enough, has already told us what it is—and now it’s starting to take shape. more…

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Apple's 2TB M4 Mac mini is $100 off & in stock
Inventory constraints have been impacting M4 Mac mini ship times, with some configurations expected to deliver as late as March. But this Late 2024 M4 spec with an upgrade to an ample 2TB of storage is $100 off and in stock with free expedited shipping.The 2TB M4 Mac mini is eligible for a triple-digit discount.This particular configuration that's eligible for a limited-time $100 cash discount features Apple's M4 chip that includes a 10-core CPU and GPU. Measuring at just 5 inches x 5 inches x 2 inches, that's a lot of power in such a compact chassis. But to make this M4 Mac mini stand out further, it also has an upgrade to a 2TB SSD, offering ample storage in such a small package.Buy for $1,399 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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When will Apple release iOS 18.3?
Apple released the first beta of iOS 18.3 two weeks ago. However, if you aren’t on the beta testing train, you shouldn’t have to wait much longer for Apple to release the update to everyone. Here’s when to expect Apple to release iOS 18.3… more…

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Happy New Year!
2024 started with Apple announcing it had again beat the Street with Q124 quarterly revenue of $119.6 billion, up… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How to start journaling with the iPhone Journal app
Apple's Journal app makes keeping a diary a breeze. Here's how to get started with the iPhone journaling app. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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watchOS 11’s fixes make it easier than ever to hit your Apple Watch health goals
Apple Watch has always been a powerful device for tracking your health and fitness. But two recent changes in watchOS 11 have made it easier than ever to hit your goals. Here are the details. more…

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Tips and tricks to get the most out of your CarPlay experience
For the vast majority of people, CarPlay is a must-have. Apple’s in-car experience provides a vastly superior infotainment experience than most options from carmakers. There’s quick access to your favorite apps, integration with Siri, seamless connectivity, and more. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for making sure you’re getting the most out of your CarPlay experience… more…

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These coming Vision Pro upgrades could lead to big 2025 success
Vision Pro was chosen as 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. But there’s still a lot Apple’s spatial computer has to prove heading into its second year. Here are three big coming upgrades that could lead to a breakout 2025 for Vision Pro. more…

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These Apple products are set to get rare updates in 2025
Apple's 2025 product lineup promises significant updates for several long-neglected devices. Expect six key product refreshes, each… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Today in Apple history: Pirate app service Hackulous shuts down
On December 31, 2012, the app piracy website Hackulous went offline, bringing an end to its most popular apps, Installous and AppSync. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iPhone SE, M4 MacBook Air & more: What to expect from Apple's loaded first half of 2025
The first half of 2025 is set to be a busy one for Apple. Here's all of the rumors so far, including the iPhone SE 4, M4 Ultra in a Mac Pro, and more!Apple has a busy 2025 aheadApple started off its Apple Silicon transition in the middle of a global pandemic, so those first couple of years were out of balance. As we enter 2025, a pattern has emerged along with a ton of the usual rumors.It doesn't seem like there will be many surprises in 2025 as Apple bumps chipsets and releases updated versions of old products, but there's at least one device that could surprise us early in the year. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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9to5Mac Daily: December 31, 2024 – iPhone 17 rumors, iPhone in the EU
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Last Chance!: Save 20% on all 9to5Mac Daily Plus, 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, and 9to5Mac Pro annual subscriptions with promo code HOLIDAY! Visit 9to5mac.com/join to sign up. more…

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How We Work – How caffeine & tech fuel Andrew O'Hara's video workflow
Here's how a mountain of tech products come together to help AppleInsider's Andrew O'Hara keep up with the demanding and growing needs of Apple-focused video production.There's a lot of gear that goes into the video workflowHere at AppleInsider, most of my work revolves around our video production as well as covering the occasional news and writing reviews. Most of my time is spent in the production studio, but I'm bad at staying put.I'm always moving around, which dictates which kind of gear I use. For example, while I drool over the New Mac mini or even the yet-to-be-updated Mac Studio, I use an M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro due to its portability. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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How to set up Apple TV VPN with Surfshark
Apple TV set-top boxes can connect to a VPN so users can access geo-locked content without needing a passport. Here's how to get set up using Surfshark.Use Surfshark VPN Apple TV to tunnel to other regions - Image credit: SurfsharkBoth the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD can run virtual private networks (VPNs) so long as they are running tvOS 17 or later. The VPN service setup and connection work similarly to how it does on Mac, iPhone, or iPad.Surfshark is a trustworthy VPN provider that offers its app on the Apple TV App Store. Unlike scammy free VPNs that likely do more harm than good, Surfshark is a paid service that doesn't monetize user data. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Here’s everything Apple TV+ has coming in January
Apple TV+ had a strong year of original content in 2024, and it’s starting the new year with some big returning series and more. New seasons of Severance and Mythic Quest are clear highlights, but the conspiracy thriller Prime Target looks intriguing too. Here’s everything coming to Apple TV+ in January to kick off 2025. more…

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M4 Mac users report problems using ultrawide 5K monitors
An unknown number of users say that their M4 Macs are failing to show the correct resolution for their 5K ultrawide monitors, leaving displays either blurry or too small to read.The M4 Pro Mac miniThe problem is less dramatic than how the M4 iPad Pro was being bricked for some users when they updated to iPadOS 18. In this case, it's another M4 problem but the issue is over what resolution the display is shown at.According to multiple users on Apple's support forums, the issue is specifically with monitors that have a resolution of 5,120 pixels by 2,160 pixels. With high-resolution monitors, Apple scales macOS using a feature it calls high-pixel density mode (HiDPI), which prevents interface elements like windows and menus becoming so small as to be unreadable. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple stock named among 10 ‘Tech Winners For The AI Revolution’
Following a late-2024 pullback, AI stocks, including Apple, are set to resume climbing in 2025, a Wall Street analyst says… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How to convert old iMac into 5K monitor for less than $400
Make your own Studio Display! Use an old iMac as monitor with less than $200 in parts and some careful modding. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Passkeys were supposed to be secure and simple; here’s how they fail
I’ve been arguing that passwords are horrible for the best part of a decade now, and was an enthusiastic early adopter of the far better approach of passkeys. Passkeys were supposed to achieve the holy grail of an approach which is both more secure than passwords and so easy to use that everyone would adopt them. But a new piece outlines four problems with the technology … more…

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