Even the latest AirPods rumors can’t cheer us up this week. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest rumors indicate 2024 will bring big changes to the AirPods lineup. In fact, Apple’s ramping up for “the biggest AirPods launch to date.”
But even this fantastic news can’t cheer us up after the Department of Justice files a wide-ranging antitrust lawsuit against Apple. We recorded this episode of The CultCast right after news of the DOJ’s suit broke, and some of us are fuming!
Also on The CultCast:
So … Apple might lean on Google Gemini to power iOS 18 features? Good luck with that.
iPhone 17 could bring a major upgrade in the display department.
The next-gen Vision Pro headset might drop the price to something much more approachable.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
The CultCast live stream archive: 2024 AirPods and DOJ antitrust suit
Here’s the YouTube archive of the live stream:
And below you will find the stories we discuss on the show.
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This week’s top Apple news
On the show this week: Your host Erfon Elijah (@erfon), Cult of Mac managing editor Lewis Wallace (@lewiswallace) and Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones (@dgriffinjones).
Here are the headlines we’re talking about on this week’s show:
The Amazon Big Spring Sale is in full swing. While not as heavy on tech deals as regular Prime Day is, there are some good Amazon deals available on tech we recommend, including a number of Apple devices. In truth, the pickings are pretty slim — and most of these discounts are not explicitly tied to the spring sale — but they’re still worth noting as some of the best tech deals we found amongst all of the clothing, home goods and outdoor gear on sale at Amazon right now. Here are the best Apple deals we could find in the Amazon Spring Sale. As a reminder, this sale will run through March 25 and isn’t exclusive to Prime subscribers.
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
The AirPods Pro are on sale for $189, which is close to a record low for the model with a USB-C charging case. The AirPods Pro are the “best for iOS” pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds: They sound nice, their active noise cancellation (ANC) is strong enough for most situations and, most notably, they provide several unique perks when connected to another Apple device, from faster pairing to hands-free Siri to an adaptive EQ. The built-in mic isn’t the best for calls, and the six-ish-hour battery life is just OK, but this is still a good buy if you’re all-in on Apple. We gave the second-gen AirPods Pro a score of 88 in our review. It’s worth noting that new noise-canceling AirPods may arrive later this year, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, but an updated version of the AirPods Pro specifically isn’t expected until 2025.
A single AirTag is on sale for $24, which is $5 off and close to its record low price. These are the best Bluetooth trackers for those with iOS devices since they use the vast Find My network to keep track of your belongings. You can force them to ring to help you find your stuff if you’re within close range, and newer iPhones can even display directions on their screens to guide you to your lost stuff. Just make sure to pick up a holder if you intend on attaching the AirTag to your keys.
The second-gen Apple Pencil is back down to $79, which is another deal we’ve seen a couple of times in recent months but still matches the stylus’ all-time low. Apple normally sells this model for $129, though it often goes for less at third-party retailers. The discount is also available at Walmart and Best Buy. We recommend the second-gen Pencil in our guide to the best iPad accessories. It’s the only stylus to support pressure sensitivity across iPadOS, so it’s consistently accurate for drawing and note-taking. Since it can attach to the side of an iPad magnetically, it’s easy to connect and charge as well. Just make sure your tablet is compatible first.
Do note, though, that Apple is reportedly planning to release a new Pencil imminently, possibly as soon as next week. Exactly what upgrades this new model will include are unclear, but if you want the latest and greatest, it’s worth waiting. That said, we’d expect any next-gen Pencil to start at a higher price than this discount, so this is still a decent chance to save.
As of this writing, the cellular Product Red version of the Apple Watch Series 9 is on sale for $319 during Amazon’s Spring sale. The Series 9 is the top pick in our smartwatch buying guide thanks to its solid performance, spacious and responsive screen, handy Double Tap gesture controls and plethora of workout tracking features.
The newest MacBook Airs were only announced two weeks ago, so we haven’t seen any massive discounts just yet. However, if you’re looking to make the upgrade early, the entry-level 13- and 15-inch models are each $50 off at Amazon. That drops the former to $1,050 and the latter to $1,250 — nothing huge, clearly, but still a bit better than buying from Apple.
We gave the new MacBook Airs a review score of 90 and now call them the top pick in our laptop buying guide. Neither model is a radical departure from its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing: This design was already thin, light and well-made, with an accurate display, comfortable keyboard and trackpad, long battery life and enough performance for mainstream use. Now, they’re a little bit more powerful with upgraded M3 chips; they support faster Wi-Fi 6E connections; and they can output to two external displays (albeit only when the laptop lid is closed). Just remember that these entry-level models only have 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, so you should only buy one if you’ll stick to less demanding tasks.
We’ll note that the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is also on sale for $899 at B&H. That’s $100 off Apple’s list price. This model won’t be quite as fast or futureproof as the latest version, but it’s very similar otherwise, so it remains worth considering if you really want to save cash. The now-discontinued M1 MacBook Air, meanwhile, is now going for $699 at Walmart. That one is a more noticeable drop-off from the M2 or M3 models, but at that price it’s still fast and reliable enough that it could make sense for those desperate to buy a MacBook for as little as possible.
The Beats Studio Buds + are back on sale for $130 in various colors, which is roughly $20 off the true wireless earbuds’ average street price and $40 off Beats’ list price. The only time we’ve seen them go for less was a brief drop to $120 around Black Friday. This deal is also available at other retailers, including Target, Best Buy and B&H.
We gave the Studio Buds + a review score of 84 last year. As Beats is an Apple subsidiary, this pair provides many of the iOS-friendly perks you’d get from a set of AirPods, such as faster pairing, Find My tracking, hands-free Siri and Control Center integration. Unlike AirPods, they offer similar features on Android as well. A comfy fit, decent ANC and a mostly neutral sound profile also help. However, other AirPods features like audio sharing and automatic device switching (with Apple gear) aren’t supported, nor is wireless charging or wear detection. And the ANC and audio quality are a step down from the AirPods Pro. Still, if you dig the style and want to save some cash, the Studio Buds + are worth considering.
Most people should hold off on buying a new iPad right now. Apple is widely expected to announce new tablets in the coming weeks, with past reports suggesting that we’ll see two new iPad Pros, a refreshed iPad Air and an all-new Air model with a 12.9-inch display. That said, neither the 10th-gen iPad nor the iPad mini are expected to be updated until later in 2024, so if one of those slates suit your needs and you absolutely must buy a new tablet today, both should be a little safer to buy than the iPad Air or iPad Pro. (Or the older 10.2-inch iPad, which is likely to be discontinued with the next round of refreshes.) We’ll highlight a couple of decent prices on those devices below.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
As of this writing, the 10th-gen iPad is available for $349 at Amazon and Best Buy. That ties the 10.9-inch slate’s all-time low and comes in $100 below Apple’s list price. We wouldn’t be surprised if this device received a permanent price cut when the new Air and Pro models are announced, but it’s a solid value with this discount either way. We gave 10th-gen iPad a review score of 85 back in 2022. It lacks the laminated display, M-series chip and second-gen Pencil support of the iPad Air, but its design is mostly similar, it’s plenty fast for reading and streaming and it gets the same 10-ish hours of battery life. Its front-facing camera is also located on the landscape edge, which is a more natural spot for FaceTime calls.
The iPad mini, meanwhile, is available for $400 at Amazon and Target. This is another discount we’ve seen for much of the last few months, but it still represents a $100 drop from Apple’s MSRP. This one was released way back in September 2021 and is past due for an update, but it remains the only compact tablet in Apple’s lineup. It’d make the most sense if you want to treat your iPad like a high-end e-reader, as it’s the easiest model to hold with one hand and tuck away in a bag. It’s still durable and fast enough for the basics beyond that, plus it works with the second-gen Apple Pencil. You probably wouldn’t want to use an 8.3-inch tablet for any serious work, though. You can read our review for a full breakdown.
You’ll find most of this week’s best deals at Amazon thanks to its new Big Spring Sale, including low prices on the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and M1 iMacs. There are also notable discounts on Anker and Jackery accessories during this event.
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.
Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
What’s the deal? Save sitewide during this Springtime Prime Day
Amazon this week kicked off the “Big Spring Sale,” which is set to run all weekend and end on Monday, March 25. Similar to past Prime Days, there are hundreds of deals to be discovered during this sitewide event, and many of the deals we’re highlighting in this post are from the Big Spring Sale. For more specific information, you can check out our original post.
AirPods Pro 2
What’s the deal? Get $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Amazon has Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00 during the Big Spring Sale, which is now a solid second-best price on the headphones. This model was briefly available for $179.99 this week, and it’s possible that price could come back before the event ends on Monday.
Jackery
What’s the deal? Get low prices on Jackery products
Another set of deals you can find during the Amazon Big Spring Sale are discounts on Jackery power stations, starting at just $99.99 for the Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station. You can find the full list of Jackery devices on sale below.
Anker
What’s the deal? Save on Anker portable speakers, batteries, and more
In addition to all of the Jackery deals, you can still find quite a few Anker markdowns on Amazon right now. We’ve highlighted some of the best sales below, but be sure to read our original article for all of the best discounts.
Expercom this week introduced steep discounts on the M1 24-inch iMac on Amazon, offering up to $651 off select models. These deals are all-time low prices across the board and perfect for anyone who needs to upgrade from an Intel-based iMac and doesn’t necessarily need the newest M3 models.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
The next-generation iPad Air is now reportedly shipping to the United States and other countries in preparation for launch. The rumor comes from the leaker known as “Instant Digital,” who claims that manufacturers in China are now shipping the 2024 iPad Air in two sizes to overseas locations. “Everything is ready” for launch, the Weibo user says. The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored…
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until “deeper” into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I’ve repeatedly said that new…
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. …
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23″>claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an…
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow. This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available. USB…
Apple today released iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1, minor updates to the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems. The new software comes a couple of weeks after Apple released iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 with app changes in the European Union, new emoji, and more. iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software…
Apple plans to maximize the display size on the upcoming iPhone 16 series by using a new ultra-thin bezel technology, claims a new report out of Korea. According to Sisa Journal, Apple will use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to minimize the bezel at the bottom of the display. BRS achieves this by rolling up the internal copper wiring into a more compact package. Apple…
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models will be offered with a matte display option for the first time, according to the Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital.” The Weibo user explained that the iPad Pro’s new matte display option will be offered in addition to the standard, glossy glass finish. It apparently features -4° to +29° of haze and may tout some kind of blue-light blocking…
If you’re one of the holdouts with an iPhone who hasn’t wanted to shell out for AirPods, your time has come. The Amazon Big Spring Sale has brought Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro down to a new all-time low price. The earbuds are down to $180 from $249 — a 28 percent discount and $10 less than their previously best deal.
Apple
Apple’s AirPods Pro scored an 88 in our review and hold a spot on our list of best wireless earbuds for good reason. The second-gen earbuds came on the scene in 2022 with updates such as swiping to control volume and richer, consistent sound coming through.
Then there’s the addition of the H2 chip, which helps with that improved sound quality and boosts the earbud’s active noise cancellation abilities to double that of their predecessor. Battery-wise, the second-gen AirPods Pro lasted about six hours and 15 minutes when we tested it through a mix of calls, transparency mode and ANC. While most of the changes occurred internally, Apple also shrunk the ear tip to give more people a better fit.
AirPods Pro are the best pair of wireless earbuds you can buy for your iPhone. And a fantastic new deal knocks the AirPods Pro 2 price down to a new low of just $179.99, making them an even better buy.
With that hefty 28% discount off Apple’s retail price of $249, it’s hard to recommend any other earbuds for your iPhone, Mac or iPad. And yes, this is for the latest model with the USB-C charging case.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
AirPods Pro 2 price: Save on Apple noise-canceling earbuds
The second-gen AirPods Pro earbuds deliver up to two times more effective noise cancellation and better sound quality than their predecessors. This is backed by a claimed six hours of music playback with ANC on. (You can extend this to 30 hours using the bundled carrying case.)
Apple’s flagship earbuds are incredibly portable, and yet they deliver excellent audio and superior noise cancellation. Cult of Mac‘s review of AirPods Pro 2 “a must-have for Apple users and a solid choice for anyone.”
USB-C case, H2 chip and all the latest Apple tech
As with the iPhone 15 lineup, Apple switched to a USB-C port on the AirPods Pro charging case last year. So with this model, you won’t need to hunt for a Lightning cable when you need to top-up the earbuds’ MagSafe-compatible case. The case also comes with one of Apple’s U1 chips inside. That, along with a tiny built-in speaker, makes the case easier to find.
Plus, thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, AirPods Pro can automatically connect with other Apple devices logged into your iCloud account. Then you can seamlessly switch between them at will. (Read more about the AirPods Pro with USB-C case on Apple’s specs page.)
If you already own a Vision Pro headset, or plan on getting one, this model of AirPods Pro will perfectly complement your $3,499 Apple headset. In fact, they are the only earbuds that can deliver Lossless Audio with low latency when paired with the Vision Pro.
With this new deal dropping the AirPods Pro 2 price from $249 to just $179.99, there’s no reason not to pull the trigger if you want Apple’s noise-canceling earbuds. This is even lower than the best price we saw for AirPods Pro 2 during 2023’s Black Friday sales.
Amazon’s latest multi-day deals event, the Big Spring Sale, is going on right now. While not as heavy on tech deals as regular Prime Day is, there are some good discounts available on tech we recommend, including a number of Apple devices. In truth, the pickings are pretty slim — and most Apple deals are not explicitly tied to the spring sale — but they’re still worth noting as some of the best tech deals we found amongst all of the other discounts available on Amazon right now. Here are the best Apple deals we could find in the Amazon Spring Sale. As a reminder, Amazon says this sale will run through March 25 and isn’t exclusive to Prime subscribers.
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
The AirPods Pro are still on sale for $180, which is a new record low for the model with a USB-C charging case. The AirPods Pro are the “best for iOS” pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds: They sound nice, their active noise cancellation (ANC) is strong enough for most situations and, most notably, they provide several unique perks when connected to another Apple device, from faster pairing to hands-free Siri to an adaptive EQ. The built-in mic isn’t the best for calls, and the six-ish-hour battery life is just OK, but this is still a good buy if you’re all-in on Apple. We gave the second-gen AirPods Pro a score of 88 in our review. It’s worth noting that new noise-canceling AirPods may arrive later this year, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, but an updated version of the AirPods Pro specifically isn’t expected until 2025.
The second-gen Apple Pencil is back down to $79, which is another deal we’ve seen a couple of times in recent months but still matches the stylus’ all-time low. Apple normally sells this model for $129, though it often goes for less at third-party retailers. The discount is also available at Walmart and Best Buy. We recommend the second-gen Pencil in our guide to the best iPad accessories. It’s the only stylus to support pressure sensitivity across iPadOS, so it’s consistently accurate for drawing and note-taking. Since it can attach to the side of an iPad magnetically, it’s easy to connect and charge as well. Just make sure your tablet is compatible first.
Do note, though, that Apple is reportedly planning to release a new Pencil imminently, possibly as soon as next week. Exactly what upgrades this new model will include are unclear, but if you want the latest and greatest, it’s worth waiting. That said, we’d expect any next-gen Pencil to start at a higher price than this discount, so this is still a decent chance to save.
You can pick up an Apple Watch Series 9 for as low as $330 right now during the Amazon Spring Sale. While that’s not a record low for the 41mm model, it’s a decent sale price for this time of year. Note that not all colors and sizes are on sale, and some of them require you to clip an on-page coupon to get the final sale price. The Series 9 is the best smartwatch you can get today thanks to its solid performance, spacious and responsive screen, handy Double Tap gesture control and its plethora of workout tracking features.
The newest MacBook Airs were only announced two weeks ago, so we haven’t seen any massive discounts just yet. However, if you’re looking to make the upgrade early, the entry-level 13- and 15-inch models are each $50 off at Amazon. That drops the former to $1,050 and the latter to $1,250 — nothing huge, clearly, but still a bit better than buying from Apple.
We gave the new MacBook Airs a review score of 90 and now call them the top pick in our laptop buying guide. Neither model is a radical departure from its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing: This design was already thin, light and well-made, with an accurate display, comfortable keyboard and trackpad, long battery life and enough performance for mainstream use. Now, they’re a little bit more powerful with upgraded M3 chips; they support faster Wi-Fi 6E connections; and they can output to two external displays (albeit only when the laptop lid is closed). Just remember that these entry-level models only have 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, so you should only buy one if you’ll stick to less demanding tasks.
We’ll note that the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is also on sale for $899 at B&H. That’s $100 off Apple’s list price. This model won’t be quite as fast or futureproof as the latest version, but it’s very similar otherwise, so it remains worth considering if you really want to save cash. The now-discontinued M1 MacBook Air, meanwhile, is now going for $699 at Walmart. That one is a more noticeable drop-off from the M2 or M3 models, but at that price it’s still fast and reliable enough that it could make sense for those desperate to buy a MacBook for as little as possible.
The Beats Studio Buds + are back on sale for $130 in various colors, which is roughly $20 off the true wireless earbuds’ average street price and $40 off Beats’ list price. The only time we’ve seen them go for less was a brief drop to $120 around Black Friday. This deal is also available at other retailers, including Target, Best Buy and B&H.
We gave the Studio Buds + a review score of 84 last year. As Beats is an Apple subsidiary, this pair provides many of the iOS-friendly perks you’d get from a set of AirPods, such as faster pairing, Find My tracking, hands-free Siri and Control Center integration. Unlike AirPods, they offer similar features on Android as well. A comfy fit, decent ANC and a mostly neutral sound profile also help. However, other AirPods features like audio sharing and automatic device switching (with Apple gear) aren’t supported, nor is wireless charging or wear detection. And the ANC and audio quality are a step down from the AirPods Pro. Still, if you dig the style and want to save some cash, the Studio Buds + are worth considering.
Most people should hold off on buying a new iPad right now. Apple is widely expected to announce new tablets in the coming weeks, with past reports suggesting that we’ll see two new iPad Pros, a refreshed iPad Air and an all-new Air model with a 12.9-inch display. That said, neither the 10th-gen iPad nor the iPad mini are expected to be updated until later in 2024, so if one of those slates suit your needs and you absolutely must buy a new tablet today, both should be a little safer to buy than the iPad Air or iPad Pro. (Or the older 10.2-inch iPad, which is likely to be discontinued with the next round of refreshes.) We’ll highlight a couple of decent prices on those devices below.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
As of this writing, the 10th-gen iPad is available for $349 at Amazon and Best Buy. That ties the 10.9-inch slate’s all-time low and comes in $100 below Apple’s list price. We wouldn’t be surprised if this device received a permanent price cut when the new Air and Pro models are announced, but it’s a solid value with this discount either way. We gave 10th-gen iPad a review score of 85 back in 2022. It lacks the laminated display, M-series chip and second-gen Pencil support of the iPad Air, but its design is mostly similar, it’s plenty fast for reading and streaming and it gets the same 10-ish hours of battery life. Its front-facing camera is also located on the landscape edge, which is a more natural spot for FaceTime calls.
The iPad mini, meanwhile, is available for $400 at Amazon and Target. This is another discount we’ve seen for much of the last few months, but it still represents a $100 drop from Apple’s MSRP. This one was released way back in September 2021 and is past due for an update, but it remains the only compact tablet in Apple’s lineup. It’d make the most sense if you want to treat your iPad like a high-end e-reader, as it’s the easiest model to hold with one hand and tuck away in a bag. It’s still durable and fast enough for the basics beyond that, plus it works with the second-gen Apple Pencil. You probably wouldn’t want to use an 8.3-inch tablet for any serious work, though. You can read our review for a full breakdown.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C/MagSafe Charging Case have hit a new all-time low price of $179.99 on Amazon, down from $249.00. This deal has arrived during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, which also includes great discounts on iPads, Anker accessories, and much more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
There are a few minor changes to the AirPods Pro 2 besides the addition of USB-C, including additional dust resistance and support for lossless audio with the Vision Pro headset. Amazon estimates a delivery window between March 23 and March 26 if ordered today.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories. Additionally, we track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones.
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23″>claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an…
The next-generation iPad Air is now reportedly shipping to the United States and other countries in preparation for launch. The rumor comes from the leaker known as “Instant Digital,” who claims that manufacturers in China are now shipping the 2024 iPad Air in two sizes to overseas locations. “Everything is ready” for launch, the Weibo user says. The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored…
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until “deeper” into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I’ve repeatedly said that new…
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. …
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow. This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available. USB…
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C…
Don’t wait until Amazon Prime Day to find an AirPods Pro 2 deal because Apple’s best-rated headphones are already discounted to a record-low price at the Amazon Big Spring Sale. We consider the latest model to be the best AirPods available, so don’t expect this deal to last long.
If you’re quick, you can find the latest version of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C on sale for $189 (was $249) at Amazon in the US. That’s a $50 discount and the same record-low price we saw during Black Friday. In the UK, you can find the latest AirPods Pro for a less exciting 17% off at £199 (was £229) on Amazon.
Not in the US or UK? Scroll down for the best deals in your region.
Today’s best AirPods Pro 2 deals
With Apple‘s “biggest AirPods launch to date” expected to go ahead in September – where it’s rumored that we’ll see two new cheaper AirPods 4 models with ANC that will replace the AirPods 3 – it is likely that the iPhone maker might look to make further discounts throughout the range (but of course nothing has been confirmed).
One of the big updates that Apple is also rolling out as part of its new AirPods range is that it’s adding USB-C, which is why you will no longer find the AirPods Pro 2 models with Lightning on sale with large availability. In the US, they’re selling for a cheaper price of $185.33 on Amazon, but there are only three left in stock at the time of writing. There’s also currently only one AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning left in the UK, but this is curiously priced higher than the USB-C version at £209.17 at Amazon.
If you want to future-proof your AirPods, though, we’d recommend getting the USB-C model so that you can use reverse charging with the iPhone 15. You’re also getting a hardier case with the newer model that’s better protected from dust, as well as all the same benefits from the original model, such as elite active noise cancellation, up to 30 hours of battery life (including the case), immersive spatial audio, Find My support and easy multi-device pairing. There are also premium headphone features like adaptive audio mode that intuitively adjusts the sound between ANC and Transparency, as well as the upcoming updates as part of iOS 18, such as a rumored hearing mode. What are you waiting for?
More AirPods deals
Looking for more AirPods deals? You’ll find all the lowest prices from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
Scroll down for more Amazon Spring sale deals in the US and UK.
Amazon has kicked off its latest multi-day deals event, dubbed the Big Spring Sale. Although this event isn’t nearly as heavy on tech deals as summer Prime Day, there are still a few good gadget discounts to note. If you’re specifically looking for a new Apple device, we’ve compiled the best Apple deals we could find below. In truth, the pickings are pretty slim — and those specifically on the market for a new iPad should probably hold off for now (more on this below) — but we’d be remiss not to mention a few good offers on the AirPods Pro, Apple Pencil and MacBook Air. Here are the best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals we could find. We’ll update this post if more worthwhile discounts arise. As a reminder, Amazon says this sale will run through March 25 and isn’t exclusive to Prime subscribers.
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
The AirPods Pro are still on sale for $189, which matches the lowest price to date for the model with a USB-C charging case. We’ve seen this deal on Amazon for much of the last few months, but it’s still $60 less than buying from Apple directly, so it’s hard to complain. This offer is also at Best Buy.
The AirPods Pro are the “best for iOS” pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds: They sound nice, their active noise cancellation (ANC) is strong enough for most situations and, most notably, they provide several unique perks when connected to another Apple device, from faster pairing to hands-free Siri to an adaptive EQ. The built-in mic isn’t the best for calls, and the six-ish-hour battery life is just OK, but this is still a good buy if you’re all-in on Apple. We gave the second-gen AirPods Pro a score of 88 in our review. It’s worth noting that new noise-canceling AirPods may arrive later this year, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, but an updated version of the AirPods Pro specifically isn’t expected until 2025.
The second-gen Apple Pencil is back down to $79, which is another deal we’ve seen a couple of times in recent months but still matches the stylus’ all-time low. Apple normally sells this model for $129, though it often goes for less at third-party retailers. The discount is also available at Walmart and Best Buy. We recommend the second-gen Pencil in our guide to the best iPad accessories. It’s the only stylus to support pressure sensitivity across iPadOS, so it’s consistently accurate for drawing and note-taking. Since it can attach to the side of an iPad magnetically, it’s easy to connect and charge as well. Just make sure your tablet is compatible first.
Do note, though, that Apple is reportedly planning to release a new Pencil imminently, possibly as soon as next week. Exactly what upgrades this new model will include are unclear, but if you want the latest and greatest, it’s worth waiting. That said, we’d expect any next-gen Pencil to start at a higher price than this discount, so this is still a decent chance to save.
You can pick up an Apple Watch Series 9 for as low as $330 right now during the Amazon Spring Sale. While that’s not a record low for the 41mm model, it’s a decent sale price for this time of year. Note that not all colors and sizes are on sale, and some of them require you to clip an on-page coupon to get the final sale price. The Series 9 is the best smartwatch you can get today thanks to its solid performance, spacious and responsive screen, handy Double Tap gesture control and its plethora of workout tracking features.
The newest MacBook Airs were only announced two weeks ago, so we haven’t seen any massive discounts just yet. However, if you’re looking to make the upgrade early, the entry-level 13- and 15-inch models are each $50 off at Amazon. That drops the former to $1,050 and the latter to $1,250 — nothing huge, clearly, but still a bit better than buying from Apple.
We gave the new MacBook Airs a review score of 90 and now call them the top pick in our laptop buying guide. Neither model is a radical departure from its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing: This design was already thin, light and well-made, with an accurate display, comfortable keyboard and trackpad, long battery life and enough performance for mainstream use. Now, they’re a little bit more powerful with upgraded M3 chips; they support faster Wi-Fi 6E connections; and they can output to two external displays (albeit only when the laptop lid is closed). Just remember that these entry-level models only have 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, so you should only buy one if you’ll stick to less demanding tasks.
We’ll note that the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is also on sale for $899 at B&H. That’s $100 off Apple’s list price. This model won’t be quite as fast or futureproof as the latest version, but it’s very similar otherwise, so it remains worth considering if you really want to save cash. The now-discontinued M1 MacBook Air, meanwhile, is now going for $699 at Walmart. That one is a more noticeable drop-off from the M2 or M3 models, but at that price it’s still fast and reliable enough that it could make sense for those desperate to buy a MacBook for as little as possible.
The Beats Studio Buds + are back on sale for $130 in various colors, which is roughly $20 off the true wireless earbuds’ average street price and $40 off Beats’ list price. The only time we’ve seen them go for less was a brief drop to $120 around Black Friday. This deal is also available at other retailers, including Target, Best Buy and B&H.
We gave the Studio Buds + a review score of 84 last year. As Beats is an Apple subsidiary, this pair provides many of the iOS-friendly perks you’d get from a set of AirPods, such as faster pairing, Find My tracking, hands-free Siri and Control Center integration. Unlike AirPods, they offer similar features on Android as well. A comfy fit, decent ANC and a mostly neutral sound profile also help. However, other AirPods features like audio sharing and automatic device switching (with Apple gear) aren’t supported, nor is wireless charging or wear detection. And the ANC and audio quality are a step down from the AirPods Pro. Still, if you dig the style and want to save some cash, the Studio Buds + are worth considering.
Most people should hold off on buying a new iPad right now. Apple is widely expected to announce new tablets in the coming weeks, with past reports suggesting that we’ll see two new iPad Pros, a refreshed iPad Air and an all-new Air model with a 12.9-inch display. That said, neither the 10th-gen iPad nor the iPad mini are expected to be updated until later in 2024, so if one of those slates suit your needs and you absolutely must buy a new tablet today, both should be a little safer to buy than the iPad Air or iPad Pro. (Or the older 10.2-inch iPad, which is likely to be discontinued with the next round of refreshes.) We’ll highlight a couple of decent prices on those devices below.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
As of this writing, the 10th-gen iPad is available for $349 at Amazon and Best Buy. That ties the 10.9-inch slate’s all-time low and comes in $100 below Apple’s list price. We wouldn’t be surprised if this device received a permanent price cut when the new Air and Pro models are announced, but it’s a solid value with this discount either way. We gave 10th-gen iPad a review score of 85 back in 2022. It lacks the laminated display, M-series chip and second-gen Pencil support of the iPad Air, but its design is mostly similar, it’s plenty fast for reading and streaming and it gets the same 10-ish hours of battery life. Its front-facing camera is also located on the landscape edge, which is a more natural spot for FaceTime calls.
The iPad mini, meanwhile, is available for $400 at Amazon and Target. This is another discount we’ve seen for much of the last few months, but it still represents a $100 drop from Apple’s MSRP. This one was released way back in September 2021 and is past due for an update, but it remains the only compact tablet in Apple’s lineup. It’d make the most sense if you want to treat your iPad like a high-end e-reader, as it’s the easiest model to hold with one hand and tuck away in a bag. It’s still durable and fast enough for the basics beyond that, plus it works with the second-gen Apple Pencil. You probably wouldn’t want to use an 8.3-inch tablet for any serious work, though. You can read our review for a full breakdown.
It didn’t take long for wireless earbuds to become ubiquitous. Apple’s AirPods launched back in September 2016, joining notable true wireless headphones from Jabra, Sony, Samsung, and others. A few years later, they’re the go-to choice for many of us when listening to music, podcasts and streaming services on our phones and tablets.
Your wireless earbuds can get very dirty very quickly, because not only are we using them a lot, but we take them everywhere: to work, on public transport, on flights and everywhere in between. This is especially true if you’re using them to cancel out noise in a busy office – or are simply working from home at the same time as family or roommates.This means they will come into contact with ear wax, oils and skin cells. Hygiene aside, you should clean your earbuds (and their charging case) because it may result in better-sounding, longer-lasting headphones.
And if you’re still a wired headphone holdout (or tempted by DAC-capable buds) most of our cleaning tips hold true – and you don’t have to worry about refreshing a charging case.
On that point, if you find your AirPods case is getting a little grubby – or picking up a blue hue from jeans – you could also invest in a case for your case. There are infinite themed and silicone cases for Apple’s AirPod family, but plenty of options exist for buds made by Samsung, Sony, Google and other companies.
The widespread update of wireless buds has several companies now offering all-in-one cleaning kits too. These include established peripheral companies like Belkin, which features cleaning fluid to loosen up any tough build-up of wax and grime. That said, you may not need an entire kit, but suitable tools will make things easier.
You should always use the gentlest cleaning equipment before going ham with rubbing alcohol or a metallic tool. Doing so will reduce the chances of damaging your headphones’ often glossy plastic casing and lessen the chances of damaging the delicate membranes that many buds (and some eartips) have. I speak from experience, having perforated two AirPod membranes due to over-enthusiastic cleaning. Even when removing the tips, take care: With Sony’s WF-1000XM5, you need to twist and pull them off. Just follow the manufacturers’ guidance (we list several guides below), along with our best tips below.
How to clean your wireless earbuds
Mat Smith/Engadget
The cleaning process differs depending on what kind of buds you have. First, there are wireless earbuds with removable silicone (or plastic) buds, like the Galaxy Buds, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 buds or most Beats buds, and several models with a single solid body, like Apple’s original AirPods.
The main difference is that the detachable tips are easier to deep clean. They are also replaceable and spare tips often come in-box. You can also use soapy water or other mild cleaning products on particularly messy tips without fear of damaging the electrical parts of your headphones.
Wipe down the earbuds and removable tips with a microfiber cloth. As most wireless buds are stored in a case, you may find that dirt from the tips has shifted to the headphones too. Apple says you can use “70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-percent ethyl alcohol wipe or disinfectant wipes” to clean the exterior of its wireless headphones, but advises that you shouldn’t use wet wipes on the speaker mesh parts of the AirPods. Samsung’s guidance sticks to soft dry clothes and cotton swabs.
Remove the tips, and gently trace the inside of each bud with cotton swab, or a toothpick if you need something thinner. If any detritus sticks around, upgrade to a metal loop on the end of an earphone cleaning tool, but just go carefully. Metallic objects are more likely to scratch and pierce things. The cleaning tool also has a brush at the other end to pull out any loose dirt. Once clear, wipe the sides of the tips with a slightly damp cloth.
The AirPods Pro tips each have a delicate mesh membrane, making it easier to clean than membranes on the headphones themselves, but they’re also fragile. Apple itself advises that you can rinse the tips with water, adding you shouldn’t use soap or other cleaning products on them. If you do use a damp cloth or rinse them, make sure to set them on a dry cloth and let them dry completely before reattaching them.
Apple advises using cotton swabs or a dry cloth for the microphone and speaker mesh parts of the AirPods. You can also use a bulb air blower, which should provide a mild amount of force to dislodge dirt without harming electrics. However, while it might be stronger, don’t use canned air. Sony says this can force dust further into the microphone or sound outlet holes.
How to clean your wireless earbuds’ charging case
Mat Smith/Engadget
You might find that your charging case is in a worse state than your buds. With deep crevices to pick up dirt from your buds when they’re charging, the case can also pick up pocket-lint from being in, well, pockets and your bag. These cases typically use metal contacts to connect to and charge the buds, so any build-up of dirt or earwax can actually affect recharging your headphones. It pays to keep those charging contacts clean. A soft cloth, or a cotton swab for more difficult-to-reach locations, should be able to capture anything blocking your buds from charging. You could also use a bit of air from a bulb air blower – I find the ones with a brush attached are perfect for this.
For both the earbuds and the case, you can use a thin toothpick to pull away any grime or wax trapped in the seams of the device. Most earbuds are molded plastic, but some have edges and lines that collect dirt together.
How to keep your wireless earbuds clean
Now your buds are looking pristine, try to keep them looking that way. If you’re using your AirPods or Galaxy Buds during your workouts, wipe them down with a cloth afterward to reduce the chances of moisture getting inside. The more frequently you check on the state of your wireless earbuds, the easier they are to clean.
We’ll finish this guide with a little bit of digital hygiene: make sure any companion TWE apps are up-to-date. These updates can sometimes add notable new features or improve performance. Your smartphone will usually transmit firmware updates to your earbuds automatically after OS and app updates, so make sure you keep them nearby to your phone. This is especially true with iPhones and AirPods, which will not notify you when firmware updates are available. Check that you’ve got the latest version of the firmware in iOS settings (you probably do), and if it’s not up-to-date, make sure both your iPhone and AirPods are plugged into power and (crucially) near each other. The update should be beamed to the AirPods pretty quickly, but you can also leave the devices next to each other overnight to ensure the update happens.
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