iPad - page 4

Apple Black Friday deals: AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad and more [Held over!]

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Illustrative graphic with the text 'Best Apple Black Friday deals'
There are some great deals to be had on Apple gear and accessories during the 2023 Black Friday sales.
Photo: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Update: Black Friday might be over but the deals certainly are not. Many of the best deals on Apple products are still live and you can score some hefty discounts on them this shopping season. In fact, some of these deals disappeared for a while on Black Friday — like the iPad (9th gen) for just $229 (save $100) — then reappeared at some point!

For starters, don’t miss this killer deal on AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C) for just $189 (save $60) — this is the best price we’ve seen on the best AirPods you can get. Plus, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen., 2022) is down to just $179 (save $70) — the SE is a great gift for someone this Xmas. Or, if you are shopping for yourself, the latest Apple Watch Series 9 is just $329 (save $70).

There are lots of great Apple deals to be had on Black Friday 2023 — just not from Apple itself. Apple is usually pretty stingy when it comes to Black Friday (Tim Cook loves his margins!). This year, you can get an Apple gift card worth up to $200 when you splash out on select products, but the latest and greatest — iPhone 15, M3 MacBook Pros, iMac, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — are not included.

However, there are great savings on Apple products from third-party retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, Target and Walmart. All these stores offer significant discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPads, iPhones and more. Here are the best deals on Apple gear we’ve found.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Who will lead Apple when Tim Cook steps down? [The CultCast]

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Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tim Cook recently said Apple has “very detailed” succession plans for when he eventually steps down as CEO. Plus, the company definitely plans to hire from within. That got us thinking … who’s next in Apple’s game of thrones?

Also on The CultCast:

  • OLED screens might come to iPad Air and iPad mini somewhat soonish.
  • Europe’s busybody technocrats have some more grand plans for Apple and other manufacturers. We’ve got mixed emotions.
  • Sonos reportedly wants to take on Apple TV and AirPods Max with rival products.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Budget iPad is an even better deal at an amazing $100 off

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iPad 10 and iPad 9 savings
You can get the iPad 10 or the iPad 9 at $100 below the usual cost.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iPad 10 is a capable tablet for school or fun, and you can now grab one for $349. And the entry-level iPad 9 is down to a mere $229. That’s $100 off either model, a truly significant saving on what are already Apple’s lower-price tablets.

The holiday season is almost here, and those planning to gift an iPad can take advantage of these deals before they go away.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Just how hot are those new M3 MacBook Pros? [The CultCast]

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Apple's M3 Max chip sitting in front of flames. The CultCast episode 621.
Just how extreme is the MacBook Pro's thermal throttling?
Original photo: Christopher Burns

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tests performed on the M3 MacBook Pros reveal the performance-crushing effects of thermal throttling and skimpy RAM. Erfon is not impressed!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple shocks everyone by pledging to support Rich Communication Services for better texting between iPhones and Android devices.
  • Griffin runs down some of the most interesting new features coming soon in iOS 17.2.
  • Apple reportedly plans to overhaul the iPad lineup next year, and a mammoth 12.9-inch iPad Air is apparently on the menu.
  • If the iPhone 16 gets exclusive AI features, will Siri really get smarter? We’re extremely skeptical.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Pre-loved iPad comes bundled with every accessory you need for less than $220

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Score early Black Friday savings on this near-mint iPad with renewed new Beats headphones, now just $220.
A refurbished iPad and an accessory bundle featuring Beats Flex headphones makes a perfect gift.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Looking for a Black Friday sale on an iPad? For a limited time, you can score an incredible deal on a near-mint refurbished iPad bundled with all the accessories you could need — including a set of Beats wireless headphones.

Through November 26, this combo goes for only $219.97, with no coupon necessary.

iPad Air and iPad mini with OLED screens pegged for 2026 release

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OLED iPad mini concept
OLED iPad models might come in big and small sizes.
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles

Add iPad Air and iPad mini to the list of Apple tablets getting OLED screens. At least, that’s what an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia says. And the mini will supposedly get a boost in display size.

The top-of-the-line iPad Pro models will reportedly get the enhanced display type much sooner, though.

Today in Apple history: iPods take to the skies

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The first iPod went from pitch to shipped product in 7 months
Goodbye, in-flight magazines!
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

November 14: Today in Apple history: Apple partnerships land iPods in airplanes for use with in-flight entertainment systems November 14, 2006: Apple teams up with a slew of airlines to offer the “first seamless integration” between iPods and in-flight entertainment systems.

A special dock will let iPod owners use the devices to play music and videos on planes’ seat-back displays. The plan promises to rid the world of old-fashioned in-flight movies and airline magazines.

12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024

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iPad Air and iPad Pro
A 12.9-inch iPad Air could join the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2024.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could overhaul its tablet lineup in 2024, delivering the first 12.9-inch iPad Air and upgrading iPad Pro models to OLED displays and the company’s fast new M3 chip.

The upgrades could help boost iPad shipments to between 52 million and 54 million units in 2024, up from about 50 million in 2023.

Today in Apple history: iPad Pro makes its big debut

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iPad Pro
The iPad Pro was a big step forward for the iPad.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

November 11: Today in Apple history: iPad Pro debutsNovember 11, 2015: Apple’s first iPad Pro goes on sale after months of speculation about the giant-size tablet. With its much larger screen, professional-oriented targeting and dreaded (optional) stylus, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro represents Apple CEO Tim Cook’s cleanest break yet from Steve Jobs’ vision for iOS devices.

And it turned out all the better for it!

Apple gets ready to make much better batteries

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iPhone and other Apple devices may have much better batteries within a couple of years.
iPhone and other Apple devices may have much better batteries within a couple of years.
Photo: PBKreviews

Apple is developing greatly improved batteries for its future devices, according to a new report. It appears the iPhone-maker wants to create a custom process in-house and own it — rather than outsourcing — just like it did with Apple silicon chips.

Full version of Resident Evil Village launches for iPhone 15 Pro and iPad

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'Resident Evil Village' on iPhone
You don't need a console to play Resident Evil Village, just an iPhone 15 Pro or a recent high-end or mid-range iPad.
Photo: Capcom

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max owners can start playing the console-quality version of Resident Evil Village. The survival horror game hit the App Store just in time for Halloween.

It can also be played on iPads with high-end processors.

Learn all these gestures and you’ll master your iPad

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The Guide to iPad Gestures
No more mad swiping at the screen — learn the details of how your iPad works.
Image: Leander Kahney/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Gestures are a great way to become an iPad power user. Gestures help you easily navigate through apps, switch between pages, access controls, and reduce multiple taps to a single swipe. Gestures are especially useful for Stage Manager, the new multitasking environment on iPad.

Apple designed gestures to mimic natural, real-world movements, making them intuitive to use and learn. Swiping, pinching, tapping, and other gestures feel familiar and are easy to master.

If you use your iPad a lot, they’re well worth learning — even just a few. Your fingers will thank you!

Pencil in new iPads for March 2024

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad
Multiple new iPads could be just five months away.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Spring 2024 could bring array of new iPad models, according to a reliable Apple tipster. This might include models from the smallest iPad mini to the largest iPad Pro.

Some of the changes will be only a faster processor, but other tablets will supposedly see more dramatic improvements.

Today in Apple history: iPad sales overtake Macs

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The iPad quickly became the world's fastest-selling device.
The iPad quickly became the world's fastest-selling device.
Photo: Yutaka Tsutano/Flickr CC

October 18: Today in Apple history: iPad sales overtake Macs October 18, 2010: Just six months after the original iPad debuts, Steve Jobs reveals that Apple’s tablet already outsells the mighty Macintosh computer.

During the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call, Jobs says Apple sold 4.19 million iPads during the previous three months, compared with 3.89 million Macs.

Get ready to grab the first budget Apple Pencil

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Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad
Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad is the lowest-cost stylus made by Apple.
Photo: Apple

Apple just took the wraps off a lower-price version of its iPad stylus. The new Apple Pencil uses a USB-C port for charging so it’s a better fit for use with the budget iPad.

“Apple Pencil has revolutionized note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple VP of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”

The new version is $50 less than Apple Pencil 2, the premium model. But it lacks some of the features of the top-of-the-line version.

Apple could announce new iPads on October 17 [Updated]

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iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
New iPads with faster chips could arrive soon.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could announce new iPads as soon as Tuesday, according to a new report. The company could unveil a new entry-level iPad, an updated iPad Air and the iPad mini 7.

All refreshed iPads purportedly will sport a minor spec bump but few other changes.

Best Prime Big Deal Days sales on Apple gear and accessories [Updated]

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Best deal on Apple gear and accessories for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.
These are the Prime Big Deal Days you don't want to miss.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Did you miss buying your favorite Apple gear or accessory during Prime Day earlier in the year? Worry not, as Amazon is back with its Prime Big Deal Days, offering hefty discounts on a hoard of Apple products and accessories.

There are great deals on MacBooks, AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads and other Apple accessories that make your favorite products much more affordable.

Make iPad into HDMI monitor with Lux Orion [Awesome Apps]

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Make iPad into HDMI monitor with Lux Orion [Awesome Apps]
Make your iPad into a screen for any device that supports HDMI output with Lux Orion and an adapter.
Photo: Lux

Awesome AppsYou can make your iPad into an external screen for your Mac, a Nintendo Switch, a camera or another device. All you need is the free Lux Orion application and a relatively cheap adapter.

Lux, the maker of the brilliant Halide camera application, made Orion just for fun. But it’s very useful, too.

Dual flying MacBooks flank external display and iPad [Setups]

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The user can't decide whether to leave the MacBooks like they are, or close them in clamshell mode.
The user can't decide whether to leave the MacBooks like they are, or close them in clamshell mode.
Photo: Professional_Pin_298@Reddit.com

Today’s MacBook Pro setup presents a strange picture not just because of the image repeated on the four screens. It’s just weird seeing dual “flying” MacBooks and an iPad as part of a quad-display setup.

After writing about hundreds of computer setups spotted in the wild, we can’t remember one that featured a pair of MacBooks open on stands like that. And the user questions the choice, too, seeking to possibly save a ton of desk space.

New iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro models are on the way

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad
All of Apple's iPad lines are up for a revamp.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple intends to update the entire iPad lineup in the coming months, according to information leaking out of the company. Details have come to light about models from the smallest iPad mini to the largest iPad Pro.

Included on the list are tablets that haven’t been updated in a couple of years.

Here’s what to expect.

Apple adds 100+ podcasts with improved access

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iOS 17 gives Apple Podcasts users a refreshed player and queue, episode art, search filters and the ability to connect subscriptions to top apps.
iOS 17 gives Apple Podcasts users a refreshed player and queue, episode art, search filters and the ability to connect subscriptions to top apps.
Photo: Apple

Now you can listen to more than 100 new podcasts from various apps and services in Apple Podcasts, the company said Tuesday.

“Subscribers to Apple Music, Apple News+ and participating apps like Calm and Lingokids can connect their subscriptions to access new shows and more,” Apple noted.

Mac sits at the top of the chart for consumer satisfaction

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24-inch iMac
Mac users are very satisfied with their iMac.
Photo: Apple

Mac users are very satisfied with their computer. Even more so than last year, according to a survey of users of all types of desktops, laptops and tablets.

Apple computers beat Windows PCs from most rivals in user satisfaction. In fact, there’s only one company that can rival Apple.

These iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won’t arrive till later this year

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The first iOS 17 public build will miss out on these features.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, but without these features.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple finally released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to the public, but you won’t get to enjoy all the new features and enhancements immediately.

Certain features will be released in a future point release of the OS. Below is a look at all such iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features that won’t be available at launch.

Don’t miss the best new features in iPadOS 17

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iPadOS 17 Home Screen
Interactive widgets are one of the highlights of iPadOS 17.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple just released iPadOS 17 to the public. There’s a lot to like, including a new customizable Lock screen, interactive widgets, a Health app, significant Stage Manager improvements and much more.

Here’s everything you can expect from loading the new version on your iPad.

Tilting iPhone platform sets 100W multidevice GaN charger apart [Review] ★★★★☆

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This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).★★★★☆
This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Need a compact and potent MagSafe charging station to replace a slow 3-in-1? Coming out just after iPhone 15’s release, Ugreen’s unusual new Nexode 100W GaN Charging Station could fit the bill, charging up to four devices at once.

Rolled out Thursday, the speedy charger takes up a small space by putting a MagSafe platform for iPhone that tilts up on top and USB-C and USB-A ports in the squat body. The company sent me one to try.