Black Friday 2024 is just a few days away, and you can already find the year's best prices on nearly every Mac at Amazon. Specifically, this includes the new M4 iMac, M4 MacBook Pro, and the M2 and M3 MacBook Air. We've also included a great deal on the Apple Studio Display.
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.
All of the deals shared below can be found on Amazon, and a few do require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at checkout. The deals shared in this list are focused on the entry-level models of each Mac, but there are many, many more deals to be found on Macs, all of which can be discovered in our post about all of the Apple Black Friday Deals available right now.
We're keeping track of all 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 2024.
Deals Newsletter
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Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so it is now over three and a half years old. While the AirTag has not received any hardware updates since then, a new version of the item tracking accessory is rumored to be in development.
Below, we recap rumors about a second-generation AirTag.
Timing
Apple is aiming to release a new AirTag in mid-2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In May, I reported that Apple is working on a new AirTag — code-named B589 — for release around the middle of next year. That accessory has now progressed in manufacturing tests, and Apple is getting ready to bring it to market.
In October 2023, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said mass production of the second-generation AirTag had been postponed from the fourth quarter of 2024 until some point in 2025, but he did not provide a reason for the apparent change in plans. Kuo and Gurman are thus in agreement that a new AirTag is coming next year.
Features
In his newsletter last week, Gurman reiterated that the new AirTag will feature an upgraded chip with improved location tracking. If so, the AirTag could be updated with the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that debuted in all iPhone 15 models last year.
Gurman also believes the new AirTag's built-in speaker will be more difficult to remove, as an anti-stalking measure. Overall, though, he expects the new AirTag to look similar to the current model, so do not expect major design changes.
Last, he said the new AirTag will feature "better range," which could allow the Precision Finding feature to work at farther distances.
Update — November 24: In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the AirTag 2 will still have a coin cell battery, rather than a rechargeable battery. Not really a surprise, but now you know!
"I expect the company to keep the Max headphones around for the foreseeable future in their current form," he added.
AirPods Max received only two changes in September, including a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning, and new color options. The headphones did not receive Apple's H2 chip that debuted in the AirPods Pro 2 a few years ago, so they continue to miss out on Adaptive Audio features, and there were no improvements to active noise cancellation either.
This means the AirPods Max continue to have the H1 chip that Apple introduced in 2019, yet the $549 headphones did not receive a price cut.
Gurman believes that AirPods Max sales are too low for Apple to justify allocating more development resources to the headphones. So, if you are hoping for AirPods Max 2 with more significant improvements, keep your expectations low for now.
iOS 19 is not expected to be announced until June 2025, but the software update's first major new feature has already leaked.
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated his previous report that said iOS 19 will introduce a "more conversational Siri" powered by "more advanced large language models." He said this upgrade will make Siri more like OpenAI's ChatGPT, allowing the assistant to "handle more sophisticated requests."
Apple will likely unveil the revamped Siri when it unveils iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 next June, but Gurman said it will not be available until as early as spring 2026. That suggests the feature will be released as part of an iOS 19.4 update.
In his newsletter, he revealed that additional features have been "postponed" until iOS 19.4.
"I'm told that a larger-than-usual number of features scheduled for iOS 19 (beyond the new Siri) are already postponed until spring 2026 (when iOS 19.4 debuts)," he wrote.
He did not provide any details about those other planned features.
In the meantime, iOS 18.2 adds ChatGPT integration to Siri, and Gurman expects an integration with Google's Gemini to follow in a later update. Apple previously confirmed that iOS 18.2 will be released to the public in December. And with iOS 18.4, Siri will gain on-screen awareness, deeper per-app controls, and a few other enhancements, but it will still not offer fully-fledged ChatGPT-like conversational abilities directly.
Once the new Siri is released, iPhone users should not have to tap into third-party services like ChatGPT and Gemini as often. iOS 19.4 is still around a year and a half away from being released, though, so a long wait remains.
We're less than one week away from Black Friday on November 29, and Best Buy and Amazon currently have all-time low prices across Apple's entire iPad lineup. This includes Apple's 9th and 10th generation iPad, iPad mini 7, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.
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.
Most of the deals in the list below can be found at Best Buy, but Amazon has a few low prices on the 10th generation iPad and all new iPad mini 7. The deals shared in this list are focused on the entry-level models of each iPad, but there are many, many more deals to be found on iPads, all of which can be discovered in our post about all of the Apple Black Friday Deals available right now.
We're keeping track of all 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 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
In an interview shared by Deadline today, Wolfs director Jon Watts said he canceled the sequel because he "no longer trusted" Apple as a creative partner.
Watts told the publication that Apple made a last-minute decision to pivot away from widely releasing the movie in theaters, without discussing that decision with him in advance. He also said that Apple ignored his request to not mention the planned "Wolfs" sequel in its press release regarding the movie switching to a limited, one-week theatrical release before becoming available to stream on Apple TV+.
Apple announced that a "Wolfs" sequel was planned in an August press release. Apple's head of feature films Matt Dentler said the company was "excited to see fans embrace the movie as we start working with Jon on the sequel."
Here is the full quote from Watts explaining why the sequel is off the table:
"I showed Apple my final cut of Wolfs early this year," Watts told Deadline. "They were extremely enthusiastic about it and immediately commissioned me to start writing a sequel. But their last minute shift from a promised wide theatrical release to a streaming release was a total surprise and made without any explanation or discussion. I wasn't even told about it until less than a week before they announced it to the world. I was completely shocked and asked them to please not include the news that I was writing a sequel. They ignored my request and announced it in their press release anyway, seemingly to create a positive spin to their streaming pivot. And so I quietly returned the money they gave me for the sequel. I didn't want to talk about it because I was proud of the film and didn't want to generate any unnecessary negative press. I loved working with Brad and George (and Amy and Austin and Poorna and Zlatko) and would happily do it again. But the truth is that Apple didn’t cancel the Wolfs sequel, I did, because I no longer trusted them as a creative partner."
This drama might be enough for an Apple TV+ movie of its own!
"Wolfs" stars Brad Pitt and George Clooney as two professional "fixers" who are assigned to cover up a high-profile crime. The two "lone wolves" are forced to work together, despite not wanting to, and comedy ensues. The movie also stars Amy Ryan.
The movie debuted in select theaters on September 20, and on Apple TV+ a week later.
Watts is best known for directing the "Spider-Man" films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
For the first time in nearly a decade, Apple is able to repair individual MacBook Pro speakers without replacing other components too.
In a memo shared with Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week, Apple said it is offering speakers as standalone repair parts for the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. This is the first time Apple has made individual MacBook Pro speaker parts available since 2015.
For all MacBook Pro models released between 2016 and 2023, Apple replaces the entire "top case" with the battery and other components for speaker repairs. This results in out-of-warranty speaker repairs costing hundreds of dollars more than they should, so standalone speaker parts will make these repairs far more affordable.
Even better, the speaker parts will not be limited to technicians at the Genius Bar and Apple Authorized Service Providers. Apple has already shared speaker repair manuals for the new MacBook Pro models on its website, so it should make the standalone speaker parts available to order through its self-service repair store soon.
The repair procedure is fairly complex, involving the use of Kevlar thread, speaker installation caps, and a single-use battery cover, so the average customer will likely want to rely on an experienced technician to ensure it is done correctly. Fortunately, those who opt to go down that route should pay far less than they would have before.
Update: According to a reliable source, Apple is now giving technicians access to individual speaker parts for ALL 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon, going back to models with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. It remains to be seen if those parts for older models will be added to the self-service repair store too.
2024 may be winding down, but things are still busy in the Apple universe as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear with massive deals while we're also tracking a number of rumors about upcoming Apple products.
This week also saw several operating system updates from Apple to address some security issues, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
AirTag 2 Rumored to Launch Next Year With These New Features
Among the changes we're expecting or hoping to see are a new chip for improved location tracking and better range, as well as design changes that will make it harder to remove the speaker, making it more difficult for those who might try to silence an AirTag to use it for stalking purposes.
Apple Black Friday Deals Available Now: AirPods, iPads, and More
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to have a similar design as the base iPhone 14, with rumored features including a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a newer A-series chip, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, 8GB of RAM to enable Apple Intelligence support, and the previously-mentioned Apple-designed 5G modem.
Apple Releases iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1 With Security Fixes
'iPhone 17 Air' Rumored to Surpass iPhone 6 as Thinnest iPhone Ever
iPhone thicknesses have been growing over the years as Apple has packed more hardware and battery into the devices, but Apple is rumored to be taking things in the other direction with at least one model next year, a device being informally called the "iPhone 17 Air."
Apple analyst Jeff Pu this week said he agrees with rumors indicating the iPhone 17 Air could be as thin as 6mm, compared to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus at 7.8mm and the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max at 8.25mm.
Hide iPhone Find My Location Without Raising Suspicion
Ever need a moment of privacy without raising suspicion? If you're secretly shopping for a holiday gift or planning a surprise party, you might want to temporarily obscure your actual location in Apple's Find My app on your iPhone without completely turning off location sharing.
Check out a clever trick that lets you keep sharing enabled while displaying a different location – all by using another Apple device you own.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple is working on a new Home accessory that is designed to serve as a central hub or "Command Center" for smart home management. The Apple TV and the HomePod are already home hubs and almost all Apple devices can control a HomeKit setup, but Apple is designing an all-in-one home management product to make control even easier.
This guide aggregates everything that we know about Apple's smart home hub.
Design
Apple's upcoming smart home product will somewhat resemble an iPad, and it will have an all-display design. It is expected to be square rather than rectangular, and it will measure in at six inches with thick bezels around the edges.
In terms of size, it will look similar to two iPhones that are side-by-side, and it will be small and lightweight to allow it to be moved from room to room. The device will support touch input for opening apps and controlling connected devices.
It will be able to be mounted on a wall, but Apple is also designing a dock that it can slot into that will let it sit on a table or desk. The desktop base could include additional speakers for playing music.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that the smart home device will have a hemispherical base similar to the iMac G4, with the small screen positioned at an angle on the base.
The original iMac G4
Built-in speakers will be included, and it will have a camera on the front for FaceTime and video calls, along with a rechargeable battery. Apple is planning two colors, including silver and black.
Sensors
The smart home hub will be able to determine how close a person is standing to it, adjusting features from there. When no one is nearby, for example, it might show the temperature, but as someone approaches, it could shift to an interface for adjusting the thermostat.
Person detection will likely allow it to be used in smart home automations for doing things like turning on the lights when someone enters a room. The sensor might be able to tell one person from another, and it could recognize hand gestures for longer range control.
Apple is also considering extra sensors that would plug into outlets throughout the home to interface with the hub, but it is not clear if these will be manufactured.
Speakers
Gurman says there will be built-in speakers and perhaps an optional dock that adds additional speakers, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the device could be positioned as a HomePod. In a late 2024 report, Kuo said that a HomePod with a display would launch in the second to third quarter of 2025.
Gurman has not referred to the home hub as a HomePod, but it seems that Gurman and Kuo are referencing the same product. Kuo says that the built-in display for the HomePod will "emphasize smart home functionalities more," and that the product will be a "strategic repositioning of the HomePod product line."
Chip
Apple's upcoming smart home accessory is expected to use an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence support. Given that Apple Intelligence requires 8GB RAM minimum, it will have at least 8GB RAM.
Interface
Apple does not plan to create a dedicated App Store for the home hub, but it will come with several apps pre-installed. The main view will be a customizable home screen with widgets that can show the weather, important home controls, photo slideshows, upcoming events, and more.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described the interface as a mix between watchOS and the iPhone's StandBy mode. A software-based dock will be available for launching various apps, and it will support Siri.
Apple is planning to integrate Siri with Apple Intelligence for accessing and performing tasks in apps. By the time the device launches, the smarter version of Siri will be available, and will be able to control apps and tasks.
There will be a focus on controlling smart home products and also security, with Apple providing alerts and camera footage from connected smart home cameras.
Apps
Several Apple apps will be installed even though there won't be a dedicated App Store. Apps that are rumored:
More than one of the devices can be used throughout the home, and two or more can serve as room-to-room intercoms.
AirPlay
With its built-in speakers, the device will support music playback and it will be able to work as an AirPlay receiver.
Future Smart Home Accessories
Apple is reportedly considering creating its own line of smart home accessories like an indoor security camera, but the company wants to see how the hub device does first. If that's successful, Apple could prioritize smart home products.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks Apple is already working on a smart home camera that will be manufactured starting in 2026. Kuo says that Apple will sell "tens of millions" of these devices over the long term, with wireless connectivity and deep integration with Siri and Apple Intelligence planned.
Apple could have an edge with security cameras because of its focus on privacy. Privacy would be a focus, providing an alternative to cameras from companies like Ring and Nest.
Pricing
It's not clear what Apple will price the device at, but Amazon's similarly sized Echo Show costs $90. By keeping the display size small at six inches, Apple may be able to keep the price low and competitive with similar products.
Competition
An Apple-designed smart home management product with an integrated display would compete with other smart home devices from companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Google. Facebook, for example, makes the Meta Portal, a device that can control Alexa-based products and that allows for video calls with friends and family.
Amazon makes the Echo Show, a smart display with a speaker that comes in sizes up to 21 inches. It can be used for controlling smart home products, watching video, making calls, and more. Google offers the Nest Hub Max for streaming content, listening to music, and controlling products that integrate with the Google smart home system.
With almost all of Apple's major competitors offering an in-home device that is designed to serve as a hub for controlling smart home products and making calls, it's not hard to imagine a similar device from Apple.
Launch Date
Apple's upcoming iPad-like smart home accessory could be released as soon as early 2025, according to Gurman. Kuo believes the device will not be released until the second or third quarter of 2025.
Repair site iFixit today shared a teardown video of the M4 Pro MacBook Pro, giving us a look inside of the machine. Apple didn't make any external design changes to the MacBook Pro models, but iFixit was hopeful for repairability improvements.
Unfortunately, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro that iFixit took apart was almost identical to the M3 MacBook Pro, which means Apple kept almost the same internal design as well.
The M4 Pro MacBook Pro has a larger heatsink than the M3 MacBook Pro for improved heat dissipation, but the battery build and size are the same. Removing the battery still requires removing the trackpad because the battery's adhesive tabs are under the trackpad hardware. Getting to the logic board is "incredibly complex and tedious" due to all the screws and the cables that are in the way.
Overall, repairing and replacing parts in the MacBook Pro has not changed. Apple provides repair information, parts details, tools, and guides on its website.
Apple this week expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to New Zealand, which means independent sellers, small businesses, and other merchants in the country can use an iPhone as a contactless payment terminal.
With Tap to Pay on iPhone, an iPhone is able to accept payment using Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets thanks to NFC technology. Transactions are encrypted and Apple does not have information about what is purchased or the person that made the purchase.
On the customer end, using Tap to Pay on iPhone works like any standard Apple Pay transaction. Sellers open up an app on an iPhone XS or later, register a sale, and present an iPhone to the buyer, who can then use a contactless payment method to complete the transaction.
Adyen, ANZ Bank, Stripe, Windcave, and Worldline offer Tap to Pay on iPhone in New Zealand.
Tap to Pay on iPhone launched in February 2022 in the United States, and since then, Apple has been working to expand it to additional countries. The feature is available in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Next year's iPhone 17 and all-new "iPhone 17 Air" will not have a 5x optical zoom lens, according to Korean publication The Elec (via 9to5Mac).
The report said the tetraprism camera system that enables 5x optical zoom will remain exclusive to the Pro models in next year's iPhone lineup, meaning that it would only be available on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Of course, with the iPhone 17 Air expected to be very thin, this is no surprise.
In the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the tetraprism camera system has a "folded" design that allows it to fit inside the smartphones, enabling up to 5x optical zoom and up to 25x digital zoom on those devices. The smaller iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max are limited to up to 3x optical zoom.
The standard iPhone 16 offers up to 2x optical-quality zoom, so the iPhone 17 should too at a minimum. However, zoom specifications for the iPhone 17 Air are still unclear, as the device is rumored to feature only a single 48-megapixel rear camera.
iPhone 17 Air rumors have been a mixed bag so far. The device could become the thinnest iPhone ever, but some of its specifications will seemingly be lacking compared to the Pro models, which will make for a tough purchasing decision. In other words, if you want the cool new iPhone with the thin, new design, there will be tradeoffs.
There have been conflicting rumors about the iPhone 17 Air's design and specifications, but most sources have agreed that it will have around a 6.6-inch display. In July, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expects the device to have a standard A19 chip, a Dynamic Island, a single rear camera, and an Apple-designed 5G modem.
That means the iPhone 17 Air would have quite a large display, but the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max would still be larger. With an A19 chip, the device would certainly be performant, but the iPhone 17 Pro models will get a superior A19 Pro chip. A single camera would put the device on the same tier as the iPhone SE for photography.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air could be one of the first devices with an Apple-designed 5G modem, but it is unclear if it will have any obvious consumer benefits over the Qualcomm modems that are expected to be used for iPhone 17 Pro models. Nevertheless, Apple's cellular future will debut in this device rather than the flagship Pro models.
It's still early, so we should learn a lot more about the iPhone 17 Air over the coming months.
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPad 10 models through its online store in the U.S. for the first time since the device was released in October 2022.
Apple lowered the iPad 10's starting price to $349 in the U.S. in May, and the refurbished models are discounted by an additional 15%, bringing the starting price down to $299. 256GB models are also available for $419, down from $499 brand new.
The refurbished iPad 10 models are not yet available in any other countries that we checked.
Apple says its refurbished iPads include a new battery and outer shell, a new white box, and all manuals and accessories, including a USB-C charging cable and power adapter. Apple says it puts refurbished devices through a "thorough cleaning process and inspection," and it performs full functionality testing to ensure there are no defective units.
All refurbished iPads are covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty and 14-day return policy, and eligible for AppleCare+ coverage.
Be aware that Amazon not only has a better deal on the iPad 10 right now, but they are brand new models instead of refurbished. After applying an on-page coupon, you can currently get the iPad 10 for as low as $249.99 on Amazon in the U.S., which is a great value and an all-time low price for the tablet as far as we have seen.
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.
We discuss alterations in behavior motivated by the likes of AirPods malfunctions, better library management in music streaming services, the iPhone 16 Pro's improved battery life, and a desire for smaller devices. Have you made any changes to your setups recently? Let us know in the comments.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion with Kevin Nether about Apple's latest updates to its array of Pro apps and the acquisition of Pixelmator.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
As someone who regularly uses my M4 iPad Pro as an extended Mac display via Sidecar and often plays around with Apple's Universal Control feature, finding the perfect iPad stand that will sit pretty on my constrained desk space has become something of a hobby. With this in mind, KUXIU's Pro MAX line of magnetic charging stands promises to solve two persistent iPad stand issues that frequently crop up: Positioning and power.
I've spent several weeks testing their X33 Pro MAX, X36 Pro MAX, and X44 Pro MAX models, along with their optional magnetic protective case. The stands work with current iPad Pro models in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, as well as recent iPad Air models from the 4th generation onward - essentially any iPad with Smart Connector capability from 2018 and newer.
Design and Build
These CNC aluminum stands share the same core feature: Magnetic attachment with integrated charging through the iPad's Smart Connector pins. Each model serves different needs - the X33 offers a traditional desk stand form factor, the X36 provides an adjustable arm design, and the X44 adds a rotating base for maximum flexibility.
The build quality of the stands is impressive, particularly on the X36 Pro MAX. Its hollow arms allow for clean cable routing from the back of the stand's charging port to your desired connection point, whether that's a Mac or a power outlet.
One thing to note is that the joints on the X36 are notably stiff, especially when new. Yes, it ensures stability, but it requires two hands for significant adjustments, and you won't want your iPad mounted while you're repositioning the arm – a sudden joint movement had me worried that the tablet could detach.
Charging and Connectivity
The stands deliver up to 18W charging through the Smart Connector, leaving your iPad's USB-C port free for other connections. When first connecting your iPad, you'll see a Chinese keyboard prompt - simply dismiss it, and you won't see it again. The charging begins automatically every time you attach the iPad.
One important thing I noticed is that your power source absolutely has to meet the minimum 18W requirement. Any less resulted in inconsistent on-off charging behavior in my testing. For reliable performance, I recommend using your iPad's original power adapter or an equivalent high-wattage USB-C charger.
Using the On-Screen Keyboard
These stands create an interesting quirk in how iPadOS handles text input. Since they use the Smart Connector - the same connection used by Apple's Magic Keyboard - your iPad thinks it has a physical keyboard attached whenever it's mounted.
This leads to a few notable behaviors. First, you'll get a one-time prompt about Chinese keyboard input when first connecting - simply tap "Not Now" to dismiss it permanently. Second, iPadOS will default to hiding the on-screen keyboard. You might also notice blue frames appearing around interface elements - this is iPadOS's Full Keyboard Access feature automatically enabling. You can disable it in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Keyboards if it bothers you.
X33 Pro MAX: The Traditional Desktop Stand
With a base footprint of approximately 6 inches wide and a maximum height of 12 inches when fully extended, the X33 strikes an excellent balance between stability and desk space efficiency. Its magnetic panel rotates 360 degrees vertically while offering 90-degree horizontal adjustment, and the stand folds down to just 2 inches in height for when you want a more comfortable angle for Apple Pencil note-taking or illustrating. This is also the most compact way to pack it for travel - though a carrying case would have been welcome at this price point.
The charging port lives in a raised rectangular platform on the back of the panel, which keeps the connection, if not the cable, out of sight and leaves your iPad's USB-C port available. The aluminum construction feels premium, with precisely machined joints that move smoothly. During my use, the X33 excelled as a desktop companion - it allowed me to type fairly aggressively on my iPad's screen without wobble, even at full extension. The charging performance remains consistent, and the compact design manages heat particularly well with no thermal throttling during extended sessions. However, the rear USB-C cable connection could use better integration into the design for cleaner desk aesthetics.
X36 Pro MAX: The Flexible Arm Solution
The X36 features seven adjustable joints plus horizontal and vertical adjusters, with each arm segment measuring approximately 8 inches for up to 24 inches in total height. This extensive reach makes it my preferred choice for Sidecar use, as I can position the iPad exactly at monitor height in a multi-display setup. The desk clamp accommodates surfaces up to 1.97 inches thick, with silicone padding protecting your desk.
KUXIU's attention to detail shows in the construction. The clamp mechanism is rock-solid, and while each joint moves independently, they all require significant force to adjust - a worthy trade-off for stability, though as I mentioned above, be wary of sudden give in the joints as you apply pressure. The hollow arm design proves especially useful for cable management. I managed to route both power and a USB-C data cable through it for a cleaner setup. Despite its more complex design, the X36 maintains solid charging performance, but in my experience it's best to avoid extreme angles that might stress the USB-C connection.
X44 Pro MAX: The Swiveling Stand
The X44 is similar to the X33, but uses a smooth-turning ball-joint that rotates the entire arm assembly 360 degrees. The joint at the top allows for vertical and rotational adjustment, while the circular base can be swiveled to any position for easy screen viewing adjustment. The whole mechanism feels well-engineered, with no play or wobble even when fully extended.
Like the X33, it folds down for portability, but adds the versatility of the X36's articulation. The dual-hinge design makes switching between portrait and landscape particularly fluid, but it does have some stiff joint characteristics, though they aren't as stubborn as the X36. The charging performance maintains the same 18W delivery as its siblings, and the additional moving parts haven't introduced any connectivity issues in my testing.
The Magnetic Protective Case
KUXIU also offers a magnetic protective case designed to work with these stands while maintaining compatibility with Apple's Magic Keyboard. While the case successfully conducts power through the Smart Connector and includes precise cutouts for keyboard attachment, its protective capabilities are limited. The thin plastic construction covers only about 90% of the iPad's rear surface and only two corners, offering basic scratch protection but little impact resistance.
The case also proved troublesome with the Magic Keyboard - despite KUXIU's claims, I found it hard to close the keyboard properly with the case attached unless the iPad was topside and weighing down on the enclosure mechanism. Additionally, the slippery texture and tight fit make the case difficult to remove once installed. While it's nice to have a case option that works with the charging stands, it's expensive for what it is, and I'd recommend using your iPad naked with these stands instead.
Summing Up
Each KUXIU Pro MAX stand fills a distinct niche, with thoughtful engineering and solid charging performance across the line. The X33 shines as a space-efficient desktop solution that's ideal for those who prioritize portability. Meanwhile, the X36's long articulating arm makes it a great option for multi-display setups and Sidecar users, though its stiff joints do require some muscle. And the X44 splits the difference, adding a rotating base that's particularly valuable for collaborative work or anyone who values a wide scope of lateral movement.
While all three deliver on their charging promises, your choice largely depends on your workspace needs. The X33's traditional design feels most refined, the X36 offers unmatched positioning flexibility, and the X44 provides the best balance of features for most users.
Where to Buy
KUXIU is currently offering decent Black Friday discounts across the Pro MAX line: The X33 Pro MAX costs $85.49 (down from $109.99), the X36 Pro MAX costs $104.48 (down from $139.99), and X44 Pro MAX is priced at $94.98 (down from $139.99). And if you're interested in the protective case, it's currently going for $50.34 (down from $59.99). All of the stands are also available on the company's Amazon store. Given the stands' feature set and build quality, the promotional prices represent decent value, particularly for the X36 with its long adjustable arm and the X44 Pro MAX with its versatile rotating base. I'm just not a fan of the optional case.
Note: KUXIU provided MacRumors with the iPad charging stands and case for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Apple has encouraged its display panel suppliers to scale up their investments in laptop-sized OLED displays, Taiwanese research firm TrendForce said in a press release this week. This revelation comes as Apple prepares to launch its first MacBook Pro models with OLED displays, which are likely still a few years away.
In line with previous reports, TrendForce said Apple plans to begin using OLED displays for MacBooks between 2026 and 2027.
LG and Samsung will likely be Apple's two major suppliers of OLED displays for the MacBook Pro.
Compared to current MacBook Pro models with mini-LED screens, benefits of OLED technology would include increased brightness, higher contrast ratio with deeper blacks, improved power efficiency for longer battery life, and more. The switch to OLED displays could also contribute to future MacBook Pro models having a thinner design.
In the interim, the MacBook Pro is not expected to receive any major changes. Unsurprisingly, next year's models are expected to get a spec bump to M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, but no redesign is expected until the switch to OLED displays.
Apple updated the MacBook Pro line last month with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips.
The next episode of Apple TV+'s award-winning sci-fi series "Silo" will be released early.
Apple previously announced that new "Silo" episodes would be released on Fridays, but the third episode of the second season will instead be released on Wednesday, November 27. Apple has likely bumped up the date so that people can watch the episode during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28.
As astute Apple TV+ viewers know, this actually means the episode should be available to watch as early as Tuesday, November 26 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
"Silo" follows the last 10,000 people on Earth, all of whom live in a massive underground bunker to escape the seemingly toxic and deadly world outside. The people are unaware of why the silo was built, and those who seek the truth face deadly consequences. Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette Nichols, an engineer who attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding the silo following a loved one's murder. The sci-fi series is based on Hugh Howey's best-selling book series. Ferguson and Howey both serve as executive producers.
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year in the U.S., and the streaming service is also included in all Apple One subscription bundles.
The Indonesian government is pushing Apple for a higher investment than its recently proposed $100 million before it will consider lifting its ban on iPhone 16 sales in the country, according to statements from government officials on Thursday.
Industry minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has held internal meetings to discuss Apple's proposal, but a ministry spokesperson reportedly said that the government expects more substantial commitments from the company.
"From the government's perspective, of course, we want this investment to be larger," Febri Hendri Antoni Arif told Antara News. The government is particularly interested in having Apple source components from domestic suppliers, suggesting this would create a "multiplier effect" for local employment.
Apple's current $100 million proposal was a significant increase from its initial $10 million offer earlier this month, and includes plans for research and development facilities and developer academies in Bali and Jakarta over a two-year period. The proposal also outlines plans to manufacture AirPods Max ear cup mesh components in Bandung starting July 2025.
The ongoing negotiations follow Indonesia's October 28 ban on iPhone 16 sales, implemented after authorities determined Apple had not met the country's requirement for 40% domestic content in smartphones. The government also claims Apple has invested only $95 million through developer academies, falling short of a previously promised $109.6 million commitment.
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The original iMac G4
