Really? The new iPad Air has a new chip, and that’s it
Macworld Apple on Tuesday followed up on its promise to release new products this week by unveiling the new iPad Air less than 10 months after last year’s model. It has a new M3 chip and, well, that’s it. Seriously, that’s it. The colors are the same, the screen is the same, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the same, the cameras are the same, even the wallpaper is the same. You get a very slightly faster chip for the same prices as the M2: $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. The only other difference in the spec sheet has to do with the eSIM, which now “supports advanced eSIM technology for more convenience and security.” Otherwise, they’re identical. Apple says the new M3 chip will deliver a 20 percent performance boost over the M2, which is nearly impossible to measure in day-to-day tasks. So if you bought an M2 model, you’re not missing out on anything. The upgrade to an M3 in itself is interesting because Apple has documented issues with the production of the chip. The Mac mini skipped it altogether and Apple never made an Ultra version for the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. It’s notable, however, that this version has a 9-core GPU, which could be a stockpile of “binned” chips that didn’t have the full 10-core GPU. The base model of the M3 MacBook Air has an 8-core GPU while all other versions have a 10-core GPU. There’s also a new Magic Keyboard (11-inch, $269/13-inch, $319) built specifically for the iPad Air with all of the features from the Pro model: a larger trackpad, 14-key function row, “machined aluminum hinge” and USB-C pass-through for charging. It’s the first time a Magic Keyboard was made specifically for the iPad Air; previous models were made for the iPad Pro but still fit the iPad Air. Prices for the new iPad Air start at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model with 128GB of storage. You can preorder the new tablets now for delivery March 12.

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iPad 11 chip upgrade does not bring Apple Intelligence
The budget iPad, one of Apple’s most popular, is new available with a faster A16 processor, and the base model has twice the storage capacity. For the most part stays the same as its predecessor, though. And, in a surprise move, the tablet did not join the club of devices that support Apple Intelligence. iPad […] (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple releases new Smart Folio alongside new iPad
A new collection of color-matched Smart Folios has been launched alongside Apple's brand-new base-model iPad.Apple's new iPad Folio lineup in Sky, White, Watermelon, and LemonadeOn Tuesday, Apple updated its base-model, 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip and double the base storage. And, to celebrate, it's also released a collection of new Smart Folios to go with it.The folios are available in four colors. This includes Sky, White, Watermelon, and Lemonade, or blue, white, pink, and yellow, respectively. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New iPad 11 lacks support for Apple Intelligence features
After being teased by Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday, the company announced two new iPad models on Tuesday. While the latest iPad Air is now powered by the M3 chip, iPad 11 (the base model in the lineup) features the A16 chip. And because of this, it lacks support for Apple Intelligence features. more…

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Mobile Pixels just dropped a new Monitor Stand with a built-in docking hub
This sleek monitor riser also has a little something extra built in: an eight-port docking hub for charging, data transfers, extra monitors and more. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Save on Mobile Pixels’ gorgeous aluminum monitor riser with 8-port hub
This sleek aluminum monitor riser from Mobile Pixels also packs an eight-port USB-C hub for charging, data transfers, extra monitors and more. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Save on Mobile Pixels’ gorgeous aluminum monitor riser with 8-port hub
This sleek aluminum monitor riser from Mobile Pixels also packs an eight-port USB-C hub for charging, data transfers, extra monitors and more. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iPad Air gets an M3 speed boost and new Magic Keyboard
Apple's new iPad Air is here with an M3 chip for better performance and a revamped, more comfortable Magic Keyboard. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple updates iPad Air with faster M3 processor
Apple has launched an update to the iPad Air, retaining the same design and updating the processor to the powerful M3.Apple iPad Air - Image Credit: AppleThe new iPad Air, the sixth-generation model, has been introduced by Apple. The midway point between the iPad line and the iPad Pro, the iPad Air continues to provide some of the performance benefits of the Pro models at a more wallet-friendly price.The big change is the switch to the M3 chip, with the changes including a 9-core GPU instead of an eight-core version, an 8-core CPU with a 35% improved clock speed over M1, and a better Neural Engine. There's also the Media Engine for ProRes and ProRes RAW encoding. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New iPad Air gets revamped, lower-cost Magic Keyboard
Alongside the new iPad Air, Apple has launched an updated Magic Keyboard which adds function keys, and costs $30 less than before.The new iPad Air Magic Keyboard with larger trackpad plus function keys — image credit: AppleFollowing Tim Cook's teasing tweet about there being something in the air, Apple has launched a new iPad Air and brought it with it new versions of the Magic Keyboard to fit. For both the 11-inch iPad Air and 13-inch iPad Air, there is now a new Magic Keyboard that compared to the previous model features: Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPad updated with A16 chip, double the base storage
Sneaking in underneath the new iPad Air, Apple also updated the iPad, adding more storage and the A16 for the same starting price as the previous model.2024 new iPad 10th generationIn almost an afterthought, Apple also boosted the iPad. Apple is still calling the new iPad with A16 the 10th generation for the most part, but the internal changes are notable.Most obviously, the new iPad 10th generation has the A16 processor. Apple says that compared to the previous generation, the updated iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip, new Magic Keyboard, and updated iPad
Apple on Tuesday introduced the faster, more powerful iPad Air with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence. iPad Air with M3 brings… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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New Magic Keyboard launches for iPad Air with lower price, feature upgrades
Apple just announced the new M3 iPad Air and iPad 11, but there’s a brand new accessory debuting too. The iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard has been revised with some of the upgrades seen on the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard. more…

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Apple updates base iPad with A16 chip and twice the storage
Alongside the new iPad Air, Apple also refreshed the base model iPad today. The iPad now comes with an A16 chip, and twice the storage, for the same $349 price. That means Apple’s cheapest iPad now starts at 128 GB storage, with 256 GB and an all-new 512 GB size as upgrade options. With a faster chip and twice the storage, the new iPad is even better value for money than the . more…

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Apple unveils new iPad Air powered by M3 chip
There’s something in the air today, and it turns out it’s a new iPad Air. Apple has officially unveiled an updated iPad Air powered by the M3 chip. There’s also a new Magic Keyboard to go along with it and an updated version of the base iPad Air. more…

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Cuktech 30 Power Bank: A hefty yet portable powerhouse [Review] ★★★★☆
Our hands-on Cuktech 30 Power Bank review finds its hefty capacity and charging power useful -- for those willing to lug it around. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple defeats U.S. consumer lawsuit over iCloud storage, for the time being
Apple secured a legal victory as a lawsuit accusing the company of unlawfully dominating the digital storage market with its iCloud storage… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Best time to buy a Mac: Should you buy a Mac or MacBook now?
Macworld Whether you are updating your old MacBook laptop or planning to buy your first Mac part of the decision of which model to buy should be based on timing. Before you part with your money you should check that the model you are buying isn’t about to be upgraded by Apple. There is nothing worse than buying a new MacBook Air only to see Apple update the models a month later. Luckily you are here reading this article so the chance of you making a mistake like that is slim (although you should check the date this article was last updated!) In this article, we’ll tell you the best time to buy a MacBook, when to buy a Mac, at what time of year Apple usually updates its Macs, and whether an update is expected soon. We’ll also mention if there are any particular configurations to avoid. We will run through each Mac and MacBook Apple currently sells and assess whether now is a good time to buy one based on educated guesses as to when the next one will launch. Sometimes if you wait a month or two you can get more for your money – provided Apple keeps its prices the same. Before you make the decision of which Mac to buy you should also check out our Mac buying guide and our MacBook buying guide. We also offer advice about how much storage, RAM and cores in How much MacBook RAM, SSD, GPU and CPU do you really need? If you are reading this around Black Friday, read our advice in our guide to the best Black Friday MacBook deals and the best Mac mini and iMac deals. And if you want to know what other Apple products are discounted read Best Black Friday Apple deals. When will Apple launch new Macs? There are a couple of things that can help when predicting when a new model might land. One is to be aware of when Apple last updated the range. The other is to note when Apple has previously announced updates to that range. Apple updated the MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac at an event in October 2024. The next update is expected to come in March 2025, with Apple due to update the MacBook Air. Then the Mac Studio and Mac Pro updates are likely to happen at WWDC in June 2025. Take a look at our article about Apple Events and the new products expected from Apple to check that the outlook hasn’t changed. Most recent/current launches: 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max – October 2024 24-inch iMac, M4 – October 2024 Mac mini, M4 and M4 Pro – October 2024 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 – March 2024 (RAM update in October 2024) Mac Studio, M2 Max and M2 Ultra – June 2023 Mac Pro, M2 Ultra – June 2023 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 – July 2022 (RAM update in October 2024) As for the times when a Mac launch is most likely. In the past, the most likely times to see Mac updates were: WWDC in June for professional Mac models (e.g. Mac Studio and Mac Pro) and October for consumer-focused Macs (e.g. MacBook Air and Mac mini). However, as you will see when you read on, this is not a rule that Apple abides by particularly, nor does Apple always launch new Macs at special events: it often just takes the Apple Store offline for a few hours and then when it returns new Mac models are available as it did in October 2024. We expect that updates for the following Macs are likely to arrive in the next few months. 13- & 15-inch MacBook Air, M4: Now that the MacBook Pro has an M4 chip we expect that the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air will get an update soon. See: MacBook Air rumors. Expected launch: March 2025. Mac Studio, M4: The Mac Studio have been running on the M2 Max and M2 Ultra since June 2023. An updated to the M4 Max/Ultra is expected in 2025, perhaps at WWDC in June June. See: M4 Mac Studio. Mac Pro, M4: Like the Mac Studio, we expect a update to the Mac Pro in June 2025. MacBook Pro, M5: The MacBook Pro is expected to get upgraded to the M5 in October 2025. iMac Pro: Apple discontinued the larger-screened 27-inch iMac when the Mac Studio was introduced, but there are rumors that it could make a comeback. Read about the new iMac Pro. Expected launch: late 2025/2026. When can you get the best Mac deals? If you are thinking of buying a new Mac and the last few months of the year are approaching, you should hold on to take advantage of deals season. From October onwards is when we tend to see the most deals, with everyone saving their best discounts for the weeks around Black Friday at the end of November. If you are wondering whether to wait until Black Friday itself or take advantage of an early deal that’s marked as being ‘early Black Friday’ or similar, our advice is to just go for it! In the past lots of retailers have started their Black Fridays sales a long time before the day itself and promised that prices won’t go any lower on Black Friday itself. It’s unlikely that Apple will offer any discounts for Black Friday though. The company tends to offer vouchers with qualifying sales around Black Friday, and we don’t expect that to change: here’s what Apple is likely to be doing for Black Friday. So don’t expect Apple to offer discounts on Black Friday, but you might be able to get money off Apple products from another reseller. We see many resellers offering Black Friday deals on Apple products, so come back around Black Friday and check out the best. But we don’t only see prices cut for Black Friday, we see deals on Apple products all year round – so don’t assume you can’t get money off a new Apple product when you need to buy one. Check out our round-ups of the best Apple deals: Best MacBook Air deals Best Mac Studio deals Best MacBook Pro deals Best Mac mini deals Best iMac deals There are other ways to save money too: How to get an Apple student discount at Apple’s Education Store Apple Back to School deal Why you should buy a refurbished Mac Best place to buy a refurbished Mac How much can you save at Apple’s refurbished store? Is it a good time to buy a Mac or MacBook? Let’s take a look at each Mac and MacBook on the market and assess if you should consider buying it now. Check the date at the top of the article to see when we last updated this information. Should I buy a 13-inch MacBook Air now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $1,099 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $899 View Deal $1004 View Deal $1,049 View Deal $1099 View Deal $1099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $899 at B&H$1004 at Walmart Electronics$1,049 at Amazon View more prices from Apple United StatesBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a 13-inch MacBook Air now or wait? Retailer Price $899 View Deal $1004 View Deal $1,049 View Deal $1099 View Deal $1099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket WAIT Last update: March 2024 Next update: Spring 2025 There are three versions of the MacBook Air available to buy right now. There are two 13-inch models: one with an M2 chip that launched in July 2022 and one with an M3 chip that went on sale in March 2024. There is also a 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 that was updated in March 2024, which we discuss below. The M2 MacBook Air, with its brand-new design, arrived in the summer of 2022. It gained a MagSafe charging port, meaning that two USB-C ports are available. In our 13-inch M2 MacBook Air review we described it as “just right for nearly every user” thanks to its improved display with thinner bezels, full-size function row, killer battery life and outstanding performance in its class. There are still some areas that let it down though, for example, the fact that you can’t plug in more than one other monitor, unless you close the MacBook lid or follow this workaround: How to connect two or more external displays to Apple Silicon Macs. When the M3 version of the MacBook Air arrived in spring 2024 we were impressed, finding that the M3 chip gave a nice performance boost. In October 2024, with the arrival of the M4 in the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air does look a little less impressive, but Apple increased the unified memory (RAM) in the M3 and M2 MacBook Air, from 8GB to 16GB, paving the way for Apple Intelligence. Is now a good time to buy a 13-inch MacBook Air? No The M2 MacBook Air is an excellent machine and it is the cheapest Mac laptop right now. However, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip only costs $100/£100 more, so our advice would be to pay a little extra for better specs. In October 2024 the M3 MacBook Air had a RAM boost, which is certainly a point in favor of buying one right now, but, with the MacBook Pro gaining an M4 chip at the same time, it’s likely that the MacBook Air will get a similar update soon. Our recommendation is that if you find a good discount on the price of the M3 MacBook Air check that the model being sold includes the now standard 16GB RAM, rather than 8GB RAM. If you find a 16GB equipped M3 MacBook Air at a good price then it will be a good buy, as long as you are prepared for disappointment in early 2025 when the MacBook Air is upgraded. If you want to buy a MacBook Air now check out our round-up of the Best MacBook Air deals. Should I buy a 15-inch MacBook Air now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $1,299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,189 View Deal $1189 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1,189 at Amazon$1189 at Walmart Electronics$1299 at B&H View more prices from Best Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a 15-inch MacBook Air now or wait? Retailer Price $1,189 View Deal $1189 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket WAIT Last update: March 2024 Next update: Spring 2025 There is another MacBook Air to consider. In our review of the 15-inch MacBook Air we said that the 15-inch MacBook Air is “exactly like the 13-inch MacBook Air only with a bigger display (and thus chassis) and better speakers”. But if you prefer larger laptops then the 15-inch MacBook Air will save you thousands compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro. It offers better battery life than the smaller model and offers a larger screen, and while it costs a bit more than the 13-inch model, it is much less than the other Mac laptops with larger screens. The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,599/£1,599, while the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299/£1,399. Is now a good time to buy a 15-inch MacBook Air? No Apple launched the 15-inch MacBook Air in March 2024 and we expect that Apple will update it in early 2025 with the M4 chip that arrived in the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini in October 2024. One point in favor of the 15-inch MacBook Air is that Apple doubled the unified memory (RAM) in October 2024, so there is at least 16GB RAM as standard in the 15-inch MacBook Air, which should mean that if you find a good deal on a 16GB RAM-equipped model you won’t regret spending your money. Should I buy a 14-inch MacBook Pro now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $1,599 | $1,799 | $1,999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1474 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1474 at Walmart Electronics$1499 at Best Buy$1599 at AppleNot Available at Amazon View more prices from AmazonApple United StatesB&H Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a 14-inch MacBook Pro now or wait? Retailer Price $1474 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BUY Last update: October 2024 Next update: October 2025 Apple upgraded the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max in October 2024. We don’t expect to see another update until at least the fall of 2025. When we reviewed the MacBook Pro M4 model we found it offered a good performance boost over the MacBook Pro M3. The boost from 8GB to 16GB unified memory is one benefit, another gain comes in the form of an extra Thunderbolt/USB 4 port. In our review we described the M4 MacBook Pro as: “a package bursting with value. It no longer feels like a compromised laptop, and you get a lot of performance and features for the price”. If you are a pro user who needs a little more oomph then the M4 Pro or M4 Max models offer more ports (including Thunderbolt 5) and superior power. In our review of the M4 Pro models we said they “have what it takes to conquer your processing demands”. Read our review here: 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 review. Is now a good time to buy a 14-inch MacBook Pro? Yes At $1,599/£1,599 the price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 is a high compared to the 15-inch MacBook Air, which you can get for $1,299/£1,299, but the latter still only offers the M3 chip and the M4 in the MacBook Pro is leaps ahead. So or recommendation right now is to buy the MacBook Pro if you see a good deal. If you find a deal on the older M3 MacBook Pro we would advise against it because that model has less RAM. If it’s the M4 Pro or M4 Max edition you are after, our recommendation is buy one, you won’t be disappointed. If you want to get the best price for a new MacBook Pro check out our round-up of the Best MacBook Pro deals. Read our full Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) review Should I buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $2,499 | $2,899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $2,229 View Deal $2229 View Deal $2399 View Deal $2499 View Deal $2499 View Deal $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $2,229 at Amazon$2229 at Walmart Electronics$2399 at Best Buy View more prices from AppleApple United StatesB&H Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro now or wait? Retailer Price $2,229 View Deal $2229 View Deal $2399 View Deal $2499 View Deal $2499 View Deal $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BUY Last update: October 2024 Next update: October 2025 Alongside the 14-inch MacBook Pro, in October 2024, Apple introduced a 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max. When we reviewed the M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro model we described it as “a powerful workstation and Apple makes the package even better with Thunderbolt 5, the 12MP Center Stage camera, and the Nano-texture glass display option”. If you need the ultimate in processing muscle, you really want an M4 Max chip, but if a $3,499/£3,499 laptop is out of your budget, the M4 Pro models have what it takes to conquer your processing demands. The larger 16-inch model costs more than it’s smaller sibling, but if you need more battery life and a bigger screen then this is the model for you. If you’re still using an Intel-based MacBook Pro, it’s time to upgrade. For more advice read our comparison of all the MacBook Pro models. Is now a good time to buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro? Yes The 16-inch MacBook Pro was updated in October 2024, so we don’t expect another update for some time. If you can find a good deal then definitely buy one. If it’s power you need and portability isn’t a factor, you may also want to consider the M4 Pro in the Mac mini and a display as a much cheaper option than the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Read our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) review Should I buy a 24-inch iMac now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,699 | $1,899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,193 View Deal $1193 View Deal $1194 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1,193 at Amazon$1193 at Walmart Electronics$1194 at B&H View more prices from AppleApple United StatesBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a 24-inch iMac now or wait? Retailer Price $1,193 View Deal $1193 View Deal $1194 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BUY Last update: October 2024 Next update: Late 2025/2026 The 24-inch iMac is eye-catching, both in terms of the quality of the 4.5K display and the colorful case. The M4 model arrived in October 2024 with each model available in blue, green, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and silver, with all but silver offering a bold tone on the back that is complemented by a paler version on the front. On the inside the differences are impressive. As we said in our review, “the new 16GB RAM standard, the implementation of Thunderbolt across the board, the improved FaceTime camera, and the Nano-texture glass option are all winning moves by Apple.” The M4 chip inside is the same as you can find in the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro and Mac mini. The iMac is less expensive than the MacBook Pro, starting at $1,299/£1,299 compared to $1,599/£1,599 for the MacBook Pro, but the MacBook Pro is better equipped, with a 10-core GPU, rather than the 8-core GPU found in that entry-level iMac. There’s also double the storage in the MacBook (512GB compared to 256GB). If you are looking for the best value though, the Mac mini is much cheaper than the iMac, starting at $599/£599 for the same spec. Is now a good time to buy a 24-inch iMac? Yes While we feel that it is overpriced, we accept that there are places for which the iMac is ideal–reception desks, living rooms, and so on. If If you’re looking for a new, complete Mac setup– a computer, display, and input devices–the M4 iMac is a great choice. If you do want to buy one then do not pay full price, check our round-up of the best iMac deals. If you need an iMac that is designed with creative pros in mind you should look at the Mac mini with M4 Pro. Read our full Apple iMac (M4) review Should I buy a Mac mini now or wait? Price When Reviewed: $599 | $799 | $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $529 View Deal $569 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $529 at Amazon$569 at Walmart Electronics$599 at Apple View more prices from Apple United StatesB&HBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a Mac mini now or wait? Retailer Price $529 View Deal $569 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BUY Last update: October 2024 Next update: Late 2025/2026 Apple introduced the M4 Mac mini and M4 Pro Mac mini in October 2024. The Mac mini with M4 or M4 Pro is the long awaited successor to the M2 Mac mini and M2 Pro version. The Mac mini is now even smaller, but it’s just as powerful as any other M4 equipped Mac. The performance and value on offer for just $599/£599 is excellent, if you are trying to spec up a machine to meet higher demands we found that can be expensive, but that is the case with all of Apple’s build-to-order options. The pro version of the Mac mini does much to fill the gap left by the removal of the 27-inch iMac, as long as you have a decent monitor you can use. Is now a good time to buy a Mac mini? Yes We recommend the M4 Mac mini. It offers the same specs as the other M4 Macs for much less money, the only difference being the absence of a screen. But since you can buy a decent 4K display for less than £300/$300 we don’t think that is a big problem. See our round-up of the best monitors for Mac. The M4 Pro Mac mini is a great option for anyone who needs affordable power. The only reason to hold off buying is if you want to wait for Apple to update the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra. However, the Mac Studio starts at $1,999/£2,099, while the M2 Pro Mac mini offers much better value at $1,299/£1,299. If you want to buy a Mac mini now check out our round-up of the Best Mac mini deals. Should I buy a Mac Studio now or wait? Price When Reviewed: £1,999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1899 View Deal $1899 View Deal $1949 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1899 at Adorama$1899 at B&H$1949 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from AppleApple United StatesBest Buy Close × Best Prices Today: Should I buy a Mac Studio now or wait? Retailer Price $1899 View Deal $1899 View Deal $1949 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket WAIT Last update: June 2023Next update: 2025 The Mac Studio arrived in March 2022 and we were impressed by its processing power, port flexibility and price. In our review we said “The Mac Studio offers exciting processing prowess,” and added: “It may even be a suitable replacement for an Intel Mac Pro in certain situations.” That model was replaced by a Mac Studio with M2 Max or M2 Ultra back in June 2023, but there hasn’t been an update in 2024. In our review of the model that arrived in June 2023, we said that: “The Mac Studio is the ideal Mac–it’s powerful, priced appropriately, has lots of ports for connecting devices, and it won’t take up a lot of desk space,” and described it as a “complete package of processing power, features, and design”. An HDMI upgrade fixes one of our biggest problems with the original Mac Studio, bringing 8K display support and support for more displays overall. Is now a good time to buy a Mac Studio? No It’s getting on for two years since the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra arrived in June 2023, the M4 Max has arrived in the MacBook Pro. That chip which will eventually be destined for the Mac Studio, along with the M4 Ultra (unless Apple jumps straight to the M5). With an update log overdue it certainly looks likely that the Mac Studio will see an update in 2025. We expect Apple to update the model either at, or before, WWDC in June. If you need a powerful machine in the meantime then you are better off considering the M4 Pro Mac mini or M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pro. Alternatively, take advantage of the Best Mac Studio deals, because we do see some big discounts on these models. Read our full Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max, 2023) review Should I buy a Mac Pro now or wait? Price When Reviewed: From $6,999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $6999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $6999 at Apple WAIT Last update: June 2023 Next update: 2025 Apple launched the current Mac Pro in June 2023, three and a half years after the range was last updated in December 2019. That was the first update since December 2013 (which was a wait of six years!) It’s getting on for two years since the last update to the Mac Pro, which given Apple’s track record isn’t that bad… The main benefit of the 2019 Mac Pro design is shared by the design of the 2023 Mac Pro: it offers PCIe expansion slots (seven in total) and its modular design should mean that there is the potential for SSD upgrades down the line (although RAM won’t be upgradable and nor will the GPU or CPU). The Mac Pro has a lot of competition in the form of the Mac Studio, which offers the exact same spec as the Mac Studio and is cheaper. The Mac Pro brings an extra fan, more ports and there is a rack-mounted option. Is now a good time to buy a Mac Pro? No The disadvantage is that Apple hasn’t updated the Mac Pro (or Mac Studio) since mid 2023. While Apple often waits a long time between Mac Pro updates, the M4 Pro has more than caught up with the M2 Max and the M4 Max has edged ahead of the M2 Ultra, so if you need the power then the Mac Pro isn’t looking as attractive next to its siblings When the Mac Pro is finally updated we expect it to leap ahead, so our recommendation it to wait. We expect an update at, or before, WWDC.

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MagSafe does connect to the iPhone 16e, but incredibly badly
Despite the iPhone 16e getting loud criticism for not including MagSafe, in real-world testing, MagSafe chargers can barely attach to it magnetically.iPhone 16e - Image Credit: AppleBe clear about this from the start — it is a curiosity, it is not an actually useful magnetic connection for chargers. The iPhone 16e does lack MagSafe, and that is a problem, but MagSafe chargers will still connect magnetically to the metals inside it.It was already known that the iPhone 16e would actually charge from MagSafe chargers, it just wouldn't stick to them magnetically. So the phone could never be used on a vertical or reclining MagSafe charger, and it won't ever be mountable in a car. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 16e teardown reveals it's as easily repaired as the iPhone 16
A teardown of the new iPhone 16e shows Apple has adopted repair-friendly practices for the model, with images also giving a close look at Apple's new C1 modem.A clip protects a cable during an iPhone 16e teardown - Image Credit: iFixitIt is customary that every Apple release undergoes disassembly, as repair outfits inspect the internals of the latest hardware. In one teardown a few days after release, the iPhone 16e is shown to have excellent repairability, compared to iPhones just a few years old, and commensurate with the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup.The teardown by iFixit, published on Monday shows that techniques such as the electrically-released battery adhesive is being used in the new model. The system, which replaces the stretch-release adhesive technique, requires power to be applied to a screw post and a conductive tab, releasing the battery within seconds. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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