Tech / Technology

Apple will refresh entire iPad lineup next year, report claims

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After skipping a whole year, Apple plans to fully refresh its iPad lineup in 2024.
Apple iPad

After skipping a whole year, Apple plans to fully refresh its iPad lineup in 2024.

This is according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who shared his thoughts on Apple’s next “big thing” on Sunday. Gurman notes that Apple hasn’t released a new iPad in all of 2023, something that has never happened in iPad’s history. And while there’s still two months left in the year, Gurman thinks new iPads aren’t coming until 2024.

“Apple could have tried to rush out more new products, but revamped iPads and AirPods aren’t yet ready. The company plans to update its entire iPad lineup during 2024,” he wrote. He doesn’t specify the models, but “entire lineup” would mean iPad mini, iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. All of these products were last updated in 2022, except the iPad mini, which was updated in 2021.

Notably, just a few weeks ago Gurman thought we were, in fact, getting new iPads late this year.

In his new report, Gurman also says that new AirPods are also coming in 2024, while new AirPods Pro won’t launch until 2025.

The report also mentions the anticipated M3 Ultra chip. Apple recently launched a trio of new chips: the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, but the company is expected to top all of that with an ultra-powerful (doh) M3 Ultra. However, according to Gurman, that chip “hasn’t yet gone into broad testing.”

SEE ALSO:

M3 Max MacBook Pro is as fast as the most powerful Mac desktop — here’s proof

As far as new Macs coming in the near future, the report says that the new Mac Studio is in development, and that new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, as well as Mac mini, are coming in 2024.

Tech / Technology

Best Black Friday AirPod deals 2023

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Black Friday AirPods deals are here. Grab the second-gen lightning and USB-C AirPods Pro for their record-low price of $189.
man wearing silver airpods max

Here are our favorite Black Friday AirPod deals as of Nov. 3:

Best early Black Friday deals on AirPods and Apple headphones:
Best AirPods deal

AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

$189 at Walmart
(Save $60)

apple airpods pro earbuds

Best Beats deal

Beats Studio Buds +

$129.95 at Amazon
(Save $40)

transparent beats studio buds +

Black Friday season is here, which means it’s officially one of the best times of year to pick up a new pair of headphones.

True to Apple form, AirPods aren’t cheap, making them an especially coveted pick during the shopping holiday (which is basically on all month long). Already, we’re seeing the second-gen AirPods Pro with both the lightning and USB-C cases down to their record-low price of $189 (which we first saw crop up during October’s Prime Day sale).

SEE ALSO:

35+ of the best early Black Friday Apple deals

We’re hoping to see some price drops on the AirPods Max, which two Black Fridays ago made it all the way down to $429 — a price we haven’t seen since 2022. We’re also looking forward to Walmart’s price drop on the second-gen AirPods, which will fall down to just $69 on Nov. 8.

If you’re looking to get the greatest discounts possible on AirPods, either on or before Black Friday’s official kickoff on Nov. 24, we’ll be updating the post regularly with all the best deals.

Best AirPods deal


apple airpods pro earbuds

Credit: Apple


Our pick: AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

$189 at Walmart (save $60)

Why we like it

We first saw the AirPods Pro hit this record-low price during October’s Prime Day sale. Though it jumped back up briefly, it’s found its way back down to the $189 low in the weeks following, both for the lightning case and the new USB-C model. The noise canceling on these headphones is the best we’ve seen for a pair of earbuds, and you get up to 30 hours of charge with the case.

Read our full review of the second-generation AirPods Pro.

More deals on AirPods

More headphone deals from Apple

Tech / Technology

Apple AirPods Pro deal: Get them for their lowest price since Prime Day

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As of Nov. 3, you can score a pair of Apple AirPods Pro for just $189.99, down from $249, at Amazon and Walmart.
apple airpods pro

SAVE $59.01: As of Nov. 3, you can score a pair of Apple AirPods Pro for just $189.99, down from $249, at Amazon and Walmart. That’s a 24% discount or a savings of $59.01.


apple airpods pro

Credit: Apple


Apple AirPods Pro

$189 at Amazon (save $59.01)




apple airpods pro

Credit: Apple


Apple AirPods Pro

$189 at Walmart (save $59.01)



Tis the season to go shopping. Black Friday is just around the corner, and retailers are already dropping prices on everything from electronics to home goods. Even Apple products are receiving significant discounts, with the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) being one of the most sought-after deals.

As of Nov. 3, you can snag a pair of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for just $189.99, down from $249, at Amazon and Walmart. That’s a 24% discount or a savings of $59.01. This is the lowest price we’ve seen since Prime Day 2.

SEE ALSO:

Apple AirPods Pro with USB-C review: About time

These high-end buds feature active noise cancellation, a customizable fit for maximum comfort (includes four pairs of silicone tips in extra small, small, medium, and large), and spatial audio technology for an immersive listening experience. Plus, the transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music or podcasts.

Whether you’re gift hunting or treating yourself, this deal on the Apple AirPods Pro is too good to pass up.

Tech / Technology

35+ Early Black Friday Apple deals: iPads, iPhones, more

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Score early Black Friday deals on the AirPods Pro at their record-low price for an iPad mini or Air for $100 off.
person using apple pencil on ipad mini

Black Friday sales have already begun, bringing with them a bunch of Apple discounts. Here are our favorites as of Nov. 2:

Best early Black Friday Apple deals:
Best Mac deal

2022 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$899 at B&H
(Save $200)

2022 macbook air in midnight

Best iPad deal

2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB)

$249 at Amazon and Walmart
(Save $80)

silver 2021 ipad

Best iPhone deal

iPhone 14 Plus at Verizon

$0 when you open a new line on select unlimited plans
(Save $799)

midnight iphone 14 plus

Best Apple Watch deal

Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)

$234.89 at Amazon
(Save $44.11)

midnight apple watch SE



Best AirPods deal

AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

$189 at Walmart
(Save $60)

airpods pro with case

Deals on Apple products actually aren’t too hard to find — if you know where and when to look. While you don’t have to wait for a shopping holiday to get savings on iPads, MacBooks, and more, Black Friday Apple deals tend to be some of the best of the year.

This year, Black Friday savings are in line with years past and starting nice and early, with Best Buy, Walmart, and more all running sales throughout the month before we officially hit Black Friday on Nov. 24.

SEE ALSO:

Black Friday sales are already live. Here are the best early deals we’ve found so far.

If you’re looking to save big on some new Apple gear this holiday season, you can start shopping now. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Black Friday Apple deals that are already live.

Mac and MacBook deals


2022 macbook air in midnight

Credit: Apple


Our pick: 2022 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$899 at B&H (save $200)

Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

If you’re looking for a zippy work-from-home machine or the perfect school companion, look no further. Though Apple did just release the new M3 chip to its iMac and MacBook lineup, the M2 is still plenty powerful. You’ll also get 13.6 inches of display (as opposed to the 13.3 inches of the previous gen Air), a near-perfect keyboard, and best of all, this laptop at its lowest price ever.

More Mac and MacBook deals

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

Mac

iPad deals


silver 2021 ipad

Credit: Apple


Our pick: 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB)

$249 at Amazon and Walmart

Why we like it

We’re not going to lie, this $249 price tag is far from a Black Friday exclusive. This tablet has hit this all-time low price a few times this year, including during last month’s Prime Day sale, but it’s also sat at higher price points of $279 and up. We wouldn’t recommend this tablet if you need anything more heavy-duty, but for a basic tablet that gets the job done, you’ll be saving at least $150 more than if you went for any other iPad. Grab it on sale at Amazon and Walmart.

More iPad deals

iPad (10th gen)

iPad (9th gen)

iPad Air

iPad mini

iPad Pro

SEE ALSO:

M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: What are the differences?

iPhone deals


midnight iphone 14 plus

Credit: Apple


Our pick: iPhone 14 Plus at Verizon

$0 when you open a new line on select unlimited plans (save $799)

Why we like it

The iPhone 15 may be the shiniest new Apple toy, and while the deals on the phone certainly aren’t bad, they are contingent upon you having a decent trade-in. If you feel any doubt in your trade-in power, going for this Verizon deal on the 14 Plus requires none — only that you open a new line on select unlimited plans. Still some hoops, but far fewer to get an $800 phone basically for free.

More iPhone deals

Apple Watch deals


midnight apple watch SE

Credit: Apple


Our pick: Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)

$234.89 at Amazon (save $44.11)

Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE is an affordable option if you’re in the market for a smartwatch, but don’t need many fitness features. Usually, its price will dip down by $30 every now and then, which makes for a pretty decent deal, but Black Friday season has brought us something even better, with this 44mm SE that’s down almost $45. That’s roughly $5 away from its lowest price ever (that we’ve only seen it hit once). If you want to avoid the Black Friday madness and don’t mind opting for the midnight colorway, this is a solid deal to jump on ahead of the official holiday.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 9

Series 8

SE

Ultra

More Apple Watch deals

AirPods deals


airpods pro with case

Credit: Apple


Our pick: AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

$189 at Walmart (save $60)

Why we like it

Read our full review of the second-generation AirPods Pro.

If you’re looking for a quality pair of noise-canceling earbuds, look no further than the AirPods Pro. They’re our favorite buds for traveling, with Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder deeming them, “the first pair of earbuds I’d actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones).” They also come with 30 total hours of battery life with the charging case (six hours per charge), great sound quality, and easy pairing to all of your Apple devices. Plus, their $189 price tag puts them back down to their lowest price ever (alongside the USB-C AirPods Pro).

More deals on AirPods

Even more Apple deals

Tech / Technology

Best headphones for iPhone in 2023 (UK)

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Find the perfect partner for your iPhone with this selection of top headphones from brands like Apple and Sony.
Apple iPhone and AirBuds

Listen closely: your whole life is packed inside your phone. And if listening to music — not to mention podcasts and audiobooks — is one of life’s true pleasures, you need a good set of headphones or earbuds to connect to your phone.

That’s especially true for iPhone users. As dedicated Apple fans will know, the Apple iOS is a uniquely designed system, built for syncing Apple products together. That means only certain headphones will do (though the best ones aren’t always Apple-produced, by the way). And the ones that come bundled with your iPhone just don’t sound as good as a dedicated set. They also leak sound like crazy.

If you’re serious about your sounds — and you should be — you need a pair that both suit the capabilities of your iPhone and your lifestyle. It’s important to know what you’re looking for, so we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you.

Do you need wireless headphones for your iPhone?

To put it simply, yes. If you have an iPhone, it’s probably time to go wireless. You have to go back several generations to find an iPhone that has a regular 3.5mm audio jack input. Apple has insisted on equipping its phones with a Lightning port for several years now. Apple headphones also use Lightning connections so they can plug straight into your phone. And if you have a pair of wired non-Apple headphones, Apple also sells an adaptor which connects a regular audio jack to the Lightning connection. But these adaptors are unreliable and break all-too easily. The best option is to connect your iPhone to the headphones. It’s much easier and means fewer cables.

What is true wireless?

True wireless — or “truly” wireless as it’s sometimes called — refers to headphones that have no cord connected to your phone or device. True wireless headphones can use different types of wireless technology to transmit the sound into your ears. The most common form is Bluetooth. Wireless sound quality can be affected by factors such as distance and obstructions between your headphones and device, but also the codec software that your headphones support. Codecs are algorithms that encode and decode digital audio signals. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs — particularly for streaming video on your phone and ensuring the picture and audio stay in sync.

Are AirPods the best headphones for the iPhone?

Yes and no. AirPods are great — especially AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro Max (as you’ll see below) — but they’re also expensive. They’re definitely a good one-stop solution as they’re so convenient to set up with your iPhone and they fit the Apple aesthetic perfectly. However, if you’re keen to search around and spend a little longer setting things up (or spend a little less), there are other good options out there.

Should you buy the cheapest pair of headphones?

You can spend a few pounds on the cheapest pair of headphones, but you might as well just use the buds that come free with your iPhone. Going cheap is a false economy and you’ll sacrifice quality and function. If you regularly listen to music, it’s worth investing a little more. The sound quality is going to be much better.

What is noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation blocks out ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music. It’s usually a mark of the best, most advanced headphones.

There are two kinds of noise cancellation: Passive and active noise cancellation. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design and build of the headphones, which physically block out noise by having oversized ear cups that create a seal. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses a system of small microphones that pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves to cancel them out. Also, look out for advanced ANC modes such as “transparency mode”. This allows a certain level of ambient noise to seep in, such as other people’s voices. It’s handy for listening out for train platform announcements or having conversations with pals and colleagues.

What are the best headphones for the iPhone?

Think about the main reasons that you need new headphones: Are you going to be using them while you travel? Will you be listening to music mainly at home? Or while exercising? We’ve looked at a number of different scenarios and figured out the best headphones or earbuds for you and your lifestyle. In other words, we’ve done the hard work for you. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this list. We’ve lined up a selection of impressive options from top brands.

These are the best headphones for your iPhone in 2023.