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Latest Apple Watch articles

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability

Repair site iFixit this week continued taking apart the latest Apple devices, this time tearing down the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 . The ‌Apple Watch Ultra 4‌ has no repairability changes. There are copious amounts of glue between the casing and the display for waterproofing, and getting to the battery has to be done through the screen. It's easy to slice through the display cable when attempting to pry the device open. The Apple Watch Series 12 is also difficult to get into, but it has a pull tab for the adhesive holding the battery in place, which iFixit says is a "modest" repairability improvement. The Series 12 also drops the ZIF connector that made repairs more difficult, which makes for a simpler process. There is no way to access the battery without removing the display, and no way to swap the display without removing the battery. The ‌Apple Watch Ultra 4‌ has a 2.444Wh battery, up from 2.313Wh in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The 46mm Series 12 has a 1.461Wh battery, up from 1.403Wh for the Series 11. With the pull tab and the improved cable layout, iFixit gave the Apple Watch Series 12 a repairability score of 4 out of 10, an improvement over the last base model iFixit scored. The Ultra 4 also earned a 4 out of 10, which is the same score iFixit has given to all prior Apple Watch Ultra models. The site points to Google as proof that a wearable can be repairable. Google's Pixel Watch 5 earned a repairability score of 9 out of 10. The Pixel Watch 5's display and battery can be accessed by removing a few screws and a gasket, with no adhesive to deal with. iFixit claims Apple is "out of compliance" with the Right to Repair laws in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, New York, Maryland, and Connecticut because it does not sell Apple Watch repair parts or service tools, nor does it offer repair manuals. iFixit says it is preparing evidence to help attorneys general in states with Right to Repair laws understand that Apple is not complying with the law. Related Roundups: Apple Watch 12 , Apple Watch Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now) , Apple Watch Ultra (Buy Now) Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AppleApple WatchThe Apple Watch
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation

Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation

Some Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 owners have experienced unexpected skin irritation with the new models, according to reports on the MacRumors forums and Reddit . Affected users complain of a burning sensation and redness under the sensor area. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 measure heart rate every five seconds, and some people have wondered if that's the cause of the skin irritation. Along with more frequent heart rate readings, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 have a larger ECG electrode surface, photodiodes in a ring-shaped arrangement, and larger green LEDs. It is unknown if any of these design changes are a problem, but wrist irritation from the Apple Watch is a complaint that dates back to the original model. Apple says reactions can be caused by wearing a band too tight or too loose, or by irritants like soap and sweat under the watch. Some Apple Watch models contain nickel, but it is a low amount below EU limits, and Apple says it's unlikely to be a problem. The Apple Watch case and certain Apple Watch bands have trace amounts of acrylates and methacrylates from adhesives, but Apple says it designs the watch and bands to keep those components away from skin. Apple recommends making sure a band fits well and keeping the Apple Watch, bands, and skin clean and dry. Apple adds that cleaning may be required after workouts or exposure to liquids like sweat, soap, sunscreen, and lotion. Some users have seen the issue clear up after an adjustment period wearing the watch, and cleaning the back of the watch and the band has also helped in some cases. Other users have returned their devices. Apple advises that users experiencing redness, swelling, itchiness, or other irritation consult a physician before putting the watch back on. Related Roundups: Apple Watch 12 , Apple Watch Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now) , Apple Watch Ultra (Buy Now) Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AppleApple WatchReddit
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support

Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support

This year, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has been testing a new version of the Charlie Card with Apple Wallet support on the iPhone and Apple Watch. The new Charlie Card is currently limited to test participants, with a public release set to follow "at a later date." Tag: Apple Wallet This article, " Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple WatchBoston
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today

Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is coming to a close later today, so we're quickly recapping all of the best Apple and Apple-related deals that are still live on Amazon right now. Since many of these products have been on sale for a few days, shipping may be delayed, but they're all at some of the lowest prices we've ever seen. 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 Prime Day requires you to have an Amazon Prime membership to take advantage of the discounts. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139.00 per year, and it comes with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers. AirPods The best AirPods discount so far this Prime Day is on the AirPods Pro 3, available for the record low price of $179.00 , down from $249.00. We haven't seen a deal this good since over the summer, during the first Prime Day event in June. $70 OFF AirPods Pro 3 for $179.00 $120 OFF AirPods Max 2 for $429.00 Apple Watch Rare deals have hit the Apple Watch SE 3 for Prime Big Deal Days, with prices now starting at $199.00 for the 40mm GPS model and increasing to $229.00 for the 44mm GPS model. Both of these are $50 discounts and matches for the record low prices on each device. $50 OFF Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS) for $199.00 $50 OFF Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm GPS) for $229.00 For the Apple Watch Series 12, you can get the 42mm GPS model for $349.99 and the 46mm GPS model for $399.99 , both of which are $49 discounts and new all-time low prices. Both of these models have two colors available at these all-time low prices, and you'll find a few cellular options on sale as well. $49 OFF Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm GPS) for $349.99 $49 OFF Apple Watch Series 12 (46mm GPS) for $399.99 Mac Mini and Mac Studio One of the best deals this Prime Day is on the M5 Max Mac Studio with 36GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, on sale for $2,299.99 , down from $2,499.00. Regarding the Mac mini, you can get the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD Mac mini for $779.99 , down from $899.00, and the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD model for $949.99 , down from $1,099.00. $199 OFF M5 Max Mac Studio 36GB/512GB for $2,299.99 $119 OFF M6 Mac mini 16GB/256GB for $779.99 $150 OFF M6 Mac mini 16GB/512GB for $949.99 $150 OFF M6 Mac mini 24GB/512GB for $1,149.99 $149 OFF M5 Pro Mac mini 24GB/512GB for $1,549.99 MacBook Air Amazon is taking $200 off nearly every M5 MacBook Air model for Prime Big Deal Days, including both 13-inch and 15-inch models. These are the best prices we've seen on the M5 MacBook Air in the wake of Apple's summertime price hikes. In terms of 13-inch models, Amazon has the 16GB/512GB 13-inch MacBook Air for $1,099.00 , down from $1,299.00. This one is available in three colors on Amazon, and it's accompanied by the 16GB/1TB and 24GB/1TB model for $200 off as well. $200 OFF 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB) for $1,099.00 $200 OFF 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,399.00 $200 OFF 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,599.00 For the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models, prices start with the 16GB/512GB model for $1,299.00 , down from $1,499.00. You can also get the 16GB/1TB model for $1,599.00 , down from $1,799.00, all $200 off and the best prices we've seen in months. $200 OFF 15-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB) for $1,299.00 $200 OFF 15-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,599.00 $200 OFF 15-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,799.00 MacBook Pro Amazon is taking a giant $600 off the 36GB/2TB 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro, now priced at $3,499.00 . This is the steepest discount on the 14-inch models right now, but you'll also find a few entry-level options on sale below. $160 OFF 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB) for $1,839.00 $200 OFF 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for $2,299.00 $600 OFF 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/2TB) for $3,499.00 In terms of the larger display models, we're tracking big discounts on all four models on Amazon. These start at $2,749.00 for the 24GB/1TB M5 Pro configuration ($250 off), and reach up to $4,499.00 for the 48GB/2TB M5 Max device ($500 off). $250 OFF 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for $2,749.00 $300 OFF 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB) for $3,299.00 $400 OFF 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/2TB) for $3,899.00 $500 OFF 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/2TB) for $4,499.00 M4 iPad Air Amazon this week has multiple discounts on the M4 iPad Air , providing up to $149 off these 2026 models. These remain the best prices we've seen in the wake of Apple's summer price hikes, and many deals are being matched at Best Buy . $100 OFF 11-inch M4 iPad Air for $649.00 $100 OFF 13-inch M4 iPad Air for $849.00 The new iPad Air features the M4 chip, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, which brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. In terms of design, the 2026 models are identical to the 2025 iPad Air tablets, with an edge-to-edge display, slim bezels, and aluminum chassis. 11-inch M4 iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi - $649.00 ($100 off) 256GB Wi-Fi - $749.00 ($100 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $949.00 ($100 off) 256GB Cellular - $899.00 ($100 off) 1TB Cellular - $1,399.00 ($100 off) 13-inch M4 iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi - $849.00 ($100 off) 256GB Wi-Fi - $949.00 ($100 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,449.00 ($100 off) iPad Mini 7 Amazon has low prices on every Wi-Fi model of the iPad mini 7, starting at $499.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $599.00. You'll also find a few deals on cellular models during this Prime Day sale. $100 OFF 128GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.00 $100 OFF 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $599.00 $100 OFF 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $799.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? You can sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AirPodsAmazonAmazon Prime Big Deal Days
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet

Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet

In August, Transport for Greater Manchester announced that the Bee Card could be added to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, but it was limited to younger riders using free or discounted "Our Pass" tickets. As of this Tuesday, though, the Bee Card is now fully supported in Apple Wallet for all types of Bee Network tickets. To add the card to Apple Wallet, open the app, tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner, select "Travel Card" (may appear as "Transit Card" for some users), scroll down to the United Kingdom section, and choose Bee Network. Once the card has been added, you can buy bus and tram tickets directly in Apple Wallet and store them on the virtual Bee Card. Then, when traveling on the Bee Network in Greater Manchester, you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on a card reader to pay for your fare. If you enable Express Mode, there is no need to wake or unlock the iPhone or Apple Watch when holding it near the card reader. iOS 27 is required to add the Bee Card to Apple Wallet. Tag: Apple Wallet This article, " Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple WatchGreater ManchesterManchester
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day

You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day

Prime Big Deal Days sales have hit Apple's brand new Mac mini and Mac Studio computers, and we're tracking up to $149 off every model of the M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini during this year's event. You'll also find $199 off the M5 Max Mac Studio below. 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. One of the best deals is on the M5 Max Mac Studio with 36GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, on sale for $2,299.99 , down from $2,499.00. Regarding the Mac mini, you can get the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD Mac mini for $779.99 ($119 off), the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD model for $949.99 ($149 off), and similar savings on every other model. $119 OFF M6 Mac mini 16GB/256GB for $779.99 $149 OFF M6 Mac mini 16GB/512GB for $949.99 $149 OFF M6 Mac mini 24GB/512GB for $1,149.99 $149 OFF M5 Pro Mac mini 24GB/512GB for $1,549.99 $199 OFF M5 Max Mac Studio 36GB/512GB for $2,299.99 For more of the best Prime Big Deal Days discounts , be sure to check out our main article with sales on Apple Watch, AirPods, and more. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AppleApple WatchMac
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More

The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More

Anker's Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has dropped to $94.74 on Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days, down from $149.99. This is a new all-time low price that beats the previous low by about $5, and it's accompanied by dozens of other Anker discounts this Prime Day. 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. The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device. $14 OFF Anker Nano Smart Display Charger for $25.99 $55 OFF Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $94.74 $90 OFF Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station for $309.99 Below you'll find a list of the best Anker discounts on Amazon this week, also including wall chargers, portable batteries, and more. Highlights include the Anker Nano Smart Display Charger for $25.99 ($14 off) and the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station for $309.99 ($90 off). You can also get a screen protector for your new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for $19.99 ($10 off). Wall Chargers Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger with Smart Display - $23.99, down from $39.99 Anker Nano Smart Display Charger - $25.99, down from $39.99 Anker 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $59.99, down from $99.99 Anker 3-Port 160W Prime Charger - $99.99, down from $149.99 Wireless Chargers Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station - $59.99, down from $89.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible UFO Charger - $59.99, down from $89.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $75.98, down from $109.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $109.99, down from $129.99 Anker 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $94.74, down from $149.99 Anker Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $132.98, down from $229.99 Portable Chargers Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank 5,000 mAh - $42.99, down from $59.99 Anker Power Bank 20,000 mAh - $55.99, down from $69.99 Anker MagGo Power Bank 10,000 mAh - $63.99, down from $79.99 Anker Prime Power Bank 20,100 mAh - $119.99, down from $179.99 Anker Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $169.99, down from $229.99 Portable Power Stations Anker SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $199.99, down from $249.00 Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $469.99, down from $599.00 Anker SOLIX S2000 - $649.99, down from $1,199.00 Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 - $849.99, down from $1,499.00 Hubs Anker 8-in-1 USB-C Multiport Ethernet Adapter - $34.19, down from $49.99 Anker Nano Power Strip with Desk Clamp - $55.99, down from $69.99 Anker Nano Laptop Docking Station - $104.99, down from $149.99 Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station - $309.99, down from $399.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AmazonAnkerAnker Nano
Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?

The Apple Watch Series 12 is now available, three years after the Series 9. In that time, Apple has introduced a thinner design, larger displays, faster charging, new water sensors, and a substantially more capable health sensing system. Is that enough to justify replacing a Series 9? Apple discontinued the Series 9 in 2024. The older watch still supports watchOS 27 , so the decision comes down to the hardware and features you would gain. Here are the key differences between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 12: Apple Watch Series 9 Apple Watch Series 12 41mm and 45mm cases, 10.7mm thick 42mm and 46mm cases, 9.7mm thick in aluminum and titanium; ceramic cases are 9.85mm thick Aluminum or stainless steel case Aluminum, titanium, or ceramic case Aluminum : Silver, Starlight, Midnight, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED Aluminum : Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, and Space Gray Stainless steel : Silver, Gold, and Graphite Titanium : Radiant Gold and Natural Ceramic : Pearl White and Night Blue Ion-X front glass on aluminum models; sapphire crystal on stainless steel models Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum models; sapphire crystal on titanium and ceramic models Ceramic and sapphire crystal back Case-matched metal or ceramic and zirconia back 41mm : 904 sq mm display area 45mm : 1,143 sq mm display area 42mm : 970 sq mm display area 46mm : 1,196 sq mm display area LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display LTPO3 wide-angle ‌OLED‌ Always-On Retina display with a 1Hz refresh rate, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces S9 chip S11 chip 2GB RAM 4GB RAM Electrical heart sensor Second-generation electrical heart sensor Third-generation optical heart sensor Fourth-generation, always-on optical heart sensor Periodic background heart rate readings Background heart rate readings every five seconds Heart rate variability (HRV) measurements Recovery HRV and overall HRV, measured up to 24 times more frequently Vitals app with overnight health metrics Vitals app with Recovery HRV and a daytime vitals view Readiness app with a daily score and recommendation Step tracking Redesigned step tracking and a Steps watch face complication Wrist temperature sensor Wrist and water temperature sensors Depth gauge to 6 meters and Depth app Microphone Microphone with Voice Isolation Speaker Redesigned speaker with media playback Audio Intelligence, including Sound Recognition, faster Shazam, Live Rewind, and Siri Recap LTE and UMTS on cellular models LTE and 5G RedCap on cellular models Up to 18 hours of normal use; up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode Up to 24 hours of normal use; up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode Up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes Up to 80% charge in about 30 minutes; 15 minutes of charging provides up to 12 hours of normal use Now discontinued From $399 Design The Series 12 uses a similar version of the thinner design introduced with the Series 10. Its display area is about 7% larger in the smaller size and 5% larger in the larger size than the corresponding Series 9 models. The Series 12 figures below are for aluminum models; its ceramic cases are slightly larger and heavier: Apple Watch Series 9 Apple Watch Series 12 Smaller case 41mm × 35mm × 10.7mm 42mm × 37mm × 9.7mm Larger case 45mm × 38mm × 10.7mm 46mm × 40mm × 9.7mm Smaller aluminum model, GPS 31.9 grams 32.2 grams Larger aluminum model, GPS 38.7 grams 39.5 grams Smaller aluminum model, cellular 32.1 grams 31.5 grams Larger aluminum model, cellular 39.0 grams 38.6 grams The Series 12 is noticeably thinner, but the comparable aluminum GPS models are slightly heavier than their Series 9 counterparts. Buyers moving from a stainless steel Series 9 to a titanium Series 12 will see a more substantial weight reduction because the case material has changed. Is It Worth Upgrading? For Series 9 owners, the Series 12 is a meaningful cumulative upgrade, particularly if you use your watch for training and recovery. Its more frequent heart rate and HRV readings support Readiness, Recovery HRV, and daytime vitals, while the redesigned case provides a larger, squarer display with a more modern feel. The depth gauge and water temperature sensor also add useful information for swimmers and snorkelers. Those improvements are less compelling if you mainly use your watch for notifications, everyday activity tracking, and occasional workouts. The Series 9 still has an always-on display, ECG, wrist temperature sensing, Double Tap, sleep apnea and hypertension notifications, and support for ‌watchOS 27‌. ‌Siri‌ AI is also available on the Series 9 when paired with a compatible iPhone. The Series 12 also has a slightly larger battery and charges faster, but likely not by enough to justify an upgrade alone. The Series 12's Audio Intelligence features may strengthen the case for some users, especially Sound Recognition for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Live Rewind and ‌Siri‌ Recap will arrive in beta in late 2026. Which to Buy Today? For a new purchase, the Series 12 is clearly the better choice. It offers three generations of accumulated improvements at the same $399 starting price the Series 9 had when new. The older model makes sense only at a substantial discount if you are satisfied with its existing health features. A used or refurbished Series 9 can still be good value, but check its battery health, physical condition, and warranty before comparing prices. A worn battery could quickly erase the saving. Related Roundup: Apple Watch 12 Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now) Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading? " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AppleApple WatchThe Apple Watch
Oct 6, 2026 · byMacRumors
The easiest Apple Watch to recommend is $50 off

The easiest Apple Watch to recommend is $50 off

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the smartwatch that we recommend for most people because it’s affordable, yet packed with most of the features found in pricier versions. We spotted Amazon October Prime Day discounts across the lineup, including both the 40mm and 44mm sizes, and GPS only or cellular options. The Wi-Fi and GPS […]

AmazonApple Watch
Oct 6, 2026 · byThe Verge
Apple Releases Third watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas

Apple Releases Third watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas

Alongside new betas of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, and macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Apple has released the third betas of watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2. The betas come two weeks after Apple released the second betas. Registered developers can download the betas through the Settings app on each device. With iOS 27.2 and watchOS 27.2, Apple is testing the new Health app that it showed off during its September iPhone event. The updated Health app has new Insights and Longevity tabs with a readiness score that uses information from the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models. There's no word on what's being added in visionOS 27.2 and tvOS 27.2, but Apple is expected to introduce a new version of the Apple TV 4K with Siri AI support sometime before the end of the year. Related Roundups: Apple TV , Apple Vision Pro , watchOS 26 , watchOS 27 Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , Vision Pro (Neutral) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , Apple Vision Pro , Apple Watch This article, " Apple Releases Third watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AppleApple TVApple Watch
Oct 5, 2026 · byMacRumors
Apple's Newest Macs Just Got Their Biggest Price Cuts Yet on Amazon

Apple's Newest Macs Just Got Their Biggest Price Cuts Yet on Amazon

Prime Big Deal Days sales are already starting , and have now hit Apple's brand new Mac mini and Mac Studio computers. You can get up to $199 off these 2026 devices with Amazon's latest savings. 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. One of the best deals is on the M5 Max Mac Studio with 36GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, on sale for $2,299.99 , down from $2,499.00. Regarding the Mac mini, you can get the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD Mac mini for $779.99 , down from $899.00, and the 24GB RAM/512GB SSD model for $1,549.99 , down from $1,699.00. $199 OFF M5 Max Mac Studio 36GB/512GB for $2,299.99 $119 OFF M6 Mac mini 16GB/256GB for $779.99 $149 OFF M5 Pro Mac mini 24GB/512GB for $1,549.99 For more of the best early Prime Big Deal Days discounts , be sure to check out our main article with sales on Apple Watch, AirPods, and more. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals Tag: Prime Day This article, " Apple's Newest Macs Just Got Their Biggest Price Cuts Yet on Amazon " first appeared on MacRumors.com

AmazonAppleApple Watch
Oct 5, 2026 · byMacRumors
Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Arrive With New All-Time Low Prices for Series 12 and Ultra 4

Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Arrive With New All-Time Low Prices for Series 12 and Ultra 4

Big Apple Watch discounts have started arriving ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, including new low prices on Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. These deals join some Apple Watch SE 3 discounts that we began tracking over the weekend, alongside other major early Prime Big Deal Days markdowns . 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. Starting with the Apple Watch Series 12, you can get the 42mm GPS model for $349.99 and the 46mm GPS model for $399.99 , both of which are $49 discounts and new all-time low prices. Both of these models have two colors available at these all-time low prices, and you'll find a few cellular options on sale as well. $49 OFF Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm GPS) for $349.99 $49 OFF Apple Watch Series 12 (46mm GPS) for $399.99 For the Apple Watch Ultra 4, you can get the Natural model with the Translucent Gray Ocean Band for $699.99 , down from $799.00. This is another new all-time low price for Prime Day, and as of writing it's the only color we're tracking at this price. Additionally, there are a few Milanese Loop models on sale for $99 off ahead of Prime Day. $99 OFF Apple Watch Ultra 4 for $699.99 $99 OFF Apple Watch Ultra 4 (Black + Milanese) for $799.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Arrive With New All-Time Low Prices for Series 12 and Ultra 4 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AmazonApple Watch
Oct 5, 2026 · byMacRumors
AirPods Max 2 Drop to $429 in All Colors for Prime Day

AirPods Max 2 Drop to $429 in All Colors for Prime Day

Amazon today has every AirPods Max 2 color on sale for $429.00 , down from $549.00, marking one of the best early Prime Day deals yet. This is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on the AirPods Max 2, and the sale is available in Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight colors. 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. AirPods discounts have started to arrive early ahead of Prime Big Deal Days official kickoff tomorrow, and you can also get the AirPods Pro 3 for the all-time low price of $179.00 right now, down from $249.00. $120 OFF AirPods Max 2 for $429.00 We've been tracking all of the best early Prime Day discounts , also including great deals on MacBook Air, Apple Watch, and more. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " AirPods Max 2 Drop to $429 in All Colors for Prime Day " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Oct 5, 2026 · byMacRumors
Upgrading From an Older Apple Watch? Here's How the New Features Stack Up

Upgrading From an Older Apple Watch? Here's How the New Features Stack Up

The Apple Watch has received some incremental updates in recent years, with significant upgrades becoming fewer and farther between as the device has progressed. Since the Apple Watch's generation-over-generation enhancements are relatively small, it is all the more important to consider when an upgrade is justified and whether an older model could suffice for your needs. The Apple Watch Series 12 brings a more substantial set of changes than the Series 11, which was one of the smallest refreshes in the device's history. While Apple has discontinued previous Series models, older watches may still be available at lower prices from third-party retailers or secondhand. Read on to see the breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple Watch model compared to its direct predecessor. Viewing each generation's changes in this way helps weigh up the accumulative upgrades one receives by skipping multiple generations when buying a new device, as well as get a sense of which generations offered the biggest overall upgrades. Apple Watch Series 12 (2026) S11 chip (based on A20 Pro) 4GB of RAM New Health Sensing System Second-generation electrical heart sensor Fourth-generation, always-on optical heart sensor Background heart rate measurements every five seconds throughout the day Heart rate variability measured up to 24x more often Recovery HRV metric Readiness app Daytime view in the Vitals app More accurate step tracking Steps and real-time heart rate watch face complications Audio Intelligence with Sound Recognition and automatic Shazam detection Live Rewind and Siri Recap Ceramic Shield 2 front glass, 60% tougher than Series 11's Ion-X glass (aluminum models only) Aluminum or titanium and zirconia back replaces metal and sapphire crystal back Up to 10 hours of outdoor workout tracking (25% longer than Series 11) 15 minutes of charging provides up to 12 hours of normal use (up from eight hours) Five minutes of charging provides up to 10 hours of sleep tracking (up from eight hours) Aluminum and titanium cases are 1mm wider and around two grams heavier Slightly larger bezels and display area is approximately 2% smaller despite unchanged screen resolutions Ceramic case option introduced in Pearl White and Night Blue, with slightly larger dimensions than aluminum and titanium models Dark Bronze, Light Gold, and Black aluminum finishes replace Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black; Space Gray remains available Radiant Gold titanium replaces Gold and Slate; Natural titanium remains available Apple Watch Series 11 (2025) 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (aluminum models only) 5G connectivity (cellular models only) 7–10% larger battery Space Gray aluminum option reintroduced Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio 42mm and 46mm case sizes Larger displays LTPO3 display for faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle) S10 chip (same CPU as S9, but more compact) Water temperature sensor Depth app and Depth gauge to 6m Microphone with voice isolation Redesigned speaker with media playback Metal back with larger charging coil and integrated antenna Faster charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes) Titanium casing replaces stainless steel option, now in Silver (matches previous stainless steel casing, Apple Watch Hermès only), Gold, Slate, and Natural Starlight, Midnight, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED finishes discontinued, replaced with Silver, Rose Gold, and polished Jet Black finishes Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) Retina display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness Display can get dimmer in dark rooms and at night (down to 1 nit of brightness) Double tap gesture Wrist flick gesture Sleep apnea detection Hypertension detection S9 chip (based on A15 Bionic) 2GB of RAM 4-core Neural Engine (2x faster than Series 8) ‌Siri‌‌ processed on-device for requests that do not need information from the internet ‌‌Siri‌‌ can access health and fitness data 25% more accurate dictation Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Precision Finding for iPhone 15 models HomePod proximity integration 64GB storage Pink aluminum casing introduced Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) S8 chip (same CPU as S6) More powerful gyroscope and high dynamic range accelerometer ‌Crash Detection Body temperature sensor Wrist temperature sensing during sleep mem Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates Blue and Green aluminum casings discontinued, Silver aluminum reintroduced Apple Watch Edition discontinued Apple Watch Series 7 (2021) 41mm and 45mm case sizes 1.7mm display borders for almost 20% more screen area than Series 6 QWERTY keyboard Up to 70% brighter display than Series 6 indoors when wrist is down S7 chip (Same CPU as S6) Crack-resistant front crystal (50% thicker) IP6X dust resistance Fast charging for up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes (33% faster than Series 6) Silver and Space Gray aluminum casings discontinued, Midnight, Starlight, and Green introduced Apple Watch Series 6 (2020) Up to 2.5x brighter always-on display Access Notification Center, Control Center, and Complications when display is asleep S6 chip (based on A13 Bionic, 20% faster than S5) 1.5GB of RAM Always-on altimeter First-generation Ultra Wideband chip 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi Blood oxygen sensor Faster charging for a full charge in under 1.5 hours Improved battery life for tracking certain workouts, such as indoor and outdoor runs Blue and (PRODUCT)RED aluminum casing options introduced Space Black stainless steel casing available with Apple Watch Hermès only, Graphite option introduced Ceramic Apple Watch Edition discontinued Apple Watch Series 5 (2019) Always-on Retina display Force Touch removed S5 chip Compass 32GB storage Apple Watch Edition reintroduced with White Ceramic, Natural Titanium, and Space Black Titanium casing options Apple Watch Series 4 (2018) 40mm and 44mm case sizes Over 30% larger display with curved corners 3.0mm display borders S4 chip (2x faster than S3) Gyroscope and accelerometer Barometric altimeter Fall detection 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Optical heart sensor and electrical heart sensor for ECG 16GB storage Digital Crown with haptic feedback 50% louder speaker Relocated microphone for reduced echo and better sound quality Faster charging for a full charge in 1.5 hours Gold stainless steel casing introduced Apple Watch Edition discontinued Apple Watch Series 3 (2017) S3 chip (70% faster than S2) Barometric altimeter Bluetooth 4.2 ‌Siri‌ able to speak through the onboard speaker LTE cellular model available with red Digital Crown Rose Gold aluminum casing discontinued Gray Ceramic Apple Watch Edition model introduced Apple Watch Series 2 (2016) Retina display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness (2x brighter than previous generation) S2 chip (dual‑core) 1GB of RAM GPS and GLONASS receiver Water resistant up to 50 meters Gold and Rose Gold aluminum casing options added 18K Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition discontinued, Ceramic model introduced in White Apple Watch Nike+ variant introduced The Series 12 has a stronger case than the Series 11 as an upgrade in general, but most Series 11 owners still have little reason to get a new device. Its new heart sensors, more frequent HRV measurements, Readiness app, and longer workout battery life matter most if you rely on your Apple Watch for training and recovery insights. Sound Recognition may also appeal to deaf or hard of hearing users, while the ceramic case offers a finish unavailable with the Series 11. Upgrading from a Series 10 brings these changes alongside the Series 11's 5G connectivity on cellular models and longer rated everyday battery life. From a Series 9, you would also gain the thinner Series 10 design, larger display, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor. The cumulative upgrades become more compelling for Series 8 users and older, particularly if battery wear is affecting daily use. Series 7 owners gain Crash Detection and temperature sensing as well as the newer design and Series 12 health features. The biggest differences will be felt by those with a Series 6 or older, though the condition of your current watch and the cost of replacing it still matter. watchOS 27 supports Series 9 and later, leaving the Series 8 and older without the latest major software release. That does not mean they will immediately stop working or receiving all security updates, but they are now considered old devices. If you are shopping for a replacement, a discounted or secondhand Series 11 may offer better value if you do not need the Series 12's health features, providing you can find it at a sufficiently low price. watchOS 26 is not supported by the Series 5 or older, so anyone with one of these devices should definitely consider upgrading soon. Looking to the future, it looks like next year's Apple Watch Series 13 could offer some major upgrades including a redesign and new sensors. This could make it a great upgrade for those with a Series 11 or older. Related Roundup: Apple Watch 12 Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now) Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Upgrading From an Older Apple Watch? Here's How the New Features Stack Up " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Oct 2, 2026 · byMacRumors
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Buy?

Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Buy?

The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249, while the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399. The $150 difference buys a more advanced health sensing system, a larger display, longer battery life, and more options for tracking training and recovery. The two watches still share many features, including an always-on display, wrist temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, retrospective ovulation estimates, 5G connectivity on cellular models, media playback, and 64GB of storage. Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two Apple Watch models is best for you. The differences between the two models are as follows: ‌Apple Watch SE 3‌ Apple Watch Series 12 Same design as Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6 Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio 40mm or 44mm case 42mm or 46mm case Aluminum case Aluminum, titanium, or ceramic case 40mm : 40 by 34 by 10.7mm 44mm : 44 by 38 by 10.7mm 42mm aluminum/titanium : 42 by 37 by 9.7mm 46mm aluminum/titanium : 46 by 40 by 9.7mm 42mm ceramic : 43 by 37 by 9.85mm 46mm ceramic : 47 by 41 by 9.85mm Aluminum GPS weight : 26.3 grams (40mm) or 32.9 grams (44mm) Aluminum GPS weight : 32.2 grams (42mm) or 39.5 grams (46mm) Ion-X front glass Ceramic Shield 2 front on aluminum models; sapphire crystal front on titanium and ceramic models No published IP6X rating IP6X dust resistance LTPO OLED display LTPO3 display with a 1Hz always-on refresh rate, allowing a live ticking seconds hand on supported watch faces ‌OLED‌ display Wide-angle ‌OLED‌ display 40mm : 324 by 394 pixels 44mm : 368 by 448 pixels 42mm : 374 by 446 pixels 46mm : 416 by 496 pixels 40mm : 759 sq mm display area 44mm : 977 sq mm display area 42mm : 970 sq mm display area 46mm : 1,196 sq mm display area Up to 1,000 nits brightness Up to 2,000 nits brightness 2 nits minimum brightness 1 nit minimum brightness Nylon composite and sapphire crystal back Aluminum or titanium and zirconia back; ceramic and zirconia back on ceramic models S10 chip (2024) S11 chip (2026) 2GB RAM 4GB RAM Second-generation optical heart sensor Always-on optical heart sensor Standard background heart rate tracking Background heart rate readings every five seconds Heart rate variability tracking Recovery HRV and more frequent overall HRV readings Vitals app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration Vitals app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, HRV, and a daytime view Readiness app Electrical heart sensor and ECG app Blood oxygen sensor and Blood Oxygen app Hypertension notifications Standard step tracking Improved step tracking Real-time heart rate and steps watch face complications Water temperature sensor Depth gauge to 6 meters and Depth app Oceanic+ app for snorkeling to 6 meters, available on the App Store Audio Intelligence features including Siri Recap, Sound Recognition, and Shazam Live Rewind and ‌Siri‌ Recap, due in beta in late 2026 Microphone Microphone with Voice Isolation Single, elongated speaker openings Individual speaker holes 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 4 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi 4 L1 GPS Precision L1 GPS Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Find iPhone Precision Finding for iPhone, with distance and direction guidance HomePod playback controls ‌HomePod‌ playback controls and proximity-based media suggestions with a compatible Ultra Wideband ‌HomePod‌ Up to 18 hours of normal use Up to 24 hours of normal use Up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode Up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode Up to 7 hours of workout tracking Up to 10 hours of workout tracking Charges from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes Charges from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes 15 minutes of charging for up to 8 hours of normal use 15 minutes of charging for up to 12 hours of normal use 8 minutes of charging for up to 8 hours of sleep tracking 5 minutes of charging for up to 10 hours of sleep tracking Midnight and Starlight aluminum finishes Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, and Space Gray aluminum finishes Radiant Gold and Natural titanium finishes Pearl White and Night Blue ceramic finishes Silver and Radiant Gold titanium Hermès models 40mm : $249 GPS or $299 GPS + Cellular 44mm : $279 GPS or $329 GPS + Cellular Aluminum 42mm : $399 GPS or $499 GPS + Cellular Aluminum 46mm : $449 GPS or $549 GPS + Cellular Titanium models start at $699; ceramic models start at $899 If you mainly want a smart watch for notifications, standard workout and sleep tracking, and an always-on display, the ‌Apple Watch SE 3‌ remains the better value. Although it is now a year old, it still represents excellent value for money at $249, offering most of the Apple Watch's core features for $150 less than the entry-level Series 12. The Apple Watch Series 12 has a much stronger case for anyone who uses their device to follow health and recovery trends. Its new Health Sensing System enables frequent heart rate readings, Recovery HRV, and a Readiness score that draws on recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep. ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and hypertension notifications add further capabilities unavailable on the ‌Apple Watch SE 3‌. Battery life may be a decisive factor. The Apple Watch Series 12 is rated for six more hours of normal use and three more hours of outdoor workout tracking. It also charges faster, which is particularly useful if you wear your watch overnight for sleep tracking. The Series 12 also offers a larger and brighter display, which makes a noticeable difference in daily use, along with 5GHz Wi-Fi, Precision Finding for a misplaced iPhone, and premium titanium and ceramic case options. Its Audio Intelligence features include ‌Siri‌ Recap, Sound Recognition, and always-on Shazam. If you prefer the Series 12's broader health tracking capabilities, longer battery life, display advantages, or luxury case options, the extra cost is justified. If those features are unlikely to change how you use or appreciate your watch, the ‌Apple Watch SE 3‌ is the more economical choice. Related Roundups: Apple Watch 12 , Apple Watch SE 3 Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now) , Apple Watch SE (Neutral) Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Buy? " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Sep 30, 2026 · byMacRumors
Apple Pay Now Available in India With Axis Bank Cards

Apple Pay Now Available in India With Axis Bank Cards

Apple Pay is now available in India, which means customers with an eligible card can add it to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch for contactless and online payments. To use ‌Apple Pay‌ in India, users will need an Axis Bank credit card on the Visa or Mastercard network. Earlier today, TechCrunch reported that merchants and payment terminals will need to add Apple Pay support , so the service might not work at every contactless payment location. RuPay, India's domestic card network, is not compatible with ‌Apple Pay‌. Major banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI Card have not added support either. There have been rumors about ‌Apple Pay‌ expanding to India for about a decade, but regulatory issues made it difficult. India already has a popular digital payment option, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI is a state-backed payment system that allows funds to be transferred instantly between two bank accounts. UPI handles approximately 84 percent of India's digital transaction volume, and it does not work with ‌Apple Pay‌. Related Roundup: Apple Pay Tag: India Related Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+ This article, " Apple Pay Now Available in India With Axis Bank Cards " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Sep 30, 2026 · byMacRumors