Anyone feeling underwhelmed by Apple’s promise that its new M5 CPU runs up to 15% faster than its predecessor needs to check out the first benchmark score for the M5-powered MacBook Pro. The upcoming notebook CPU’s multithreaded performance actually comes in more than 20% faster than last year’s model. And it blows older models away.
That said, the improvement in single-core CPU performance isn’t as strong, but still respectable.
All Formula 1 races will stream on Apple TV thanks to a five-year partnership announced Friday.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1, from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can.”
NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition brings the latest update to what many consider the definitive basketball game franchise for Apple devices. It goes way beyond just playing the game with amazing graphics — players can also take a different route and manage their favorite NBA team.
The feature-packed offering is now on Apple Arcade for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
Apple introduced a version of its Magic Keyboard for iPad Air in black on Wednesday. Previously, the premium keyboard/case came only in white.
The accessory is also available for iPad Pro, including the newly launched M5 version of the tablet.
Fans of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin can enjoy an episode that was unexpectedly added to the end of season one of the historical comedy.
Unfortunately, it likely won’t be followed by any more episodes after its star, Noel Fielding, forced the show’s cancellation.
Those who want the best performance out of their new M5 iPad Pro need to opt for at least a terabyte of storage. That’s because paying out for additional capacity also brings a faster version of the processor and more RAM. There’s no way to configure the tablet with these features other than to choose a version with plenty of storage.
Plus, only the priciest variants can add nano-texture glass.
Apple just revealed the 2025 iPad Pro, which gets a speed boost from the new M5 processor, and some variants get 50% more RAM. The premium tablet includes an OLED screen in both the 13-inch and 11-inch versions.
“Powered by the next generation of Apple silicon, the new iPad Pro delivers our most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “iPad Pro with M5 unlocks endless possibilities for creativity and productivity — with a huge leap in AI performance and a big boost in graphics, superfast wireless connectivity, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, it pushes the boundaries of what iPad can do yet again.”
Apple Clips, a free video-creation tool created for the Instagram era, just came to an abrupt end. Not only did Apple cease development of the software, the app can’t even be downloaded anymore.
But odds are you aren‘t too upset, given that Apple likely cancelled the app because it never found a big audience.
Your iPhone is too trusting of new USB accessories. Plug your handset into the wrong public charger at an airport or coffee shop and it might get hacked. Fortunately, there’s a setting you can (and should) change that prevents your iPhone from falling victim to data theft via juice jacking.
Here’s what to do. And don’t worry … it’s easy. I’ll walk you through it.
Some previous rumors point to an upgraded MacBook Pro with Apple’s M5 processor launching very soon, but other reports say it won’t be out until 2026. Turns out both might be correct.
A leak on Friday indicates the MacBook Pro running the base version M5 chip will debut quite soon. However, the variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max supposedly won‘t launch before 2026.
An Apple each day becomes your doctor someday. That’s the rumor anyway: Apple is reportedly prepping a Health+ service for launch in 2026 that will use AI to dispense advice on nutrition, exercise and more.
Whether the service will someday give out medical diagnoses remains a much murkier question.
The Belkin Stage PowerGrip adds to an iPhone the grip that DSLR camera users are familiar with. Built into the grip is a battery that sends power to the handset via the MagSafe magnetic charging mat integrated into the device.
After being unveiled early this year, the product finally launched on Thursday.
★★★★☆
The PNY Duo Link V3 external SSD includes both a USB-C and a USB-A connector. That means the flash drive can plug into a recent Mac, iPad or iPhone, but can also go into a smart TV or other accessory that lacks a USB-C port — no adapter needed.
And it’s quick, with data transfers at up to 800MB/s. Capacities go up to 2 terabytes.
I put the affordable SSD through a series of real-world tests. Here’s what I found.
Thanks to generous deals, the portable SSD you’ve been wanting is probably available at well below the usual cost. There are top-quality ones available at low prices — we found deals on portable SSDs from Samsung, Kingston and more. Save up to 33%.
You can easily increase the storage capacity of your Mac, iPad, etc., without over-stressing your credit card.
A deal that knocks a stonking $150 off the cost of a new M3 iPad Air lowers the mid-ranger tablet back to its lowest price ever. That’s up to 25% off! This might be the ultra-mobile computer you need to get through the school year, or even consider it for holiday gift giving.
For shopping flexibility, you can snag a deal on either the newest 13-inch iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Air variant, both at $150 off.
Twelve South knocked as much as 44% off some of its most popular travel accessories. You can save significantly on the brilliant AirFly Pro 2 wireless audio adapter, the PlugBug wall charger with Find My, and the ButterFly 2–in-1 wireless charger.
But these sales are part of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, so don’t delay. They might not last long.
A iPad mini deal knocks a sweet $120 off the cost of the 7th-generation tablet. That’s up to 25% off, the best price we’ve ever seen for the ultra-portable computer. And the sale includes a range of colors and storage capacities.
The special price is timed to be part of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days but is also available from rival retailer Best Buy.
Nothing makes playing advanced games on an iPhone better than a Backbone game controller. Clip one to your phone, and it basically turns the handset into a mobile gaming console, ready to play wherever you go.
There are many top-quality first-person shooters and RPGs available for iPhone. Don’t waste your time playing these great games with just a touchscreen. Get a Backbone One or a Backbone Pro controller and snap it onto your iPhone. You’ll be glad you did.
The Underdogs are back in BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)! The fictitious team of nerdy Apple users once again star in a video demonstrating how Macs and iPhones get real work done. This time, the focus is on Mac security.
Watch the shortfilm now and have fun while learning about what your Apple gear can do for you.
OpenAI’s efforts to create and sell an “AI companion” device reportedly have serious obstacles to overcome. These are existential, including how the company can find enough computing resources to enable the artificial intelligence devices to function.
That’s good news for Apple, as there have been predictions that products designed specifically for AI might someday take the place of the iPhone and other smartphones.
Apple isn’t done lunching new products this year, even though the iPhone 17 family and Apple Watch Series 11 reached customers in September. There are so many new products coming out of Cupertino this fall that rumors point to an Apple October event.
For some Apple fans, the best is yet to come: the Apple M5 processor, a new iPad Pro and (hopefully) the next MacBook Pro. And there could be more.
I’m having so much fun riding the Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter. It’s powerful enough to be exhilarating, while also being a practical way to get around. Honestly, I haven’t been as stoked about a product since I got the first iPad.
That’s why I’m happy to say that Navee is having a special promo deal that knocks $190 off the e-scooter. You can get that price from Amazon or when you buy it straight from the manufacturer. It’s down to $759.99 —that’s 20% off. Now is a great time to buy!
OpenAI introduced the Sora iPhone app Tuesday, and by Friday, it had already hit the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Top Free Apps list. The secret of the new AI video app’s appeal? It’s a lot of fun, letting users create hilarious short videos with a simple text description.
Watch some of the hilarious (and amazing) videos people have already created, there go make your own.
★★★★★
You won’t find a better way to track your dog than the new Halo Collar 5. It uses GPS to accurately locate your pup anywhere on Earth and can show you the location on your iPhone (or Android). Plus, it offers two days of battery life.
As a bonus feature, you can set up a “fence” so the collar warns your pet to stay in its yard. And you can place virtual fences anywhere you go.
I did real-world testing of the GPS dog tracker and came away very impressed.
★★★★☆
The QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor shows that there’s no reason to get a 1080P screen for travel when a 4K one is so affordable. The 15.6-inch screen can make you more productive on business trips, or let you enjoy movies and games on a high-resolution display. All without straining your budget.
Don’t be concerned if you haven’t heard of QQH before. I hadn’t, so I went into this review with a skeptical eye. I tested the 4K portable monitor for weeks with my iPad Pro, and it also supports MacBook and even my iPhone. Here’s why I’m pleased with it.
Especially as there’s a deal that knocks 29% off the cost of the QQH Z12-4.