Whether you picked up a new iPhone 17 recently or you have an older model, you can pick up one of Apple’s own chargers at a discount thanks to a rare sale. Apple’s 25W MagSafe charger with a two-meter cable is on sale for $35 — 29 percent off its usual price.
Believe it or not, this sale actually makes the two-meter version cheaper than the one-meter version. The latter at the moment would set you back $39.
Apple
The two-meter version of Apple’s more powerful MagSafe charger has dropped to a record-low price.
If you have an iPhone 16, iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, this cable can charge your device at 25W as long as it’s connected to a 30W power adapter on the other end. While you’ll need a more recent iPhone to get the fastest MagSafe charging speeds, the charger can wirelessly top up the battery of any iPhone from the last eight years (iPhone 8 and later). With older iPhones, the charging speed tops out at 15W. The cable works with AirPods wireless charging cases too — it’s certified for Qi2.2 and Qi charging.
The MagSafe charger is one of our favorite iPhone accessories, and would pair quite nicely with your new iPhone if you’re picking up one of the latest models. If you’re on the fence about that, be sure to check out our reviews of the iPhone 17, iPhone Pro/Pro Max and iPhone Air.
With iOS 26, Apple has expanded its native call recording feature with transcripts, Live Translation, summaries and tighter integration with Notes. It’s a more polished and useful tool than before, especially if you rely on your iPhone for interviews, meetings or important conversations.
Call recording itself first arrived with iOS 18.1 in October 2024. The feature has always been region- and language-dependent, and that hasn’t changed. If it’s available where you live, you can capture calls directly from the Phone app without third-party apps or hardware. If it’s not, there are still alternative methods worth knowing about. Here’s how it works, plus what to do if the option isn’t available in your country.
How to check if call recording is available
First, confirm that the feature is supported in your region. Apple maintains a feature availability page that lists countries where call recording isn’t offered, including the European Union, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. If your country is on that list, you won’t see the option in the Phone app.
Before recording your phone call, you’ll need the consent of the person on the other end of the line. When you start recording, both parties hear an audio notice stating that the call is being recorded.
How to record a call on iPhone
Recording a call is straightforward:
During the call, tap the More button.
The call continues as normal, but the iPhone automatically saves the audio once you hang up or tap Stop. You’ll find all recordings in iOS’ native Notes app, inside a folder called Call Recordings.
How to play back, manage and delete recordings
To listen back, open Notes, go to the Call Recordings folder, and tap the file you want. Tap Play to hear it.
From here, you can:
Search: Tap the More button and select Find in Transcript.
Copy: Tap the More button and select Add Transcript to Note or Copy Transcript.
Save: Tap the More button and select Save Audio Files, then select where you want to save recording (another folder or app).
Share: Tap the More button and select Share Audio, then select how you want to share the recording
Delete: Tap the More button and select Delete. This deletes the recording and any related transcript.
How to transcribe your calls
If your region and language are supported, iOS 26 also transcribes calls. Open a recording in Notes, then tap Show Transcript and Summary. Processing might take a few moments, but once it’s ready, you’ll see the conversation broken down by speaker. From there, you can search the text, copy it into another note or tap a line to jump to that part of the audio. Apple warns transcripts may not be flawless, so double check to make sure important details are correct.
Apple Intelligence summaries
With Apple Intelligence switched on, you’ll also get a generated summary of the call. This is handy if you only need the highlights — for example, the action items from a meeting or the main points of an interview. Summaries appear alongside the transcript in Notes.
How to turn off call recording
By default, call recording is enabled on supported devices. If you don’t want the option at all, navigate to Settings, select Apps, then Phone, tap Call Recording and toggle it off.
Alternatives if call recording isn’t available
If you’re in a region where the built-in feature doesn’t appear, or you’re running a previous version of iOS, there are still other ways to record calls.
In the US, federal law dictates one-party consent. This means you can record a phone call as long as you are actively participating in the conversation. However, it is important that you check state laws (in the US) or relevant laws in your country before recording a phone call. Note that these options don’t integrate with Apple Notes or Apple Intelligence, but they give you a backup if the official method isn’t supported where you live.
Rev Call Recorder (US only) is free to use on your iPhone. There are no in-app ads or time constraints, allowing you to record high-quality audio via the app.
Google Voice (US only) lets you record incoming calls via the app by pressing “4” on the keypad. The audio file appears in your Google Voice inbox afterward. The function is restricted to incoming calls, and features will depend on the account you have.
External recorders: You can connect a small recorder to your iPhone through USB-C or Lightning, or place a digital recorder next to your phone on speaker mode. This keeps everything offline, but audio quality can vary.
Speakerphone: If you have access to multiple devices, you can place your call on speakerphone and simultaneously use a separate device with the Voice Memos app open to record your call. While the sound quality is unlikely to be on par with other alternatives, it is a feasible option.
The National Labor Relations Board has withdrawn “many of the claims” it made against Apple in relation to cases brought in 2021 by former employees, according to Bloomberg. In particular, it dismissed an allegation that Apple CEO Tim Cook violated workers’ rights when he sent an all-staff email that year, which said “people who leak confidential information do not belong” in the company. Cook also said in the email that Apple was “doing everything in [its] power to identify those who leaked” information from an internal meeting the previous week, wherein management answered workers’ questions about pay equity and Texas’ anti-abortion law.
Apple didn’t “tolerate disclosures of confidential information, whether it’s product IP or the details of a confidential meeting,” Cook wrote at the time. The NLRB has now withdrawn some of the claims made in complaints by former employee Ashley Gjøvik, including that Apple told employees not to disclose company communications, and that it had suspended Gjøvik in retaliation and fired her unlawfully. But, not all of the allegations have been withdrawn. Apple settled a separate case with Gjøvik back in April, which she announced as a win for workers, as the settlement required Apple to revise rules around employee agreements and discussions of company information to clarify “that employees can talk about their pay, working conditions, and union organizing without retaliation,” and speak to the press, among other things.
In addition dropping its claim that Cook’s email violated workers’ rights, the labor board is also withdrawing its allegation that the firing of activist Janneke Parrish, one of the leaders of the #AppleToo movement, broke the law. It’s dismissing its previous allegations that Apple broke the law by imposing confidentiality rules and surveilling workers or making them think they were under surveillance, as well. After an investigation, NLRB previously came to the conclusion that Cook’s email and Apple’s overall behavior were “interfering with, restraining and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights.”
Bloomberg says this is just one instance of the NLRB being more friendly to companies under President Trump. We’ve reached out to the NLRB for more information.
Correction, September 27, 2025, 6:42PM ET: This story incorrectly stated that the NLRB had withdrawn claims made against Apple in complaints filed by employees including Cher Scarlett. Scarlett’s charges against Apple, which relate to pay equity, suppression of wage discussions and constructive discharge, have not been withdrawn or dismissed.
This article has also been updated to include additional information about allegations by former employee Ashley Gjøvik that have been withdrawn, and about Apple’s previous settlement with Gjøvik.
In capturing joy, Mickalene Thomas stayed close to home. Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Those who enjoy photography have had a hard time in recent years. Because it is associated with the apps through which people of all ages communicate, it is taken for background—as that thing that distracts you from your DMs. The art boom caused the medium to be neglected at galleries (because you can’t really see the same ROI on photography that you can with painting), and now that the market is down, the only answer seems to be smaller paintings. It’s always been a little surprising that Apple, which is occasionally the most valuable company in the world, would commission a photography exhibition alongside the launch of its new iPhones. But they’ve done exhibitions for the past two releases, and the latest iteration staged in Chelsea, London and Shanghai simultaneously felt like it could have passed for your average gallery show.
Held at the old Petzel space on 18th Street, “Joy, in 3 Parts” was curated by Kathy Ryan, longtime director of photography at the New York Times Magazine. The show brought together works by Inez & Vinoodh, Mickalene Thomas and Trunk Xu, each tasked with interpreting joy. The result was three bodies of work that were handsome and strange, a credit to Ryan’s flexibility.
Inez & Vinoodh used the prompt to tell a love story about their son and his partner over five images. “They saw joy as their son’s love story,” Ryan told Observer, in part because it reminded them of their own meeting at art school. The artists were inspired by Zabriskie Point (1970) and its desert landscape, and so took the opportunity to travel to Marfa, Texas, for their shoot.
There are shades of Badlands (1973), too. In Marfa, the besotted couple is accompanied by a red fabric that becomes its own character—a veil, a flag, a cocoon. Sure, the fabric basically symbolizes the love between the two kids, but in no way does this come off as corny. “Whenever their work goes into the surreal, something magical always happens,” Ryan said. “That red cloth became almost like a character.”
The sequence flanks three vivid color images with black-and-white portraits. One key frame—Charles and Natalie running with the red fabric behind them—was transformed when the sun broke through clouds. “You plan and plan, and then you hope serendipity kicks in,” Ryan said. “Just before the sun went down, we got that terrific rainbow flare.”
Where Inez & Vinoodh looked outward, Mickalene Thomas stayed close to home. She chose Fort Greene Park, her local Brooklyn greenspace, and captured neighborhood life in seemingly candid encounters: dancers, rope jumpers, a couple in a hammock. Initially shot in color, the series turned during editing. “After the first morning, she said, ‘You know what: I’m seeing this in black and white,’” Ryan said. “It strips away unnecessary noise and lets you lean into rhythm, form and emotion.”
It’s a bold move for someone associated with her use of color. According to Ryan, Thomas said politics were behind the choice. She wanted to represent Black people outside of the context of labor. “This work counters that narrative,” Ryan said, “exploring rest as a form of resistance, power, and self-reclamation.” They feel documentary, cinematic and natural all at once.
How Trunk Xu visualizes joy. Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Meanwhile, Beijing-born, Los Angeles-based Trunk Xu staged his contributions in a more obvious way and chose to confront the omnipresence of cameras in daily life. “The whole idea was fine art, not ads,” she said. But he was adamant, in a good way. To him, joy is wrapped up in the process of documenting. “The picture itself and the making of the picture is part of that dance with life.” His tableaux show skaters, beachgoers and couples photographing one another on their phones, but in subtle and unorthodox ways, with tight composition.
Ryan closed our conversation by situating the phone within photography’s long arc: from 8×10 plates to 35mm reportage, Polaroid experiments and now pocket devices with multiple 48MP sensors. My favorite of Xu’s images involved a pool shot that seemed to be captured by several people, but ironically, you can’t see any of their phones.
IOS 26 has arrived, bringing a mix of practical upgrades and fun new features that make your iPhone smarter and easier to use. Updating only takes a few minutes, and it ensures you get the latest tools along with Apple’s newest security fixes.
From smarter spam filters in Messages to custom alarm snooze times and even polls in group chats, iOS 26 is packed with ways to simplify your day. Here’s how to install iOS 26 and start exploring its best features right away.
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Updating to iOS 26 takes just a few minutes.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to update your iPhone to iOS 26
Updating to iOS 26 takes just a few minutes, and it ensures you get the latest features and security fixes. Make sure your iPhone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before you start.
Follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap General.
Select Software Update.
If iOS 26 is available, tap Upgrade to iOS 26.
Click Update Now.
Enter your passcode if asked, then agree to the terms.
Wait for the download and installation to finish. Your iPhone will restart with iOS 26.
Your phone will restart with the new update after following the process.( )
IOS 26 works on a wide range of iPhones, from the iPhone 11 series through the latest iPhone 17 lineup. Compatible models include:
IPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
1) Smarter spam message detection
Spam texts arrive at the worst times. IOS 26 filters these unwanted messages into a separate folder, keeping your main inbox clean. Here’s how to use this feature:
Open the Messagesapp.
Click the horizontal lines in the upper right of the screen
Go to the Unknown Senders folder.
Review texts moved there automatically.
Click the right arrow andmark as known or delete the spam.
You can check the “Unknown Senders” folder anytime, mark trusted contacts or delete the clutter without ever being disturbed by lock screen notifications.
Users are also able to instantly share location via Maps. ( )
2) Instantly share your location in Maps
IOS 26 makes it simple to send your location without even opening the Maps app. Here’s how:
Touch and hold the Maps icon on your Home Screen.
Tap Send My Location.
From there, you can choose how to share it. AirDrop works best if the person is nearby, while Messages lets you send it instantly to friends or family anywhere.
This shortcut removes the hassle of digging through menus and makes sharing directions effortless.
The new update also allows users to sort and view call history by contact.( )
3) View call history by contact
No more endless scrolling. Now you can quickly see every incoming, outgoing and missed calls in one organized list.
Open the Phone app.
Click the search icon.
Type the contact’s name and click the search icon.
Select the contact’s name.
New updates make it easier to view all calls with one person at a glance.( )
There you will see all calls associated with that person.
This makes it easy to check all your calls with one person at a glance, without scrolling through your entire log.
Specific text can also now be selected in a text message.( )
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4) Select specific text in a message
Sometimes you only need one detail instead of the entire message bubble. Here’s how to grab it:
Open the Messages app.
Long-press the message you want.
Tap Select from the menu.
Drag the selection handles to highlight just the part you need.
Click the right arrow > to choose to copy, look up, translate,search web, speak or share it instantly.
It’s a quick way to pull out only the detail you need, whether that’s an address, a code or just a single word.
The new update permits users to disable “tap recents to call.” ( )
5) Disable “Tap Recents to Call”
Accidental calls can be embarrassing. IOS 26 lets you turn this off, so tapping a number in Recents won’t instantly dial; you’ll have to press the call button on purpose. Here’s how to toggle off or disable the feature:
Open Settings.
Scroll down and tap Apps.
Choose Phone.
Toggle off Tap Recents to Call.
Now your call log stays drama-free. Tapping a number in Recents won’t instantly start a call anymore. You’ll need to press the call button on purpose. That means no more accidentally ringing your boss when you just wanted to double-check the number.
The above illustration features steps to disable “Tap Recents to Call” in the Settings App.( )
6) Customize alarm snooze options
Not a fan of the default 9-minute snooze? IOS 26 lets you set the interval that actually matches your morning routine. Follow these steps to adjust it:
Open the Clock app.
Tap the Alarms tab.
Select an existing alarm (or tap + to create one).
Tap SnoozeDuration.
Choose your snooze time from 1 to 15 minutes.
Tap Save.
Your mornings become more manageable, whether you’re grabbing a quick 5-minute reset or easing into the day with a longer break.
The above illustration shows steps to customize alarm snooze options in Clock App.( )
7) Get a dirty lens warning
Nothing ruins a photo faster than a smudged lens. With iOS 26, you can turn on Lens Cleaning Hints, so your iPhone warns you before you take a blurry shot. Here’s how:
Open Settings.
Scroll down and tap Camera.
Find Lens Cleaning Hints.
Toggle the switch on.
Now, when your camera detects smudges or haze, iOS 26 will display an on-screen hint in the Camera app, reminding you to “clean the camera lens“ before taking your shot.
Here are steps to get a dirty lens warning in Settings App.( )
8) See estimated charging time
Ever wonder how long it will take to fully charge your iPhone? IOS 26 now shows you an estimated charging time so you can plan your day better. Here’s how to view it:
Plug your iPhone into a charger.
Wake your phone, and the Lock Screen will display the estimated time until fully charged.
For more details, open Settings.
Tap Battery.
Look for the Estimated Full Charge Time under the charging status.
This makes it easy to tell whether you’ll be at 100% before leaving the house or if you should pack a charger for later.
This makes it easy to tell whether you’ll be at 100% before leaving the house or if you should pack a backup charger.( )
9) Make the clock on your Lock Screen bigger
Want your time display to stand out more? IOS 26 lets you adjust the size of the clock on your Lock Screen for a bolder look. Here’s how:
Long-press on your Lock Screen.
Tap Customize at the bottom.
Use the pull handle on the bottom right to adjust the size.
Tap Done to save your changes.
On certain wallpapers, the clock even has a depth effect, slipping behind the subject in your photo. With Photo Shuffle wallpaper, the clock can adjust dynamically, and it also stretches in areas like the Notification Center, giving your iPhone a fresh and lively feel.
Can’t decide what color to paint your walls, where to eat or which movie to watch? IOS 26 lets you create quick polls right inside group chats so everyone can vote. Here’s how:
Open the Messages app.
Enter a conversation (this works in group chats or individual messages).
Tap the + button next to the text box.
From the pop-up menu, select Polls.
Tap each choice field and type your options (add more choices by typing into the next blank field).
When you’re done, tap Send (Up arrow).
Now your friends or coworkers can vote directly in the chat, and you can decide whether to follow the results or just order what you were craving anyway.
Users can also now create a polls for others in iMessage.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
IOS 26 goes beyond security patches; it’s about convenience and personalization. You can finally adjust your snooze to match your mornings, keep your inbox free from spam, see how long charging will take and even get a heads-up if your camera lens is dirty before snapping a shot. These small but meaningful updates add up to a smoother iPhone experience.
Which iOS 26 feature are you most excited to try first, polls in iMessage, spam filters or something else entirely? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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This EasyAir Fryer Fried Apple Rings is the most delicious fall dessert recipe! These Apple Rings are the most mouthwatering apple slices covered with a batter that puffs up and is coated with crunchy cinnamon sugar.
It’s like an apple pie, apple crisp and donut all in one and with a fraction of the effort!
FRIED APPLE RINGS
Fried Apple Rings or Apple Fritters were one of my favorite treats growing up in Washington. The only problem was getting them. They are a specialty treat even in the state of apples.
Ingredients for Fried Apples in the Air Fryer
Flour: Acts as the base for the simple batter.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and texture to the batter.
Baking Powder: Give the batter some rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Whole Milk: Binds all the batter together.
Egg: Give the batter structure.
Butter: Adds rich flavor to the batter. Helps the sugar spice mixture to stick to the rings.
Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warm flavor that is a signature combination with apple.
Ground Cardamom: Adds an additional layer of warm flavor.
Granny Smith Apples: Honeycrisp apples could also be used. Avoid using soft apples like McIntosh or Golden Delicious.
How to Make This Fried Apples Recipe
Prep: Peel, core and slice the apples. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Batter: Combine all the ingredients for the batter in a medium bowl starting with whisking the dry ingredients and then adding the wet ingredients.
Make Cinnamon Coating: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cardamom and sugar.
Coat the Apples: Dip the apples in the batter and place them in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.
Freeze: Stick the baking sheet in the freezer and let the battered apples freeze for 45-60 minutes.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer and then air fry the apples in batches for 7-9 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Immediately brush the air-fried apples with melted butter and dredge in the cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately!
PRO TIP
Cut your apples using a chef’s knife or a mandolin for faster, even slicing. I like to use a little melon baller to remove the core.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Fried Apple Rings:
Use the right apple! A firm apple like Granny Smith, Gala or Honey Crisp is essential.
In a hurry? You can leave the peel on!
Use a mandolin slicer to cut the apples into even 1/4 inch slices so they cook evenly.
Do NOT make in advance! These are not a good make ahead treat, however they reheat fairly well just not as crispy.
Make it a la mode! Top a stack off with some vanilla or caramel ice cream and caramel sauce drizzle.
How to Reheat Fried Apple Rings
Heat the air fryer or oven to 400 degrees F and reheat until puffing and crisping again. They will be softer than the original, but still delicious.
Don’t Miss Out on THIS Recipe!
While I love the sweetness of apple desserts, my absolute favorite fall/winter recipe with apples is actually our roasted apple salad. If you’ve never had roasted apples, you are missing out!
Sweet and Savory Apple Recipes
I am a huge fan of fall desserts and especially love apple desserts! I’m sure you’ve noticed my love for dutch apple pie-one of our most popular recipes ever (especially for Thanksgiving so make sure you pin it now!), apple crisp with the best oatmeal topping ever, classic apple pie with essential tips for the filling, and a savory option that’s the perfect sweet and savory combo- apple chutney pork chops!
Quick and easy apple dessert idea! These cinnamon sugar-coated apple rings are made in the air fryer—light, crispy, and totally addictive. Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime!
Watch How These Fried Apple Rings are Made…
More Apple Recipes You Need to Save
Prevent your screen from going dark
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk until smooth.
¾ Cup Flour, ¾ Cup Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder, ¼ teaspoon Salt
Add the milk, egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter and vanilla and combine. Set aside.
⅔ Cup Whole Milk, 1 Egg, 4 Tablespoons Butter, ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
In another bowl, whisk the rest of the sugar, cinnamon and cardamom. Set aside.
¾ Cup Sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons Cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cardamom
Using a fork or your fingers, dip the apples into the batter, allowing excess to drip off and place apple slices on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for 45-60 minutes.
3 Granny Smith Apples
Arrange on the air fryer pan, working in batches, and cook at 425℉ for 7-9 minutes.
Remove and immediately brush with melted butter and dredge in cinnamon sugar. SERVE IMMEDIATELY!
4 Tablespoons Butter
You can reheat the apples by placing them on a parchment lined baking sheet in a 425 degree F oven or air fryer for 7 or so minutes. They reheat quite well!
The same mildly flat indent on the stem of each bud indicates the location of the touch/squeeze controls, and there are black spots where heart rate sensors, wear detection sensors, and microphone ports hide. As with previous models, silvery tips bless the end of each elephant trunk, where a beamforming mic aims at your lips for maximum fidelity. These are all familiar, refined design cues from previous AirPods, and they are better executed than ever, even with such slight changes.
Well-Supported
Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3
I’ve been very impressed with Apple’s software support when it comes to AirPods Pro; last year it added a bunch of free hearing health features as a software update. That trend continues here with the addition of real-time translation and heart rate monitoring on these buds.
The translation can be activated by squeezing both of the buds at once, at which time any Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone (any iPhone 16 Pro or later with the feature on) will pull up the Translate app on iOS. Siri will then listen to the speaker in front of you and translate what they are saying in real time, provided they are speaking English, Spanish, German, French, or Portuguese. I tested this with my multilingual wife, who found it to be very accurate with her Spanish phrases.
This is great for multilingual work or education environments in the United States in particular, as well as for travel, and should help folks who struggle with more advanced phrases or need to deliver a more nuanced message in their native language.
I’ve seen this feature enabled on headphones like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 (which do this, but using Google Translate). Side by side, Google’s Buds and associated app offer many more languages and bit better translation (my Thai mother-in-law was very excited at how well it worked with Thai, which isn’t available on AirPods Pro 3), but Apple’s version is still more than welcome.
In the pursuit of actually releasing the updated version of Siri the company promised way back at WWDC 2024, Apple is taking a page out of OpenAI’s book. According to Bloomberg, the company has created a ChatGPT-inspired app to test Siri’s new capabilities ahead of the release of the improved voice assistant next year.
This new app, called “Veritas” internally, will likely never make its way to the public in its current form, but offers Apple employees a faster way to test Siri’s new skills. That includes letting users search through personal data stored on their phone, like their emails and messages, or taking action in apps, like editing photos. The new app is apparently also a way for Apple to “gather feedback on whether the chatbot format has value,” Bloomberg writes.
While an internal app doesn’t make it any clearer how useful Apple’s updated Siri will be, it does suggest the project is in a more advanced stage than before. Given the difficulty the company’s faced actually releasing its various AI products — including publicly delaying the Siri update back in March 2025 — that’s meaningful.
Apple’s original promise for Apple Intelligence was that it could offer a curated selection of AI-powered features with a level of privacy and polish that its competitors couldn’t muster. The reality is that Apple shipped a collection of so-so features that worked, but couldn’t pull off its truly impressive demo: a Siri informed on the context of your life and with the ability to actually do things on your phone.
Apple is only realizing that vision in 2026, Bloomberg reports, through a combination of its own AI models, and at least one third-party model from its competitors. In June, the company was reportedly considering using a model from either OpenAI or Anthropic, but as of August, the company is now apparently circling a partnership with Google.
Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the latest scam takes exploitation of a trusted platform to a new level. Instead of sending generic or suspicious-looking emails, attackers are now abusing Apple’s iCloud Calendar invite system to deliver phishing content directly from Apple’s own email servers.
This clever tactic allows the fraudulent messages to bypass spam filters and appear more legitimate to unsuspecting users. The goal is to alarm you into calling a scammer’s fake support number under the pretense of disputing a fraudulent PayPal transaction. Once contacted, you are manipulated into granting remote access to your devices or sharing sensitive data.
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Scammers exploit Apple’s iCloud Calendar to deliver phishing invites that bypass spam filters.(Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
How the scam uses iCloud Calendar invites to bypass security
The heart of this scam lies in abusing Apple’s official infrastructure to lend credibility to a phishing attempt. Instead of using a suspicious or easily flagged email address, the attackers send calendar invites from Apple’s genuine domain, noreply@email.apple.com, as reported by Bleeping Computer.
The attacker embeds the phishing message in the “Notes” section of the calendar event, making it appear as a legitimate notification. They send the calendar invite to a Microsoft 365 email address they control, which is part of a mailing list. As a result, the invite is automatically forwarded to multiple real targets, broadening the scam’s reach.
Typically, when emails are forwarded, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) checks fail because the forwarding server isn’t listed as an authorized sender. However, Microsoft 365 uses a technique called the Sender Rewriting Scheme (SRS), which rewrites the return path so that the message still passes SPF checks.
This makes the email appear fully legitimate to both the recipient’s inbox and automated spam filters. As a result, the message is far more likely to reach a user’s inbox without being flagged, increasing the chance the victim will take the bait.
Cybercriminals leverage Microsoft 365 forwarding and Apple’s email domain to outsmart filters.(Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Why these phishing scams are particularly dangerous
What makes this campaign especially dangerous is the sense of legitimacy it conveys. Because Apple’s official servers send the email directly, users are far less likely to suspect foul play. The message itself aims to panic the recipient by falsely claiming a large PayPal transaction occurred without the recipient’s consent. The message includes a phone number to “contact support” and dispute the charge, but, in reality, it connects the victim to a scammer.
Once the victim calls the number, the scammer poses as a technical support agent and attempts to convince the caller that the computer has been compromised. The next step is typically to ask the victim to download remote access software under the guise of issuing a refund or securing the account.
In reality, this access is used to steal banking information, install malware or exfiltrate personal data. Because the original message passed security checks and seemed credible, victims often don’t think twice before acting.
Fraudsters are hijacking iCloud Calendar invites to trick users into calling fake support lines.(Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
6 ways you can stay safe from iCloud Calendar scammers
I have listed some useful steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated phishing scams:
1) Treat unexpected calendar invites with caution
If you receive an unexpected calendar invite, especially one containing a strange message or alarming claims, don’t open it or respond. Legitimate companies rarely send payment disputes or security warnings through calendar invites. Always verify suspicious claims by logging into your official account directly.
2) Avoid calling numbers listed in emails or calendar invites
Phishing scams often include phone numbers that connect you to fraudsters posing as support agents. Instead of calling the number in the message, use official contact details found on the company’s official website.
3) Install trusted antivirus software
Antivirus programs protect your computer from malware and phishing sites by blocking suspicious downloads and warning you about unsafe websites.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Also, keeping your antivirus updated ensures it can defend against the latest threats.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
4) Remove your personal data from public listings
Hackers are able to send you these phishing emails because they have your data. Using a personal data removal service helps scrub your personal information from data broker websites. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to gather details about you and craft convincing, targeted phishing attacks.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visitingCyberguy.com.
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5) Use a password manager
A password manager helps you generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for every account. This reduces the risk of reusing weak passwords that scammers can easily exploit to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
6) Keep software and systems updated
Regularly updating your operating system, browser and applications helps patch security vulnerabilities that attackers often exploit in phishing scams. Staying current with updates minimizes your exposure to known threats.
Scammers are taking phishing attacks in a disturbing new direction by manipulating trusted platforms to deliver malicious content. The safest approach is to treat any unexpected calendar invite, especially those with alarming messages or strange contact numbers, with extreme caution. Never call the number provided in the message or click on any links. Instead, go directly to official websites or your account’s official dashboard to verify suspicious activity.
Have you ever been targeted by a phishing scam disguised as an official message? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
Apple’s four iPad models each have their value — the mini is super portable, the standard model with the A16 chip is ideal for casual use while the Pros can handle complex tasks better than some laptops. The iPad Air falls somewhere in between, offering a balance between power and price. But these popular tablets don’t come cheap, which is why we keep track of sale prices on iPads and round them up each week. We’ve reviewed every current model so if you want to check out our thoughts before you buy, you can. Here are the best iPad deals you can get right now, along with discounts on other Apple gear we recommend.
Best iPad deals
Apple
The latest iPad Air is a relatively minor update; the only major addition is a more powerful M3 chip. However, we still recommend the Air over the base model in our iPad buying guide: Its display is more color-rich and better at fending off glare, its speakers are more robust, it works with Apple’s best accessories and its performance should hold up better in the years ahead. (Though both have most of the same benefits released with iPadOS 26.) This $150 discount matches an all-time low and applies to several color and storage configurations. Also at Walmart, Best Buy and Target.
Apple iPad (A16) for $299 ($50 off): The most recent entry-level iPad comes with a faster A16 chip, 2GB more RAM and 128GB of storage by default. It earned a score of 84 in our review — if you only need a tablet for roaming the internet, watching shows and doing some lighter productivity tasks, it should do the job. With the new iPadOS 26 update, it also has most of the same multitasking features available with the more expensive models. We’ve seen this price for most of the past several months, but it’s still a bit cheaper than buying direct from Apple. Also at Walmart and Best Buy.
Apple iPad Air (13-inch, M3) for $649 ($150 off): Engadget’s Nate Ingraham gave the 13-inch iPad Air a score of 89 when it was released in March. It has a bigger and slightly brighter display than its 11-inch counterpart; otherwise, the two slates are the same. If you plan to keep your iPad hooked up to a keyboard, the extra screen space is lovely for taking in movies and multitasking for work. This is another all-time low, and it applies to several color options and storage configs. Also at Walmart.
Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) for $899 ($100 off): The iPad Pro is much more tablet than most people need, but it’s the ultimate iPad for those who can stomach its price tag. It’s wonderfully thin, its OLED display is one of the best we’ve seen on a consumer device and its M4 chip can handle virtually anything you’d ever do on an iPad. It’s also the only Apple tablet with Face ID and it has a better speaker setup than the iPad Air. We gave it a score of 84 in our review, with the only real drawback being its price. Also at Best Buy, Target and B&H.
The 13-inch model is on sale for $1,099 as well, a $200 discount, but be warned: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple could release updated iPad Pros as soon as October. So if you can hold out, you probably should.
Best Apple deals
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) for $389 ($10 off): The latest Apple Watches only hit the market last week, but Amazon is already offering a $10 discount on certain colorways. It doesn’t show up as a percentage off, but you’ll see some models listed at $389, while others show up at the full price of $399. If you’re new to Apple’s wearables or are ready to upgrade from a Series 9 or older, this is a good model to grab. If you’re coming from a Series 10, however, there’s not much need to upgrade as the only major change from last year’s model is a slightly larger battery and a tougher screen.
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) for $240 ($9 off): You’ll see a similar stealth discount on Apple’s newest budget model, the SE 3 at Amazon. It goes for $249 regularly. Apple gave this model some badly needed updates from its predecessor, including a faster charging battery, better sensors and the same processor that you’ll find in the new Apple Watch Series 11.
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $799 ($200 off): Apple’s latest MacBook Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops, and it earned a score of 92 in our review. It’s not a major overhaul, but the design is still exceptionally thin, light and well-built, with long battery life and a top-notch keyboard and trackpad. Now it’s a bit faster. (Though we’d still love more ports and a refresh rate higher than 60Hz.) This discount ties an all-time low for base config with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Models with more memory or storage are also $200 off. Also at Best Buy.
Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) for $999 ($200 off): The 15-inch MacBook Air is nearly identical to the smaller version but has better speakers and a more spacious trackpad alongside its roomier display. Outside of one very brief drop around $980 in June, this ties a record low for the base model. Other configs are similarly discounted if you need more power. Also at B&H and Best Buy.
Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB/256GB) for $499 ($100 off): The newest version of Apple’s tiny desktop PC has a smaller overall footprint, a faster M4 chip, 16GB of RAM as standard (finally), two front-facing USB-C ports (finally!), an extra Thunderbolt 4 port and the ability to drive three external displays. It doesn’t have any USB-A ports, however. We gave the M4 Pro model a review score of 90. This deal is for the entry-level version with a base M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD — we’ve seen it fall as low as $469 in the past, but this is still a decent savings. Also at Best Buy, Walmart and B&H.
Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB/512GB) for $689 ($110 off): If you want your tiny Apple desktop to have a little bit more storage capacity, you may want to spring for the 512GB model. It’s currently $110 off at Amazon and B&H Photo. The model with 24GB of RAM is down to $904 after a $95 discount.
Apple AirTags (4-pack) for $75 ($24 off): We may see an updated model by the end of 2025, but the current AirTags are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone users thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultrawide band features that make it easy to locate things that are close by. Just note that you’ll need a separate AirTag holder to attach them to your keys, wallet or bag. This isn’t a great deal for a four-pack — the bundle was as low as $65 in July — but it’s still a bit lower than its list price. Also at Walmart.
Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off): The highest-end option in Apple’s confusing stylus lineup, the Pencil Pro supports pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, tilt detection, haptic feedback and Apple’s double tap and squeeze gestures, among other perks. It’s a lovely tool for more intricate sketching and note-taking, but the catch is that it’s only compatible with the M4 iPad Pro, M2 and M3 iPad Air and most recent iPad mini. We’ve seen this deal fairly often over the year, but it’s a solid discount compared to buying from Apple directly. Also at Walmart, Best Buy and Target.
Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port adapter for $39 ($20 off): It’s always good to have a few extra ports around. This is the adapter that ships with the M4 with 10‑core GPU MacBook Air, and it can quickly charge iPads, iPhones and anything else powered by USB-C, too. Walmart is also selling Apple’s 2-meter fast charge cable for $23 (a $6 discount).
Keeping track of medications and medical history can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re caring for yourself and a spouse. Olaf from Valley Stream, New York, put it this way:
“I’m 86, just switched to iPhone. Have trouble finding a system to keep mine and my wife’s medications and medical histories. It seems we need these for each wellness visit. Appreciate your easy suggestions.”
Olaf’s experience is common. Many people struggle to keep their health details organized, especially when doctor visits pile up. The good news? Both iPhone and Android phones come with simple, secure tools that make it easier than ever to track prescriptions, reminders and important health information.
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Both iPhone and Android phones offer built-in health apps that can track prescriptions, reminders and medical details in one secure place.(Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Use the built-in Health apps
iPhone Health app
Your iPhone already has a Health app installed, and it gives you two ways to manage important health details:
Medical ID (for emergency info only)
This section is designed so that first responders and doctors can see your critical health details from the lock screen if needed. Adding medications here does not create reminders. It’s best for storing:
Medications you’re taking
Allergies
Conditions
Emergency contacts
Doctors
How to set up Medical ID:
Open the Health app (white icon with a red heart).
Tap your profile photo in the top right.
Select Medical ID
Scroll down to where you see Medications, Allergies, Emergency Contacts, Conditions, and click Add
Add medications, conditions, allergies, doctors and emergency contacts.
Then tap Done in the upper right
Turn on Show When Locked so this info is visible on your lock screen in case of an emergency.
Everything you add stays private and encrypted, but you can choose to share details with your doctor or family.
If you want your iPhone to remind you to take your meds and let you log each dose, you’ll need to use the dedicated Medications feature (introduced in iOS 16):
Open the Health app.
Tap Browse.
Click Medications.
Scroll down and tap Add a Medication.
Enter the details in the search bar or scan the pill bottle with your iPhone’s camera by clicking the camera icon next to the search bar.
Choose the Medication Type and click Next.
Add the medication strength and choose Unit. A blue check will appear next to the unit, then click Next.
Set the schedule and dosage by first adding “When will you take this? Then add “At what time?” and the“Duration”. Then tap Next at the bottom of the screen.
Choose the Shape of the medication by tapping one of the examples, and then tap Next at the bottom of the screen.
Choose colors under Shape and Background, then tap Next.
Review details. You can add Optional Details like Display Name or Notes. Then, click Done.
Now, you’ll get notifications on your iPhone and can track whether you’ve taken your meds. The alert will give the option to click, “Taken” or “Skipped”. If you have more than one medication listed you can tap “Log All as Taken.” Once you click your selection go ahead and click Done.
Samsung Health and third-party apps like Medisafe or MyTherapy help Android users manage medications and set refill reminders.(Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Android: Samsung Health app
Samsung Health comes pre-installed on most Samsung phones. It works as a standalone tracker for fitness, sleep and even medication, no extra apps required.
How to set up the Samsung Health app
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Open the Samsung Health app (often pre-installed, or download from the Google Play Store).
Tap Get Started or Start and allow the necessary permissions.
Click Continue.
Scroll down and select Medications.
Click Get Started.
Under Add medication, click Enter medication name.
Enter the Medication, Type and Strength
Then tap Next
You can choose the shape from the icons provided, upload an image or take an image from the options, or tap Skip
Next, you can choose a color , then tap Next
Then, set schedule, Every day, Every X days, Every week, Every month or As Needed.
Then click Set time and dosage, Once, twice , 3 times, 4 times, 5 times or Custom. Then tap Done.
Then tap Next.
Now to Review medication. Under Quantity, you can add the Number of remaining pills. Then, under it you can enable Refill reminder. Hit Save.
Steps to set up the Samsung Health app(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Under this next section, when you add medications, they’ll be checked for possible interactions with other medications you take, as well as with the lifestyle factors. If any of these factors, such as tobacco, cannabis, alcoho or grapefruit juice, don’t apply to you, you can turn them off so you won’t receive warnings about them. Then tap Next.
Next, medications that contain allergens like peanuts, milk and eggs can potentially cause allergic reactions. They’ll let you know if a medication you’ve added contains an ingredient that could cause an allergic reaction. You can click Add new allergy or click the + sign next to Peanut Family, Milk Thistle or Egg and Egg Derivatives. Then click Done.
A pop-up will appear at the bottom that reads Medication added. Add another? Click OK.
Use medication reminder apps
To track meds, non-Samsung Android users usually need a third-party app like:
Medisafe (very popular, integrates with Wear OS watches).
MyTherapy (simple reminder app with symptom logging).
For a focused tool just for meds, these 3 apps work on both iPhone and Android:
1) MediSafe Pill Reminder
Add medications, dosages and schedules. Get reminders when it’s time to take them. You can even manage more than one family member in the app.
Download MediSafe from the App Store or Google Play.
Tap Get started
Open the app and tap “Add Med.”
Enter the medication name in the search bar, and then when it appears, tap it.
Select “What form is the med?” such as pill, injection, solution, drops, inhaler, powder or other.
Enter, “What are you taking it for?”
Enter, “How often do you take it?
Enter, “When do you need to take the dose? Then, click Next.
You are almost done. Would you like to: Set treatment duration, Get refill reminders? Add instructions? or Change the med icon?
If not, click Save.
A pop-up screen will say, “You have successfully added medication”.
With these steps, you’ll never miss a dose, and you can even track medications for your spouse in the same account.
2) MyTherapy
Download MyTherapy from the App Store or Google Play.
Open the app.
Tap Get started.
Tap Accept all or Go to settings
It will ask you, “To start with what should we call you?” Add a nickname. or Skip. You’ll be asked to add your Gender, Year of Birth or you can just skip that.
Then click “I’m ready!”
Tap Medications.
Click Search by name
Type the medication in the search bar. Then, click your medication.
Choose “How often do you take this medication? Once daily, twice, daily, On demand (no reminder needed). Then tap Next.
Add “When would you like to be reminded? Time and Dose.
Enable next to where it says, “Enable Critical Alerts”.
Tap Next.
Next, you will be asked, “Do you want to get reminders to refill your inventory?” If yes, enable next to where it says Remind Me.
Next select your Current Inventory and Remind me when.
Click Save.
It will ask you, What do you take this for? Make a selection and then click Add.
Then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click All set!
It may ask you to click Allow notifications.
Both apps are free to start, simple to use and highly rated, making them great choices for organizing medications and health records.
Smart pill dispensers add another layer of safety by automatically releasing the right dose at the right time, reducing risky mistakes.(Armin Weigel/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Smart pill dispensers prevent risky mistakes
Even with phone apps and reminders, some people prefer a hands-off solution. That’s where smart pill dispensers come in. These devices automatically release the right dose at the right time, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting or double-dosing.
For older adults, this can reduce dizziness or grogginess from medication mistakes, issues that often raise fall risks. Dispensers also provide peace of mind for caregivers who want to be sure their loved one is staying on track.
What to look for in a smart dispenser:
Built-in reminders (lights, sounds or phone alerts)
Dose tracking so you can confirm meds were taken
Caregiver notifications if a dose is missed
Smart dispensers cost more than apps, but they add an extra layer of safety and independence for anyone juggling multiple prescriptions.
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Staying on top of medications can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to manage it alone. With the built-in tools on iPhone and Android, plus easy-to-use apps, you can take control of your health with just a few taps. These features give you peace of mind, help you stay consistent and make doctor visits less stressful. For those who need extra support, smart pill dispensers add another layer of safety. They take the guesswork out of managing multiple prescriptions and provide reassurance for both you and your loved ones. By combining apps, reminders, and devices, you can create a system that fits your lifestyle and keeps your health details organized.
Would you be more likely to rely on your phone’s built-in health app or a dedicated reminder app to stay on top of your medications? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
Apple recently unveiled three new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. With its $799 price tag, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is clearly aimed at a niche, high-end market and athletes. For most consumers, the purchasing decision likely lies between the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Apple Watch Series 11, starting at $249 and $399, respectively.
Despite its lower price tag, the Apple Watch SE 3 comes with much of the same software as the Series 11. If you’re looking for a straightforward smartwatch with essential features like step counting and sleep tracking, the SE 3 is an excellent and affordable choice.
While the Series 11 and Ultra 3 offer modest improvements over their predecessors, the SE 3 has received a significant upgrade from the SE 2. The smartwatch jumps from the S8 chip to the S10 and now features an always-on display, supports fast charging, offers better crack resistance, introduces new health features, includes a wrist-temperature sensor for advanced sleep tracking and retrospective ovulation insights, and more.
Image Credits:Apple
Although it’s not as flashy as the Series 11 and Ultra 3, it definitely stands out and packs great value, especially for first-time buyers. The gap between the standard and budget smart watches has never felt smaller.
Of course, if you want access to more advanced health features, better battery life, and a larger display, the Series 11 would be the better option for your needs. But, it’s worth comparing both models because the SE 3 might be all you need.
We’ll walk you through the similarities and differences between the two smart watches to help inform your decision.
Similarities between the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3
Image Credits:Apple
S10 chip: Both models come with the same chip, which means there won’t be significant differences in performance.
Always-on Retina display: The watches can display the watch face and time, even when your wrist is down.
Heart health features: Both watches feature high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, and low cardio fitness notifications.
Wrist flick and double tap gestures: Both models let you do a “wrist flick” gesture to dismiss notifications and timers, and a “double tap” gesture to trigger actions like answering calls or playing music.
Emergency SOS: The watches can quickly call local emergency services, share your location, and notify your emergency contacts once you press and hold the side button.
Fall detection and crash detection: Both watches can automatically alert emergency services and designated emergency contacts when a hard fall or severe car crash is detected.
Water resistant to 50 meters: Both watches can be used for swimming.
Sleep tracking: Both models feature sleep tracking, sleep tracking notifications, and Apple’s new Sleep score, which gives you a number on a scale of 1 to 100 for how well you slept. They both also have temperature sensing, which can provide insight into your wellbeing by tracking nightly changes in your wrist temperature.
Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates: The watches can determine when you most likely ovulated in your previous cycle.
Fast charging capabilities: Both watches are fast-charge capable (up to 80% charge in about 30 minutes for the Series 11 and up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes for the SE 3. 15 minutes for up to 8 hours of normal use for both models).
Find iPhone: Both watches let you press a button to play a sound on your iPhone to help you locate it. However, the Series 11 does feature “precision finding,” which means it can pinpoint the exact location of your phone.
Differences between the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3
Battery life: The Series 11 can last up to 24 hours (28 hours in low power mode), while the SE can last up to 18 hours (32 hours in low power mode).
Health features: The Series 11 comes with more advanced health tracking features, including hypertension notifications (detects high blood pressure), an electrical heat sensor, an ECG app, and Blood Oxygen app.
Screen and display: The Series 11 can reach up to 2000 nits, while the SE 3 goes up to 1000 nits. Plus, the Series 11 features a wide-angle OLED, while the SE 3 has a simple OLED display.
Size: The Series 11 is available in 46mm and 44mm sizes with aluminum or titanium cases, while the SE 3 comes in 44mm and 40mm sizes with an aluminum case. Additionally, the Series 11 is almost 10% thinner than the SE 3.
Color: The Series 11 comes in aluminum colors: Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Gray, and titanium colors: Natural, Gold, and Slate. The SE 3 comes in Midnight Aluminum and Starlight Aluminum.
Other smaller differences: The Series 11 comes with a depth gauge to 6 meters, a water temperature sensor, 1 nit minimum brightness (vs 2 nit minimum brightness on the SE 3), and certified IP6X dust resistance.
The iPhone Air has been available for a week as of the publication of this post, and the top complaint I keep hearing about the super-skinny phone is not even that its battery may not last long enough or that it may scratch easily, but that there’s only one back camera. Everyone seems willing to wait for Apple to add an ultrawide lens to next year’s presumably named iPhone Air 2. I wouldn’t bet on that. Get the iPhone Air now, or buy an iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro if you really need an ultrawide camera. I don’t think the iPhone Air is getting a second rear camera anytime soon.
Once you’ve held the iPhone Air in your hand, you’ll understand why I called it a magical sheet of glass in my review. It truly feels like you’re holding a screen and nothing more. Its camera “plateau” is thicker than the rest of the iPhone Air, not only because it houses the 48-megapixel “Fusion camera,” which itself has a lens and optical image stabilization module that requires more girth, but it also—importantly—contains pretty much all of the phone except for the battery.
“To make something this thin, we had to redesign our iconic plateau,” waxes Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer for iPhone in Apple’s “Awe Dropping” keynote. “Precisely machined from both sides, it’s sculpted to fit our custom-made cameras, chips, and key system modules.”
John Ternus, Apple’s SVP of hardware, added, “The inside was precision-milled for more space, creating room for the rear camera, front camera, speaker, and even Apple silicon.”
Are you getting it? No? Let me translate that in normal lingo: there’s no f*cking room to fit an ultrawide camera. This image showing everything inside the plateau has been stuck replaying over and over in my head as people tell me why they aren’t getting an iPhone Air despite loving the feel. There is literally no more space for another camera sensor and lens.
By cramming the A19 Pro chip, N1 wireless connectivity chip, C1X modem, speaker, the 18-megapixel Center Stage camera, and other phone stuff into the plateau, the rest of the iPhone Air is nearly all battery. But unless Apple can figure out how to shrink the already tiny components even smaller, there’s just no way future generations of the iPhone Air will get the camera.
You’re probably thinking: but Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge has two cameras in its own camera plateau. While they may both house cameras, the plataeus are different. The iPhone Air’s plateau houses more than just its camera sensors; the S25 Edge only contains the cameras.
Apple could grow the iPhone Air plateau, extending it further down the body, but then it wouldn’t be able to fit as large a battery. Now, it’s possible Apple could use a silicon-carbide battery in future iPhone Airs. These kinds of batteries just started making their way into phones in the last year or so. They’re smaller and thinner, while having just as much capacity as regular lithium-ion batteries. A silicon-carbide battery would allow Apple to rearrange the components in the iPhone Air to make room for a second camera sensor, but that would also come with one potential downside: thermals. In the first-gen iPhone Air, the A19 Pro is inside the plateau, which keeps heat away from the backside. There’s no vapor chamber like there is in the iPhone 17 Pros to keep the chip from frying an egg when it’s pushed hard.
The plateau is even more of a “pragmatic optimization,” as Ive once said of the iPhone 6’s camera bump, which now seems inoffensive in comparison to the iPhone Air’s and iPhone 17 Pros’ mounds. Even with so many Apple industrial design vets having defected to Jony Ive’s LoveFrom or simply retiring, Apple is worth $3 trillion and has some of the best designers and engineers. It can redesign the iPhone Air to fit an ultrawide camera if it really wants to, but it probably won’t. It’s easier to sell “Pro” iPhones with the extra camera lenses. So don’t sleep on the iPhone Air if you’re holding out for the extra lens. You’ll just be disappointed when it doesn’t happen.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is already available on Amazon, and you can pick up select color and case combos for $10 less than Apple’s base price. The newest generation of Apple’s smartwatch was just revealed this month at the company’s iPhone 17 event in Cupertino.
The Series 11 packs some new features like 5G connectivity on cellular models, a more scratch-resistant screen, new sleep features, improved battery life and a hypertension alert system that just received FDA clearance. The GPS-only version is our top pick for Best Apple Watch in 2025.
Apple
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is $10 off select color and band combos.
In our hands-on review, we gave the Apple Watch Series 11 a score of 90 out of 100, noting its thin and light design, the excellent battery life, a nifty new wrist-flick gesture and its comprehensive approach to health and fitness monitoring. It is relatively pricey however, and the Watch SE 3 is probably enough for most users, but the Series 11 has a brighter and larger display, a thinner design, longer battery life and more advanced health features.
For anyone who hasn’t bought a new Apple Watch in a few years, the Series 11 is a worthy upgrade. If you’re in the market for your first Apple Watch, then this model would be a great one to start with. If you’re rocking a Series 10, then you probably don’t need to upgrade now unless the improved battery life will mean that much to you.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is available on Amazon in all sizes, colors and connectivity options. There are a few case color and band combinations that are $10 off Apple’s base price.
On the heels of the iPhone 17 lineup being released last week, you can pick up Apple’s 25W MagSafe charger for a song. The two-meter version of the more powerful charging cable has dropped by 29 percent from $49 to $35. That’s a record-low price.
As it happens, that actually makes the two-meter version of the cable less expensive than the one-meter variant. The shorter cable will run you $39 as things stand.
Apple
The two-meter version of Apple’s more powerful MagSafe charger has dropped to a record-low price.
If you have an iPhone 16, iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, this cable can charge your device at 25W as long as it’s connected to a 30W power adapter on the other end. While you’ll need a more recent iPhone to get the fastest MagSafe charging speeds, the charger can wirelessly top up the battery of any iPhone from the last eight years (iPhone 8 and later). With older iPhones, the charging speed tops out at 15W. The cable works with AirPods wireless charging cases too — it’s certified for Qi2.2 and Qi charging.
The MagSafe charger is one of our favorite iPhone accessories, and would pair quite nicely with your new iPhone if you’re picking up one of the latest models. If you’re on the fence about that, be sure to check out our reviews of the iPhone 17, iPhone Pro/Pro Max and iPhone Air.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
First off, I don’t stand anywhere on the iPhone versus Android phone debate.
I still use a BlackBerry Curve 9300 from 2007. It has no internet or email, but I 85% of the time I pull it out in public, someone says, “oh shit! A BlackBerry!”
Apple’s new iPhone 17 is now widely available across the US and Canada, which has given X users enough time to make jokes about it.
Again, I’m non-partisan here — I just like to laugh.
It seems phone users (both Apple and Android) are complaining about how easy the phone gets scratched, it’s $1,099 starting price point, and how similar it is to past models.
The European Union has summarily rejected to repeal and replace its Digital Markets Act (DMA), the law that governs much about how giant tech companies must operate within the 27-nation bloc. As by France 24, EU digital affairs spokesperson Thomas Regnier responded to Apple’s open letter regarding the DMA’s effect on users in the EU.
“Apple has simply contested every little bit of the DMA since its entry into application,” said Regnier. He added that the Commission had “absolutely no intention” of dismantling the DMA. The landmark legislation was in an effort to rein in the ever-growing reach and power of big tech and to level the playing field for smaller would-be competitors.
Since then, Apple has found itself in hot water in the EU over its , and its . Earlier this year, the Commission approximately $570 million for anti-competitive activities, which the company is .
This summer, the Commission opened a period of for the DMA with a deadline for submission of September 24. Apple , while also taking the time to publicly decry the DMA through a .
In the post, Apple says “it’s become clear that the DMA is leading to a worse experience for Apple users in the EU.” The company says it is “urging regulators to take a closer look at how the law is affecting the EU citizens who use Apple products every day,” alleging that the implementation of these laws is opening users to higher risks of scams, exposure to harmful apps and weakened security surrounding user data.
The back-and-forth over the DMA and the hefty fines being levied against big tech companies has become part of the political discourse amid trade negotiations between the US and the EU. President Donald Trump at American companies facing such heavy fines, and The Wall Street Journal alleged that the EU was using these fines in part as a in trade negotiations.
The accessories below aren’t as great as the top picks in this guide, but they’re still good options if you’re looking for more MagSafe gadgets.
Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for $30: Using Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, you can wirelessly use your iPhone as a webcam for a MacBook. It supports various video calling apps too, from FaceTime to Zoom. This circular silicone puck magnetically sticks to the back of your iPhone and can be used as a phone grip or kickstand, but you need to keep your screen close to a 90-degree angle, or else the weight of the iPhone will drag the screen back or forward. There’s also a mount for external displays, in case you want one for your home desk setup.
STM Goods MagPod Smarter Phone Stand for $31: I’ve been carrying this mini tripod from STM Goods all over my apartment. When I’m not using it to see notifications at a glance at my desk, I’ll place it on my kitchen counter to stream TV shows while cooking dinner, on my coffee table to FaceTime with friends while on the couch, or on the bathroom sink to listen to podcasts while doing my makeup. I’ve also used it to shoot video. It has a magnetic disc with a socket that moves around smoothly, allowing you to position it at multiple angles. The retractable legs are sturdy too, even while tapping through notifications or typing out texts. They fold in neatly into a compact size, making it easy to travel with.
Casetify Wireless Car Charger for $70: I’ve been using this for over a year. It’s easy to install, has MagSafe support (with a USB-C cable) and an adjustable ball joint for various viewing angles, and it’s Qi 2-certified with a 15-watt rate. It’s a bit more affordable than Belkin’s and comes in several fun patterns. (I have the Penguin design, and it’s tough not to smile while looking at it.)
iOttie Velox Pro Magnetic Wireless Cooling Charger for $80: This iOttie option has a suction cup (if your vents are awkward, or you just prefer a dash or windshield mount) that has strong magnets to keep it in place. The telescopic arm also has a ball joint to give you a wide range of movement to find the ideal position. The 7.5-watt charging rate is disappointing, but the USB-C charging cable is removable, so you can detach and stow it when your iPhone is charged. The built-in fan also helps to keep the temperature down when the sun is out.
MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) for $60: This little orb has three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports on the back, and over on the front is a Qi2 wireless charging pad that can recharge your phone. It’s great for workstations where you need to plug in a lot of gadgets. Each of the USB-A ports dishes out 12 watts, and the USB-C ports can output 67 watts, though this lowers if other ports or the pad are in use.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
A MagSafe SSD Enclosure for $60: If you have an iPhone Pro Max and you want to tinker with Apple’s more advanced video recording formats (ProRes 4K at 60 frames per second or higher), well, you’ll run into one big problem immediately: You can’t natively record without an external storage device. You’ll need a solid-state drive plugged into your iPhone, and it will record your video directly to the external storage. But a dangling SSD doesn’t sound very safe, right? They don’t transfer power or data via MagSafe but merely attach to the back as a convenient way to store the SSD while recording.
Casely Grippy for $25: When Octobuddy (the original suction phone mount) started to get popular, I really wanted one. But since it uses adhesive to attach to your phone, the thought of all the dust and germs the suction cups would collect kept me from trying it. This one from Casely is one of the few that has MagSafe support. It works well, for the most part. I’ve stuck it on kitchen cabinets, mirrors, the refrigerator—basically whatever surface is around. But when sticking it on said surface, I recommend applying extra pressure to make sure the suction cups are really stuck on there. Otherwise, it’ll slide off, and your phone will go with it.
MagSafe is the name of Apple’s accessory system integrated into the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 ranges. A ring of magnets on the back of the phone (and in MagSafe cases) can help transfer power more precisely and faster than traditional wireless chargers. However, it’s also a handy way to hold an accessory in place, like a wallet, or to mount the iPhone without requiring clamps.
Although MagSafe is a term made by Apple, Android phones like the Google Pixel 10 are getting MagSafe-like features with the new Qi2 standard. Most of the time, a MagSafe accessory will work without issues with Qi2 devices.
Make Sure Your Case Has MagSafe Too
If you use a case with your iPhone, make sure it’s a MagSafe case (it should have its own ring of magnets inside). A standard case will just weaken the magnetic attachment between the iPhone and the MagSafe accessory. A MagSafe case will maintain the magnetic strength, and sometimes case-makers use stronger magnets for a more secure attachment. We have lots of recommendations in our iPhone case guides:
Is MagSafe Compatible With Android?
Natively, no. MagSafe won’t work with most Android phones. However, there are MagSafe cases for certain Android phones, like the Google Pixel series or Samsung Galaxy phones, and these cases have a similar (if not the same) magnetic ring inside, allowing you to use many of the same MagSafe power banks, wireless chargers, and other accessories, though your mileage may vary. Several accessory companies also include or sell the MagSafe magnetic component that you can stick to the back of your smartphone to enable compatibility, though I’ve never used one I really like.
The Qi2 wireless charging standard is changing all of this. Qi2 adds the Magnetic Power Profile, which is based on MagSafe. That means Qi2 phones feature a similar magnetic attachment system, enabling MagSafe accessories to work with more devices, no case needed. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Android phones with Qi2 natively baked in. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, for example, are “Qi2 Ready” phones because you need a magnetic case to enable the Qi2 functionality as there’s no magnets built into the phone. The recent Google Pixel 10 series is the first range to fully support Qi2, so we should see more devices throughout the next 12 to 18 months.
That’s why you may also start seeing “Qi2” MagSafe devices—the latest iPhones all support Qi2, and any device you buy with Qi2 will offer maximum compatibility.
On an iPhone or iPad, the process is only slightly different. Open System Settings, go to the Accessibility section, then the Display & Text Size section. From here you can tap the Reduce Transparency toggle. Do so and all the various glassy bits of the user interface will become solid.
I recommend changing this setting and seeing how you like it. It’s not a perfect fix, but it disables the most distracting part of Liquid Glass: the constant distorted transparency. I also tested this tweak on an old iPad that was feeling slow after the iPadOS 26 update, and it’s downright snappy now.
A Few Other Suggestions
Reducing transparency really undoes the worst part of Liquid Glass, but you can go a little further. Here are a few more tips.
The Increase Contrast option is in the same menu as Reduce Transparency. Toggling it will put an outline around all the arguably too-subtle edges and outlines throughout the operating system. It makes the interface elements on the screen look outright retro, which some people may not love, but give it a shot if you find it hard to see the edges of things while using your devices.
If you’re finding your older device runs slowly, even with reduced transparency, I recommend also toggling the Reduce Motion setting, which you can find in Accessibility > Motion. Toggle this setting and the various animations used by the operating system will be simplified. This should result in a device that feels faster and more responsive.
Before and after: On the right, you can see the elements on the iPhone’s screen are less transparent, the text is easier to read, and the background is free of visual clutter.
Courtesy of Justin Pot
Finally, on your iPhone, the toolbar in Safari, the default web browser, has been condensed in the latest update. Doing things like seeing all of your tabs now requires multiple taps. You can get the old toolbar back in System Settings by heading to Applications > Safari and scrolling down to the Tab Style section. Tap Bottom or Top, depending on your preferences, and you’ll find the old toolbar back.
Like I said: None of this will give you back the old, pre-Glass operating system you preferred. These tweaks do roll back the worst parts of the changes, though, so give them a shot if you’re annoyed.
This past April marked the 10-year anniversary of the Apple Watch. Those early aluminum, stainless steel, and—yes—18k gold models launched without a clear idea of what they were for. Apple wanted its smartwatch to be a fashionable timepiece, a fitness tracker, a cellphone, a music player, a turn-by-turn navigator, and more. It seemed obvious that the Apple Watch could eventually replace the iPhone. A decade later, that is not only not the case, it’s looking like it may never be, though the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is ever closer (but still a far way off) from that dream.
Starting at $800, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not cheap. That’s the same price as an iPhone 17—a whole damn computer with great cameras, not an accessory for your phone. The first Apple Watch Ultra targeted adventurers and outdoorsy types like divers, justifying the price and large size as fitting for these groups of people who want a bigger screen, longer battery life, more precise GPS, and a customizable Action button.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the biggest and most feature-packed smartwatch that Apple sells, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to upgrade.
Pros
Big screen
Satellite connectivity is useful for emergencies
Even longer battery life
Rugged and durable
Sleep Score is great
Cons
Too still huge
Still $800
Only two colors
Fast forward three years, and I see people donning Apple Watch Ultras on their wrists even if they’re not going mountain climbing or scuba diving. My sister gifted her husband an Apple Watch Ultra because he’s got a big wrist. I have several friends with dainty wrists, and yet they don’t seem to care that the Apple Watch Ultra looks massive because the screen is large and the battery lasts for 2 to 3 days on a single charge. The Apple Watch Ultra is no longer just for enthusiasts; Ultra just means you get the most features in Apple’s smartwatch lineup.
That pretty much sums up the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It’s still the same design as the first and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, except now it has some more stuff. Do you need all the new features? Read my helpful little guide here. Otherwise, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is just a better version.
I am not an Apple Watch Ultra user. I understand its appeal and, hell, I even like some chonky watches like G-Shocks, but I find the Apple Watch Ultra just too bulky; the case is too thick and the screen is too big. More power to you if these are things you want. The 49mm titanium case—in natural or black—is rugged, and the display is big by design. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better at surviving unpredictable outdoor weather and conditions compared to non-Ultra models, but anybody who simply wants the durability or easier-to-see display could appreciate it. Who am I to tell you that a smartwatch is too big if you want it? For the same reasons some people prefer the tank-like iPhone 17 Pro Max over the super slim iPhone Air and its tradeoffs, I’m more a regular Apple Watch “Series” guy than Ultra.
Invisible to the naked eye is how the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is produced. This time, instead of being CNC’d out of a block of aluminum, Apple is 3D-printing the cases using 100% recycled titanium, which not only wastes less of the metal, but is more environmentally friendly since it doesn’t require new mining. I’m not out here bashing my Apple Watch Ultra 3 review unit against rocks, so I can’t confirm the rigidity of the 3D-printed case, but I did have some startling contact with my kitchen cabinet doors and a pile of 40-pound cat litter boxes, where I thought I might have scuffed or chipped the black case. But nope, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 suffered no damage. Not even a scrape.
On the whole, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is virtually the same smartwatch as the Ultra 2. The screen is so minimally bigger because Apple thinned the black bezel around it that it’s not even measurable with a ruler. Nor does Apple even have an official display size spec for it. All of that’s to say you won’t be seeing more content on the sapphire crystal display. The screen is also equally as bright as the Ultra 2. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 display uses a more advanced LTPO 3 display technology versus LTPO 2, but that’s really more for power efficiency than making the screen any more visible.
There’s a new “Waypoint” watch face with a compass that I like the look of, even though I don’t need to know which direction I’m facing riding on the subway from Queens to Manhattan or Brooklyn. The watch face is also not exclusive to the Ultra 3; Ultra and Ultra 2 owners can get it with the watchOS 26 update.
Inside is a new S10 chip, but nobody is begging for more performance in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. watchOS 26 is as zippy and responsive as on my Apple Watch Series 9. If there’s anything the S10 chip enables, it’s 5G and satellite communications—two firsts for Apple Watches.
If you cannot entertain the idea of a big smartwatch on your wrist, even with the upsides of a larger screen and longer battery life, Apple is happy to sell you an Apple Watch Series 11 or an SE 3. Smartwatch size, after all, is a matter of personal preference. Though, you will only get the highest water-resistance rating (100m) on the Ultra models.
Even though the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is mostly a spec bump update, there are two features—hypertension notifications and Sleep Score—that may sway you if you have a first-gen Ultra or an Apple Watch model that isn’t getting the two features via watchOS 26.
I went into more detail on hypertension notifications and Sleep Score in a previous write-up. I’ve found both features to be very useful. Hypertension notifications work in the background after initial setup and are something you hope to never receive. Essentially, your Apple Watch Ultra 3 will send you a notification if it detects signs that you may have high blood pressure. The smartwatch isn’t measuring your blood pressure (it’s not a medical diagnosis), but merely using data from the optical heart rate sensor to correlate it against a “machine learning-based algorithm” for patterns typical of hypertension. The feature is FDA-cleared, which is different from FDA-approved, and means that Apple has demonstrated that hypertension notifications are safe and effective compared to other similarly marketed devices.
The same way I hope my Apple Watch will never have to call emergency services to alert them that I’ve fallen down, there is no reason not to turn on hypertension notifications. It’s a precautionary feature that could mean the difference between life and death. Since Series 4, Apple has positioned the Apple Watch not as a healthcare provider replacement, but as a health guardian. Hypertension notifications are just another addition to the Apple Watch’s, er, watchful eye.
Sleep Score is also the sleep tracking function that I think everybody has been waiting for. It’s catching up to other wearables and smartwatches, but in typical Apple fashion, presented better in every way. Sleep Score automatically kicks in when you fall asleep while wearing your Apple Watch Ultra 3. It measures duration, bedtime, and interruptions, and then presents them in a donut-shaped sleep ring along with a score. You’ll see your sleep classified as very low, low, OK, high, or excellent. You can scroll to see more detailed sleep data or open up the Health app on your paired iPhone to get even more in-depth metrics. All of this information is presented very clearly and in easy-to-understand charts.
I likened Sleep Score to Activity Rings. Seeing a “low” Sleep Score every morning really did make me want to achieve “OK” or even “high.” I’ll be impressed if I ever see “excellent,” given how erratic my sleep is. But that’s the whole point of Sleep Score—to help you build daily routines that improve your sleep. We commoners may think burning the midnight oil is the way to get ahead, but sleep is health, and health is wealth. Billionaire Bill Gates and multimillionaire Arianna Huffington attribute good, consistent sleep as the secret to living longer and healthier lives. Huffington even wrote a whole book on sleep and its unappreciated powers. (My cats, Lemons and Kiwi, who sleep 12+ hours every day, also corroborate that good sleep is essential to happiness.)
Now, am I saying the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been successful at bullying me into winding down at my set schedule every night and getting enough shuteye? I wish it were, but I’m only human, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t prone to ignoring my Sleep Score on some days to stay up and rot my brain with Netflix and Switch 2. Maybe you’re more disciplined than I am. I have tons of friends who are addicted to closing their Activity Rings because it’s gamified in a way. If seeing a number and a donut that gets thicker or thinner helps you sleep better, then why the hell not?
You don’t need to buy an Apple Watch Ultra 3 to get hypertension notifications or Sleep Score. Hypertension notifications are free in watchOS 26 for Apple Watch Series 9 and later, or Ultra 2. If you have an Apple Watch Series 6 and later, SE 2, or Ultra and later, the update also adds Sleep Score.
Some half a decade after 5G promised to revolutionize smartphones with wicked fast data speeds and make poor connections a thing of the past, the cellular connection is finally available on all three 2025 Apple Watch models. Unfortunately, that doesn’t really translate to any noticeable real-world benefit. Cellular connectivity on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not considerably faster than on my Apple Watch Series 9. Built-in 5G is more for futureproofing. One day, 4G networks will be turned off the same way 2G and 3G networks were sunset. But that’s many years ahead, and who knows if the Ultra 3 will even be functional by then.
However, the new wireless connection exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 that you might appreciate is satellite connectivity. Like the feature on iPhones, the satellite connection on the Ultra 3 works the same. You can use it to communicate with emergency services (Emergency SOS), send messages to contacts, or share your location via Find My app. How you access satellite services on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 tells you how Apple intends people to use the feature: not often, and likely only when you can’t connect to a 4G or 5G cell tower. There’s no satellite app on the honeycomb “home screen.” Instead, you access satellite services by adding a shortcut button within Control Center.
Using satellite services on the Ultra 3 works just like on a supported iPhone. First, you need to be outside to establish a connection to a satellite in the sky. Then, you move your wrist left and right to connect, which can take a few seconds depending on where you are and what your line of sight to the sky is. Once connected, you can tap through buttons for the three features; you don’t need to keep your wrist aimed at the sky anymore. It works well, and contacts you send messages or your location to will see a label that you communicated via satellite. This is for them to know that you’re out of civilization range and may need aid if you haven’t made it safely back.
Again, the fact that satellite services is an opt-in setting, not an app, that you need to turn on within Control Center tells you it’s for either emergencies or just check-ins. You won’t be using satellite services daily, unless you’re living off the grid all the time. But even then, satellite connections are not as fast as cellular. It’s a nice feature to have for those just-in-case moments, but you have to ask yourself whether it’s worth buying a gadget with reassurance features you’ll hopefully never need to use.
Apple’s biggest and best smartwatch, but it may not necessarily be yours
The same way an iPhone 17 Pro Max is just a newer iPhone with improved features, an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is still just an Apple Watch. You get some new stuff because it’s the shiny new smartwatch, but it’s fundamentally the same device. It’s no longer like the early days of the Apple Watch when new features felt foundational with each generation or two.
Do you really need a big, thick smartwatch with all its features? Could you make do with fewer features to save some money? The Apple Watch Ultra 3, specifically, has everything that Apple could fit into a 49mm case design. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for your needs and wrist size. If my Apple Watch Series 9 didn’t work just fine (and get hypertension and Sleep Score with watchOS 26), I would consider the Apple Watch Series 11 over the Ultra 3 simply because of its smaller size (I don’t need an Action button or up to 42 hours of battery life). The Apple Watch SE 3 is an incredible value for $250 if you want just the basics, but it’d be a downgrade from my model. Before I picked up a Series 9, I had a Series 4, and before that, the original “Series 0.” That’s the thing about Apple Watches—they last several years until software updates make them too slow or incompatible with iPhones.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an excellent smartwatch if its size and feature set appeal to you. But you absolutely don’t need to upgrade if you have a model from recent years. Get the Apple Watch size that literally fits your wrist best or has the features you want the most. As for Android users, you’re out of luck again since you still need an iPhone to set up any Apple Watch. Fortunately, there are great Wear OS options like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8, Google’s Pixel Watch 4, and the OnePlus Watch 3 series.
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