Since you’re probably not planning ot upgrade your MacBook Pro anytime soon, a Thunderbolt 5 dock is a great way to get some extra functionality and expansion out of your existing laptop. Like this one: The HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 4 Dock with an SSD enclosure is now on sale for $300, 25 percent down from its usual $400.

The awesome part is that one single device can handle your monitors, storage, network, and all the accessories you need. The dock features two USB-A ports on the front of the device, as well as an audio jack and a Thunderbolt 5 downstream port. The back of the dock features an Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, and three more Thunderbolt 5 ports. That’s gonna make transferring files to your MacBook super fast.

It’s not just about ports either. The built-in M.2 slot is what sets this dock apart. Slot in an NVMe SSD, and your dock becomes fast, high-capacity storage that sits right on your desk. It also supports compatible PCIe-based M.2 modules like AI accelerators. Display support is amazing, as you get to run up to three 4K monitors at 60Hz, or push one screen to 8K at 144Hz for sharp detail and fluid motion. Whatever your workload needs, this one can deliver.

In our review, we like everything about this dock except the price-to-ports ratio, and this deal certainly helps. So, grab this amazing HyperDrive Next dock for $300 while this $100 off deal is still live.

The first wave of iPhone Duo reviews has landed, and the overall response is very positive. Reviewers have uncovered numerous issues with Apple’s first-ever foldable, but have proved surprisingly forgiving. Let’s get into the details.

Late to the party

Apple, not for the first time, is arriving late to the party. “The iPhone Duo arrives seven years after Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold,” pointed out Wired. But this is classic Apple strategy, and there are good reasons why the company bided its time. “In Apple tradition,” the site continued, “its first entry into an existing category feels fully mature; the Duo has significantly less jank than the first few generations of its Android counterparts.”

“The iPhone Duo took its time getting here,” CNET agreed, “but it’s made quite an entrance.”

And Gizmodo was impressed by Apple’s ability to play catch-up. “I think we can all agree that the iPhone Duo has already achieved what competing foldables have not been able to in seven years: generate considerable buzz for foldable phones,” the site argues.

Design: Something new

Considering it’s Apple’s first foldable, the Duo appears to offer a more polished design than one might expect. “Apple’s first foldable phone doesn’t look or feel like a first attempt,” wrote Tom’s Guide, “because of the sheer attention to detail. The way the friction hinge holds nearly any angle. The seamless switching between the cover and main display with the same aspect ratio. And the nano-texture coating, which minimizes glare and the dreaded crease.”

PC Mag was impressed, too. “Apple knows hardware, designing high-end devices that look good, feel great to use, and work seamlessly,” the site observed. “And that’s largely true with the Duo… The matte white rear panel of my review unit looks and feels fantastic. I also like how Apple polishes its logo into the glass, making it reflective in contrast to the smooth matte finish surrounding it… The hinge feels utterly fantastic.”

“Despite its added thickness and weight, I’ve found the iPhone Duo surprisingly comfortable to carry in my pockets,” reported 9to5Mac. “Its shorter, wider footprint makes a bigger difference than I expected… it’s hard to overstate just how impressive the whole thing feels in practice.”

Gizmodo did raise one concern. “I was a little irked that the iPhone Duo caused my front pants pocket to sag. I’ve been so spoiled by the iPhone Air’s lightness that the only solution was to wear a belt again to cinch my pants tighter around my waist.” The site conceded, however, that the Duo “is a beautifully engineered device.”

How easy is it to use?

The problem with new things is that they are unfamiliar. Some reviewers were concerned that buyers would find the Duo difficult to use, particularly at first.

“I’ve been using iPhones since June 2007,” wrote PC Mag, ominously. “I know how to use an iPhone. And since Face ID arrived on the iPhone X back in 2017, I’ve gotten into a good rhythm for swiftly unlocking the phone. You can toss all that muscle memory out the window.”

Gizmodo agreed. “I’ve gotten so used to using Face ID since the iPhone X that going back to Touch ID required a little muscle memory retraining,” the site complained.

The Verge argued that it is “wild to have iPhone apps with controls in all kinds of different places; reaching for the back button in Apple’s Mail app and realizing it’s moved from the top left to the right is kind of disorienting. A lot of using the Duo is just figuring out how to use an iPhone again, which hasn’t happened in a long time.”

But not everyone found the user experience a trial. CNET reported that switching from the iPhone 18 Pro Max to the iPhone Duo “has been seamless, and not only because of the synchronization baked into Apple’s operating system. I haven’t experienced any hiccups while using iOS 27 on both Duo screens. Instead, the implementation feels intentional.”

Screen quality and the crease question

The great challenge when creating a foldable is to avoid the appearance of a crease in the screen. Reviewers felt that Apple did a good job in this department.

“The infamous crease—where the phone folds—is hardly visible thanks to Apple’s display stack and clever use of a matte-finish nanotexture screen,” Wired reported.

PC Mag was a little more conservative in its praise. “Apple has done well at minimizing the crease’s appearance,” the site noted, “but it’s still there. You can see it when the display is off, and you can feel it if you run your finger across the screen.”

In other respects the screens on the Duo were positively received. CNET said the 5.4-inch cover screen “doesn’t feel cramped. I can comfortably do just about anything I would on a bar-style phone, just on a smaller scale. The keyboard is roomy, taking up around half the cover screen, so typing feels seamless and easy. I haven’t grappled with any more typos than usual.” And The Verge was similarly complimentary about the 7.6-inch inner display. “Apple’s very proud of this inner matte display, and for good reason,” the site said. “It looks and feels incredibly solid, a big step up from foldables with glossy, seemingly soft screens with glaringly obvious creases.”

How well do third-party apps work?

Apple’s own apps have naturally been tweaked and redesigned to work perfectly on the Duo’s unfamiliar screen arrangement, but the big question is how much effort and skill will third-party developers be prepared to put into optimizing their apps? The answer is: it depends.

“I was intrigued to try third-party apps optimized for the iPhone Duo,” wrote Tom’s Guide, “and there are plenty of standouts so far. [But] non-optimized apps can range from looking a bit off to horrible. Keeping in mind that many top apps will be updated by the Duo’s release date, I noticed that certain apps had huge black bars on the left and right side of the display, like Disney Plus and The Weather Channel. Unoptimized games look pretty terrible, too, filling up only three quarters of the screen. I just hope developers update their wares. Quickly. And I expect they will out of fear of sheer embarrassment.”

Wired was also struck by the disparity between optimized and non-optimized apps, but was more sanguine about the prospects of developers falling into line. “Several apps I’ve tried to open on the sprawling 7.6-inch screen look awful,” the site wrote. “Thick, black bars on the sides, with a phone-sized app in the middle of this tablet-like display. But you likely won’t encounter this problem once the Duo is in your hands… Developers need to target the iOS 27.1 software development kit for full Duo compatibility. That will take some time. But it is a little maddening that some app developers, who for years have never seemed to care about optimizing their app for Android folding phones, are so quick to embrace Apple’s fold.”

Performance: Fast, but occasionally hot

The Duo is a powerful phone with excellent specs, but for the very best performance you may wish to look elsewhere.

“Despite sharing the same processor, memory, and storage options, the Duo’s speeds and performance don’t quite reach the same heights as the [iPhone] Pro models, but it outmatches the [Samsung Galaxy] Z Fold 8,” reported PC Mag. In real life, however, such distinctions are unlikely to make much difference. “In terms of using the phone naturally over the course of a week,” the site added, “I experienced no problems or hiccups. The Duo smoothly transitions from the front screen to the inner screen, apps open swiftly, and multitasking isn’t a challenge at all.”

CNET wrote that Geekbench 7 CPU benchmark tests “place the iPhone Duo well above the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. In a graphics test using 3DMark’s Wild Life Extreme, the iPhone Duo again exceeded the performance of the Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, and far outpaced the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.”

Impressive. But there are slight concerns about overheating. “For most things it’s plenty fast,” wrote The Verge. “But the reality is that it’s also a thin phone driving two big displays, and it definitely gets warm, and sometimes hot.”

Cameras: Not pro, but plenty good

As was the case with the iPhone Air last year, the Duo packs slightly less impressive cameras than one might expect given the price. But this may or may not be a problem, depending on your photographic needs.

“I was nervous about whether the iPhone Duo’s cameras would pull their weight,” admitted CNET. “Thankfully, I’ve been pleasantly surprised… The photos I’ve taken in a variety of conditions have turned out sharp and vibrant–though you won’t find more advanced, pro-oriented formats like ProRAW capture and ProRes video.”

PC Mag was also happy with the device’s performance in photo tests. “The Duo takes superb photos in most scenes,” the site wrote. “Outdoor daytime shots look fantastic, with accurate color, sharp focus, and plenty of contrast.”

But Tom’s Guide felt it is “a big deal that the iPhone Duo doesn’t have a telephoto lens. You get just a 48MP main and 48MP Ultrawide, which take great shots. But if you’re zooming in, you’re going to miss the level of detail a dedicated optical can provide.” And The Verge complained that the Duo “relies on heavier sharpening to make up for its weaker [camera] hardware, so fine details look a little crunchier than they do on the 18 Pro. The Duo retains a bit less color detail in low light too, though Night Mode kind of evens out the playing field between them.”

Battery life: Mixed messages

Some sites were happy with the Duo’s battery performance, while others were frustrated.

On the positive side, CNET reported that “even with my excessively high screen time over the past few days, the battery has consistently held up well. One day, I started with a full battery at 8:15 a.m., and after a full day of scrolling through social media, working in Google Docs, sending emails, texting, taking pictures, watching YouTube videos, and placing a couple of phone calls and a video call, I ended the day with 29% at 11 p.m.”

And PC Mag wrote: “I ran our usual battery test overnight and came away impressed. I streamed a YouTube video via Wi-Fi on the inner display with the screen’s brightness set all the way up. It ran for 18 hours and 15 minutes. It bested the Motorola Razr Fold (18 hours), Galaxy Z Fold 8 (16 hours, 30 minutes), Z Fold 8 Ultra (16 hours, 29 minutes), and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (14 hours, 21 minutes).”

But The Verge was less happy. “The Duo,” it wrote, “doesn’t seem ready to last a full day of heavy use.”

Price: High but justified

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the early reviews was how comfortable the reviewers were with the iPhone Duo’s price tag.

“The iPhone Duo costs $1,999 for 256GB, rising to $3,199 for 2TB of storage,” noted CNET. “While that starting point is high, it’s in line with most foldable phones.” It added that these prices “sure didn’t stop [the Duo] from selling out almost instantly when preorders opened.”

“Do I think the iPhone Duo is worth two grand?” asked Tom’s Guide. “Yes, as it’s only $100 more than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. And you get a more durable design, faster performance, longer battery life, and smarter software.”

“[On price,] the Duo is surprisingly on par with its competitors (though still expensive),” concluded Wired.

Verdict: Flawed but fun

The iPhone Duo clearly isn’t perfect. But reviewers enjoyed themselves and had plenty of qualified praise for the device.

“It is expensive, it’s full of compromises, and it can be incredibly frustrating to use,” said The Verge. “But all of the risk and weirdness of the Duo is also fun, in the way the best early adopter devices are fun. It’s incomplete as a product, but complete enough as an idea that you can see where things are going.”

“Aside from some minor shortcomings, Apple appears to have stuck the landing with its long-awaited foldable,” said CNET. “Foldable phones offer a breath of fresh air in a stagnant industry, and the iPhone Duo is no exception.” The site did stress, however, that the Duo is not for everyone.

PC Mag was very complimentary in its summing up. “The iPhone Duo overcomes Apple’s late start by delivering the best hardware, performance, and battery life of any foldable phone on the market,” the site enthused. Tom’s Guide described the Duo as “the best designed foldable yet with the most polished, intuitive and fun software experience.” Gizmodo added that “phone hardware and software are genuinely exciting again, which is something to celebrate.”

We’ll end with a note of caution from Wired. “This is often the case with first-generation products,” the site wrote, “but it may be prudent to wait for the Duo 2.”

If you’re hoping to wait in line at an Apple Store on Friday in the hopes of scoring an iPhone Duo, you might want to reconsider. Some stores will have some units to sell to those who didn’t preorder, but not many, and they’re going to be gone in a flash.

In a statement to Reuters and other news outlets, Apple said:

On Friday morning, our teams look forward ​to welcoming customers at Apple Stores to experience iPhone Duo ​and the incredible iPhone line-up for themselves,” Apple said in a statement. “Apple Stores will ‌have ⁠limited iPhone Duo available for walk-in customers, and we’re working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible.

Despite the eye-watering starting price of $1,999, preorders for the iPhone Duo at the Apple Store are now listing a date of January 25 for nearly every configuration, pushing delivery of the first folding iPhone far beyond the holiday season. Apple may send a small portion of new iPhone Duo shipments for walk-in purchases at Apple Stores, but between Apple preorders and carrier stores, it’s safe to say that it’s going to be really hard to get one if you haven’t already preordered.

In the past, stores have gotten daily shipments of small numbers of phones, so if you’re not lucky on Friday, you should be able to check back.

New iPhones are always a hot item and often slightly backordered in specific configurations or colors, but the folding iPhone is reportedly very difficult to manufacture, leading to smaller volumes and a lower production rate than something like the iPhone 18 Pro.

When Apple launched the iPhone 12 in 2020, one of the headline upgrades across the range was support for 5G. This then-new networking standard enabled the devices to access claimed mobile speeds roughly 50-100 percent higher than 4G LTE… provided coverage was available in the user’s area. This caveat meant improvements were difficult to notice in the short term, but it was an important upgrade for the long term. (Some skeptics disputed its value, admittedly.)

Six years on, Apple is making plans for the next version of the technology, unimaginatively called 6G, and the quality-of-life improvements this will deliver to iPhone owners.

In a new job listing, spotted by MacRumors, the company this week set out to find a “6G Cellular Modem Systems Engineer,” based in either San Diego or Sunnyvale, California. The role carries a brief to “Define & architect system-level features and requirements for next-generation cellular modems, with a focus on 6G evolution and advanced PHY/L1 capabilities.” Base pay is in the range $175,000-$308,500, so get your applications in soon.

Apple is well aware that its job listings are scrutinised eagerly for evidence of upcoming product development, so this posting is significant in what it tells us about the company’s progress and how willing it is for this to be publicised. But it’s been planning for the launch of 6G for some time. A similar, albeit slightly more subtle, listing was spotted way back in 2021, only a year after the iPhone gained support for 5G. That post sought “wireless system research engineers for current and next-generation networks” and then mentioned lower down that the next-generation networks in question were, obviously, 6G.

The progression from research engineers to a systems engineer (the new listing mentions the word research only once, in the context of past experience) may reflect the 6G project’s changing priorities and increasing focus on practical applications. But 6G remains a long way from launch; 6G networks are currently expected to appear in the early 2030s. In other words, the first Apple device to support 6G is likely to be at least the iPhone 22 Pro… or maybe the iPhone Duo 5.

Apple’s new iPhone Duo is both big and small, and it’s more susceptible to knocks and drops than a standard iPhone with its folding function maybe taking a while to get used to. It’s the first iPhone that needs a case built around moving parts—namely the hinge. A case for a foldable can be made from one or two shells, with the additional question of covering the hinge or leaving it bare. The phone goes on sale October 23, and cases are already arriving.

We’ve assessed these cases using a dummy iPhone Duo, comparing their design, materials, fit, and features. This gives us an initial impression, but we haven’t yet verified their performance on a working phone, including wireless charging, Touch ID access, and how they accommodate the hinge during everyday use. We’ll update our recommendations after testing with the iPhone Duo itself.

iPhone Duo test criteria

Until we get our hands on the actual iPhone Duo to test each case with, we’ve used an incredibly accurate test-surrogate iPhone Duo to fit in the cases we’ve tested ourselves. We look for eight key criteria in each case.

Protection: We checked corner reinforcement, camera and screen-edge protection, hinge coverage, and how much of the handset each shell covers. We did not run our own drop tests, so protection assessments are based on construction and coverage, and we note manufacturer claims as claims. Some case makers specify the exact measurements of their raised screen and camera edges, other do not.

Materials and grip: We assess surface texture, grip, finish, and visible fingerprint marks during handling. Common case materials include TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible, durable plastic) and aramid fiber (a lightweight, high-strength synthetic fiber, best known through the Kevlar brand). The material alone does not establish how well a case protects the phone; construction and coverage also matter. Long-term wear, discoloration, and adhesive durability cannot be established during these initial checks.

Hinge protection and operation: Cases take different approaches to the Duo’s hinge: some include a protective cover, while others leave it exposed. We opened and closed each case on the dummy handset, checking for stiffness, rattling, gaps, and smooth movement of any hinge cover. We also checked whether both shells stayed firmly attached during opening and closing. These checks provide an initial assessment of the case’s construction and movement. We will assess the effect on the actual phone’s hinge movement or opening angle will require further testing with a working iPhone Duo.

Fit and installation: We used the dummy iPhone Duo to assess how securely each section fits the handset, the alignment of cutouts, and the ease of installation. We also checked the positioning and accessibility of button covers and port openings. Final fit and tolerances, button response, Touch ID operation, and cable fit will need confirmation with a retail iPhone Duo.

Slimness: The Duo’s thin profile is part of its appeal but this must be weighed against the backplate’s coverage and reinforcement. We penalize cases that add bulk without a clear benefit, but not where the protective benefits are worthwhile.

Extra functions: Some iPhone Duo cases include a kickstand for easier viewing. We assessed adjustability and how much bulk the stand adds. ESR’s Flex Stand, for example, rotates 180° and forms a protective guard around the camera bar when not in use. Other stands, such as those on the Torras Ostand and UAG Mouve XTE, rotate 360° and fold flat against the case backplate. The Moft Dynamic Folio uses an origami-like folding stand. Stability with a working iPhone Duo, both folded and unfolded, will require further testing because its weight and balance may differ from those of the dummy handset.

Colors and style: We assessed the range of colors and the quality of the finishes provided. Most of the color and pattern will be seen on the case’s backplate, but it should also be noticed on the front frame and hinge protector where present.

Magnetic accessory compatibility: We checked how securely magnetic chargers, power banks, wallets, and other accessories attached, and whether the case’s camera surround, hinge protection, or kickstand obstructed their fit. Because we used a dummy handset for our initial testing, these checks assess attachment and clearance only. We will test charging performance—including speed, heat, and reliability—once we have a working iPhone Duo.

Getting a new iPhone 18 Pro, read our round up of the best iPhone 18 Pro cases.

FAQ

Does the iPhone Duo need a case?

No phone needs a protective case until you drop or knock it. A case isn’t essential for the iPhone Duo, but it’s a sensible investment for a $1,999 foldable. Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass helps protect the displays, but the titanium edges and hinge remain vulnerable to accidental drops, scratches and dents. Unlike conventional iPhone cases, Duo designs must accommodate two halves and a slim cover-screen frame, often using adhesive to stay securely attached.

What to consider when choosing an iPhone Duo case?

Prioritize a precise fit, shock-absorbing corners and the level of coverage you think you need. Raised lips help protect the exterior display and camera, while a dedicated hinge guard covers the folding spine. Check that the case allows easy access to Touch ID and Camera Control without obstructing the inner display or folding mechanism. Since the Duo already weighs 8.9oz (254g), consider whether extra bulk from a kickstand or hinge protector is worthwhile. Choose a slim two-piece case for everyday protection or a hinge-cover design for additional coverage.

Will a case interfere with the iPhone Duo’s hinge or folding action?

A properly fitted iPhone Duo case shouldn’t interfere with folding, but poorly designed hinge covers can add bulk or restrict movement. Some two-piece cases leave the hinge exposed; others include a separate hinge cover, while dedicated covers provide an additional barrier against knocks and grit. However, hinge coverage doesn’t necessarily mean dust protection. Debris can collect between the case and phone, so remove the case periodically and gently clean both surfaces according to Apple’s care guidance. For cases secured with adhesive strips, follow the manufacturer’s removal and cleaning instructions, and check whether replacement strips are required before refitting.

Can I remove and reuse an iPhone Duo case?

That depends on how the case attaches. Some iPhone Duo cases use adhesive strips to secure the front frame or other components. Don’t assume those strips will retain their grip after removal: check whether the manufacturer allows reuse, supplies spare strips, or sells replacements.

A removable component isn’t necessarily reusable with the same adhesive. Before taking off an adhesive-mounted case for cleaning or swapping cases, follow its removal instructions and check what you’ll need to refit it securely.

Is a kickstand case necessary for the iPhone Duo?

If you regularly watch videos, make FaceTime calls or use your iPhone Duo for work, a kickstand case is a useful upgrade. It props up the larger inner display for hands-free viewing, video calls, recipes, and reading. Paired with a Bluetooth keyboard, it can also support light productivity. Some stands double as finger grips for safer handling. The main drawback is added thickness and weight, so look for a stable, well-integrated design that folds flat to the backplate or doubles as a camera bar.

Will MagSafe chargers, wallets, and power banks fit with these cases?

MagSafe uses magnets to align and attach compatible wireless chargers, power banks, wallets, and other accessories. The cases listed here are described as MagSafe compatible, but that doesn’t guarantee every accessory will fit.

Because the iPhone Duo is shorter than a conventional iPhone, larger magnetic wireless power banks and wallets may extend beyond its edges or overlap the camera bar. A case’s kickstand or hinge cover may also prevent an accessory from sitting flat or interfere with unfolding the phone.

Before buying, check the accessory’s dimensions and the case maker’s compatibility guidance. With the accessory attached, make sure it clears the cameras and allows the Duo to open fully. Some wallets and power banks may need to be removed before unfolding.

Our initial case assessments used a dummy handset, allowing us to assess physical clearance and attachment, but not wireless charging performance. We’ll add charging results and recommendations for specific accessories after testing them on a working iPhone Duo.

Would I do better getting AppleCare+ instead of a case?

A combination of slim case and AppleCare+ can offer a good balance between preserving the Duo’s design and protecting against costly accidents. A case helps prevent everyday scratches and knocks, while AppleCare+ covers eligible damage under the plan’s terms, subject to service fees. Theft and loss protection may also be available with a suitable plan. Check Apple’s current pricing and conditions before buying. For maximum peace of mind, use both: prevention for everyday mishaps and coverage for expensive repairs.

For years, the iPhone’s built-in Camera app lacked a manual shooting mode, pushing many professional mobile photographers to Halide and other third-party apps. With the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple finally listened to power users and introduced more advanced camera controls. These include a variable aperture, the ability to tweak the shutter speed and white balance, and upgraded Photographic Styles that simulate film texture.

Halide Mark III provides a similar feature set for $9.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or $69.99 as a one-time purchase. Its implementation differs from Apple’s, giving users more granular control over certain elements while sacrificing other perks. To find out whether iPhone 18 Pro users can achieve Halide-like results using Apple’s Camera app, I thoroughly inspected what each app has to offer.

Aperture: The paradox of choice

Variable aperture is the iPhone 18 Pro’s most iconic feature, letting you physically control how much light reaches the camera sensor. A wide aperture allows more light in and creates a natural bokeh effect, with a shallow depth of field. Conversely, a narrow aperture expands the depth of field to keep background elements sharp, making it ideal for well-lit group shots and landscapes. Both Apple Camera and Halide support controlling the aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro, but their approaches vary.

The iPhone’s built-in Camera app lets you manually choose between four fixed values: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4.0. Or you can opt for the automatic mode, which dynamically selects any value between f/1.48 and f/4.0—depending on what the algorithm deems best for the particular scene.

Halide, on the other hand, gives you full control over the aperture. So you can fine-tune it and manually pick any value in the same f/1.48-4.0 range, like f/3.33, or switch to auto. As such, Halide technically provides photographers with more options than Apple’s Camera app. But more importantly, does this sort of flexibility actually impact iPhone photography?

The short answer is no. The iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera sensor is too small for such minor aperture adjustments to matter. In fact, some critics questioned Apple’s decision to bring a mechanical aperture to the device in the first place. Many Apple Camera users will barely be able to tell the difference when jumping between adjacent preset f-stops, such as f/1.48 and f/1.8. Offering users a slider with over 250 precision micro-steps in Halide is arguably overkill.

That’s not to say that Halide’s execution is completely pointless. Pro photographers working in full manual mode may lock the shutter speed and ISO (both of which impact the final exposure) at fitting values to achieve a desired look. Having complete control over the aperture can allow the exact amount of light in and perfect the overall image. Nevertheless, considering the iPhone has a small sensor, it’s not as influential as having it on a professional camera, and most users will probably be overwhelmed by its numerous options.

ISO-lated testing

Beyond the variable aperture, the iPhone 18 Pro introduces native support for advanced camera controls, like shutter speed and white balance. A slow shutter speed can create motion blur, while a fast one can help capture ultra-fast subjects as they move. Meanwhile, white balance lets you control the temperature of the light, making it cooler or warmer as needed. Halide has long supported these adjustment types, but the number of options differs.

With Apple Camera, you can push the shutter speed as fast as 1/16,000th of a second, while Halide seemingly limits you to 1/2,000th of a second (according to my tests on an iPhone 18 Pro). Similarly, disregarding the automatic mode, Apple lets you pick between five white balance options, while Halide is limited to four. These minor technicalities won’t matter to most users, but we’re laying them out for the comparison’s sake.

A more impactful Apple Camera exclusive is the new Focus Tracking feature, which locks onto a selected subject even if you move or it does. Otherwise, both camera apps support focus peaking, which helps you identify the sharpest areas in the frame.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two apps in the Pro control department is manual ISO support. ISO dictates the sensor’s signal amplification, and, by default, you cannot manually adjust it on iOS. Apple’s implementation automatically adjusts its value in the background depending on the lighting conditions and other factors—acting as a manual mode with auto ISO (or shutter & aperture priority mode). With Halide, you get a dedicated ISO slider, which generally matters to enthusiast photographers seeking a true manual mode. It also offers more advanced framing guidance, like a golden ratio overlay and a finer grid.

It’s worth mentioning that, unlike Apple Camera, Halide does not allow layout customization. Personally, I find the built-in app more intuitive to use, especially since I’ve pinned the toggles I actually use to the top. Halide’s interface looks a bit dated and its user experience doesn’t feel as natural to me—but that’s subjective.

Filtering through the options

Next, we’ve got the advanced filters that each of the two camera apps provides. The iPhone 18 Pro offers Photographic Styles 3, which include 15 palettes (excluding the standard one). You can apply a soft skin, glow, or film texture to any of the palettes, plus an independent grain effect if you so wish. Notably, you can control the intensity of the palettes, tones, and colors using an advanced slider, and you can freely shuffle between looks after shooting, as they’re nondestructive.

Halide, on the other hand, offers 9 distinct looks that permanently alter your output—unless you’re shooting in RAW. So, everyday shots will be locked to the chosen look with no way to revert or apply a new look after shooting. You also miss out on the slider that controls the undertones and intensity of the filters, not to mention the omission of Live Photos—which Apple’s Photographic Styles support. However, Halide uniquely allows you to control the grain effect’s strength, assuming you’ve shot in RAW.

Other Halide perks include the famous Process Zero look, which minimizes AI/computational processing and provides more natural-looking output. You also get to apply its various color filters on compatible RAW photos captured using other apps or devices, while Apple limits its Photographic Styles to iPhone Camera app output.

Given that RAW shots can consume 10x more storage than regular ones and do not support the Live Photos feature, most users will want to stick to Apple’s compressed HEIF format for daily captures. This will limit them to Photographic Styles 3, unless they’re willing to permanently bake Halide’s filters into their output.

Should you give Halide a shot?

For most iPhone 18 Pro users, the answer is a hard no. Apple’s built-in Pro camera tools and Photographic Styles 3 provide enough control over the shooting process to produce creative, dramatic, or precise output that is on par with Halide’s. While manual ISO support is nice to have, Apple’s automatic ISO adjustments and manual exposure tweaks work reliably in most setups, and it’s not worth Halide’s relatively high fee.

Apple Camera on the iPhone 18 Pro marks the very beginning of Halide Mark III’s end. Nonetheless, the third-party app will stay relevant for years to come. After all, Apple’s Photographic Styles 3 and Pro camera controls are restricted to the iPhone 18 Pro, unlike Halide, which offers its powerful features on older iPhone models. Arguably, Halide is still the best manual camera app for anyone with an unsupported iPhone, and that will likely remain the case for years to come. If you’re still unsure, you can claim a free one-week trial of Halide when signing up for the annual plan and proceed accordingly.

The rise of AI technology in the last couple of years has been phenomenal. Now, it seems that every piece of technology in your home or on your person is powered by some kind of intelligence that wants to help. But, how many of them are actually useful when it comes to getting stuff done? Most are great at answering questions, which can be helpful, although the promise seemed to be that these assistants could get on with the tasks you didn’t want to do yourself. Well, MacPaw is about to change that with the introduction of its Eney AI assistant, one that’s purpose built for action rather than just talk.

One Interface that works across multiple apps

With many jobs these days involving tasks that are handled by different apps, it can be time-consuming having to switch around to do simple things. Whether that’s opening your email, calendar, messages apps or just having to delve into Finder to track down a document or file you’re after. These constant changes can not only interrupt your flow, but also increase the chances of being sidetracked by the many other things vying for your attention.

Eney looks to address this issue by giving you just one interface through which you can tell it to handles these tasks. Thanks to its support for third-party apps, you just open Eney, make the request (in natural language, so you don’t have to learn any prompts) then the assistant will take care of the rest. No getting sucked into a group chat, email chain or other distraction, just fast and efficient actions that allow you to carry on with your work.

It’s not just basic tasks either, as Eney can handle multi-step actions across the apps you already have, without constantly requiring your attention. Whether you need it to send a quick message in Gmail, attach a file from Google Drive, or update your team on Slack, Eney can quickly make it happen.

An intelligent, proactive assistant with privacy built-in

Alongside helping you to find files, draft emails, and plenty of other useful activities, Eney also acts as an intelligent assistant that’s there to ensure you don’t miss important meetings or tasks. There are several workflows (automated tasks) built-in that require no assembly by you but which can instantly boost your productivity. Helpful things like a morning catch-up on all the news relevant to your interests or responsibilities, a review of your week, planning the day ahead, all of which is automatically delivered to you by Eney. It can also join you on meeting calls, transcribe the conversation, then present you with a summary and action points.

The proactive nature of Eney means that it’s always on the lookout for important dates and tasks in your calendar, messages or email, which it can then bring to your attention ahead of time so you don’t miss deadlines or be unpleasantly surprised by something you should have done. It’s like having a top-class PA that lives on your Mac.

As Eney is created by the same people that brought you CleanMyMac, it’s no surprise that you can also ask it to clean up your desktop, organise your downloads, and remove clutter from your file system so things run smoothly.

Of course, with all that responsibility, you’ll want to know that your data is safe and secure. That’s why the on-device nature of Eney is so important. The software is built to process data on your Mac, keeping your personal files and information local rather than sending it to an online server.

Try Eney for free on your Mac

If you want to take your productivity to the next level, then you can download Eney to your Mac today and take the free 14-day trial. You don’t need to give any payment details and the trial is fully functional, so you can see how Eney really works. Once the 14 days are up (or you exhaust the 10,000 included credits) you can sign up to a monthly subscription for as little as $14.99 (around £11.20), which you can cancel at any time.

AI is meant to improve our lives, not make them more complicated. With Eney, this might finally be true.

Not having to find the right cable or carry one around with you makes wireless charging a convenient way of charging your mobile devices—iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and many third-party gadgets.

There are multiple wireless charging standards and technologies. Here we will explain the major ones—Qi, MagSafe, Qi2 and the latest Qi2 25W (aka Qi2.2). Knowing which is which will help you to make your charging life more efficient. Here we look at Qi2 vs MagSafe and Qi2 25W vs Qi2 and Apple’s updated 2024 version of MagSafe. Which is best for your model of iPhone?

It’s a little more nuanced, but in general, iPhones 16, 17 and 18 (and the iPhone Duo) should now charge wirelessly at up to 25W with supporting certified Qi 2.2 chargers. Older iPhones are limited to the 15W maximum if they support certified Apple MagSafe or Qi2. Chargers that are merely “MagSafe Compatible” are usually limited to 7.5W wireless charging. Note that the iPhone Air is limited to 20W wireless, the 16e to 7.5W and 17e to 15W.

iPhone wireless charging speeds in brief:

• iPhone 8-11 series and 16e: Qi 7.5W. 0-50% in around 90 minutes.
• iPhone 12-15 series and 17e: MagSafe 15W and Qi2 15W. 0-50% in around 45 minutes.
• iPhone Air: 20W Qi2. 0-50% in around 40 minutes.
• iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: MagSafe 22W and Qi2.2 22W. 0-50% in around 35 minutes.
• iPhone 16 Plus, 17, 17/18 Pro, 16/17/18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo: MagSafe 25W and Qi2.2 25W. 0-50% in around 30 minutes.

Don’t worry too much about the difference between 22W and 25W—the charging time difference will be marginal given environmental conditions such as room temperature will also make an impact.

How does wireless charging work?

Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to power your devices. The charging pad and your phone both include copper wire coils. Plug the pad into a power source and the charger’s coil generates a magnetic field. When you place your phone onto the charging pad, the phone’s coil converts that magnetic field into an electric current, thus charging the phone.

Apple pioneered improved magnetic connection between charger and phone with MagSafe, and it’s mainly the tighter magnetic fit that drives faster and faster wireless charging.

What is Qi2?

Qi2—supported by the iPhone 12 and up—speeds up wireless charging from 7.5W to 15W and makes chargers cheaper as well as more efficient. It is very like MagSafe, which is unsurprising as Apple allowed the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) to use MagSafe as the basis of Qi2.

In short, Qi2 brings the magnetic benefits of MagSafe, but also make third-party iPhone chargers faster and potentially cheaper. Manufacturers are more likely to create new products when the market is larger (iPhone and Android) and costs should come down, too.

Apple’s latest version of its iPhone MagSafe Charger can wirelessly charge the iPhone 16 series at 22-25W. Older iPhones can use this charger but at a 15W maximum as before. Qi2 took its time catching up, but it has now: keep reading.

We have tested Qi2 chargers vs chargers certified as MagSafe by Apple, and can confirm that 15W Qi2 charges supporting devices at an equivalent speed to 15W MagSafe, and much faster than merely MagSafe-compatible 7.5W chargers. More details of our wireless charging speed tests below.

What is Qi2.2 25W?

The latest Qi2 25W standard (officially Qi 2.2) matches Apple’s 25W wireless charging speed. We have tested many 25W chargers, including the Belkin 25W UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock, Ugreen MagFlow Power Bank, 25W Baseus PicoGo AM52 Power Bank and ESR’s 25W CryoBoost 3-in-1 Charging Station among others.

Samsung waited until its Galaxy S26 Ultra to jump on the fast magnetic wireless charging bandwagon with Qi2 25W, and Google was first out of the Android blocks with Qi2 25W compatibility with its Pixel 10 Pro XL. The lesser Google Pixel 10 Pro is pegged back at 15W Qi2. Google calls its version of Qi2 “PixelSnap”.

Wireless charging from Qi to Qi2.2

First, let’s look at the original Qi, which all iPhones post iPhone 8 support.

What is Qi wireless charging?

Qi is a Chinese word that means “energy flow”. Pronounced “chee”, Qi is the basic and most popular wireless charging standard, launched in 2008 but not seen on an iPhone until 2017’s iPhone 8.

Note that plain Qi2 has little magnetic connection between phone and charger so is less efficient at transferring power as more is wasted depending on the placement of the phone on the charger. Better magnetic attachment and therefore faster charging arrived with MagSafe and Qi2.

Apple continues to support the Qi wireless charging standard with its most recent iPhones—and the iPhone 12 and later models are compatible with Qi2, more on which later. This means that iPhones from the iPhone 8 onwards can be placed on a Qi-compatible charger to start charging without a cable. (Of course, the Qi charging pad or stand itself has to be connected via a cable to a power charger.)

While wireless charging means less wear and tear to your devices, it is not as efficient as charging via a cable (wired charging) as some of the energy is lost between the charging pad and the device placed on it.

Qi users will know that you have to ensure your device is placed in exactly the right alignment for fast wireless charging to take place. Place the iPhone on the pad incorrectly and you end up either charging much more slowly or not at all. Many of us have dropped a phone on a Qi charger only to find out later that it wasn’t in the right place and so annoyingly never started charging—a problem largely solved by Apple’s MagSafe.

While Qi’s maximum wireless charge is 15W, Apple’s iPhone supports only 7.5W via Qi.

Which iPhones use Qi?

Qi charging is built into the iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, SE, 11, 12, 13, and 14 families. The iPhone 15/16/17/18 and Air/Duo work with Qi but are rated as Qi2; see later. The outlier is the curious iPhone 16e that goes all the way back to plain old Qi; the 17e is fine.

What is MagSafe wireless charging?

Apple’s magnetic MagSafe iPhones contain a ring of magnets built around its Qi charging coil. As a result, you can magnetically clamp charging accessories onto the iPhone. In fact, you can magnetically attach non-charging accessories, such as wallets and mounts, too.

MagSafe—from 2020’s iPhone 12 on—makes missing the charging pad’s coils much less likely with its ring of magnets quickly finding the charging alignment sweet spot—on a compatible charger—so you will always connect and less energy is wasted.

Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) technology uses magnets to perfectly align the coils of the wireless charging transmitter and receiver before transferring power.

iPhones can work with wireless chargers that are either MagSafe certified by Apple (“made for MagSafe”) or are compatible with MagSafe—plus less sophisticated Qi chargers.

Certified MagSafe chargers can supply up to 25W to the iPhone, while merely MagSafe compatible chargers are limited to 7.5W, but compatible chargers are usually cheaper. That 25W charging speed is currently limited to the iPhone 16 and 17 ranges and Apple’s own MagSafe Charger. iPhones 12/13/14/15 max out at 15W using MagSafe. The iPhone Air won’t charge faster than 20W wirelessly. In fact, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are pegged back at 22W, while the larger 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max support the while 25W. The 16e is out of the picture at just 7.5W and the 17e makes it to 15W.

(Note that the iPhone 12 mini only charges at 12W with MagSafe.)

We have tested the best MagSafe chargers for iPhones and the best MagSafe power banks for iPhones. This reviews roundup now also includes 15W Qi2 and 25W Qi2.2 chargers as they arrive to market.

Some thicker cases get in the way of MagSafe wireless charging so make sure your iPhone’s case is MagSafe compatible—see our roundup of the best iPhone 15 Cases, best iPhone 16 cases, best iPhone 17 cases and best iPhone 18 cases.

Wireless charging is great, but it’s not as fast as wired charging. For truly fast iPhone charging, use a cable connected to at least a 20W USB-C charger. For the iPhone 15 and later that means a USB-C to USB-C cable; for older iPhones you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable. A USB-A to Lightning cable won’t offer iPhone fast charging. Click here for more iPhone fast-charging tips.

Somewhat confusingly, MagSafe is also the name for Apple’s wired-charging standard for its MacBooks—connecting the charging cable to the MacBook’s MagSafe port via magnets, meaning it is not only easy to connect but, if accidentally disconnected, it pops out rather than dragging your laptop to the floor. This version of MagSafe is magnetic and safe and has a charging connection for MacBooks but is not wireless. We explain the difference between MagSafe on Mac and MagSafe on iPhones in our Complete guide to Apple MagSafe: What is MagSafe?

Which iPhones use MagSafe?

MagSafe wireless charging is built into the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 families, with the exception of the 16e. It’s also supported by the iPhone Air and iPhone Duo.

What is Qi2 wireless charging?

Qi2 (“chee too”) is the latest version of the Qi “energy flow” wireless charging standard, and it’s supported by all iPhones from the iPhone 12.

Famed for its “Not Invented Here” strategy, Apple can be quite precious about adopting other technical standards. It has a long history of rejecting any idea that didn’t originate within Apple itself. However, thankfully Apple has cooperated with the creation of Qi2 to the extent that in effect it gave the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) MagSafe to use as the basis for Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile that defines how the new generation Qi works. Apple is a WPC “steering member” and chair of the board of directors.

So what is Qi2 and why is it so great?

Think of Qi2 as not just MagSafe for Android, but MagSafe benefits for all compatible wireless charging products.

Qi2 means chargers won’t have to be certified by Apple to support 15W charging. They should, however, meet the technical demands of the WPC. In short, a Qi2 charger will deliver twice as fast charging as “MagSafe-compatible” chargers.

As MagSafe certification costs manufacturers a fee to Apple, removing this should result in cheaper chargers that match Apple-certified chargers in terms of speed.

Which iPhones use Qi2?

Qi2 wireless charging works with all iPhones 12. and onwards, except the 16e.

What is Qi2 25W wireless charging?

Qi2 25W is the latest version of the Qi “energy flow” wireless charging standard. Its technical name is Qi2.2.

It started rolling out in wireless charging products from the mid-2025 and is now seen in many new wireless charging products.

So what is Qi2 25W and why is it so great?

Qi2 25W means chargers can support up to 25W wireless charging. They have to meet the technical demands of the WPC. In short, a Qi2 25W charger will deliver 10W more power than Qi2 and 3.3 times as fast charging as MagSafe-compatible chargers.

The use of a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) provides better alignment but also reduces magnetic field leakage caused by misalignment. This minimizes the build-up of heat and ensures optimal charging efficiency. A ±0.5mm magnetic alignment precision improves charging efficiency by “up to 40%”, according to manufacturer Baseus.

Qi2 25W products also feature next-generation thermal regulation with stricter 40°C surface limits and enhanced coil layouts. This ensures that less energy is wasted and provides 15% better charging efficiency—even in motion or with slight misalignment.

Which iPhones use Qi2 25W?

Qi2 25W wireless charging will work with the iPhone 16 family and later (except the 16e and 17e). The iPhone Air supports Qi2 25W but only up to 20W, which is likely caused by the super-thin phone’s thermal management. The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro can make it to only 22W according to Apple. The iPhone Duo does support 25W Qi2.2.

For Qi2 25W to work at full 25W supporting iPhones must have installed at least iOS 26 or later.

Which is best MagSafe, Qi2 or Qi2 25W?

First, MagSafe, Qi2 and Qi2 25W are all better than plain Qi. Owing in large part to their magnetic connection, they are more efficient and definitely offer faster wireless charging than Qi.

For all extents and purposes, Qi2 looks pretty identical to MagSafe so iPhone 12/13/14/15 users can choose between MagSafe or Qi2 without fear. iPhone 16/17/18/Air/Duo owners, however, should look to MagSafe or Qi2 25W, as Apple’s own MagSafe Charger and soon Qi2 25W chargers can reach charging speeds of up to 25W when paired with the latest range of iPhones.

All should clamp chargers magnetically to the iPhone in the same way and allow for between 15W and 25W wireless charging.

Will Qi2 chargers work with MagSafe?

Although technically very similar, Apple is likely to still require MagSafe certification for non-Qi2 products to reach 15W wireless charging. Both the charger and the device must be certified for Qi2 for it to work at 15W, in the same way as MagSafe. However, it is likely that future MagSafe-certified products will also be certified for Qi2, and post iOS 17.2 all iPhones (except 16e) will work natively with Qi2 and Qi2.2 chargers.

For consumers it’s a win-win as Qi2 and Qi2 25W means faster wireless charging will be brought to more devices and people. For product marketers it may be a bit of a labelling nightmare until all the chargeable devices catch up with the technology: expect MagSafe Compatible (7.5W), MagSafe (15W or 25W), Qi2 15W (15W) and Qi2 25W or Qi2.2 (25W).

Is Qi2 as fast at wireless charging as MagSafe?

As the Wireless Power Consortium used Apple technology to build the Qi2 specification, it is true that Qi2 matches MagSafe for speed. Both can charge at up to 15W and use the largely same magnetic attachment tech. Note the 25W charging potential of the Apple MagSafe Charger and iPhone 16/17, plus the same charging speed from Qi2 25W.

The first Qi2 charger we tested and reviewed at Macworld was the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. We tested its Qi2 wireless charging speed by charging an iPhone 15 Pro all the way to a 100% full charge, and taking timings at 30%, 50% and 80%. We did the same using a Apple’s own MagSafe Charger and also via a straight wired USB-C connection.

The fastest way to charge an iPhone is via a wired connection: USB-C to Lightning for iPhones older than the iPhone 15, and USB-C to USB-C for the iPhone 15 and later. The average wired-charging time in our tests was 25 minutes to 50%, 55 minutes to 80% and 70 minutes to 100%.

Our wireless charging tests for officially Apple-certified MagSafe chargers (using Apple’s own Wireless Charger) and for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging (using the Anker MagGo) had remarkably similar timings. There was some variance either way but also small differences using the same charger so we are confident that using these two magentic wireless charging technologies came up with the same basic results on average: 45 minutes to 50%, 90 minutes to 80% and 115 minutes to 100%.

In summary, then, MagSafe and Qi2 charging at 15W results in the same times and so can be considered equal—except for the 25W MagSafe potential of the iPhone 16/17–and the same from Qi2 25W now it is released. And, again as expected, merely MagSafe-compatible chargers took twice as long as the 15W chargers: 45 minutes to 30%, and 90 minutes to 50%.

Our tests demonstate that Qi2 25W will charges an iPhone 16 Pro from 0–50% in just over 30 minutes—manufacturers often claim 25 minutes but that is under clinical conditions. In Macworld’s real-world tests 32-34 minutes is the average. In comparison, a Qi2 15W charger generally takes about 45 minutes to reach the same level—this would work out as the 25W option being around 45% faster than the 15W chargers. Wireless charging depends on many factors, such as device settings, usage during charging, and ambient temperature.

Don’t concern yourself greatly about the 22W limit of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. The 3% difference between that and 25W is marginal.

Why does phone charging speed slow down as the battery gets fuller?

Batteries charge slower the fuller they get, especially in the last 10–20% of charging. The fuller the battery is, the slower it absorbs energy.

To start with, a Lithium-Ion battery accepts whatever current it can, but as the battery gets closer to being full it accepts less current, and so the power being transferred tapers off.

Imagine you were filling up a glass with water. You can start with the faucet or tap at full blast, but as the glass gets fuller, you have to slow the flow down to avoid the water spilling over, until eventually just a trickle of water goes in as you try to get it right up to the brim.

If the battery didn’t charge this way and instead filled up at full blast till reaching 100%, it would get very hot and you’d risk damaging it to the point it might explode!

Slowing down the charge when the battery is getting closer to full also increases the number of charge cycles a battery can go through before it permanently loses capacity.

Taking advantage of this, if you need to charge quickly, stop at 80%, use the device for a while and then top back up to 80% before the charging speed starts to slow.

Apple has unveiled the HomePod mini 2, the first major update to its smallest smart speaker since the original launched in November 2020. Announced on October 13, 2026, the new HomePod mini brings Apple’s more capable Siri AI assistant, upgraded audio experiences, improved connectivity, and a selection of new colors. It retains the familiar compact, spherical design but features significantly improved technology inside.

The biggest upgrade is Siri AI, which will bring more natural conversations, broader knowledge, and greater awareness of personal information stored on connected Apple devices. This will allow users to ask more complex questions, find information in messages and emails, and perform tasks across apps. Siri AI will arrive in a future software update. To enable it, the owner of the home in the Home app needs an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad with current software and Siri AI enabled in a supported language. Other household members can then use its general conversational features without their own compatible device, but personal-context requests require a paired Apple Intelligence-enabled device.

Apple has also replaced the original HomePod mini’s aging S5 processor with the newer S10 chip, enabling enhanced computational audio. Other major additions include four-speaker surround sound when paired with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, the ability to use HomePod mini 2 as the default audio output for a Mac equipped with Wi-Fi 6E or later, and Sound Glow, which turns the illuminated touch surface into a colorful display that responds to music.

Sound Glow isn’t exclusive to the new model: our testing confirms that it also works on the original HomePod mini with the iOS 27.2 and HomePod Software 27.2 release candidates. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 bring the speaker’s wireless technology up to date.

The HomePod mini 2 comes in five colors: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. It costs $149, compared with the previous model’s $129 price following Apple’s June 2026 price increase. Pre-orders opened on October 13, with the new speaker going on sale on Friday, October 30. It’s a substantial upgrade for anyone buying their first HomePod mini, although existing owners may find the strongest reason to upgrade is the new Siri experience.

HomePod mini 2 vs. HomePod mini: The 10 biggest changes

Feature	HomePod mini 2 (2026)	HomePod mini (2020)
1. Processor	Apple S10	Apple S5
2. Siri	Siri AI, arriving later	Original Siri features
3. Personal context	Cross-app personal context with compatible iPhone/iPad	Limited personal requests
4. Home theater	Four-speaker surround sound with Apple TV 4K (4th gen)	Stereo pairing
5. Mac audio	Default audio output on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later; supports one speaker or a stereo pair	AirPlay audio
6. Visual effects	Sound Glow music animations	Sound Glow also supported in HomePod Software 27.2 release-candidate testing
7. Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
8. Bluetooth	Bluetooth 6	Bluetooth 5.0
9. Colors	Midnight, white, blue, green, pink	Midnight, white, blue, yellow, orange
10. Price	$149	$99 at launch; $129 most recently

The biggest improvements are in software intelligence, audio capabilities, and wireless connectivity rather than the speaker’s physical design. Its fundamental audio hardware remains familiar, including the full-range driver, dual passive radiators, and 360-degree acoustic waveguide.

Model	U.S. price	UK price
HomePod mini (2020 launch)	$99	£99
HomePod mini (June 2026 price)	$129	£129
HomePod mini 2 (October 2026)	$149	£149
Increase over previous price	+$20	+£20
Increase over launch price	+$50	+£50

TL;DR: Learn prompting, Claude Code, and Claude Cowork automation with the Claude AI Professional E-Degree, now $19.99 (reg. $159).

Claude Code and Claude Cowork turned Claude into a tool that writes code and runs tasks across your apps, but most people still use it like a chatbot. Eduonix’s Claude AI Professional E-Degree teaches the rest, and lifetime access is $19.99 (reg. $159).

How are the lessons structured?

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Four learning modules start with prompting best practices, then move into Claude Code for AI-assisted coding and debugging, including VS Code integration. Two Cowork modules show you how to connect Claude to Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Chrome, and MCP connectors, then build automations with plugins and sub-agents.

Eduonix Learning Solutions, a tech training company with more than a decade of experience, made the course. You get 100+ lectures, more than 8 hours of video, quizzes, 5 practical projects, and a certificate upon completion. Lessons play on your Mac or iPhone in any modern browser, and this deal is for new users only.

Learn to use Claude for more than chat.

Get the Claude AI Professional E-Degree on sale for $19.99 (reg. $159).

Claude AI Professional E-DegreeSee Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

For years, the HomePod mini has been my go-to speaker for everyday listening at home. It sounds great, looks sleek, and deeply integrates into the Apple ecosystem—all for just $99 (at least back I bought one when it launched). When Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2 last week, I was tempted to replace my fully functional stereo pair solely to get the new software exclusives, such as Siri AI. That was until I installed the OS 27.2 update, which brings enough of the second-generation experience to the original HomePod mini to minimize my urge to upgrade.

Quite the glow-up

Sound Glow essentially brings the Dynamic Island’s animated waveform to the HomePod. The brand-new feature extracts the most prominent colors in a playing song’s album art and displays them on the HomePod’s touchscreen. The hues dynamically pulsate in sync with the track’s rhythm, reflecting the bass and treble in real time. While it technically doesn’t change how a song sounds, it does make the listening experience significantly more immersive and enjoyable.

I had assumed Apple would restrict Sound Glow to the HomePod mini 2, as my first-generation stereo pair is always within my sight when working, and such a feature would matter to me. The Music app on my Apple TV 4K 3 already provided a similar visualizer on the big screen; having my HomePod minis react with the same palette would contribute to the overall ambience.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Sound Glow is actually supported on all HomePods—excluding the original full-size model. After installing iOS 27.2 on my iPhone and its HomePod equivalent on my speakers, I was able to turn on and use Sound Glow on my 2020 minis just fine. Now they feel significantly more vibrant and energetic when blasting bops on them.

Ghost buster

Many users have had to discard their otherwise functional HomePods because of the somewhat widespread phantom touch issue. The flaw repeatedly triggers the affected HomePod’s touchscreen without any user input, pausing/playing music and controlling the volume in a chaotic manner.

The latest OS update fixes the issue with a Lock Controls toggle in the Home app that optionally disables the touchscreen. So, whenever your HomePod starts misbehaving, you can kill touch input altogether and continue to rely on the otherwise functional speaker using voice commands or your iPhone.

Turning a blind AI

While OS 27.2 does not activate Siri AI on my original HomePod minis, the feature is arguably inessential in this context. The classic Siri generally works well for basic audio playback commands, and I tend to have longer, more complicated conversations with Siri AI using the keyboard on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Plus, the new HomePod mini 2 sells for $149, so upgrading my stereo pair would cost me another $300. It would make more sense to maintain my current HomePod setup and instead buy a HomeView for a similar price. This would unlock Siri AI and provide an always-on display as a bonus. Until Apple releases a meaningful upgrade, I will continue to rely on my trusty 6-year-old HomePod minis without a problem.

HomePod Software and iOS 27.2 will launch to the general public next week—potentially on Monday, October 26—with the Sound Glow and Lock Controls features. To try them early, you can sign up for Apple’s beta program and download the Release Candidate builds currently available.

Update: This deal is no longer available.

When you want the best of the best, especially when you’re out on a hike, the Apple Watch Ultra is the way to go. If you want a watch that’s as fashionable as it is functional, you’ll want the Black Titanium Milanese Loop. That usually costs $900, but if you don’t want to spend nearly a thousand bucks on the newest model, you can grab a Series 3 for $600 right now, an impressive 33 percent discount on its MSRP.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 seeks to mix it all together — keeping you connected, keeping track of your training, keeping you on track when you’re hiking, telling you when to go to bed so you get more rest, telling you when you’re having heart issues by running ECGs, and so on. It’s such a versatile thing to have on your wrist that it justifies the high price tag. If you take a hard fall or get in a severe car crash, it can connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts. The battery lasts up to 42 hours of normal use, or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, so a weekend trip won’t send you hunting for a charger. With cellular and 5G, you can take calls and stream music without your phone.

This model has the luxurious Black Titanium Milanese Loop band, so it’s stylish too. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium mesh, it features a secure parachute-style buckle and is inspired by the same design historically used by divers. Apple usually sells this band for $199 on its own, so you’re saving money there, too.

Since this is an Ultra 3, you’ll still get watchOS 27 with the new Siri AI and Dynamic App Grid. Unfortunately, you won’t get the new Readiness app, or Live Rewind and Siri Recap, but otherwise it delivers on everything you could possibly need from a smartwatch. So, grab this gorgeous Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $300 off while it’s still on sale. It’s the best price we’ve ever seen for this model!

Apple’s next iPad mini – often called the iPad mini 8 – is expected to bring an OLED display and a faster A20 Pro chip. Here’s what the latest reports suggest about the 2026 model’s release date, price and upgrades, and whether you should wait before buying

Most buyers should wait if they can. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple plans to announce the next iPad mini on October 27, with an OLED display and A20 Pro chip expected.

Apple has now confirmed a “Pro and Tell” Apple media experience in Los Angeles on October 28. An updated iPad mini could be among the announcements. Gurman’s reported October 27 announcement date remains possible: Apple could unveil products before giving journalists hands-on time the following day.

Here’s what the latest rumors say about the release date, key upgrades, and whether it’s worth waiting.

iPad mini 7 vs iPad mini 8 comparison

Feature	Current iPad mini	Next iPad mini rumors
Release	October 2024	October 27 announcement reported by Gurman; unconfirmed
Chip	A17 Pro	A20 Pro expected
Display	8.3-inch LCD	OLED, possibly 8.5 inches
Design	Current design	OLED expected; size unconfirmed
Water resistance	No official rating	Improved resistance rumoured
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread expected
Cellular modem	Qualcomm	Apple C1X expected
Cameras	12MP front and rear	12MP rear and front cameras likely; landscape front-camera position expected
Apple Intelligence	Supported	Supported, with faster AI performance
Price	From $599 (was $499)	Near $799 reported; unconfirmed.
Biggest upgrade	—	OLED display, faster chip and newer connectivity

Apple could be just days away from unveiling its first touchscreen MacBook Pro. The company is holding a media event on October 28, 2026, when it is expected to reveal the first touchscreen MacBook Pro as part of one of the biggest redesigns in the laptop’s history, combining a new chassis with Apple’s first OLED MacBook display and potentially even an iPhone-style Dynamic Island camera cutout. If the rumors are accurate, this could be one of the biggest changes to the MacBook Pro in its history.

The touchscreen MacBook Pro has been the subject of speculation ever since Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first reported in 2023 that Apple was exploring the idea. At the time, the claim seemed hard to believe given Apple’s long-standing opposition to touchscreen laptops. Three years later, however, multiple reports suggest Apple has overcome the technical and design challenges that previously stood in the way.

The timing would be fitting. The MacBook Pro celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2026, and Apple could mark the milestone with a feature many believed would never come to the Mac. Touchscreen support would also help further differentiate the MacBook Pro from the MacBook Air and the budget-friendly MacBook Neo.

The redesigned touchscreen MacBook Pro is expected to be a premium model featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, rather than the newer M6 chip. Apple is separately preparing a standard 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro, which is expected to retain the existing design. For more on that model, see our M6 MacBook Pro release date and specs guide.

There are still questions over pricing and availability. OLED panels and ongoing supply-chain pressures could make the touchscreen models more expensive than today’s MacBook Pro, while touch support is expected to remain exclusive to Apple’s premium laptops initially. Read on for everything we know about the touchscreen MacBook Pro’s expected release date, design, specifications and price, including what Apple could announce on October 28.

If you can postpone buying a MacBook Pro, we recommend waiting until Apple’s “Pro and Tell” media experience on October 28. Apple has confirmed that there will be gathering (not an Event as such), and the “Pro and Tell” name strongly suggests a MacBook Pro will be amount the new products.

Reports point to two distinct updates: an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip and the existing design, and redesigned premium MacBook Pro with OLED touchscreen and M5 Pro or M5 Max processors. Their specifications, prices and availability remain unconfirmed. The redesigned MacBook Pro models, meanwhile, could introduce thinner and lighter bodies, OLED touchscreens, and M5 Pro and M5 Max chips – becoming Apple’s first

With Apple’s next event approaching, we’d recommend waiting unless you need a MacBook Pro immediately or find a particularly good discount on the current M5 models. Apple increased MacBook Pro prices by $300 to $500 in June 2026, so discounts and refurbished models remain worth considering.

The MacBook Pro is best suited to creative professionals, software developers, engineers and other power users who need sustained performance, a premium display, plenty of ports and high memory configurations. If your workload consists mainly of web browsing, office work, studying or light creative tasks, the MacBook Air is likely to offer better value at a much lower price. In this guide, we’ll explain whether you should buy now or wait, which MacBook Pro is right for you, the best times of year to buy, today’s best deals, and whether a refurbished model or MacBook Air might be a better choice.

Should I buy a MacBook Pro: At a glance

Your situation	Recommendation
Need a laptop now	Buy now – The M5 models are excellent
Still using Intel	Upgrade, but wait until Apple’s October 28 announcements
Using an M1, M2 or M3 MacBook Pro	Wait – see what the M6 offers
On an M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pro	Keep your Mac – little reason to upgrade yet
Want OLED and a touchscreen	Wait for the redesigned M5 Pro/Max models
Want the lowest price	Look for M5 clearance deals and Black Friday discounts

Best U.S MacBook Pro deals

These are the best deals we saw during Prime Day in October 2026 and the lowest price we saw prior to Apple increasing prices.

MacBook Pro	Deal	New MSRP	Old MSRP	Lowest
14-inch, M5, 1TB, 16GB	$1,839 Get the deal at Amazon $160 off	$1,999	$1,699	$1,499
14-inch, M5, 1TB, 24GB	$2,039 Get the deal at Amazon $160 off	$2,199	$1,899	$1,699
14-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB	$2,345 Get the deal at Amazon $155 off	$2,499	$2,199	$1,983.94
14-inch, M5 Max, 2TB	$3,499 Get the deal at Amazon $600 off	$4,099	$3,599	$3,299.99
16-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB	$2,749 Get the deal at Amazon $250 off	$2,999	$2,699	$2,449
16-inch, M5 Max, 2TB	$3,899 Get the deal at Amazon $500 off	$4,399	$3,899	$3,649

Best U.K. MacBook Pro deals

MacBook Pro	Deal	New RRP	Old RRP	Lowest
14-inch, M5, 1TB	Out of stock	£1,999	£1,699	£1,528.97
14-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, 24GB	£2,249.97 Get the deal at Amazon £249 off	£2,499	£2,199	£1,978.97
14-inch, M5 Max, 2TB	£3,799 Get the deal at Amazon £300 off	£4,099	£3,599	£3,238.97
16-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB	£2,699.97 Get the deal at Amazon £299 off	£2,999	£2,699	£2,428.97
16-inch, M5 Max, 2TB	£4,399 at Amazon	£4,399	£3,899	£3,508.97

Also see our Best MacBook Pro deals for more.

Timing	Why it’s a good time	Typical saving
Amazon Prime Day (June/July/October)	Deep discounts from Amazon.	$150 – $800+ off MSRP
Black Friday / Cyber Monday (November/December)	The biggest sales event of the year for electronics.	$200 – $500+ off MSRP
After a New Model Launch (March/October)	Retailers discount the previous generation to clear inventory.	Varies; often $200–$400 off
Apple Refurbished Store (Year-Round)	“Like-new” condition with full warranty; pre-hike prices.	15%–30% off original MSRP
Apple Education Store (Year-Round)	Direct discount for students and educators.	$100 – $200 off MSRP

Best Prices Today: BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 Power Bank

I still own power banks that I struggle to grip in one hand. Such items lurk in the bottom of a cupboard awaiting only the end of days rather than a long train journey or city break vacation.

Batteries have been getting smaller for years, but recent advances have slimmed phone power banks to shirt-pocket size.

Solid-state electrolytes are replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with more stable, efficient materials that allow for smaller, more compact, and safer battery designs. While we haven’t tested any fully solid-state power banks, we have been seeing semi-solid-state cells where flammable liquid is reduced to a fraction of that found in standard lithium-ion batteries.

It’s not all about size—these batteries are safer and should last significantly longer with a greater number of cycles before the battery degrades.

Size matters: How thin is it compared to other Qi2 power banks?

But size does matter when you’re carrying the power bank in your pocket or backpack.

BMX, not the little trick bicycle ridden by kids and hipsters but a company called Better Mobile Xperience, has just released a new magnetic wireless power bank that it claims is the “world’s thinnest” 5,000mAh Qi2 power bank.

The SolidSafe Air 5K doesn’t stray far from the usual length and width of today’s magnetic wireless power banks (4.1 x 2.8 inches / 103 x 70mm), but when it comes to depth (or height, however you look at it) it is truly tiny at just 0.27 inches (6.8mm).

In comparison, the iPhone Air is only slightly thinner at 5.6mm, with a 3149mAh (12.4Wh) battery capacity.

While we haven’t tested every single wireless power bank model that exists, we pride ourselves in checking out all those from our most trusted power brands, including Anker, Ugreen, Belkin, EcoFlow, Baseus, Kuxiu, ESR, Zens, Statik and more.

The margin might be coming down in size, but the SolidSafe Air 5K does indeed live up to BMX’s claim, although the Baseus Picogo Air Magnetic Power Bank (AM71) matches it on slimness if not quite on performance (82% vs 89%).

The closest we have measured in terms of slimness are:

• BMX SolidSafe Air 5K: 6.8mm
• Baseus Picogo Air (AM71): 6.8mm
• Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim: 8.6mm
• Vonmählen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh: 8.6mm
• PhoneSuit Elite Mag Slim 5K: 8.9mm
• Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim 5K: 8.9mm
• Kuxiu S2 5K (also semi-solid state): 10mm
• Infinacore M3 Mini 5K: 10.6mm

Clearly, the SolidSafe Air is the thinnest 5K magnetic wireless power bank that we have tested, alongside the non-solid-state Baseus AM71.

Weight matters too

What about its weight? When it’s on your person or in the bag you are carrying, weight is as important as size; if not more. The SolidSafe Air weighs 4.1oz (116g); to compare, the iPhone Air weighs 165g.

Let’s compare that to our other slim power banks mentioned above.

• BMX SolidSafe Air 5K: 4.1oz (116g)
• Baseus Picogo Air (AM71): 3.7oz (105g)
• Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim: 4.3oz (122g)
• Vonmählen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh: 4.34oz (123g)
• PhoneSuit Elite Mag Slim 5K: 3.88oz (110g)
• Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim 5K: 3.77oz (107g)
• Kuxiu S2 5K (also semi-solid state): 6.14oz (174g)
• Infinacore M3 Mini 5K: 3.88oz (110g)

The SolidSafe Air is therefore not the lightest power bank we’ve tested. That honor goes to the Baseus PicoGo Air.

However, we don’t think 0.4oz or 11g is going to be noticeable by anything other than a set of precision scales.

Design: Does the slim design affect battery life or charging speed?

The SolidSafe Air is so thin that the magnetic coil must be raised a little from the otherwise flat surface of the power bank.

Looking at the distance between the USB-C charging port and the sides makes me think it will be nearly impossible to get any thinner—but, fear not, someone will.

It’s now available in a choice of five colors: Gold, Black, Silver, Burgundy, and Glacier. That covers all the equally thin iPhone Air and now iPhone 18 Pro models with the latest Glacier and Burgundy colors.

The battery indicator is the standard set of four LEDs to let you know how much power is left in the power bank’s battery. One of the thinnest power banks we’ve reviewed is the PhoneSuit Elite Mag Slim 5K, and this boasts a digital percentage display, which is far more accurate, but such display on a 5K power bank is are, and to its credit, the SolidSafe Air’s LEDs are brighter than most.

The SolidSafe Air is reinforced with titanium to make it more durable against impact. That combined with the safer semi-solid electrolytes should make the power bank inherently safer than most power banks.

Semi-solid-state cell technology reducing flammable liquid content improves thermal stability and lowers fire risk compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. It should also mean the SolidSafe Air can be charged, discharged and recharged many more times than a traditional lithium-ion power bank.

Performance also matters

The 5000mAh (milliamp hour) battery is rated at 18.5Wh (watt hours). This is the sweet spot for a power bank that is lightweight and slim but still has enough capacity to offer a decent iPhone recharge. Remember the iPhone Air’s battery capacity is 3149mAh (12.4Wh). The closer match is the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 5088mAh (20Wh) battery. Find out your iPhone’s battery capacity in our long list.

We test power banks by running down an iPhone 16 Pro to 0% and seeing to what percentage the power bank can take the phone’s battery. In this test the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K achieved an impressive score of 89%, among the highest of all the magnetic wireless power banks we have had in the Macworld Labs.

The SolidSafe Air employs the Qi2 magnetic charging technology, so can supply up to 15W of power wirelessly.

Some larger 10K power banks—such as the Kuxiu K1, Baseus PicoGo 25W 10K, Ugreen MagFlow and Sharge Icemag 3—use the newer Qi2.2 tech that can handle 25W for compatible iPhones (iPhone 16 and later). 25W should charge an iPhone (16 or later) from 0-50% in around half an hour, while 15W takes about 45 minutes. We are still waiting for a 5K power bank that is as fast as 25W.

Use the charging port with a cable (USB-C to USB-C for iPhone 15 and later, USB-C to Lightning for older iPhones) to gain a little faster 20W of power. A neat function is simultaneous wired (using a cable in the power bank’s charging port) and wireless charging. Via this method you get 10W wired plus 12W wireless for 22W power—not so far off the 25W that Qi2.2 would have supplied.

The power bank itself is charged at up to 15W, which is quite slow in comparison to others that have input speeds of between 18-30W. if charging overnight or not in a hurry, this shouldn’t matter. A full recharge of the power bank should take around 2 hours.

Price

The SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 Power Bank is available on the BMX website for $59.99, with Amazon sales starting at the end of March.

For alternatives check our reviews of the best magnetic wireless power banks.

Should you buy the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 Power Bank

The titanium SolidSafe Air is wafer-thin and can slip into a shirt pocket without worrying the stitching. You can charge your iPhone (12 and later) wirelessly at 15W or 22W when using both wired and wireless outputs, which is fast. There are power banks that recharge themselves faster, and power banks with smarter battery displays, but the BMX SolidSafe Air is the slimmest semi-solid-state 5K Qi2 power bank you can buy—indeed, in our experience, it’s both one of the slimmest and lightest magnetic wireless power banks on the market.

The new Siri AI architecture is about more than just answering more questions or having a back-and-forth conversation. It’s about being able to move data between Apple devices, securely and privately, to perform AI tasks elsewhere.

In much the same way as your iPhone can send an AI task that’s too big for it (along with the data needed to complete it) to a Private Cloud Compute server, so too can Apple accessories and products send requests to your iPhone. It’s how the HomeView works with everyone in the house, how the Apple Watch Series 12 will provide its “audio intelligence” features, and how existing Apple TV 4K boxes will get Siri AI support.

It tells us a lot about how Apple’s future products, from AirPods with cameras to smart glasses, are going to work.

It’s all about your iPhone

At first, we thought perhaps you would need the new $299 Apple TV 4K to get access to Siri AI. Then we found out that the 2nd-gen and 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K boxes will get it as well.

It’s going to do this by sending Siri AI requests to your iPhone, as long as it’s nearby, logged in to the same account, and has been unlocked recently.

That sounds a lot like how HomeView is going to work. Ask Siri to turn on lights, and it just does it. Ask it anything that has to do with your messages, calendar, or any other personal info, and it sends that along to your (nearby, logged in, recently unlocked) iPhone. Apple did its best not to show the iPhone in any of its HomeView marketing material, but make no mistake—an iPhone is a critical part of the experience.

HomeView even goes a step further and uses your iPhone as a hub for audio and video apps that aren’t installed on it, running them via CarPlay directly from your iPhone.

When the Apple Watch Series 12 was released last month, it shipped without a key feature: Audio Intelligence. This ability to summarize conversations and “rewind” the last 15 seconds of speech doesn’t even really use the watch. It uses your iPhone.

The Series 12 and Ultra 4 create a secure and private wireless link with your iPhone, which does all the AI stuff, pulling in Private Cloud Compute where necessary, and then returning the info to your Apple Watch via that link again.

So by the end of this year, Apple will have four products on the market: existing Apple TV 4K (2nd and 3rd gen) boxes, HomeView, and the new Apple Watches, that all rely on a link to your iPhone to process any Siri AI request more complicated than starting a timer or turning off a light.

Future products as iPhone extensions

Back in 2001, Steve Jobs introduced the concept of the Digital Hub, with a central device (the Mac) that “added value” to the other gadgets in our lives, including CD players, MP3 players, and cellphones. Now it’s Apple’s cellphone that is at the center of the new digital hub. It now seems obvious that future AI-powered products from Apple are going to need an iPhone to work.

Whether it’s AirPods with cameras, smart glasses, or a more powerful robotic HomeView, the device itself will do minimal processing to figure out what the request is. Very basic requests will be handled on-device. Requests that need to know anything about you or access your data will get routed to your iPhone, where all that info can be handled securely and privately. If the task is too big for your iPhone, it will send it to a Private Cloud Compute server along with the relevant data, where a much bigger processor and AI model can take care of it and then immediately delete everything associated with it.

Apple has been speaking about the benefits of local AI processing for quite some time now, but no phone or laptop is powerful enough for today’s best AI models, so it built a scheme to send AI requests from your iPhone or Mac to the cloud.

Now, the same principle is being extended in the other direction: Building “edge” accessories that do even less AI processing than your iPhone, but connect to it when they need to.

This allows Apple to build smaller, lighter, and relatively cheaper devices that can still access the company’s latest AI features. And it helps future-proof those devices as Siri AI evolves. It means your HomeView or AI-powered AirPods should get smarter as your iPhone gets smarter instead of being stuck with the limited AI processing available in a $299 smart display circa 2026.

Apple doesn’t directly tell us exactly how its products work, most of the time. But it’s a nice idea to think that you might update your iPhone in a few years, providing access to all new AI capabilities, and that your Apple Watch, HomeView, smart glasses, or other products will gain new capabilities in the process.

Is there any other company in the world whose followers obsess over how many units the company sells more than Apple? Maybe the Macalope’s wrong and somewhere out there are fans of the Hidden Valley Ranch company poring over rumors about the relative sales of Spicy Hot Honey versus Sizzlin’ Nashville Hot, or fret over rumors of devastating production cuts to the Creamy Jalapeño line, but he doubts it.

First of all, who doesn’t like Creamy Jalapeño? Why would there ever be production cuts to that line? It makes no sense.

iPhones, however, are different. Every year they get production cut rumors. And this year is no different: Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro orders due to soft demand.

Nobody likes maroon. The Macalope could have told you that. It’s just a bad color.

This “news” comes from none other than Nikkei, purveyors of bombastic iPhone production cut rumors since 1973, a full three years before Apple was formed. No one had any idea what they were talking about for 34 years. Nikkei’s most garment-rending rendition was the 2017 iPhone X production cuts, which the outfit said were of such magnitude that Apple was producing negative iPhones, actually pulling already manufactured iPhones apart and putting the aluminum back into the ground.

Okay, not really, but it was wildly off, so take these reports with a salt-lick-sized grain of salt. It’s probably true that the price increase on the iPhone Pro line has not helped its attractiveness. Or maybe people were drawn to another, even more expensive option, because Apple apparently can’t make iPhone Duos fast enough.

Certainly not fast enough for Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who said Apple made a “major mistake” with the iPhone Duo. What is this “major mistake’,” you may ask? Were credit cards charged twice? Thrice? Did every iPhone Duo ship with a dirty hypodermic needle in the box, just waiting to stab unsuspecting customers? Did some of the profits from each Duo go to a ridiculous vanity project, the real goal of which was to force companies to curry favor with a kleptocratic regime?

[Turns and stares unblinking into camera for 45 minutes]

Well, according to Gurman, the “major mistake” was selling them before it had enough inventory to meet demand. Definitely an unprecedented event–or not: “iPhone 4 pre-orders from Apple now pushed back to July 14”.

Indeed, the Macalope himself vaguely recalls having to wait two months to get an iPhone 4 back in the day when the kids still said “back in the day.” Two months, of course, is not quite the three months would-be Duo owners have to wait now, but the iPhone 4 didn’t have an entirely new conceptual form factor, featuring a hinge and a foldable screen. All it had was a slightly janky antenna.

Was Gurman not able to get an iPhone Duo delivery date in 2026? Is that what this is about? Because as far as “major mistakes” go, selling as many as you can make seems a pretty great mistake to make.

Anyway, fear not, because Apple is on it: “Apple increases iPhone Duo orders by 30%“.

It is extremely unclear whether the current shortage is because of the unexpected popularity of the Duo or the relatively low number of units Apple was able to get built. Most likely a combination of both.

Apple sure picked a good year to move the base iPhone line to a spring release schedule, though: “IDC: Apple closes in on Samsung as global smartphone shipments see record decline in Q3”

Apple shipped fewer phones because it moved a whole line to spring. What’s your excuse?

The Macalope has always maintained that profit share is better than market share, but hey, if you can get both, so much the better.

Speaking of spring, get ready for a big one, at least sales-wise: “The standard version of the iPhone 18 is scheduled for production at the end of November, and the stock size seems quite large,” according to Fixed-Focus Digital, who has correctly reported Apple-related leaks in the past.

Year-over-year comparisons are going to be wack as the kids who used to say “back in the day” back in the day also used to say.

The Macalope realizes he’s putting a lot on these fictional kids of 2010, and he apologizes for any stress they may have incurred, temporal mechanically speaking.

The next year may make both Apple and its customers a little uneasy as the iPhone lineup gets rejiggered, but the Macalope suspects it’ll all work out in the end.

macOS 27 Golden Gate arrived on September 14, introducing an all-new Siri AI assistant, major updates to Safari, Photos, Messages, Mail and Calendar, and expanded child-safety features. Design refinements and performance improvements round out the release.

Named after California’s iconic Golden Gate, the update continues Apple’s push to make the Mac smarter and more proactive, bringing Apple Intelligence to more parts of the operating system to help users complete everyday tasks faster.

macOS 27 supports all Macs powered by Apple silicon, but drops support for Intel-based models. Intel Macs can continue running older versions of macOS, with security updates expected to remain available for a limited time.

This guide covers macOS 27’s biggest new features, compatible Macs and the latest beta developments. With some features still to come, we also explain what’s in the beta, what’s expected in future updates and when those additions could arrive.

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