When is the best time to buy an iPad? We investigate
Macworld We’ve all been there. You decide to pick up a shiny new device, so you head to the shops and return home with your expensive purchase; all is well with the world. Then a week later a newer, better version is released, and you’re left wondering whether you’ve wasted your money. In this article we show how to avoid this trauma by explaining when it’s the best time to buy an iPad. If you’re struggling to decide which one is the right device for you, incidentally, you should also take a look at our iPad buying guide. When is the best time to buy an iPad? It’s not so easy to say when the best time to buy an iPad is because there is no clear schedule to when Apple will update any of the iPad models. However, since Apple doesn’t tend to update iPads as regularly as it does iPhones and the Apple Watch, you can be reasonabl.y condident that is the iPad is less than a year and a half old it probably isn’t about to be updated. Safe in the knowledge that an update isn’t due soon, you might be wondering if the price might change. Rather than wait for Apple to drop the price, which happens very rarely, our recommendation would be to look for deals from retailers. We see deals throughout the year, but the best tend to happen during Amazon Prime Day (July ad October) or Black Friday (November). The best time to buy an iPad isn’t necessarily when a new model launches. If you wait a month or two you might be able to take advantages of sales and price drops from resellers. During October and November we see lots of sales events, such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, and you can expect to get some money off at these events. Apple doesn’t discount its products at its own stores, but it does offer vouchers with new purchases from time to time–and Black Friday is one of those times. For advice on where to buy, read our roundup of the Best iPad deals. How often is the iPad updated? Life would be a bit easier for the iPad fanbase if you could always rely on the latest update to your preferred model appearing in September, as is the case with the iPhone. Instead, Apple updates its iPads on a less predictable schedule, with new models tending to appear around September/October or April, and often with a gap of two or more years between updates. Here’s a list of the iPads on sale today and when they were last updated: iPad (A16): March 2025 iPad Air (M3): March 2025 iPad mini (A17 Pro): October 2024 iPad Pro (M4): March 2024 When will Apple launch new iPads? The next update is likely to be the iPad Pro later in 2025. It’s expected that the iPad Pro will get an M5 chip in September or October 2025. Is now a good time to buy an iPad? Here’s our breakdown of the four types of iPad that Apple currently sells, and in each case whether you should buy now or wait. iPad (A16, 2025): Buy now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $349 at Apple BUY (but consider an alternative) Last updated: March 2025 Is now a good time to buy? Yes. But keep in mind that there are Apple Intelligence features you won’t be getting now, or in the future, so a different iPad might be a better choice. The current 10-inch iPad arrived in March 2025. This is the cheapest iPad, with a starting price of $349/£329, and as such it is an easy model to recommend for those who don’t care about the latest flashy innovations and instead want a reliable, mid-size tablet in fun colors, for general use. However, if size isn’t important, you may be better off with the smaller iPad mini, which starts at $499/£499. Another reason to choose the iPad mini or iPad Air is that the standard iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, which could mean missing out on features coming to the iPad in the future. iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Buy now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB; Wi-Fi only) | $599 (256GB; Wi-Fi only) | $799 (512GB; Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $468.95 View Deal $479 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $399 at Amazon$399 at Best Buy$468.95 at B&H View more prices from Walmart ElectronicsAppleApple United StatesTarget Close × Best Prices Today: iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Buy now or wait? Retailer Price $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $468.95 View Deal $479 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BUY Last updated: October 2024 Is now a good time to buy? Yes. We don’t expect an update until 2026 or later. As we mentioned above, the 2024 iPad mini now offers 128GB storage at the entry level, rather than a measly 64GB. This is a definite point in its favor. In addition, the 2024 model features a chip compatible with Apple Intelligence features, so it will be nicely future-proofed for a while (and it’s likely to be a few years until Apple updates it). There is a choice of color options, as there are on the iPad and iPad Air. The iPad mini has pale blue, purple and starlight in contrast to the bolder color choices on the Air and standard iPad. Read our full Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) review iPad Air (M3, 2025): Buy now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $599 at Apple BUY Last updated: March 2025 Is now a good time to buy? Yes. We don’t expect an update until 2026 or later. The iPad Air with M3 chip is a stunning machine at a comparatively affordable price. It has some competition from the iPad Pro (which has a more meaty M4 chip), and it’s no longer the thin, light offering it once was now that the iPad Pro is just as slim. Like the iPad Pro the iPad Air now comes in two sizes, so you can choose either a 11-inch or 14-inch display. It’s the iPad Air that has the fun color palette though, available in blue, pink, yellow or silver, while the Pro has a more professional color scheme. iPad Pro (M4, 2024): Buy now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal $1,099 View Deal $1099 View Deal $1104 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $999 at Apple$1,099 at Amazon$1099 at Best Buy View more prices from Walmart ElectronicsApple United StatesB&HTarget Close × Best Prices Today: iPad Pro (M4, 2024): Buy now or wait? Retailer Price $999 View Deal $1,099 View Deal $1099 View Deal $1104 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BUY Last updated: March 2024 Is now a good time to buy? Yes. The iPad Pro will probably get a M5 chip later in 2025, but we don’t think that’s a reason to wait. As the flagships of Apple’s tablet range, the iPad Pro 11-inch and 14-inch are highly desirable devices that boast incredible levels of performance. These features don’t come cheap, though. There’s thought to be a new iPad Pro coming later in 2025 but this will only be a chip upgrade from M4 to M5 and the M4 is plenty good enough. Read our full Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) review

Read more »

iOS 18.4 adding RCS support for Google Fi 
Apple yesterday released the latest iOS 18.4 beta and it enables support for RCS on Google Fi. iPhone users on the Google MVNO have been waiting for this improvement to Android-iOS messaging since September.  more…

Read more »

SwitchBot launches affordable and adjustable smart roller shades with Apple Home support
SwitchBot (makers of my ) have launched a new option in the smart blinds space, the SwitchBot Roller Shade. It is one of the cheaper smart blinds options on the market, and it even has an adjustable bar so it can fit many different window sizes. And if you have the , you can connect these shades directly to the Apple Home app using the Matter integration. Unfortunately, they cannot act as a standalone Matter accessory — the hub is required. more…

Read more »

Forget the M4 Air, I want Apple to bring back the plain ol’ MacBook
Macworld There was a time in my life as a MacBook user when I preferred the largest model. In my younger days, I lugged around a 17-inch PowerBook G4 with pride, boasting about how I wasn’t willing to compromise screen size and battery life. My penchant for large MacBooks continued for a couple of decades, all the way through to the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Max. But then I reviewed the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air and I dumped the 16-inch MacBook Pro as my daily driver. I even loved the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro when I tried it last year too. For a user like me, bigger isn’t better. And now I think I want to go even smaller, smaller than a 13-inch MacBook Air. What I really want is for Apple to revive the 12-inch MacBook. Thanks to Apple silicon and modern-day components, a 12-inch MacBook could be a game changer for MacBook users. The M4 is buff enough Apple silicon is the main reason I don’t need a large MacBook anymore. Performance sacrifices for smaller footprints still exist, but the gap is nowhere near what it used to be. While Apple still outfits its larger laptops with its fastest chips, the base M-series chip is fast enough for users like me who use creative (but not pro) apps on a semi-regular basis. That wasn’t the case with Intel or PowerPC chips–while smaller laptops with those processors worked fine, the extra oomph the larger laptops made a significant difference. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with its M4 chip is an excellent laptop for almost anyone. But imagine that M4 in an even smaller laptop. That would be cool.Foundry When the M1 was introduced, it smoked the Intel processors it replaced. The performance has improved with each generation of the M chip, and the M4 is plenty fast for just about anyone. An M4 (or any future base M chip) with 16GB of RAM is plenty of power perfect for a 12-inch MacBook. Remember—the original MacBook had an Intel Core M processor with 8GB of RAM in 2015, a dinosaur compared to what Apple offers now. Portability is the priority MacBooks are no longer primarily secondary or travel computers. Many if not most are treated as desktop Macs, plugged into a hub and rarely ever leaving home. But that’s not the case for everyone. I use a laptop because I often move locations for work. Also, I travel often and like to take my MacBook with me for working on the go. When I do, I’m not looking for the power or screen size of a MacBook Pro. The biggest knock on the original MacBook was its lack of ports—it had just one USB-C port. I’m fine with that. I hardly ever plug in peripheral devices into my MacBook when I’m working remotely. So, one USB-C port is all I need for charging or plugging in a device like an SSD or a display. Battery life is so good now that I rarely run into an issue when I need to connect something while the port is occupied for charging. Apple doesn’t even need to include MagSafe or an audio jack. Just gi oneve me USB-C port and that’s it. I use a MacBook Air and rarely use its ports. One USB-C port would be fine.Foundry Apple has never sold a MacBook with a cellular modem, but now that the C1 modem is here, reports that Apple is thinking about using the modem could become a reality. Apple could use the modem in a 12-inch MacBook and promote it as an ultraportable Mac that’s so thin and light you can take it virtually anywhere and stay connected. An iPad Pro isn’t good enough As you read this, you might be thinking—just buy an iPad Pro. In many ways, it’s the best device for traveling: it’s light and portable, comes with cellular, and has a super-fast M-series chip. And there are times when I travel with an iPad instead of a Mac and still get things done. But for the times when I need to hunker down and work, I want to use macOS, not iPadOS. Even with split-screen and Stage Manager, multitasking on the iPad just isn’t the same. The apps I use most aren’t as full-featured on the iPad and it’s just a lot easier to navigate between those apps on macOS. Even with a Magic Keyboard and Stage Manager, switching between apps in iPadOS isn’t as effortless as it is on the Mac. Apple once made a 12-inch MacBook–I reviewed the last one Apple released before it was discontinued. Back then, I called it a “MacBook worth bragging about.” Odes to the 12-inch MacBook aren’t new, but if that old laptop was cool, then an M-series 12-inch MacBook would be out of this world.

Read more »

“Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution” auction event opens, offers rare pieces of Apple and computing history
If you’re interested in owning a chunk of Apple computing history, you’re going to like this. RR Auction has announced that its “Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution” auction event has opened and is running throughout March. The collection features more than 300 lots and looks to honor the spirit of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs […] Source

Read more »

Apple brings M3 chip to new iPad Air, A16 chip to 2025 iPad
Apple lived up to its teaser social media post by company CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday, introducing its seventh-generation iPad Air, complete with an M3 chip. The tablet, which serves as the midway point between the iPad line and the iPad Pro, offers some of the performance benefits of the Pro models at a more […] Source

Read more »

Run Windows-only apps on your Mac with Windows 11 Pro — Now under $15
Macworld The MacOS is excellent, but sometimes you have no choice but to use Windows. Whether it’s for Windows-exclusive apps, PC gaming, or work software that won’t run on a Mac, having access to both operating systems can be a game-changer. Right now, you can get Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (reg. $199). How to run Windows on a Mac Installing Windows 11 Pro on your Mac is easier than you might think. You can use Boot Camp to run Windows natively if you have an Intel-based Mac. Prefer to keep macOS running at the same time as Windows? A virtual machine like Parallels Desktop lets you switch between both operating systems seamlessly. With either setup, you can access Windows-only software, games, and productivity tools without needing a separate PC. Why use Windows 11 Pro? Access Windows-only apps: From productivity software to engineering tools, some programs just aren’t available for MacPC gaming: Windows 11 Pro supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, unlocking a wider selection of games and improved performanceAI-powered productivity: The built-in Windows Copilot AI assistant helps with summarizing text, adjusting settings, and streamlining workflowsAdvanced multitasking: Snap Layouts and virtual desktops make switching between projects faster and easierEnterprise-grade security: Features like BitLocker encryption, biometric login, and TPM 2.0 keep your data secure Get Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 to expand what your Mac can do.   Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – $14.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Read more »

Nimble Valet 3-in-1 Wireless Charger review: One charger for all your daily gear
The Nimble Valet 3-in-1 charger adds a bit of upscale touch to your counter or nightstand while charging your daily gear at the fastest possible wireless speeds.Nimble Valet 3-in-1 Wireless Charger review: A unique, stylish, and eco-friendly way to charge We've tried our fair share of three-in-one chargers. While there are a lot of great ones, this model from Nimble adds additional functionality for users at a similar price point.What we found especially impressive, is that it manages to have fast charging, premium materials — like a walnut wood frame, is very eco-friendly, and yet it isn't priced any higher than other comparable chargers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Save $50 on Apple's new M3 iPad Air with Best Buy Total
The first M3 iPad Air deal is here, with Best Buy knocking $50 off the new 2025 iPad Air for Total members.Save $50 on the brand-new iPad Air.To take advantage of the savings, head over to Best Buy. If you're an existing Total member or willing to become one, you can save $50 off the iPad Air. Priced at $179.99, the membership also provides an extended return and exchange window, as well as AppleCare for up to 24 months as long as the membership remains active.Save $50 on new iPads Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Fine-tune typing with Keychron’s new Hall effect mechanical keyboard
The new Keychron K4 HE mechanical keyboard -- the HE stands for Hall Effect -- lets you fine tune your typing experience. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

The most interesting thing about Apple’s most boring iPad Air ever
Tim Cook summarized today’s Apple product news in a succinct post on X that caused a bit of laughter across the internet: ”Introducing the newest iPad Air!” The humor is in the fact that there really isn’t much to say about the M3 iPad Air. It’s just the newest one! However, there is something fascinating about “the newest iPad Air!” that isn’t obvious but deserves attention. more…

Read more »

Price drop: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just $17.97
Don't get stuck using an old version of Windows. Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro with this limited-time discount from Cult of Mac Deals. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Price drop: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just $17.97
Don't get stuck using an old version of Windows. Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro with this limited-time discount from Cult of Mac Deals. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Assassin's Creed Shadows to finally debut in March for Mac and iPad
Following a series of delays, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to finally debut on March 20 across platforms including Mac and iPad.Assassin's Creed Shadows will launch on March 20 for Mac, PC, and consoles.Assassin's Creed Shadows takes the iconic franchise to 16th-century feudal Japan. Players will be able to switch between two protagonists of completely different backgrounds and skills: a Shinobi assassin and a legendary samurai.The dual-character approach allows for diverse gameplay mechanics and storylines, as players will be able to switch between stealth and combat missions that take place across the detailed landscape. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Apple launches legal challenge over UK ‘back door’ order
Apple is intensifying its battle with the British government, which has demanded a "back door" into its most secure iCloud storage system… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits Mac on the same day as PC and consoles
Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Mac launches this month! Explore medieval Japan as a samurai or shinobi with stunning graphics. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Looking for a cheaper iPad with Apple Intelligence? Try the M1 iPad Air
Apple on Tuesday introduced two new iPads: the iPad Air with the M3 chip and an updated entry-level iPad with the A16 chip. While some believed that the cheaper iPad would finally receive support for Apple Intelligence features, that didn’t happen. But if you’re looking for a more affordable iPad with AI capabilities, I recommend giving the a try. more…

Read more »

iOS 19: New features, release date, more
Believe it or not, we’re just three months away from the announcement of iOS 19. Ahead of that launch, rumors about new iOS 19 features, supported devices, and more have started to surface. more…

Read more »

Apple just broke its AI product streak with the wrong device
Apple launched two new iPads today, an M3 iPad Air and A16 base iPad. In somewhat of a surprise, the new entry iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence—an omission that’s perhaps passable for a budget device, but that makes the iPhone SE’s recent discontinuation all the more perplexing. more…

Read more »

iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro buyer's guide: which iPad to buy in early 2025
Apple's March iPad lineup changes introduces a new entry-level model and updates the iPad Air. Here's which iPad is best in early 2025, at any price point.Apple's iPad family, as of March 2025Like other products in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad family of devices covers a very wide range of price points. If you're looking for a budget or a premium tablet, Apple has you covered at either end of the spectrum, and every point inbetween.The updates to the iPad lineup started in March with a refresh of the iPad Air and base iPad, making some changes to the base end of the price range. This included some performance improvements and storage option changes, which can greatly affect where you end up putting your money. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »