GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple has begun taking pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12, while retailers continue discounting older models. AirPods Pro 3 remain $50 off at $199, AirTag 2 is $20, and the M5 MacBook Air is up to $150 off at Amazon, alongside a record-low price on the 2026 Apple Studio Display and discounted Anker MagSafe chargers.
AppleCare has evolved from a simple flat-fee warranty into a tiered subscription system covering nearly every Apple product, including accessories like AirPods and Beats. Pricing varies by device, with theft and loss protection available only for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, and a new AppleCare One plan bundling three devices for $19.99 monthly, with $5.99 for each additional device.
Apple still sells wired EarPods alongside its AirPods lineup, offering a no-frills alternative for users who want simple audio without Bluetooth or battery concerns. The wired buds come in 3.5mm, Lightning, and USB-C variants, making them compatible with a broad range of devices at a low price point.
Apple's newest Pro-series iPhones bring a variable-aperture main camera, a new chip, improved battery life, and a black color option, but starting prices rose by $100 across the lineup, including older models. Alongside them, Apple released AirPods 5 with better active noise cancellation and stem-based volume controls on the pricier version, starting at $129.
Accessory maker ESR has launched a new product line timed to Apple's iPhone 18 launch, including its iPhone Duo foldable, the iPhone 18 Pro models, AirPods, Apple Watch and MagSafe wallets. The centerpiece is the Atelier Vegan Leather Magnetic Case with Flex Stand, built specifically to protect the Duo's hinge and dual screens without adding bulk. The case uses stain-resistant organic silicone leather and a rotating zinc-alloy stand designed to open and close smoothly.
9to5Toys compiled a weekend list of Apple product discounts, including pre-order savings on the new AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12, plus a $50 cut on AirPods Pro 3 and an all-time-low price on AirTag 2. Other highlights include a $500 discount on the 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro, an all-time-low deal on the entry Studio Display, and ongoing M6 Mac mini pre-order offers ahead of this month's shipments.
Apple's new AirPods 5 are now available for pre-order at $129 and $149, but Best Buy is offering trade-in credit that can bring the price down to as low as $64. Meanwhile, the flagship AirPods Pro 3 remain on sale for $199, and other discounts include $330 off a Studio Display XDR, a Ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 markdown, and AirTags returning to $20 each.
Apple has started taking preorders for its new AirPods 5 earbuds ahead of a September 18th launch, the same day as the Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The lineup includes a $129 standard model that now includes active noise cancellation, a feature previously reserved for pricier variants, and a $149 upgraded version with wireless charging, longer battery life, and stem-based touch controls for volume.
In a special episode of Happy Hour, Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller share hands-on impressions of Apple's newly unveiled iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5, including reporting from Apple Park. The episode also examines how John Ternus handled his first product event as Apple's CEO.
The September 10, 2026 episode of 9to5Mac Daily covers two major Apple stories: the rollout of AirPods 5 and reports of upcoming iPhone price increases. The podcast, sponsored by Stuff and iMazing, is available across major podcast platforms and includes a paid tier with ad-free and bonus content.
Apple introduced the AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case at its recent event, pricing them roughly $30 below the ANC-equipped AirPods 4. Hands-on impressions suggest the newer earbuds outperform their predecessor across the board despite the lower cost.
Apple unveiled the AirPods 5 lineup alongside its new iPhones, splitting it into a $129 standard model and a $149 version with a wireless charging case, swipe-based volume gestures, and Live Translation. Both versions now include active noise cancellation and IP57 water resistance, features previously reserved for pricier AirPods.