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Apple's $900 Mac mini ships with its latest M6 processor, offering far more power than most everyday apps need, though its base 256GB storage can fill up quickly. Cheaper MacBooks exist, like the Neo, but they compromise with only 8GB of RAM and an A18 Pro chip borrowed from the iPhone 16 Pro, while the $1,100 MacBook Air still uses the older M5 chip with 16GB of RAM.
A tech advisory highlights risks of using adhesive screen protectors on MacBooks, noting they can degrade display clarity and, more seriously, damage the anti-reflective coating when peeled off. Thicker protectors may also prevent the laptop from closing properly, risking further screen damage from the hinge mechanism. The report points to magnetic alternatives, such as Kensington's UltraThin Magnetic Privacy Screen Filter sold on Apple's site, as safer options.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro will be 'significantly lighter' due to miniaturized and rearranged internal components. The laptop is expected to feature an OLED touchscreen display and existing M5 chips rather than the M7 chips anticipated for early 2027, with a launch reportedly planned for next month alongside a new OLED iPad mini.
A weekend Apple deals roundup lists AirPods Pro 3 at $179 (down from $249), a $200 discount on the M5 MacBook Air, and a $500 price cut on a 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro. The roundup also covers AirTag 2 pricing on Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3 clearance, and early fall Prime Day discounts on HomeKit brands like ecobee and Eve, plus chargers from Anker, UGREEN, Baseus and Belkin.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, Apple's redesigned MacBook Pro will be 'significantly' lighter than current models, thanks to reengineered internals and miniaturized components. The laptops, expected within a month, will also be Apple's first with a touchscreen and Tandem OLED display, running M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than higher-end M6 parts.
Amazon has discounted the 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 chip and 512GB storage from $1,299 to $1,099 as part of its October Prime Day sale. The 15-inch model with the same storage capacity is also discounted, dropping from $1,499 to $1,299.
Apple's budget MacBook Neo, sold in a shade called 'Blush,' is currently the sole MacBook available in pink. The laptop is positioned for casual users and note-taking rather than creative or professional workloads. Apple's pricier MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models come only in neutral tones like Silver, Space Black, and a muted blue on the Air.
USB-C refers only to the physical connector shape, not a specific speed or charging capability, while Thunderbolt is a separate standard that happens to use the same USB-C connector on modern Macs. As a result, Mac models differ sharply: a MacBook Air-type machine may offer a 480 Mbps USB 2 port alongside a 10 Gbps USB 3 port, whereas the MacBook Pro M4 Pro includes Thunderbolt 5 ports capable of up to 120 Gbps.
Retailers are discounting several Apple and Apple-adjacent products ahead of the fall Prime Day sale, including a $500 cut on a 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro (now $2,699), markdowns on AirTag 2, an 80%-off Beats 360 Cushion Kit, and a new low on a 2026 Mac Studio with M5 Max. HomeKit brands ecobee and Eve are also running official discounts on smart plugs, switches and outlets, while Belkin's 25W MagSafe charging stations and various third-party chargers from Anker, UGREEN and Baseus are on sale.
Amazon's early fall Prime Day event now includes M5 MacBook Air models discounted as much as $150, alongside a $500 cut on a 2TB M5 Pro model and all-time low pricing on the single Apple AirTag 2. The sale also features Sharge's 300W smart display power bank at $50 off, new lows on Belkin 25W MagSafe charging stations, and Eve Matter/HomeKit accessories starting at $32. Separately, Twelve South launched its Airfly Drive wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adapter at $39.99.
The October 2 episode of 9to5Mac Daily summarized the day's top Apple stories, including rumors about an upcoming MacBook Pro and a report about an iPhone with a dual-display design. The podcast episode is available through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and the show's RSS feed, and is sponsored by the task-management app Stuff.
The Beaumont Independent School District's board approved an $11.19 million four-year lease to supply 14,585 Apple devices to students and teachers from pre-K through 12th grade. The deal includes over 4,000 iPads for younger students, 9,500 MacBook Neo units for grades 3-12, and 1,000 MacBook Neo units for teachers, replacing a Chromebook fleet that was costing the district nearly half a million dollars annually in repairs.