Cases News Noctua Has Competition: HAVN Performance Fans, BF360 Case, & Engineering DataMay 23, 2025Last Updated: 2025-05-23We take an early look at HAVN’s new BF360 case and the company’s new unique fans at Computex 2025The HighlightsFor its new products, HAVN has put a heavy emphasis on thermal performance and acousticsHAVN’s upcoming BF360 case brings in new fans in the 180mm, 140mm, and 120mm categoriesHAVN’s 180mm fan uses a 40mm thick frame and special shaping on the hub for what HAVN claims will improve pressure performance across the hub Visit our Patreon page to contribute a few dollars toward this website's operation (or consider a direct donation or buying something from our GN Store!) Additionally, when you purchase through links to retailers on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.We visited HAVN’s lab in Taiwan during our Computex 2025 trip. We saw that they were experimenting with a 52mm thick fan for a case it was showing off. The company didn’t end up using that for its case and instead used a new fan design that we’ll discuss in this article.Editor's note: This was originally published on May 17, 2025 as a video. This content has been adapted to written format for this article and is unchanged from the original publication.CreditsHost, WritingSteve BurkeCamera, EditingVitalii MakhnovetsMike GaglioneWriting, Web EditingJimmy ThangDuring our visit, the company showed off its new BF360 case, which follows up their HS 420.  Taking a closer look at the company’s new fan design, you can see some careful shaping to the fan’s hub, which is supposed to help with guiding air flow. We’ll have to see how it performs in our testing, but the idea is taking a thicker fan approach and thickening it even more. The company ended up using a 40mm-thick fan, which should help with pressure.    The company also uses 2x180mm fans mounted to the front of the case.  While we were there, HAVN prepared some CFD simulations for the flow and some simulations for mechanical stresses, on the panel for example, which is pretty interesting.Taking a look at the BF360, the front panel pops out with a tug as it uses magnets to attach itself to the front of the case and has 3 plastic feet that help it snap in at the bottom. The interior of the case’s front panel has a removable fan tray. Its design is somewhat typical but refined from what we’ve seen. HAVN has done a lot of iterations on it. The top panel pulls off and its design is familiar to the HS 420 with its structural design. Once you remove the top panel, it exposes the case’s top fan/radiatory tray, which has rubber bumpers and a slide mechanism that lets you pull it out of the case, providing full access to the top of the chassis and should help with ease of installation. A lot of the steel on the case is either .8mm thick and there’s some that’s 1.0mm, which is thick by today’s standards. Taking a look at the backside of the case, we can see that it has marked cable management pathways, much like the HAVN HS 420 (read our review). This was kind of a nice thing for brand new system builders. Whereas the HS 420 used stickers, the BF360 incorporates it into the molding. Our understanding is that they may refine its design to try and get more light reflection so it’s easier to see. This is a nice attention to detail that adds to the ease of installation. HAVN learned from the HS 420 on the 3 and ½-inch drive support and improved its implementation. There are 2 bays on the back side of the case for those drives and they can be removed. HAVN also changed how it handles the grommets with the case. The string-like material in between is the same but there’s now a little rubber tab that helps to prevent it from popping out by accident once it’s filled with cables. The point here is that HAVN is trying to learn from what they’ve done with the HS 420 and to refine their designs. Taking a look at the BF360’s front panel, it’s supposed to look like stone, but is made of plastic as stone would be extremely heavy. Behind the front panel in the unit we saw are 2x180mm fans. HAVN has shoved a piece of steel at the top, which is supposed to prevent recirculation. This was a huge issue in old BitFenix cases, where due to the company’s design, it would recirculate hot air back into its fans. This design can improve performance in big ways.HAVN tells us that the best setup for the BF360 is to have the top front fan be intake and the top back fan be exhaust, providing you’re using 180mm fans on the top. This matches our testing for other cases in the past. We’ve also found that if you’re populated the top slots, doing intake in front of an air cooler works better because otherwise air gets in the front and would get stolen by an exhaust fan out of the top. The case we looked at had 4x180mm fans (2 in the front and 2 on top) and 1x140mm in the rear.   HAVN tried different types of power supply shroud designs. One had an angled scoop to bring in air from the front bottom 180mm fan. One design had what we’re calling a “toilet-bowl” design, but that ultimately didn’t go through. The next design we looked at featured a more cylindrical/conical design. We asked one of the company’s thermal engineers why that design didn’t work better as it looks like it would project air towards the GPU, which would be a hot spot, and the rep told us that going with a wider design ended up performing thermally better. HAVN provided us some numbers for that, which we’ll take a look at below, but we’ll eventually do our own testing if we can get an early sample. Taking a look at the first mock-up of the case, we can see some rails for the front fans. This design did not progress into the final. It uses a rail system and we’ve seen it in other cases. Corsair has implemented it and has a trademark for it which they call the “InfiniRail.”Looking at the second mock-up, the company moved to vertical rails coupled with horizontal slats. HAVN ended up ditching that design altogether and moved to a tray design, which is sort of moving to a tried-and-true approach. The company incorporated another change where they’ve stamped and folded the tooling. Then we took a look at a design that was closer to final, which has its full corner covered. HAVN showed us 3 different prototypes for the front panel of the case. The first one we looked at featured a wood panel design, which we’ve seen on a lot of cases lately. Wood has certain manufacturing challenges to consider. The white panel you see above is made of aluminum, which is very expensive.The last thing that HAVN is working on that they showed off are fans. There’s been a lot of fan development in the last few years. One of the big marketing phrases you hear a lot these days is LCP (liquid crystal polymer), which is something we talked a lot about at the last Computex. One of the benefits of LCP fans (which HAVN isn’t using here) is that you can get the blades way closer to the interior of the frame. The downside is that it’s incredibly expensive. We have an interview with Noctua’s Jakob Dellinger from 2 years ago that delves into how the company wanted to avoid using LCP for a long time but determined it was necessary to get the performance they wanted. HAVN isn’t using LCP but has designed a fan that has some “teeth” cut out on its blades, which is something we’ve seen before. The company has also shaped its fan hub to be able to scoop air in more. HAVN tells us that having the hub protrude out like a little mountain would offer the best performance but this presents clearance/compatibility issues, especially if you want to put a radiator up against it. Taking a look at the 180mm fan, there’s a 2.0mm distance from the blade to the frame of the fan. We asked if HAVN tried to get it closer and were provided with a lot of data. The company showed us 3 revisions. 1 had a 1.8mm spacing, another had 2.0mm of spacing, and the third had 2.2mm. What they ended up seeing for pressure in mmH2O, is that a 2.0mm spacing ran at 2.19. The 1.8mm fan ran at 2.23, which is an improvement. The CFM (cubic feet per minute) for both was nearly indistinguishable at around 165. The 2.2mm spacing, however, had a big drop off, which is a design they didn’t go with. It had a 2.21 mmH2O pressure, which is more or less within error of the others, but the 159.9 is where that drop off occurs in the CFM. Comparing the 1.8 vs the 2.0mm spacings, they are basically hitting diminishing returns. Seeing this information is nice. We imagine that the benefits here weren’t worth the yields and costs because getting the blades closer to the inner frame could lead to a bad yield during manufacturing or might have the blades expand and hit the frame as it ages with time. This is what happened with a lot of Enermax fans in the past.  Grab a GN15 Large Anti-Static Modmat to celebrate our 15th Anniversary and for a high-quality PC building work surface. The Modmat features useful PC building diagrams and is anti-static conductive. Purchases directly fund our work! (or consider a direct donation or a Patreon contribution!)Now we’re going to go over HAVN’s first-part numbers, but we plan to do our own performance review of the case and fans once they’re available. First-party data should be looked at with some reasonable care. Thermal comparisons should only be made against their own results here, not against ours, as the benches are different. The flat, typical shroud style was comparable to the rectangular type in result, with the rectangular type slightly better. We think this will see a larger impact in our testing, but we'd need the three types to know for sure. The important comparison is against the cylindrical type, where HAVN saw worse results by a measurable amount. Performance worsened by 1-2 degrees on the CPU and about 2 degrees on the GPU. That's a large GPU temperature increase.In their next test slide, HAVN tested various fan configurations with the flat shroud. The results were mostly as expected: CPU performance is hurt drastically by having only a bottom intake fan, to no surprise.More interestingly, the ramp type shroud makes comparisons in "B" with a fan level with the top of it and "A" with a fan sunken to the floor of the ramp. The sunken approach resulted in marginally worse CPU thermals in A as compared to B, with GPU thermals mostly unchanged.This slide shows CFD simulation and flow mapping for ramp angles at 120 and 135 degrees. HAVN has drawn a few highlights around areas of re-circulation or heat accumulation, particularly marked at "1" where the 120-degree ramp angle shows worse areas of heat build-up. HAVN tested this in 5-degree increments from 120 to 140, finding that 135 was a good balance when noise normalized.In the above image, they show the fan spacing again, with a 20mm height increase benefiting performance.HAVN didn't shy away from competitive comparisons. The company says its BF 360 with its final front panel, shown above in light blue, had competitive performance against the H6. They also suggest significant reductions in flow resistance (which is a good thing) versus the Lancool 3, with the HS 420 also making some appearances here.HAVN began studying its slot spacing and porosity of the ventilation slots in the panels next. The company found that a ratio of length divided by depth being ideally about equal to 6 was optimal for minimizing flow resistance, with the only downside being potential structural challenges. These charts show their flow performance with different slot sizes.As shown in this set of images, the point is that HAVN is really mocking up a ton of different styles of panels, from the shrouds to the slot spacing, to try and determine the thermal performance and optimize for it. This is a major progression for them. It’s a lot of work to do all of this, which is cool to see. Of course, we have to test the product to see how it came together, but the CFM performance of type 4, as they called it, was the best, but we're ultimately looking at tiny differences here. Still, all of those small differences across the case will add up in theory.This image was cool: After all of this thermal testing, HAVN next did mechanical stress simulation for torsional forces against the panel, which allowed them to dial-in the thickness and makeup of the plastics.That continued in this image, where the so-called "type 4" gets another highlight.HAVN highlighted "Design C" for having a 0.8mm metal thickness with the chosen hole sizing.By shaping the fan hub itself to guide flow, HAVN claims that it can better maintain pressure across the hub of the fan and along the inner wall of the blades. This is the area of worst performance in every fan, so optimizing here can also help minimize dead zones behind the hub. HAVN says that the molded flow guide in the hub benefited its noise significantly. The company claims its flow rate also improved significantly for the guided hub.The image above is really cool. Referencing whale-fin evolution, HAVN used tooth-like leading edges on the fan to improve its thermal performance. We've seen this plenty of times in the past, but it never seems to stick around and we're not sure why. In this simulation though, HAVN suggests that the air stream is more uniform along the wavy blade design.Using a 30% glass fiber composite, HAVN saw performance with the new design slightly improve in CFM but largely improve in static pressure, going from 2.21 to 2.40 mmH2O.There's a ton more that HAVN did. The P/Q chart above shows the mock-up performance, including the stall region centrally. We'll save all this discussion for the review, though.HAVN had about 41 pages of this technical presentation, which is actually greatly appreciated. A lot of what remains will be covered in our review, so we'll leave that for now.The bearings are also interesting to talk about. These are called FDBs (Fluid Dynamic Bearings), depending on how you want to define that. We looked at one that was designed for the company’s 180mm fan. It was a 15mm-tall FDB.  One of the things with fans, in terms of the support, is how the fan’s rod seats into the bearing. As we’re told, the longer the bearing is, the more it will help with the wobble of the blades. Internally looking at the 15mm-tall bearing for the 180mm fan, you can see 3 grooved channels. In our bearings-factory tour, we learned that the grooves are part of the mechanism that allows the fluid to circulate to keep that pressure even across the bearing. That’s supposed to be what's special here but we don’t test bearings individually, but the idea is that 3 channels are supposed to help with the stability of the fluids across the bearing. For the 120mm fans, HAVN is going for roughly a 12mm tall bearing. The company claims that most are between 9-11mm tall for 120mm fans. HAVN allowed us to look at the company’s thermal chamber. There are pros and cons to HAVN’s solution. The pro is that it’s supposed to help control the thermal environment as it circulates the air. The downside to the chamber is that we found it can influence the results, though it depends on the chamber. We found that for our testing specifically, having a larger, open-room environment works better. It is very environment-specific. The company also had a flow-rate tester, which is similar to ours, that can do PQ charts, which the company used to test its new fans. It has a throttle control and a laser tachometer, which provides a reading of the speed of the fan. On one side of the flow-rate tester, there are tubes for the counter blower, which our system also has. Their flow-rate tester also has an air compressor, which is used for actuating some of the nozzles inside the system. We also saw that their flow-rate tester also came with an inexpensive desktop OEM computer (in this case, a ThinkCentre PC running an i5-12400).HAVN also has an acoustic chamber, which has a pass-through on the outside coupled with a noise meter, which collects noise levels. One thing we liked seeing once we looked inside the chamber is that we saw a mechanical rigging for the fan, which allows it to be free flowing. They put their microphone in the corner, which we used to do when we had a chamber of a similar size. Putting the mic here allows you to maximize the distance of the chamber by going diagonal, providing maybe a half a meter of space. They also have a foam floor as well, which makes it closer to an anechoic chamber as opposed to something like our hemi-anechoic chamber. Grab a GN Tear-Down Toolkit to support our AD-FREE reviews and IN-DEPTH testing while also getting a high-quality, highly portable 10-piece toolkit that was custom designed for use with video cards for repasting and water block installation. Includes a portable roll bag, hook hangers for pegboards, a storage compartment, and instructional GPU disassembly cards.HAVN is targeting a launch around September for its new products at which point we aim to run our own benchmarks to see how it all performs.

When I first heard Samsung was bringing back the Edge name as a new super-thin member of the S25 family, all I could think was: Why? Honestly, I thought phone makers had gotten over their hunger for thinness nearly a decade ago. The quest to shave millimeters off devices resulted in worse battery life, extra heat and more limited features. So what gives? On a certain level, just like fashion, older trends can over time become fresh and stylish again. Additionally, after phones made the transition to 5G — which required extra power, more complex modems and larger antennas — modern components have started shrinking again, essentially paving the way for the return of slimmer handsets. But then it hit me. While thinness may be the most striking thing about the Galaxy S25 Edge, that's not enough to justify the creation of a whole new device. Instead, I believe this phone is a part of a larger mission by Samsung to make the middle child of its flagship mobile lineup a more appealing member of the family. And when viewed in that light, I actually think it's largely a success. Design Now don't get me wrong, despite my gripes about how thinner phones are less practical, the S25 Edge is beautifully designed. At just 5.8mm thick (0.23 inches), it feels impossibly sleek. What might be even more impressive is that Samsung hasn't sacrificed durability to get here either. Just like the S25 Ultra, the Edge features a titanium frame, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and an even stronger Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 panel covering its display. The one difference is that the Edge's screen has a glossy finish instead of matte like on the Ultra because — and I kid you not — Samsung says an anti-reflective coating would have increased its thickness. Kudos to sticking to a strict design philosophy, because in terms of sheer feel and aesthetics, S25 Edge is undeniably enchanting. Sam Rutherford for Engadget However, while the S25 Edge shares some characteristics with the Ultra, like its frame and main camera, at least when it comes to its overall size, it's really more of a refreshed take on the S25+. It has the same 6.7-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate that's just as vibrant and wonderfully colorful as before. Although it does weigh a bit less at 163 grams or 5.75 ounces versus the S25+ (190g or 6.7 oz). Performance Like the rest of the S25 family, the Edge is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Despite the compact dimensions, Samsung still found room to squeeze a vapor chamber inside to prevent throttling and overheating. So even when pushed, the back of the phone rarely got more than lukewarm while delivering strong performance as I was gaming, multitasking or doing pretty much anything else you can think of. Cameras Sam Rutherford for Engadget The other major departure from the S25+'s basic template is that the Edge features the 200MP main sensor from the Ultra, along with a 12MP ultra-wide cam. But there's no dedicated zoom. Now at first, I was a bit upset because I think any phone this expensive should have a telephoto lens. That said, the massive amount of pixels the Edge's primary sensor can capture means you have quite a bit of freedom to crop in without degrading image quality. You just need to remember to tell the camera to shoot in full 200MP mode instead of the standard 12MP setting. One other small change is that Edge features a slightly wider-angle 12MP selfie cam than the S25+ and Ultra, which allows you to fit more people in group shots, but that's really the main difference. In general use, the S25 Edge takes great pics. Colors are rich and details are crisp, though you still get Samsung's slightly oversaturated hues and warmer tones. The same goes for low-light shots. For this review, instead of comparing it to a Pixel or iPhone, I pitted the Edge against the Motorola Razr Ultra. I feel like both are attempting to woo people who want a sleek and stylish device, but they are doing it in very different ways. What immediately jumped out is that foldable phones (at least the Razr) still lag behind more traditional glass bricks, even ones as thin as the Edge. In nearly every shot, Samsung's handset produced brighter, sharper and better-exposed images than Motorola's. So if you're the kind of person who wants a compact phone without needing to sacrifice image quality, the S25 Edge is a stronger pick. Battery life The biggest trade-off when making a phone this skinny is having less room for its battery. As such, the S25 Edge has the smallest power pack in the family at 3,900 mAh, which is 100mAh less than what’s in a base S25. This led to a time of just 25 hours and 59 minutes on our local video rundown test. That's not terrible, but it is three and a half hours less than what we got from the S25 Ultra (29:27) and two hours worse than a standard S25. For those who care a lot about longevity, you have been warned. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Thankfully, the S25 Edge still has support for wireless charging at an acceptable 15 watts, though its wired speeds are just average at 25 watts. However, as the phone is merely "Qi2 ready," anyone who wants to use compatible magnetic wireless accessories will need to buy a case or an adhesive mount with a built-in magnet, because there isn't one inside the phone itself. Wrap-up The S25 Edge is a divisive phone. I still don't fully grasp the desire to make modern phones thinner than they already are. Particularly if you're like most folks and you throw the thing in a case as soon as you get it (even when accounting for Samsung's new super slim option). Shaving off an extra 1.5mm over the standard S25 doesn't really make a tangible difference in how you use it, unless you consider the phone's reduced battery life a good thing. Sam Rutherford for Engadget But as an alternative to the humdrum S25+, suddenly things get a lot more interesting. Samsung's previous middle child costs significantly more than a base S25, but it doesn't have the fancy features like a super high-res main camera or a titanium frame like you get on the S25 Ultra. Really, the S25+'s most attractive feature is a nicely-sized 6.7-inch screen. Now here's where the Galaxy S25 Edge comes in. It has all of those things alongside a super thin and wonderfully crafted chassis for the same $1,100 starting price as the S25+. Yes, Samsung sacrificed some battery capacity and the phone's dedicated zoom to get here, but those aren't straight-up dealbreakers. That's because with the Edge, the new in-between member of Samsung's flagship mobile family is more than just skinny — it has a stylish identity that can stand on its own.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s25-edge-review-more-than-just-super-thin-180042172.html?src=rss

Unlock the secrets of Unreal Engine 5 with our step-by-step guide to creating mesmerizing magnetic fields using Niagara. This tutorial covers everything from setting up your project to fine-tuning dynamic effects, perfect for both beginners and seasoned VFX artists. Dive into the world of real-time visual effects and elevate your game design skills with cutting-edge techniques in UE5 Niagara. https://linktr.ee/cghow #UnrealEngine #RealtimeVFX #magneticfield

Forward-looking: Antimatter consists of particles with properties opposite to those of regular particles. It plays a central role in modern physics research and forms naturally through cosmic collisions or radioactive decay. However, studying it is difficult, as contact with normal matter results in instant annihilation. The European Organization for Nuclear Research, better known as CERN, is one of the few places on Earth capable of routinely producing antimatter from high-energy collisions with particle accelerators. Researchers there have now developed a novel method to transport small quantities of antimatter to external laboratories. This world-first achievement could enable more precise studies of the elusive antiparticles described in the Standard Model of particle physics. CERN researchers developed a two-meter containment device capable of temporarily trapping antimatter particles. They even trucked the device around the facility for four kilometers before returning it to the lab, where they confirmed the antiparticles were still intact. The brief trip required no external power source, proving that antiparticles can theoretically travel far beyond a few kilometers. It also demonstrated that antimatter can be safely transported to distant laboratories using nothing more than a standard vehicle and Europe's public road network. CERN facilities lie near Geneva, on the France – Switzerland border. Judging by the truck's route carrying the experimental containment device, the researchers likely crossed the border from France into Switzerland and back. Physicists have explained the practical application of antimatter transport in a recent study, which revealed limits to precision measurements using low-energy protons produced exclusively at CERN's Antimatter Factory. Magnetic field fluctuations from the facility's decelerators interfere with experiments, while dedicated off-site laboratories could enable more accurate results. // Related Stories Now that CERN has proven it can safely transport antiparticles beyond its grounds, it is preparing the next phase of its antimatter project. A new, state-of-the-art facility at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf in Germany will soon receive the first batch of antimatter cargo. The particles will travel nearly 800 kilometers to reach their destination.

Macworld Apple’s AirPods 2025 plans: In summary New AirPods Pro could launch featuring heart‑rate and temperature tracking and better ANC sound Some AirPods to get live translation feature via software update  AirPods Max could gain H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Conversation awareness, Voice Isolation, Bluetooth 5.3 and more In September 2024, Apple introduced the AirPods 4. At the same time the company announced that hearing aid features would be coming to the 2nd generation AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max got a minor update (Lightning switched for USB-C and a color refresh). Those hoping that the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods Max 2 would launch were disappointed. It is now almost three years since the AirPods Pro 2 were introduced in September 2022, and more than four years since the AirPods Max introduction in December 2020. Updates are long overdue. In this article we are tracking all the rumors about the launch date, new features and specs and any other changes coming to the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Read on for the latest news about the 2025 AirPods. We’ll look first at the rumours and leaks relating to the AirPods Pro 3 before moving on to the AirPods Max 2 below (click here to jump to the AirPods Max section).  AirPods Pro 3 release date: When will the AirPods Pro 3 be released? In summary September 2025 launch of AirPods Pro 3 likely… …But launch could be delayed until 2026 Production delays indicated It would be typical to expect a September launch for AirPods Pro, alongside iPhone 17. The original AirPods Pro were introduced in October 2019, the AirPods 2nd-gen launched in September 2022, and those were updated with USB-C in September 2023. In a February 2025, Bloomberg report Mark Gurman suggested that the AirPods Pro 3 were “Still many months away”. That could still line up with a September (or October) launch though. Also in February an unverified leaker claimed in a tweet that there would be an AirPods Pro launch in May or June. Twitter However, in May 2025 analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that we might not see an update to the AirPods until 2026. This could relate to production delays due to a new infra-red camera Apple is said to be equipping the AirPods with (more on that below). Twitter AirPods Pro 3 price: How much will the AirPods Pro 3 cost? In summary Price hike not expected… …But prices may rise due to economic factors We don’t expect the price to change, although it may increase in certain parts of the world and remain the same in others.  For example, when Apple launched the AirPods Pro in the U.K. the price was £249, that price was later reduced to £229, so it might go back up to £249. The price in the U.S. hasn’t changed since launch. Other factors may affect pricing. Pricing for the AirPods range starts at $129/£129 for the AirPods 4, and rises to $499/£549 for the AirPods Max:  Apple Earbuds: $19/£19 AirPods 4: $129/£129 AirPoids 4 with ANC: $179/£179 AirPods Pro 2nd-gen $249/£229 AirPods Max $549/£499 Ignoring the $300 premium for the AirPods Max, that’s an extra $70 between the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Pro. It would be feasible for Apple to increase the price of the AirPods Pro if the new features made the upgrade worthwhile.  We have a round-up of the Best wireless earbuds for iPhones and the best wired headphones if you’d like to consider alternatives to AirPods. Also read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models compare. AirPods Pro 3 features: What specs and features will the AirPods Pro 3 have? In summary Heart rate monitoring Temperature monitoring Translation Better active noise cancellation It’s fairly easy to make predictions about the new features coming to AirPods Pro 3 just by looking at the AirPods 4 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (Beats is an Apple-owned subsidiary). For example, Powerbeats Pro 2, which launched in February 2025, includes heart rate monitoring. Read our review of the Powerbeats Pro 2 and our AirPods 4 review. As for the features rumored to be coming to the AirPods Pro 3, here’s what we’ve heard: Heart Rate monitoring: In December 2024, Gurman said Apple is working on in-ear heart rate monitoring. This will enable users to track heart rate while exercising without having to wear an Apple Watch.  The inclusion of heart rate monitoring in the Powerbeats Pro 2 certainly indicates that the same feature will be available on the AirPods Pro 3, but you can expect it to be superior. One issue with the Powerbeats Pro 2 is that they can’t steam music and capture heart data simultaneously. Another issue is with the interplay between the heart rate monitoring on the Apple Watch and the Powerbeats.  Temperature monitoring: Mark Gurman has also said Apple was researching in-ear temperature sensors, https://www.macworld.com/article/1978329/new-airpods-details-major-leak.html and Apple has a patent on such technology. In-ear temperature sensing could also be faster and more reliable than those via the Apple Watch. https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/01/apple-reveals-an-all-new-temperature-sensor-that-could-be-used-with-apple-watch-airpods-and-more.html#:~:text=Apple Reveals an all-new,Electronic Devices With Temperature Sensors Translation: As part of the iOS 19 update Apple is said to be adding a live translation feature to AirPods. It’s unknown which AirPods will be compatible, but the AirPods Pro 3 are sure to be. https://www.macworld.com/article/2636989/airpods-to-get-live-translation-feature-as-part-of-ios-19-update.html We expect to hear more at WWDC. https://www.macworld.com/article/678333/wwdc-ios-macos-watchos-hardware-keynote.html Better active noise cancellation: According to Mark Gurman (in October 2023) the AirPods Pro 3 will feature a new H3 chip, which could lead to better active noise cancellation. Crash detection: An Apple patent describes a way that motion sensors inside AirPods could aid Crash Detection. AirPods Pro 3 design: Will Apple update the AirPods Pro design? In summary Changes to the charging case possible Slimmer design suggested Touch controls may work with gloves Mahmoud Itani / Foundry As mentioned above, we can look to the AirPods 4 for some clues about changes that may come to the AirPods Pro. One such change related to the charging case. The AirPod 4 charging case lacks a physical setup button, instead featuring a sensor under the status light on the front that lights up when active. There may be more changes coming. According to Mark Gurman (back in October 2023) the AirPods Pro will get a new design. We don’t expect new colors, but the buds may slim down further. The changes may be less visible, more tactile: A number of Apple patents indicate that Apple is looking to improve the way that the touch controls work on the earbuds work when the user is wearing gloves. For example in February 2025 a patent was granted to Apple that could enable this. AirPods Max 2 release date: When will the AirPods Max be updated? In summary Update long overdue Could be waiting until 2027 Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote of the AirPods Max in a December 2023 newsletter, saying that “The cans don’t sell well enough for the company to invest in entirely new hardware or software features”. However, it’s now more than four years since the AirPods Max were introduced and with such a premium price Apple owes it to customers to bring the AirPods Max into line with their competition and other AirPods Apple sells.  In 2024 Mark Gurman predicted that the AirPods Max would get an updated at the iPhone event. Sadly, the update included only a color change and a switch from Lightning for USB-C connectivity.  I expect Apple to launch new AirPods Max headphones tomorrow with better noise cancellation, adaptive audio & USB-C. They’ll launch with the low-end AirPods 4. This is line with my reporting for months but runs counter to lack of low inventory in stores. https://t.co/KIJQEwywcp— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 9, 2024 Even worse, the change meant that the AirPods Max could no longer be used as wired headphones (a feature of the Lightning-based model). This was the case until a software update in March 2025 added this ability along with lossless and ultra low latency audio. As a result of that software update, users are now able to play lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio through a wired connection. Lossless audio is a key feature for audio producers, while ultra‑low latency audio is key for gaming and live streams. Both very important features for the AirPods Mac. Despite these ‘updates’ the over four year old headphones are lagging behind the competition and an update is long over due. The bad news is that, if analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is correct, we could be waiting until 2027 for the second generation of AirPods Max. Twitter AirPods Max 2 price: How much will the AirPods Max 2 cost? In summary Price unlikely to change… …Although Apple could unify the U.S. and U.K. prices At $549/£499 the AirPods Max are an expensive purchase. The fact that they are now more than four years old makes that price look incredibly inflated. It’s no wonder they are frequently discounted at Amazon and elsewhere. When the new models launch we don’t expect a price change though. These are designed to fit at the premium headphones end of the market, and their competition has solar prices. That said, the price in the U.S. and U.K. may come in to line, with Apple choosing to ‘match’ the price as it usually does (many Apple products share an, e.g. $499/£499 price point) which Apple calculated based on exchange rates and local taxes. AirPods Max 2 specs: What specs and features will the AirPods Max 2 have In summary Necessary updates to bring into line with rest of the AirPods lineup New chip  Removal of ‘audio howl’ There is so much lacking from he AirPods Max compared to the AirPods Pro that it is easy to assume that the following will be included:  H1 chip upgraded to H2 (or H3)  Adaptive Audio (which combines transparency mode and ANC) Conversation Awareness  Conversation Boost Voice Isolation  Personalized Volume Option to activate with ‘Siri’ voice command (not just ‘Hey Siri’) Custom high dynamic range amplifier Bluetooth 5.3 (up from Bluetooth 5.0)  Find My  Also expect better battery life.  One patent identified in 2022 indicates Apple is looking at detecting “audio howl”, which is described as distracting audio feedback. AirPods Max 2 design: Will Apple update the AirPods Max design? In summary More protective carry case Removable ear cushions  Waterproofing  Jason Cross/IDG Improvements to gesture controls which are currently via the Digital Crown. Could Apple forgo the Digital Crown in favor of touch controls on the ear cups?  We could see changes to the carry case. Ideally it should cover the whole product and be more protective. A patent from 2022 suggested that Apple was developing a better case with magnetic clasps. The Audio Howl patent mentioned above also refers to removable ear cushions which could be reattached using magnets.  We’d also like to see a foldable design and better waterproofing. If you’re keen to hear the latest rumors about Apple’s plans, the best place to start is our roundup of New Apple products. Those interested in the current range should take a look at our roundup of the best AirPods deals for the latest bargains.

Here's what we looked at this week:The quest to optimize existing objects: The EDJY features an unusual single-blade fingernail clipper design that allegedly delivers better results. Apple's "Vehicle Motion Cues" are an on-screen anti-motion-sickness trick.From Australia, magnetic and custom-fit sun shades for your car.The Otemon splice: A crazy Japanese technique for splicing the bottom of a rotted column.Image and work: Chris Hall Stunning Frank Lloyd Wright art tiles by Motawi Tileworks.A glow-in-the-dark substitute for EDC gear: These Isotope Tritium Fobs rely on actual radioactive isotopes.Philips' Fixables initiative will offer free downloadable files to 3d print replacement parts for their products.Dutch researchers develop "countersnapping," the opposite of a push-to-open mechanism. An industrial design classic: The Brionvega Algol TV, by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper.Good or bad? The Trace camera system records entire sporting matches, but highlights just your child.From Latvia, Kanttari's bronze bar cabinet. This Solo Windchill 47 Cooler has a built-in air conditioner. Because heaven forbid you break a sweat outside.The Loki cleaning robot, here to end janitors.A new umbrella shape from Japan (for an entirely frivolous purpose). Growl: An AR punching bag for training and gaming.Design solutions for beachside umbrella-wind wars, and one man vs. nature.Form follows function: Dyson's new approach yields the super slim PencilVac. An industrial design case study from Germany: Fluid Design updates Beurer's grooming devices.

A new contest is underway, inviting designers and 3D printing enthusiasts to create custom accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro, a modular smartphone from CMF by Nothing. Organized in partnership with Czech based 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research, the contest focuses on designs that enhance the phone’s appearance, functionality, or usability. Open for another 22 days, the contest allows each participant to submit up to five entries.  At the time of writing, 225 submissions have been received. Designers are encouraged to develop back covers, attachments, or other accessories that align with the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s structure. The phone features visible screws and a universal adaptor, making it compatible with a range of physical modifications. “We’ve teamed up with our friends at Prusa to launch a design challenge built around CMF Phone 2 Pro and its all-new Universal Cover. The best of the best will be able to bring their design to life with a brand new CMF Phone 2 Pro and Original Prusa MK4S 3D printer. Plus more prizes up for grabs,” said the CMF team. Phone Stand for CMF Phone 2 PRO. Photo via user GRZ Design/Printables. “Make tech fun” with 3D printing Entries may focus on convenience, additional features, or purely visual elements, but only accessories tailored to the CMF Phone 2 Pro will be accepted. General-purpose phone stands or unrelated designs do not qualify. To ensure accessibility, CMF has provided all the necessary files, measurements, and design references for those who don’t own the device. Prizes for the Top Three Entries: 1st Place: Original Prusa MK4S Kit and CMF Phone 2 Pro 2nd Place: CMF Phone 2 Pro, CMF Buds Pro 2, and 1200 Prusameters 3rd Place: CMF Phone 2 Pro and 800 Prusameters This isn’t the first time CMF by Nothing has involved the maker community. Last year, the brand collaborated with Chinese desktop 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab on a similar initiative focused on the CMF Phone 1. That contest, hosted on MakerWorld, asked designers to create custom components for the phone’s modular design. Participants had access to STEP files and technical specs to assist in the development of precise designs. The 2024 contest recognized winners in three categories: Best Functional, Best-Looking, and Most Unexpected. Judges included creators from the 3D printing space such as 3D Printing Nerd and Unnecessary Inventions, along with Nothing Co-Founder Akis Evangelidis, who emphasized the company’s commitment to co-creation with its user base. Building on that approach, the new contest continues CMF’s engagement with the design and 3D printing community, this time hosted on Printables.com, where users can find entry guidelines, design files, and current submissions. The Ultimate Magnetic Camera Cage for CMF Phone 2 PRO. Photo via user 3D Kimba/Printables. Shaping mobile accessories with 3D printing With 3D printing increasingly shaping how mobile accessories are developed, companies have started turning to open design challenges and in-house production to rethink both customization and manufacturing. Accessories company Incase and 3D printer manufacturer Carbon entered a multi-year R&D partnership to develop and mass-produce 3D printed mobile device protectors using Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. As part of the deal, Incase gained access to 20 Carbon M2 printers, proprietary software, and exclusive rights to co-brand products made with the process.  The protectors were designed with complex lattice structures and new elastomers that offer enhanced impact protection in a lightweight form. This partnership also streamlined design and production, enabling faster iteration, reduced prototyping, and on-demand manufacturing Elsewhere, Netherlands-based 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker kicked off a contest inviting users to design accessories for the OnePlus One smartphone and share them on Youmagine. In just a week, the platform saw a wave of submissions, with several downloadable designs quickly appearing online.  To make things interesting, Ultimaker offered participants a chance to win either an Ultimaker 2 or a OnePlus One. Once the entry period ended, the public helped narrow down the field by voting for their favorites. From those finalists, judges from both Ultimaker and OnePlus chose the top three winning designs. Take the 3DPI Reader Survey — shape the future of AM reporting in under 5 minutes. What 3D printing trends should you watch out for in 2025? How is the future of 3D printing shaping up? To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, don’t forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook. While you’re here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays. Featured image shows phone stand for CMF Phone 2 PRO. Photo via user GRZ Design/Printables.

I didn’t expect to find the Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate Design foldable laptop on the floor at BEYOND Expo, and it wasn’t officially displayed at Huawei’s booth. But I did see a nervous intern walking around with a strange-looking laptop behind the scenes. I walked up to ask her if it was Huawei’s new ‘foldable laptop’ and lo and behold, I got a hands-on experience of a device hardly anybody’s seen before… and spoilers, it’s gorgeous. The MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is the kind of stuff you expect from companies like Apple and Google, but it really does seem like Huawei’s been pushing the envelope farther than any ‘Western’ brands. They mastered 5G before anyone, developed their own app ecosystem after being booted off Android, brought the Mate XT tri-fold device to market long before Samsung, and now managed to design, launch, and even display a foldable laptop long before anyone else could even get their R&D together. Designer: Huawei The MateBook Fold Ultimate Design (let’s just call it the MateBook Fold for short) is a bona fide luxury device. It costs a mind-bending $3,300 USD and is only available in China for now. That’s because it’s running Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which works best within the mainland. However, physically, the laptop looks GORGEOUS. At 14.9mm, it’s slightly thicker than the 128mm-thick tri-fold phone when shut (because it technically also has 3 panels), but open it up and you’re either faced with a 13″ laptop with a touchscreen keyboard, or an 18″ touchscreen monitor when opened fully (thanks to a kickstand at the back). The third panel? Well, that’s just the MateBook Fold’s snap-on keyboard, which works wirelessly with the device, allowing you to use it either independently or even placed on top of the MateBook, replacing the touchscreen keyboard with a tactile one. News flash, everything works absolutely seamlessly – you don’t need to pair or unpair keyboards, the screen transitions like magic between multiple formats, and the device, even though it released just 3 days ago, doesn’t have any rough edges that I can see. It’s all polished to the point of being a product you could throw 3.3 grand at today itself. So, here’s really what you get with the MateBook Fold. The three-part device (a two-part foldable and one snap-on keyboard) is as light as it gets – 2.5 lb (1.16 kg) officially, which is still lighter than a 13″ MacBook Pro. The keyboard sticks confidently via magnets, only snapping out when you remove it with intent. Even the hinge on the MateBook Fold – reliable, without a doubt. I needed two hands to pry the thing open, and once you disengage the device, the hinge loosens so that the lid lifts up comfortably. The MateBook Fold’s design enables hybrid-laptop-style usage, but with a key difference being the foldable display itsel. You can use it in the following formats – open it up and type on the lower touchscreen like a regular laptop (you can change the keyboard design, layout, color, it’s wild). My favorite part is the fact that when you activate the on-screen keyboard, the Huawei branding actually shows up near the hinge, displaying the company logo where you’d expect it to be on most traditional laptops. You might think of it as an easter egg, but I see it more as incredible attention to detail. The other way to type is to simply snap out the actual physical keyboard and use it to type (either on top of the laptop or kept on the side). However, if that 13″ screen isn’t enough for you, the MateBook Fold opens up to become a flat 18″ 3.3K display with a more tablet-ish 4:3 resolution. Hold and use the device like you would an 18″ tablet, place it flat on a tabletop, or prop it upwards, thanks to the built-in kickstand that otherwise sits flush against the back. There’s not a single bump anywhere on the device – the absence of a primary camera rids the MateBook Fold of its camera bump, so you’re left with a device that’s as gorgeously sleek as a laptop. The OS, for now, is Huawei’s HarmonyOS, running a tablet-PC hybrid layout. You have apps on the desktop, like TikTok, Xiaohongshu (or Red Note), WPS Office, among other local apps. Huawei’s even built a Copilot clone that runs on the device thanks to a dedicated AI key. The company’s worked with Deepseek AI to integrate its chatbot into the MateBook Fold, giving you what I can only describe as an experience that’s absolutely tailormade to and with China-based innovation. For a company scorned by the US and several other countries, this is nothing short of remarkable. I don’t say it to artificially glorify the company or the circumstances it finds itself in, but hey, it’s been half a year since the tri-fold and not one company. The rest of the info on the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design can obviously be found in any press release. The device packs 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage – overkill by tablet or laptop standards. A fingerprint reader comes built into the power button, and yes, even though there isn’t a primary camera, the bezel hides a webcam that can be used the way you would on a laptop. It’s difficult to really say who this foldable laptop is for. It oozes so much style that I find myself only being able to recommend it to people who like flexing expensive gear, like a Rolex or a Lamborghini. At $3,300 USD, it’s definitely in that territory. For people who splurged on the tri-fold Mate XT, this might just be the best laptop to complement it. After all, integration should be absolutely seamless, given that they both run the same OS too.The post Huawei’s Foldable Laptop Is A Game-Changer And We Tried It Out: Hands-On at BEYOND Expo 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

A new review by researchers from the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, CETC 54 (54th Research Institute of Electronics Technology Group Corporation), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen University, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China surveys the latest developments in 3D printing for microelectronic and microfluidic applications. The paper released on Springer Nature Link highlights how additive manufacturing methods have reached sub-micron precision, allowing the production of devices previously limited to traditional cleanroom fabrication. High-resolution techniques like two-photon polymerization (2PP), electrohydrodynamic jet printing, and computed axial lithography (CAL) are now being used to create structures with feature sizes down to 100 nanometers. These capabilities have broad implications for biomedical sensors, flexible electronics, and microfluidic systems used in diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Overview of 3D printing applications for microelectronic and microfluidic device fabrication. Image via Springer Nature. Classification of High-Precision Additive Processes Seven categories of additive manufacturing, as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) serve as the foundation for modern 3D printing workflows: binder jetting, directed energy deposition (DED), material extrusion (MEX), material jetting, powder bed fusion (PBF), sheet lamination (SHL), and vat photopolymerization (VP). Among these, 2PP provides the finest resolution, enabling the fabrication of nanoscale features for optical communication components and MEMS support structures. Inkjet-based material jetting and direct ink writing (DIW) allow patterned deposition of conductive or biological materials, including stretchable gels and ionic polymers. Binder jetting, which operates by spraying adhesives onto powdered substrates, is particularly suited for large-volume structures using metals or ceramics with minimal thermal stress. Fused deposition modeling, a form of material extrusion, continues to be widely used for its low cost and compatibility with thermoplastics. Although limited in resolution, it remains practical for building mechanical supports or sacrificial molds in soft lithography. Various micro-scale 3D printing strategies. Image via Springer Nature. 3D Printing in Microelectronics, MEMS, and Sensing Additive manufacturing is now routinely used to fabricate microsensors, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) actuators, and flexible electronics. Compared to traditional lithographic processes, 3D printing reduces material waste and bypasses the need for masks or etching steps. In one example cited by the review, flexible multi-directional sensors were printed directly onto skin-like substrates using a customized FDM platform. Another case involved a cantilever support for a micro-accelerometer produced via 2PP and coated with conductive materials through evaporation. These examples show how additive techniques can fabricate both support and functional layers with high geometric complexity. MEMS actuators fabricated with additive methods often combine printed scaffolds with conventional micromachining. A 2PP-printed spiral structure was used to house liquid metal in an electrothermal actuator. Separately, FDM was used to print a MEMS switch, combining conductive PLA and polyvinyl alcohol as the sacrificial layer. However, achieving the mechanical precision needed for switching elements remains a barrier for fully integrated use. 3D printing material and preparation methods. Image via Springer Nature. Development of Functional Inks and Composite Materials Microelectronic applications depend on the availability of printable materials with specific electrical, mechanical, or chemical properties. MXene-based conductive inks, metal particle suspensions, and piezoelectric composites are being optimized for use in DIW, inkjet, and light-curing platforms. Researchers have fabricated planar asymmetric micro-supercapacitors using ink composed of nickel sulfide on nitrogen-doped MXene. These devices demonstrate increased voltage windows (up to 1.5 V) and volumetric capacitance, meeting the demands of compact power systems. Other work involves composite hydrogels with ionic conductivity and high tensile stretch, used in flexible biosensing applications. PEDOT:PSS, a common conductive polymer, has been formulated into a high-resolution ink using lyophilization and re-dispersion in photocurable matrices. These formulations are used to create electrode arrays for neural probes and flexible circuits. Multiphoton lithography has also been applied to print complex 3D structures from organic semiconductor resins. Bioelectronic applications are driving the need for biocompatible inks that can perform reliably in wet and dynamic environments. One group incorporated graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes into ink for multi-jet fusion, producing pressure sensors with high mechanical durability and signal sensitivity. 3D printed electronics achieved through the integration of active initiators into printing materials. Image via Springer Nature. Microfluidic Devices Fabricated via Direct and Indirect Methods Microfluidic systems have traditionally relied on soft lithography techniques using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Additive manufacturing now offers alternatives through both direct printing of fluidic chips and indirect fabrication using 3D printed molds. Direct fabrication using SLA, DLP, or inkjet-based systems allows the rapid prototyping of chips with integrated reservoirs and channels. However, achieving sub-100 µm channels requires careful calibration. One group demonstrated channels as small as 18 µm × 20 µm using a customized DLP printer. Indirect fabrication relies on printing sacrificial or reusable molds, followed by casting and demolding. PLA, ABS, and resin-based molds are commonly used, depending on whether water-soluble or solvent-dissolvable materials are preferred. These techniques are compatible with PDMS and reduce reliance on photolithography equipment. Surface roughness and optical transparency remain concerns. FDM-printed molds often introduce layer artifacts, while uncured resin in SLA methods can leach toxins or inhibit PDMS curing. Some teams address these issues by polishing surfaces post-print or chemically treating molds to improve release characteristics. Integration and Future Directions for Microdevices 3D printed microfluidic devices in biology and chemistry.Image via Springer Nature. 3D printing is increasingly enabling the integration of structural, electrical, and sensing components into single build processes. Multi-material printers are beginning to produce substrates, conductive paths, and dielectric layers in tandem, although component embedding still requires manual intervention. Applications in wearable electronics, flexible sensors, and soft robotics continue to expand. Stretchable conductors printed onto elastomeric backings are being used to simulate mechanoreceptors and thermoreceptors for electronic skin systems. Piezoelectric materials such as BaTiO₃-PVDF composites are under investigation for printed actuators and energy harvesters. MEMS fabrication remains constrained by the mechanical limitations of printable materials. Silicon continues to dominate high-performance actuators due to its stiffness and precision. Additive methods are currently better suited for producing packaging, connectors, and sacrificial scaffolds within MEMS systems. Multi-photon and light-assisted processes are being explored for producing active devices like microcapacitors and accelerometers. Recent work demonstrated the use of 2PP to fabricate nitrogen-vacancy center–based quantum sensors, capable of detecting thermal and magnetic fluctuations in microscopic environments. As materials, resolution, and system integration improve, 3D printing is poised to shift from peripheral use to a central role in microsystem design and production.  3D printing micro-nano devices. Image via Springer Nature. Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights. Take the 3DPI Reader Survey — shape the future of AM reporting in under 5 minutes. Featured image shows an Overview of 3D printing applications for microelectronic and microfluidic device fabrication. Image via Springer Nature. Anyer Tenorio Lara Anyer Tenorio Lara is an emerging tech journalist passionate about uncovering the latest advances in technology and innovation. With a sharp eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Anyer has quickly made a name for himself in the tech community. Anyer's articles aim to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. In addition to his writing, Anyer enjoys participating in industry events and discussions, eager to learn and share knowledge in the dynamic world of technology.

MagSafe is so nifty that it sometimes feels like magic. Luckily, there are no tricks up its sleeve, just some good magnetic attraction. At ZDNET, I test dozens of MagSafe accessories, from battery packs to wallets, phone cases, tripods, and more. Plus, plenty of other experts have reviewed even more niche MagSafe gear, like SSDs and voice recorders.  As a tech editor, I can test out tons of super handy gadgets and gizmos for my phone that I otherwise would never bother checking out on my own accord, and I love a functional (and fun) tech accessory. And as a mobile accessory expert, there are genuinely a few that I reach for nearly every day that stand out from the mountains of MagSafe gear I've tried. My Torras MiniMag battery pack is slim enough for even my tiniest bag, and my bedside table will never be empty of my Anker MagGo 3-in-1 charger. I'd recommend these to anyone looking to level up their phone's functionality, or who's curious to jump into the world of MagSafe for the first time. Most picks are under $100 and won't break the bank. ESR Aura MagSafe Wallet and Stand Kayla Solino/ZDNET This wallet quickly shot to the top of my rotation and became a favorite in my wallet collection, so much so that it is ZDNET's pick for best MagSafe wallet. While this wallet is very similar to others you can buy, its value is insane. You get a quality vegan leather wallet, strong magnetic hold, five card slots -- including a dedicated ID pocket, notches for easy card access, and five colors to pick from -- all for under $30. When I tested this wallet, I was most impressed with how functional the dedicated ID slot is and how purposeful every element is. Each feature, like the notches allowing easy card access, was thoughtfully designed, implemented, and truly upgraded the accessory experience. Plus, ESR offers some of the most fun colors I have seen in a long time, including pastel pink and purple (and some universal neutrals, if that's your preference). ESR customers on Amazon said they were pleased the Aura wallet came in vibrant colors, and liked the strong magnet, dedicated ID slot, and ample storage it provides. Some customers said that the wallet offers excellent value for the price, and it has a five-star rating on ESR's website. Show more View now at Amazon Torras Slim MiniMag Wireless Charger Kayla Solino/ZDNET This Torras MiniMag Battery Pack is the thinnest wireless charger I've tested, and I've had the chance to review a lot. It has no kickstand or added features, but its 5,000mAh capacity is comparable to other packs I've tested. If you're buying a battery pack for the first time, I recommend this one over anything else. Thanks to its slim profile, you'll be able to use it in more situations than not, and if you spend around $50 on a battery anyway, it might as well be multifunctional. The pack provides 18W USB-C charging or 7.5W wireless charging, too.The MiniMag is a practical option that ensures you always have a battery pack. I was delighted with its performance, especially for its thin design. Despite the pack's smaller stature, it does not compromise on charging or speed, and I love that the device also comes in pink. You can be assured that I love this battery pack because I bought both colors. Torras users on Amazon said that they liked the quick charging speed and lightweight profile. and the slim design of the Torras MiniMag battery pack. However, some said the battery gets too hot. Keep in mind that most battery packs do get some warming with use.  Show more View now at Amazon Moft MagSafe Snap Phone Tripod Stand Kayla Solino/ZDNET The Moft MagSafe tripod and stand combine a sophisticated, sleek design with maximum functionality. I love the affordable yet luxurious look the Moft stand offers. I also find it convenient to take impromptu photos, work from my desk, and watch my favorite shows. You can also use this stand as a selfie-stick-like grip or bump it into a larger tripod (pictured), which is perfect for summer travels. The stand is a content creator's dream, but it works so well for the everyday tech consumer (that's me, don't be fooled). It's been a great accessory for my walking desk and for following recipes in the kitchen. Newer versions of this stand from Moft also include a spot for up to two cards, so if you need card storage and a stand function, this accessory is for you.  Moft customers on Amazon said they liked the stand's fun colors, firm hold, and practical design. Some customers experienced slight wear issues due to the Vegan leather construction, but like most products, you will see some wear with daily use. Show more View now at Amazon Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station Kayla Solino/ZDNET Anker's MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for iPhone is still a wireless charging dream months after my initial purchase, and it's also ZDNET's pick for best wireless charger. This MagSafe charger features 15W charging, offers a stand component for my iPhone, charges all my Apple devices simultaneously, and folds up easily for quick transport and storage. The charger also comes with a wall adapter, which isn't always guaranteed. I first purchased this Anker charger after ZDNET's Sabrina Ortiz tested it last year. I was looking for a safe and functional 3-in-1 charger to reduce the number of cords I needed to pack while traveling. This device is the solution. Unveiled at CES 2023, this 3-in-1 is worth your money if you own an Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods and want a great charger at home and on the go. I also enjoy Anker's UFO version of this charger, but if you're only going to purchase one 3-in-1 charging setup, it should be this one. A stand configuration is preferable for daily nightstand use, and you don't need to buy both setups. Verified Amazon customers gave this Anker charger 4.6 out of 5 stars. They liked the compactness and convenience of the design, and the easy-to-use setup, foldability, and magnetic strength. However, some customers said the simultaneous charging wasn't consistent. Author's Note: The Anker MagGo 3-1 charger in white is on sale for $82 (save $27) at Amazon upon the latest publication.  Show more View now at Amazon Other MagSafe products we think you'd like What is the best MagSafe accessory? Our favorite MagSafe accessories according to style, function, added features like kickstands, and more. Maybe you're looking for a battery pack to boost your phone or a handy place to store your metro card? We've got you covered with top-tested accessory picks from Torras, Moft, and more.MagSafe accessoryPrice*TypeESR Aura MagSafe Wallet and Stand $25MagSafe wallet for card and cash storage.Torras Slim MiniMag Battery Pack$60Slim and portable MagSafe battery pack.Moft MagSafe Snap Phone Tripod Stand $40Multifunctional, magnetic phone stand.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station $1103-in-1 MagSafe Wireless charging dock.*MSRP at time of publication Show more Why should you trust me? I test tech for a living, whether the gadgets are mobile accessories, MagSafe gear, or power banks. I have strong opinions on what makes a tech product worth your money, because I know that budgets are tight and there's no greater disappointment than wasting a paycheck on a middling device. I do my research, checking competing websites for the newest products, reading Reddit threads and Amazon reviews, speaking with researchers and analysts about what makes a particular device good or bad, and, when in doubt, testing everything out for myself. For this story, each primary pick is a product I've had the opportunity to test and still truly use in my everyday life. If I included additional products of interest, I consulted and cited ZDNET's experts who have used them. I considered price, quality, and use cases for poolside gadgets, among other things, to curate this list. While there is plenty of different tech I could have recommended to you, these are the MagSafe accessories that I think are the very best. Show more Which phones are MagSafe compatible? Most of the iPhone 12 through the iPhone 16 models are MagSafe compatible. Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini models don't feature MagSafe and, therefore, cannot be used with MagSafe accessories. The latest iPhone 16e isn't compatible, either. However, MagSafe rings that are sold separately can convert non-MagSafe cases into MagSafe-compatible cases.  Show more How do I know my iPhone is MagSafe compatible? The iPhone 12 through iPhone 16 models (minus the Mini and a few select models, like the 16e) feature MagSafe technology. If you're not sure what type of iPhone you have, go to Settings > General > About, and you'll see what model your phone is.  Show more Do I need a specific case to use MagSafe accessories? Ideally, you should equip your phone with a MagSafe phone case, which also helps to protect your phone and strengthen the magnetic connection if you add MagSafe accessories. You can find MagSafe phone cases at Apple or other retailers, such as Amazon and Best Buy. Technically, you can use many MagSafe accessories without a case on select devices, but the grip is less likely to be secure.  Show more What does RFID mean? Some MagSafe accessories, like wallets, often advertise RFID protection. According to the Department of Homeland Security, RFID refers to radio frequency identification. This technology uses radio waves to identify people or objects. There are devices that can read information contained in a wireless device or "tag" from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight -- for example, the chips in credit or debit cards. Wallets that feature RFID-blocking technology prevent these devices from accessing information stored in protected chips, which can help to stop your bank information from being compromised.  Show more Featured reviews