Buying guides

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Buying guides:

Why AirPods Pro 2 can make a life-changing gift

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AirPods Pro 2 gift
AirPods Pro 2 are more than entertaining, they can be life changing for someone with hearing loss.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

There’s an important new reason you might put AirPods Pro 2 on your gift list this year. If you know someone who resists getting the hearing assistance they need, Apple’s wireless earbuds can change their life.

It’s not hype — AirPods Pro 2 really can help people with mild to moderate hearing loss thanks to a software update released this autumn.

Why AirTags make the ultimate stocking stuffers for Apple fans

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AirTag ultimate Apple stocking stuffer: Looking for a last-minute gift for the Apple fan in your life? You can't go wrong with AirTags.
Make things merry with a gift any Apple fan will appreciate.
Photo: Luke Southern/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for an Apple fan in your life, there’s one surprisingly simple answer: Get them an AirTag. Or a bunch of them. With frequent discounts from Amazon and other retailers, AirTags make the ultimate stocking stuffer for anybody in the Apple ecosystem.

1Password vs. Apple Passwords app: Why I’m not ready to switch

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1Password and Apple Passwords in Spotlight on iPhone 15 Pro Max
1Password vs. Apple Passwords: It's not even a fight.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/CultofMac

With iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, Apple turned iCloud Keychain into a full-blown password manager with a dedicated Passwords app. While it’s a useful addition, I am not ready to give up on 1Password and switch to the Apple Passwords app yet.

The latter suffers from several limitations that prevent it from becoming a versatile password manager.

Apple Cyber Monday deals: iPads, AirPods, Apple Watch and more [Updated]

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A graphic illustrating Apple Black Friday deals.
All the insanely great deals we can find on Apple products on Cyber Monday.
AI image: MidJourney/Cult of Mac

There are plenty of great Apple deals this Cyber Monday 2024—but not from Apple directly. As usual, Apple keeps its discounts minimal (Tim Cook loves his big fat profits!). This year, you can get up to a $200 gift card with select purchases, but the newest products, like the iPhone 16, M4 MacBook Pros, iMac, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, aren’t included.

That said, third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and B&H Photo are offering significant discounts on a ton of Apple gear. From AirPods to iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads, you’ll find some fantastic deals. Here’s a roundup of the best offers we’ve come across.

The best web browsers to try on iPhone

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Best Web Browsers for iPhone
The best web browser for iPhone may not be one you’ve heard of before.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The best web browser for iPhone depends heavily on what you need. Apple’s own Safari comes with a lot out of the box and offers integration with other Apple devices in your life. The top competitors — Chrome, Edge and Firefox — are good choices if you need to sync with a Windows PC.

Other alternatives you may not have heard of can offer diverse benefits, though. Arc is a fast, modern browser built around search, and comes with built-in ad blockers. DuckDuckGo and Onion Browser lead the pack when it comes to privacy features. And if you want a bespoke app just to keep up with your favorite six or seven sites, TicciTabs was made for that exact purpose. There are even web browsers made for Apple Watch and for saving the environment.

Keep reading or watch our video.

How to choose the right iPad for you

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini
With a variety of models to choose from, what the best iPad for you?
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Shopping for an iPad can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Each tablet has its strengths and weaknesses. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.

Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the right iPad for you.

M4 vs. M3 MacBook Pro comparison: What’s different?

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M3 vs. M4 MacBook Pro comparison
How's the M4 MacBook Pro family different from its M3 predecessors?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple gave its MacBook Pro lineup an M4-focused refresh last week. From the outside, the new laptops might look the same as their M3 predecessors, but that’s not the case.

Look closely, and you’ll notice the M4 MacBook Pros come with subtle yet important upgrades. Read below to learn everything that’s changed between the M4 and M3 MacBook Pro family.

Should you upgrade to the 2024 MacBook Pro with M4?

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Should You Upgrade to the New M4 MacBook Pro?
Is it time for a new MacBook Pro?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is the new M4 MacBook Pro worth it? The latest models come with impressive power and unbelievable battery life. Even if you bought the M1 model, the new version may be a huge boost in performance.

Is it worthwhile to upgrade? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.

Should you upgrade to the 2024 iMac with M4?

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Should You Upgrade to the New M4 iMac?
Is it time for a new iMac?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is the new M4 iMac worth it? Should you upgrade and buy one? The latest models come with a big boost in performance and brighter, refreshing colors. It’s a solid upgrade if you’re still on an older model.

Of course, depending on your preferences, Apple may no longer make an iMac for you. You might want to consider the new Mac mini with a Studio Display.

Is it worthwhile to upgrade? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.

Mac mini smackdown: M4 vs. M2 vs. M1

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M4 Mac mini vs. M2 vs M1 comparison
How does the M4 Mac mini compare to its M2 and M1 predecessor?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple gave the Mac mini a long-overdue redesign Tuesday, making the pint-size desktop computer smaller than ever. The M4 chip and the new M4 Pro processor also bring a massive bump in performance. And perhaps surprisingly, the new Mac mini packs almost all the ports you can ask for.

Given these improvements, should you upgrade to the M4 Mac mini from the M2 or even the M1 Mac mini? Find out in this comparison.

M4 iMac vs. M3 iMac comparison: What’s changed?

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M4 vs. M3 iMac comparison
M4 iMac - Should you upgrade?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

The M4 iMac that Apple launched Monday looks the same as its predecessor but brings some big changes internally. So, how does the M4 iMac compare to the M3 iMac, which arrived less than a year ago? Our M4 iMac versus M3 iMac comparison will show you  how the 2024 model ups the ante on performance.

iPad mini 7 vs. iPad mini 6 comparison: Not the time to upgrade

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iPad mini 6 vs. iPad mini 7 comparison
You might want to stick to your iPad mini 6 for now.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple gave the iPad mini a surprise refresh with faster internals and other minor upgrades. The highlight is Apple Intelligence support, bringing Apple’s AI suite of tools to its smallest iPad.

So, should you ditch your iPad mini 6 for these upgrades? Or hold on to it for another year or two? Find out in our iPad mini 7 vs. iPad mini 6 comparison.

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro comparison: Time to upgrade

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iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 12 Pro comparison
Time to upgrade from your aging iPhone 12 Pro.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

When it launched in October 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro packed cutting-edge hardware. Four years later, that’s not the case. While Apple’s 2020 flagship iPhone can still hold its own, you should consider upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro.

Wondering if the improvements are even big enough to warrant an upgrade? Find out in this comparison.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 13 comparison: Upgrade if you can

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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 13 comparison
Time to ditch your iPhone 13 for iPhone 16?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

If you own an iPhone 13, should you upgrade to the iPhone 16 for its faster performance, better cameras and Apple Intelligence support? Or should you wait another year?

Three years is a long time in the tech world. The iPhone 13 launched in 2021 with cutting-edge specs. But in 2024, it is showing its age, especially when compared to the iPhone 16. Find out if this is the year to upgrade in our in-depth buying guide, which pits iPhone 16 versus iPhone 13.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 comparison: Upgrade another year

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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 comparison
Time to ditch your iPhone 15 for iPhone 16?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

The iPhone 16 sports a new design, a faster A-series chip, a longer battery life and comes in snazzy new colors. It’s possibly the biggest upgrade to the non-Pro iPhone lineup in the last few years. But are these improvements enough for you to ditch your iPhone 15 and upgrade to iPhone 16? Find out in this iPhone 15 versus iPhone 16 comparison.

Best cases you can buy right now for iPhone 16 handsets [Updated]

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best iPhone 16 cases
Ordering an iPhone 16? Be ready to protect it with a great case.
Photo: Cult of Mac

If you snatched up an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro — congrats! Now it’s time to consider how you’ll protect it. New iPhones aren’t fragile, and plenty of people go caseless to show off their handset’s sleek lines and cool color. But imagine how bummed you’ll be if you drop it and break it. Fortunately, there are already plenty of protective new cases to choose from.

After all, case-makers anticipate the new iPhone every year, and they bring the variety. You could go minimal with a thin case that works well with iPhone 16’s sleek design. You might seek extreme impact resistance for the most damaging drops. Or maybe you’d pick a luxurious leather that only looks better with age.

We rounded up the best options you can buy right now — in addition to cases by Apple and its subsidiary Beats — with prices starting at less than $20, below.

Which iPhone 16 case works best with new Camera Control?

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Pile of iPhone 16 cases with Camera Control cutouts and sapphire sensors from OtterBox and Apple
Does a case cutout work best with the iPhone 16's new Camera Control?
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Every model in the iPhone 16 lineup comes with a Camera Control, the new camera button that’s pressure- and touch-sensitive. It offers an entirely new way to access and adjust your settings in the Camera app by clicking and swiping. But what kind of iPhone case works best with the Camera Control?

Most cases come with a cutout, exposing the Camera Control on the side of the iPhone. Other cases cover the new button completely, but feature a capacitive sensor that conducts your finger’s swipes through the case.

In evaluating which cases work best with the iPhone 16’s new Camera Control, I considered a few questions. Is it any harder using the Camera Control through a cutout? Do third-party iPhone 16 cases with a capacitive sensor work as well as Apple’s cases?

Here’s what I found out — you’ll definitely want to know before you make a decision. Keep reading below or see the results for yourself in our video.

iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro comparison: Time to upgrade?

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iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro comparison
Time to ditch your iPhone 13 Pro for iPhone 16 Pro?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

Three years after its launch, the iPhone 13 Pro can still hold its own in 2024 with a great display, excellent cameras, and decent battery life. However, the iPhone 16 Pro packs some compelling new features that make it worth upgrading from your old iPhone.

What are these improvements? When comes to iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro, is the upgrade worth it? Check out our detailed specs comparison to find out.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro comparison: Worth the upgrade?

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iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro comparison
Don't ditch your iPhone 15 Pro for the iPhone 16 Pro unless you want these specific features.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple’s best iPhone ever. But how does it compare to the company’s previous best iPhone: the iPhone 15 Pro? Our iPhone 16 Pro versus iPhone 15 Pro comparison puts the two models head-to-head.

Apple’s newest iPhone packs a bigger display, a faster chip and other nice-to-have upgrades. Do these changes add up to make the iPhone 16 Pro a compelling upgrade over the iPhone 15 Pro?

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 comparison: Go Pro or not?

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iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 comparison
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro or save money and get the iPhone 16?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

The gap between the “regular” iPhones and the Pro models seems smaller than ever this year, which makes an iPhone 16 Pro versus iPhone 16 comparison tougher than usual.

While the iPhone 16 Pro packs a superior build quality, a bigger display, longer battery life and the predictably better camera, the iPhone 16 stands on its own with some meaningful upgrades.

So, should you save your money and go for the iPhone 16? Or is the iPhone 16 Pro a better buy despite its higher price tag? Find out in this comparison.

Should you upgrade to the new AirPods 4 or AirPods Max?

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Should You Upgrade?
Is it time to buy new AirPods?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new AirPods 4? The fourth-generation AirPods boast advanced noise cancellation features previously only available on AirPods Pro 2. Meanwhile, the refreshed AirPods Max swap out the legacy Lightning port for USB-C and bring new color options.

Now that the new headphones are available to preorder, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what AirPods model you own. I put together a buying guide and a video to help you decide.

Should you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2?

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Should You Upgrade?
Is it time to buy a new Apple Watch?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2? The new Apple Watch is larger and thinner, with advanced new sensors and health features. And the Apple Watch Ultra 2 … comes in black.

Now that the new watches are available to preorder, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what devices you have, so I put together a buying guide with charts and a video to help you decide.

Should you upgrade to iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro?

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Should You Upgrade?
Is it time to buy a new iPhone?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro? Both models bring significant improvements to the cameras and will support all the Apple Intelligence features. The Pro phones have bigger, brighter displays and the longest battery life ever.

With the products available to preorder on Friday morning, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what devices you have, so I put together a buying guide with charts and a video to help you decide.