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    How to change your Apple Account primary email address
    MacworldWhen you first register for an Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), you can use either a new email address provided by Apple (with an @icloud.com address) or one you already have. You can have multiple email addresses associated with your Apple ID, but only one primary addressthe core address youll use to log in and to which important Apple Account-related emails would be delivered.It used to be a pain to change this, involving a multi-step process that you can only do on the web. With iOS 18.1, Apple has made it a lot easier to change your primary Apple ID address, and you can do it right from your iPhone or iPad. (The web still works, too.) Heres how you do it.Change your Apple Account primary email on your iPhone or iPadFirst, ensure your devices are running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or a later version.Open Settings, then tap your name at the top to access your Apple account settingsTap Sign-In & SecurityTap the email address marked Primary emailTurn off the Primary Email switch to remove this as your main email. Youll be prompted to select a new primary email address, either from another email associated with your Apple Account or by adding a new oneFollow the onscreen steps to enter and verify your new primary email addressIf you have a third-party email address (not an @icloud.com or @me.com address) associated with your Apple Account and you want to remove it, just select it and tap Remove from Account. If its your Primary address youll be prompted to choose or create a new primary.For Apple-supplied email address (@icloud.com or @me.com) youll instead see an option to Change Email Address, which lets you pick a different email address but not remove it from your account.Change your Apple Account primary email on the webIf you dont have an iPhone or iPad (you only use a Mac, or maybe an Apple TV or something) you can change your primary email on the web.Go toaccount.apple.comand sign inSelect Sign-In and Security on the left menu, and then Email & Phone NumbersClickthe Remove button(-) next to your primary emailFollow the onscreen steps to enter and verify your new primary email address
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    Apple is working on a huge Siri upgrade for iOS 19 and macOS 16
    MacworldApple is really driving hard in its race to be a top player in AI. The Apple Intelligence features are coming in so hot that theyre being released in stages, taking months after the release of iOS 18. And now a new report says the company is full steam ahead on a new version of Siri that goes well beyond the enhanced, more personal Siri coming this spring.According to a report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is building a new version of Siri that makes use of more advanced large language models (LLMs), and employees on the project are calling it LLM Siri. The new Siri will be able to hold natural back-and-forth conversations, not unlike the new Advanced Voice Mode of OpenAIs ChatGPT. It will also handle more sophisticated requests more quickly. According to the report, Apple is already testing the new Siri as a separate app on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but it will be released as a replacement for the built-in OS feature we know today. The new Siri is expected to be unveiled in 2025 as part of iOS 19 and macOS 16, but wont be available at launchinstead, theyll come in an update early in 2026 (i.e. iOS 19.3 or the like).Siri is expected to get a big upgrade early in 2025 as part of iOS 18.3 or 18.4. Though the fundamental AI model isnt changing, that version of Siri will be able to build a personal profile of you based on your on-device data (contacts, Messages, location history, and so on) in order to know you better. It will also be able to make use of hundreds of new App Intents, which are hooks that third-party app developers can use to allow Siri to perform functions or access data from within apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Next month, Siri will get ChatGPT integration and some new visual intelligence features, but still remains largely the Siri weve known for years.The report doesnt clarify exactly how the new Siri will work; Apple emphasizes on-device processing for better privacy, speed, and reliability. But advanced LLM models are huge, requiring large amounts of processing and significant RAM. The AI models of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 already require around 2GB of RAM, which is why they need an iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 to run (those are Apples only phones with 8GB of total RAM). If Apple is already testing the system on current devices, theres a good chance your current phone will run it, but it may need a live internet connection to do so.
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    Macworld Podcast: Whats up with Apples smart home efforts
    MacworldIs Apple finally going to make a real effort into the smart home market? In this episode of the Macworld Podcast, well examine a few recent reports on some rumored products: an iPad-like control center, smart home cameras, an Apple television set, and more!This is episode 910 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola.Watch episode 910 on YouTubeListen to episode 910 on Apple PodcastsListen to episode 910 on SpotifyGet infoFor more information about the topics discussed on the show, click on the links below.Apples next big thing may be a smart iPad you can hang on your wallApple may be gearing up to launch its first smart home cameraBelieve it or not, an Apple TV set is still a possibilityA new AirTag is coming next year with enhanced privacy, security featuresApples next HomePod might be more robot than speakerSubscribe to the Macworld PodcastYou can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review!right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworldTo find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone.Apple
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    How to find the Retouch tool in Photos for macOS Sequoia 15.1
    MacworldApple has offered a Retouch tool in the macOS Photos app for several releases. This brush-like tool lets you paint over an area or in spots and have Photos interpolate detail, removing noise and dust.Starting in macOS 15.1 Sequoia, however, some readers who rely on Retouch noticed it disappeared. Thats because Apple added a more powerful but still in-progress replacement feature: Clean Up. Clean relies on Apple Intelligence, the companys beta machine-learning product. You need an M1 or later Apple silicon Mac.If youre using an M-series Mac, when you double-click an image and click Edit, and click Adjust in the button at the top of the editing window, Retouch no longer appears in the right-hand adjustment list. Instead, a new Clean Up button is available at the top of the screen. Click that, and you can adjust a Size slider and click, circle, or paint an area on a photo.Clean Up seems to work best on small areas and in removing certain kinds of distractions, like power lines, people in the background of a photo, or objects. When I drag or circle larger areas instead of painting, the results are quite poor compared to the control offered in Retouch.Retouch isnt perfect, but it seems to smooth out dust from the top-right of an iPad mini without being too obstrusive (left). Circling an area with Clean Up removed some dust with no trace, but then made other splotches more extreme (right).FoundryThe trouble is, you cant opt to return to Retouch. Even if you disable Apple Intelligence in > System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri, Clean Up still remains in Photos, and Retouch is still missing. While Apple Intelligence remains in beta, you would think Apple would offer a switch between the two or keep both in place. Unfortunately, its provided a dubious upgrade that youll have to suffer through (orrevert to 15.0 Sequoia).This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Martin.Ask Mac 911Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns:read our super FAQto see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we dont reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
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    New report reveals killer feature coming in next Pro Display XDR
    MacworldApples next big product launch might still be a long way off, but a new report has shed light on powerful new technology coming in the next version of Apples flagship Pro Display XDR.The 2nd-gen model will use state-of-the-art quantum dot technology, according to the respected displays analyst Ross Young (via 9to5Mac). Young had previously reported that the M4 MacBook Pro, which was announced at the end of October, is the first Apple product to use quantum dot tech, but the next-gen tech is far more important for Apples high-end display. For one, its 32 inches; for another is uses state-of-the-art calibration and a sophisticated algorithm to deliver the highest-quality color possible.Quantum dot is a recent display technology designed to deliver better color and motion performance than is possible with conventional LED, mini-LED and OLED screens. (Its also where we get the Q in QLED TVs.) As Young explains (login required), the MacBook Pro previously used KSF phosphor, which makes it plausible that other KSF-based Apple products will follow its lead and switch to quantum dot.Now that Apple has adopted [quantum dot] in the MacBook Pro, he writes, it will be interesting to see if they replace KSF films and KSF phosphors in other Apple products. KSF films are found in previous mini-LED MacBook Pros and the Mac Pro Display XDR. We expect the next version of the Mac Pro Display to adopt it.All very pleasing, but the catch is that well likely be waiting a long time for the next version of the Pro Display XDR. The original device came out in 2019 and weve been expecting an update ever since the Studio Display was launched in 2022; but Young says its unlikely to appear until late 2025 or early 2026. You can keep up with the latest news and rumors with our new Pro Display XDR superguide.RetailerPrice4.955,99 View Deal4.976,25 View Deal5.179,43 View Deal5.351,71 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket
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    The 15-inch MacBook Air just got a crazy Black Friday price cut
    MacworldBlack Friday is our favorite time of the year because when else could you see a brand-new MacBook Air laptop drop to a new best price? The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is now available for $1,234 at Amazon, a solid $265 off its MSRP and a whopping $465 off the price just a month ago when the base model started with 8GB of RAM.This is a powerful laptop, especially thanks to the M3 chip, which is great for multitasking, creative work, or just having fun online. The laptop also comes with 16GB of unified memory, which is enough to help you run any app you want or swap from one app to another with ease. The model thats on sale also features 512GB of storage, which is quite enough for most apps, files, and personal content we usually store.Our review of the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air concluded with a 4.5-star rating, and our editor praised the laptops outstanding performance, fantastic battery life, and balance between price, features, and quality. Overall, the M3 MacBook Air succeeds in continuing in its role as the laptop for everyone, the review reads.This, of course, is even better reflected in the discount were seeing ahead of Black Friday. The MacBook Air is perfect for your everyday workload, having fun streaming content, and anything else you want to do. So jump on the chance to get your very own MacBook Air with an M3 chip and 512GB for $1,234 at Amazon ahead of Black Friday.A 512GB MacBook Air M3 this cheap?Buy it now at Amazon
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    Get ready for the iPhone 17 Air, Apples thinnest phone ever
    MacworldApple is expected to launch an extra-thin model when it unveils the iPhone 17 line-up next year. But exactly how thin are we talking? A new report appears to confirm the figure is 6mm, which would make the iPhone 17 Air/Slim the thinnest smartphone Apple has ever released.The analyst Jeff Pu put out a research note Monday supporting a recent rumor about the devices thickness. We agreed with the recent chatter of [a] 6mm thickness ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model, he wrote in the note, seen by MacRumors.At 6mm, the Air would easily snatch the record previously held by the 6.9mm iPhone 6; the iPhone 16 is a comparatively chunky 7.8mm thick, while the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are a positively obese 8.25mm. Oddly enough, as MacRumors points out, you can get a thinner iPad: the 13- and 11-inch versions of the latest iPad Pro are just 5.1mm and 5.3mm respectively. And the final iPod nano came in under 6mm too, not that this is a fair comparison against a full smartphone.As ever with rumored Apple products, the iPhone 17 Air has come in for plenty of criticism long before its even been announced. Theres a sense among pundits that 6mm wouldnt be thin enough to warrant an Air or Slim branding or the likely high price tag; MacRumors itself wrote a story earlier this month complaining that the device may not be much thinner than the iPhone 6, as if being thinner than the thinnest ever iPhone, which incidentally had just a 4.7-inch screen and vastly inferior components and cameras, would not be an engineering feat worth celebrating.Conversely, most of the negative discussion on Reddit argues that slimming down to 6mm goes beyond usefulness. In this thread:Hard no for me. Gimme thicker with big battery.Does it really matter when most people will slap a massive case and screen protector on there? Give me a thicker phone with better battery life.I dont think thinness or lightness is a huge priority.Why the obsession to go thin?I never loved the thinness of my iPhone 6s. It was just too thin. [Editors note: the iPhone 6s was slightly thicker than the iPhone 6, at 7.1mm.]Were still a long way off the launch of the iPhone 17 series, and Apple may find ways between now and then to further slim down the Air modelperhaps even rivaling the iPad Pro. But with half of the community complaining that its too thick and the other half complaining that its too thin, it feels like Apple might have got the balance about right.Catch all the latest news and rumors in our regularly updated iPhone 17 superguide. Or, if you dont want to wait until next fall, pick up a bargain on the current range with our roundup of the best Black Friday iPhone deals.
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    When is the best time to buy an iPad? We investigate
    MacworldWeve all been there. You decide to pick up a shiny new device, so you head to the shops and return home with your expensive purchase; all is well with the world. Then a week later a newer, better version is released, and youre left wondering whether youve wasted your money.In this article we show how to avoid this trauma by explaining when its the best time to buy an iPad.If youre struggling to decide which one is the right device for you, incidentally, you should also take a look at our iPad buying guide. When is the best time to buy an iPad?Its not so easy to say when the best time to buy an iPad is because there is no clear schedule to when Apple will update any of the iPad models. However, since Apple doesnt tend to update iPads as regularly as it does iPhones and the Apple Watch, you can be reasonabl.y condident that is the iPad is less than a year and a half old it probably isnt about to be updated. Safe in the knowledge that an update isnt due soon, you might be wondering if the price might change. Rather than wait for Apple to drop the price, which happens very rarely, our recommendation would be to look for deals from retailers. We see deals throughout the year, but the best tend to happen during Amazon Prime Day (July ad October) or Black Friday (November). The best time to buy an Apple Watch isnt necessarily when a new model launches. If you wait a month or two you might be able to take advantages of sales and price drops from resellers. During October and November we see lots of sales events, such as Amazon Prime Day andBlack Friday, and you can expect to get some money off at these events. Apple doesnt discount its products at its own stores, but it does offer vouchers with new purchases from time to timeand Black Friday is one of those times. For advice on where to buy, read our roundup of the Best iPad deals.Looking for a Black Friday deal: SeeBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsandBest Black Friday iPad deals.How often is the iPad updated?Life would be a bit easier for the iPad fanbase if you could always rely on the latest update to your preferred model appearing in September, as is the case with the iPhone. Instead, Apple updates its iPads on a less predictable schedule, with new models tending to appear around September/October or April, and often with a gap of two or more years between updates. Heres a list of the iPads on sale today and when they were last updated: iPad (10th generation, 10.9-inch): October 2022iPad Air (M2): March 2024iPad Pro (M4): March 2024iPad mini (A17 Pro): October 2024As you can see, its been a few years since the standard iPad was updated, and we do expect that Apple will be updating it in 2025. The iPad mini update in October 2024 came three years after the last update, which happened at the end of 2021. When will Apple launch new iPads? We probably wont see Apple update the iPad Air or iPad Pro for a while. We dont expect either to be updated in 2025. The iPad mini now runs on a processor compatible with Apple Intelligence, so it is also future-proofed for a few more years. The iPad on the other hand still features an older A15 chip that wont run Apple Intelligence, so it is likely that Apple will bring it into line with those requirements in 2025. Read about Apples plans for the 11th gen iPad. Is now a good time to buy an iPad?Heres our breakdown of the four types of iPad that Apple currently sells, and in each case whether you should buy now or wait.iPad (10th gen, 10.9-inch): Buy now or wait?Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo398 at notebooksbilliger.de399 at AppleLast updated: October 2022Is now a good time to buy? NoThe current 10-inch iPad arrived in October 2022.This is the cheapest iPad, with a starting price of $349/329, and as such it is an easy model to recommend for those who dont care about the latest flashy innovations and instead want a reliable, mid-size tablet in fun colors, for general use. However, if size isnt important, you may be better off with the smaller iPad mini, which starts at $499/499, but offers double the storage at the entry level, 128GB rather than 64GB. Alternatively, wait until spring 2025 when we expect Apple will update the standard iPad model. Read our full Apple iPad (10th gen, A14, 2022) review iPad mini: Buy now or wait?Price When Reviewed:599 EuroBest Prices Today: 579 at Computeruniverse599 at Alternate599 at AppleLast updated: October 2024Is now a good time to buy? Yes, you can buy now: a new model was launched in October 2024 and its great! As we mentioned above, the 2024 iPad mini now offers 128GB storage at the entry level, rather than a measly 64GB. This is a definite point in its favor. In addition, the 2024 model features a chip compatible with Apple Intelligence features, so it will be nicely future-proofed for a while (and its likely to be a few years until Apple updates it). There is a choice of color options, as there are on the iPad and iPad Air. The iPad mini has pale blue, purple and starlight in contrast to the bolder color choices on the Air and standard iPad.Read our full Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) review iPad Air: Buy now or wait?Best Prices Today: 639 at notebooksbilliger.de659 at Alternate679 at Computeruniverse598,00 at amazon.deLast updated: March 2024Is now a good time to buy? We dont expect that Apple will update the iPad Air until 2026, so now is a great time to buy one. The iPad Air with M2 chip is a stunning machine at a comparatively affordable price. It has some competition from the iPad Pro (which has a more meaty M4 chip), and its no longer the thin, light offering it once was now that the iPad Pro is just as slim. Like the iPad Pro the iPad Air now comes in two sizes, so you can choose either a 11-inch or 14-inch display. Its the iPad Air that has the fun color palette though, available in blue, pink, yellow or silver, while the Pro has a more professional color scheme.It is unlikely that the iPad Air will be undated before 2026. So, if you want to buy one now is a good time.Read our full iPad Air 11 Zoll (2024) review iPad Pro: Buy now or wait?Price When Reviewed:1.449Best Prices Today: 1329 at Computeruniverse1359 at Alternate1.299,00 at amazon.deLast updated: March 2024Is now a good time to buy? We dont expect that Apple will update the iPad Air until 2026, so now is a great time to buy one. As the flagships of Apples tablet range, the iPad Pro 11-inch and 14-inch are highly desirable devices that boast incredible levels of performance. These features dont come cheap, though, so youll want to be careful when considering when to buy.The good news is that they were last updated in the spring of 2024, with Apple furnishing them with the M4 chip, which at that point hadnt even debuted on the Mac, means Apple is extremely unlikely to launch a new Pro in the immediate future. Read our full iPad Pro 11 Zoll M4 (2024) review
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    Save $50 on the Apple Watch Series 10 ahead of Black Friday
    MacworldThe Apple Watch Series 10 is Apples newest wearable and we havent seen much in the way of sales on it. But now that Black Friday is just a week away, Amazon is finally cutting the price: The Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale today for $349 (42mm) or $379 (46mm), a savings of $50 on either size and the best price weve seen so far.In our review of the Apple Watch Series 10, we gave it a 4.5-star rating and our Editors Choice award, with our expert appreciating the larger display, the fast charging capability, and the beautiful design, as well as the many other improvements Apple has delivered this time around. This year, theres a water temperature and depth gauge, along with the somewhat-improved speaker, larger display, and faster charging, we noted about the extra features were getting this year.Whether you just want to stay in touch with all notifications from your phone without actually getting it out of your pocket, reply to messages, answer calls, or get Siris help, this smartwatch can do all that with ease. But it can also keep track of your heart rate and take periodic ECGs, track your sleep patterns, and breathing rate, as well as your workouts, even if your preferred activity is swimming.At $349, the Apple Watch 10 is the best smartwatch you can get right now, especially if you havent ugraded in a few years. So skip the Black Friday rush and go save right now.The Apple Watch Series 10 down to its best priceBuy it now at Amazon
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    The everything gift guide for iPhone users
    MacworldWhen they already have the best phone on the planet, what do you buy an iPhone user? Were here to help you select the best iPhone gifts availableperfect gifts for Christmas, birthdays, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, anniversaries, and when you are just feeling generous.If not a brand new iPhone (check out our iPhone Buying Guide if your budget stretches that far), then how about one of the many available iPhone accessories? Throughout the year we have tested and reviewed the best iPhone accessories from Apple and trusted companies, and we can recommend the best ones for the people on your list. Wed be delighted to receive any of these iPhone accessories as a gift.If you want to splash out on another Apple product, take a look at our guides for best Apple Watch, best iPad and best Mac. Here we recommend some of our favorite iPhone cases, power banks, chargers, cables and tech organizers, plus a roundup of some super stocking stuffers for the iPhone user in your thoughts.iPhone Gift Guide: CasesIf your loved one doesnt own a case for their iPhone then this may be the best gift you can get them as it will share a bit of personality while protecting their precious phone from knocks, drops, and everyday scrapes. If they already have a case, then buy them a new or better one. Just slipping on a new case can transform an old iPhone into something that feels brand new again. Its even more satisfying than an iOS update!We have tested the best cases for iPhone 15 and best cases for iPhone 16 and most of these are available for older models from the iPhone 11 up. Run through those lists to see the widest range of cases you can select as a gift, and get one for yourself while youre at it. If youre shopping for someone who has an iPhone 12 or later, look for a MagSafe-compatible case as it wont interfere with wireless charging.1. Casely iPhone Classic and Bold Cases Colorful and arty cases for all iPhonesProsOptional protection levelsDesign optionsBest Prices Today: $25 at CaselyCasely has an enormous range of designer and colorful iPhone cases available for the iPhone XR, 11, and laterright up to the iPhone 16 family. Most are available in either a flexible glossy Classic version or a more rigid and protective Bold version. Art lovers will appreciate the range of impressionist paintings that can now adorn their iPhone. There is even a range of festive winter and Christmas cases available.Shipping for direct domestic orders under $30 is a flat rate of $5 and international orders below $100 will be charged a flat rate of $10 USD (Canada) and $15 USD (everywhere else). Or follow our Amazon links for possible free shipping.2. Casetify iPhone Cases Wide design choice range of iPhone casesProsOptional protection levelsDesign optionsBest Prices Today: $56 at CasetifyCasetify is another maker of colorful iPhone cases and these can be customized with personalized text, colors, designs, and protection levels. There are hundreds of case designs to choose from, and you can choose the level of protection that suits you best. The camera case is very retro, and you can buy non-slip cases with physical ripples that make your phone grip firmer.3. OtterBox iPhone cases Wide choice of colors and protectionProsUnique edge-to-edge designsThe super-slimFigura Case(above) for iPhone 16 from OtterBox features psychedelic patterns that are hydro-dipped by hand. The graphics envelop the case from edge to edge. The material is flexible with a soft touch. OtterBox has a wide range of cases for many older iPhone versions, tooincluding its robust Defender range.4. ESR iPhone CasesProsHigh protection levelBuilt-in kickstandUnlike most macho protective cases, the ESR Cyber Tough cases are available in a range of colors depending on the model of iPhone, including one in a fetching pink. ESR has a huge range of iPhone cases, many with hidden ring stands and other features.Leather iPhone cases: If you fancy a premium leather iPhone case look at the selection at Dutch design firm Mujjo and Woolnut for iPhone 11 and later.Wallet iPhone cases: Check out the Vena and Decoded ranges of iPhone cases with built-in and detachable wallets.Wood/pearl/fabric-effect iPhone cases: Seek out the range at Mous for iPhone 14 and later.iPhone Gift Guide: iPhone power banksHands up if your iPhone has never run out of juice during the day when you are far from a convenient power socket. Yeah, right.Apple used to make a special Smart Battery Case for the iPhone but stopped selling these when it added MagSafe magnetic wireless charging to the iPhone 12 and later. It then sold its own MagSafe Battery Case but stopped making these when it launched the iPhone 15. But fear not, as there are some great MagSafe power banks out there that clamp onto the back of your iPhone (12/13/14/15) and can recharge the phone for long enough that you can reach a power source.Of course, Macworld has tested many of them and picked the best MagSafe power banks, but here are a few of our favorites.1. Anker Zolo and MagGo Power BanksProsHuge 10000mAh battery capacityBuilt-in USB-C cable7.5W wireless or 30W wired chargingPrice When Reviewed:49,99 EuroThe Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is available in four colorsblack,blue,pinkorwhiteand uses MagSafe to magnetically stick to the back of your iPhone when you need a power boost. In our tests, it recharged an iPhone twice over with its 10000mAh battery capacity. Better still, it features its own built-in USB-C cable for charging up the battery pack or wired-charging the iPhone 15 and 16 families that have a USB-C port rather than Lightning. Using the cable rather than MagSafe will charge an iPhone 15/16 at an impressive 30W. MagSafe wireless charging is slower at 7.5W but it will still rescue a fading iPhone 12 or lateror you can supply your own Lightning cable (or USB-C for iPhone 15 users) and connect with a wire. It also features a handy kickstand.AnkerIf you have an older (pre-15) iPhone, then you need a Lightning cable but the non-magnetic Anker Zolo Power Bank has both, meaning it will still be relevant when you upgrade to a USB-C iPhone. And of course you can use the USB-C cable to charge the power bank itself. If you have a family with both USB-C (15 and 16) and Lightning (14 and earlier) iPhones this will suit all models. Theres a handy digital battery-level display, too. This version of the Zolo doesnt feature wireless charging.AnkerWith no built-in cable but a fast 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging pad, a third option is the Anker MagGo 10K Slim Power Bank (above), which is the slimmest 10K high-capacity wireless power bank we have testedperfect for carrying with you in a bag for emergencies when your iPhone starts to fade and you are miles from a power socket or have forgotten your charger and cable.Read our full Anker Zolo 10K Magnetic Power Bank review 2. Belkin BoostCharge Magnetische kabellose Powerbank 5K mit StnderProsSlimBuilt-in standPrice When Reviewed:55,99Best Prices Today: 59,95 at Apple59,99 at BelkinIf you are willing to sacrifice some recharging power for pocketable portability consider a 5K magnetic power bank like the Belkin BoostCharge. Its dinky and boasts a kickstand, and will get you to your next charging point if its just a few hours of constant phone use away as in our tests it charged our nearly drained iPhone to close on a full extra power refill.3. OneAdaptr OneGo 3-in-1 travel charger and power bankProsCompact iPhone, Watch, AirPods charging stand10K power bankFoldable for travelPrice When Reviewed:83,95Best Prices Today: 83,95 at OneAdaptrThis compact OneGo power bank has it all: it can charge four devices at the same timeincluding iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, plus another via its side USB-C portand then folding up into a lightweight form that can slip into your pocket or overnight bag.iPhone Gift Guide: USB-C iPhone chargersA simple charger sounds like a boring present but we think any iPhone users would be delighted to receive one of these beauties now that Apple no longer includes one in the box with new iPhones. And which iPhone users couldnt do with at least one more spare charger at home or in the officeor a special one for travel?An iPhone charger should be rated at least 20W, and wed recommend 30W or better as newer iPhones can accept higher wattages than even Apple admits. A 30W charger can handle an iPad Pro and has just enough to power up even a 13-inch MacBook Air.For more details and options, read our Best Picks roundup of the best iPhone chargers. Further down we recommend some multi-device chargers that might make more of an impact come unwrapping day.1. Ugreen Nexode RG 30W USB C GaN Charger cute robot-shaped chargerProsCute robot-shaped chargerTwo color optionsThe latest GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers are tiny so were used them them being labeled cute but this small phone charger really is cute, shaped like a friendly robot. Take off its boots and youll find the plug prongs that connect straight into a wall power socket. The boots are even magnetic. Why? We dont know but you can store the plug protector on most metal surfaces when the charger is in use. When plugged in, the LED screen shows different expressions that refer to the charging states. Its 30W power is enough to fast charge even the biggest iPhone. Youll need a USB-C to USB-C cable to charge an iPhone 15 and USB-C to Lightning cable for older iPhones. Its even powerful enough to keep a small MacBook charged.2. Anker 30W Nano Charger tiny and powerful chargerProsSmallest, lightest 30W chargerFoldable plugMultiple color optionsMeasuring just 1.12 1.12 1.39 inches (U.S. model), the 30W Anker USB-C Nano Charger is the smallest 30W USB-C charger weve had in our labs for testing, and it weighs just 1.3oz (36g). The U.K. model is larger but also features foldable prongs and is equally incredibly light. Its available in a range of pastel colors, including Misty Blue, Lilac Purple, Phantom Black, Aurora White, and Natural Green.3. Ugreen Nexode 45W USB-C Wall Charger Charge two devices at the same timeProsSmall, light 45W charger2 portsFoldable plugPrice When Reviewed:35,99Best Prices Today: 35,99 at UgreenThis two-port wall charger from Ugreen is great if your household or office has two phonesone doesnt even need to be an iPhone! Indeed you could charge your iPhone plus Apple Watch or AirPods, too. Each USB-C port is rated at 45W so one could charge a mid-sized laptop. Using both ports, one will give 25W and the other 20Wenough for a reasonably fast charge. Its a great compact choice for homes with a couple of devices in need of a power boost.4. Casetify 33W Fast ChargerProsSmallTwo portsInternational plug headsPrice When Reviewed:41,99Best Prices Today: 41,99 at CasetifyA cuter option as an iPhone gift is the Casetify 33W Fast Charger, available in a fetching pink and blue combination. It features a USB-C port for fast charging and an old-school USB-A port for older charging cables. Take it on your travels as it has interchangeable prongs for U.S., U.K., and E.U power sockets.iPhone Gift Guide: MagSafe chargersWhile charging using a USB-C cable (USB-C to Lightning for older iPhones, and USB-C to USB-C for the iPhone 15 family) from your charger is the fastest way to charge an iPhone, more convenient is wireless charging. Since the iPhone 12, wireless charging has become more efficient and therefore faster with Apples MagSafe technology that magnetically clamps the iPhone more securely to the wireless charger.You can buy a simple USB-C to MagSafe charging pad, like Apples $39/39 MagSafe Charger or a third-party alternative, or a multi-device charger that includes a MagSafe charger for iPhone plus a charger for AirPods or Apple Watch.For more details and options, read our Best Picks roundup of the best MagSafe wireless chargers.1. Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand Superb travel or desk-bound wireless MagSafe chargerPros3-in-1 chargingFast 15W for iPhoneFolds for travelPrice When Reviewed:139,99 EuroBest Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo$129.99 at Satechi139.99 at ComputeruniverseWe love that once static MagSafe chargers are now folding up into highly portable devices, and thats certainly true of the Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Stand. It uses Qi2 magnetic wireless charging tech so can power an attached iPhone at 15W. The 5W Apple Watch Charger is all set for Watch fast charging, and you can place your AirPods case at he front for three-at-a-time charging.2. Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe 3-in-1 wireless MagSafe chargerPros3-in-1 charging15W (MagSafe)Fast charge WatchPrice When Reviewed:169,99Best Prices Today: 169,99 at Twelve SouthIf the person you are buying for owns an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, then a 3-in-1 charging station will tidy a desk or bedside table of cable clutter and keep everything nicely in place. The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe is the best of the static desk chargers, with a small footprint, certified fast iPhone and Watch charging plus a Qi charger for AirPods. The MagSafe charging pad is adjustable unlike most of its rivals.Read our full Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe review 3. Anker PowerWave Magnetic 2-in-1 Stand Simple and affordable 2-in-1 wireless chargerProsCharges iPhone and AirPodsAdjustable charging padPrice When Reviewed:37,99This is a great budget option for a stand that will charge both your iPhone and AirPods. At 7.5W, Ankers stand is not quite as fast at charging as the 15W models reviewed above, but it will be fast enough for most of us. If speed is your only priority, charge using a cable! Like those pricier charger options, this charger features an adjustable charging pad, so can be angled to your own requirements.4. Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger Super-compact iPhone & Watch chargerProsCharges Watch and iPhone (swap Watch for AirPods)15W Qi2 for iPhoneCompact and portablePrice When Reviewed:109,95Best Prices Today: 109,95 at Twelve SouthThe ButterFly charger from Twelve South is a beautiful piece of design and works exactly as it should. You can charge your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time, or switch the iPhone for your AirPods case if that is your greater need. Its a great travel charging companion that easily slips into a pocket. Theres the original metal MagSafe ButterFly model or the more affordable ButterFly SE that uses Qi2 but matches MagSafe for 15W iPhone charging speed. The ButterFly comes in five different color options, two exclusive to Twelve South.Read our full Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger review 5. Native Union Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger Super-compact iPhone & Watch chargerProsCharges Watch and iPhone (swap Watch for AirPods)15W Qi2 for iPhoneCompact and portablePrice When Reviewed:99,99 EuroBest Prices Today: 99,99 at Native UnionA similar option to the ButterFly is Native Unions cool and compact Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger for iPhone and Apple Watch. It comes with a color-matching USB-C cable and pouch to protect the charger when you travel with it.iPhone Gift Guide: Lightning and USB-C cablesIf you thought that chargers might be a boring gift, I hope weve persuaded you otherwise. But how would you feel unwrapping a charging cable? Me? Id be delighted as you cant own enough charging cables, can you? They are always handy. Sure, its not a pony or a new TV but its easier to wrap.Older iPhones will need a USB-C to Lightning cable; check out our roundup of the best Lightning cables. Pair one of these with a USB-C charger, see above, for the fastest charging. An older USB-A to Lightning cable doesnt support iPhone fast charging.The iPhone 15 and 16 families now has a USB-C rather than Lightning port so you can use the same cable as you have for your MacBook. We have tested the best USB-C cables for iPhones and can recommend these as great little gifts.1. Casetify PowerThru USB-C to USB-C Cable Fun USB-C cableProsColor optionsRobust braided design with rounded headPrice When Reviewed:50Best Prices Today: $28 at CasetifyNo wrapping paper is going to look as good as this gift when unwrapped. Its cute, its tough, and it is available in a range of super colors. The PowerThru by Casetify can charge up to 60W, which is more than enough for iPhone charging so could also be used for your USB-C iPad or MacBook.2. Baseus Free2Draw Mini Retractable USB-C Cable 100W neat USB-C cableProsTidily retractableTakes up little spaceNo knotsCables are by definition awkward things to carry around. They get tied up in knots all by themselves, are a unsightly nuisance, and are tricky to store. This thin 3.3-foot (1m) or 5.5ft (2m) USB-C cable is retractable so will slip into a drawer or pocket without dangling around getting in the way. You can buy it in black, white, purple or blue and is rated to support 100W so it can be used to charge your MacBook, too.An affordable alternative is the Cable Matters Short Retractable USB C Cable available in a two-pack. Its 60W rating is more than enough for an iPhone or iPad (but not a newer MacBook Pro).3. Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable Colorful USB-C cablesProsColor optionsTough but flexible siliconeAnother range of colorful USB-C cables is available from Anker. These are also tough and ready to charge anything from an iPhone 15 to a MacBook Pro.iPhone Gift Guide: Stocking stuffersAside from the gift ideas listed above, there are some great stocking stuffers available for smaller budgetsand products we couldnt squeeze into any of the groups above.1. MOFT Snap Phone Tripod Wallet MOVAS Brilliant foldable iPhone standProsFlexible iPhone standFolds away to tiny formPrice When Reviewed:54.99Best Prices Today: 48,95 at MOFTHow often do you carry a tripod around with you in case you need to take a group shot or selfie from a distance further than your arm? Or you simply want to flip your phone into a more comfortable viewing position? Inspired by origami, the Moft Snap Wallet Tripod could be several solutions you are looking for. It folds up into a credit-card-sized device thats just 0.36 inches thick and weighs 4.7oz, so you hardly notice in your pocket even though unfolded it can raise your iPhone by up to 8 inches. Its clever and youll be surprised just how useful it can be. It uses Apples MagSafe tech to firmly grasp the iPhone, and then its up to you to decide which of the three shapesfloating, stand or vloggingyou want to fold it into. Plus you can store two credit or travel cards in it even when its connected to you phone.2. inChargeXS 4-in-1 Keyring Charger Never be without the right cable againProsUSB-C, USB-A and Lightning cablesDevice to device chargingPrice When Reviewed:29,90 EuroBest Prices Today: 29,90 at Rolling SqaureDespite the increasing ubiquity of USB-C as the cable connector for all devices, you are sure to have a Lightning device among your Apple goodiessay your AirPods case or Magic Mouseor something that requires the older rectangular USB-A. The keyring-sized inCharge XS includes swappable connectors that will solve all your charging challenges. It can handle USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, plus USB-C to Lightning and USB-A to Lightning options. It supports charging up to 240W so can be used for your laptop, and will also handle data transfers. It also includes a clever proprietary chip that allows for charging laptops, tablets, and Bluetooth speakers using a USB-C device as a power source when you are away from a power socket, so you could take power from one device to another. A tied protective cap keeps the cables protected when not is use.3. Elevation Lab GoStand Einstellbarer Stnder fr das iPhoneProsMultiple anglesFoldablePrice When Reviewed:24,95 EuroBest Prices Today: 24,95 at AppleYou could you this nifty stand for anythingvideo watching, gaming, travel and video calls to name a few activities enhanced by a phone standbut Apple would like you to take it with your yoga mat to ensure you are hands-free when exercising to its Fitness+ service. The GoStand is built with a composite and silicone construction and steel hinge and features precision indexable back support adjusts with a low-profile button.4. Pureport Multi-Tool Phone Cleaning KitProsCleans fluff from iPhone charging portCleans cable connectorsPrice When Reviewed:45If your iPhone stops charging via its cable, its understandable to think its old and broken and youll have to rely on wireless charging or just buy a new one. What is more likely the reason that your wired charging isnt working is a dirty charging port or duff cable (see above). Stick your iPhone in your pocket and it inevitably attracts dust, fluff, and lint. Clear out the port (very gently!) and cable-based wired charging should return. This iPhone cleaning kit has more than you need to keep your iPhone and cables clean, and is available for iPhones with Lightning ports (any iPhone before the 15) and for iPhones (from 15) and iPads with a USB-C port.Quick tip: if you need to clear out the accumulated fluff from your iPhones port you can use a small wooden cocktail stick with utmost gentleness. But a cocktail stick does not make much of a gift, does it? And this cleaning kit offers a whole lot more.5. Belkin AirPods Cleaning KitProsRemoves dirt and earwaxPrice When Reviewed:14,99Best Prices Today: 14,99 at BelkinBelkins AirPods Cleaning Kit is a safer way to clean your AirPods than soap and a cotton bud. Theres no nice way of saying it but AirPods can get messythat is yellow and waxy after spending time in your ears for a few hours. Follow the gentle cleaning process to safely remove dirt and earwax from your AirPods.6. Apple AirTag Bluetooth trackerProsEasy to set up and track with Find My.Replaceable batteryApples AirTag is a great Bluetooth tracker that is easy to use and syncs wonderfully with the iPhones Find My app. You can buy just one or a pack of four. You can add it to a keyring or other accessory: check our Best AirTag Accessories roundup, so there are lots more gift ideas there too. If you want a tracker for your wallet or something that requires a flatter tracker, we like the Chipolo Card Spot.Read our full Apple AirTag review 7. Joby GorillaPod 1K GripTight Mount PRO KitProsKeeps iPhone stable for photos and videosHold it or wrap itPrice When Reviewed:59,95As good as image stabilization gets, you cant beat resting your camera in a stable place for taking the best photos and videos. The GorillaPod phone tripods articulated legs wrap around to bars, rails, branches and many static objects. It rotates to portrait or landscape for photos or vertical video and with 90 of rotation and 150 of tilt.Alternatives include the more traditional $50 IK Multimedia iKlip Grip Pro Smartphone Stand tripod, which includes an integrated/detachable Bluetooth shutter controller.8. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth speaker with great sound and cool looks ProsPowerful, well-rounded soundOutdoor and Podcast modesIP67 dust and waterproofLong battery lifeColor optionsPrice When Reviewed:99,99Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo99,99 at Ultimate Ears101.14 at JACOBThe Wonderboom 4 is an excellent budget-friendly speaker thats extremely portable, easy to use, fully waterproof (it even floats!), sounds great and lasts a long time. That might be enough for most people but it is also built with eco-friendly materials, which is always welcome in our book.iPhone Gift Guide: Tech organizer bagsWhere do you keep all these accessories when not in use? Over at sister site Tech Advisor, we have tested the best tech organizer bags and there should be one thats a perfect gift, whether as a desk tidy or for travels.1. Tripped Tech TravelerProsMultiple compartmentsColor choicesAvailable in a range of colors, the Tripped Tech Traveller is a premium, medium-sized tech bag thats as happy next to your desk or in your tent as it is in your suitcase or backpack. It boasts multiple compartments and is tough enough for travelmade from tough 900D Polyester with weatherproof YKK zippers, soft protective padding, and a leather handle and zipper pulls. There are two internal pockets (one mesh so you can see whats inside) for extra security for your most valuable kit, such as SD cards or a mini SSD. One external side pocket is big enough for your phone or whatever else you need fast access to. In the center, there are nine different-sized, divided, tight pockets for cables and small devices.2. Bellroy Tech KitProsColor choicesTough shellPrice When Reviewed:65We also love this Bellroy tech case that is very well organized and will open flat so you can easily see all your cables and gadgets at a glance. If you know a friend who carries a lot of gear with their iPhone, theres no better gift.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Download iOS 18.1.1 right now to fix these two critical security flaws
    MacworldThere are some iOS updates you can wait on, and there are some you should absolutely grab right away. This is one of the latter.Theres not much in the iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1 update other than a pair of critical security vulnerabilities. But these are important updates to the JavaScript Core framework and WebKit that have been actively exploited already (on Intel-based Macs), according to Apple. The JavaScript vulnerability allows malicious web content to potentially execute arbitrary code, which is very bad. The WebKit flaw opens it up to cross-site scripting attacks.The Apple security page says that it is aware of both of them being used on Intel-based Macs, though that doesnt mean they only affect Intel-based Macs. If you want to trust in the security of your devices, update your iPhones and iPads right now.How to update to iOS 18.1.1 or iPadOS 18.1.1To update your device, follow these steps when connected to Wi-Fi:Open SettingsTap GeneralTap Software UpdateTap Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    PSA: Update your Mac right now to patch this actively exploited zero-day flaw
    MacworldAhead of the eagerly anticipated macOS 15.2 update, Apple on Tuesday released the macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 emergency update to patch a pair of scary vulnerabilities that have already been used in remote attacks.The two patches fix flaws in JavaScript and WebKit, and were both discovered by Googles Threat Analysis Group. Apple says both vulnerabilities may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. Apple doesnt specifically say whether Apple silicon Macs are affected, but the same flaws were patched in iOS 18.1.1.JavaScriptCoreImpact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.Description: The issue was addressed with improved checks.WebKit Bugzilla: 283063CVE-2024-44308: Clment Lecigne and Benot Sevens of Googles Threat Analysis GroupWebKitImpact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to a cross site scripting attack. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.Description: A cookie management issue was addressed with improved state management.WebKit Bugzilla: 283095CVE-2024-44309: Clment Lecigne and Benot Sevens of Googles Threat Analysis GroupWhile the update is available for all Macs running macOS 15.1, there is no release for Macs running macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 or Ventura 13.7.1. Apple will likely patch the same vulnerabilities in those systems when macOS 15.2 arrives in December.To update your Mac, head over to System Settings, then General, Software Update, and select Update Now. Then follow the prompts to restart.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Add storage to your Mac this Black Friday with these Mac SSD & HDD deals
    MacworldWhether you have an old Mac or a new one, adding extra storage in the form of an external SSD or hard drive is a great way to speed up your Mac by freeing up space in the internal drive. Its also a good idea to regularly back up your Mac and to do so you need a decent hard drive or SSD to back up to. With Black Friday approaching, now is a great time to look for a great deal on storage for your Mac. Black Friday is November 29 this year, but you dont have to wait until then for the deals. We are already seeing money some of the SSDs and Hard drives we have reviewed and recommend as the best SSDs, best hard drives and best NAS & PCS drives for your Mac.We find that the majority of storage deals are to be found on Amazon, but if you have a specific model in mind, its worth checking other retailers as well, including Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart in the U.S., as well as Currys, Argos, and John Lewis in the U.K.Below you can see our top picks of the best storage deals for Black Friday 2024. Well be updating this page imminently, as the discounts start to come in and as Apple announces it own Black Friday 2024 sale. Want to save money on Apple products? Check out of our round-up of the best Apple deals for Black Friday.Black Friday 2023: Best SSD and hard drive deals in the U.S.Amazon, Kingston XS1000 2TB SSD, $120 ($20 off, MSRP $140) REVIEWAmazon, SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD, $170 ($130 off, MSRP $300) REVIEWAmazon, SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE Transport & 1TB SSD, $159.99 ($81 off, MSRP $240) REVIEWAmazon, SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD, $82 ($17 off, MSRP $100) REVIEWAmazon, SanDisk Portable SSD, 2TB: $110 ($40 off, MSRP $150) REVIEWB&H, SanDisk Desk Drive: $260 ($160 off, MSRP $419.99) REVIEWB&H, Seagate 500GB One Touch: $65 ($30 off, MSRP $94.99) REVIEWAmazon, LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, 4TB, $299.99 ($20 off, MSRP $319) REVIEWAmazon, LaCie Rugged Mini external Hard Drive, 1TB, $79 ($6 off, MSRP $85) REVIEWAmazon, Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD, $150 ($50 off, MSRP $200) REVIEWAmazon, Western Digital Black P40 SSD, 1TB: $100 ($40 off, MSRP $140)Amazon, Samsung T7 Shield, 2TB SSD, $169 ($116 off, MSRP $285) REVIEWAmazon, Samsung T7 Shield, 4TB SSD, $291 ($208 off, MSRP $499.99) REVIEWAmazon, Samsung T9 Portable SSD, 2TB: $170 ($130 off, MSRP $300)For the best memory and storage deals on Amazon right now go to Amazons Memory & Storage section where you will find deals on external hard drives, SSDs, and Network Attached Storage.Black Friday 2023: Best SSD and hard drive deals in the U.K.Amazon, Kingston XS1000 2TB SSD, 60.99 (15 off, MSRP 75.99) REVIEWAmazon, SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD, 243 (16 off, RRP 259.99) REVIEWSanDisk, SanDisk Portable 2TB SSD, 105.99 (31 off, RRP 136.99) REVIEWAmazon, LaCie Portable SSD, 1TB, External SSD, 117.36 (60 off, RRP 177.60) REVIEW Amazon, LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, 4TB, 507.59 (429 off, RRP 999) REVIEWAmazon, LaCie Rugged Mini SSD, 2TB, 224 (215 off, RRP 439.99) REVIEWAmazon, LaCie Rugged Mini USB-C, 2TB, Hard Drive: 76.99 (14 off, RRP 91.87)Amazon, LaCie Portable SSD, 500GB: 74 (35 off, RRP 109.36)Amazon, Samsung T7 Shield, 4TB SSD, 239.99 (55 off, RRP 294.99) REVIEWAmazon, Seagate Ultra Touch HDD, 4TB, External HDD, 110.99 (44 off, RRP 154.99) Amazon, WD 4TB My Passport SSD, 289 (5 off, RRP 294.99) REVIEWAmazon, WD 5TB My Passport for Mac Portable Hard Drive: 111.99 (33 off, RRP 144.99)Amazon, WD 18TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive: 347 (106 off, 453.99)For the best memory and storage deals on Amazon right now go to Amazons Memory & Storage section where you will find deals on external storage, SSDs, and Network Attached Storage.Which resellers have Black Friday deals?Look out for the best deals over the Black Friday week, but many resellers are already offering Black Friday discounts. U.S. Adorama is advertising Holiday Deals.Amazon has Holiday Deals.Best Buys Black Friday sale has started. B&H Photo has a Holiday Head Start sale. Walmarts Black Friday deals have already started.U.K.KRCS has already reduced Mac prices by 10%. AO.com has various Black Friday savings.Laptops Directs Black Friday sale has started. eBuyer has a Black Friday Early Access Sale with up to 45% off. Verys Black Friday sales is underway. John Lewis is running Black Friday deals.Currys has up to 40% off for Black Friday.Argos has a price promise that the prices wont go any lower for Black Friday.Amazons Black Friday week starts on 17 November. Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Best Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory dealsApple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive deals
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    The M4 Macs have one flaw that may make you reconsider buying one
    MacworldI recently wrote about the M4 Macs compelling lineup and its a great time to buy a Mac. However, one type of user will want to hold off on a purchase. According to Howard Oakley of The Eclectic Light Company, the new M4 Macs will not allow virtual machine software to run properly. Users who want to run macOS versions older than Ventura 13.4 through virtualization will find that the virtual machine will not boot and users end up with a blank screen. Since the virtual machine (VM) wont boot at all, theres no way to access the log to see what could be the problem.Oakley reports that Activity Monitor shows that with the VM, only one CPU core is active even though multiple cores are allocated. This could mean that the issue happens before the VM kernel boots the other cores, an event that occurs early during the kernel boot phase. Until that point, pre-boot phases and the kernel run on just a single CPU core.This limitation means that VMs on M4 Macs can only run macOS Ventura 13.4 and later. The issue doesnt affect M1, M2, and M3 Macs, which can run VMs with macOS Monterey 12 or later. M-series Macs cannot run VMs of macOS Big Sur 11 or earlier. Oakley has tried running the VM on a single CPU core, but it still did not work on the M4.The issue has been reported to Apple but its unclear if a fix can or will be made available. Oakley suggests that Apple could fix the issue by modifying the kernels of the older versions of macOS, but that seems like a task Apple isnt going to do. So for now, if running older versions of macOS is vital to your workflow, you might want to hold off on a new M4 purchaseor at least keep an older Mac around.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Apple accessories are seeing big discounts for Black Friday
    MacworldApple doesnt just make Macs, iPhones, iPads, AirPods and so on. The company also makes excellent accessories, including the Apple Pencil (a stylus for the iPad), Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and much more.These are all great products, but what if you dont want to pay full price? Luckily there are various resellers including Amazon that discount them at various points throughout the year. So if you want to grab a Pencil to go with your iPad, get an Apple Magic Keyboard for your Mac for less than full price, or give someone who is always losing things a cut-price AirTag this Black Friday, look no further. If you want a deal on an Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or one of the Smart Keyboards for the iPad, you have come to the right place.If you want to buy a new Apple keyboard, mouse, trackpad or any other peripheral, there are plenty of deals to be had all year round but, with Black Friday fast approaching, now is the time to grab the best bargains. Well be updating this article with details of all the best Black Friday accessory deals, but we are already seeing price cuts on various Apple accessories, so theres no need to wait to grab a bargain. Want to see how much you can save on other Apple products? Take a look at our Best Black Friday Apple Deals. Apple accessory Prime Day deals: Biggest savingsU.S.Amazon, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: $128 ($20 off, MSRP $149)Amazon, Magic TrackPad: $109 ($10 off, MSRP $129)Amazon, Magic Mouse: $67.98 ($11 off, MSRP $79)B&H, Apple Pencil Pro: $115.95 ($13 off, MSRP $129)B&H, Apple Pencil (USB-C): $59.95 ($20 off, MSRP $79)Amazon, Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $118 ($11 off, MSRP $129)Amazon, Apple Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro M4: $249.99 ($50 off, MSRP $299)Amazon, Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for 10th gen iPad: $199 ($50 off, MSRP $249)Amazon, Apple Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Air M2: $224.99 ($50 off, MSRP $299)Best Buy, AirTags 4-pack: $72.99 ($26 off, MSRP $99)B&H, AirTag: $25.99 ($3 off, MSRP $29)Amazon, Apple MagSafe Charger (2m): $39.99 ($10 off, MSRP $49)U.K.KRCS, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: 119 (30 off, MSRP 149)KRCS, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & numeric keys: 145 (34 off, MSRP 179)Amazon, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (no Touch ID): 114.97 (14 off, RRP 129) John Lewis, Magic Keyboard (no Touch ID): 84.15 (14.85 off, RRP 99) Amazon, Magic Trackpad (Black): 129 (20 off, RRP 149)KRCS, Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch M4: 259 (40 off, RRP 299) PRIME BIG DEALAmazon, Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation): 228.56 (20.44 off, RRP 249)Amazon, AirTag (4 pack): 94.99 (24 off, RRP 119)Amazon, Single AirTag: 28 (7 off, RRP 35)Amazon, Apple TV 4K, 128GB: 158 (11 off, RRP 169)Apple Magic Keyboard for Mac dealsWant to get an Apple Magic Keyboard? The best deals on the various models are below. For other keyboard deals take a look at our Best Mac Keyboard roundup. Apple Magic Keyboard (with Touch ID) 2021 dealsYou no longer have to buy an M1 iMac if you want a Touch ID on the keyboard of your Apple desktop computer. You can buy an Apple Keyboard with Touch ID incorporated. You will need to have a M1 or later Mac to use the Touch ID feature though. The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID costs $149 (buy from Apple US) and 149 (Buy from Apple UK)RetailerPrice169,00 View Deal173,90 View Deal181,92 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketApple Magic Keyboard (with Touch ID and numeric keypad) 2021 dealsThe price for the Touch ID keyboard with numeric keypad is $179 ( buy from Apple US) and 179 ( buy from Apple UK).RetailerPrice0.01View Deal156.9View Deal157.9View Deal156,96 View Deal158,99 View Deal165,94 View Deal185,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketApple Magic Keyboard (without Touch ID, with numeric keypad) dealsYou can still buy the older Apple Magic Keyboard without Touch ID.The model with the numeric keypad costs $129 from Apple and 129 from Apple. Good deals from other resellers will appear below.Apple Magic Keyboard (without numeric keypad) dealsThe non-Touch ID, non-numeric keypad version of the Magic Keyboard is still available. It costs $99 from Apple US and 99 from Apple UK.Apple Magic TrackPad dealsReplace your mouse with a Magic TrackPad from Apple and take advantage of the extra gestures available. Find the best deals below. Apple Magic TrackPad (2021) dealsIn August 2021, Apple launched a new Magic TrackPad (which now has a white touch-sensitive surface rather than aluminum). Apple now includes a USB-C to Lightning cable with both products (previously it was a USB-A plug).If you have a Mac laptop you will be familiar with the trackpad that interprets various gestures and swipes to move around the desktop, zoom in and out of images, and turn pages. You can buy a separate Magic Trackpad to use with a desktop Mac (or a MacBook if you prefer).The Magic TrackPad costs $129 (buy from Apple US) and 129 (buy from Apple UK).Apple Magic TrackPad (2021, black) dealsTheres also a black version of the Magic Trackpad available. It usually costs $149 or 149. Apple Magic Mouse dealsThe Magic Mouse is now in its third generation. It is a multi-touch mouse that also responds to gestures, such as swipes on the top of its body. It is also possible to set up a Magic Mouse to respond to a right-click (although this isnt the default). Like the Magic Trackpad, the 2021 Magic Mouse now features a USB-C to Lightning cable (previously it had a USB-A plug). For more mouse deals take a look at our round-up of the best Mice for Mac. Apple Magic Mouse 2021 dealsThe 2021 Magic Mouse in white costs $79 (buy from Apple US) and 79 (buy from Apple UK). You can also get a black version of the Magic Mouse for $99 (buy from Apple US) and 99 (buy from Apple UK).NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice$69.99View Deal$79View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPriceMagic mouse Wireless Silver$44.01View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketApple Pencil dealsWant a stylus to use with your iPad. Dont pay full price. Find the best deals on Apple Pencils below. Plus take a look at our round-up of the best iPad styluses. Apple Pencil Pro, 2024Introduced in May 2024 the Apple Pencil Pro works with the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air. It offers lots of features for the ultimate in creative control. It costs $129/129.RetailerPrice144View Deal148View Deal149View Deal150View Deal139,40 View Deal140,91 View Deal148,00 View Deal148,96 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal166.34View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketApple Pencil (USB-C/3rd generation, 2023 model)Apples unofficially calling this the 3rd generation in some places, in others it refers to it as Apple Pencil USB-C. Its the new model that launched in 2023. It costs $79/79.RetailerPrice89View Deal89View Deal89.9View Deal89,00 View Deal89,00 View Deal89,00 View Deal89,99 View Deal90,09 View Deal91,06 View Deal93,43 View Deal94,95 View Deal94.95View Deal95,00 View Deal96,96 View Deal97.56View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketApple Pencil (2nd generation)The second-generation Apple Pencil was announced in October 2018. It works with most new iPads, (aside from the 10.9- and 10.2-inch models). It costs $129/129 from Apple.NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice$17.99View Deal$114View Deal$129View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPriceApple Pencil (2nd gen) 2018$74View Deal$109.99View Deal$109.99View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketApple Pencil (1st generation)The first-generation Apple Pencil was announced back in September 2015, but its still on sale now as it still works with the 9th- and 10th-gen iPad models. It normally costs $99/99 from Apple.NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice$99View Deal$99View Deal$99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPriceApple Pencil (1st gen) 2015$80View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketBest iPad keyboard Deals Turn your iPad into a laptop and get a good deal on one of Apples iPad keyboard case. Alternatively, take a look at our best iPad keyboard round-up. Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad ProApple introduced a new iPad Keyboard with the iPad Pro M4. It costs $299/299. RetailerPrice$299View Deal$299View Deal$299View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketApple Magic Keyboard Foilo The Magic Keyboard Folio from Apple works with the 10th generation iPad and costs $249/249. Apple Magic Keyboard (for iPad) This Magic Keyboard works with the 13-inch iPad Air M2, 11-inch iPad Air M2, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (gen 3-6), 11-inch iPad Pro (gen 1-4), iPad Air (gen 4-5). It usually costs $299/299.NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice$239.99View Deal$299View Deal$299View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPriceiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2020) Black QWERTY English (US)$107.22View DealiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2020) White QWERTY English (US)$114.62View DealiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) White QWERTY English (US)$119View DealiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 10.9"/11" (2021) Charocal gray QWERTY English (US)$124.23View DealiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) (2021) Black QWERTY English (US)$125View DealiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) Black QWERTY English (US)$142View DealiPad Magic Keyboard (iPad not included) 12.9" (2021) Black QWERTY English (US)$225View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketView more pricesBest Apple AirTags DealsDont lose anything ever again! Pop an AirTag in your car, bag or on your cats collar. Here are the best prices right now. For ideas see AirTag Uses: What to use AirTags for.Pack for 4 Apple AirTags Check the table below for the best deals right now. Normally $99/119.RetailerPrice0.01View Deal99View Deal129View Deal105.7View Deal105.9View Deal97,06 View Deal100,00 View Deal100,45 View Deal101,54 View Deal101,54 View Deal102,90 View Deal103,00 View Deal105,70 View Deal107,99 View Deal107,99 View Deal120.64View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketApple AirTagNormally $29/35.Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Apple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    The cheapest M4 MacBook Pro just dropped another $200 ahead of Black Friday
    MacworldAre you ready for one of the best Black Friday deals youre going to see on this years MacBook Pro laptops? Because you can get the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro for $1,400 right now, a solid $200 discount from its MSRP and the best price weve ever seen. Just note, youll need to check the coupon box in the listing to get the full savings.The MacBook Pro is one we deemed to be marvelous, giving the laptop a near-perfect score in our review. Our editor praised the laptops display, the high-quality camera thats perfect for all the video meetings you have to attend, and the fact that the laptop comes with 16GB of memory instead of 8GB, a $200 value based on Apples upgrade pricing.The M4 chip ensures your laptop is ready to tackle any job you want to perform. Youll be fast, too. Our tests pointed to a 23 percent speed boost over the M3 and a whopping 80 percent faster than the M1. Plus it was built to withstand a whole day of work without needing a charger. It was also created to cater to Apple Intelligence and its varying tasks, like helping you write assignments, organize files, or simply search online for things youre interested in.Dont miss out on this amazing early Black Friday deal for the M4 MacBook Pro for $200 off.Get the super speedy M4 MacBook Pro for $1,400.Buy it now at Amazon
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Believe it or not, an Apple TV set is still a possibility
    MacworldFor several years back in the late 2000s and early 2010s, there were persistent rumors that Apple was making its own TV set (mostly stemming from analyst Gene Munster). It made sense after allat the time, flat-screen TVs were attainable luxury items that fit well into Apples media-focused products, including the relatively new Apple TV streaming box.Obviously, those rumors never came to pass and as the years went by without a release, we assumed the project was dead. But a new report claims that might not be the case, According to Mark Gurmans latest Power On newsletter, the project still has a glimmer of life.Gurman doesnt say much, but in a section talking about a rumored wall-mounted smart home control center, he mentions that Apple is evaluating the possibility of a TV set as part of a new smart-home push. However, Gurman says the project depends on the wall tablets success, which will reportedly arrive next year. That device is Apples first real entry into the smart home and will reportedly control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps.Rather than running tvOS, Gurman implies that the TV set will be more like a larger version of the smart home tablet, with a camera for the ability to use FaceTime as well as other non-tvOS apps, including Safari, Notes, and Calendar. Additionally, it would show home security footage as well as control music, which the current Apple TV can do. It would presumably also have a a 4K panel, built-in spatial audio speakers, and the ability to either hang on a wall or sit on a stand.Still, it sounds like such a device is still many years away and very much not a priority for Apple CEO Tim Cook. However, if Apple were to design a TV set, were pretty sure there are several Jony Ive prototypes floating around Cupertino.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    A new AirTag is coming next year with enhanced privacy, security features
    MacworldIt looks like the long wait for a new AirTag is almost over. After sparse and tentative rumors earlier this year that Apple was working on a 2nd-gen model, a new report indicates that the project has made firm progress and is on track for a launch in mid-2025.In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman writes that Apple has been running manufacturing tests on the device (codenamed B589) and that thanks to progress in these tests, Apple is getting ready to bring it to market. The likely release timeframe remains midway through 2025, which will be roughly four years after the launch of the original AirTag.In May we were told only that the AirTag 2 would feature a better chip with improved location tracking, but Gurman is now prepared to disclose a little more about what Apple has in store. Aside from better range and a bolstered onboard wireless chip the new device will, he claims, offer improved privacy, as Apple wrestles with one of the most controversial issues with the first product.Gurman doesnt mention a design changeor the addition of a much-needed keyring holeso expect the new AirTag to be virtually indistinguishable from the old one.To a minority of unethical customers, the AirTags attraction is that it can be used for stalking, and there have been numerous high-profile incidents where people have discovered strange AirTags in their cars or personal effects. The company addressed the issue with software updates to warn people who find themselves accompanied by an unknown AirTag, but this can to an extent be neutered by removing the devices speaker. So the speaker on the AirTag 2 will be harder to remove.The AirTag is a fascinating product with bags of potential and a troubling flaw, so we look forward to hearing more about the 2nd-gen version. I remain unconvinced that its possible to thwart stalking without also thwarting the devices function as an anti-theft measure, since the two situations are functionally identical, even if they are ethically different. But perhaps Apple will change my mind next yearespecially if theyve been reading my list of ways to improve the AirTag.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    The MacBook deals have already started for Black Friday 2024
    MacworldThe big day is nearly here: Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year and if you are looking for a deal on a new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro you have come to the right place. We check all the best resellers in the U.S. and the U.K. all year long, so we always have our fingers on the pulse of the best deals which means we know exactly what are the best MacBook deals. In this article you will also find shopping tips to help you get the best deals available on Black Friday (November 29, 2024) and Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024).Below well are sharing what we think are the very best MacBook deals right now. Well be updating this page frequently, as we spot more discounts and as Apple announces it own Black Friday 2024 sale.There are a few things to consider before you make a purchase. Apple released new MacBook Pros in late October 2024. The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro bring new M4 chips, but they also offer more RAM than the previous generation. This means that when considering deals on older M3 Macs it is important to account for the fact that there is less RAM in those models.This doesnt only apply to the MacBook Pro. When the M4 MacBook Pro was introduced, Apple also doubled the RAM in the M3 MacBook Air from 8GB to 16GB as standard. So it is important to pay attention to how much RAM is included in an M3 MacBook Air, or you might not be getting the bargain you think you are.Because of this we are indicating how much RAM is included as well as how much Apple sells the Mac for (or used to sell it for).Want to buy an iMac, Mac mini or Mac Studio? Check out our round-up of the Best Black Friday Mac deals. If you are looking for discounts on other Apple gadgets we have gathered all the best Apple deals for Black Friday.Does Apple discount Macs for Black Friday?Apple doesnt drop prices, instead Apple gives away vouchers with purchases on Black Friday. Luckily there are plenty of resellers who do discount MacBooks and we are watching them closely so that we can spot the best deals. If we see what we think is a good deal we will share it below in fact, we have already seen some good discounts. Best Black Friday MacBook Air deals U.S.Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 (8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB) $799 ($200 off, MSRP $999)Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB) $1,049 ($50 off, MSRP $1,099) Amazon, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB) $1,250 ($50 off, MSRP $1,299)Amazon, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB) $1,384 ($115 off, MSRP $1,499)Best Black Friday MacBook Air deals U.K.AO, 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB) 1,199 (100 off, RRP 1,299, was 1,499)Amazon, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB) 1,366 (100 off, RRP 1,499, was 1,699)Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 (10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB) 949 (150 off, Was 1,099)Best Black Friday MacBook Pro deals U.S.Amazon, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, $1,474 ($125 off, MSRP $1,799)Amazon, M4 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, $2,435 ($64 off, MSRP $2,499)Best Buy, M3 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/8GB RAM: $1,199 ($400 off, Was $1,599 Clearance)B&H, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: $1,599 ($400 off, Was $1,999 Clearance)Best Buy, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/18GB RAM: $1,999 ($400 off, Was $2,399 Clearance)Best Buy,M3 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB, 36GB RAM: $2,899 ($400 off, Was $3,399 Clearance)Best Buy, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: $1,899 ($600 off, Was $2,499 Clearance)Best Buy, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM: $2,299 ($600 off, Was $2,899 Clearance)Amazon,M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB, 48GB RAM: $3,399 ($600 off, Was $3,999 Clearance)Best Black Friday MacBook Pro deals U.K.KRCS, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,519.05 (78 off, RRP 1,599)KRCS, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,709.05 (90 off, RRP 1,799)KRCS, M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/48GB RAM, 2,754.05 (144 off, RRP 2,899)John Lewis, M3 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/8GB RAM: 1,695 (204 off, Was 1,899 Clearance)Amazon, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: 1,749 (350 off, Was 2,099 Clearance)Amazon, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: $2,199 (400 off, Was 2,599 Clearance)FoundryWhat is Apple offering in 2024? We dont yet know the specifics of Apples Black Friday deal but based on previous years we expect that Apple will give away gift vouchers with purchases of certain products. In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following amounts with the following Mac purchases made on Apples U.S. site or Apples U.K. site.Product2023202415-inch MacBookAir with M2chip$20016013-inch MacBookAir with M2chip$17514013-inch MacBookAir with M1chip$150120Mac mini$10080Black Friday shopping tipsWe tend to find that the biggest savings are on older models, but be aware that these arent always the best value for money.Check the generation of the model that is discounted to make sure you know exactly what you are buying and what its really worth. Weve seen resellers switch to selling refurbished or used when the stock of brand-new models run out, so check that the model discounted isnt actually a used Mac and therefore not as good a deal as it might look. Thats not to say you should avoid refurb models you just need to make sure that you arent buying refurb without knowing. Mac deals arent limited to Black Friday. We see good deals all year round, so dont feel pressured into buying during Black Friday. Where to get Black Friday Mac dealsMany resellers offer Black Friday discounts.U.S. Adorama has 14 days of deals.Amazon runs a Black Friday Week starting 21 November, it also has Early Deals.Best Buys Black Friday sale has started. B&H Photo has a Holiday Head Start sale. Walmarts Black Friday deals have already started.U.K.KRCS has already reduced Mac prices by 10%. AO.com has various Black Friday savings.Laptops Directs Black Friday sale has started. eBuyer has a Black Friday Early Access Sale with up to 45% off. Verys Black Friday sales is underway. John Lewis is running Black Friday deals.Currys has up to 40% off for Black Friday.Argos has a price promise that the prices wont go any lower for Black Friday.Amazons Black Friday week starts on 21 November.Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Apple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    When is the best time to buy an iPhone?
    MacworldIn this article, we answer all of your questions about when you should and shouldnt buy a new iPhone including advice on when Apple is likely to discount the price of older iPhone handsets. There are certain times of the year when buying a new iPhone is a bad idea, and there are certain times of the year when you can get a bargain on a new handset. The trick is knowing when you should buy a new iPhone. Luckily we are here to help.Looking for a Black Friday deal: See Best Black Friday 2024 Apple deals and Best Black Friday 2024 iPhone deals.Should I buy a new iPhone right now?Any time from the September launch of a new iPhone to the following June is a good time to buy a new iPhone. There are certain times of the year when you can get the best deals on a new iPhone.Those in the market for a new handset are probably wondering whether now is a good time to buy a new iPhone. Is there any danger that a new model will be released in the near future? Will prices drop or increase?To answer the first question, new iPhone models tend to arrive every September. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, Pro and Pro Max were launched at an Apple Event in September 2024. The iPhone 16 series went on sale on Friday September 20, 2024. So you can always get the best price we track the Best iPhone 16 deals in the U.S. and the best iPhone 16 deals in the U.K. these include both carrier deals and discounts on unlocked iPhones. AppleIf you dont want one of the newest iPhones you may think that there isnt a bad time to buy one of the older iPhones. However, when a new iPhone launches Apple reduces prices of the predecessors and discontinues some models. So it can be best to wait until after a new iPhone launches to get the best price for the previous generation. Check out our round up of the Best iPhone deals that includes all iPhones. Apple iPhone 16Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:949Best Prices Today:834,00 at coolblue | 869,27 at tease-Shop | 909,00 at notebooksbilligerShould I buy an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus? The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are Apples new standard iPhones for 2024. They went on sale on September 20, 2024. We have reviewed both handsets and recommend them.Apple iPhone 16 ProRead our reviewPrice When Reviewed:1199Best Prices Today:1.137,30 at tease-Shop | 1.159,00 at digitalo.de | 1.164,00 at notebooksbilligerShould I buy an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max? The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are Apples new pro iPhones for 2024. They also went on sale on September 20, 2024. They are good, but so are the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, so this year you dont have to opt for Pro to get a great iPhone. Apple iPhone 15Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:949Best Prices Today:807 at Alternate | 819 at Computeruniverse | 849 at AppleShould I buy a iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus? When Apple introduced the iPhone 16 it dropped the price of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, which were introduced in September 2023. If you want to save some money and dont mind not having the latest iPhone it is a good time to get the 2023 model.Apple iPhone 15 ProRead our reviewBest Prices Today:1049 at Computeruniverse | 1.029,00 at coolblue | 1.059,00 at Media Markt Online ShopShould I buy a iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max? When Apple introduced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max it discontinued these models. You may still be able to find the 2023 Pro models on sale though, and if you find them at a good price then they will still be a good purchase. Expect some good deals as resellers sell off old stock during Black Friday.Apple iPhone 14Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:999Best Prices Today:659 at Alternate | 669 at Computeruniverse | 729 at AppleShould I buy an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus? You might be considering buying the cheaper iPhone 14 or 14 Plus which also saw a price drop in September 2024. These are two year old iPhones, so whether you consider it a good purchase will depend on how much money you are prepared to spend on a new iPhone. You could get a newer model for just $100/100 more. Apple iPhone SE (2022)Read our reviewBest Prices Today:446 at Alternate | 449 at Computeruniverse | 529 at AppleShould I buy an iPhone SE? We almost forgot to add this one. The iPhone SE is Apples smallest phone and the only iPhone with a Home button. If you want small and a home button you need to buy one now because we dont think Apple will be selling them for much longer. Read about Apples plans for the iPhone SE 4.It is worth noting that it is always worth holding on for the big sales if you can, we often find some good deals on older iPhone handsets, though not usually the newest models. There are two Amazon Prime Day sales one in July and one in October every year at which we may see some savings on iPhones, and at the end of November even more stores cutting the prices of iPhones for Black Friday. Apple doesnt drop the price of iPhones, but over Black Friday it offers vouchers alongside qualifying purchases in an Black Friday offer.We do see good deals all year round though, so take a look at our round-up of the best iPhone deals this month. We have also collected the Best iPhone 16 deals in the U.S. and the best iPhone 16 deals in the U.K.,as well as the best deals for the iPhone 15-series in the U.K. and thebest deals for the iPhone 15-series in the U.S.in separate articles. Also read: iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro deals and Best iPhone SE deals. When is the best time to buy an iPhone?Before you buy a new iPhone find out if Apples due to hold an event.FoundryIts easier to say when the worst time to buy a new iPhone is. That is without a doubt in the months leading up to September. So dont buy a new iPhone in August, unless you want to be kicking yourself a month later when the price of that model drops and a new model arrives. The only reason to buy an iPhone in the run-up to an Apple Event is if it is likely to be discontinued. Apple tends to discontinue the Pro and Pro Max models of the previous generation when it introduces the next generation, so if you want to buy one of those models you may want to buy one while you still can. However, wed suggest that it would be wise to wait for the next-gen version which is likely to present you with more for your money. Or take advantage of discounts as vendors sell off old stock after the new models arrive.The best time to buy an iPhone isnt necessarily when a new model launches either unless youre desperate to have the very latest hardware. You might be happy to wait a month or two after the launch and wait for supply to catch up with demand, and for any problems with the new phones to be identified and (hopefully) fixed. The other advantage of buying around the October/November time frame is that is when shopping events, like Black Friday, take place, but as we said above, we dont tend to see the newest iPhone models discounted much, or at all, at these events.Wed say that its fine to buy a new iPhone at any time within nine months of it launching, but if you are hoping to save some money on your purchase wed recommend waiting a few more months.When does Apple update the iPhone?Chris Martin / FoundryKnowing when the latest iPhones came out should help when making a judgment on whether there will be an update soon.Apple usually updates the iPhone range at an Apple Event in September. However, the iPhone SE is on a different schedule, with Apple introducing the iPhone SE models during the spring months (most recently March 2022), so a spring launch is possible. With rumors that a new larger iPhone SE could one day launch perhaps its worth waiting until the spring if that handset might suit you.iPhone 16 is the newest iPhone (it arrived in September 2024). The iPhone 16 will be followed in 2025 by the iPhone 17 and (possibly) an iPhone SE 4. See when is the next Apple event to find out if an Apple event is imminent. Read our iPhone buying guide and comparison of every iPhone available to buy today. When do iPhone prices drop?We know based on past experience that Apple is very unlikely to drop the price of an iPhone in the first year of sales.However, Apple does tend to reduce the price of the previous years iPhone when it introduces the new model so expect Apple to discount its handsets in September (and potentially in the spring if it introduces a new iPhone SE handset at that time). How much do prices drop when a new iPhone comes out?FoundryWhen Apple introduces new iPhones it usually keeps the prices the same, at least in the U.S. Prices for the iPhone 16 range are the same in the U.S. and U.K as the previous generation, but the price in Euros is less. In 2023 Apple dropped prices for the iPhone 15 range compared to the previous year in the U.K.At the same time as Apple introduces a new iPhone, it also reduces the price of existing models.Apple reduced the price of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus by $100/100 in September 2024 when the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus were introduced. The price of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus dropped in September 2023 and again in September 2024.Apples not the only place you can buy an iPhone and it certainly isnt the only one to discount the handsets. From time to time you will see deals from other resellers. We track these in our Best iPhone Deals round-up, so check that page regularly.Will there be Black Friday iPhone discounts?The earliest you could expect to get a discount on the newest iPhones is around Black Friday at the end of November, so you might be planning to hold out until then. However, the deals we tend to see, if any, are usually for older handsets so if you are hoping for a discounted iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro following their launch you will probably be disappointed. Nor should you expect to get a discount in an Apple Black Friday 2024 sale. Apples Black Friday sale usually only takes the form of vouchers with select product purchases, rather than a discount, and it is unlikely that the newest iPhone would qualify as in previous years new iPhones havent been included. See our round-up of Best Black Friday 2024 iPhone deals to see what could be in store.Note that while shopping events like Black Friday gets all the attention, thats not the only time you can get discounts on Apple products: we see discounts all the time. Another event where we see good iPhone deals is Prime Day, which happens in July and October every year. So take a look at the iPhone deals for Amazon Prime Day sale to see what you might be able to save.In our experience, we dont tend to see discounts on the newest handset until the springand these are always from third-party resellers, never from Apple. In fact, we dont tend to see the iPhone discounted in the U.S. very often, most of the discounts we see are in the U.K. where unlocked iPhones are often sold off-contract at a good discount.Conclusion: Is now a good time to buy a new iPhone?The worst time to buy would be July or August, mainly because with new iPhones on the horizon the price of the older handsets are likely to drop very soon.If you want the newest iPhones then the best deals dont tend to come before the spring and summer months. If you are happy to buy an older iPhone then you will probably see decent deals around Prime Day and Black Friday but deals happen all year round.We hope this article has proved helpful in reaching an informed buying decision. Remember that good prices can be found all year round, if a retailer is feeling generous and you know where to look: read our guide to the best iPhone deals for more on that.Wondering how long Apple supports iPhones for? Read How long do iPhones last.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    How Apples M4 chips dispelled all my fears about buying a new Mac
    MacworldAs someone who has reviewed Macs for a long time, Im often asked for shopping advice and whether now is a good time to buy a Mac. Its an excellent question since Apple has been fairly sporadic with its Mac releases. Macs are expensive and people want reassurance that theyre making a timely investment. No one wants to buy something, start using it, and realize they just couldve stuck with what they already had. Nor does anyone want to make a purchase only to have something better come along in a short time.When it comes to Macs, the decision to buy a new one is rarely a quick and easy one, but with the release of the M4 Mac lineup, theres less hedging than ever before. As I reviewed the new iMac and MacBook Pro and got the lowdown about the Mac mini, I was struck by just how compelling these new Macs are. This recent release makes for the most compelling set of Macs that Apple has had in quite some time.And if youre wondering whether its time to buy a Mac in a general sense, the answer is yes.If you are looking for a MacBook deal, nows a good time, see: best Black Friday MacBook deals and best Black Friday 2024 Mac deals. And for anything else read: Best Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsThe maturation of Apple siliconThe M4 is the fourth generation of Apple silicon in the Mac, and after an explosive (figuratively) start with the M1 and some hiccups with the M2 and M3 releases, the M4 feels like the chip is finally hitting its stride.The M4 impresses with its speed and efficiency. It almost doubles the speed of the M1 in multi-core performance, but more impressively, its 32 percent faster than the Intel 2.7GHz Xeon W-3265M 24-core CPU, which was used in the 2019 Mac Pro. Also, the Intel chips Thermal Design Power is 205 watts while the M4s TDP is 22 watts. Thats a lot of bang without using a lot of power.Geekbench 6 benchmarksResults are expressed as Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are faster.The M4 Max, according to Geekbench 6 results, sets a record for Mac performance. The M4 Pro (the 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU version) is faster than an M2 Ultra. It keeps getting better with Apple silicon and there are no signs of performance plateaus.RAM increase without a price increaseOther than the speed boost, the biggest reason this Mac lineup is more compelling is that Apple did the right thing and doubled the base amount of unified memory to 16GB. That had a domino effect across the Mac lineupApple didnt just boost its most affordable models from 8GB to 16GB, but the more expensive standard configurations went up, too. For example, the M2 Pro Mac mini standard configuration started at 16GB, but the M4 Pro Mac mini now starts at 24GB.The additional RAM will help your Mac run a lot smoother and thats great, but perhaps the best part is that Apple implemented the increase without increasing the prices. For a lot of consumers, that means they no longer must dish out the extra $200/200. Apple even updated all the MacBook Airs, including the $999 M2 model, to 16GB without raising the prices. Nice.The Nano-texture glass option (left) is $150/150 but is worth the extra money.FoundryMore than performanceOne of the reasons why I sometimes advise people to wait for the next release cycle is because while the latest Macs have the fastest chips, they also have old features. For most general consumers, even an M1 provides more than enough speed to get things done, so more speed alone isnt really worth the upgrade.But the M4 Macs brought some overdue new features. First and foremost, youll now get the same 12MP Center Stage camera found in the iPhone and iPad, a huge upgrade from the 1080p FaceTime HD camera in previous generations. Theres also a Nano-texture glass option in both the iMac and MacBook Pro, which is great for cutting down glare, and the M4 Pro and M4 Max Macs get Thunderbolt 5 as well. These are fantastic features that will future-proof your purchase.Then theres the redesign of the Mac mini. The Mac mini was small before, but its tiny now and looks incredible on your desk. The small form factor is also a better fit for more imaginative projects and the front-facing ports are a nice upgrade. The lack of USB-A ports might be an issue for some, but the MacBook and iMac havent had them for years.Have no fear of buyingThe MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac are all great buys right now. Its not a stretch to say Apples 2024 Mac lineup represents the best value ever and you dont need to ask whether its a good time to buy. It isno matter which model you want. And with Black Friday right around the corner, you can save some money too.The only exception is the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. If you need one of Apples highest-end Macs, youll have to wait a little longer. Theyre still languishing with older M2 Max and Ultra chips, and as you can see in the benchmark chart above, theyve been surpassed by the far-cheaper M4 Pro and M4 Max machines. Based on our experience with the M4 chips as well as the latest rumors, it looks like the upcoming M4 Ultra is going to be a serious beast to round out an already incredible lineup.For more help deciding which Mac to buy or to find the Best MacBook read our guides.Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1779 at Computeruniverse1799 at notebooksbilliger.deRead our full Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) review Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo2145 at notebooksbilliger.de2249 at Computeruniverse2.089,00 at amazon.deApple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Price When Reviewed:3.799 EuroBest Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo3599 at Computeruniverse3799 at Alternate3.379,00 at amazon.deApple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Price When Reviewed:2.899 EuroBest Prices Today: 2.571,25 at tease-Shop2.602,14 at digitalo.de2.899,00 at AppleRead our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) review Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Price When Reviewed:4.099 EuroBest Prices Today: 4099 at Alternate4099 at Computeruniverse4099 at notebooksbilliger.deMac Mini M4Best Prices Today: 679 at notebooksbilliger.de689 at Alternate699 at Computeruniverse670,96 at amazon.deApple Mac mini (M4 Pro)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1559 at Alternate1599 at notebooksbilliger.deRead our full Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro) review Apple iMac (M4)Price When Reviewed:1.749 EuroBest Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1649 at notebooksbilliger.de1748 at Alternate1.749,00 at amazon.deRead our full Apple iMac (M4) review
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    This bonkers Black Friday sale slashes $200 off the 13-inch M2 iPad Air
    MacworldThe M2 iPad Air hasnt been around for a very long time, but its price has already dropped by an incredible $200 at Amazon in this early Black Friday deal. With an MSRP of $1,099, you can get the M2 iPad Air with 512GB of storage for just $899.This is Apples first 13-inch iPad Air, featuring a gorgeous display, a great processor, and a fantastic design. It also has 8GB of RAM so its ready for Apple Intelligence, which arrived with iOS 18.1. More features will be rolled out over the coming months as well, so youll want a device thats capable of handling it all.We reviewed the 11-inch version of the M2 iPad Air and gave it a 4-star rating. One of the things we wanted was better brightness, which this model has. The display on the 13-inch Air can be pushed up to 600nits, which is great for use indoors or out. And given its size, you can turn this tablet into a productivity tool by getting a USB-C Apple Pencil or a Magic Keyboard, both of which are on sale.So go ahead and place your order for the 13-inch M2 iPad Air for $899 and skip Black Friday, because we dont think youll get a better price this year.Get the new M2 iPad Air for its best priceBuy it now at Amazon
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    Anker Zolo Magnetic 10K Power Bank with USB-C Cable review: Wireless convenience plus wired fast-charging power
    MacworldAt a glanceProsHuge battery capacityBuilt-in USB-C cable7.5W wireless or 30W wired chargingKickstandColor choicesConsBuilt-in USB-C cable is geared to iPhone 15/16 usersOur Verdict The Anker Zolo Magnetic 10K Power Bank boasts a huge battery capacity in a compact and light-enough body, wireless and 30W wired charging, and the best performance weve tested so far on any iPhone power bank. Its built for the iPhone 15 and 16 but will work with any MagSafe iPhone.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed49,99 EuroWireless phone charging using Apples MagSafe magnetic technology has taken cumbersome power banks into a new realm of portable charging convenience.No longer do you have to carry a snaking cable around with you to connect the power bank to your phoneand when connected the battery pack is clamped tightly to the phone rather than flapping around trying to detach its heavy self from the chain.The only drawback to wireless charging is the speed. Most power banks are MagSafe compatible (charging at 7.5W) rather than MagSafe certified (15W) or Qi2 (15W). A couple of exceptions are the Anker MagGo 10K Slim Power Bank and Baseus Nomos Power Bank, which use the Qi2 wireless charging technology and is one of our favorite portable 10000mAh power banks.Charging with a good old-fashioned cable is so much fastertheoretically up to 240W. An iPhone cantindeed wontaccept that much power but can handle around 30W as a maximum. Samsungs Super Fast Charger 2.0 tech takes some of its phones to an incredible 45W for even faster charging but Apple hasnt reached that wireless speed yet.You can achieve 30W charging with an iPhone but it requires a wired rather than wireless connection. That usually means you have to carry both a power bank and a cable around with you. However, Ankers Zolo 10K Magnetic Power Bank features dual-charging modes: 7.5W wireless and 30W wired charging.Alongside the MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad, it features an integrated USB-C cable to give owners of the iPhone 15 and 16 easy access to double-speed charging power.Dominik Tomaszewski / FoundryYou can magnetically clamp your iPhone (from iPhone 12 onwards) onto the Zolo power bank and wirelessly charge at 7.5W just as you would with a standard MagSafe power bank.Owners of the iPhone 15 or 16 can go one better and use the Zolos built-in USB-C cable to turn that charging power up to 30W. You double-click the power banks button to start wireless charging, but as soon as you insert the USB-C cable wireless charging is disabled and the 30W wired charge begins. Sadly you cant get both 30W from the cable and the 7.5W from the wireless pad.You can also re-charge the ower bank itself via the built-in USB-C cable, and again that means theres no need to carry a separate cable around with you when youre on your travels. While owners of iPhones older than the 15 family might not be able to access the built-in wired charge speed, they too can use the cable to input power into the power bank itself via a wall charger. When those users upgrade to a USB-C phone, that USB-C cable will become available for both input and output.Dominik Tomaszewski / FoundryAnother option for owners of any iPhone older than the 15 or for groups with one older and one newer iPhone is the non-magnetic Anker Zolo Power Bank that has both built-in 30W USB-C and Lightning cables, pictured above. However, theres no wireless option on this power bank.Back to the USB-C-toting Magnetic Zolo Power Bank, the 5.5-inch braided cable securely tucks back into the power bank body when not in use, which protects it from damage and creates a handy carrying loop.The Anker Zolo Magnetic 10K Power Bank isnt the first MagSafe battery pack to boast a built-in USB-C cable. The Baseus Magnetic Power Bank beat it to that honor and has been our favorite magnetic battery pack since we got our hands on it. It too features a built-in 5.5-inch cable, although a fatter rubber one rather than Zolos braided. Theres some small factors, which well discuss below, that make the Anker a better choice than the Baseus, but its a close run raceand Baseus has another contender that boasts 15W Qi2 wireless charging.Dominik Tomaszewski / FoundryMore port powerLike the Baseus power banks, the Zolo boasts a spare USB-C port, which you can use to charge the power bank or connect another cable to charge a second device. That could be another USB-C to USB-C cable or a Lightning cable for older iPhones or other Apple devices, or an Apple Watch charger.You could charge the power bank via that spare port at the same time you are charging an iPhone using the built-in USB-C cable.That way, you are definitely well-equipped for a long time away from a wall charger.In fact you can charge up to three devices at the same time with the Zolo. Either the USB-C cable or the spare USB-C port can deliver 30W of wired power. Note that while using more than one charging point at the same time the power bank is reduced to 15W total output.That port or the integrated USB-C cable can input recharge the power bank at 20Wa little faster than the 18W input on the original Baseus but not as speedy as on the Baseus Nomos (30W input).Dominik Tomaszewski / FoundryBest performer in our battery testsThe Anker Zolo has a huge battery capacity of 37Wh or 10000mAh. It easily beats 5000mAh battery packs, all the other 10K power banks we have tested, and out-performed even our previous favorite, the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank that matches it on wired and wireless charging speed.The Baseus Power Bank recharged our test iPhone 15 Pro to 187% and the Anker MagGo 10K Slim to 188%. The Zolo reached 191% so takes its place at the top of the rostrum. The Baseus Nomos looks excellent with its 15W wireless, 45W wired and 30W input but it underperformed in the performance tests, scoring a decent but still lower 166%.Those results are close and other factors could have won or lost a few percentage points. Note too that we tested the Zolo with a 16 Pro rather than a 15 Pro. We could call it a draw, but the Zolo still gets the bragging rights.Our testing process involved running an iPhone down to 2% and then using the power bank to take the phone back to 100 percent. Then we run the phone down again until the power bank runs out of juice to keep the phone charged.AnkerSize and designMeasuring 4.15 x 2.7 x 0.8 the Anker Zolo is fractionally smaller than the Baseus (4.3-x-2.7-x-0.8 inches) but not significantly. At 8.5oz its heavier than the 7.5W 7.3oz Baseus and 15W 8.1oz Baseus.All three are a little larger than many 10K power banks, and certainly neither is as skinny as the Anker MagGo 10K Slim, which of course lacks the built-in 30W wired option.The built-in USB-C cable on the Zolo has a right-angled connector for a neater under-phone fit.A feature that differentiates the Anker from the original Baseus is the Zolos integrated kick stand at the back that works in both portrait and landscape orientations. The Nomos does include a kickstand.The Zolo power bank is available in four colors: black, blue, pink or white. You can find the original Baseus in three colors: white, black, or peppermint blue.Anker Zolo vs the restAnkers Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is blessed with an integrated USB-C cable so beats most wireless power banks on charging speedunless those battery pack owners are carrying around a spare charging cable. For a full comparison read our roundup of the best MagSafe and magnetic power banks for iPhone.Its closest rival is very close indeed. The Zolo costs just a few bucks more than the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank, so on price, charging power and size the two magnetic power banks with built-in USB-C cables are finely matched. Maybe it will come down to a choice between pink or peppermint blue, or that built-in kickstand on the Anker.The newer Baseus Nomos Power Bank beats both on input and output charging speeds but underperformed in our actual battery tests.Dominik Tomaszewski / FoundryPriceThe Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is priced at $49.99 or 49,99. Sadly for Brits, it is not yet available in the U.K.Should you buy the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank?With its built-in USB-C cable, the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is designed for the iPhone 15 and 16 families and offers convenient wireless charging plus much faster 30W wired charging with the highest recharge weve measured so far in our magnetic power bank testing.
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    Adobe Premiere Elements 2025 review
    MacworldAt a GlanceExpert's RatingProsExtensive range of video-editing toolsQuick mode and Guided Edits for beginners Powerful colour correction tools Good tools for creating text and titlesConsEven Quick mode is pretty complex Now sold with only three-year license Dense, unhelpful documentationOur Verdict Its certainly a powerful video-editing tool, with advanced features for creating titles and artistic effects. However, Premiere Elements isnt easy to master, and may be too complex for people who just want to post on Instagram.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPremiere Elements is the companion product to Photoshop Elements (see our review), and is designed to provide powerful video-editing tools at a competitive price. There are less expensive video-editing apps available for the Mac, but many of these simply focus on relatively simple tools for trimming video clips and applying filters and effects for use on social media. In contrast, Premiere Elements provides powerful and precise editing tools that allow you to create complex video projects using multiple video and audio clips. It also includes a variety of text tools for creating titles, and a very wide range of creative filters and effects that can create just the right look and mood for your videos.However, that extra power means that Premiere Elements is more complex than some of its rivals and also more complex than Photoshop Elements too, despite the similarities between the two programs.Photoshop Elements How much does it cost?Both Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements have traditionally been sold for a one-time fee of $99.99/86.99, which allowed you to use the programs for as long as you wanted (although you did have to pay an extra fee if you wanted to purchase their annual upgrades as well). The 2025 editions of both programs still cost the same amount, but the purchase price now only grants you a three-year term license, which means that youll have to purchase another license in three years time.Thats the bad news but the good news is that youll get future upgrades, such as the 2026 and 2027 editions, for free as they are likely to be released within that three-year license period. Its also possible to buy both Elements programs together for $149.99/130.49 (which again is for a three-year license). Theres also a seven-day free trial available, so that you can see if Premiere Elements is suitable for your own level of experience. Purchasing Premiere Elements for the Mac also gives you access to the mobile version of the app although this has been in beta for quite a few years now, so you should probably make sure you back-up any video files that you record on your mobile devices to keep them safe.Premiere Elements Editing ToolsLike Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements provides three different editing modes, with three tabs at the top of the main editing window Quick, Guided and Advanced which are designed to cater to users with different levels of experience.The Quick mode is designed for beginners, and provides a simple workspace with a horizontal sceneline running across the bottom of the screen where you can drag and drop video clips and quickly arrange them in the required sequence. Above the sceneline is the Program Monitor window, which provides a larger view of individual video clips so that you can view each clip with frame-by-frame precision and decide where to make cuts or other changes. Theres also a palette on the right of the window that provides several additional tools, including a series of artistic effects, such as oil paintings, lens flare and black-and-white effects. However, even in Quick mode some of these tools are quite complex, with multiple slider controls for adjusting settings and timings that may confuse less experienced users.Fortunately, like Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements also has a Guided mode that provides step-by-step help with some of these more complex tools. There are Guided Edits that show you how to create time-lapse effects, lighting adjustments, titles and other effects. And, for real beginners, there are two options that can do all the work for you and automatically create a Highlight Reel, or a Video Collage. All you have to do here is import a few video clips and Premiere Elements will edit the clips together, add transitions, and even offer a selection of music clips for the soundtrack.Premiere Elements Whats New?ScreenshotFoundryMore experienced users can jump straight into Advanced Mode, which provides full access to the programs extensive range of editing tools, audio features, filters and effects. Many of the new features introduced for the 2025 edition are found here as well.At first glance, Advanced Mode looks similar to Quick Mode although the sceneline of Quick Mode is now called the timeline, indicating that more advanced features are available in this mode. The timeline has been modified for this 2025 version, with audio and video tracks grouped together for greater clarity, and the ability to lock tracks to prevent any accidental changes. Theres a new Quick Tools palette to the left of the timeline, which provides instant access to features such as the Scissor tool for splitting clips, and the Text tool for adding titles. The programs text tools have been improved as well, with controls for quickly adjusting text size, alignment, and direction of movement. You can also download some new templates to help you create slick animated titles as well. There are improved tools for colour correction and adjusting white balance, which controls the brightness of white areas within an image, such as clouds or snow. However, some of these colour tools will challenge even more advanced users, and we found ourselves wading through the not-very-helpful Help files on Adobes web site to learn the differences between colour grading and colour correction.There are also changes to the programs options for importing and exporting files, which should be useful for all users regardless of their level of experience. When you start a new project youll see the redesigned Media panel that opens on the left of the screen and makes it quicker and easier to import files into your projects. There are also new export options that help you to prepare your video files for social media and other platforms, starting with the Quick Export button that provides preset options covering a variety of different quality settings and resolutions. The updated Export tool now opens up a large window that provides more detailed settings for audio and video files. And one big time-saver here is the ability to simultaneously export multiple versions of the same file that can be tailored for use on different social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.ScreenshotFoundryShould you buy Premiere Elements?Theres no doubt that Premiere Elements is an impressively powerful program for video-editing work, and its great value for more advanced amateurs and semi-professional users such as podcasters and vloggers. Even so, its still a pretty complex piece of software, even when using Quick mode, so newcomers will have to be prepared to roll up their sleeves and do a bit of work in order to really get to grips with the programs undeniably powerful editing tools.For more video editing apps see our round up of the best free and cheap Mac video editors, we also have a guide to the best Mac for video editing.
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    Best time to buy a Mac: Should you buy a Mac or MacBook now?
    MacworldWhether 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 isnt 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, well 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. Well 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 guideand 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 thebest Black Friday MacBook deals and the best Mac mini and iMac deals. And if you want to know what other Apple products are discounted readBest 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. We dont anticipate any more Mac updates until spring 2025. take a look at our article about Apple Events and the new products expected from Apple to check that the outlook hasnt changed.Most recent/current launches:14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max October 202424-inch iMac, M4 October 2024Mac mini, M4 and M4 Pro October 202415-inch MacBook Air, M3 March 2024 (RAM update in October 2024)Mac Studio, M2 Max and M2 Ultra June 2023Mac Pro, M2 Ultra June 202313-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.It used to be easier to predict when Apple would launch new Macs because updates were often tied to the launch of the next generation of Intel processors. Now that Apple has transitioned from Intel to its own series of processors, it is no longer tied to Intels upgrade cycle. This doesnt necessarily mean that the updates happen more frequently though. We do, however, think 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: Spring 2025.Mac Studio, M4: The Mac Studio go the M2 Max and M2 Ultra in June 2023. We expect that the whole of 2024 will pass without an update so expect an M4-Max/Ultra in 2025, perhaps at WWDC. See: M4 Mac Studio.Mac Pro, M4: Like the Mac Studio, we expect a update in June 2024.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: 2025.Should I wait for Black Friday 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 thats 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 wont go any lower on Black Friday itself. Its 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 dont expect that to change: heres what Apple is likely to be doing for Black Friday. So dont 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 our best But we dont only see prices cut for Black Friday, we see deals on Apple products all year round so dont assume you cant 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 dealsBest Mac Studio deals Best MacBook Pro dealsBest Mac mini dealsBest iMac dealsThere are other ways to save money too: How to get an Apple student discount at Apples Education StoreApple Back to School dealWhy you should buy a refurbished MacBest place to buy a refurbished MacHow much can you save at Apples refurbished store?Is it a good time to buy a Mac or MacBook? Lets 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?Last update: March 2024Next update: Spring 2025There 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 cant 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?NoThe 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, its 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?Last update: June 2023Next update: Spring 2025There 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?NoApple launched the 15-inch MacBook Air in March 2024, but while its still less than a year old, we do 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 wont regret spending your money. Should I buy a 14-inch MacBook Pro now or wait?Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1779 at Computeruniverse1799 at notebooksbilliger.deLast update: October 2024Next update: October 2025Apple upgraded the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max in October 2024. We dont 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?YesAt $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 its the M4 Pro or M4 Max edition you are after, our recommendation is buy one, you wont 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:2.899 EuroBest Prices Today: 2.571,25 at tease-Shop2.592,24 at digitalo.de2.899,00 at AppleLast update: October 2024Next update: October 2025Alongside 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 its smaller sibling, but if you need more battery life and a bigger screen then this is the model for you. If youre still using an Intel-based MacBook Pro, its time to upgrade.For more advice read ourcomparison of all the MacBook Pro models.Is now a good time to buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro?YesThe 16-inch MacBook Pro was updated in October 2024, so we dont expect another update for some time. If you can find a good deal then definitely buy one. If its power you need and portability isnt 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:1.749 EuroBest Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1649 at notebooksbilliger.de1748 at Alternate1.749,00 at amazon.deLast update: October 2024Next update: Late 2025/2026The 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. Theres 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?YesWhile we feel that it is overpriced, we accept that there are places for which the iMac is idealreception desks, living rooms, and so on. If If youre looking for a new, complete Mac setup a computer, display, and input devicesthe 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?Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo679 at notebooksbilliger.de689 at Alternate670,96 at amazon.deLast update: October 2024Next update: Late 2025/2026Apple 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 its 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 Apples 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?YesWe 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 dont 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?Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo2099 at Computeruniverse2139 at AlternateLast update: June 2023Next update: 2025The 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 hasnt 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 Macits powerful, priced appropriately, has lots of ports for connecting devices, and it wont 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?NoNearly a year and a half after 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 Mac Studio M2 review Should I buy a Mac Pro now or wait?Best Prices Today: 8.299,00 at AppleLast update: June 2023Next update: 2025Apple 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!)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 wont 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?NoThe disadvantage is that Apple hasnt 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 isnt 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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    Best MacBook bags, cases and sleeves 2024
    MacworldA good MacBook bag shares many qualities with Apples laptops. We want it to be tough, so it needs to be made from good materials. We want to use it for multiple tasks, so it needs to have plenty of pockets and compartments. Lets admit it, with the diminishing number of ports on the MacBook, the bags often have the edge. And since we all admire good design here, we certainly dont mind if the bag looks fantastic.Plus, whatever MacBook youve got, Air or Pro, youve probably spent enough on it that you dont want to risk it breakingand dont mind spending just a little more to keep it safe.Theres no shortage of companies out there that make protective accessories for MacBooks, from laptop bags and rucksacks to sleeves, covers, and cases that clip on directly, and plenty of them do their best to be just as stylish as the Mac theyre protecting.Weve rounded up a selection of our favorite cases, sleeves, backpacks, roll-tops, shells and totes for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, whether you have a 13-, 14-, 15- or 16-inch model, to keep your Mac safe.All of the bags below fit those criteria, but weve been careful to choose bags that meet specific needs. Keep in mind that every bag here wont fit every MacBook, but if a bag cant handle the 16-inch MacBook Pro, weve been sure to make a note of it.Bellroy Laptop Sleeve Best MacBook sleeveProsPremium feelMagnetic closureColorsPrice When Reviewed:59Fits: 13-14-inch and 15-16-inch versionsBellroy is a Australian accessory brand that makes premium bags, cases and wallets, and its laptop sleeves offer high-quality protection.Outside, the woven, water-resistant material is eco-friendlymade from 100% recycled PET bottles. Inside, the quilted microfiber lining features a soft ridge that holds your laptop in place.The sleeve snaps shut with a neat magnetic bumper.Available in Black, Slate, Navy, Bronze and a leather-free Saltbush.BellroyApple sells only one MacBook sleeve in its online store: the leather-free Bellroy Caddy for Mac Laptops, which is available in two sizes for 13-14-inch MacBooks and the 15- and 16-inch MacBooks.Theres fold-down, front-pocket access and a foam-padded laptop sleeve, as well as two stretch mesh pockets and mesh pen slips.Case Logic Laptop Sleeve Best budget MacBook sleeveProsTight fitPaddedColor rangeFits: 13-inchCase Logic makes many laptop sleeves that are suitable for various sizes of MacBook and come in all number of colors. The Case Logic Laptop Sleeve fits a 13.3in MacBook, such as the M1 MacBook Air or M2 MacBook Pro. Its form-fitting, so the MacBook shouldnt slip about inside, and it features padding for extra protection. There is woven webbing along the sides to further protect the laptop and strengthen the case. Its a slim case that should fit nicely inside your bag.Available in a range of strong colors, including Pink, Dark Blue, Lime Green and Teal.Journey NEXA 4-in-1 Laptop Sleeve Best wireless charging sleeveProsLuxury sleeveIncludes MagSafe wireless chargerDoubles as desk padPrice When Reviewed: 139,99Best Prices Today: 139,99 at JourneyFits: 13-14-inch, and 15-16-inch versionsThe Journey NEXA laptop sleeve bills itself as a 4-in-1, and it certainly is multi-functional. As well as protecting your laptop during travel, it includes two wireless chargers (one MagSafe compatible) and can work as both a deskpad and mousepad to free your workspace of clutter.Slide your MacBook into the soft but padded-for-protection vegan leather sleeve, and youll be impressed by the luxury feel of this premium laptop sleeve.When you arrive at the office, hotel or just back home, it doubles up as a deskpad with chargers for your iPhone (7.5W MagSafe) and AirPods (5W). While it comes with a USB-C cable, youll need to add your own charger (check our roundup of the best iPhone chargers) to connect with the USB-C port in the sleeve. Alternatively you can charge the MacBook itself while it sits protected in the sleevefor this youll need a more powerful MacBook charger.The Journey NEXA 4-in1 Laptop Sleeve is available in Black or a fetching stone-like Dove Gray.Read our full Journey NEXA 4-in-1 Laptop-Hlle review STM Myth Laptop Brief Best MacBook shoulder bagProsSlim 7L storage bag with pocketsHandle and detachable shoulder strapBest Prices Today: $79.95 at STMNot Available at LenovoNot Available at AdoramaFits: up to 14-inchSTMs Myth laptop bag will fit up to 14-inch MacBooks, although it officially stated up to 13-inch laptops. It comes in Black, Granite Black, and Slate Blue depending.The slim shoulder bag protects your laptop by suspending it, so that it doesnt touch the bottom of the bag. Its also encased in foam. The shoulder strap is easy to adjust and has a non-slip pad to make it more comfortable. With a subtle luggage trolley sleeve, it can slip onto the telescopic handle of a suitcase for easy of use when not on your backhandy for busy travel interchanges and crowded trains and buses.Its well-made, with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated webbing handles with rivets, reverse coil zippers, and water-repellent C6DWR coating applied to the fabric.Inside there are plenty of sections and pockets (we counted 10 but there could be even more hidden away) to help with organization. Cable-routing means you can charge your laptop or other devices while still in the bag.if you fancy something more business-like check out the Troubadour Apex Briefcase, reviewed further down, which is smarter but costs a fair amount more than the STM Myth.Incase Edge Hardshell for MacBook Best MacBook hard shellProsProtects in usePrice When Reviewed:59,95 EuroBest Prices Today: 59,95 at IncaseFits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inchChoose a hard shell if you want to wrap your precious MacBook in robust scratch and bump protection but still be able to use it in action. The minimalist and lightweight Incase Edge Hardshell MacBook Case comes in clear and see-through black versions for all of the current MacBooks in Apples laptop range.It protects with raised edge bumpers in its high-impact resistant polycarbonate shell. All ports and buttons remain fully accessible. Rubberized feet keep the MacBook securely in place and less likely to slip off its surface.Available from Apple, Amazon and direct from Incase.Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack Best premium MacBook backpack ProsSuper stylishPlenty of storageSmart organizer sectionsHidden iPhone pocketAirTag pocketConsPremium pricePrice When Reviewed:316Best Prices Today: 316,00 at TroubadourFits: up to 17-inchApple builds its MacBooks to a high spec and premium design, so if you are carrying yours around in a backpack maybe that should also be top-notch, too. And, like Apples products, the Troubadour Apex 3.0 comes with a premium price tag attached.You do get your moneys worth, with chic styling and a generous selection of storage pockets, including one for your iPhone hidden in one of the straps, which means you can access itor other valuable item such as your walletwithout having to remove the bag from your shoulders. And theres even a special pocket for an Apple AirTag.The laptop section is at the back and easy to access, with easily enough space for a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Altogether there are 14 sections or pockets, pen holders and zipped enclosures. It features a trolley sleeve on the back to attach to a suitcase handle, and a robust handle at the top for when you want to give your shoulders a rest or not bump into people in crowded spaces.The Apex 3.0 is lightweight and comfortable but still generous, with a 25L capacity. There is also a Compact version, with a 16L capacity.It is available in Black, Navy, Air Force Blue and Obsidian Green.Troubadour also sells a sling version, the Apex Sling. While not large enough to fit even a 13-inch MacBook, it does have a padded pocket for an iPad mini. It features many of the larger backpack benefits, such as the quality build, good looks, sustainable materials, hidden iPhone pocket and AirTag pocket. Further down we review the Apex Tote and Apex Briefcase for flexibility in the. smart range.Full Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack review.Pakt Travel Backpack 2.0 Best MacBook travel backpackProsPremium buildPlenty of storageSmart organizer sectionsMultiple carry optionsAirTag pocketSustainable materialsPrice When Reviewed:From 306,95Best Prices Today: 306,95 at PaktFits: up to 16-inchWe havent found a laptop backpack that beats the Pakt Travel Backpack for storage smarts, comfort and versatility. There are many imitators but this remains our favorite, and theres a recent version 2.0 that makes it even better and more environmentally friendly.The 35L backpack model meets the carry-on criteria for most airlines. It weighs 4.1lbs, and measures 21.5 x 12.5 x 8 inches (55 x 32 x 21 cm). The 45L backpack, however, exceeds those limits so youll have to pray that youre not pulled aside as you check-in or board the plane. It weighs 4.4lbs, and is sized 23 x 13 x 9 inches (60 x 33 x 24 cm). You can use it as a backpack, but also hide away the straps and carry by the side handles as a duffle or via a top handle. This might make the 45L bag appears smaller than it looks strapped to your back, and you can get it through check-in with all that extra storage.An expansion pocket adds additional packing space without adding to these dimensions. Check your favorite airline for carry-on limits. It features a handy clamshell interior with two compartments, so you can pack the backpack like a suitcase. Spread out open, it should fit under a bed or couch, saving you from unpacking to a wardrobe for short stays. Between the compartments, a padded sleeve gives robust but luxury protection to your MacBook (up to 16 inches). You can access the laptop from the top, making a security check much less hassle. Theres a multi-section front admin pocket that will handle a bunch of tech gear you might need close to hand, such as AirPods, chargers, power banks and cables, or even an iPad. Theres also a key leash in this part.Pakt sells a 15L Everyday Bag that can fit inside the Travel Backpack. On the plane, you could remove this and store by your feet for easy access, and then slide it back in the pack when you take that out of the overhead when you disembark.There are so many great extra features: the water-bottle holder is generous in size yet a tight elasticated hold; a zipped, hidden pocket at the back and bottom of the pack is handy for placing your phone, wallet and pocket fodder when you are passing through airport security; one of the pocket sections includes a deep AirTag holder; you can pull out hidden accessory straps on one side; and theres roller-luggage passthrough to give your back a rest.With this version 2.0 of its Travel Backpack, Pakt uses rNylon (recycled nylon), which it claims can be recycled indefinitelymaking it a more sustainable material than even rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). It is covered in a water-repelling, tear-resistant PFC-free DWR coating, and is available in either Black, Forest or Ocean colors.Stubble & Co The Roll Top 20L Best MacBook roll-top backpackProsPremium look and feelPlenty of accessible pocketsStriking range of colorsPrice When Reviewed:150Best Prices Today: 150,00 at Stubble & CoFits: 13-inch (15L bag) and 13-16-inch (20L) versionsA roll top bag is simple to use as they have fewer straps and zips than a traditional backpack. They feature a wide top opening so you can quickly see whats inside and make it easier to reach in and pull out your belongings. It is adjustable in volume as unused space can saved and bulking reduced by rolling up the top flap as you close it. Tighten the strap to condense the loa or loosen when more space is required.Previously we have championed the Ogio Alpha Convoy 525r Rolltop Backpack, which I have used happily for several years. However, our heads and minds have been turned by Stubble & Cos The Roll Top, available in either 15L or 20L capacities. We tested the spacier 20L model.Its more waterproof than the Ogio and has smarter colour accents as well as eight overall color options: Black, Yellow, Urban Green, Arctic White, Tasmin Blue, Concrete, Sand and Ember Orange.The padded laptop compartment is easily accessed at the side of the bag. The 20L version fits up to a 16-inch MacBook; the 15L allows for a 13-inch laptop. Inside the laptop compartment and also lining inside the main bag are contrasting colours: inside the black, white, concrete and green bags, its a striking orange.The main compartment has a reinforced, magnetised roll top closure. Im used to a more click-tight buckle fastening but am getting the hang of the G-hook fastener. There are five internal organiser pockets, including two with mesh.On each side are generous elasticated side pockets for your water bottle, umbrella or bike lock. And, an essential if carrying the bag off your back, theres a top grab handle. Roll-tops are often used by cycle couriers for their fast, easy access, and the Stubble & Co Roll Top features a bike light anchor and reflective trim for enhanced visibility and road safety.Troubadour Apex Briefcase Best MacBook briefcaseProsCan hold MacBook and iPadPockets for tech organizationPremium buildHandle and detachable shoulder strapConsPremium pricePrice When Reviewed:250 EurosBest Prices Today: 250,00 at TroubadourFits: up to 16-inchIf you desire the convenience of a shoulder or messenger bag with the smartness of a modern briefcase, another part of the stylish if pricey Apex line of laptop bags is the Apex Briefcasein black only.Made from a fabric thats spun from recycled plastic bottles, the 15L Apex Briefcase features fluorocarbon-free waterproofing plus a eaterproof, tear-resistant lining. The leather trim is vegan.To protect your MacBook and tablet there are padded, suspended pockets with a neoprene hood and magnetic closure to secures the laptop. Also inside there are seven individual pockets, including a mesh pocket for faster visual accessibility.On the outside there are three pockets, including at the front a hidden slip-pocket for your phone and a large zipped pocket with a key leash, elasticated pockets and an AirTag pocket. On the rear, a magnetically closing pocket can be unzipped at the bottom to create a luggage sleeve.Transform the briefcase into a hands-free shoulder bag with a robust strap. Troubadour Apex Everyday Tote Best MacBook luxury tote bagProsSuper stylishPlenty of storageSmart organizer sectionsAirTag pocketConsPremium pricePrice When Reviewed:197Best Prices Today: 197,00 at TroubadourFits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inchBags come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and our favorite laptop tote bag is the from the same range as the Troubadour Apex Backpack reviewed above.There isnt much everyday about the Apex Everyday Tote. It is most definitely a special tote, with zipped inside storage and nine interior mesh, zipped or open pockets and compartment, plus two on the exterior. You can pack a lot of gear in the 16.5L bag, including organized spaces for cables and chargers, power banks and passport.You can keep a water bottle tightly upright inside, and still feel confident that your laptop is safe from spills with the padded laptop pocket boasting a neoprene hood.Theres a zipped front exterior pocket that offers plenty of storage space, including a pocket for your AirPods case and a special AirTag pocket. The back exterior pocket can be unzipped at the bottom to create a luggage sleeve, allowing you to slip it over the handles of your suitcase. The waterproof FortiWeave fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and the zip pulls are also recycled. A vegan leather trim keep the tote looking smart.When you tire of carrying the bag by its handles, you can turn it into a shoulder bag with the non-slip detachable strap.Harber London Rugged Laptop Briefcase Luxury MacBook briefcaseProsCan hold MacBook and iPadPockets for tech organizationPremium buildMade from 100% Recycled Plastic BottlesHandle and detachable shoulder strapConsExpensivePrice When Reviewed:499,95Best Prices Today: 499,95 at Harber LondonFits: up to 16-inchIf carrying a briefcase just reminds you of your schooldays or executives on Mad Men, think again as todays stylish briefcases are less boxy and make a far better impression than dropping a boring backpack on the boardroom floor.While this smart and stylish, without being too formal, laptop briefcase is called Rugged, its looks and build quality are at the luxury end of the laptop bag scaleand its priced accordingly, although its not over the top for a premium business briefcase thats handmade by expert craftsmen in Spain.And, yes, it is rugged with a water-resistant outer fabric shell made of recycled plastic bottles, so environmentally friendly too. That said, we wouldnt take this laptop briefcase out hiking in the woodsits just too lovely to dump in some mud outside your tent.Available in two sizes5.6L capacity for 13/14-inch and 7.5L for 15/16-inch laptops, it can hold a MacBook and a large iPad in its padded laptop and tablet compartments. Its got special pockets for notebooks and your passport, as well as two clever detachable magnetic pouches for your chargers or other tech essentials.There are nine interior sections, holders for pens, and a row of card slots, as well as a dedicated integrated AirTag pocket.It can be carried by its full-grain cowhide leather handle or the detachable leather carry strap, and is available in Mocha, Black or Olive.Grams (28) Leather Folio Best luxury sleeve with storageProsPremium look and feelNeat accessory pocketsConsExpensiveFits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inchThis super-stylish MacBook sleeve doesnt just keep your laptop safely protected in transit, it also includes exterior and interior pockets to allow you to ditch the backpack and just look the business carrying a sleek fine Italian leather sleeve.The spacious interior has plenty of room for your MacBook Pro and is padded for extra care. Inside there are two pockets for your phone, a charger, cables, or other accessories such as a paper notebook, plus two pen holders and a card pocket. As a bonus theres even a little pocket for an Apple AirTag.An front exterior pocket gives quick access to paperwork or just the latest issue of a newspaper or style magazine.You can personalize the Leather Folio with up to four letters, in white or colorless lettering. It measures 14.3-x-0.2-x-1 inches (36.3-x-25.9-x-2.5-cm, and weighs 15.2oz (430g). Its available in Black, Dark Blue, Olive or Fossil Gray.For the 13-inch MacBook youll want the 114 Leather Folio, for 14-inch MacBook the 120, and 118 for a 15-inch or 16-inch MacBook.Mujjo Envoy Laptop Sleeve Smart sleeve with storageProsPremium look and feelAccessory pocketsIn-sleeve chargingConsNo sealed pocketsFits: 14-inch, 16-inchMade from top-quality waterproof vegan leather, the Envoy Laptop Sleeve from Dutch design brand Mujjo offers portable storage not just for the MacBook but your favored accessories, too. There are tight outside pockets to store your charger and cables plus phone and other essentials.The laptop is secured by the classy sleeves magnetic opening that combines fast access with a firm close. Handily, theres a generous side opening that allows for easy in-sleeve charging.At the back theres an easy-access slip pocket for a notebook or passport. You can carry just about anything slim in this sleeve so dont leave it unattended at the caf!The Mujjo Envoy is available in Black or Blue and for both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, although 13-inch and 15-inch MacBooks are comfortably (if slightly loosely) held, too.Harber London Nomad Organiser Best Premium Organizer for MacBookProsPockets for tech organizationPremium luxury leather looksCan hold MacBook and iPadHandle and detachable shoulder strapConsBulks up quickly if over-stuffedExpensiveFits: 13-inch, 14-inchWhile a laptop seems like a self-contained unit, with keboard, screen, trackpad, hard drive and everything all in one tidy package, its not quite as easy as that.You need a charger and charging cable for starters, and when youre on the move you have to carry around your AirPods, and maybe you prefer a proper mouse to the MacBooks trackpad. And what if you have an iPad to work on, too? A simple sleeve cant cope with all that lot, but the Nomad Organiser, from luxury bag maker Harber London, certainly can.The Nomad has ten pockets: a padded one for your MacBook Pro, and another padded pocket that fits an iPad from 9.7 to 12.9 inches, and capacious enough to handle the tablet with a Smart Cover. Be warned, though, that holding both laptop and tablet, the sleeve can be tricky to close if you are stuffing in chargers and other tech too.One lower pocket is big enough for your MacBook charger, but youll notice a bump in the fine lines when closed. I prefer to keep my bulky stuff in a wider-opening bagcheck out our favorite tech organizer bagsand use this sleeve for the thinner essentials.Two pockets are zipped for safe-keeping (for example, cash or memory cards) and theres a handy key fob strap. Theres a couple of holders for pens or an Apple Pencil.Theres a phone pocket, too, but Im not sure Id want all my devices in one place, and most of us prefer our phone at hand in a pocket or more-easy-to-dip-in bag. If you do, its large enough for a Pro Max iPhone.Below that pocket are a couple of slots for credit or travel cards, and above it are five straps that will hold an AirPods case, cables and even an AirTagafter, all, at this price, even the sleeve on its own is definitely worth keeping tabs on at all times. Id have preferred elasticated straps for a firmer hold but I can appreciate the all-leather design looks super lush.You can carry the Nomad Organiser under your arm, via a subtle built-in handle, or you can attach a matching strap to sling it over your shoulder like a messenger bag.It is a premium MacBook sleeve, handcrafted with full-grain Spanish leather, and really does shout cool luxury. Available in Tan, Dark Brown, Black and Navy.Harber London Classic Leather MacBook SleeveProsPremium look and feelAccessory pocketsWool felt interiorConsNo sealed pocketsPrice When Reviewed:89,95Best Prices Today: 89,95 at Harber LondonFits: 11-inch, 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inchSimilar to the Mujjo Envoy Laptop Sleeve, reviewed above, the Harber London Classic Leather MacBook Sleeve is made from premium full grain leather and features outside pockets to store your charger and cables.It looks classy and is available in tan or black. There are versions for all recent models of MacBook. It boasts a soft but protective dense 100% wool felt interior that will keep your MacBook cosy. However, theres no magnetic closure or charging port like youll find on the Mujjo sleeve reviewed above.Woolnut Leather Sleeve for MacBook Luxury leather sleeveProsPremium look and feelIn-sleeve chargingConsLack of pocketsExpensivePrice When Reviewed:119Fits: 12-inch, 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inchAvailable in four deeply stylish colors (Black, Cognac, Green and Gray), the Woolnut Leather Sleeve snugly fits every recent MacBook from the 12-inch original, the Air and all the Pro models. Each size is tailor-made for every model.This minimalist sleeve might lack pockets but it is as luxe as youll find and will draw admiring looks and awed strokes from fellow MacBook owners. The exterior is made from full-grain Scandinavian leather, with the interior soft 100% natural wool felt from Germany.Speck SmartShell Simple, colorful shellProsProtects in useFits: 13-inchIf you want to protect your laptop while you are using it you can pop a clear or tinted case on it. The Speck SmartShell case comes in various sizes to suit different MacBooks. Theres clear cases as well as a few different colored options, including Cosy Pink, Obsidian and Clear variant for the M2 MacBook Air, so you can pick one to suit your personality.Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe Padded laptop bagProsPremium backpackPlenty of pocketsDecent 28L capacityConsPremium priceFits: 15-inchIf you have an Apple laptop and intend to take it outside the house or office from time to time, it goes without saying that you will need a good sturdy bag to carry it in. We recommend getting a well padded backpack that is designed for carrying a laptop. A well designed backpack will include lots of areas insider the bag to store things in: such as a front pocket, a large main compartment and a large side pocket. Quilted shoulder straps and a padded back should ensure the backpack is comfortable to wear. Its pricy, but the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is a good option.UAG Plyo Case Extra robust laptop shellProsSuper robust shellConsParticular about exact MacBook modelFits: 13-inchSome shell cases are built to do more than give your MacBook a bit of color. A number of manufacturers build hard shell cases that will add an extra layer of protection to your MacBook Pro or Air.UAG (Urban Armor Gear) makes impact resistant armour for your MacBook. The Plyo series has extra strength built into the cushioning corners and cooling vents to ensure that there is adequate airflow (to stop your laptop from overheating).Make sure you buy the exact shell for your model MacBook. Thule Gauntlet Attach Laptop briefcase ProsIn-use hard-shell caseDetachable shoulder strapConsBlack onlyFits: 13-inchIf you are looking for a smart, tough-looking briefcase style bag with a solid construction, a good option is the Thule Gauntlet attach. Its a slim and rugged case with enhanced corner and edge protection. There is a single, removable shoulder strap as well as handles. You dont even need to remove the Mac from the case to work. Twelve South SuitCase for MacBook Hard shell, carry-on fabric hybridProsSlim but in-use hard shellHandleConsLack of pocketsFits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 16-inchLaptop backpack and bags can be bulky, expecting you constantly to be travelling to airports or on trains, when sometimes you just need the convenience of a slim briefcase with the protection of a hard shell. SuitCase from Twelve South is an odd name for what is effectively a briefcase with a recessed handle, but its a great hybrid of sleeve, shell and carry on.There are three layers of protection: a water-resistant, quilted gray fabric exterior; underneath the twill textile is a layer of hard plastic to protect your MacBook from impacts; and inside is a soft layer of microfiber to protect the surface of your Mac. You dont even have to remove your MacBook from the case to get working, and, when closed, dual zippers keep it securely closed, even when charging.
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    Best Games for Mac: A-list games you can play on your Mac
    MacworldUnfortunately in recent years, the number of great games for Mac has declined because many are no longer supported. Every new version of macOS tends to break a few games, but macOS Catalina in 2019 meant that lot of games that used 32-bit code were no longer Mac compatible. At the same time that Apple went 64-bit only it also introduced Metal for 3D graphics, which left a lot of games developers with a decision: make new Mac versions of their games or stop making them. Unfortunately many chose the latter.This has started to change with the arrival of macOS Sonoma is here. With Sonoma, Apple provides two things: a new Game Porting Toolkit to make it easier for game developers to bring their games to the Mac, and a new Game Mode to ensure a game gets the highest priority on GPU and CPU, for better playability. Read: How to use Game Mode to boost performance.Following these changes weve seen more games coming to the Mac. IncludingResident Evil 7: Biohazard and World of Warcraft: The War Within. Many more A-list games are coming to the Mac, including Assassins Creed: Shadows (November 2024), Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (December 2024), and Resident Evil 2 (date TBC). Just check out our roundup of thebest Mac gamesfor some of the highlights, we also have a round-up of thebest free Mac games.Even before the changes that Sonoma brought, and contrary to popular belief, Mac gamers already have plenty of top games titles to choose from indeed, the most difficult part is narrowing down the options, and then finding the money to buy and time to play them. We cant help with the latter, but the first problem is right up our alley. In this article, weve collected the best Mac games for your delectation including some of the best new games.Below you will find what we believe are the greatest Mac games out there, together with links to the Mac App Store, Steam and other reputable vendors, so you can buy them right away. These are the very best games for Mac. They are in alphabetical order, not in order of preference (because everyone likes different things).November 2024: Including an update to the Diablo III review now that Blizzard has brought Diablo III up-to-date for Mac users.You may also like to take a look at our Best Mac for gaming guide. Plus we have an in-depth look at using an M1 MacBook Pro as a gaming laptop. And if you want some free games to try out on your Mac take a look at our round-up of the Best free Mac games. Best Mac Games 2024Before we run through our list of the best games weve played on the Mac, here are games that we strongly recommend you play on the Mac in 2024. 1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Mac)Apple Silicon, with Resident Evil: Village at the end of last year, quickly followed by Resident Evil 4 earlier this year. The latest addition to the range is Resident Evil 7 Biohazard. Biohazard requires a Mac with an M1 or later, running macOS 13.0 or later. Biohazard also runs on the iPad, as long as it has an M1 processor and iPadOS 17, and even the iPhone, with iOS 17 and an A17 processor.It is cheaper than other games in the series, costing just $19.99/15.99 on the Mac App Store. The game can be downloaded for free and run in demo mode, called The Beginning Hour, as an introduction to the main game. If you like the demo, you can buy the full game as an in-app purchase, and theres an expansion pack available for another $19.99/15.99. The game introduces Ethan Winters (who also appeared in Village), who searches for his wife, Mia, who vanished mysteriously three years ago. He receives an email from Mia asking for his help and gives him an address in a swampy backwater town in Louisiana. The game switches to an isolated first-person view, making every shadowy corridor seem even more oppressive and creepy. The game also makes clever use of the found-footage genre of horror movies, with Ethan finding old VHS tapes around the house that help fill in some of the background. Theres also a time-travel effect, where you can take actions during video segments in the past that impact on the present.Capcom recommends a game controller, but its possible to play with a keyboard and mouse if you prefer. Read our full Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Mac) review 2. Death Stranding: Directors Cut (Mac)Apple is currently attempting to make up for around 40 years of neglecting the Mac games scene probably because it thinks that a few good games might help to boost sales of the new Vision Pro headset (cynical, moi? You betcha!). It hasnt exactly catapulted the Mac games scene into the stratosphere, but there are a few high-profile games now starting to arrive on the Mac, and 2024 gets off to a good start with the arrival of Death Stranding, the idiosyncratic and sometimes downright bizarre game from Hideo Kojima, the renowned developer behind the long-running Metal Gear series.The game is set in a near-future version of the United States, in the aftermath of a mysterious apocalyptic event known as the Death Stranding, which has caused the collapse of society. All thats left are a few scattered communities, which rely on porters to deliver supplies and help set up a communications system called the Chiral network. Thats where you come in, playing Sam Porter Bridges who is voiced by, and modeled on the actor Norman Reedus of Walking Dead fame as he trudges across the country delivering his supplies. Along the way, youll encounter terrorists and creepy invisible monsters called BTs (beached things), but your real foe for much of the game is simply the environment around you.There is some combat in Death Stranding, but your main task as a porter is to struggle across the rocky, ruinous countryside as you embark on a series of missions to deliver your cargo of medicines and other supplies. The game is sometimes described as a walking simulator as you spend much of your time clambering over rocks, up hills, or wading across rushing rivers and streams. That may not sound terribly exciting, but theres a lot of satisfaction as you struggle to slowly inch your way towards the peak of a craggy hill with your cargo intact.The game also has a dramatic cinematic flair possibly a little too cinematic, as the first 45 minutes or so is really just a series of very long cut-scenes, interspersed only by a few brief sequences where you learn how to control Sam as he walks, jumps and wades across the rocky terrain. The long cut-scenes can try your patience in the early stages of the game, but they do look terrific the landscapes have a cinematic scope, and the 3D graphics are tremendously detailed and realistic. And the feeling that this is the gaming equivalent of a blockbuster Hollywood production is further emphasized by cameos from a number of other Hollywood big names, including Mads Mikkelsen, Guillermo Del Toro, and Lindsay Wagner.The graphics do require a bit of horsepower though. The game will only run on Macs and iPads that have an Apple Silicon processor (M1 or later), and running macOS 13.3 or iPadOS 17.0. We were pleased to find that the game ran well even on an iMac with an M1 processor, although we did have to lower the resolution to 19201080. You might need an M2 or M3 to really enjoy the games sweeping vistas and eerie special effects, but seeing a game like Death Stranding running on an M1 iMac gives us some hope for the future of games on the Mac.3. Resident Evil 4 (Mac)It can be a little tricky following the sequence of the Resident Evil games especially as most of them have never been released on the Mac. Last years Resident Evil: Village was the eighth game in the long-running series, although it was the first ever to arrive on the Mac, and also one of the first games written specifically to run on Macs with Apple Silicon. However, Resident Evil 4 is actually a newer game (sort of) as its a remake of the original Resident Evil 4, which was first released back in 2005.Being a newer game means that its considerably more expensive, though, weighing in at a rather hefty $59.99/57.99. However, it works hard to earn its keep with juiced-up visuals and a reimagined story as well as improved controls for combat and other character actions. And, thankfully, you can actually download the game for free and play through the opening section, before deciding if you want to go ahead and buy the full version of the game as an in-app purchase (along with some rather pricey DLC packs too).This installment follows the adventures of special agent Leon S. Kennedy a floppy-haired special agent from an earlier game in the series who has now been recruited to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the US President. Tracking her down to a village in Spain, Leon encounters a spooky cult called Los Iluminados, who have turned the villagers into crazed killers. You have to fight your way past the villagers and confront various bosses as you track down the Presidents daughter and attempt to uncover the cults true plans. Resident Evil 4 has some good jump scares along the way, but its more action-oriented than Village and doesnt have quite the same creepy and tense atmospherics. It certainly keeps you busy, though, as you shoot and slice your way through the villagers, and encounter the mysterious figures who control the cult. And, of course, its pretty gorey too, with a 17+ age rating.Like Resident Evil: Village, this game runs on Macs with Apple Silicon, and it ran pretty well even on a 24-inch iMac with a basic M1 processor. It felt a little sluggish initially, but seemed to run quite smoothly once we turned the resolution down to 1,920 x 1,080, and experimented with some of the graphics settings (the game will also run on iPads with Apple Silicon, and even on the iPhone 15 Pro as well).4. Total War: Pharaoh New for Mac usersAfter a fairly epic detour into the fantasy worlds of Warhammer, the Total War series is back on its home turf once more, returning to the more traditional historical settings that the games have explored in the past. This time its ancient Egypt for Total War: Pharaoh, set in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Bronze Age, and covering the lands of Egypt itself, as well as neighboring Canaan and the Hittite Empire.There are eight factions spread across these three lands, all competing to take the throne of Egypt and become the next Pharoah (with additional factions available to purchase as DLC on Steam). Each faction has its own leader, with their own individual strengths and abilities, such as the reckless young warrior Ramesses (who has a tendency to put the chariot before the horses), and the cunning Tausret, who uses diplomacy and finance to pull the levers of power. If youre new to the game then there are several tutorials available that introduce the basics of battle, as well as more advanced tactics, such as siege warfare, and learning how to use the land and weather to your advantage.Pharoah might not have the otherworldly spectacle of the Warhammer games, but it still looks great, with spectacular vistas as the rival armies charge across the desert dunes. Unfortunately, the game doesnt run on older Macs that have Intel processors, but it ran quite smoothly on an iMac with a basic M1 processor when set to 19201080 resolution (and using the new gaming mode in macOS Sonoma). The main single-player campaign should keep you busy for quite a while, and as well as creating custom battles to hone your skills you can also customize the main campaign, adjusting the troops, resources and money that are available to make the game more challenging. Its a shame, though, that the games multiplayer mode only allows you to play with other Mac users, as this means that without being able to play against PC users youll have a fairly limited choice of online opponents.5. Baldurs Gate 3 Best single-player RPGThe original Baldurs Gate games were classics of the RPG genre when the series was launched almost 25 years ago, but their 2D graphics havent aged well, despite an HD update in 2012. However, the forthcoming Baldurs Gate 3 brings the series well and truly up to date with slick 3D graphics and a vast adventure that looks set to match the epic scale of its predecessors.Its actually been available in early access on Steam since 2020, but the game finally has a firm release date for August 2023 so you can now dive in and test drive the early chapters of the game to prepare yourself for the arrival of the full game in just a few months time. Its not a true sequel as the story and the main characters are all new set more than 100 years after BG2 although it is still set in the famous Baldurs Gate region from the popular Dungeons & Dragons table-top games (and spoiler alert some familiar faces do make a welcome reappearance).Rather than the powerful, god-like being that you became in Baldurs Gate II, the new game lets you start from scratch with an entirely new character, chosen from the traditional D&D selection of races and classes humans, elves, dwarves, wizards, warriors and rogues and you then awake to find yourself prisoner on a flying ship controlled by Mindflayers (a familiar villain from D&D lore). The ship is attacked by dragons, but youre able to escape only to find that a Mindflayer larva has been implanted inside your brain. So, along with other survivors from the crashed ship, you set out to try to find a cure and then quickly find yourself embroiled in a mysterious war between the Mindflayers and an assortment of enemy races who wont be fully revealed until the games launch in the summer. The 3D graphics really bring the game to life as you and your companions wade into combat, but the spectacular visuals do need a fairly fast Mac in order to run properly. The developers says that the game will run on an Intel Mac with a quad-core CPU and an AMD graphics card, or on most Macs with M1 or M2 processors. However, we had to drop the resolution to just 1600900 on our M1 iMac in order to get a playable 25fps, so an M1 Pro or higher might be better. Fortunately, the games turn-based combat doesnt require lightning reflexes and high-speed action, so you can still get by with an M1 Mac if you need to.The decision to opt for turn-based combat might worry old-timers like yours truly who remember the terrific real-time-with-pause system of the original games. But turn-based is the trend these days, and if my time in the early access game is anything to go by then youll find that the old Baldurs Gate magic will soon tempt you in as you gather your party before venturing forth just like the good old days!6. Valheim Best survival gameThere arent many survival games that have made it onto the Mac, so we were pleasantly surprised when developer Iron Gate recently announced a Mac version of its hugely successful Valheim. The PC game has been available in early access since 2021 which means that youre essentially paying to play a beta version of the game but its received a series of updates over the last couple of years that add more and more features, and the game has now sold more than 10 million copies.Valheim follows the standard format for the survival. genre. Rather than providing a central story or quest, it simply drops you into the world of Valheim, which is based on Norse mythology, and then just leaves you to get on with things and decide how you want to play. The world includes several different biomesregions with different terrain and climateincluding leafy forests, snowy mountains or the barren Ashlands that were added in a recent update. Youll start in a fairly welcoming leafy glade, where you can gather food and materials for crafting and building yourself a home. Many people seem quite happy to spend a lot of their time working on their homestead, hunting and crafting to make themselves comfortable in their new home (a bit like the Sims, except with Vikings and monsters). But, as you develop your crafting and building skills, youll need to wander a bit further afield and explore other biomes in order to find new materials and resources.As you visit each biome youll encounter a variety of beasts and monsters, which will force you to craft more powerful weapons and hone your Viking fighting skills. Each biome also has its own boss monster that you have to defeat as well, with the ultimate goalwhen the game eventually emerges from early accessof reaching Viking heaven in Valhalla. Its quite a challenging game, and the intentionally retro 3D graphics may not appeal to everyone, but many people are happy to spend months at a time just exploring, hunting and building their home in Valheim. If things get a bit tough then theres a co-op mode available so that you can recruit up to nine friends to help you out, and the old-school graphics mean that the game runs well even on older Intel-based Macs (although Macs with Apple Silicon will need to be running macOS 14.0 or later). Its available on both Steam and the Mac App Store but just remember that this is an early access game, so you may experience a few bugs along the way.7. Elder Scrolls Online (Gold Road Update) Best non-subscription MMO Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Epic GamesElder Scrolls Online is one of the few MMO games that is available on the Mac, and it celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024 with the launch of a major update called Gold Road. The game has seen a lot of changes along the way both to the game itself, and also to the Mac platform, following the transition to Apple Silicon.The bad news is that developer Zenimax now states that Apple Silicon is not officially supported. In fact, the game does run on Macs with Apple Silicon thanks to Rosetta although some users have reported poor performance even on high-end Mac models. However, I was able to get a perfectly playable 40fps when running the game at 2,560 x 1,440 resolution with high graphics settings on my MacBook Pro with M2 Pro, and 55fps on medium graphics. Theres no free trial available for Elder Scrolls Online, but the game does run free play events every few months that allow you to play free of charge for a couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for these events if youd like to check the game out before buying.One of the good things about Elder Scrolls Online is that unlike MMO rivals such as World Of Warcraft it doesnt require a subscription to play. You do need to pay $19.99/15.99 for the base game (until end of June 2024 this is $5.99 at Epic), or $49.99/42.99 for the complete Gold Road Collection which includes a whole decades worth of expansion packs but after that you can play for as long as you want without having to pay a monthly subscription (although a subscription is available as an optional extra). Even the base game is huge, with a vast continent full of snowy mountains, windswept deserts and murky marshes for you to explore. There are epic quests, a wide range of skills and abilities to master and, of course, there are the inevitable dungeons and quite a few dragons that you can face on your adventures as well. As always, the Gold Road expansion adds a new region for you to explore, and a major new storyline called The Return Of Ithelia. It also introduces a major new magic system to the game, called Scribing, which provides new skills and spells that can be customized so that you can create a unique set of skills that really allow you to play just the way that you want.8. Diablo III: 2024 Update: Best Action RPGIts a little over 12 years since we originally reviewed the Mac version of Diablo III, and its safe to say that a lot has changed since then. The game still runs on Macs, but the transition to Apple Silicon has meant that it relies on Rosetta to run on modern Macs, and umpteen new versions of the macOS have introduced a few bugs that are annoying even if they dont completely break the game.Now, completely out of the blue, the developers at Blizzard have announced an update to version 2.7.8 that brings Diablo III right up to date for Mac users. As well as being compatible with the most recent versions of the macOS and ironing out those old bugs, Diablo III now runs natively on Macs with either Intel processors or Apple Silicon and thats quite surprising for a game thats this old.Season 30 was the end of the road for new game content, but Blizzard did introduce a number of new features that should help to keep diehard players interested. The new Solo Self Found mode (SSF) is a completely single-player mode that forces you to rely purely on weapons and items that you find on your own. A new feature called Visions Of Enmity opens portals to a series of mini-levels that are crammed full of monsters, but which provide a chest full of loot once you reach the final level. Theres also the Altar Of Rites, where you can sacrifice some of your hard-earned loot to gain a series of bonuses and buffs that will help you tackle the games many challenges in solo mode.The 2.7.8 update also arrived at the same time as Season 33 of Diablo III, that revisits the Shades Of The Nephilim theme and allows you to summon clone versions of your character to help you in battle.Unfortunately, Diablo IV, which was launched in 2023, still isnt available for the Mac at all, but at least this revamp of Diablo III provides plenty of dungeon-crawling fun for Mac users. And, of course, there are options that may allow you to run Diablo IV as well, if you read our guide to the best virtual machine software for Macs.Read our full Diablo III review 9. The Elder Scrolls Online (High Isle Collection) Best non-subscription MMOBest Prices Today: $19.99 at Bethesda Along with World Of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls Online or ESO to its thousands of fans is one of the few A-List MMO titles that still supports the Mac (sadly, we lost Guild Wars 2 a couple of years ago). But, unlike WoW, you dont need to pay a monthly subscription to play the game, which makes it great value for players who want to immerse themselves in hundreds of hours of quests and adventures in the games online world of Tamriel. Some people i.e. me also prefer its grittier graphical style to the Disney-esque cartoon graphics of WoW.ESO keeps its fans coming back year after year by releasing regular expansions which it refers to as Chapters, as each new chapter brings a new story and a new series of quests to the game, as well as opening up new zones for you to explore. The latest chapter is High Isle, which takes you to the homeland of the games Breton race, and throws you into a story of political intrigue involving High Isles rival factions and a mysterious organization known as the Ascendent Order. Other new features include a new deck-building card game that you can play to while away a few hours, and two new computer-controlled companions for players who prefer to go questing on their own. And, of course, there are plenty of new quests to complete and dungeons waiting to be plundered.You can buy the base version of the game for $19.99/15.99 (until end of June 2024 this is $5.99 at Epic), or buy the High Isle Collection, which includes High Isle and all the previous chapters for $49.99/42.99. Or, if you already own the game, you can just upgrade with High Isle on its own for $29.99/24.99. Once youve bought the game you can play for as long as you want without paying a monthly subscription, and there are enough dungeons and quests already available to keep you busy for years. However, you can pay for an optional subscription if you want ($14.99/8.99), which provides bonuses such as a larger inventory for storing all your gear and some extra gold coins to spend in the games online store.The Mac version of ESO did have a wobbly patch, around the time of Catalina, but it now runs well on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and we were able to get a playable 30fps from the game at 19201080 resolution even on a basic M1 processor on our 24-inch iMac.10. Resident Evil: Village Best horror gameThe Resident Evil games are the sort of A-List titles that rarely come to the Mac, so the announcement at 2022s WWDC that Resident Evil: Village would be released on the Mac at the end of the year was big news for Mac gamers. The game doesnt disappoint either, providing a series of creepy locations for you to explore, and a variety of supernatural menaces to fight against.Mac users, of course, will be new to the games, but Village starts off with a brief recap of the previous game to bring us up to date. Three years ago in Resident Evil 7 Ethan Winters and his wife, Mia, were trapped by the Baker family in Louisiana, who had been infected and mutated by a mysterious black mold. They managed to escape, assisted by para-military operative Chris Redfield, and then three years pass by before things start to get weird all over again. Ethan and Mia are now living peacefully, along with their young daughter, Rose, until Redfield suddenly reappears, gunning Mia down in cold blood and kidnapping Rose. So, playing as Ethan, you now have to pick up the trail and try to figure out what is going on.Its a frustrating game to get into at first, as the early stages of the game simply involve stumbling around a dark forest, liberally scattered with dead animals. Eventually, though, you discover the Village of the title, which is under siege by wolf-like Lycans, and find clues that suggest your daughter is being held in the conveniently creepy nearby castle. The pace barely lets up after that, with the game combining atmospheric horror and manic combat in equal measure (not to mention enough gore and bad language to merit a 17 age rating).Apple used the game at WWDC to demonstrate the graphical performance of its new M2 chips but the good news is that we found the game runs pretty well even on a 24-inch iMac with the older M1 chip. The bad news is that (a) it doesnt run on Intel Macs at all, and (b) youre paying extra for the Mac version, which costs $39.99/34.99 on the Mac App Store, while the Windows version released in 2021 is half that price on Steam. Its still a great game, though, and hopefully its just the first of many A-List titles that we can look forward to on the Mac in the new couple of years.11. World Of Warcraft: Dragonflight Best subscription MMOWorld Of Warcraft has dominated the MMO genre for almost two decades now, and is one of the few A-list games to have staunchly supported the Mac throughout its history in fact, it even provided an update that allowed the game to run on Apple Silicon Macs as early as November 2020. Its had a few ups and downs in recent years both in the real-world and in the games virtual world of Azeroth but the release of the Dragonflight expansion at the end of 2022 was a welcome return to form, providing some important new features and also updating some of the more dated aspects of the game.Dragonflight costs $49.99/39.99, and is required in order to enjoy new features such as raising your characters to the new maximum of Level 70. It also gives you access to the Dragon Isles, which contain four major new zones for you to explore and go adventuring. The Dragon Isles are also home to a new playable race of draconic humanoids called Dracthyrs, who can play as the new Evoker class, which has the ability to choose between either healing or combat abilities.And, on entering the Dragon Isles, you can also obtain your own drake a flying dragon that allows you to learn a new set of dragonriding skills that let you fly further, faster and higher as you explore the new zones. Throw in a more streamlined skill tree and a number of improvements to WoWs aging interface, and the entire game feels more sprightly than it has done for several years. You dont have to buy Dragonflight straight away though, as WoW still provides a free trial that takes you up to Level 20 for free, while owners of previous versions of the game can still continue to play without the new Dragonflight features by paying for a monthly subscription ($12.99/9.99 per month, with discounts for three-month or six-month subscriptions).12. Classic Marathon Best Retro Action GameBest Prices Today: Free at SteamApple is trying very hard to encourage games developers to come back to the Mac, but around 30 years ago there was a time when big-names such as Bungie actually developed their games on the Mac first (until Bungie was taken over by Microsoft).Before Bungie hit the big time with Halo, it made a name for itself with the Marathon series. The original Marathon games stopped running on the Mac long ago, but the entire Marathon series was recently revived with the help of an open-source programming team called Aleph One. The first Marathon game is now available on Steam as a free download now called Classic Marathon and it runs on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.The game is a real blast of retro fun, set aboard a space ship called The Marathon, which has been boarded by alien invaders. Your task is pretty straightforward and mostly involves running along lots of corridors blasting the living daylights out of the aliens. Along the way, you can log in to computer terminals that provide access to the ships onboard AI, which points you toward your next target or sends you looking for useful information. Theres a plot twist, though, as there seem to be rival AIs at work, each with their own agenda, and this keeps you thinking about what comes next, as well as just exercising your trigger finger in combat.The games old-school graphics obviously look a bit dated these days, but they have a lot of charm, and theres a sense of satisfaction as you carefully attempt to pick off your enemies without wasting too much ammo and a real sense of relief when you come across some spare ammo packs lying on the ground too.The somewhat clumsy control system isnt quite so charming it took me some time reading around on the Internet to discover that theres no Save Game command, so you just have to hope you can survive all the way to the next checkpoint, where your game is saved automatically. But thats part of the fun, as it puts extra pressure on you to stay alive, and to keep searching for hidden areas that may reward you with extra ammo or weapons. The two sequels Marathon 2 and Marathon Infinity are also available, although youll need to download the open-source files from Aleph Ones own website, or wait for them to arrive on Steam for a more straightforward download and installation process.13. Total War: Warhammer III Best strategy gameBest Prices Today: $59.99 at FeralPerhaps the biggest game release of 2022 on the Mac, Total War: Warhammer III provided a truly epic conclusion to this popular series of strategy games. Theres no need to worry if you havent played any of the earlier games, though, as this three-quel includes an optional prologue, called The Lost God, that can act as an introduction for people who are new to the world of Warhammer.This prologue explains that the great Beard God, Ursun, who is worshipped by the human kingdom of Kislev has been imprisoned in the demonic Realms Of Chaos. In Ursuns absence, a terrible winter has fallen over Kislev, so you start by playing Prince Barkov of Kislev, who leads a small band of warriors to discover the fate of Ursun. This section also acts as a tutorial for people who might be new to strategy games, and when youre up to speed you can progress to the main campaign in which rival factions compete to reach Ursun and use his godly powers for their own ends. As well the people of Kislev, you can command another human kingdom called Grand Cathay, or turn to the dark side by playing one of the many demonic princes who all have their own monstrous armies. Theres Nurgle, the Plague Lord, whose somewhat squishy troops spread disease and decay, along with Khorne, the Blood God, the hedonistic Slaanesh, and Tzeentch, the master of Chaos Magic. And, finally, theres the uber Daemon Price, whose powers and even body parts can be customized so that you can create a playing style thats all your own. You can also buy additional DLC packs that add new factions and races to the game. Theres also a free add-on called Immortal Empires, which brings together campaign maps, factions and battles from all three Warhammer games into one vast and endlessly replayable series of battles.The good news is that the game will run on any Mac with an M1 or M2 processor and we found that it ran at a smooth 30-40fps at 19201080 resolution even on a 24-inch iMac with a standard M1 processor. But while Intel Macs with AMD graphics may be able to run the game, there are a few technical glitches that can affect these Macs, so the game isnt officially supported on Intel Macs.14. Football Manager 2024 Best Football Game (aka Soccer for those in the U.S.) There arent a lot of sports games available on the Mac, but the Football Manager series is a longtime supporter, and we get the 2024 edition at the same time as the PC and console versions too. The game is currently available via the Steam and Epic stores, but should also be coming to Apple Arcade soon as well. Theres also a new version of Football Manager 2024 Touch available for the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. And, somewhat confusingly, the App Store also has a separate version, called Football Manager Mobile, which is only available to Netflix subscribers.One of the biggest changes this year is the arrival of the J-League, with 60 Japanese teams now added to the game, along with Japanese language support as well. There are also new playing modes, such as Real World where players in your games move to new teams on the same dates as they do in real life.Each new version of the game tends to bring graphical improvements, and FM24 provides smoother animations for players as they charge around the pitch, more realistic physics for ball movement, and enhanced lighting effects to create a greater sense of atmosphere. And, of course, there are the inevitable AI features, such as the introduction of Intermediaries that you can hire to go out and hustle for the best prices when youre thinking of selling some players. There are also new Set Piece Coaches, who can help you to choose the best players for events such as free-kicks and corners. However, youre up against tougher AI managers on opposition teams too, as they can now make smarter decisions when purchasing players that suit their tactical style.The game also follows recent trends in tactical play, such as the greater use of positional play, which allows players to switch positions when your team has possession. The sheer depth of all these tactical options means that Football Manager can be a bit daunting for more casual fans of the game, but theres a demo version available on both Steam and Epic, so you can have a quick kick-about to see how you get on before buying the full game.15. Grid Legends: Deluxe Edition Best Racing GameIts been quite a while since any of the Grid games were released on the Mac and, in fact, the Windows version of Grid Legends was first launched back at the start of 2022. However, the Deluxe Edition thats just been launched on the Mac App Store does include all the games recent DLC add-ons listed at more than $60/60 on Steam for the Windows version so its great value for racing fans on the Mac.You dont have to be an ace F1 driver to play Grid Legends, though, as the game includes a variety of different modes that can appeal to casual players as well as experienced drivers who want a more demanding and realistic driving simulation. The game starts by throwing you into its Story mode, called Driven To Glory, which follows the Seneca Racing team as it tries to make its name in the new season. As well as following the action through a series of races, the Story mode is also presented as a kind of behind-the-scenes documentary, with video cut-scenes and interviews with some of the main drivers (including an appearance by the pre-Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa).Story mode is a good way for beginners to get started, but more experienced drivers can jump straight ahead into the Career mode. This provides five difficulty levels, and allows you to work your way up from rookie to a seasoned pro driver. There are 10 different racing discplines available, including Drift, Elimination and the arcade-action of Classic Car-nage, and the game lets you play on 24 different tracks in locations such as Brands Hatch, Barcelona Dubai and Miami.As you progress through the season, you can unlock 120 different vehicles, with different handling properties to suit your driving style. Theres also a Garage mode where you can upgrade and fine-tune your car to suit different terrain and weather conditions. The game also includes a Race Creator mode, where you can design your own custom race events, using different tracks, vehicles and weather conditions. Its a shame, though, that the Mac version of the game is single-player only, and doesnt have the multiplayer mode thats available on the PC version. The game also requires an Apple Silicon processor, and doesnt run on older Intel Macs. However, it ran more than fast enough for my somewhat chaotic driving skills on an M1 iMac with medium graphics and 1600900 resolution, so you dont need a super-fast Mac to put your pedal to the metal.16. Lies of P Apples Mac Game Of The YearThere arent many soulsborne games available on the Mac so called because they follow the format of the popular Lost Souls and Bloodborne games available on PC and consoles but Lies Of P arrived on the Mac App Store recently and immediately walked off with Apples award for Mac Game Of The Year.The game is dedicated to Carlo Collodi, the author who created Pinocchio, and your main character is referred to as the puppet of Gepetto, so its clear who youre supposed to be. This isnt the cute Disney version of Pinocchio, though for starters the little wooden boy has grown a bionic metal arm to give him some extra muscle, and one of your first tasks is to pick up a sword and choose a path that determines your fighting style. The Path Of The Sweeper tends to focus on heavy, two-handed weapons, while the Path Of The Bastard lets you fight with lighter, faster weapons. Or, as a safe bet, you can choose the Path Of The Cricket, which combines elements of the other two fighting styles.Your puppet boy wakes in the city of Krat, a kind of steam-punk dystopia that has been over-run by rampaging puppets who have turned against their human masters. Guided by a cricket called Gemini (because Disney owns the name Jiminy Cricket) you fight your way across the city to locate Gepetto and end the puppet revolt. Like all soulsborne games, Lies Of P is very challenging, with a wide range of combat moves and skills that you have to master as you fight your way across the city. And, as the name suggests, the game also allows you to choose between telling lies or the truth as you encounter other characters in the game. The developers recommend using a game controller, rather than mouse and keyboard, and the game only runs on Apple Silicon, with no support for older Intel Macs. An M2 is recommended, but we still found the game playable on an iMac with a basic M1 processor, when running on medium graphics settings at 19201080, so most recent Mac models should be able to handle the game without too much trouble.The best games you can play on a Mac The best of the rest, in alphabetical order Alien: Isolation The Collection: Best Action GameCompany: Feral Interactive Where to buy: Steam ($49.99/34.99), Mac App Store ($39.99/38.99)System requirements: Mac OS X 10.5, 2.0GHz dual-core Intel processor, 4GB RAM, 1GB graphics cardMost of the games based on the Alien films have been pretty awful in fact, Alien: Colonial Marines even prompted a lawsuit back in 2013 from disgruntled customers who felt theyd been misled by the advertising for the game. Fortunately, as our friends over at GameAgent recently remarked, Alien: Isolation is one of the good Alien games.Originally released for the PC in 2015, Alien: Isolation has arrived on the Mac and does a great job of capturing the tension and atmosphere of that very first Alien film. The game is set 15 years after Alien, following the discovery of the black-box flight-recorder from Ellen Ripleys ship, The Nostromo. Ripley, of course, is still missing, so her daughter Amanda heads off to recover the black-box from the space station that found it.No prizes for guessing what Amanda and her team discover when they arrive at the space station: a toothy xenomorph on the loose, and gradually working its way through the terrified crew. Your task as Amanda is not to go in with all guns blazing, but simply to avoid the alien and stay alive hiding inside a locker, or creating a distraction that will draw the alien away for a few crucial seconds.The game creates a real sense of tension, and the computer-controlled alien is smart enough to provide a really formidable foe. This collection also includes a number of bonus missions, including Crew Expendable, which re-enacts events from the original Alien film. However, the games system requirements are pretty high, so you should check that your Mac is up to it before buying the game.Baldurs Gate II: Enhanced Edition: Best RPGCompany: Beamdog Where to buy: Steam ($4.99/3.74), Mac App Store ($19.99/19.99)System requirements: Mac OS X 10.7, dual-core Intel processor, 4GB RAM, 2.5GB hard diskThe original Baldurs Gate II was released way back in 1988 by the roleplaying gods at Bioware, and its 2D graphics will look pretty dated to anyone that has played modern roleplaying games such as Biowares Dragon Age series. Even so, its an essential purchase for anyone that has even the slightest interest in roleplaying games, and the sheer size of the game means that its excellent value for money.Its a shame that this updated Enhanced Edition couldnt be brought right up to date with more modern 3D graphics, but it does get a cosmetic makeover with high-def versions of the original artwork, so it doesnt look too bad on modern computer screens. Besides, whether in 2D or 3D, Biowares great strength has always been its story-telling skill, and Baldurs Gate II is as captivating now as it was nearly 30 years ago. Its very much traditional fantasy fare with you taking on the role of a warrior, wizard, rogue or cleric but its done on a truly grand scale. Your character is just one of many mortal offspring spawned by the evil god Bhaal, and the game pits you against several of your own brothers and sisters as they vie to succeed Bhaal and claim his power as their own.There are hundreds and hundreds of quests along the way around 300 hours worth if you try to complete them all including power struggles within the guild of Shadow Thieves, and an epic battle with the wizard Irenicus, played in full scenery-chewing mode by Brit character actor David Warner. Throw in the return of bonkers barbarian Minsc and his giant space-hamster Boo, and BGII is a real retro treat for RPG fans.Braid: Best Platform GameCompany: Hothead Games Where to buy: Mac App Store ($10.99/10.99), Steam ($14.99/10.99)System requirements: OS X 10.6.6 or laterThe first time you play Braid, you might be forgiven for thinking youve just bought a late 90s puzzle platformer. You jump and run like Mario, kill monsters by jumping on their heads and collect puzzle pieces. And then youre introduced to Braids killer feature: you can turn back time.As you progress, you realise that this is a crucial part of the games mechanics. There are sections you cant complete without winding back the action. Add in some fiendishly designed levels, a lot of old-school gaming and a genuinely great soundtrack, and you realise why Braid won all those awards.Civilization V: Brave New World Best Strategy GameCompany: AspyrWhere to buy: Steam ($29.99/19.99), Green Man Gaming ($29.99/19.99), Mac App Store ($29.99/28.99)System requirements: OS X 10.6.8 or laterThe Civilization strategy games basic formula remains the same: you start with a bunch of cavemen and progress through history to create a civilisation that will rule the world. But the Civ series has long since passed the point where all you had to do was build up a big army. Civilization V beefed up the diplomacy elements and the Gods and Kings expansion pack added religion to the mix. Brave New World adds even more depth.There are nine new civilisations, including Portugal, Morocco, Brazil and the Zulus, but the real substance in Brave New World lies in the new cultural and ideological systems. The Culture Victory, for instance, is a new way of conquering the world, whereby nations can place musicians, writers and artists in key buildings, such as the Globe Theatre in London.Theres combat aplenty if thats how you like your strategy games, but the political, religious and cultural elements that it adds to the mix create a game in which you really can develop an entire civilisation, rather than just building up a big army.Read our full Civilization V: Brave New World review.Disco Elysium: Best Detective RPGCompany: ZAUMWhere to buy: Steam ($39.99/34.99), GOG ($43.59/34.99), Mac App Store ($39.99/38.99)System requirements: Mac with OS X v10.13.4 or later, Metal-Compatible graphics cardIts tough being a Mac gamer sometimes, watching great new games always arriving first on PC and often never being released on the Mac at all. Last years launch of Disco Elysium was particularly galling for RPG fans, as we watched the PC version of the game mop up awards all over the place. However, the Mac version of Disco Elysium has suddenly appeared, with no advance publicity, and is widely available on all the main online game stores.As mentioned, Disco Elysium is a roleplaying game, but instead of medieval fantasy or futuristic sci-fi, the game casts you in the role of a drunken detective in a sort-of-contemporary setting, in the town of Revachol.You wake one morning in a sleazy hotel, with a mega-hangover, barely knowing who you are. After locating your trousers, you explore the hotel and encounter your partner, who reminds you that you are a detective investigating a murder case. You then set off to explore the local neighbourhood, interrogating suspects and looking for clues as you try to crack the case.Despite the contemporary setting many traditional roleplaying features are still in evidence you can choose an archetype for your character, such as the Thinker who relies on deductive skills, or take the Physical approach and try to intimidate suspects for information. Theres also an extensive set of additional skills, such as empathy or logic, that you can use to help you in your investigation. You dont need to get too bogged down in stats and details, though, and youll soon be able to head off and explore the neighbourhood, which is wonderfully depicted, with grimy graphics and atmospheric music.Disco Elysium is the sort of absorbing, immersive game that can absorb you for hours on end. However, the system requirements for the 3D graphics are quite steep, so check to make sure your Mac can handle it first. Some of the language is a bit ripe too, so this definitely isnt a game for younger children.Divinity: Original Sin 2: Best Multiplayer RPGCompany: Larian StudiosWhere to buy: Steam ($26.99/17.99), Mac App Store ($44.99/43.99)System requirements: macOS 10.13.6 or later, MacBook Pro 2016 or later, MacBook Air 2017 or later, iMac with AMD graphics 2013 or later, Mac Mini 2018At the end of 2018, the developers at Larian Studios announced that they were working with Apple in itself a bit of a shock as Apple generally shows bugger-all interest in games on the Mac to develop a Mac version of Original Sin 2 (one of the greatest RPGs of all time) using Apples Metal graphics system. Theres nothing half-hearted about the Mac version, either as well as using Metal for the impressive 3D graphics, the game supports HDR (high dynamic range) on the latest Macs, as well as Mac-specific features such as Apple trackpads and the TouchBar on new MacBook Pro models. And the games multiplayer mode even works across both Macs and PCs, so you can play online with your friends (as long as youve all got the latest patches and updates). The only drawback here is that the Metal graphics require a fairly powerful Mac, so make sure to check the games system requirements before buying.Dont worry if youve havent played the original game, as this sequel remains in the fantasy world of Rivellon, but steps forward in time and allows you to embark on an entirely new adventure. You start the game in a bit of trouble, as youve been captured and sentenced to jail for using a dangerous magical force called Source. Using Source gives you and other Sourcerors great power, but it also creates a gateway to another dimension called The Void, allowing evil creatures to invade Rivellon. And, yep you guessed it your job is to save the world from the invading demons.The game begins with a helpful tutorial to get new players started, and newcomers can also opt for a ready-made origin character that has already been set up for you. More experienced players can delve into character creation, with a wide variety of races on offer with standard options such as humans, dwarves and elves complemented by more exotic lizards and undead and the game also offers several difficulty levels and modes to cater for different playing styles and levels of experience.It might all sound like fairly routine fantasy fare, but Original Sin 2 is tremendously well-made and involving. There are few simple good-versus-evil choices, and sometimes youll find yourself wracked with guilt because you simply cant find a nice, clean solution to a particular problem or a tricky side-quest. The solo game by itself will keep even hardened roleplaying fans absorbed through the dark winter months, and the various online and multiplayer modes will ensure that Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a game that youll come back to time and time again.Elder Scrolls Online (plus Blackwood expansion): Best MMORPGCompany: ZenimaxWhere to buy: Green Man Gaming ($59.99/42.49), Steam ($59.99/49.99). This is for the base game plus the expansion set; both sites also sell the base game, or just the upgrade, for a lower priceSystem requirements: macOS 10.13, Mac with quad-core CPU, discrete GPU with 1GB VRAMThe Elder Scrolls Online is one of the few A-list MMORPG titles that supports the Mac, and ever since its launch back in 2014 the developers at Zenimax have kept their loyal players coming back by updating the game with a regular series of new chapters. These are essentially expansion packs that add more content, and occasionally new features too. But every year or so, Zenimax releases an update that makes major changes to the game in order to keep it feeling fresh and exciting and 2021s Blackwood expansion is one of the biggest updates for quite some time.The changes begin as soon as you enter the game. Even if you havent bought the Blackwood expansion theres a new introductory tutorial that sends you to the island of Balfiera, where you can learn the ropes by helping the local townsfolk to fend off an invading army of monsters. Once youve completed the tutorial youre given the option of entering a portal that can send you anywhere in the vast world of ESO.If you decide to head off to Blackwood, youll discover a vast new zone, full of quests and challenging dungeons. Blackwood also introduces a new companion system, which allows solo players to recruit a computer-controlled companion who can fight alongside you. This will be great for players like me who tend to play solo most of the time, with the new companion helping you to complete quests and tasks that might previously have been a bit too tough for one player on their own.Blackwood also introduces a new Gates of Oblivion storyline that will continue developing throughout this year, with a major quest that pits you against the demonic Prince Of Destruction, as he schemes to invade the mortal realm. The good news is that you dont have to pay the full price for Blackwood right away, as the original base game now costs just 14.99/$19.99 and no longer requires a monthly subscription to play. That contains enough action and adventure to keep you happy for months, before you decide if you want to visit Blackwood as well.Final Fantasy XIV Online: Best MMORPGCompany: Square Enix Where to buy: Square Enix US store (from $19.99, plus $14.99 per month) or Square Enix EU store (from 9.99 + 7.69 monthly subscription); free trial also availableSystem requirements: Mac with OS X v10.14 or later, 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 processorAs weve mentioned in the past, Final Fantasy XIV has had a bit of a chequered history with the original Mac version in 2015 being so bad that the developers actually offered refunds. However, a series of updates over the past few years have seen FFXIV emerge as one of the top games in the MMORPG genre despite the fact that, until recently, it was one of the few MMORPGs that still required a subscription to play.The latest update, which is now called Final Fantasy XIV Online, gives the game another major revamp, reworking the central quest system in order to give players a smoother introduction to the games vast online world. It also incorporates the Heavensward expansion pack that was previously sold separately, giving you even more quests and adventures to explore. Most important, though, is the new free trial system, which allows new players to sign up for a free account that provides access to vast areas of the game without paying for a subscription (although, to be honest, the registration process is a bit of a chore).Players with a trial account can take their characters all the way to level 60 the maximum level with a subscription is 80 and explore the main game and all the extra zones and quests in Heavensward for free. If you want to advance beyond L60 and explore new character classes and other new features then you will still need to buy a copy of the game and pay for a continuing subscription. However, you can start for as little as 9.99/$19.99 for the Online Starter Edition, and then decide if you want to continue your subscription, and buy the latest Shadowbringer expansion pack as well.Hearthstone: Best card gameCompany: BlizzardWhere to buy: playhearthstone.com (free to play, with in-game purchases)System requirements: macOS 10.10, Intel Core Duo, Nvidia GeForce 8600M or AMD Radeon HD 2600 ProHearthstone has been around for a few years now, and Blizzards typically slick presentation quickly established it as one of the leading computer card games. Like most card games, the basic version of Hearthstone is free to play, but offers a wide range of card packs that you can either buy with real money starting from 2.99/2.99 for two packs of five cards or earn by collecting gold and treasure within the game itself.Picking up a trick from the long-running success of World Of Warcraft, Blizzard also releases special expansion packs for Hearthstone every now and then, which bring new features to the game, as well as new cards and other goodies.But Hearthstone is still a fun game to play, even if you dont want to spend a lot of money buying all the latest expansions. Its a good option for newcomers to card games, with a simple tutorial that guides you through the main features of the game, and the basic/free version of Hearthstone still includes several different game modes that you can play in order to win new cards without spending any money at all. The game runs on most types of computer and mobile devices too, so you can switch between Mac, iOS and other devices using the same game account.Lego Star Wars Saga: Best Lego GameCompany: Feral InteractiveWhere to buy: Steam ($19.99/15.49), Mac App Store ($19.99/19.99)System requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.8; 1.5GHz Intel processor; graphics card with 128MB VRAMNo home should be without at least one Lego game, and if you pick up the Saga version you get the six games based on the Star Wars films for an affordable price.The sheer fun of playing with the Lego versions of Luke, Han, Yoda and Darth Vader will appeal to both adults and children. The six games in this pack offer a variety of different scenarios, including space battles, lightsaber duels, and the famous battle on the ice planet of Hoth. If youre a Star Wars fan, Feral has also released a new Lego game based on the Clone Wars cartoon series, and there are other Lego games based on the Batman, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones films as well.Life Is Strange: Best Adventure GameCompany: Feral InteractiveWhere to buy: Green Man Gaming ($3.20/2.56), Steam ($19.99/15.99, first episode free), Mac App Store ($17.99/17.99)System requirements: Mac with OS X v10.11 or later, 2.0GHz dual-core Intel processor, 8GB RAM, 512MB VRAMAt first glance, Life Is Strange looks like a fairly conventional adventure game. You play a teenage girl called Max Caulfield who is having a bit of a bad day at school. Max ducks out of class and heads to the bathroom for a time-out, and as you wander the school corridors you can click on objects or people around you to gather information that guides you through the game. Thats routine adventure stuff, but life starts to get strange when Max witnesses the murder of her friend Chloe and discovers that she has the ability to turn back time.Saving Chloe reveals a deeper mystery concerning a missing student called Rachel, so Max and Chloe set off to find Rachel and uncover the dark secrets of the sleepy town of Arcadia. Thats straightforward enough, but Chloes time-travelling abilities add a whole new dimension to the standard point-and-click adventure format. Sometimes a conversation with another character will reveal some useful information, allowing Chloe to go back and replay recent events so they have a different outcome. However, changing past events can have unexpected consequences, leading to some difficult and dangerous decisions.The story unfolds in five separate episodes, but you can check it out for free by downloading the first episode through Steam and then deciding if you want to explore the mystery further. We enjoyed its haunting, Buffy-esque depiction of the dark side of teenage life, and our only complaint is that the keyboard-and-mouse controls felt a bit clumsy so youll progress more smoothly if you have a proper game controller to help you out.Papers, Please: Best Puzzle GameCompany: 3909 LLCWhere to buy: Steam ($9.99/6.99), GOG ($9.99/7.89)System requirements: 1.5GHz Core2Duo; OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) or later; 2 GB RAM; 100MB hard disk spaceAlmost unclassifiable in normal gaming terms weve put it with the puzzlers, although its really a bizarre take on the classic worker simulation Papers, Please sees you taking up the post of border control in an authoritarian regime. Which is certainly a novel idea for a game.People enter your booth and present their papers; its your job to figure out if they can be allowed in. If you spot an irregularity in their paperwork, deny them entry. If their sob story touches your heartstrings, let them in. But if you let through too many dodgy types, or work too slowly, the money you earn will take a dip, and your family need to eat.Papers, Please is a quirky, interesting game set in a truly novel (and utterly bleak) environment. And while the level of profundity is debatable, theres definitely more going on here than in your average worker sim.Read the full Papers, Please for Mac reviewThe Sims 4: Best Sims GameCompany: Maxis Where to buy: Origin ($4.79/12.94), Best Buy ($39.99)System requirements: Mac OS X Lion; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz; nVidia GeForce 320M; 4GB RAM; 10GB available HD spaceTheres a lot to take in with the latest addition to The Sims line-up: deeper customisation, more variety with actions, new careers and new places to explore. The Sims 4 had a lot to live up to after the success of The Sims 3, but it fills its predecessors shoes beautifully.You get a deeper level of character customisation than in previous generations. While you can still browse and select preset eyes, mouth, hair, etc, The Sims 4 allows you to fine-tune your characters looks and build by clicking and dragging the area you want to tweak. Does your Sims belly protrude a little too much for your liking? Clicking on the troubled area and dragging it in will make your Sim thinner its as easy as that.The build & design mode in The Sims was the basis for the game as a whole it started off as a simulator that architects could use. And its fantastic here. Its a great experience being able to design a home exactly how you want it to be and really gets your creative juices flowing. With more design options (like the ability to build in the air with no support below), houses in The Sims 4 looks more breathtaking than ever. You can pick up and move whole rooms whenever you fancy a change, and buy whole rooms of same-style furniture. For those of us without an eye for interior design, it allows us to really appreciate the game and the design process.Day-to-day life in The Sims 4 is more enjoyable, too. If your Sim is hungry, simply click on the hunger bar and the Sim will automatically feed themselves the same applies to all their other needs too. It takes the effort out of the more mundane tasks and allows you more time to do the fun things with your Sim.The Sims 4 is a great game with so many options that youll lose yourself for hours at a time. Lewis PainterStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: Best RPGCompany: AspyrWhere to buy: Green Man Gaming ($2.80/2.01), Steam ($3.49/2.51), Mac App Store ($9.99/9.99)System requirements: Mac OS X 10.9.5, 2.2GHz dual-core Intel processor, 4GB RAM, 256MB graphics cardIts more than a decade since the original Knights Of The Old Republic was first released, but that game is still selling well on the App Store even after all these years. So it came as a bit of a surprise when we realised that this sequel originally released for PC back in 2005 has only just arrived on the Mac for the first time.Like its predecessor, KOTOR II is set thousands of years in the past, long before the events of the Star Wars film series. You play one of the last surviving Jedi, who have been almost completely wiped out after a long war with the evil Sith Lords. At the start of the game you wake up injured and with no memory of recent events. Even your trusty light-sabre has gone missing, so your initial challenge is to recover your memory and your Jedi powers, and then set off to try and find any other Jedi that may have survived.Theres a wide range of skills and abilities that you can develop as you progress through the game, and you can focus on either light-sabre combat or spooky Force Powers depending on how you want to develop your character. Theres also a strong story and roleplaying element, full of political twists and turns, and moral decisions that will affect the final outcome of the game. The 3D graphics look a little dated now, but the intriguing storyline and light-sabre action will soon have you hooked, and at just 9.99 the games a real bargain for Star Wars fans.Total War: Warhammer II: Best Strategy GameCompany: Creative Assembly/ Feral InteractiveWhere to buy: Steam ($59.99/39.99)System requirements: macOS 10.14, 2GHz Intel Core i5, Radeon R9 M290 or Intel Iris 540 with 2GB video memoryTotal War: Warhammer was a match made in Orc-heaven, as it combined the fantasy warfare of the Warhammer series with the large-scale battles of the Total War strategy games. So its no surprise that this follow-up offers more of the same, albeit with enough variety to make it worth coughing up the rather hefty 39.99/$59.99 on Steam. But you should check the games system requirements first, as the battling armies of elves, lizardmen and rodent-like Skaven need a pretty powerful Mac to handle their demanding 3D graphics.The story for the main single-player campaign is, to be honest, fairly trite fantasy fodder, with the games four rival factions competing to control a great, swirling vortex of magical energy floating up in the sky. Thats little more than an excuse to get the rival armies and heroes charging across the games vast landscapes, but the main campaign is well constructed and gives you plenty of different options for getting stuck into endless hours of fantasy fisticuffs.You can control any of the four rival races, and each race lets you choose between two Legendary Lords, who all have different storylines and starting locations, as well as their own special abilities that can be used to assist their troops in battle (and, if youre new to the Total War games, one Lord for each race also gives you a handy tutorial to get started). That gives you eight different options for playing and re-playing the game, and if you also own the original Total War: Warhammer then you get a free bonus campaign thrown in as well.The game also includes a number of Battle modes that you can dip into for a quick fix every now and then, as well as a multiplayer mode.Wildermyth: Best RPGCompany: Worldwalker GamesWhere to buy: Steam ($24.99/19.49)System requirements: Mac with OS X v10.13, 64-bit processorWildermyth is an unusual and impressive roleplaying game with flexible character development that encourages you to go back and play through it again.Its an immediately eye-catching game with papercraft graphics that look like a childs popup book, as your 2D characters use a turn-based combat system to move through hand-painted 3D environments. You start by creating a party with three characters: a warrior, a hunter (rogue) and mystic. These characters are created by the game, with their own personalities and backgrounds, although you can fine-tune each character by modifying their appearance, skills and other abilities.And, like all good roleplaying games, it allows you to make choices that affect the story and the relationships between the various characters. At various points youll be presented with options drawn like panels from a comic book rather than dull lumps of text that establish whether your characters are friends, rivals, or even in a romance, and this affects the way that the story develops and how the lives of your characters unfold.The tutorial could be a little clearer I had to look up some videos on YouTube to help me get started but the turn-based combat isnt too difficult to master, and you can develop your partys abilities to combine stealth, magic and weapon skills in any way that you like. And, at the end of each game, you can save favourite legacy characters in order to bring them back the next time you play.This is where Wildermyth really stands out, as its story is procedurally generated its not entirely random, but is flexible within a framework that is controlled by the game itself. Theres enough variety within that framework to enjoy playing through again, and gives you the luxury of being reunited with your favourite characters to see how their stories and relationships continue to develop throughout their lives.World Of Warcraft: Best MMORPGCompany: BlizzardWhere to buy: WoW (free for Starter Edition, plus $12.99/8.99 monthly subscription)System requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.8; Intel Core 2 Duo; graphics card with 256MB VRAMIts cutesy graphics arent to everyones taste, but World of Warcraft is still the game that rules the massively multiplayer online scene, with around seven million subscribers playing as wizards, priests, warriors and rogues. Part of that success is down to the release of regular expansion packs, such as 2010s Cataclysm, which quite literally shook up the landscape, destroying some old areas and introducing new zones for you to explore.The fairly regular release of new material keeps experienced players happy, but to attract new players, Blizzard announced a Starter Edition of the game that allows you to play for free until your character reaches level 20.XCOM 2: Best Strategy GameCompany: Feral Interactive Where to buy: Steam ($14.99/8.74), Mac App Store ($49.99/48.99)System requirements: Mac with OS X 10.11.2, 2.4GHz dual-core processor, discrete graphics card with 1GB VRAMThe good news is that XCOM 2 arrived on the Mac at the same time as the PC version. The bad news is that the aliens won at the end of XCOM: Enemy Unknown back in 2013. So now we jump forward 20 years and the Earth is ruled by Advent a coalition of alien overlords and their human collaborators (boo, hiss) so its up to you to lead the human resistance movement and recruit a new XCOM team to wage a guerrilla war against the alien oppressors.Like its predecessor, XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy game that provides an overhead isometric view of the battlefield so that you can plan your teams moves as they approach their target. But the moment you pull the trigger the action switches to a close-up view similar to a first person shooter that gives it a more visceral feel than most conventional strategy games.There are five soldier classes available to help you out, including Sharpshooters with their long-range sniper skills, and Grenadiers who just charge in and blow up everything in sight. Theres also the Psi Operative, who adds a fantasy/sci-fi element with telepathic abilities such as Soulfire and mind-control. Each class also gets its own selection of different skills, giving you plenty of freedom to develop your team in a way that suits your combat style.There are other resources available too. Your base is a captured alien ship called the Avenger, and between missions you need to give careful thought to developing the engineering, research and armoury facilities on the ship in order to provide new weapons and technology for your team. Its gripping stuff, and guaranteed to keep strategy fans glued to the screen for hours on end.Further readingThats it! Were done. But if you want to read even more about your software options, why dont you check out our guide to the Best free Mac games? Its amazing what you can get without paying a penny.On the hardware side, take a look at our Best Mac for gaming guide. Plus we have an in-depth look at using a M1 MacBook Pro as a gaming laptop.We also have eleven separate articles covering our favorites in each game genre. So if you want more of the same, select your favorite genre from the list below and jump to that article. Best Adventure Games for MacBest Racing Games for MacBest Sport Games for MacBest Puzzle Games for MacBest Strategy Games for MacBest MOBA games for MacBest RPGs for MacBest Mac card gamesBest Simulation Games for MacBest Mac Action GamesBest Platform Games for Mac
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    We already know the new emojis coming to the iPhone in iOS 19
    MacworldBack in May, we got a glimpse of the next round of emoji coming to our iPhones next year, including a harp, shovel, and a face with bags under its eyes, but the Unicode Consortium is already looking ahead to the following releaseand one of them will be very familiar to Apple fans.The Unicode Emoji Subcommittee has submitted a total of 164 new emojis to the Unicode Technical Committee for version 17, which is expected to be approved next fall. While the bulk of the new emoji simply adds new skin tones to existing designs, there will also be nine brand-new characters to choose from :Distorted faceCartoon fight cloudBallet dancerApple coreOrca (killer whale)BigfootTromboneLandslideTreasure chestOf note, the distorted face emoji looks very much like the crushed face emoji from Apples since-pulled ad for the M4 iPad Pro. Apple faced a torrent of criticism over the ad, which showed numerous creative instruments being crushed in a hydraulic press. The lasting image was an emoji stress ball with its eyes popping out as it was being crushed.Apple usually releases the new emoji in one of the mid-cycle updates. For example, iOS 17.4 in March introduced several new emoji, including a lime, phoenix, and shaking heads. Its expected that the next round will arrive in one of the spring iOS 18 updates.While the list is expected to be approved by September 2025, its unlikely that the new emoji will arrive in the first release of iOS 19. Apple needs time to design the emoji in its own style, so expect to see them in 2026, likely in iOS 19.4 or 19.5. But Apple Intelligences Genmoji feature, which lets you create personalized AI emoji with simple text prompts, is coming next month in iOS 18.2, so if you really want a trombone emoji youll be able to create one soon enough.
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    The Apple deals you should grab this Black Friday are all right here
    MacworldIf youre looking for a deal on anything Apple sellsan iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, MacBook, or anything else, theres no better time to get one than Black Friday. No matter what youre looking to buy, youre going to find a great pricepossibly the lowest ever.The sales start earlier every year, but the best deals are usually seen between Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2). However, were already seeing fantastic deals, so you might not want to wait. Well be updating this page regularly as more discounts come in and as soon as Apple announces its own Black Friday 2024 shopping event.Apple Black Friday 2024 deals: The best deals on every Apple productBlack Friday is a great time to get an Apple product for less, but the discounts come and go very quickly. Stay tuned to this page throughout the Black Friday weekend as we update you with the best prices on new Apple products as they arrive.Many of the best deals we see are on Amazon U.S. or Amazon U.K., but well also be checking resellers such as Best Buy, B&H and Walmart in the U.S. and KRCS, AO, Argos, John Lewis, Currys, Laptops Direct and eBuyer in the U.K. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals for Black Friday 2024Apple released new MacBook Pros with M4 chips in late October. At the same time, it upgraded the RAM in all MacBook Air models from 8GB to 16GB for the same starting prices, effectively a $200/200 discount. So if youre shopping make sure the model youre buying has 16GB of RAM. We dont recommend buying a model with 8GB of RAM even if its $200/200 cheaper than the 16GB model.U.S. Amazon, M4, 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM: $1,474 ($125 off, MSRP $1,599)Amazon, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM: $1,654 ($145 off, MSRP $1,799)Amazon, M4 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM: $2,299 ($200 off, MSRP $2,499)Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM): $749 ($250 off, MSRP $999)Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM): $899 ($200 off, MSRP $1,099)Amazon, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM): $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP $1,299)Amazon, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM): $1,299 ($200 off, MSRP $1,499)Save money on the MacBook Pro this Black Friday.FoundryAdditionally, Apples older MacBook Pro models are on clearance as retailers look to clear out remaining stock:Best Buy, M3 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/8GB RAM: $1,199 ($400 off, Was $1,599 Clearance)B&H, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: $1,699 ($300 off, Was $1,999 Clearance)Best Buy, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/18GB RAM: $2,099 ($300 off, Was $2,399 Clearance)Best Buy, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: $1,999 ($500 off, Was $2,499 Clearance)Best Buy, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM: $2,399 ($500 off, Was $2,899 Clearance)Amazon,M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM: $3,399 ($600 off, Was $3,999 Clearance)U.K.KRCS, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,519.05 (78 off, RRP 1,599)KRCS, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,709.05 (90 off, RRP 1,799)KRCS, M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,899.05 (100 off, RRP 1,999)Amazon, M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 2,249.97 (250 off, RRP 2,499)KRCS, M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/48GB RAM, 2,754.05 (144 off, RRP 2,899)KRCS, 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 512GB/16GB RAM) 989 (110 off, RRP 1,099)Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM) 1,379.97 (110 off, RRP 1,499)KRCS, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 1,234.05 (65 off, RRP 1,299) KRCS, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (8-core GPU, 512GB/16GB RAM) 1,349.10 (149 off, RRP 1,499)Apples older MacBook models are on clearance at the following retailers:Argos, M3, 14-inch MacBook Pro, 10-core GPU, 512GB/8GB RAM: 1,299 (400 off, Was 1,699- Clearance)Argos, M3, 14-inch MacBook Pro, 10-core GPU, 1TB/8GB RAM: 1,499 (400 off, Was 1,899 Clearance)Amazon, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: 1,699 (400 off, Was 2,099 Clearance)Argos, M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/36GB RAM: 2,799 (500 off, Was 3,299 Clearance)Argos, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/18GB RAM: 2,099 (500 off, Was 2,599 Clearance)John Lewis, M3 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM: 2,549 (450 off, Was 2,999 Clearance)Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 (10-core GPU, 512GB/8GB RAM) 949 (150 off, Was 1,099)iMac and Mac mini deals for Black Friday 2024The iMac and Mac mini both received new M4 chips in October, with the Mac mini also getting a dramatic redesign that shrunk the case down to just 5 inches. Like the MacBooks, these new Macs now start at 16GB of RAM, an option that was previously an extra $200/200. So be sure to double-check that youre buying the updated model with an M4 processor. Older iMacs only offer 8GB of RAM, so the price should match that.Grab money off a new iMac.FoundryU.S.Amazon, Mac mini, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB: $550 ($49 off with coupon, MSRP $599)Amazon, Mac mini, M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 256GB: $1,370 ($29 off, MSRP $1,399)Amazon, M4 iMac, 8-core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB: $1,150 ($149 off with coupon, MSRP $1,299)Amazon, M4 iMac, 10-core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB: $1,350 ($149 off with coupon, MSRP $1,499)Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Tile-Adjustable Stand): $1,499 ($100 off, MSRP $1,599)There are big savings are on the older models as well: Amazon, M2 Mac mini, 8GB RAM, 256GB: $469 ($130 off, MSRP $799 Clearance)Amazon, M3 iMac, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB: $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP was $1,299 Clearance)Amazon, M3 iMac, 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB: $1,260 ($239 off, MSRP was $1,499 Clearance)U.K.In the U.K. when Apple announced the iMac and Mac mini in 2024 it dropped prices compared to the previous generation, so keep this in mind if considering a discount on an M3 model. KRCS: M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM, 569.05 (29 off, RRP 599)KRCS: M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,329.05 (69 off, RRP 1,399)KRCS: M4 iMac, 256GB/16GB RAM, 1,234.05 (64 off, RRP 1,299)These older models are also discounted:Amazon: M2 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM: 1,197 (201 off, RRP was 1,399 Clearance)Amazon: M2 Mac mini, 256GB/8GB RAM: 459 (190 off, RRP was 649 Clearance)Amazon: M2 Mac mini, 512GB/8GB RAM: 638 (211 off, RRP was 849 Clearance)Amazon, 24-inch M3 iMac, 8-core GPU, 256GB/8GB RAM: 1,099 (300 off, RRP was 1,399 Clearance)Amazon, 24-inch M3 iMac,10-core GPU, 256GB/8GB RAM: 1,299 (300 off, RRP was 1,599 Clearance)John Lewis, 24-inch M3 iMac,10-core GPU, 512GB/8GB RAM: 1,449.97 (349 off, RRP was 1,799 Clearance)AirPods deals for Black Friday 2024The AirPods 4 with and without ANC are Apples newest earbuds. Apple updated the AirPods Max with a USB-C port in September, but otherwise its the same as the Lightning model. And while the AirPods Pro 2 are a couple of years old, Apple added a new feature in iOS 18,1 that lets it work as a hearing aid. We usually see some tremendous savings on the standard AirPods over Black Friday. You may also see a blowout deal on the older models, but unless youre on a very tight budget, our advice is to spring for one of the AirPods 4 models on sale even if they cost more.AirPods 4 are Apples newest earbuds and are already on sale.Petter AhrnstedtU.S.Amazon,AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case): $189 ($60 off, MSRP $249)Amazon,AirPods 4: $119 ($10 off, MSRP $129)Amazon,AirPods 4 with ANC: $169 ($10 off, MSRP $179)Amazon, AirPods Max (USB-C): $530 ($19 off, MSRP $549)Amazon,AirPods Max (Lightning): $488 ($61 off; MSRP $549)U.K. Amazon, AirPods (4th gen, 2024, with ANC): 169 (10 off, RRP 179) There are also savings on older models:Argos, AirPods (3rd gen, Magsafe): 139 (40 off, RRP was 179 Clearance)Amazon, AirPods (3rd gen, Lightning): 129 (40 off, RRP was 169 Clearance)Argos, AirPods 2nd gen: 109 (10 off, RRP was 129 Clearance)Argos, AirPod Max, Lightning, 2020: 429 (70 off, RRP was 499 Clearance)Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2024Grab yourself an Apple Watch deal for Black Friday.Mike SawhApple launched the Apple Watch Series 10 with a slightly larger screen in September 2024 as well as a new black color for the Apple Watch Ultra. Traditionally, any savings around $50 is an excellent deal.U.S.Amazon,Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm): $349 ($50 off with coupon, MSRP $399)Amazon,Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm): $379 ($50 off, MSRP $429)Amazon,Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm): $189 ($60 off, MSRP $249)Amazon,Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm): $219 ($60 off, MSRP $279)Amazon,Apple Watch Ultra 2: $700 ($99 off, MSRP $799)U.K. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm): 379 (20 off, RRP 399)Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm): 409 (20 off, RRP 429)Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular): 769 (30 off, RRP 799)Argos, Apple Watch SE (44mm) (2022): 209, 10 off, RRP 219)Argos, Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm): 299 (RRP was 399 Clearance)Argos, Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm): 329 (RRP was 429 Clearance)iPad deals for Black Friday 2024Apple updated all of its iPads in 2024 with the exception of the 10th-gen entry-level model (though it did get a price cut to $349). The iPad mini was the most recent model to get a refresh, with a new chip and 8GB of RAM. We are seeing some good deals on new iPads. Grab a discounted iPad this Black Friday.FoundryU.S.Amazon,10th-gen iPad (64GB): $309 ($40 off, MSRP $349)Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB): $479 ($20 off, MSRP $499)Amazon,11-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB): $549 ($50 off, MSRP $599)Amazon,13-inch M2 iPad Air (512GB): $1,011 ($80 off, MSRP $1,099)Amazon, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (2TB, 16GB RAM): $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999)Amazon, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (1TB, 16GB RAM): $1,739 ($160 off, MSRP $1,899)U.K. Amazon,10th-gen iPad (64GB): 308.97 (20 off, RRP 329)Amazon, 10th gen iPad (256GB): 449 (30 off, RRP 479)Amazon, 11-inch iPad Air (M2, 128GB): 559.97 (39 off, RRP 599)Amazon, 11-inch iPad Air (M2, 512GB): 843.97 (55 off, RRP 899)Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (M2, 128GB): 749 (50 off, RRP 799)Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (M2, 512GB): 1,029.97 (70 off, RRP 1,099)KRCS, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 128GB): 489.02 (9.98 off, RRP 499)KRCS, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 256GB) 587.02 (11.98 off, RRP 599)KRCS, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 512GB): 783.02 (15.98 off, RRP 799)KRCS, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB): 979.02 (19.98 off, RRP 999)Amazon, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB): 1,149 (50 off, RRP 1,199)John Lewis, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB): 1,249 (50 off, RRP 1,299)Amazon, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB): 1,419.99 (79 off, RRP 1,499)John Lewis, 9th gen iPad (64GB): 279 (RRP was 369 Clearance)iPhone deals for Black Friday 2024U.S.Most iPhone deals in the U.S. are through carriers and require a trade-in or adding a new line. You can read our best Black Friday iPhone deals roundup for more information.U.K.Amazon, iPhone 15, 128GB, 678 (21 off, RRP now 699)Amazon, iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, 779 (20 off, RRP now 799)Currys, iPhone 15 Pro, 128GB, 849 (150 off, RRP was 999 Clearance)Amazon, iPhone 15 Pro, 256GB, 999 (100 off, RRP was 1,099 Clearance)Amazon, iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, 1,049 (70 off, RRP was 1,199 Clearance)Amazon, iPhone 14: 549 (50 off, RRP now 599)Amazon, iPhone SE (64GB): 379 (50 off, RRP 429)Amazon, iPhone 13 (128GB): 449 (RRP was 499 Clearance)Amazon, iPhone 13 mini (128GB): 449 (RRP was 649 Clearance)John Lewis, iPhone 13 mini (512GB): 749 (RRP was 979 Clearance)U.K. readers can save money on a new iPhone.David Price / FoundryApple accessories deals for Black Friday 2024In October, Apple updated its Mac accessories with USB-C ports but didnt bring any other changes. If youre buying a new Apple Pencil the Apple Pencil Pro is the newest model and compatible with the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. The USB-C Apple Pencil is also compatible with these models as well as the 10th-gen iPad, but doesnt have squeeze gestures or magnetic charging.U.S. Amazon, Magic Keyboard (11-inch iPad Air): $225 ($74 off, MSRP $299)Amazon, Magic Keyboard (13-inch iPad Air): $245 ($104 off, MSRP $349)Amazon, Magic Keyboard (11-inch iPad Pro): $250 ($49 off, MSRP $299)Amazon, Magic Keyboard (13-inch iPad Pro): $275 ($74 off, MSRP $349)Amazon, Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $118 ($11 off, MSRP $129)Amazon, Apple Pencil (USB-C): $69 ($10 off, MSRP $79)Amazon, MagSafe charger (2m): $34 ($15 off, MSRP $49)Amazon, AirTag (Single): $19 ($10 off, MSRP $29)Amazon, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Number Pad (Lightning): $179 ($20 off, MSRP $199)Amazon, Magic Mouse (Lightning, black): $85 ($14 off, MSRP $99)Amazon, Magic TrackPad (Lightning, white): $110 ($19 off, MSRP $129)U.K.KRCS, Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID 119 (30 off, RRP 149).KRCS, Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & numbers 145 (34 off, RRP 179).Currys, Magic TrackPad 109 (20 off, RRP 129).Amazon, Magic TrackPad Black 129, (20 off, RRP 149).Amazon, 2021 Magic Mouse in black 65 (34 off, RRP 99)Amazon, Pack of four Apple AirTags 94 (25 off, RRP 119).Amazon, Single AirTag 28 (7 off, RRP 35).Apple display deals for Black Friday 2024Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Tilt Adjustable Stand): $1,499 ($100 off, MSRP $1,599)Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Nano-Texture Glass, Tilt/Height-Adjustable Stand): $2,155 ($144 off, MSRP $2,299)Black Friday 2024: Apples shopping eventEvery year Apple holds a shopping event from Black Friday (November 29) to Cyber Monday (December 2). However, since Apple rarely discounts its products, the event consists of gift card offers rather than actual savings. The newest products are excluded, so dont expect any offers on the iPhone 16 or new MacBooks, but in 2023 the Apple Watch Series 9 was included.In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following amounts with the following purchases made on Apples U.S. site or Apples U.K. site.ProductU.S.U.K.iPhone 14$7560iPhone 13$5040iPhone SE$2520iPad Pro$5080iPad Air$7560iPad mini$5040iPad (10th gen.)$504015-inch MacBookAir with M2chip$20016013-inch MacBookAir with M2chip$17514013-inch MacBookAir with M1chip$150120Mac mini$10080Apple Watch Series 9$5040Apple Watch SE$5040AirPods (2ndgeneration)$2520AirPods (3rdgeneration)$2520AirPods Pro (2ndgeneration)$5040AirPods Max$7560ApplePencil (2ndgeneration)$2520HomePod$5040Apple TV 4K$2520Apple gave away vouchers in 2023 with qualifying purchases.Black Friday 2024: Where to shop for Apple dealsStay tuned to Macworld throughout November to find the best deals as they arrive. But if youre looking for a specific color or capacity, you can check out the following retailers. In the U.S., here are the best stores to shop for Black Friday deals:AppleAmazonBest BuyCostcoTargetWalmartIf youre based in the U.K., youll find deals at the following shops:AppleAO.comAmazonArgosCarphone WarehouseCurryseBuyerJohn LewisKRCSLaptops DirectVeryBlack Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Apple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Pair your Mac with a great monitor with these early Black Friday deals
    MacworldWhile Black Friday doesnt officially arrive until Friday, November 29 (with Cyber Monday following on Monday, December 2), the shopping season has already begun and its a great time to pick up a deal on a new monitor for your Mac. If youre unsure of which to buy, check out our best monitors for Macs roundup to read more about our favorite picks.Well be updating this page all throughout the Black Friday weekend, but in the meantime, you should also check out our round-up of the best Apple deals that we keep updated all year round.Apple display deals for Black Friday 2024Apple only sells two monitorsthe Studio Display and Pro Display XDRand theyre not cheap. Deals on the Studio Display are relatively common, but its unlikely to find much savings on the very high-end Pro Display XDR. Neither monitor has been updated in years, with the Studio Display arriving most recently in 2022.Its possible that Apple includes the Studio Display in its annual Black Friday Shopping Event, which offers gift cards when buying certain products. However, the Studio Display was not included in last years sale.U.S.Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Tilt-Adjustable Stand): $1,499 ($100 off, MSRP $1,599)Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Tilt/Height-Adjustable Stand): $1,799 ($100 off, MSRP $1,899)Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Nano-Texture Glass, Tilt/Height-Adjustable Stand): $2,155 ($144 off, MSRP $2,299)U.K.KRCS, Apple Studio Display (Tilt-Adjustable Stand): 1,349 ($150 off, RRP $1,499)NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice$1499.99View Deal$1599View Deal$1599View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPriceApple 27-inch Monitor 5120 x 1440 LED (MK0U3LL/A)$1449View Deal$1949View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketBest Mac monitor deals for Black Friday 2024Since Apples monitors are so expensive, you can get far better value by getting a third-party display. U.S.Alogic, Clarity Pro Touchscreen 27 UHD 4K Monitor: $899 ($300 off, MSRP $1,200)Alogic, Clarity 27 UHD 4K Monitor: $640 ($140 off, RRP $800)Walmart, Samsung 34-inch ultrawide 165Hz gaming monitor:$230 ($320 off, MSRP $550)Amazon, Samsung 32-inch UHD HDR Smart Monitor M8: $400 ($300 off, MSRP $700)Amazon, ViewSonic 24-inch 1080p VX2452MH: $110 ($50 off, MSRP $160)Amazon, Dell 32-inch 4K monitor:$250 ($110 off, MSRP $360)Amazon, Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey OLED G8 4K UHD Monitor: $950 ($350 off, MSRP $1,300)Amazon, BenQ PD2725U Thunderbolt 3 Monitor: $700 ($100 off, MSRP $800)U.K.Alogic, Alogic Clarity Pro Touchscreen 27 UHD 4K Monitor: 749 (250 off, RRP 999)Alogic, Alogic Clarity 27 UHD 4K Monitor: 595 (105 off, RRP 700)Amazon, ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV: 369 (130 off, RRP 499)Amazon, Dell 24-inch UltraSharp: 240 (114 off, RRP 354)Amazon, HP 24 Inch FHD Monitor: 80 (30 off, RRP: 110)Amazon, Philips 241V8LA- 24 Inch FHD Monitor: 90 (10 off, RRP 100)Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Apple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Adobe Photoshop Elements 2025 review
    MacworldAt a GlanceExpert's RatingProsQuick, Advanced and Guided modes Vast array of photo-editing featuresDozens of filters and effectsGuided Edits help newcomersConsNew three-year licensing scheme More expensive than some of its rivalsSome of the AI tools are quite complexOur Verdict The 2025 Photoshop Elements update isnt an essential upgrade for existing users, but it is still one of the best photo-editing tools for amateur photographers and hobbyists out there. Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayRetailerPrice69,95 View DealAdobe98,77 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketBest Prices Today: Adobe Photoshop ElementsRetailerPrice69,95 View DealAdobe98,77 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketPhotoshop Elements isnt the cheapest photo-editing program available for Mac users, but its long been one of the most popular thanks to its combination of powerful editing tools based, of course, on the professional, high-end version of Photoshop and a well designed interface that makes it easy for beginners to achieve impressive results.The new version for 2025 isnt a massive upgrade but inevitably it includes a number of new features that use AI to speed up the editing process. However, there are also some changes to Adobes pricing, which might not appeal to everyone.Photoshop Elements How Much Does It Cost?Most of Adobes Creative Cloud apps, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, are aimed at professional users and require a monthly or annual subscription. However, Photoshop Elements is aimed at hobbyists and casual users, so it has traditionally been available for a one-time fee of $99.99/86.99.That price hasnt changed with the 2025 edition, but instead of paying a one-time fee that lets you use the program for as long as you want, Adobe now says that this grants you a three-year term license instead. In effect, youre paying for a three-year subscription, which sounds a little disappointing at first. However, it does mean that you should get the 2026 and 2027 updates free of charge, which is still pretty good value for money when spread over three years. Theres also a free seven-day trial available, so that you can download the program and try out the new features before buying.Owners of previous versions can also upgrade to the 2025 edition for $79.99/70.99, and you can also buy Photoshop Elements together with the Premiere Elements (read our review) video-editor for $149.99/130.49 (which again is for a three-year license). Beware though, as the version that is currently on sale in the Mac App Store (at the time of writing) is still the 2024 edition from last year, so Adobes own website is the best place to buy at the moment. Theres a 30-day trial available so that you can experiment for a while before buyingBuying the desktop version of Photoshop Elements also gives you access to its companion mobile app for iOS and Android, and a web app that runs in a browser on any device. The mobile app allows you to upload photos and videos from your smartphone or tablet, and also provides you with 2GB of free online storage for your files. You can then quickly import these files into the desktop versions of Photoshop Elements when youre ready to get down to some serious editing work. The web app works in a similar fashion, and also includes some simple tools for quickly creating slideshows and collages without having to use the full version of Photoshop Elements. Just remember that both the mobile and web apps are still in their beta test phase, so make sure you keep backups of your photos and files just in case.Photoshop Elements Editing ModesA key element, so to speak, of Photoshop Elements is that it provides three different editing modes, which are suitable for users with different levels of experience. At the top of the programs main editing window there are three tabs Quick, Guided and Advanced which provide different sets of tools.If youre a beginner, or you just want to perform some quick edits to tidy up a photo, then you can click the Quick tab. This takes you into a simple workspace with a basic set of tools for common editing tasks, such as cropping an image, correcting red-eye, or adding text.Theres also a Quick Actions panel on the right of the window that provides a series of one-click tools that can instantly perform more complex tasks, including color correction, adjusting exposure, or even removing the entire background from a photo. Most of these are one-click tools that work automatically, but there are also simple slider controls that provide more precise control over lighting, color and other settings.More experienced users who really want to edit their photos in fine detail can select the Advanced tab instead, which opens up the programs entire array of advanced editing. As well as providing a vast library of filters and effects that can alter the appearance of the entire photo, Advanced mode also includes precise tools for editing and manipulating individual pixels within the image, and using layers to combine multiple effects and objects within a single image.Its a bit of a leap, though, to go from Quick mode to Advanced mode, so Photoshop Elements also includes a Guided mode, which includes a series of Guided Edits that provide step-by-step help so that less experienced users can learn how to use some of the programs more advanced tools. These include Guided Edits for adding text and other effects, creating panoramic photos, or using pan and zoom effects to make your photos look more dynamic.Photoshop Elements Whats New for 2025?There isnt a large number of new features in the 2025 edition of Photoshop Elements, but Adobe has inevitably used AI to provide some powerful new features that quickly perform some very complex tasks.Theres a new Remove tool that can remove people or objects from a photo. Thats something that Photoshop Elements and many of its photo-editing rivals have attempted in the past, but the new AI-powered Remove tool works really well, even with photos that include several people standing in front of complex, multi-coloured backgrounds.Screenshot Taking this approach further, theres a new Guided Edit called Combine Photos that allows you to select the foreground subject from one photo and the background from another photo and combine them to create a new image. This was a little more complicated to use, though, and I sometimes found myself selecting the background or foreground subject from the wrong photo, so a little more clarity in the instructions wouldnt go amiss.More straightforward are the new AI features in the Quick Action menu within Quick mode. These can provide motion effects, such as zooming the camera in or out, or panning from side to side, and then allow you to export the animated image as an MP4 video file. There are pulsing hearts to declare your love for someone on TikTok, as well as animated frames and particle effects to liven up your posts.So while this isnt a major upgrade there are key features, such as the new Remove tool, which make the program more powerful than ever before.Top Photoshop Elements featuresHere are a few of our favourite feature that have appeared in Photoshop Elements over the years. Sensei / AIAdobes 2022 version introduced new artificial intelligence techniques which Adobe refers to as Sensei which could automatically perform editing tasks that might normally require hours of work.The app has always had a selection of filter effects that could make photos look like paintings, using media such as oil paints or watercolors, but Sensei introduced a new set of Artistic effects that aim to mimic a variety of popular artistic styles, such as cubist and post-impressionist. These arent always entirely successful I suspect Vincent Van Gogh is spinning in his grave right now but theyre fun to experiment with. One nice touch here is that you can apply the artistic effect to the entire photo, or just to the subject or background, which is a nice way of emphasizing particular aspects of a photo. If your artistic ambitions are a little more modest you can apply some simple animated effects known as Overlays such as falling snowflakes or flickering flames, to your photos and then save your work as a short video clip that you can upload to social media.The use of Sensei artificial intelligence continued with Photoshop Elements 2023. As well as applying animated overlays to an entire photo, this feature allows you to create moving elements that animate just one specific section within a photo. You could select part of an image, such as a waterfall or the flowing mane of a horse, and animate your selection to make the image look more dynamic and eye-catching. The programs selection tools can help you to select either the background of an image, or elements in the foreground, and you can simply draw a line to indicate the direction of movement (so the waterfall flows down, rather than upwards). You can also adjust settings such as the speed of movement, and preview the animation effect before exporting the animated image file as an MP4 video clip or as an animated-GIF.Guided EditsOne of the things that sets Photoshop Elements apart from many of its rivals is its use of Guided Edits, which give you step-by-step help in using some of the apps most powerful tools. One really powerful Guided Edit that was introduced in 2021s update is the ability to alter the aspect ratio of a photo by extending the background of a photo. If youve got a photo with an attractive background, such as a beach or some leafy trees then you can clone part of the background and use it to extend the background further perhaps to turn a square photo into a wider landscape shot, or to extend a sunny blue sky upwards for an upright portrait shot that you can use on social media.And, of course, no social media account is complete without some cute pet pics, so Photoshop Elements includes a Guided Edit specifically for enhancing photos of animals. You can adjust the lighting and color in a photo, focusing either on your pet or the background, or add a subtle vignette effect. Theres also an option to remove blemishes, such as mud or dirt, and to remove glare from the pets eyes.The Guided Edits section of the program also gained new tools for adding overlays, new background images, or enhancing the appearance of the sky in your photos. And, with so many Guided Edits now available, we were pleased to see that this update added a new Search tool that helps you to quickly locate the Guided Edits you need by searching for keywords such as crop or sky.In the 2024 edition, a new Guided Edit called Add Text, made it easier to use the programs text tools and effects. You can quickly add horizontal or vertical text, apply text to a selection, or make text follow a path that you draw with a freehand pen. You can add drop shadows, graduated colours and other effects with a quick click of your mouse, and even change the angle of lighting that you apply to the text. And, for social media mavens, theres a new Photo Reels tool, which is similar to an old-fashioned slide-show that flicks through a series of photos, but is very much focused on social media and provides a series of templates for use on Instagram, Tiktok and other services. When you create a Photo Reel you see a simple timeline view that allows you to arrange photos in sequence, adjust the size and aspect ratio of each photo. You can also adjust the playback speed of the photo reel, and add text, graphics and filter effects.FoundryQuick Actions Quick Actions panel is available within the programs Quick editing mode. The Quick Actions panel gathers together a number of existing editing tools, but also gains new AI features, such as the ability to quickly select or change the background or sky in an image, or to smooth out fuzzy artefacts in compressed JPG files.For a selection of the best free photo editors for Mac see our Best free image editors round up. We also have a round-up of the best alternatives to Photoshop in our Best professional photo editors round-up. Also read: Best Mac for photo editing and Adobe Creative Cloud pricing: How to get the best deal.Should you buy Photoshop Elements?Photoshop Elements is one of the best photo-editing tools for amateur photographers and hobbyists. Its great strength is that it provides admirable ease of use for beginners, along with powerful and precise editing tools for more advanced users. Despite this, the 2025 update might not be an essential for existing users especially as it introduces a new pricing system.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Every iPad is on sale for big savings this Black Friday
    MacworldBlack Friday is nearly here and its a fantastic time to pick up a deal on an iPad. While technically a single day (its the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. or November 29) Black Friday has gradually expanded to encompass Cyber Monday (December 2), as well as the weeks leading up to the big weekend.This means you need to keep your eyes peeled all month long for killer iPad savings. Or, better still, let us keep our eyes peeled for you. This article is where we round up the best-value deals on the various iPad models available in both the U.S. and the U.K., as well as provide automated price comparison tables that will pull in the lowest prices across all the major retailers. Bookmark this page and check back for the best Black Friday bargains.Below you can get an idea of what to expect heading into Black Friday, and well be updating this page as more discounts start to come in and as Apple announces its Black Friday shopping event. In the meantime, you should also check out our roundup of the best Apple deals that we keep updated all year round, plus our always advice on the best iPad deals.Black Friday: Apples shopping eventEvery year Apple holds a shopping event from Black Friday (November 29) to Cyber Monday (December 2). However, since Apple rarely discounts its products, the event consists of gift card offers rather than actual savings.In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following voucher amounts with iPads purchased from Apples site.iPad Pro$5080iPad Air$7560iPad mini$5040iPad (10th gen.)$5040This year, we expect the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and 10th-gen iPad to be included in the sale. Since the iPad mini was only just refreshed in October, we dont think Apple will include it.Best iPad deals for Black Friday 2024As we head into Black Friday, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers are already discounting iPads and we expect even greater savings during the Black Friday weekend. Here are the best prices weve found so far:10th-gen iPad dealsThe 10th-gen iPad is the only iPad that wasnt updated in 2024. However, Apple cut the price by $100 to $349, making it a far more attractive purchase. Its the only iPad that cant run Apple Intelligence, but it still gets our full recommendation for anyone on a budget.U.S.Amazon, 10th gen iPad (64GB): $309 ($40 off, MRSP $349)Amazon, 10th-gen iPad (256GB): $449 ($50 off, MSRP $499)Amazon, 10th gen iPad (256GB): $449 ($50 off, MSRP $499)Amazon, 9th-gen iPad (64GB): $199 (Discounted price, was $329)U.K.Amazon,10th-gen iPad (64GB): 308.97 (20 off, RRP 329)Amazon, 10th gen iPad (256GB): 449 (30 off, RRP 479)iPad mini dealsThe iPad mini was updated in October with an A17 Pro processor and 8GB of RAM so its able to run Apple Intelligence, as well as double the storage, from 64GB to 128GB. Otherwise, the display and design are the same. If you dont care about Apple Intelligence, you can find a great price on an older A15 model.U.S.Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB): $479 ($20 off, MSRP $499)Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 512GB): $700 ($99 off with coupon, MSRP $799)Amazon, iPad mini (A15, 64GB): $350 ($149 off, MSRP $499 Clearance)U.K.KRCS, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 128GB): 489.02 (9.98 off, RRP 499)KRCS, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 256GB) 587.02 (11.98 off, RRP 599)KRCS, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 512GB): 783.02 (15.98 off, RRP 799)John Lewis, 9th gen iPad (64GB): 279 (RRP was 369 Clearance)iPad Air dealsThe newest iPad Air now comes in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches like the iPad Pro. It has an M2 processor and a repositioned front camera. Otherwise, its the same as the M1 model, which we loved.U.S.Amazon,11-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB): $549 ($50 off, MSRP $599)Amazon, 11-inch M2 iPad Air (512GB): $824 ($75 off, MSRP $899)Amazon, 13-inch M2 iPad Air (512GB): $899 ($200 off, MSRP $1,099)Amazon,13-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB): $739 ($60 off with coupon, MSRP $799)U.K.Amazon, 11-inch iPad Air (M2, 128GB): 559.97 (39 off, RRP 599)Amazon, 11-inch iPad Air (M2, 512GB): 843.97 (55 off, RRP 899)Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (M2, 128GB): 749 (50 off, RRP 799)Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (M2, 512GB): 1,029.97 (70 off, RRP 1,099)iPad Pro dealsThe iPad Pro was updated this spring with a new thinner design built around an M4 processor and OLED display. Its the absolute best tablet Apple (or anyone else) makes, but its also very expensive and probably more than most people need.U.S.B&H Photo, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB, 8GB RAM): $1,099 ($100 off, MSRP $1,199)Amazon,11-inch M4 iPad Pro (2TB, 16GB RAM): $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999)Amazon,13-inch M4 iPad Pro (2TB, 16GB RAM): $2,099 ($200 off, MSRP $2,299)U.K.KRCS, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB): 979.02 (19.98 off, RRP 999)Amazon, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB): 1,149 (50 off, RRP 1,199)John Lewis, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB): 1,249 (50 off, RRP 1,299)Amazon, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB): 1,419.99 (79 off, RRP 1,499)iPad Accessory Black Friday dealsU.S.Amazon, Magic Keyboard (11-inch): $199 ($100 off, MSRP $299)Amazon, Magic Keyboard (12.9-inch): $299 ($50 off, MSRP $349)Amazon, Apple Pencil (1st gen): $79 ($20 off, MSRP $99)Amazon, Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $89 ($40 off, MSRP $129)Amazon, Apple Pencil (USB-C): $71 ($8 off, MSRP $79)U.K.Amazon, Magic Keyboard (11-inch): 256 (63 off, RRP 319)Amazon, Apple Pencil (2nd gen): 89 (50 off, RRP 139)For a more comprehensive guide to the available dealsas well as any deals that have popped up since we last updated this articlesee our automated tables below for the lowest prices currently available on each iPad model. If youre not sure which model is right for you, read our in-depth iPad buying guide.Latest 10th-gen iPad deals ($449/499)RetailerPrice0.01View Deal398View Deal398View Deal399View Deal401View Deal366,00 View Deal369,00 View Deal370,00 View Deal376,32 View Deal379,00 View Deal379,00 View Deal381,42 View Deal396,95 View Deal456.15View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketLatest 9th-gen iPad deals ($329/369)NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice0.01View Deal15.9View Deal370View Deal14.99View Deal35.89View Deal298,95 View Deal299,00 View Deal299,00 View Deal299,99 View Deal327,00 View Deal362,99 View Deal364,26 View Deal370,00 View Deal370,00 View Deal397.52View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPad 10.2 (2021) 9. Generation 64 GB WLAN Space Grau234.06View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketLatest iPad mini deals (499/569)RetailerPrice579View Deal599View Deal599View Deal599View Deal509,00 View Deal557,41 View Deal559,62 View Deal564,54 View Deal569,99 View Deal569,99 View Deal599,00 View Deal599,00 View Deal638.42View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketLatest 11-inch M2 iPad Air deals ($599/599)NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice639View Deal659View Deal679View Deal699View Deal599,00 View Deal599,00 View Deal639,00 View Deal645,72 View Deal646,77 View Deal649,00 View Deal649,00 View Deal649.15View Deal658,64 View Deal699,00 View Deal699,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPad Air M2 11 (2024) 6. Generation 128 GB WLAN Space Grau937.37View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketLatest 13-inch M2 iPad Air deals ($799/799)RetailerPrice875View Deal899View Deal899View Deal949View Deal809,00 View Deal809,00 View Deal854,94 View Deal855,35 View Deal870,47 View Deal875,00 View Deal879,86 View Deal893,94 View Deal899,99 View Deal899,99 View Deal1022.46View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketLatest 11-inch M4 iPad Pro deals ($999/999)NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice1329View Deal1359View Deal1.299,00 View Deal1.299,81 View Deal1.322,39 View Deal1.329,00 View Deal1.329,00 View Deal1.338,77 View Deal1.364,48 View Deal1.444,17 View Deal1.445,10 View Deal1.449,00 View Deal1516.14View Deal1.559,99 View Deal1559.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPad Pro 11 M4 (2024) 5. Generation 256 GB WLAN + 5G Space Schwarz1030.84View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketLatest 13-inch M4 iPad Pro deals (MSRP $1,299/1,299)NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice1,45 View Deal1319View Deal1.319,00 View Deal1.333,69 View Deal1.389,00 View Deal1.440,00 View Deal1.449,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPad Pro 12.9 (2022) 6. Generation 128 GB WLAN Space Grau753.66View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketBlack Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Best Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory dealsApple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive deals
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    The M4 MacBook Pro has a secret display upgrade Apple didnt tell us about
    MacworldI recently mused about how the Mac lineup has been the most compelling for a while, and one of the reasons is that Apple introduced worthwhile features besides the chip upgrade to the M4. For the M4 MacBook Pro, theres one more feature that Apple hasnt mentioned at all.According to display expert Ross Young, Apple now uses a quantum dot film in the MacBook Pros LiquidRetina XDR display. This QD film replaces a KSF phosphor film (also known as a narrow-band red phosphor) placed between the backlight and the display. The result is that the MacBook Pros display creates a more consistent color gamut and better motion performance. There are also environmental benefits as Young points out:Big Apple display news, they have adopted quantum dots for the first time. The latest MacBook Pros (M4) use a quantum dot (QD) film rather than a red KSF phosphor film.In the past, Apple went with the KSF solution due to better efficiency and lack of cadmium (Cd), but the latest Cd-free QD films are very efficient, feature as good or better color gamut and better motion performance.Ross YoungRoss Young (@DSCCRoss) via X, November 14, 2024QD films are often used on high-end TVs and displays. So why the switch now? Apple hasnt talked about this so its mere speculation, but based on Youngs post, it appears that Apple wasnt satisfied with QD films previous performance. Why didnt Apple mention this change? Most likely because its the kind of under-the-hood change that wont factor much into a buying decision. But its a notable change that shows how Apple continues to improve its high-end devices without raising costs.Itll be interesting to see if Apple adopts QD film for the M4 MacBook Air, which uses an LED display, instead of the mini-LED display in the MacBook Pro. Reports say that the new Air will be revealed in the spring of 2025 and its expected to be nothing more than a chip upgrade.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Grab a Mac mini or iMac for less with these Black Friday deals
    MacworldBlack Friday, the biggest shopping weekend of the year, is very nearly here and you can expect to get a good deal on a new Mac between November 29 until December 2, 2024. In fact we are already seeing some deals which you can find below! We are tracking every Mac deal we can find to give you the very best view on whats out there this Black Friday. Whether youre looking for an iMac, Mac mini, or a Mac Studio, well help you find the best price.At Macworld we monitor deals in the U.S. and U.K. all year long and we basing our recommendations on our extensive knowledge of Apples products new and old. For example, it is important to be aware that Apple recently updated the Mac mini and iMac to the M4 chip (as it did with the MacBook Pro). These updates were much more than just a new chip though, Apple also doubled the RAM allocated as standard from 8GB to 16GB. Additionally, in the U.K. prices fell (though not in the U.S.). As a result the older generation of iMac and Mac mini would have to be considerably reduced in price to compete with the new models. Youll see how much RAM (aka unified memory) is on offer for the deals below, so you know exactly what you are getting. We also include the price Apple sells Macs for, and the price it used to sell them for in the case of discontinued models. If you are looking for a MacBook deal, read our separate advice in our guide to the best Black Friday MacBook deals. And if you want to know what other Apple products are discounted read Best Black Friday 2024 Apple deals. Does Apple discount Macs for Black Friday?Apple doesnt discount Macs for Black Friday, instead Apple gives away vouchers with purchases on Black Friday. Well be updating this page as the discounts come in and as Apple announces it own Black Friday 2024 sale. Luckily there are plenty of resellers who do discount MacBooks and we are watching them closely so that we can spot the best deals. If we see what we think is a good deal we will share it below in fact, we have already seen some good discounts.Best Black Friday Mac mini deals U.S.Amazon, Mac mini, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB: $550 ($49 off with coupon, MSRP $599)Amazon, Mac mini, M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 256GB: $1,355 ($45 off, MSRP $1,399)Amazon, Apple Studio Display: $1,499 ($100 off, MSRP $1,599)There are big savings are on the older models as well:Amazon, M2 Mac mini, 8GB RAM, 256GB: $469 ($130 off, MSRP $799 Clearance)Amazon, M2 Pro Mac mini, 16GB RAM, 512GB: $1,149 ($150 off, MSRP $1,299 Clearance)U.K.KRCS: M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM, 569.05 (29 off, RRP 599)KRCS: M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,329.05 (69 off, RRP 1,399)KRCS: M4 iMac, 256GB/16GB RAM, 1,234.05 (64 off, RRP 1,299)These older models are also discounted, just remember that the price dropped for the new generation and there is more RAM:Amazon: M2 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM: 1,197 (201 off, RRP was 1,399 Clearance)Amazon: M2 Mac mini, 256GB/8GB RAM: 459 (190 off, RRP was 649 Clearance)Amazon: M2 Mac mini, 512GB/8GB RAM: 638 (211 off, RRP was 849 Clearance)For more deals on all Mac mini Apple sells see our Best Mac mini deals round up.Best Black Friday iMac deals U.S.Amazon, M4 iMac, 8-core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB: $1,150 ($149 off with coupon, MSRP $1,299)Amazon, M4 iMac, 10-core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB: $1,350 ($149 off with coupon, MSRP $1,499)Older models: Amazon, M3 iMac, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB: $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP was $1,299 Clearance)Amazon, M3 iMac, 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB: $1,299 ($200 off, MSRP was $1,499 Clearance)U.K.KRCS: M4 iMac, 256GB/16GB RAM, 1,169.10 (64 off, RRP 1,299)KRCS: M4 iMac, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,349.10 (150 off, RRP 1,499)KRCS: M4 iMac, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,529.11 (170 off, RRP 1,699)And these older models. Again note that the new M4 models have more RAM and the price has dropped. Amazon, 24-inch M3 iMac, 8-core GPU, 256GB/8GB RAM: 1,099 (300 off, RRP was 1,399 Clearance)Amazon, 24-inch M3 iMac,10-core GPU, 256GB/8GB RAM: 1,349 (300 off, RRP was 1,599 Clearance)John Lewis, 24-inch M3 iMac,10-core GPU, 512GB/8GB RAM: 1,449.97 (349 off, RRP was 1,799 Clearance)For deals on all 24-inch iMacs see our Best iMac deals round up.FoundryBest Black Friday Mac Studio deals The Mac Studio hasnt been updated and is still using the M2 Max and Ultra chips. We expect that Apple will update this model in 2025. Read about the M4 Mac Studio.U.S.B&H, Mac Studio M2 Max: $1,889 ($110 off off, MSRP $1,999).U.K.John Lewis, Mac Studio M2 Max: 1,903 (196 off, MSRP 2,099).See the Best Mac Studio deals available now.What is Apple offering in 2024?Each year Apple holds a Black Friday four-day shopping event, but rather than offering discounts it just gives gift vouchers for certain products. In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following amounts with the following Mac purchases made on Apples U.S. site or Apples U.K. site.We expect a similar offer in 2024 and will update this when we have the information. 2023202215-inch MacBookAir with M2chip$20016013-inch MacBookAir with M2chip$17514013-inch MacBookAir with M1chip$150120Mac mini$10080Black Friday shopping tipsWe often find the best savings are for older models. Be sure to confirm what the generation is of the discounted model so that you know exactly what you are buying and what its really worth. Sometimes resellers switch to selling refurbished or used products once their stock of brand new models run out. Make sure you check that the model discounted isnt actually a used Mac and therefore not as good a deal as it might look. On Amazon, for example, look for Buy New prices.Mac deals are not limited to Black Friday. There are good deals to be had all year round, so dont feel pressured into buying during Black Friday. Which resellers have the best Black Friday dealsLook out for the best deals over the Black Friday week, but many resellers are already offering Black Friday discounts. U.S. Adorama is advertising Holiday Deals.Amazon has Holiday Deals.Best Buys Black Friday sale has started. B&H Photo has a Holiday Head Start sale. Walmarts Black Friday deals have already started.U.K.KRCS has already reduced Mac prices by 10%. AO.com has various Black Friday savings.Laptops Directs Black Friday sale has started. eBuyer has a Black Friday Early Access Sale with up to 45% off. Verys Black Friday sales is underway. John Lewis is running Black Friday deals.Currys has up to 40% off for Black Friday.Argos has a price promise that the prices wont go any lower for Black Friday.Amazons Black Friday week starts on 21 November.Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Best Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory dealsApple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive deals
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    Oura CEO predicts Apple isnt making a smart ring because its hard
    MacworldDespite occasional and somewhat persistent rumors about an Apple Ring, the CEO of the most well-known smart ring maker isnt concerned. In fact, he doesnt think Apple will enter the category at all.In a recent interview with CNBC at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, Oura CEO Tom Hale predicted that Apple likely wont enter the smart ring spacenot because its unprofitable but because its difficult.I think they [Apple] are unconvinced about the value of having a ring and a watch together and theyre not interested in undercutting the Apple Watch as a business, Hale said. I think theyre probably keeping a close eye on Samsung and a close eye on us, but its hard to do this product category right.Hale may very well prove correct, but a smart ring doesnt have to cannibalize Apple Watch sales. If the price and positioning are correct, and Apple ring could augment the Apple Watch with new sensors or data collected when the watch is charging or not being worn.Apple has been rumored to be exploring the launch of a smart ring for years but little solid information has turned up to suggest an actual product is anywhere near production. However, Apple has made health tech a top priority recently, including adding a Hearing Protection and Hearing Aid features to the AirPods Pro. There have also been persistent rumors that Apple is planning to add more health features to the AirPods, such as heart-rate monitoring.The Oura Ring 4 has a battery that lasts longer than a week and tracks more than 20 biometrics throughout the day, including sleep, steps, and blood-oxygen levels. Samsung also recently entered the smart ring market with its own Galaxy Ring for $400.
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    Macworld Podcast: M4 iMac, M4 MacBook Pro, M4 Mac mini reviews
    MacworldApples new M4 Macs started shipping last Friday, and we have the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro in-house. Why are these some of the more exciting Macs to hit the market? Find out on this episode of the Macworld Podcast!This is episode 909 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola.Watch episode 909 on YouTubeListen to episode 909 on Apple PodcastsListen to episode 909 on SpotifyGet infoFor more information about the topics discussed on the show, click on the links below.M4 Pro Mac mini reviewIf youre upset about the M4 Mac mini, youre just using it wrongHow small is the M4 Mac mini really? This smallThe new Mac mini has a removable SSD but DIY upgrades wont be easyM4 iMac review: This might be the best iMac ever14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) review16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) reviewSubscribe to the Macworld PodcastYou can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review!right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworldTo find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone.AppleMac Mini M4Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo679 at notebooksbilliger.de689 at Alternate670,96 at amazon.deApple Mac mini (M4 Pro)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1559 at Alternate1599 at notebooksbilliger.de1.565,99 at amazon.deRead our full Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro) review Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1799 at notebooksbilliger.de1899 at AlternateRead our full Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) review Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo2145 at notebooksbilliger.de2399 at Alternate2.139,00 at amazon.deApple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Price When Reviewed:3.799 EuroBest Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo3799 at Alternate3799 at Computeruniverse3.446,49 at amazon.deApple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Price When Reviewed:2.899 EuroBest Prices Today: 2.571,25 at tease-Shop2.602,13 at digitalo.de2.649,00 at coolblueRead our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) review Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Price When Reviewed:4.099 EuroBest Prices Today: 3.634,33 at tease-Shop3.674,35 at digitalo.de4.099,00 at baur.deApple iMac (M4)Price When Reviewed:1.749 EuroBest Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1649 at notebooksbilliger.de1748 at Alternate1.749,00 at amazon.deRead our full Apple iMac (M4) review
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    Black Friday is a great time to buy AirPods, so check out these early deals
    MacworldIts nearly that time of year againBlack Friday, the yearly shopping event where everyone hunts for the biggest deals. Apples AirPods are famously popular gifts and travel companions, and various models are often on sale throughout the year. So keep your eyes peeled for great deals on AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max as the Black Friday sales take off.With the AirPods 4 released this year, older models are being phased out, and were not seeing as many deals there. Even if you find what looks like a good price on 2nd-gen AirPods or AirPods 3, its probably worth getting the AirPods 4 insteadthey sound and fit much better. Similarly, Apple recently updated the AirPods Max with USB-C replacing the Lightning port. But they have no new features, so if you find a better deal on the Lightning version, you should probably go for that.This page will be updated frequently with the latest deals, so return here throughout the Black Friday period as we highlight the best deals leading up to and through Black Friday (November 29, 2024) and Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024). Soon Apple will announce it own Black Friday 2024 sale, but in the meantime you should also check out of our round-up of the best Black Friday deals for this year and our always up-to-date advice on the best AirPods deals.The best AirPods deals right nowDeals in the U.S.:AirPods Pro (2nd-gen, USB-C case): $189 at Amazon or Best Buy ($59 off)AirPods 4: $119 at Amazon ($10 off)AirPods 4 with ANC: $149 at Amazon ($10 off)AirPods Max (Lightning): $469 at B&H Photo($100 off)Deals in the U.K.:Amazon,AirPods (4th gen, 2024, with ANC): 169 (10 off, RRP 179)Argos,AirPods (3rd gen, Magsafe): 139 (40 off, RRP was 179 Clearance)Amazon,AirPods (3rd gen, Lightning): 129 (40 off, RRP was 169 Clearance)Argos,AirPods 2nd gen: 109 (10 off, RRP was 129 Clearance)Argos,AirPod Max, Lightning, 2020: 429 (70 off, RRP was 499 Clearance)Black Friday: Apples shopping eventEvery year Apple holds shopping event from Black Friday (November 29, 2024) to Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024). Apple rarely discounts its products, so the event typically consists of gift card offers rather than actual savings.In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following voucher amounts with AirPods purchased on Apples U.S. site or Apples U.K. site. This year, with AirPods 4 out and Apple no longer selling AirPods 2 or 3, its not clear what deals will be available.AirPods (2ndgeneration)$2520AirPods (3rdgeneration)$2520AirPods Pro (2ndgeneration)$5040AirPods Max$7560Best AirPods deals in the US and U>KHeading into Black Friday, these were the best AirPods deals we found in November 2024.Latest AirPods Pro 2 dealsThe 2nd-generation AirPods Pro look just like the first-gen model, but they sound better, have longer battery life, and offer a few other welcome improvements. You should look for the then just-updated version with a USB-C charging case, which retailed at $249 / 229 but was often on sale for at least $50 off.RetailerPrice247View Deal267View Deal279View Deal244,80 View Deal244,89 View Deal247,59 View Deal249,00 View Deal249,00 View Deal249,00 View Deal255,00 View Deal255,00 View Deal268.77View Deal299.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketLatest AirPods 4 dealsWhen Apple released the AirPods 4, it priced them to replace both the 2nd-gen AirPods and AirPods 3. It comes in two models, a basic AirPods 4 that retails for $129 and an upgraded version with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) that is normally priced at $169. They look at feel the same and have the same great sound quality and features, other than ANC. Apple has stopped selling AirPods 2 or 3, and even if you find a deal on them, we think youll be a lot happier with AirPods 4.Here are the best deals for the basic version:RetailerPrice143,00 View Deal143,00 View Deal144,91 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal149,00 View Deal152,96 View Deal179,99 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketAnd these are the deals on the AirPods 4 with ANC:RetailerPrice0.01View Deal199View Deal199View Deal199View Deal185,33 View Deal187,00 View Deal187,00 View Deal187,14 View Deal199,00 View Deal199,00 View Deal199,00 View Deal199,00 View Deal202,96 View Deal239,99 View Deal239.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketLatest AirPods Max dealsFrankly, AirPods Max are overpriced (even on sale). Compared to other consumer-oriented over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones, you might pay hundreds more. Apples price is $549 / 499, and theyre easy enough to find for up to $100 less, but a good price would have been under $400.Apple recently updated the AirPods Max to include a USB-C charging port, but they are otherwise unchanged. You can probably find better deals on the older model with the Lightning charging port, and if so you should probably go for that.Black Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Apple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPhone dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals
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    Why the iPhone 17 will succeed where the iPhone 16 failed
    MacworldAnalysts speculated earlier this year that the iPhone 16 and its AI capabilities would trigger a new upgrade super cycle. Fired up by the innovative functions of Apple Intelligence, customers were expected to buy new handsets in record numbers, even if their current iPhone was still in perfect working order.A few weeks after the launch, however, much of that enthusiasm appeared to have fizzled out. In Germany, for example, we found it easy to get hold of the new phones, either from an Apple Store or on Amazon, with the latter able to deliver the device as early as the following week. In the U.K. right now, the cheapest configuration of the iPhone 16 Pro is available for next-day delivery. This is all a far cry from the stock shortages we usually encounter when an iPhone is a spectacular success.One possible reason why the iPhone 16 has not triggered a super cycle is the slow introduction of Apple Intelligence. The first features werent available until several weeks after launch in the U.S. and Canada, while European users may have to wait as much as a year. If AI was the key to success, delaying AI could have been a critical error.A cycle of innovationAnother issue could be the psychology of consumerism: to a lot of buyers its not whats inside that counts, but the external design. An abstract upgrade such as a 40 percent increase in performance is less appealing than new colors, shapes, and materials. And this is confirmed by sales data: the biggest leaps were made by the iPhone generations that brought noticeable changes in shape or dimensions.Weve put Apples iPhone sales in a diagram (bars) and also calculated how big the percentage difference was compared to the same quarter of the previous year (line). Because Apple has been releasing iPhones in the fall since the iPhone 4s in 2011, the new models make a big contribution to sales in the first quarter of each fiscal year: thats where youll see the biggest bars. But in terms of percentage differences, the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone X, and iPhone 12 have delivered the biggest jump compared to previous generations.Why were these models the big winners? Because of design. The iPhone 6 Plus, for example, was the first time Apple introduced a larger model alongside the standard-size model; thats a very noticeable change. (Two years earlier, the iPhone 5 had already increased the screen diagonally from 3.5 to 4 inches, but thats a little more subtle.)For the iPhone X, an anniversary model, Apple switched to a borderless design, replacing the Home button and Touch ID with Face ID facial recognition for biometric authentication. The notch provided for this purpose quickly became a recognizable, perhaps even iconic feature. And the iPhone 12 was the first square-edged smartphone since the iPhone 5S was discontinued, six years previously. Although the iPhone 13 is the most successful iPhone model to date in terms of pure sales, the 12 sold 17 percent better than its predecessor, whereas the 13 was up by just 9 percent. The iPhone 12 was a bigger step forward for the company.The iPhone 16 Pro is a great phone, but its not the revolutionary change we were hoping for.Anyron Copeman / FoundryLooking down the roadSo where does this leave the iPhone 16? It offers Apple Intelligence, its true. But that wasnt available at launch, many features have yet to arrive, and for a large proportion of potential buyers who live outside the U.S., its not available at all. In terms of design change, meanwhile, the iPhone 16 offers very little thats new.Compare this to the launches planned for 2025. If the rumors about the iPhone 17 Air are trueand theyve been swirling for more than half a year nowthen it will be the first model in five years to feature a radically new design, similar to the extremely thin iPad Pro M4 models. Add to that a striking color, like the Product Red that was discontinued with the iPhone 14, and its sure to be a bestseller.Our interest and optimism is further piqued by the latest developments at Apple. John Ternus hardware team has seen some important promotions in recent days: Richard Dinh, for example, became Vice President of iPhone Product Design. Ternus himself has promised radical innovations in iPhone design in an internal memo, calling the roadmap the most ambitious in the products history.So things are looking up. Just not until next year.
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    Apple faces 3 billion legal claim over alleged competition law breaches
    MacworldAround 40 million Apple customers in the U.K. could be entitled to an average payout of 70 if a major new legal challenge is successful.The consumer publication Which? has announced what it describes as a landmark legal claim against the company for alleged breaches of competition law. It contends that users have been unfairly locked into rip-off iCloud prices by anticompetitive behavior, and is launching an action worth 3 billion (around $3.8 billion) to obtain compensation.Which? believes taking this action is essential to changing the behavior of huge companies like Apple that use their market dominance to engage in anti-competitive practices that reduce choice and drive up prices for consumers, the publication said in a press release.The central claim is that Apples iOS ecosystem is monopolistic and that the company uses its power over the platform to give preferential treatment to iCloud, its cloud storage service.A key tactic to achieve this, says Which?, has been encouraging users to sign up to iCloud for storage of photos, videos, and other data while simultaneously making it difficult to use alternative providers, including because Apple does not allow customers to store or back up all of their phones data with a third-party provider.This directs revenue into Apples own coffers, at the expense of rival offerings. This in turn enables Apple to charge what the publication believes are above-market-rate prices: Which? claims consumers are overcharged by an increasing amount each year, up to 13.36 in 2024. Over many years these additional costs add up, and Which? believes the average consumer will be owed 70 in damage, although this will vary depending on how long they have been paying for iCloud.This isnt the first time Apple has been accused of monopolistic behavior; indeed the company has been fighting off such claims for years. (Unsurprisingly, Apples official position is that it isnt a monopoly.) Earlier this year, the company was sued by the U.S. Justice Department for its alleged iPhone monopoly. Similar investigations have been conducted in the U.K. and the EU.If youre a U.K. consumer who has paid for iCloud at any point since October 1, 2015, you may be entitled to compensation. Visit www.cloudclaim.co.uk for more information about the action and to register to receive updates on its progress.
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    Need a new iPhone? These are the best Black Friday deals youre going to find
    MacworldBlack Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, and its often the best time to get a good deal on a new iPhone, accessories, or other Apple gear.While Black Friday is really just the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, it has grown into an entire season unto itself, with sales extending several days after and well into December. Officially, Black Friday is Friday, November 29, while Cyber Monday is Monday, December 2. But youll find deals that start earlier and end later.We check prices on iPhone models all year round, so at any point you can check out our best iPhone deals article for up-to-date info on the top deals. If you want one of the latest iPhone 16 models, we have separate advice for readers in the U.S. and the U.K., and dont forget our round-up of the best Apple deals that we also update all year round.That said, Black Friday is generally expected to bring the best deals of the year. You can find early deals below as well as some advice on what will be on sale based on what we saw last year. Well be updating this page imminently, as the discounts start to come in and as Apple announces its own Black Friday 2024 sale.Black Friday 2024: Apples shopping eventEvery year Apple holds a shopping event from Black Friday (November 29) to Cyber Monday (December 2). However, since Apple rarely discounts its products, the event consists of gift card offers rather than actual savings.In 2023 you could get gift cards for the following amounts with the following iPhones purchased from Apple.com. This year, the deals will likely apply to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, but not the iPhone 16.iPhone 14$7560iPhone 13$5040iPhone deals: What to getApples newest iPhones are the iPhone 16 ($799), 16 Plus ($899), 16 Pro ($999), and 16 Max ($1,199). The iPhone 14 ($599) and 14 Plus ($699), and 15 ($699) and 15 Plus ($799) are also still offered for sale, as well as the iPhone SE ($429). You can save some money by buying an older iPhone, but youll be giving up some newer features, most notably Apple Intelligence. We dont recommend buying an iPhone SE even if its free through a carrier as its several years old and is due to get an update in early 2025.iPhone deals from U.S. carriers for Black Friday 2024These are the deals that are available from the three major U.S. carriers. Conditions always apply hereyou may need to have a specific plan, open a new line, or trade in a device. Most U.S. carrier deals require you to buy the phone on an installment plan, and then you get the discount as bill credits toward your monthly payment.In the U.S., the only big iPhone deals you can find come from carriers, and have a lot of strings attached. Typically, you have to buy a phone on a multi-year installment plan and get your discount in the form of monthly bill credits.AT&T: Get up to $1,000 in bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max and trade in your old phone, with a qualifying unlimited plan. T-Mobile: Get up to $830 in bill credits toward the purchase of any iPhone 16 model when you trade in your old phone and join the Go5G plan.Verizon: Get up to $100 in bill credits toward any iPhone 16 Pro model with a trade-in and the activation of a new line on the Ultimate Unlimited plan.Amazon: Amazon has partnered with Boost Infinite, a new carrier owned by Dish that primarily uses T-Mobile and AT&T towers for now. $65/mo gets you a free iPhone 16 Pro and unlimited talk, text, and data. Restrictions apply.iPhone deals in the U.K.This is our pick of the best U.K. iPhone deals in November 2024. For the latest deals on specific models, check the automated price comparison tables below.John Lewis,iPhone 15 (128GB): 681 (18 off, RRP 699) plus two-year guaranteeJohn Lewis,iPhone 15 Plus (128GB): 793.61 (5.39 off, RRP 799)Argos,iPhone 15 Pro (128GB): 899 (RRP was 999, DISCONTINUED)Amazon,iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB): 1,099 (RRP was 1,199, DISCONTINUED)Amazon,iPhone 14: 499 (100 off, RRP 599)KRCS,iPhone SE (64GB): 375.21 (53.79 off, RRP 429)KRCS,iPhone SE (128GB): 424.71 (54.29 off, RRP 479)Amazon,iPhone 13 (128GB): 449 (RRP was 499, DISCONTINUED)Argos,iPhone 13 mini (128GB): 499 (150 off, RRP was 649, DISCONTINUED)iPhone accessories are on sale this Black FridayMany of the best deals are going to be on iPhone accessoriescases, chargers, cables, and the like. There are way too many such products to keep track of, and many small discounts come and go throughout the Black Friday sale. We highlight only the most interesting bargains; products that are rarely discounted or exceptionally good prices on accessories we recommend.U.S.Amazon, MagSafe charger (2M): $34 ($15 off, MSRP $49)Amazon, AirTag: $19 ($10 off, MSRP $29)Amazon, AirTag (4-pack): $69 ($30 off, MSRP $99)Amazon, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank: $49 ($10 off)Amazon, UGreen 2-in-1 magnetic charging station: $29 ($10 off)U.K.Amazon U.K., Apple MagSafe Charger: 39 (6 off)Amazon U.K., AirTag 4-pack: 95 (24 off)Currys, single AirTag for 28.99 (6.01 off)You can also find more Apple accessory Black Friday deals.iPhone 15 dealsMSRP: $799/799NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice807View Deal819View Deal849View Deal749,00 View Deal773,00 View Deal777,00 View Deal777,00 View Deal793,41 View Deal839.83View Deal846,99 View Deal849,00 View Deal887,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPhone 15 128GB Schwarz Ohne Vertrag628.20View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketiPhone 15 Plus dealsMSRP: $899/899NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice929View Deal929View Deal911.2View Deal869,00 View Deal939,99 View Deal939,99 View Deal967,09 View Deal1060.23View Deal1.119,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPhone 15 Plus 128GB Schwarz Ohne Vertrag785.04View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketiPhone 15 Pro dealsMSRP: $999/999NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice1049View Deal1.069,00 View Deal1.099,00 View Deal1.245,00 View Deal1254.75View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPhone 15 Pro 128GB Titan Schwarz Ohne Vertrag795.80View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketiPhone 15 Pro Max dealsMSRP: $1,199/1,199NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice1.145,00 View Deal1.209,00 View Deal1.275,99 View Deal1.279,00 View Deal1.299,57 View Deal1.349,00 View Deal1.360,61 View Deal1.396,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Titan Natur Ohne Vertrag939.13View DealiPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Titan Schwarz Ohne Vertrag972.79View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketiPhone 14 Pro Max dealsMSRP was: $1,099/1,149iPhone 14 Pro dealsMSRP was: $999/1049RetailerPrice0.01View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketiPhone 14 dealsMSRP: $699/699NewRefurbishedRetailerPrice659View Deal669View Deal729View Deal650,00 View Deal655,00 View Deal665.76View Deal669,00 View Deal669,00 View Deal674,66 View Deal680,12 View Deal689,00 View Deal698,99 View Deal729.62View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPriceiPhone 14 128GB Gelb Ohne Vertrag519.43View DealPrice comparison from BackmarketiPhone SE (third-generation) dealsMSRP: $429/429RetailerPrice446View Deal449View Deal529View Deal387,00 View Deal411,00 View Deal430,00 View Deal443,00 View Deal443,00 View Deal449.15View Deal521.51View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketBlack Friday 2024: Best deals for Apple productsCheck out these roundups for the best Apple deals:Apple Black Friday 2024 saleBest Black Friday 2024 Apple dealsBest Black Friday 2024 MacBook dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac DealsBest Black Friday 2024 AirPods dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch dealsBest Black Friday 2024 iPad dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Mac monitor dealsBest Black Friday 2024 SSD and external hard drive dealsBest Black Friday 2024 Apple accessory deals
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