While it appears that the iMac will not be updated in 2025, rumors indicate that Apple is planning some big changes for the all-in-one desktop computer.


Below, we recap what has been rumored for the iMac over the next two to three years.

Current Model: M4 Chip

As a refresher, Apple last updated the 24-inch iMac in October 2024. Key upgrades included the M4 chip, up to 32GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a nano-texture display option, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and new color options.

The overall design of the iMac has not changed since April 2021.

Next Model: M5 Chip

Apple will likely update the iMac with an M5 chip next year, but no other changes have been rumored yet, so expect a spec bump for now.

If the iMac receives some of the upgrades that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip did, the next iMac could be available with up to 4TB of storage (up from 2TB), and up to 2× faster SSD performance compared to the previous model.

iMac Pro With M5 Max Chip?

Earlier this year, Apple accidentally released a macOS kernel debug kit that contained internal product codenames, including for what appears to be an iMac with an M5 Max chip. It is unclear if the 24-inch iMac would be updated with M5 and M5 Max chips simultaneously next year, or if Apple plans to re-release a separate, higher-end iMac Pro with the M5 Max. The previous Intel-based iMac Pro was discontinued in March 2021.

32-Inch iMac?

It has been nearly four years since Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, as part of its move away from Intel processors. Since then, the 24-inch iMac has been Apple's only all-in-one desktop computer, with no larger model available.

In October 2023, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that a higher-end 32-inch iMac with mini-LED backlighting would be released in 2025, but it appears that rumor was wrong given that the year is nearly over. Kuo has not commented on a larger iMac in a long time, so it is unclear if Apple plans to release such a product.

In November 2023, Apple announced that it had no plans to release a new version of the 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip at that time. Instead, Apple recommended pairing its standalone Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. Perhaps this was Apple ruling out a larger iMac entirely, but only time will tell, and decisions can change.

Wishful thinking: a 32-inch iMac Pro with an M5 Max chip and mini-LED backlighting.

OLED Display

South Korean publication The Elec this week reported that Apple is planning to release a 24-inch iMac with an OLED display in 2027 or 2028.

The primary benefit of OLED technology compared to the current iMac's LCD is better overall image quality, with higher contrast ratio and deeper blacks.

Like the iPad Pro, the iMac could go from LCD to mini-LED to OLED over the years.

Bookmark our iMac roundup to stay up to date with the latest rumors.
This article, "iMac Rumor Recap: OLED Display, M5 Max, 32-Inch Model, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is working on a 24-inch iMac featuring an OLED display, with the aim of completing development as early as 2027, claims a new report out of Korea.


According to The Elec, Apple has sent requests for information to Samsung Display and LG Display regarding development of a 24-inch OLED panel for the iMac. Current 24-inch iMacs use a 4.5K Retina display, which is an LCD panel with LED backlighting.

The specs apparently being discussed include 600 nits of brightness and a pixel density of 218 PPI. If accurate, that would match the current 24-inch iMac's resolution but deliver a 20% brightness boost over the existing 4.5K Retina display's 500-nit maximum, making it equivalent to the brightness of Apple's Studio Display – though that also uses an inferior LCD panel.

OLED display technology benefits from several other advantages beyond brighter screens, such as deeper blacks with higher contrast, improved power efficiency, and other enhancements.

This is the first report we've seen suggesting Apple plans to bring OLED technology to its all-in-one desktop lineup. The company has already committed to OLED displays for future MacBook Pro models, with 14-inch and 16-inch versions expected to enter production next year using Samsung Display's 8th-generation IT OLED manufacturing line. OLED versions of its MacBook Air models are expected to follow.

For the iMac display, both Samsung and LG Display are expected to propose their respective large-format OLED technologies rather than the RGB OLED method Apple traditionally prefers. Samsung would likely pitch its quantum dot (QD-OLED) panels, while LG Display would offer its white (W-OLED) solution. QD-OLED produces color by passing blue light through a QD color conversion layer, while W-OLED produces color by passing white light through RGBW color filters. Both manufacturers are reportedly developing 5-stack configurations that add an extra green layer to improve brightness compared to current 4-stack designs.

The report suggests Apple prefers RGB OLED, where light and color generate at the subpixel level, but this technology apparently hasn't yet scaled reliably to the 20-30 inch range needed for desktop displays. Both panel makers are said to be exploring RGB OLED as a longer-term option.

Apple aims to complete iMac OLED panel development by 2027 or 2028, but the finished product could launch after that timeline. A recent but separate report has claimed Apple is developing a high-end iMac featuring the M5 Max chip, but there is currently no indication that OLED is destined for this rumored model. Apple could refresh the 24-inch iMac with an updated M5 chip at some point next year.
This article, "Report: Apple Developing 24-Inch OLED iMac With 600 Nits Brightness" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The next-generation HomePod mini won't include Apple's new N1 networking chip, according to code analysis provided by a MacRumors tipster.


A macOS kernel debug kit distributed by Apple earlier this year included information on a number of upcoming devices, including the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2. Code associated with the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 mentions the "Sunrise" wireless system, which is what Apple calls Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chips sourced from MediaTek. The N1 is called "Centauri" in Apple's internal systems.

Based on the Sunrise mention, it appears that the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 won't be upgraded with the N1 networking chip, which contradicts some prior rumors we've heard about it. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that both the Apple TV and ‌HomePod mini‌ will use Apple's N1 chip in the past.

It appears that Apple plans to use the N1 chip for premium devices, while entry-level products will stick with cheaper MediaTek hardware for now. The upcoming ‌HomePod mini‌ 2, the iPhone 17e, the iPad 12, and the A18 Pro MacBook are all expected to use MediaTek chips instead of Apple's chip.

The N1 was introduced in the iPhone 17 models, and it is Apple's first in-house networking chip. It supports Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread. Because it was designed by Apple, it better integrates with other hardware and software in Apple devices, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.
This article, "Apple's HomePod Mini 2 Might Not Get This Rumored Feature After All" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Starting version 17.0 – currently planned for January 2026, OpenProject introduces a completely redesigned Documents module with real-time collaboration capabilities. This marks a significant step forward in how teams can work together within OpenProject, enabling multiple users to edit documents simultaneously while seeing each other’s changes as they happen.

Why we needed this change

Project teams work in increasingly distributed and asynchronous ways. Whether you are brainstorming ideas, drafting project requirements, writing status reports or planning the next phase of work, collaboration is at the heart of what makes projects successful. However, traditional document editing workflows often create friction: files are duplicated, versions become out of sync, and team members struggle to know which version is the most current. Parallel editing leads to conflicts, data loss and frustration.

At OpenProject, we’re always trying to find ways to help our users communicate and collaborate in better ways. We believe teams want to work together in real time, see who else is contributing and have confidence that their edits won’t be lost or overwritten. This is precisely why we worked on upgrades to the Documents module.

Important

Please note that the changes outlined in this article are planned for release in version 17.0, which is currently scheduled for January 14, 2026.

Real-time collaboration in OpenProject

The redesigned Documents module brings true real-time collaboration to OpenProject. When you open a document, you can see who else is actively editing it. Their cursors appear on the page, showing exactly where they are and what changes they are making, as they type.

Real-time collaboration is not simply about being able to see other users’ changes. It’s also about removing the barriers that slow teams down: no more waiting for someone to finish editing before you can make your contribution, no more merging conflicting versions, no more hunting through email attachments or shared drives to find the latest version of a document. The most current document is always in one place, and everyone works from the same source of truth.

What’s new in Documents

The new Documents module represents both a significant user experience improvement and a fundamental technological shift:

Real-time collaborative editing: Multiple users can edit the same document simultaneously. You see who’s online, where their cursors are, and what they’re changing in real time. Complex conflict management happens automatically in the background, ensuring that no one’s edits are lost.

Modern rich text editor: Documents now uses BlockNote, a modern open source rich text editor that makes writing and formatting simple and intuitive. Adding rich content like images, videos, audio files, or code blocks is straightforward.

Dynamic work package references: You can now include references to work packages directly within documents using the /op or /workpackage commands. These references update dynamically, so if the name, status or type of a work package changes, these are reflected automatically in the document. This also makes it easy to link to features or reference bugs without manually copying and pasting information that might become outdated.

File attachments: Attach files to any document to provide additional context, supporting materials, or related resources. Everything stays organized in one place.

Improved design and usability: The entire interface has been redesigned with a focus on clarity and ease of use, with a particular focus on providing a distraction-free editing experience.

Take a look at this short preview Gif that shows the features listed above:

Preview for OpenProject 17.0: Four active editors in the Documents module, adding a heart image to the document, linking work packages and collaboratively writing and editing text.

Technical foundations

Making real-time collaboration possible required substantial work on the technical foundation of the Documents module. We’ve adopted two powerful open source technologies: BlockNote as our rich text editor and Hocuspocus as our real-time collaboration toolkit.

BlockNote provides the editing experience users interact with directly. It’s extensible, modern and designed with collaboration in mind. One particularly exciting aspect of using BlockNote is that our new work package reference components are built to be generic and reusable, such that other tools that use BlockNote can also benefit from these same components. For example, Docs, part of France’s LaSuite and Germany’s openDesk, is based on BlockNote. XWiki is also testing an integration with BlockNote, which will allow users of these tools to call our BlockNote extension add dynamic links to OpenProject work packages in their text. The combination of XWiki’s knowledge management platform and OpenProject’s work management capabilities is especially potent as a replacement for Atlassian’s Jira-Confluence package. Such integrations create a more consistent experience for users working across different tools in their digital workspace.

Hocuspocus handles the complex real-time synchronization and conflict resolution that happens behind the scenes. When multiple users are editing simultaneously, Hocuspocus ensures that changes are merged correctly, no edits are lost and that the editing experience remains smooth.

These technologies form a solid foundation for collaborative editing in the Documentions module today, and potentially across other areas of OpenProject in the future.

Looking ahead

The new Documents module is the first step in a larger vision for real-time collaboration in OpenProject. However, it’s also a test bed. We’re using Documents to refine our technology, test our infrastructure and learn how our users collaborate in practice.

Once the technology is stable and we’ve gathered real-world experience, we plan to introduce real-time collaboration in other areas of OpenProject where it can bring value. Work packages are an obvious next candidate. Our goal is to make it possible for you to see your colleagues editing work package descriptions or updating custom fields in real time, with the same experience you now have in Documents.

How to access the new Documents module

For Cloud users: If have an OpenProject Cloud subscription, the new Documents module is available starting with version 17.0. You don’t need to do anything. Hocuspocus and all other dependencies are already installed and configured. Simply ensure the Documents module is enabled for each project where you want to use it, and you can start collaborating immediately.

For on-premises users: How you access the new Documents depends on your installation type:

• Containerized installations (Kubernetes, Docker, or Helm charts): Everything works out of the box. Hocuspocus is automatically installed and configured for you and real-time collaboration is enabled by default.

• Package-based installations (DEB/RPM packages): You’ll need to manually install dependencies such as Hocuspocus and configure them to enable real-time collaboration.

Note

Please see this admin guide for more information on real-time collaboration for Package-based installations.

What happens to existing documents

All documents created before version 17.0 remain accessible exactly as they were, using the CKEditor-based text editor. These documents do not support real-time collaboration, but they’re fully functional and unchanged. You can continue to use them as you always have.

Starting with version 17.0, all newly created documents use BlockNote and support real-time collaboration (if real-time collaboration is properly configured and enabled). This means you’ll have both old-style and new-style documents coexisting in your OpenProject instance. Older documents will have a ‘Legacy’ label on them for easy identification.

Important

If real-time collaboration is enabled and users create new documents, but real-time collaboration is subsequently disabled (either manually or due to issues reaching the Hocuspocus server), those documents will no longer be accessible. We are aware this can lead to loss of access to data, so we strongly recommend that you not disable real-time collaboration after it has been enabled.

If real-time collaboration is not enabled—for example, because Hocuspocus is not available—new documents will continue to use the old style with CKEditor, without real-time collaboration features.

Your feedback

There is of course still a lot of work to do before we have real-time collaboration across all of OpenProject. We would really appreciate your help in getting us there.

Your feedback will help us understand what we’re doing right, what we can improve and what we should focus on. Does having real-time editing in OpenProject change the way you work? Will you use this in your own projects? What are ways we can improve it?

As an open source company, we develop in the open and value input from our user Community. If you have thoughts about the new Documents module, questions about how it works, or ideas for how we can make it even better, we’d love to hear from you. Join our Community instance and share your feedback.

Credits

We would like to thank the team behind BlockNote — Yousef El-Dardiry, Nick Perez, and Matthew Lipski — for creating such an excellent open source rich text editor. Thanks as well to the team behind Hocuspocus for providing the robust real-time collaboration infrastructure that makes this possible.

We’d also like to thank the design, development and QA teams at OpenProject for their hard work in making all this possible.

Apple released the AirPods Max on December 15, 2020, meaning the over-ear headphones launched five years ago today. While the AirPods Max were updated with a USB-C port and new color options last year, followed by support for lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio this year, the headphones lack some of the features that have been introduced for newer generations of the regular AirPods and the AirPods Pro.


Fortunately, it has been rumored that Apple plans to update the AirPods Max within the next few years, and they will likely receive the following 10 changes.

Earlier this year, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expected lighter AirPods Max to enter mass production in 2027. However, he did not outline any other planned upgrades beyond the headphones apparently weighing less.

The current AirPods Max weigh 0.85 pounds, excluding the charging case, according to Apple.

AirPods Max still have Apple's H1 chip from 2019, so it is very likely that a second-generation pair would be equipped with the H2 chip or newer. That should unlock at least seven upgrades, including improved sound quality, increased active noise cancellation, longer battery life, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, Conversation Awareness, and the ability to use "Siri" instead of "Hey Siri."

Adaptive Audio adjusts Active Noise Cancellation based on your environment — you can customize the setting to allow more or less ambient noise. Personalized Volume is a similar feature that adjusts your AirPods volume based on both your surroundings and your volume preferences. Conversation Awareness temporarily lowers your volume and enhances voices in front of you while you are talking with someone.

Other likely changes include new color options for the ear cushions and headband, as well as a redesigned carrying case. Hopefully the case gains an Ultra Wideband chip, which would unlock Precision Finding in the Find My app.

In the U.S., AirPods Max remain priced at $549, but they are frequently on sale for less at Amazon and other resellers. Unless you really want AirPods Max now, we are now at a point where waiting for the 2027 model is worthwhile.
This article, "AirPods Max 2 Likely to Offer These 10 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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A new image shared by prototype collector and leaker Kosutami appears to show parts designed for an unreleased all-black Apple Vision headset.


The image shows what seems to be a Vision Pro's left power strap and audio pod with the attached power cable. It seems to be identical to Apple's existing hardware, but uses a dark finish not seen on any production Vision Pro hardware.

Kosutami previously claimed that Apple has been testing a thinner and lighter mixed-reality headset referred to internally as "Vision Air," featuring a Midnight-colored exterior and reduced weight achieved by switching several structural components and the battery enclosure to titanium. According to the leaker, this model would retain an aluminum exterior but adopt a deep bluish-black finish rather than the Vision Pro's current silver and white.

Earlier this year, Kosutami also shared images of a new Lightning-style connector in Midnight said to be intended for a next-generation Vision headset. The existing Vision Pro uses a 12-pin connector, while the unreleased cable featured only eight pins, which seemed to indicate that Apple may have been redesigning the external battery system for future headsets.

Apple had been widely expected to release a lower-cost headset called the "Vision Air," as well as a redesigned second-generation Vision Pro. However, Bloomberg reported in October that Apple paused development of all Vision headsets in order to accelerate work on AI-powered smart glasses.
This article, "More All-Black Vision Pro Prototype Parts Surface Online" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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If you're looking for the perfect tech or tech-adjacent present for someone who loves Apple products or just uses them daily, I have a few suggestions that might be helpful to you this holiday season.


These are some of our favorite products, many of which I use personally or have gifted to our friends and family members in the past. If you're still looking for a present for someone that's hard to shop for, check out the list.

Maclock

For Apple fans or fans of classic PCs, the Maclock is a tiny Macintosh 128K that works as an alarm clock. It is super detailed and has all of the design touches of the original, and there's even a tiny floppy disk that turns it on when you put it in.


There are multiple display modes, and it can tell you the time, day of the week, and temperature, plus it is a functional alarm clock. There's also a classic Mac face you can set it to. I haven't gifted it yet, but I bought one of these a few weeks ago. It does ship from China, so order ASAP.

I've seen a few different versions of this product, but this variant has no third-party logo on the front, and it's just $30.

If you want to spend a bit more, RayCue has some retro-style Macs that are actually designed to be docks. I haven't used one, but it looks like a fun desktop accessory.

Pico-Mac-Nano

While I'm on the subject of mini Macs, I don't want to leave out the Pico-Mac-Nano from Nick Gillard. The Maclock is palm-sized, but the nano is even smaller at just under 2.5 inches, plus it has an actual Mac operating system. Gillard did sell these fully assembled at one point, but Apple asked him to stop.


You can still get the parts to make one, and Gillard has instructions. There's a full kit for GBP62.00 (around $100 shipped to the U.S.), and it would be a great gift for someone who likes retro items and a project.

Aura Frames

Priced starting at $149, Aura digital frames make a good gift for anyone who has digital photos, which is most of us these days. You can load photos on the frame using the Aura iPhone app, and since images are stored in the cloud, there's no limit.


Multiple people can upload images to a single frame, so it's a great way to share photos with friends and family members. If you know someone that's not technically savvy, like a grandparent, it's still the perfect gift because you can load photos for them remotely. The $149 10.1-inch Carver is Aura's most affordable option, but there are sizes up to 15 inches, like the $299 Walden. Aura also makes higher resolution options, including the $199 Mason, and all the frames come in multiple colors to match any decor.


Everyone I've gifted an Aura frame to has loved it, and it's my go-to for people that are hard to shop for. This year, Aura launched a frame that uses e-ink for a softer, more art-like look. It changes images less often and it's expensive at $449, but it has a different vibe than your standard photo frame.

LEGO Retro Radio

Priced at $100, the Retro Radio from LEGO has a sweet, nostalgic design, complete with a tuner, knobs, and speaker grille. It's actually functional, because you can remove the back plate from the set and place an ‌iPhone‌ inside so that the radio plays music.


There's a built-in smartphone stand that holds the ‌iPhone‌ in place, but if you don't want to use an ‌iPhone‌, there's also a little sound brick that plays different sounds when you turn the knob. I have one of these, and it was a fun build.


There are other LEGO sets that make for good gifts, even for people who aren't LEGO collectors. Anyone that likes a puzzle would probably like a LEGO set, and some have wide appeal. Here are a few I've gotten this year that would make for good gifts:

• LEGO Super Mario Game Boy ($60) - This isn't a working Game Boy, unfortunately, but it does come with swappable screens and LEGO game cartridges. It is possible to make a working version if you're so inclined.


• LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants ($19) - I'm a fan of the LEGO botanicals, and this set is small, inexpensive, and fun for the desktop.


• LEGO Botanicals Hibiscus ($70) - All of the LEGO botanicals make good gifts (I'm gifting a set of flowers and a bonsai this year), but the hibiscus is a newer set that has a unique flower shape and it comes with a pot so it matches sets like the orchid. Other great botanical options include the mini bonsais and the tiny plants set (a personal favorite).


• LEGO Kingfisher ($40) - This set was a lot of fun to put together, and it makes a great desk display because of its bright colors. It would be nice for a bird lover.


• LEGO Insects ($63) - This set has a butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a praying mantis, and it's another excellent display piece. This one is delicate and can be a little frustrating, but it's one of my favorites in the ideas series.

I do buy LEGO set gifts for people who aren't into LEGO and who haven't done one before, and it tends to go over well.

Nanoleaf Display Boxes

Earlier this year, I reviewed the Nanoleaf LED Expo Display Cases, and they're one of my favorite Nanoleaf products to date. They're far from cheap at $270, but they would make an excellent gift for someone that collects high-end sneakers, anime figures, or anything in that vein. The boxes can be set to 16 million colors or shades of white, and colors can change in time with music.


I think Nanoleaf designed these for sneaker collectors, but anything can be put inside. Like a lot of Nanoleaf devices, these aren't going to go with every decor choice, but collectors and gamers will love them.

AirPods

You'll never go wrong with AirPods as a gift, and there are two really good options to choose from this year. The AirPods Pro were just refreshed with a third-generation version, and for $249, you get excellent Active Noise Cancellation and sound quality.


The AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that's more ergonomic and foam-infused silicone tips that fit snugly in the ears to drown out sound. With hearing aid support, ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ could be useful for a family member that has mild hearing loss but doesn't wear hearing aids.

If you're purchasing for someone who doesn't like silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 are an option. You can get them with or without Active Noise Cancellation. The ANC version doesn't cut out as much noise as the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, but it's enough to make a difference.


The AirPods 4 with ANC are a steal at $99 from Amazon right now, so it's not even worth getting the non-ANC version.

I prefer the AirPods Pro fit and ANC over the ‌AirPods 4‌ because I have smaller ears and the ‌AirPods 4‌ can be painful. The AirPods Pro can drown out the sound of the heater, leaf blowing outside, the TV in the next room, road noise, and other sounds that sometimes drive me nuts. The ‌AirPods 4‌ are so inexpensive, though, that they're a great option on a budget.

Philips Hue Lights

I think I've tried every HomeKit smart bulb and light available at this point, and Philips Hue lights are the best you can get. I have no patience for lights that constantly disconnect or have connectivity issues, and the Hue bulbs don't. There is a $65 to $100 Bridge, but it's worth it. I mostly use Hue lights, and I've invested hundreds of dollars in my setup over time. Bulbs I have from almost 10 years ago are still functional.


The $143 White and Color Starter Kit comes with two Hue bulbs that can go in any lamp that supports E26 bulbs, and it comes with the hub. It's one of the best bets if you're buying a gift for someone who is new to smart home products. The bulbs can be controlled with the Home app or the Hue app, and they can be set to 16 million colors. Hue has great light effects and scenes that really shine when you have multiple bulbs.



For a cheaper option, there's the $99 Essentials Starter Kit that comes with a hub and four lower-power E26 multi-color bulbs. Hue Essentials bulbs don't dim quite as low and the color isn't as precise.

• Lightguide bulbs ($99) - These are perfect paired with a simple lamp base, because the bulb is meant to be the star. I have two of the ellipse bulbs, and they're enormous and look great.


• String lights ($132) - For holiday fans or those with patio setups crying out for lighting, the Hue Festavia String Lights would make a good gift.


• Signe floor lamp ($363) - The Signe floor lamp isn't the most practical light because it doesn't have a wide radius and is meant to face the wall, but it makes for great accent lighting.


• Hue Go ($99) - The Hue Go is a portable lamp that you can use plugged in or with the built-in battery, and it supports all of the same features as Hue bulbs. It's a nice accent light and good to have around for power outages.


• Hue Go Portable Table Lamp - This is a lot like the Hue Go, but it's a more traditional looking lamp. It's water resistant, so it can go outdoors, too. I haven't tried this one yet, but it's on the wishlist.


• Downlights ($66) - If you know someone that has those old can style downlights, a Hue upgrade would make a good gift. Downlights are super simple to swap out, and switching from the older models to Hue saves money and adds new lighting options. I switched all the downlights in my house to Hue and have no regrets.


• Outdoor Lights ($176+) - I swapped my porch lights and the lights in the back to Hue lights this year. It's more involved than downlight swaps, but provides fun lighting options for the holidays. I installed two of the Appear and three of the Econic, all of which have been working flawlessly. I use these with motion detectors. Hue also has some Festavia globe outdoor lights that look amazing, but I haven't tried them.

Bambu Lab 3D Printer

Bambu Lab makes a range of 3D printers that you can print to using just an app on your ‌iPhone‌ or your Mac. The A1 Mini is just $219, or $329 with the AMS Lite that lets you print with up to four filament colors. Bambu's printers are sort of the ‌iPhone‌ of 3D printers in that they're relatively easy to operate and have a lot of bells and whistles to streamline printing and cut down on issues. Models like the H2S and P2S come with an enclosure, and there are now several machines like the H2D that also have a laser cutting module.


I've had a Bambu X1C for over two years now and do not hesitate to recommend Bambu printers for those interested in getting into 3D printing. It's easy to use, there are thousands of STLs out there for making everything you can think of, and you can even make your own using software like Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or even Nomad Sculpt on the iPad. I use my 3D printer weekly, if not daily, and Bambu printers get better all the time with new print options from Makerworld.


I haven't personally used the A1 Mini, but it's a much more affordable way to try 3D printing, and it could make a great gift for an older child or a partner who likes to tinker. They're not entirely problem free, but I've been able to solve every issue I've run into, and there are endless settings to optimize.

Portable Anker Chargers

I reviewed portable power banks from several different brands this year, and I have two favorites that I keep coming back to from Anker.


I love the $54 MagGo Nano Power Bank for wireless charging. It's the slimmest MagSafe power bank that I've tried, and it's so much better than thicker, bulkier models. I have a 17 Pro Max and it doesn't bother me to use it with the power bank attached because it doesn't add too much extra weight. It's only a 5,000 mAh battery so I don't get a full charge, but it's more than enough to get me through a day of heavy phone usage.

My other favorite is the $60 Nano Power Bank with Retractable Cable. I didn't love this one right when I tried it because it's thick and rectangular, but it's turned out to be the power bank that I reach for most often. I like the lanyard, and the retractable USB-C cable is useful because I never need to hunt one down. I tend to prefer this power bank even over the magnetic model because the wired charging is much faster. Next time there's a sale, I plan to pick up another in teal.

Ugreen Uno Chargers

Ugreen's "Uno" line features chargers with fun little faces, and I think they're great.


There's a $35 65W charger with four ports, which has legs and a digital panel with face emoji that change based on charging state. When a device is fast charging, for example, there's a face that looks like it has its mouth full, and when charging is finished, there's a little face with sunglasses. I've used this one on my desktop power strip for the last year.


There are also two power banks that have the little emoji faces, one that's 5,000 mAh with Qi2 for $35, and one that's 10,000 mAh with USB-C for $50. They come with built-in stands that look like little headphones, which is a nice touch because you can use the stand for watching videos or FaceTiming. When I want to charge and need a stand, I use these.

Nimble's Wall Chargers

Nimble has $42 65W Wally Wall Chargers that come with a retractable 2-foot USB-C cable, and I love them. The prongs fold down and the cable retracts inside the enclosure, so they're ideal for travel. I have a cat that likes to nibble cables, and these keep the cable out of the way unless I'm charging. There's an extra USB-C port at the bottom so you can actually charge two devices at once.


If you buy them from Apple, you can get fun colors that include deep purple or teal, though they're more expensive at $60. Nimble also has power banks in colors you don't often see, and I am a fan, but I don't love having to supply my own USB-C cable.

Bird Buddy

Available starting at $99, the Bird Buddy is the kind of gift that almost anyone will like, which makes it great for the person that has everything. It's a Wi-Fi connected smart bird feeder that sends you pictures of the birds that come to visit.


You'll need to fill it with seed regularly and charge it up when necessary, but other than that, it operates on its own. To do away with charging, I recommend the solar version, which starts at $149.


I've gifted the Bird Buddy and it's been a huge hit, with adults and kids too.

Birdfy Bird Feeders

Birdfy is a lot like Bird Buddy, but it has product options that Bird Buddy doesn't offer. You can get a standard Bird Feeder for the same $99 price as Bird Buddy, but if you're willing to spend a little more, there's a bigger version with multiple cameras.


The $330 Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo has a triple-lens camera, including a dual-lens front camera and a second side camera to capture birds from every angle. It holds more seed than a standard version and comes with a solar panel. If you've gifted someone a Bird Buddy and they love it, this is the next upgrade option.

Birdfy also sells the Bath Pro, which is a solar-powered smart birdbath with a camera. It's priced starting at $200 and lets you get photos of birds bathing and drinking. In some areas of the U.S., people in apartments and condos aren't able to put out bird feeders because of rats and pigeons. This is an excellent gift for someone that wants to attract birds but isn't able to have a feeder, but it's also great for avid birders.


With bird feeders, you often need a specific kind of food to attract the birds you want, but a bird bath has more universal appeal.

Govee Light Projectors

Govee came out with some Matter-enabled projectors this year that can project stars or ocean scenes onto the walls and ceiling. I've been testing these for a month or so and have a review coming soon, but I think the lower-priced models would make a good gift.


The $56 Star Light Projector has different night sky light effects paired with laser stars, while the $50 Ocean version has more of an under-the-sea vibe. There's a $180 Pro model with swappable galaxy scenes and laser stars, but it's really best for the real space projector enthusiast.

Robot Vacuums

I tested several Matter-enabled robot vacuums this year, and I am sold. These are excellent at vacuuming and mopping, and can be real time savers. I particularly liked the Deebot X11 Omnicyclone, the Deebot X9 Pro, and the Roborock Saros 10R. Some of these are over $1,100, but you get what you pay for.


I've tested some lower-cost versions and have a review in the works, but the lower-end models I've used lack the navigation capabilities of the more expensive versions and add a lot more frustration to the cleaning process. Not all brands are the same, though, so it's worth some research on the best option.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

For printing photos, Epson's printers are some of the best, though Canon has its fans too. I recently got the EcoTank Photo ET-8550, and I think it's a great option if you want to get your images off of your phone.


It's normally $800, but Best Buy has it for $500 right now. EcoTank printers are more expensive than your standard printer because the ink is cheap. These use refillable liquid ink rather than printer cartridges, and that is the main reason why I chose this model.

Epson has to make its on the printer upfront because the ink lasts so much longer and is so much more affordable. There are other EcoTank printers that aren't as expensive, but this one is optimized for images and prints at up to 13"x19".

Plant Grow Lights

An iPhone-connected light is a great gift for someone that's into plants, and you will never go wrong with a light for an indoor plant collector.


I like Modern Sprout light options for the clean aesthetic. There's a $90 light bar, a $200 grow house ideal for the kitchen counter, and a $270 Growframe that goes on the wall. The app lets you set the brightness and the schedule for the lights, which is essential.

Aerogarden is also a good option, with prices that start at $16. I have the $50 AeroGarden Tabletop Grow Light that I've been using for a few years, and it works well. The lights are programmable with the Aerogarden app.

$349 iPad and Apple Pencil

For someone who is creative or wants to get into drawing, 3D sculpting, modeling, or similar, an ‌iPad‌ with an Apple Pencil is the best possible gift. Apps like ProCreate and Nomad Sculpt are powerful, and the ‌Apple Pencil‌ gives you a level of control that's hard to get on a Mac or PC.


The ‌iPad‌ does a lot and it's an ideal gift for anyone, but it could really spark the creativity of an artistic child, or provide a new medium for an adult that already likes to sketch and draw. I have an iPad Pro with an ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro, but all of Apple's iPads can be used with an ‌Apple Pencil‌, even the $349 model.

The $499 iPad mini is the best for something to use on the go, and the $899 13-inch iPad Air is a good option if you want the biggest screen without paying ‌iPad Pro‌ prices.

Gift Suggestions

Have a great product suggestion we don't have in our list? Let us know in the comments below.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these companies and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.
This article, "MacRumors 2025 Holiday Gift Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Apple TV

Apple is offering an Apple TV promotion for new and returning subscribers for Black Friday this year. Eligible customers can get six months of Apple TV for just $5.99 per month.



After the six-month period, the subscription price will increase to $12.99, which is the regular price for the Apple TV service.

At $5.99 per month, Apple is discounting Apple TV by over 50 percent. The deal will be available through December 1 on the Apple TV website.

Existing subscribers are not eligible for the discount, nor are customers who have subscriptions billed through a third-party service.

It's also worth noting that you can get a bundle of Apple TV and Peacock Premium/Premium Plus at a discounted rate this season.

Disney+ and Hulu

Disney has introduced a new promotion on its streaming service, offering a bundle of Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) for $4.99 per month for 12 months, down from $12.99 per month. After your first year ends it will return to the then-current monthly price unless cancelled.



To get the deal, head to the promotion landing page on the Disney+ website and click on the Disney+/Hulu bundle option. This offer is valid only for new and eligible returning subscribers.

Audible

Audible's holiday deal takes the service down to only $0.99 per month for your first three months, plus $20 in Audible credit. This is more than 90 percent off the regular $14.95 monthly price of the service.



After the end of your first three months, the service will auto-renew at the then-current price, unless you cancel. This offer will end on December 1.

Amazon Music Unlimited

In another Amazon-related deal, the retailer is offering three months of its Amazon Music Unlimted streaming service for free. After the end of your first three months, the service will auto-renew at $11.99/month unless you cancel.



Amazon Music Unlimited offers 100 million songs ad-free, podcasts, Audible audiobooks, spatial audio, and more.

Paramount+

The best Paramount+ offer for this Black Friday is a nice discount tied into Walmart+ and its rewards system. If you sign up for Walmart+ at its new discounted rate of $49.00 for your first year (regular $98/year), you'll find multiple streaming service discounts at your disposal.



One of these includes the option to activate a subscription to the Paramount+ Essential plan at no extra cost, so long as you have an active Walmart+ account. This is Paramount's ad-supported tier, and you can upgrade to Paramount+ Premium for an additional monthly or yearly fee.

Peacock

Similar to Paramount+, the best Peacock discount you can find this Black Friday season is bundled with Walmart+. If you take advantage of the 50 percent off Walmart+ offer, you'll gain access to Peacock Premium at no extra cost.



Peacock Premium is the ad-supported tier of the streaming service, and this does not include access to Peacock Premium Plus. It's also worth noting that Walmart+ members have the option to switch between Peacock and Paramount+ once every 90 days.

If you're interested in both Apple TV and Peacock, you can get a bundle of Apple TV and Peacock Premium/Premium Plus at a discounted rate this season.

You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.

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This article, "Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Black Friday is finally here, and as always this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Specifically, we're sharing all of the Apple products that currently have all-time low prices, or discounts that are at least very close to their record-low prices. Now that Black Friday is here, we expect these to be the best prices of the season, so if you've been holding off on purchasing any of the products listed below, now is definitely the time to do so.

Table of Contents

You can use the links below to jump directly to the section you're shopping for today.

• AirPods


• iPhone


• Mac


• Apple Watch


• iPad


• Accessories


• More Black Friday Sales

Our Top Picks

• AirTag 4-Pack for $64.98 ($34 off)


• AirPods 4 for $69.00 ($60 off)


• Apple Watch SE 3 for $199.99 ($50 off)


• HomePod for $269.99 ($29 off)


• Apple Watch Series 11 for $339.00 ($60 off)


• 13-Inch M4 MacBook Air for $749.00 ($250 off)


• 14-Inch M5 MacBook Pro for $1,399.00 ($200 off)

AirPods

AirPods deals are in abundance this Black Friday season, with best-ever prices on AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 3. You can also find a steep $119 discount on AirPods Max right now, and all of these discounts are available on Amazon.

iPhone

Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season.

AT&T

• iPhone 17: Up to $700 off with eligible trade-in


• iPhone 17 Pro: No cost with eligible trade-in


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in

Starting with AT&T, you can get the iPhone 17 Pro at no cost with eligible trade-in, and the iPhone Air for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in. Finally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available at up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in.



If you switch to AT&T from a different carrier, AT&T will pay off your phone balance at up to $800 off per line. AT&T also has the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 available with an offer. If you buy one, you can get $300 off the second.

Verizon

• iPhone 17 Pro: No cost with new line on Unlimited Ultimate


• iPhone 17: No cost with new line on MyPlan


• iPhone Accessories: Save on iPhone accessories

New and existing Verizon customers on the Unlimited Ultimate plan can get the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro at no cost this Black Friday season. For the iPhone 17, no trade-in is required but you must add a new line to Verizon's MyPlan.



In terms of watches, Verizon is offering the new Apple Watch SE 3 at no cost when you trade-in your old device on select Unlimited plans.

T-Mobile

• iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro: No cost with eligible trade-in


• iPhone Air: No cost with eligible trade-in


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in

T-Mobile's offers are nearly identical to AT&T's. You can get the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro at no cost when you trade in an old device and purchase the new device on an eligible unlimited plan. Otherwise, you can get the iPhone 17 Pro Max for up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in on unlimited plans.



For Apple Watches at T-Mobile, you can get the Apple Watch SE 3 for $99.00 when adding a new watch line on select Unlimited plans. If you plan on buying two models, you can get up to $300 off the second when adding a new watch line on select Unlimited plans.

Visible

Visible is offering 50 percent off its Visible+ Pro plan this season, with the code BLACKFRIDAY50 at checkout. After entering this deal, you can get the plan for $225/year, down from $450/year.



For Apple specific offers, if you purchase any iPhone this holiday season, you can get the 40mm Apple Watch SE at no cost. To get this deal, you will need to be a new Visible member joining on the Visible+ Pro annual plan and purchase any new iPhone, then enter the code APPLEWATCH at checkout.

Mac

M5 MacBook Pro

Amazon has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,399.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD in Space Black, and it's a new all-time low price on the M5 MacBook Pro.

M4 MacBook Air

You can get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $749.00, down from $999.00, a new all-time low price on the computer that beats the previous low by about $50. You'll also find many of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week.

Mac Mini

Amazon is taking $120 off the 256GB model of the M4 Mac mini in Black Friday deals, as well as $130 off 512GB models.

M4 iMac

Amazon has $150 off a few of Apple's M4 iMac, with prices starting at $1,149.00 for the entry-level model with 8-core, 16GB RAM, and 256GB.

Apple Watch

Series 11

Amazon has introduced the first big discounts on a few Apple Watch Series 11 models, including both GPS and cellular devices. You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $339.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $369.00, down from $429.00.

SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 has received its first major discount on Amazon, with $50 off both the 40mm and 44mm GPS models.

iPad

M3 iPad Air

We're tracking record low prices across the entire M3 iPad Air lineup for Black Friday, with discounts available at both Amazon and Best Buy. This sale includes savings on both Wi-Fi and cellular models of the tablet, and it's been a few weeks since we last saw these all-time low prices.

Prices start at $449.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M3 iPad Air, down from $599.00. Across the board these are all $150 discounts on the M3 iPad Air, and each one is a match for the best-ever price seen on these tablets.




Our list below focuses on Wi-Fi models, but you'll also find many cellular models on sale at $150 off right now. The 128GB cellular 11-inch iPad Air is available for $599.00 and the 128GB cellular 13-inch iPad Air is available for $799.00, both representing record low prices.

11-inch M3 iPad Air

• 128GB Wi-Fi - $449.00, down from $599.00


• 256GB Wi-Fi - $549.00, down from $699.00


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $749.00, down from $899.00


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $949.00, down from $1,099.00

13-inch M3 iPad Air

• 128GB Wi-Fi - $649.00, down from $799.00


• 256GB Wi-Fi - $749.00, down from $899.00


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $949.00, down from $1,099.00


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,149.00, down from $1,299.00

M5 iPad Pro

Amazon has the first notable discounts on Apple's brand new M5 iPad Pro, with the entry-level 11-inch model available for $899.00, down from $999.00.




For the larger models, you can save up to $170 on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro on Amazon this week. If you're shopping for the 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi model, Amazon has this tablet for $2,229.00, down from $2,399.00, as well as a few other 13-inch models between $50 and $151 off.

11-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $899.00 ($100 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]


• 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,584.00 ($115 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $1,859.00 ($140 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off)

13-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.00 ($100 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,768.00 ($131 off)


• 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,861.00 ($138 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $2,148.00 ($151 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $2,229.00 ($170 off)

iPad mini 7

Amazon this week has low prices on nearly every Wi-Fi model of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. You'll also find a few deals on cellular models during this sale.

11th Gen iPad

Amazon this week is taking $75 off Wi-Fi models of Apple's 11th generation iPad. Prices start at $274.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, an all-time low price on this model.

Accessories

Apple Pencil Pro

You can get the Apple Pencil Pro available for $94.99, down from $129.00.

AirTag

Amazon has Apple's AirTag 4-Pack for $64.98, down from $99.00. This is a match of the all-time low price on the accessory.



If you're shopping for just one AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $17.97, which is another all-time low price.

iPhone 17 Cases

Amazon this week brought back big discounts across Apple's Clear, Silicone, and TechWoven Cases for the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air lineup. Items on sale include Clear, Silicone, and TechWoven Cases for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. We're also tracking a few discounts on other accessories like the FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe.


iPhone Air

• Clear Case - $25.00, down from $49.00

iPhone 17

• Clear Case - $25.00, down from $49.00


• Silicone Case - $25.00, down from $49.00

iPhone 17 Pro

• Clear Case - $25.00, down from $49.00


• Silicone Case - $25.00, down from $49.00


• TechWoven Case - $44.00, down from $59.00

iPhone 17 Pro Max

• Clear Case - $25.00, down from $49.00


• Silicone Case - $36.00, down from $49.00


• TechWoven Case - $44.00, down from $59.00

More Black Friday Sales

• Streaming Services


• Twelve South


• Best Buy


• Target


• Samsung


• Sonos


• Nomad


• Sony


• Walmart


• OWC


• Adobe

We're keeping track of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.

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This article, "The 30+ Best Black Friday Apple Deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple recently added iPad Air models with the M3 chip to its refurbished store in the United States and many European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and others.


This is the first time the iPad Air with the M3 chip has been available in Apple's refurbished store since the device was released in March this year.

As usual, the refurbished models are discounted by approximately 15% compared to new models. In the United States, for example, the 11-inch iPad Air with the M3 chip, 128GB of storage, and Wi-Fi only is available for $509, compared to $599 new.

Apple says its refurbished iPads include a new battery and outer shell, a new box, and all accessories, including a 20W USB-C power adapter and/or a USB-C charging cable depending on the country. Apple says it puts refurbished devices through a "thorough cleaning process and inspection," resulting in a like-new condition.

All refurbished iPads are covered by Apple's one-year warranty. AppleCare+ is available.

While some savings can be had here, better iPad deals are often available through Amazon.
This article, "Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPad Air With M3 Chip at a Discount" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The first-generation iPod came out on November 10, 2001, making today the 24th anniversary of the device's launch. Apple announced it in late October, but November 10 was the first day customers were able to get their hands on it.


Even way back in 2001, there were leaks and fake leaks before the iPod launched. In one rumor article, Apple's upcoming device was dubbed the "iWalk" and described as a PDA with a high-color TFT-screen with handwriting recognition, which did not prove to be true. CNET suggested that it was too sophisticated to be an MP3 player, and was instead a component for a home digital stereo system, while a German website said it was "like a standalone CD-writer" that looks like "a Hifi component." The site did accurately predict that it would make it possible to "have all the music in the house stored on one place," but described it as a sort of AirPlay-enabled speaker.

More reliable rumors accurately pegged it as a digital music device able to sync with a computer, and in the days leading up to the launch, the iPod name leaked. Even with the info that came out, much of the iPod's introduction was a surprise because 2001 leaks were much less detailed than 2025 leaks.

Some MacRumors readers lined up to buy one on launch day, kicking off a tradition of long lines at Apple Stores that continued well into the iPhone launch days. As with any Apple product launch, there were some mixed reactions to the iPod, and of course a slew of early complaints. Here's what the forums had to say:

• At $399, the iPod is way too expensive


• The shiny backplate attracts too many fingerprints


• Sound quality isn't good enough compared to CDs


• It gets warm when charging


• It was Mac only, cutting out PC users

There were plenty of MacRumors readers thrilled with the iPod, and as we well know, it was a wildly popular device that spurred several subsequent models and eventually led to the launch of the ‌iPhone‌.

It was impressive to be able to have a 5GB FireWire drive in your pocket at the time, and iPod owners used it as a hard drive for file transfers. MP3 players existed, but nothing with the storage capacity and design of the iPod.

With the ‌iPhone‌ that does everything an iPod does, there's no longer a need for the iPod. The very last iPod was the iPod touch, which Apple updated sporadically and then didn't touch after 2019. It was officially discontinued in 2022, marking the end of the iPod line. Apple almost never announces when a product has been discontinued, but the iPod was an exception given its history.

In a statement, Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak said that the "Spirit of the iPod lives on" across all of the company's products, from the ‌iPhone‌ to Apple Watch to HomePod.

The iPod will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Apple has revived old products in the past, but people have little use for a music-only device in 2025. Apple is, however, working on a home hub that can play music, run apps, and control smart home products, and it's described as a small, square device with a display. It's possible Apple could reference the iPod when unveiling the device, or even borrow a part of its name like it did when naming the ‌HomePod‌.
This article, "Happy 24th Anniversary, iPod" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple product retailer B&H is listing all HomePod mini models as discontinued, and no longer offering them for sale. Some other retailers are also listing the HomePod mini as out of stock or on backorder, which suggests that an update isn't too far off.


Adorama lists the ‌HomePod mini‌ as backordered, and select colors are out of stock at Target. Walmart doesn't have any stock that's not from resellers, Staples has no HomePod minis available online, and at least one color is sold out from Verizon. The Midnight color option is unavailable for shipping from Best Buy, though other colors are in stock. Apple is still selling all colors of the speaker, with options available for both immediate shipping and pick up.

Apple is rumored to be working on a new version of the ‌HomePod mini‌, and Bloomberg said it could come as soon as this month. It's possible that the waning stock at third-party retailers is a sign that we'll get a new version of the ‌HomePod mini‌ before the end of 2025.

Apple held an event in September and did a series of product releases in October, casting some doubt that a new model is still on the immediate horizon.

The next ‌HomePod mini‌ is expected to have an upgraded S-series chip inside and Apple's N1 networking chip, but there are no design changes rumored except for refreshed color options.
This article, "B&H Lists HomePod Mini as Discontinued Amid Refresh Rumors" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The thin, light iPhone Air sold so poorly that Apple has decided to delay the launch of the next-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ that was scheduled to come out alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, reports The Information.


Apple initially planned to release a new ‌iPhone Air‌ in fall 2026, but now that's not going to happen.

Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts. Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has reportedly dismantled all but one and a half of its production lines for the ‌iPhone Air‌, and all production is expected to be stopped at the end of the month. Luxshare, another supplier, stopped production at the end of October.

Apple was counting on the novel look of the device to spark interest, because it features the first substantial design update that we've seen to the iPhone lineup since the ‌iPhone‌ X added Face ID and an all-display design in 2017. Creating a super thin 5.6mm ‌iPhone‌ required compromises, so the ‌iPhone Air‌ has a smaller battery and a single-lens rear camera, but it still has a high price tag. Apple priced it starting at $999, and that appears to be more than customers are willing to pay for style without substance. The ‌iPhone Air‌ is only $100 cheaper than the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro, which has a triple-lens rear camera and much better battery life.

Apple has not been able to land on a fourth ‌iPhone‌ that will sell well alongside the standard ‌iPhone‌ and Pro ‌iPhone‌ models. Apple experimented with a smaller 5.4-inch ‌iPhone‌ mini that suffered from disappointing sales, then moved on to the larger "Plus" ‌iPhone‌ that served as a more affordable version of the Pro Max. Plus models also failed, leading to the ‌iPhone Air‌.

Apple has already been planning for a split launch for the ‌iPhone‌ starting with the ‌iPhone 18‌ models. The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max, and foldable ‌iPhone‌ are planned for fall 2026, while the ‌iPhone 18‌ and ‌iPhone‌ 18e will be held until early 2027. It's possible that the next-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ will come out alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌ in the spring.

Apple has been working on a second-generation version of the ‌iPhone Air‌ with a lighter weight, vapor chamber cooling, and a larger battery capacity, but Apple could rethink the design.
This article, "iPhone Air Sales Are So Bad That Apple's Delaying the Next-Generation Version" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple recently updated the iPad Pro, widening the gap with the iPad Air, but how different are the two product lines and which should you buy?


Earlier this year, Apple refreshed the ‌iPad Air‌ with the M3 chip—a minor update over the previous model from 2024 which added the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover. The latest ‌iPad Pro‌ models introduced the M5 chip alongside a small number of changes after last year's major redesign, which saw the debut of a thinner design with OLED displays.

Should you consider purchasing the ‌iPad Air‌ to save money, or do you need the high-end features of the ‌iPad Pro‌? Our guide answers the question of how to decide which of these two iPads is best for you.

‌iPad Air‌ (M3, 2025)	‌iPad Pro‌ (M5, 2025)
Liquid Retina display (LED backlit display with IPS technology)	Ultra Retina XDR display (Tandem OLED)
	ProMotion technology for refresh rates up to 120Hz
11-inch model SDR brightness: 500 nits max 13-inch model SDR brightness: 600 nits max	SDR brightness: 1,000 nits max XDR brightness: 1,000 nits max full screen, 1,600 nits peak (HDR content only)
	Nano-texture display glass option on 1TB and 2TB models
Drive external displays at 60Hz	Drive external displays at up to 120Hz
	Adaptive Sync support
‌M3‌ chip	M5 chip
Made using TSMC's first-generation 3nm technology (N3)	Made using TSMC's third-generation ‌3nm‌ process (N3P)
Based on A17 Pro chip from iPhone 15 Pro (2023)	Based on A19 Pro chip from iPhone 17 Pro (2025)
8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency cores)	Up to 10 CPU cores (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores)
9-core GPU	10-core GPU
	Integrated Neural Accelerator in every GPU core
Metal 4 developer APIs	Metal 4 developer APIs with Tensor APIs to program GPU Neural Accelerators
LPDDR5 memory	LPDDR5X memory
8GB of memory	256GB and 512GB models: 12GB memory 1TB and 2TB models: 16GB memory
100 GB/s memory bandwidth	153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
	Dedicated display engine
First-generation ray tracing engine	Third-generation ray tracing engine
First-generation dynamic caching	Second-generation dynamic caching
Shader cores	Enhanced shader cores
GPU with standard power efficiency	More power-efficient GPU: Maintains performance with significantly less power
	Improved thermal design with graphite sheets and copper
Broadcom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip	N1 chip
Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 6
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity	Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G modem (cellular models only)	C1X chip (cellular models only)
Touch ID in top button	TrueDepth camera system for Face ID
	Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
	Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Mono)
	Animoji and Memoji
	LiDAR scanner
	Adaptive True Tone flash
	Rear ambient light sensor
	ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 256GB capacity)
	ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording
Two microphones	Four studio-quality microphones
	Audio zoom
	Stereo recording
Landscape stereo speakers	Four speaker audio
Weight: 462 grams or 617 grams	Weight 444 grams or 579 grams
Depth: 6.1 mm	Depth: 5.3 mm or 5.1 mm
	Fast-charge capable (Up to 50% charge using a 60W adapter or higher in 30 minutes with the 11-inch model or 35 minutes with the 13-inch model)
USB‑C connector	USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt/USB 4
Supports Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Air‌	Supports Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Pro‌
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
	Up to 2× faster SSD read and write speeds
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue	Available in Space Black and Silver
Price starting at $599	Price starting at $999

Overall, the ‌iPad Air‌ is the better option for the majority of users, simply on the basis of value for money. For most people, the additional $400+ needed to buy the ‌iPad Pro‌ is not justified to get the likes of ‌Face ID‌, a thinner design, four-speaker audio, and a ProMotion OLED display with refresh rates up to 120Hz.

Some ‌iPad Pro‌ features, such as LiDAR, up to 16GB of memory, and Thunderbolt connectivity are only practically useful to a small niche of users and most will never use some of these high-end capabilities. Many features, such as Adaptive Sync and Audio zoom, will not be meaningfully utilized by many users.

Professionals who have a clear use case for needing larger amounts of RAM and storage, a matte display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and OLED for HDR content will clearly benefit from buying the ‌iPad Pro‌. That being said, "prosumer"-style customers who simply want the best iPad will enjoy features such as 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and gaming, a thinner design, deeper blacks and more vivid colors with the OLED display, and the Adaptive True Tone flash for document scanning, even if they are not necessary.

Beyond these individual circumstances, the ‌iPad Air‌ is the best value for money and will be more than ample for most users' needs. With the ‌iPad Air‌, users can get a modern all-screen design, the M3 chip, practical features like USB-C and 5G connectivity, and compatibility with the core Apple accessories for a price well below that of the ‌iPad Pro‌.

A new ‌iPad Air‌ with the M4 chip is in development and will likely launch in the first half of 2026, which may be worth bearing in mind if you aren't in a hurry to make a purchase. The new chip is expected to be the main upgrade, with few other new features or enhancements expected.
This article, "M3 iPad Air vs. M5 iPad Pro Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Ecovacs recently came out with its newest robot vacuum, the Deebot X11 Omnicyclone. Like the last couple of models, this new vacuum has Matter integration and it's able to connect to HomeKit so it can be sent off to clean the floor with Siri voice commands.

Design

The X11 is the same size as the prior-generation X9, coming in at 3.86 inches tall. I've tested several robot vacuums now, and that's on the thinner side. It can get under almost all of my furniture, including my stove, to vacuum in areas that are often untouched.

Height is the most important metric when it comes to robot vacuums, but if you have a lot of tightly spaced furniture, you also need to consider width. The X11 is about 13.8 inches across, and it could be too large for smaller apartments.


Underneath the vacuum, there's a roller bar, a mop, a brush that gets into nooks and crannies along baseboards, a canister for dust and debris, and internal areas for clean and dirty water for mop washing and cleaning. You can access the dust canister by removing the top plate of the robot and undoing the latch.


Exterior vacuum design didn't change much between the X9 and the X11, but the X11's base station is entirely different. It's significantly larger than before because it includes a reusable canister for dust instead of a bag.

The canister is why the X11 has its "Omnicyclone" name. It reminds me of a Dyson-style vacuum canister, and it's built right into the middle of the base station. You can pop it out and empty it into the trash, then stick it right back in. Large chunks of debris can get stuck, so as with a Dyson, the canister can need cleaning at times. There is no need to buy bags with the X11, which does make it stand out from other robot vacuums on the market.


Along with the vacuum canister, the base station houses a 2.7-liter dirty water tank and a 3.2-liter clean water tank. The water tanks are larger than the tanks in the X9, which means less maintenance. I fill the clean water tank less, and I try to remember to empty the dirty water tank regularly because it can get smelly if it sits.


Inside the base station, there's a spot to add cleaning fluid. The X11 supports two kinds of cleaning fluid, one for standard cleaning and one for deep cleaning. Two cleaning fluid options are more expensive and more of a hassle, so I'm not a fan of the dual cleaning. Ecovacs recommends that you use Ecovacs cleaning fluid, and it sells the two variants.

Setup and Maintenance

Setting up the X11 is straightforward enough that anyone can do it. There's a single-page startup guide that has easy instructions on putting the base station components together, then it's just a matter of filling the water tank, downloading the app, turning on the robot, and following the app steps for pairing.

The X11 is simple enough that someone not technologically inclined could operate it, but the number of app settings and complicated features like voice activation could be confusing. None of those features are required, and it can clean on default settings, but if you have older parents who struggle with electronics and buy this (or any robot vacuum) for them, you're going to get calls for troubleshooting.

There is maintenance to take care of, like occasionally replacing the rollers and brush with parts purchased from Ecovacs. The site sells a bundle that includes a new roller brush, three filters and two side brushes for $60, and a new roller mop is $35.

Vacuuming

The X11 has the strongest suction of any robot vacuum that I've tried. It is excellent at picking up pet hair, dust, and debris on my hardwood and tile floors. I started tossing a handful or two of dirt on the floor to see how much robot vacuums can clean up, and the X11 got almost all of it in the first pass.

Robot vacuums are meant to clean regularly rather than deeply, which is why it's not an ideal test, but it does give me a clear metric to compare by.


According to Ecovacs, the X11 has 19,000 Pa suction and it uses the same Blast system (multi-stage suction and airflow) from prior Ecovacs robots. It's more suction than the X9, which I already thought worked well, and more suction than the Roborock vacuum I use regularly. If you have hard floors and pets or kids, it's good at getting up even trace amounts of pet hair, and it doesn't miss crumbs in the kitchen.

There's a side brush for sweeping along baseboards and in corners, and it's able to get most dirt and fur up. You'll want to manually vacuum in corners every so often, but it's not a situation where the X11 is vacuuming the main area of a room and pushing dust to the sides. It is able to use the added side brush and the improved suction to do a passable job keeping hard to reach areas clean.

Ecovacs' robots have a ZeroTangle brush, and it works. I have long hair, my partner has long hair, and we have two cats. I haven't seen the brush get tangled up with hair, and I've never had to fuss with it.


The X11 is able to get over higher thresholds than prior Ecovacs robots, so if you have a tall threshold that other robots can't handle, the X11 might be able to navigate it. It can go over thresholds as high as 2.4cm (0.95 inches). It can get into a bathroom that has a higher than average threshold, but another room with a baby gate has a threshold too high for it to overcome. I definitely notice a difference between the X11 and the older X9 when it comes to threshold navigation.

Despite stronger suction, the X11 isn't louder than prior models, measuring in at around 62 dBA in tests. I wouldn't want to sleep while the X11 is running, but I can work while it's on if I put in my AirPods Pro to block out the noise. Emptying the vacuum into the canister at the base station is the loudest action that it performs (close to 80 dBA), so keep that in mind when positioning the base station.

The X11 is one of the quieter robot vacuums that I've tried in terms of straight vacuuming and operation sound, and it has a mode that makes it even quieter. Turning down the suction level will also help.

Mopping

Like Ecovacs' prior-generation high-end robots, the X11 has a roller mop rather than two rotating mopping pads. I am a fan of this design because it continually removes dirty water, so it's washing the floor with clean water.


It sprays water onto the mop, cleans the floor, and squeezes the dirty water into a collection tank before starting the process over again. With this version, the roller extends out further, so it can get into corners. It's also supposed to have stain-detecting AI to go over a dirty area again, and I've seen this work as long as certain AI cleaning modes are enabled.

With wet stains, the X11 can get a mess in one go. A squirt of ketchup on the floor, for example, gets wiped up with a single cleaning. With dried-on stains, it can take a few passes. I tested dried ketchup, and needed to have the robot go over it three times to get every speck up. Anecdotally, the X11 seems to be better at getting up things like dried up cat food in fewer passes than prior Ecovacs robots.

Every so often, the X11 returns to the base station to wash the mop with hot water, and when a cleaning is finished, it's dried with hot air.

I wouldn't expect any robot vacuum to get a floor entirely spotless in one cleaning, but weekly cleanings paired with daily cleanings in specific areas like the kitchen keep the floors clean.

Time

Cleaning 2,000 square feet takes the X11 approximately five hours on the standard setting with one pass, though that can vary depending on the number of passes that it's instructed to make when mopping, how often it empties the vacuum and washes the mop, and how far it is from the base station. That time is fairly standard for the robot vacuums that I've tested, though some will take longer because of long periods for charging.

I find it useful to set up scheduled cleanings with the Ecovacs app or the Home app. I schedule the X11 to clean one area of the house per day, which keeps the floor clean but doesn't subject me to listening to a vacuum run for hours on end. It can be set to clean after meal times or more frequently just in high traffic areas, which is helpful.

Navigation and AI

When you set up the X11 for the first time, it maps each room in your house prior to cleaning. You can see the map as it goes, and it's clear that the lidar sensor at the front works well. It made a perfect map of my house, though unlike some other robot vacuums, it doesn't detect furniture and add those items to the map automatically, nor is it great at labeling rooms.

It can detect some thresholds, but it's best to go in and edit the map to make changes. My house has an open-concept main area, and it wasn't able to distinguish between the kitchen, dining room, and living room, and it also merged one bedroom with those areas. In my office, it wasn't able to tell the bathroom from the main office area, I suppose because it didn't detect the door.


The X11 is good at obstacle avoidance, using a camera-based sensor system for object detection. It hasn't run directly into anything, and it is better at not getting trapped by furniture. It knows where walls are, where furniture legs are, and it can detect and avoid items on the floor like cables, socks, pets, and more. It doesn't see smaller items like LEGO bricks, and it can suck those up.

Some vacuums will label the in-app map with items that have been detected so you can go in and tell them whether to avoid that item in the future. The X11's object detection is more behind-the-scenes, so I don't get a readout of what it's avoiding.

It's good at navigating the house, though I did see it get inexplicably lost one time. It might have been that the hallway was too dark, but it couldn't find its way back to the dock in another room.

The AI in the X11 is more transparent than in prior models, and I can better keep track of what the robot is doing, why it's doing it, where it's cleaned, where it hasn't cleaned, and where access was blocked by a closed door or another obstacle.

Rugs

I've been frustrated with the way the Ecovacs robots handle small rugs, and there's no change with the X11 Omnicyclone. It regularly gets trapped on the rugs in bathrooms and thin, soft-backed rugs on my wood floors that don't have grip. It also cannot handle tassels. By "trapped," I mean that the roller vacuum sucks up the rug and can't release it, so I'm forced to go pull it out and set the vacuum to continue cleaning.


To be fair, Ecovacs does recommend picking up smaller rugs and tucking tassels away underneath the rug to avoid these issues, but that's a hassle. It's annoying to have to fix the vacuum when it sucks up a rug, and it's annoying to have to take the time to move everything out of the way every time it's running. Having to regularly move rugs makes it more difficult to automate and schedule cleanings.

With bigger, thicker rugs anchored by furniture, the X11 works with no issue. I have one rug that sheds like crazy even two years after I bought it. Sometimes the X11 will leave behind a big ball of rug fuzz, but all of my vacuums do that. My Dyson can't even clean that rug without getting clogged.


There is another rug in my laundry room that is an absolute dirt and lint magnet, and the X11 can get every speck of dust off of it. I'm satisfied with how well it cleans rugs, but it needs to be better about not getting stuck.

Battery

The X11 has a fast-charging feature where the robot can go back to the base station and quick charge for about 10 minutes. For a large home, this means that there's no multi-hour pause in cleaning.


With prior Ecovacs robots, there would be a long break for charging in the middle of a cleaning. With the X11, it cleaned for six hours straight with only brief stops to quick charge.

Ecovacs recommends the fast charge system for homes that are over 2,000 square feet, and there is an option to turn it off for smaller homes. Faster charging works well, and it sets the X11 apart from other vacuums. If you have a large home, it's a reason to consider this model over other options.

Ecovacs App

Even if you're planning to use the X11 with the Home app and through ‌Siri‌ voice commands, you need the Ecovacs app. It's the only place to manage the many, many settings that are available for the vacuum, and it houses the map the robot uses for navigation.


There are settings to adjust the vacuum suction, mopping water level, noise, and set up different types of cleaning such as after-meal cleaning, daily cleaning, and deep cleaning. You can set up custom scenarios for future one-touch cleanings, customize charging and station settings, adjust settings for carpet, view cleaning logs, and more. There's more than I can go over in a review, but if you get an Ecovacs robot, expect to spend a half-hour or so going through the options selecting your preferred parameters.

The X11 has an AI cleaning mode that incorporates cleaning history and preferences that you set. You can customize it with natural language commands, and it's meant to learn over time. It's new to this model, and it wasn't a feature that was available in prior Ecovacs robots I've reviewed.

The AI mode is listed in the app as "Agent Hosting," and you can tap on it instead of "Start" when beginning a cleaning. The AI will analyze your prior cleaning, take into account your app settings and preferences you've provided, and then adjust its settings on its own to clean the house.


I've had mixed results with it, but I'm still working on customization. The first time I used it, it determined that the living room hadn't been cleaned for seven days, so it proceeded to clean it for like three hours (two passes) even though it wasn't dirty (the X11 hadn't vacuumed the floor in a week because I had). There is an AI feature that's supposed to notice messes and do another pass, but it clearly wasn't using that when evaluating how to clean.

The AI cleaned for 5.5 hours, and because it was doing double passes everywhere, it didn't get the task finished. I had to turn it off at around 11 p.m., and I wasn't able to resume the cleaning the next day because it can't pick up a task if the pause is more than a few hours.

In other tests, the AI performed better and selected reasonable cleaning parameters for various rooms, successfully executing a cleaning. I like that I can see what the AI is thinking and follow along as it completes each task, but there is a major issue I've run into. For some reason, the X11 has the wrong time. I started a clean at 2:30 p.m., and it thought it was 2:30 a.m. Another time, it was around 11:00 a.m., and it thought it was 11:00 p.m. The time is an issue because it will adjust suction to avoid being too loud if it's late at night.

The AI cleaning option is useful overall if you don't want to mess with settings for every clean, but it also takes time and effort to train it with your preferences. Luckily, plain old "Start" launches a standard clean where you can select the options that you want.

There's also a "Yiko" voice assistant that you can use to direct the X11 to clean. It's been present in the last several Ecovacs robots, but I don't use it often. Yiko isn't super responsive when I attempt to activate it, doesn't understand some simple commands, and doesn't do enough where I can use it instead of the app.

Home App

The X11 has Matter integration, so it connects to the Home app. You only get a few controls in the Home app, but it's enough to operate it on a basic level.

You can have the robot vacuum or vacuum and mop, selecting the entire house or just a single room. You can also choose from a standard clean or a deep clean for two mopping passes instead of one. The app will let you know if there's an error, such as when the water tank needs to be filled up. You can also play a sound so you can locate the robot if it gets itself stuck somewhere in the house.


Matter integration is useful for the ‌Siri‌ voice commands and for automations. You can use the Ecovacs app for setting schedules, or do it through the Home app if you want to use geofencing (such as having the robot clean when you leave home) or pair it with other ‌HomeKit‌ accessories.

Siri

I don't often use the Home app with robot vacuums, but I like being able to use ‌Siri‌. There are HomePods in the main areas of my house, so I can say something like "Hey ‌Siri‌, clean the kitchen" if I happen to be in the kitchen and notice crumbs on the floor.

When I first used a robot vacuum with ‌HomeKit‌, I was skeptical that it would be useful, but it's been a convenience. I wouldn't necessarily buy a robot vacuum just for the Matter integration, but if there are two robots with similar features and only one has Matter, I'm going to choose the Matter version.

I am hoping that Matter integration with products like the Omnicyclone X11 gets even better when Apple introduces the new version of ‌Siri‌ that it's been working on, and when the rumored home hub comes out.

Bottom Line

The X11 has the strongest AI functionality of a robot vacuum that I've tested, and aside from its poor performance with thin rugs, it's the best vacuum that I've tried so far. I appreciate that the X11's AI can learn my cleaning preferences and adjust, but sometimes a simple scheduled cleaning with pre-set parameters is better than AI. There's a lot of redundancy in the Ecovacs app with the option to use AI, standard settings, or the Yiko voice assistant, and it can be confusing. I'd like to see streamlining in the future.


Matter integration isn't necessarily a reason to buy one robot vacuum over another, but it is useful if you have a lot of Apple devices and tend to use ‌Siri‌ voice commands for smart home devices.

The X11 isn't leagues ahead of the X8 and X9 when it comes to cleaning performance, but there are a few features that could be a reason to consider it instead of another robot vacuum. If there's a threshold in your house that other vacuums can't climb, there's a good chance the X11 can navigate it. It's the only robot vacuum I've tested that has a vacuum chamber you can empty, eliminating the need for vacuum bags.

For larger homes, the change to charging makes a difference in how quickly cleaning gets done, and it prevents frustrating multi-hour pauses. Fast charging could be worth the cost if you have a home larger than 2,000 square feet.

If you don't need those features, Ecovacs' X8 and X9 robots clean well too, and are available at a lower price.

How to Buy

The X11 Omnicyclone can be purchased from the Ecovacs website or from Amazon for $1,499.99, but there is a promo code for $200 off at the current time, which is listed on the website. There are regular sales on Ecovacs vacuums, so don't buy one at full price.

Note: Ecovacs provided MacRumors with an X11 for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
This article, "Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone Review: HomeKit Robot Vacuum With Bagless Design and Fast Charging" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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A new Apple TV and HomePod mini could launch as soon as this month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today suggested.


In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that Apple retail stores are planning an overnight refresh on the evening of November 11, where changes will be made after closing, such as refreshing displays and placing new products for the following day.

The timing of the overnight refresh could simply be related to the holiday season, but there is a possibility that it relates to the launch of new ‌Apple TV‌ and ‌HomePod mini‌ models. Gurman notes that inventory of current models has become tight, likely signaling that new versions are on the way. He added that even if they do not launch by the end of 2025, they "shouldn't be far off."

The new ‌Apple TV‌ and ‌HomePod mini‌ will apparently "help showcase the new Siri and Apple Intelligence features planned for next year." During its earnings call earlier this week, Apple seemingly suggested that any more new Macs are off the table for the rest of 2026, making the new ‌Apple TV‌ and ‌HomePod mini‌ the most likely candidates for any remaining Apple product releases this year.


This article, "New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Likely Launching Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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With the end of Jira Data Center announced and prices rising year after year, vendor lock-in is no longer just an abstract risk, it has already become reality. Many organizations now face a costly migration to the cloud, whether they want it or not.

But there’s another way. Open source software gives you back control: over your data, your infrastructure, and your budget. It’s built on transparency, community, and long-term reliability, without locking you into a single company’s roadmap or pricing. And while Atlassian has been steadily raising prices, open source has grown into a powerful, future-ready alternative.

OpenProject is your secure, self-managed alternative to Jira, and it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Whether you also rely on Confluence, Bitbucket, or other parts of the Atlassian stack, there are strong open source options ready to support your team. You’re not stuck. You’ve got choices. And we’re here to help.

Migrating away from Atlassian: We know it’s not easy

If you’re looking for an alternative to Atlassian, you’re not alone. Many organizations are now preparing to move away from Jira Data Center and Confluence. Not because they want to, but because they have to. With Atlassian ending support for self-managed hosting and pushing users toward the cloud, the pressure is mounting.

Still, switching tools isn’t a decision you make lightly. You’ve built entire workflows around Jira and Confluence. You’ve got hundreds of users, complex integrations, and a mountain of project data to manage. The idea of replacing your Atlassian stack can feel overwhelming, and we understand that.

But here’s the good news: there is a way forward. With powerful, professional open source software, you can migrate from Atlassian on your own terms, without compromising on functionality, security, or support. Whether you’re seeking a Jira replacement, a Confluence alternative, or a complete open source stack, we’re here to support you during this journey.

Tip

Why open source? Open source software means no vendor lock-in, giving you full control over your infrastructure, updates, and data, with affordable pricing. It offers transparency, letting you inspect the source code and know exactly how your tools work. And with Community-driven development, features evolve based on real need, not shareholder interests. And these are just some of at least 8 reasons to choose an open source software.

The open source ecosystem is ready for you

You don’t have to give up powerful workflows just because you’re moving away from Atlassian. Today’s open source tools are mature, well-integrated, and ready to replace the full Atlassian stack, from project management and documentation to team chat and file sharing.

OpenProject as alternative to Jira

OpenProject provides issue tracking, agile boards, Gantt charts for project timelines, cost and time tracking, and much more — fully self-managed or hosted, with a strong focus on data sovereignty. You decide if you want to host your data in the cloud or on your own servers. So if you’re looking for a Jira Data Center alternative, OpenProject is built for you.

Learn more about migrating to OpenProject as a Jira alternative.

XWiki as alternative to Confluence

XWiki is a powerful and extensible open source wiki platform. It enables collaborative documentation, structured content management, and fine-grained access control, making it a flexible alternative to Atlassian Confluence. And: Since July 2025, XWiki and OpenProject are officially partners to offer a strong alternative to Confluence and Jira.

Learn more about XWiki as Confluence alternative.

Element as alternative to Atlassian Team Chat

Element, based on the Matrix protocol, offers secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging and collaboration. It’s perfect for teams looking for a self-hosted alternative to Atlassian’s chat tools or Slack.

Learn more about Element as Atlassian team chat alternative.

Nextcloud as alternative to Atlassian’s file management tools

Nextcloud is the most popular self-hosted open source platform for file sharing and collaboration. With advanced access control, integration options, and European data protection standards, it’s a strong alternative to proprietary cloud file systems. And: Nextcloud integrates with OpenProject and vice versa.

Learn more about Nextcloud as Atlassian’s file management alternative.

Collabora as alternative to Microsoft 365

Collabora Online is a powerful open source office suite for editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time. It’s a great choice for teams looking to replace Confluence and Microsoft 365 with a self-hosted solution.

Learn more about Collabora as Atlassian Office alternative.

Frequently asked questions about Atlassian alternatives

Switching away from Atlassian isn’t just a technical decision, it’s a strategic one. If you’re considering alternatives to Jira, Confluence, or other Atlassian tools, you likely have questions about features, pricing, migration, and the open source ecosystem. Here are some answers to help you navigate the transition with confidence.

Why is open source software free and still costs money?

Open source doesn’t mean zero cost. It means freedom: to use, inspect, modify, and host the software yourself. Many open source vendors like OpenProject offer a free Community edition, alongside paid support and enterprise features. This ensures long-term sustainability and helps teams get professional assistance where needed. Still, open source software like OpenProject is often more affordable than proprietary tools like Atlassian. And if your budget ever becomes tight, your data stays safe, because OpenProject will always provide a cost-free Community edition.

Read more about why free open source software costs money.

I want one suite for all tools. Does that exist for open source?

Yes. In Europe, there is openDesk, your secure all in one office and collaboration suite. It brings together leading open source solutions — including OpenProject, XWiki, Nextcloud, and more — to create a fully sovereign digital workplace. The tools are interoperable, user-friendly, and developed with long-term public and enterprise use in mind.

Does OpenProject include the features I currently use in Jira, or do I need plugins?

OpenProject comes feature-rich out of the box. Unlike Jira, which often requires multiple plugins for core functionality, OpenProject includes agile boards, Gantt charts, cost tracking, time logging, custom workflows, and more — all in one system. This makes it especially attractive for teams moving away from Jira Data Center or self-managed Jira installations.

Of course, OpenProject is not exactly the same product as Jira, and users will need to adapt to some differences in workflows. However, OpenProject customers value its personalized and responsive support, as well as documentation available in English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

How can I migrate my data from Atlassian / Jira or Confluence?

You have several options for migrating your data, whether you’re switching from Jira, Confluence, or both. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use the OpenProject API to migrate data programmatically.
• Use the Excel synchronization feature to import data in bulk.
• Export Confluence content using the Markdown Exporter app and paste it into OpenProject Wiki or other modules.

For a fully supported migration, we recommend contacting ALM Toolbox, an experienced migration partner that specializes in Atlassian to OpenProject transitions.

Need help deciding? Contact us, we’ll help you find the right path. More information on: https://migration.openproject.org/

Last month, Mophie announced the launch of its Max Charging Stand. Aimed squarely at those with multiple sets of Apple's headphones, it can charge AirPods Max headphones plus a pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro at the same time.


Priced at $150, it immediately garnered criticism in our forum, largely over its price point compared to its functionality. But is it actually worth it? I've spent a few weeks with it to see.

Design and Build

The charging base is aluminum lined with smooth silicone along every surface that comes into contact with your devices. The bottom also has a large rectangular pad of this same silicone so that it doesn't slide easily on your desk. The Mophie logo is subtly stamped on the top just under the square indentation that shows you where to place your AirPods (or other Qi-enabled device) for charging.

At 15.7 ounces (445 g) on my kitchen scale, it's weighty enough to hold my ‌AirPods Max‌ without wobbling. But more on this later...

It comes with a decently long 5-foot USB-C cable coated with the same silicone that covers the stand, a 20W wall adapter, two magnetic charging dongles, and a pass-through adapter.


To use the stand, you insert one of the magnetic dongles into the USB-C port of the ‌AirPods Max‌. This dongle then connects automatically to the charging port in the stand thanks to its magnetism. The second magnetic dongle included is a spare which is a nice touch, especially at this price point.

The pass-through adapter allows you to leave a charging dongle in the Max's charging port at all times so you can still charge it with a standard USB-C cable, avoiding wear and tear on the port with frequent removals and insertions. But on the other hand, this is another adapter to carry around and avoid losing. The pro tip here is to just leave this dongle attached to a USB-C cable you use to charge the headphones when you're away from home.


The charging dongle does not pass through audio, so if you use your ‌AirPods Max‌ with a cable for lossless audio or to connect to a 3.5mm analog device, you'll have to remove the dongle each time.

The magnetic dongle is the key feature of the stand and it isn't a new concept—charging stands that make use of a magnetic dongle have been released by smaller companies over the years (e.g., the Max Stand a few years ago) and Mophie's is a premium entry by one of the larger Apple accessory makers.

How It Works

When you place the ‌AirPods Max‌ on the stand, the white LED on the front of the stand illuminates for a few seconds and then turns off. Since you can't see the status light next to the USB-C port on the headphones themselves to verify charging while it's in the stand, it's a bit frustrating to not be able to see charging status after the stand's light turns off.

Additionally, since the stand places the headphones in sleep mode using magnets built into the ear cup holders, you can't even see its charge level on another Apple device in Control Center or the Battery widget unless you remove it from the stand. I'd rather this light stay on or pulse while the headphones are charging.


Removing the ‌AirPods Max‌ requires two hands since the stand, while weighing in at nearly a pound, is not heavy enough to overcome the magnetic force from the charging dongle. You must also use two hands to place the headphones into the stand since the ear cup holders are placed far enough apart that you need to stretch the headband wider.

This ear cup holder placement does, however, allow the stand to accommodate AirPods or another Qi-enabled device in the center. I'd been using a simple 3D-printed ‌AirPods Max‌ stand with no charging capability where the ear cup holders are close enough together that it's easy to drop in and remove the ‌AirPods Max‌ with one hand, so this was an adjustment for me.

The center charger fits an AirPods Pro case easily and the indentation makes it easy to target where it should go. It's even large enough to accommodate the large case cover I use on mine. It also charged my iPhone 17 Pro although it takes a few seconds to line it up in the right spot.

The center charger is nice to have but seems like an addition meant to add value to the stand to justify the price. I'd like to see a version at a lower price point without this center charger that would also allow a narrower placement of the holders for the ear cups.


In my charging tests, I saw no significant differences between charging my ‌AirPods Max‌ directly with Apple's USB-C cable to a 20W wall adapter, using the Max Stand, or using the USB-C cable with the pass-through adapter that Mophie includes. Apple states that a 5-minute charge adds 1.5 hours of listening but does not claim any fast-charging features beyond this, nor does Apple specifically recommend using a high-wattage wall adapter.

Per iFixit, the USB-C ‌AirPods Max‌ has the same battery cells as the original model released in 2020 with a total capacity of 664 mAh. ‌AirPods Max‌ automatically limits the amount of power drawn during charging and using a higher-wattage wall adapter doesn't increase charging speeds.

With this stand on my desk, I noticed that I was no longer ultra-careful about taking every opportunity to put my headphones into sleep mode to avoid draining the battery. I started leaving my ‌AirPods Max‌ around the house willy-nilly without a charging care in the world since I knew I could easily pop them on the stand for a quick charge anytime. Using a USB-C cable to charge them is not hard of course, but it takes more steps than just dropping the headphones into a stand.

The Big Question

Will Mophie offer a Lightning dongle that will allow the stand to work with older ‌AirPods Max‌ models that have Lightning ports? It seems like this would be an easy thing to do since the stand is only handling low power to the headphones and no data, and it would open up the consumer base greatly for Mophie to sell more of these. This is the most commonly-asked question on the stand's product page and there's no official answer from Mophie there at the time of this review, though there is someone who claims that Mophie responded to them directly and said no. We asked Mophie directly and they did not respond prior to publication of this review.


We presume that the official answer to this question is no. While disappointing, it's likely a licensing issue that's preventing a Lightning dongle. The Lightning connector is a proprietary one and Apple offers licensing of its use through its MFi program, while USB-C is not proprietary. If Mophie has done the math here, it must be that licensing a Lightning dongle is more costly than offering it, even if it means missing out on a potentially large user base of Lightning ‌AirPods Max‌ owners.

Who It's For

You use your ‌AirPods Max‌ frequently throughout the day at or near a desk and want an easy and quick way to charge them. Or you are out and about all day and want to drop your ‌AirPods Max‌ in a dock near the door when you get home to charge fully overnight before you grab them and go in the morning. And you have $150 to burn.

I was salty about the price when this was first announced, but I have appreciated this dock more and more and even find myself using my ‌AirPods Max‌ more because of it. Like much in life, making something easier has a large impact on how often it's used or done. So is it worth it? For me, the answer is yes.

Pros:

• Solid, quality build


• Aesthetically pleasing


• Can charge two devices at once


• Easy and convenient charging

Cons:

• No at-a-glance charging status indicator


• Need two hands to place and remove headphones


• Stretches headband


• Pass-through adapter is another thing to lose


• Price

Note: Mophie provided MacRumors with a Max Stand for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Mophie. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This article, "Review: Mophie's Max Charging Stand for AirPods Max is Pricey but Good" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to cut production of the iPhone Air amid underwhelming sales performance, Japan's Mizuho Securities believes (via The Elec).


The Japanese investment banking and securities firm claims that the iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max are seeing higher sales than their predecessors during the same period last year, while the standard iPhone 17 is a major success, performing significantly better than the iPhone 16.

The ‌iPhone Air‌ is apparently the outlier; Apple plans to reduce production by one million units this year. Meanwhile, Apple plans to increase production of all other models by two million units. The overall production forecast of the ‌iPhone 17‌ series this year has also been increased from 88 million units to 94 million units for the start of 2026.

A separate report earlier today claimed that Samsung has canceled plans to release a successor to its own ‌iPhone Air‌ rival, the Galaxy S25 Edge, due to low sales. Nevertheless, the ‌iPhone Air‌ reportedly sold out within hours in China, despite lower than expected sales in western countries last month.

The same report from Mizuho Securities today revealed details about Apple's first foldable iPhone and other future devices.

This article, "Apple Said to Cut iPhone Air Production Amid Underwhelming Sales" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's new M5 MacBook Pro will ship without a power adapter in the box in the United Kingdom and European Union, prompting online confusion that the change was mandated by EU law — a claim that is incorrect.


Apple quietly updated its online store following the launch of the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ to note that customers in the UK and EU who purchase the new 14-inch model will no longer receive a charging brick by default. The laptop still includes a MagSafe 3 cable, but buyers must purchase a compatible USB-C power adapter separately. The change does not apply to other markets such as the United States, where a 70W USB-C Power Adapter remains included at no extra cost.

The omission led some observers to suggest that the decision was required under new European environmental regulations. Some claimed that the European Union had banned manufacturers from including power adapters with new electronics in order to reduce electronic waste, but this is not the case.

The confusion appears to stem from the EU's 2022 Common Charger Directive, legislation designed to standardize charging ports and give consumers flexibility when purchasing new devices. The directive requires that all smartphones, tablets, and laptops sold within the EU use USB-C for wired charging. It also stipulates that consumers must be offered the option to buy a device without a charger to limit unnecessary e-waste.

The law "ensures that consumers will be able to purchase new electronic devices without having to obtain a new charger each time," but it does not prevent manufacturers from supplying one. In practice, this means companies must provide a version of each product that can be purchased without an adapter, while retaining the freedom to include a charger or offer it free of charge.

Apple's decision to remove the charger entirely from the EU boxes therefore goes beyond what the law requires. The company could, for example, offer customers the option to include a charger at checkout for no additional cost, as long as it also sells a version without one. The lack of charger in the UK is even more unnecessary, since it is not part of the European Union.

The move to charge separately for adapters is therefore a business choice by Apple, not a legal necessity. The company's approach simplifies logistics and packaging, avoiding the need for separate SKUs in Europe, but it also shifts the cost to customers who do not already own a compatible charger.

Apple has historically argued that omitting power bricks from its packaging is part of a wider environmental effort. The company first removed the charger from iPhone boxes in 2020, citing the environmental benefits of smaller packaging and fewer redundant accessories. Similar reasoning has since extended to other product lines. By reducing the size and weight of shipments, Apple says it can cut carbon emissions and limit use of resources across its supply chain.

The M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ continues to support both ‌MagSafe‌ and USB-C charging. Customers can use existing 67W, 96W, or 140W USB-C adapters to charge the device, depending on the configuration. Apple sells its own USB-C power adapters separately, and the company's online product pages now prominently note that "power adapter sold separately" for the affected regions.

Pricing adjustments partly offset the omission in some regions, although shifts in currency exchange rates likely also factored into Apple's pricing changes as is common. In several European countries, the new 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ is approximately €100 cheaper than its predecessor, but the UK model retains the same starting price.
This article, "EU Didn't Stop Apple From Including Charger With M5 MacBook Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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