Two days after the release of iOS 18.4, Apple has begun the iOS 18.5 beta testing cycle. The first developer release landed on April 2, and we expect a wide release in May (or possibly late April).
The last few iOS versions had their x.5 releases in May, with only minor features and changes, and we expect the same this year, especially now that the anticipated new Siri has been delayed.
We haven’t yet discovered any new features in the iOS 18.5 beta, but we’ll update this section as we and the testing community uncover them. However, with the big Siri enhancements pushed back out of the iOS 18 update cycle and the iOS 19 beta starting at WWDC in June, we don’t expect much in the way of significant new features—just a few touch-ups, bug fixes, and security enhancements.
If you want to be among the first to test iOS 18.5, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Here’s how the new process works now:
It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer. Beginning with iOS 18.5, you don’t need to be in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:
Registered developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates.
Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 18 superguide.
macOS Sequoia arrived on Macs in September 2024, but the beta development continues and if you are a registered developer or registered as a public beta tester, you can continue to get the latest updates and try out new features still not available to the general public.
In this article, we’ll explain what’s in the latest version of the Sequoia beta, what you need to do to get your hands on a copy, how to install it, and what you should bear in mind if you don’t want to end up in a pickle. If you would prefer to use the latest official release of macOS Sequoia here’s how to update macOS on your Mac.
In the past, the developer beta was only available to developers who had paid to join Apple’s Developer Program (which costs $99/£79). However, for a couple of years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered developers with free developer accounts. We explain how to get a free developer account below.
Not that we recommend that you should get the beta if you aren’t a developer. Beta software tends to be buggy and a more stable public beta version is also available.
If you no longer want to run the beta version of macOS read this: How to remove the macOS beta.
It not yet known what is in the Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 for consumers. When we find out, we will update this article.
Below are the release note for developers:
Overview
The macOS 15.5 SDK provides support to develop apps for Mac computers running Sequoia 15.5 beta. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 16.4, available from the Mac App Store. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 16.4, see Xcode 16.4 Release Notes.
Pro Display Calibrator
Resolved Issues
- Fixed: Customizing display calibration using the Pro Display Calibrator causes a system reboot on 14-inch and 16-inch M4 MacBook Pros. (148038484)
StoreKit
Resolved Issues
- Fixed: Calling
isEligibleForIntroOffer(for:)will return false if there is no user account signed in. (146119524)
The public beta usually follows a few days after the developer beta is released. The Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 was released on April 2, 2025, so the public beta should be coming soon.
Foundry
The first version of the Sequoia developer beta of macOS 15 arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024. Beta 2 arrived on June 24.
The first public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024.
Developer beta 4 was released on July 23. The second public beta also arrived on July 23, 2024.
Developer beta 5 arrived on August 5 followed by the third public beta.
Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024.
Developer beta 7 and the fifth public beta of Sequoia were released on August 20.
On August 28, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8 and the sixth public beta of Sequoia. The release candidate of Sequoia arrived on September 9. The full version of Sequoia arrived on compatible Macs on September 16.
There were actually two versions of the developer beta. A second beta was running consecutively with the macOS 15.0 beta development. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta included Apple Intelligence features that are only available on M-series Macs (a iOS 18.1 beta was also in development separately with Apple Intelligence features for compatible iPhones). Apple started work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta on July 29. Beta 2 arrived on August 12, beta 3 was released to developers on August 28.
Initially this beta was only for developers, but Apple released a macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024, following the release of Sequoia to the general public. Eventually, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 release candidate was released on October 21 and a second release candidate 2 was released on October 24.
The final version of macOS Sequoia 15.1 arrived on compatible Macs on October 28.
On October 23, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 to developers. Version 15.2 introduced the second set of Apple Intelligence features. On November 20, Apple released the macOS Sequoia beta 4 to developers.
On December 5, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.2 Release Candidate. On December 9, Apple released the Released Candidate 2. The official release of 15.2 was on December 11.
On December 16, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 1 to developers. This beta includes the ability to create Gemoji.
On January 7, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 2 to developers.
Beta 3 of 15.3 came on January 16.
Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.3 release candidate (RC) to developers on January 21.
On February 19, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta to developers. It included Mail updates and Proximity Pairing with the iPhone.
On March 10, Apple released beta 3 to developers.
On March 17, Apple released beta 4 to developers.
On March 24, Apple released the Release Candidate 1 to developers. On March 27, Apple released a new RC that replaced the one released on March 24. On March 28, Apple released RC 2 to developers and RC 1 to the public.
On April 2, Apple released the Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 to developers.
Since 2023 the Developer Beta has been available to anyone who registers as a developer, even if they aren’t a paid-up member of Apple’s Developer Program. As a result, people with a basic free developer account are able to download the new macOS developer beta (we show you how to register below).
Whether you should download the developer beta if you aren’t a developer is another question. We don’t recommend you install the developer beta if you aren’t a developer. Instead, our recommendation is to use the public beta (the first verison of which usually arrives in July).
There are a few differences between the public and developer betas. The public beta is not the same as the beta that is released through the developer program.
Developers get updates to their beta first, and possibly more frequently. But you should keep in mind that betas are by nature not stable, and because the public beta comes after the developer beta it could be a little safer to install.
The most significant difference is probably the motive of the testers: Developers usually have the aim of ensuring their apps work when the updated macOS is released to the general public, while public beta testers are essentially helping Apple detect bugs and offering feedback on the features. Because of this developers may get to test new features not available in the public beta.
If you want to get the public beta the first thing you need to do, if you haven’t already, is join Apple’s beta programs read this for more information: How to become an Apple beta tester.
Apple
If you just want a free Apple Developer account so you can access the beta you can get this via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app on an iPhone:
If you wish to actually publish applications to the App Store or receive support, you’ll need to pay $99/£79 per year for a paid account. You can compare the free and paid accounts here.
The Sequoia developer beta should show up on your Mac if you are running macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, have paid $99/£79 to enroll in Apple’s Developer program (here) or if you have a free developer account (follow the instructions above).
When the Public Beta becomes available it will also show up on your Mac, as long as you have signed up for the Public Beta program on Apple’s beta webpage, signed the NDA, and enrolled your Mac.
Before you download a few warnings:
Foundry
If you are running macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier:
Apple changed the way it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. If you aren’t yet running that version of macOS you will need to download the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility or macOS Public Beta Access Utility.
If you were already running an earlier macOS Public Beta you’ll find the new macOS beta as an upgrade via Software Update. Just click on Upgrade Now. You may have to update to the latest version of your current beta before you can do so, if not follow the steps below to get the beta access utility.
Once you are running the beta the updates will come through to your Mac automatically, you just need to click to install.
That covers how to get the betas, but once you have them what can you do, and what should you do? We’ll cover that below.
By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Therefore it’s not advised that you install it on a Mac that you rely on. If you have a second Mac that isn’t mission-critical then install it there. We strongly recommend that you don’t risk all by putting the macOS beta on your primary macOS, especially not in the early days of the beta development.
If you don’t have a second Mac there are a couple of ways you could run macOS beta on your Mac without running the risk of losing data or finding your Mac stops working:
We discuss the safety of the macOS beta and the risks you might be taking in more detail in a separate article.
If the stability of the beta worries you then you are probably better off waiting until the final version is out, or at least waiting until testing has been happening for a few months before getting the beta.
Update your software: We recommend you have the latest full version of macOS installed, although Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.
Make space: We’d recommend at least 15GB of available space because the macOS betas tend to be very large. If you end up requiring more space read: How to free up space on Mac. Note that we always recommend that you have at least 10% space free on your Mac at any time, so if you don’t have that expect problems!
Back up: Before you install a beta on your Mac you should make a backup of your data and files. You can find out how to use Time Machine to back up your Mac. We also have a round-up of suitable backup solutions.
Should you come across an error or a bug you should use the Feedback Assistant app to provide feedback to Apple. Launch the app and follow the appropriate steps, selecting the area about which you’re providing feedback and then any specific sub-area. Then describe your issue in a single sentence, before providing a more detailed description, including any specific steps that reproduce the issue. You’ll also be able to attach other files.
You’ll also have to give permission for the Feedback Assistant app to collect diagnostic information from your Mac.
It won’t always be obvious whether something is a bug or just not as easy to use as you might have hoped. Either way, if your feedback is that something appears to work in an illogical way, Apple will want to know that.
If you are having trouble with a third-party app you can let Apple know by reporting it through the 3rd-party Application Compatibility category in the Feedback Assistant. However, we’d suggest that you also provide feedback to the app’s developer who will no doubt be grateful.
Beta users will be able to install the final build of the OS on release day without needing to reformat or reinstall.
According to Apple and the license agreement all beta testers must agree to, the beta is “Apple confidential information”. By accepting those terms, you agree not to discuss your use of the software with anyone who isn’t also in the Beta Software Program. That means you can’t “blog, post screenshots, tweet, or publicly post information about the public beta software.”
However, you can discuss any information that Apple has publicly disclosed; the company says that information is no longer considered confidential.
You can always revert to an earlier version of macOS, though depending on how you back up, it’s not necessarily a painless process.
Start by making sure the data on your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and install the latest public version of macOS. When you first startup your Mac you can use the Migration Assistant to import your data from the backup. Here’s a more detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta we also have a tutorial on downgrading to an older version of the Mac OS.
macOS Sequoia has been available for compatible Macs since September 2024, but further updates to Sequoia are expected over the next few months, with the latest major update being macOS 15.4, which arrived on Monday, March 31.
If you want to know what the new features are, whether you will be able to enjoy all of them, and if your Mac is even compatible with Sequoia, read on. We are also tracking any problems, the latest updates, and what’s new in the beta.
The latest version of macOS is called Sequoia, named after the California National Park and, more specifically, the world’s largest trees. Among the new features coming to Macs in Sequoia are iPhone mirroring, which puts your iPhone screen on your Mac’s display and lets you interact with it via your mouse and keyboard, a new Video conferencing presenter preview, and changes to Safari. In addition, developers will be easily able to port games between iPhone, Mac, and iPad.
The free software update brings a raft of interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new features. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about macOS 15 Sequoia including how to download it. We also link to various tutorials about how to use the new features. Some features will only work on Macs with an M-series chip, including several Apple Intelligence features that will offer help with writing, creating images, editing photos, and more.
Some people have been running Sequoia for some time, thanks to Apple’s beta testing program, which is continuing as Apple develops more new features for Sequoia. In this article, we also discuss what’s new in the developer and public beta as Apple continues work on the development of the operating system.
Update April 2: macOS 15.5 beta 1 is now available to developers
Apple released macOS 15.4 on March 31, 2025. The new features include Mail sorting features, Proximity Pairing, support for new languages with Apple Intelligence, and more.
On March 11 Apple issued an update to Sequoia. macOS 15.3.2 brought bug fixes and one major security patch for a 2023 flaw that affects iOS 17.2.
Apple released the macOS 15.3.1 update on February 10. The update does not include any detailed release notes and the Apple security release webpage states that “this update has no published CVE entries,” which means that it does not address any security issues filed with the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database. However, the update’s description states that it “provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.” iOS 18.3.1 was issued on the same day and addressed an “extremely sophisticated” security flaw relating to “A physical attack [that] may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device”, according to Apple. Apple revealed that this attack may have been used against targeted individuals.
On January 27, Apple released macOS 15.3. It offers Gemoji support, updates to the Calculator and Image Playground apps, and tweaks to the Notification summaries. It also includes bus fixes and security patches. This update also enables Apple Intelligence by default.
Apple released macOS 15.2 on December 11. It has a slew of Apple Intelligence updates including Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, advanced Writing Tools, and more. Additionally, there are a few tweaks and bug fixes, and various performance improvements and security updates. Version 15.2 also brought Apple Intelligence features to the U.K. and some other locations, although those features still aren’t available in the E.U. The update also included a fix for a System Integrity Protection vulnerability.
macOS 15.1.1 arrived in early December as an ’emergency update’ necessary to patch flaws in JavaScript and WebKit that Apple says “may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.” There is no release for Macs running macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 or Ventura 13.7.1, yet, but that update is likely to come soon.
macOS 15.1 arrived on October 28. This major update brings the first raft of Apple Intelligence features to Macs with the M-series chip. Initially Apple Intelligence features were only available in the U.S. but they arrived in some other locations with macOS 15.2.
macOS 15.0.1 was released on October 3, 2024. It did not contain new features, but it did include two important bug fixes. One bug fix corrected the error that led Messages to quit when replying to a message that shared an Apple Watch face. The other fix was for compatibility with third-party security software.
Apple released macOS Sequoia to the public earlier than usual, alongside iOS 18 on Monday, September 16. iOS 18, watchOS and iPadOS 18 were released at the same time.
For information about what is coming in the next version look at the latest version of the Sequoia beta section below.
Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.4 on March 31, 2025. A new beta cycle for the next update will come soon.
Apple released macOS 15.4 on March 31, 2025. It includes the following:
On January 27, Apple released macOS 15.3. It offers Gemoji support, updates to the Calculator and Image Playground apps, and tweaks to the Notification summaries. It also includes bus fixes and security patches.
On December 11, 2024 Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.2. This update brought the second round of Apple Intelligence features including improvements to Writing Tools, generative AI Image Playground, ChatGPT integration for Siri and Writing Tools, including:
macOS Sequoia 15.2 brought Apple Intelligence features to the U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Apple Intelligence still isn’t available in the E.U. due to regulatory problems.
Screenshot
Foundry
macOS Sequoia 15.1 includes a number of new AI features that work on M-series Macs, although only to those in U.S., or with their system set to U.S.
Outside the U.S. it was necessary to wait for Sequoia 15.2 for Apple Intelligence features to arrive (and even then only in certain locations).
Several third-party security tools have reported issues with the new version of the Mac operating system. Read more here: Hold off on updating to macOS Sequoia if you’re using cybersecurity tools.
Having problems with Sequoia? Read: How to downgrade macOS Sequoia to Sonoma
Apple released the Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 on April 2, 2025.
Apple’s beta testing program for developers and public testers has been running since June/July 2024 and will continue into 2025 as Apple adds more new features to macOS Sequoia.
If you want to install the beta on your Mac, check out our guide to how to install the Mac beta.
Sequoia beta 15.2.
Foundry
If you want to run the developer beta, you need to be a registered Apple software developer, which has both free and paid ($99/£79) versions. Since June 2023 Apple has opened the beta to all registered developers–so now everyone can get the earliest possible access to the macOS beta without paying a penny. Anyone can sign up for the Public Beta, which should be more stable than the developer beta, but it may still be unstable. By nature, beta software is not as stable as the final version–features may be implemented and then withdrawn, or they may not work properly, UI can change, and third-party app compatibility isn’t guaranteed.
Once registered, when you go toSystem Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac, you’ll see a new tab for Beta Updates, which will list the version of the beta you’re running. For example, if you want to install the developer beta select macOS 15 Public Beta, alternatively, if it’s the public beta you want, select macOS 15 Public Beta.
We explain How to join Apple’s beta program separately, including details of how to get a free developer account. If you want to install the beta, follow our macOS beta installation guide. If you then want to uninstall it, we have a guide for that: How to remove macOS beta.
The beta testing will continue even after Apple releases macOS Sequoia to the general public as Apple develops new features unavailable at launch.
Read How to join Apple’s beta program for more advice.
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Foundry
The following Macs get support for macOS 15.
There are two 13-inch MacBook Air models from 2018 and 2019 running Sonoma that won’t be able to install Sequoia. So if your MacBook Air was purchased before 2020 you are out of luck.
The compatibility list is becoming a pressing concern for users of Intel Macs. After Apple introduced its M-series Macs, the company said it would continue to support Intel Macs for several years, but it did not offer specifics. The clock is ticking on Intel Macs, but the last generation of Intel Macs remains on the macOS 15 compatibility list with a few Intel Macs that can run macOS Sequoia.
However, only Macs with an M1, M2, or M3-series chip will support the new AI features referred to as “Apple Intelligence.” That includes the following:
If your Mac can’t be updated to Sequoia that doesn’t mean you are completely abandoned by Apple. Apple will provide security updates for some Macs that don’t run macOS 15. Generally, Apple provides software updates for the past two versions of macOS. See: How long does Apple support Macs? On average, Macs get 6.6 years of macOS updates.
To find out which version of macOS and older Mac can run take a look at our macOS compatibility list.
As long as your Mac can run it, we recommend updating to Sequoia. The new features–all of which we discuss below–look enticing enough. We address how macOS Sequoia compares to Sonoma? in a separate article. We also run through 6 reasons why you need to upgrade to macOS Sequoia.
However, it’s wise to wait a week or so for the inevitable issues with the early release to be addressed: despite the beta program, there are often issues once the software update gets out into the wide Mac world. It’s also wise to wait because the download will likely take a lot longer if you try soon after it becomes available.
Refer to the problems and bugs section above to see if any of the identified issues might affect you.
Installing macOS Sequoia is a breeze. Open System Settings and go to General > Software Update; macOS will check for any available updates and guide you through the process of installing them. You simply have to follow the instructions, which we explain in our macOS updating guide. And it’s easier still if you’ve turned on Automatic Updates, which you can do from the same screen.
However, if you do encounter problems the following may be useful:
Many new features arrived in macOS 14 Sonoma in 2023 including changes to Widgets, a new Game Mode, the ability to easily turn web pages into web apps, and fun additions to video conferencing apps. Rumors suggested that there wouldn’t be many new features in macOS 15, with AI-related improvements in iOS 18 taking most of the development focus. However, some AI improvements are coming alongside iPhone mirroring on your Mac display, a new Presenter Preview for video conferencing apps, and Game Porting Toolkit 2 for porting games between Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Apple has announced numerous new features for the update which we will describe below. Not all the new features will be available at launch though. Some new features will come “later this year” in a subsequent software update.
iPhone mirroring is a new development of Continuity. Continuity is a feature that has existed on Macs for a number of years that means you can use your Mac together with other devices in a seamless way, making cut and paste, screen sharing and mouse and keyboard sharing possible across devices.
With the new ability to mirror an iPhone on a Mac’s display, it will be possible for a Mac to connect to an iPhone and display the iPhone screen on the Mac’s display. This way a user will be able to control their iPhone from their Mac, using the keyboard and mouse to interact. Drag and drop between the Mac and iPhone will also be possible. Users can also mirror the iPhone in a window on the Mac.
It will also be possible to launch their iPhone apps via their Mac. Any audio from the iPhone will play through the Mac’s speakers.
During any manipulation of the iPhone via the Mac, the iPhone will remain locked so nobody can see what is being done. It will also be possible to use the phone normally while it is connected to the Mac.
Users will also be able to receive iPhone notifications on a Mac. They will appear alongside Mac notifications. These can be interacted with even when the iPhone isn’t nearby. Click on a notification and be taken into the app on your iPhone via the Mac’s display.
Read: How iPhone Mirroring lets you access your iPhone on your Mac in macOS Sequoia
Apple
macOS Sequoia will bring a new, neater, way to arrange windows. When a user drags a window to the edge of the screen it will show a place on the desktop that you can slot that window into. This will make it easy to quickly arrange tiles side-by-side so that more apps are in view.
There will be new keyboard and menu shortcuts to help users organize tiles even faster.
Read: Why you don’t want to ditch your tiling window manager just yet and How to stop macOS Sequoia from resizing windows to fill your screen for when you get frustrated because macOS keeps changing the window size and you don’t know why!
Apple
A new presenter preview will show users what they’re about to share before they share it. This feature will work with Zoom and other apps, as well as FaceTime.
It will also be possible to apply built-in backgrounds with color gradients and wallpapers. Users will also be able to upload their photos. These Background replacements can be applied in various video calling apps, even mid-call.
Apple
Safari 18 will include several new features including a new Highlights feature which will help users discover information. The Reader feature is also getting a redesign to minimize distractions when you are reading an article. Joining the more streamlined version of the article that can already be accessed, users will see a summary and a table of contents for longer articles.
If there is a video on the page it will be placed front and center and the user will have access to playback controls and picture-in-picture playback will also be possible.
Other rumored features included a “Web Eraser,” and a new page controls menu. An update in 2025 is also said to be bringing an AI enhancement to Visual Lookup not just in Safari, but throughout the OS, although we are awaiting confirmation.
Read: How to use Distraction Control to remove ads and This new Safari feature lets you snap away annoying ads.
Apple
Apple is bringing the iCloud Keychain into the 21st century. Apple says the new Passwords app will make it even easier to access passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials all in one place. It will seamlessly syncs between both Apple devices and Windows with the iCloud for Windows app.
Apple
It had been rumored that Apple is working on a new Calculator app. It may be redesigned to resemble the iOS version, with new features including a history tape, revamped conversions, and a resizable window. Apple did reveal that it will be possible to see previous calculations with a history feature.
The Calendar app will allow users to manage Reminders. Users will be able to view events and tasks from Reminders in the Calendar. An updated Month View will also be available and both apps will see UI changes.
In 2023 Apple introduced the Game Porting Toolkit to help developers bring their games to Apple devices faster than ever. Now Game Porting Toolkit 2 adds the most-requested capabilities from game developers.
In addition, improvements to Game Mode on the Mac will unlock smoother frame rates, and advanced power management features boost performance across the Mac lineup.
Apple proudly shared details of several gaming titles that will be coming to the Mac, including:
Apple noted that they are “leveraging powerful software technologies like MetalFX Upscaling to accelerate performance and deliver high-quality visuals across the Mac lineup” and that they are “taking advantage of the latest M3 family of chips to deliver breathtaking visuals with ray tracing.”
Personalized Spatial Audio will result in significantly reduced audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
Several reports over the past few months have indicated that Apple is doing a lot of work towards AI, and that generative AI (using AI to create content) will have a big role in macOS. Those reports weren’t wrong.
Apple’s new personal intelligence system is coming to Mac, iPhone, and iPad with macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will only be supported by Macs with an M-series chip though, so Intel Macs will not offer these new features.
Read: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it is, what it does, and when you’ll get it
Apple Intelligence will help users enhance their writing and communications. Writing Tools are built in systemwide that will offer to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in writing-focused apps such as Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Apple
New image capabilities will also come to M-series Macs. In Image Playground, users will be able to create images in three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
A new Memories in Photos feature will create a video from photos and videos based on a description provided by the user. Apple Intelligence will pick out the photos and videos, develop a storyline based on the photos, and arrange them into a movie.
In addition, a new Clean Up tool will identify and remove unwanted objects from the background of a photo.
Siri is also getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is integrated into Siri. Because some queries will be handled off-device Apple is introducing Private Cloud Compute so that when data is sent to server-based models for processing it is not stored or made accessible to Apple
One of the simplest changes to Siri is that it will be easier to type to Siri rather than having to speak to the on-device assistant. Apple may have finally twigged that people don’t always want to talk to their phones.
Since Apple stopped using the names of jungle cats with macOS 10.9 Mavericks, it’s used California places to identify its annual OS updates. The last several years have been Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. Apple has trademarked several other place names, including Condor, Mammoth, Redwood, and Sequoia. But it’s anyone guess which Californian location macOS 16 will be named after.
But what next in terms of software? Expect even more Apple Intelligence features to come in the late 2025 update to macOS and expect that iOS, iPadOS and macOS will be closer than ever.
In the recent past, the release has come several weeks after the new version of iOS ships. Here are the release dates for the previous five versions of macOS:
If you need a tablet that will fit into your pocket, then the new iPad Mini A17 Pro is your best bet, especially now that it’s on sale. You can snag this iPad mini for $399 at Amazon, a savings of $100 and matching the best price we’ve ever seen.
We loved the iPad mini in our review and appreciated the speedier A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence and the Apple Pencil Pro. We gave it a 4-star rating and concluded that “the iPad mini is still a great tablet, perhaps the best at its size and better than larger, non-Apple tablets.”
This tiny tablet is only 8.3 inches across and can easily slip into a beach bag or backpack for summer outdoor activities. It features a gorgeous Liquid Retina display that delivers rich, vibrant colors and impressive contrast, and with the A17 Pro processor, you’ll be able to quickly load apps and games and switch between them without issue. You’re also sure to get OS updates for many years to come. The tablet also comes with 12MP front and back cameras so you can participate in video meetings or snap pics and videos with ease. And since it has the same excellent battery life as Apple’s other iPads, you’ll be able to take it on a trip or hike without worrying when it will need a charge.
So don’t miss out on the chance to get the new A17 Pro iPad mini for $399 at Amazon, it’s lowest price ever.
Grab the tiniest iPad for $100 offApple’s AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience, and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so it’s important to shop around for a good deal… or find a bunch of tech experts who’ll do this for you. That’s where we come in.
In this article, we round up the best AirPods discounts and deals to help you save money. We’ve got the best prices on the 4th-gen AirPods, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C, and the premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones which Apple has updated to use USB-C rather than Lightning.
Below you will find links to the best deals available right now. You’ll find more detailed advice and price comparisons for each model further down.
There’s an Amazon sale from 25 March at which we may see some discounts, in fact there are already some Early Spring Deals to be found. See: Amazon Spring Sale U.K. and Amazon Spring Sale U.S.
U.S.
U.K.
We don’t tend to see huge AirPods discounts in the U.K., but there are some small savings to be had here and there.
If it doesn’t have to be Apple AirPods have a look at the best earbuds we’ve reviewed, which includes the best deals on those models. We also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones.
Before you buy, note the following:
AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC were introduced in September 2024. The AirPods 4 start at $129/£129 with the ANC model costing $179/£179. With this in mind do not buy the AirPods 3 or AirPods 2 if they aren’t considerably cheaper than $129/£129.
The AirPods Maxwith Lightning were discontinued in favor of the AirPods Max with USB-C. In this case if you do see the older models on sale they are worth buying at a good discount.
The AirPods Proare often on sale as they are likely to be updated in 2025. They are still a good purchase and recently gained the ability to work as hearing aids thanks to a software update.
You can check the automated price comparison tables below to see if any retailers have dropped their prices since we last updated this article.
Some changes were announced at Apple’s September 2024 event, so make sure you’re up to date with the latest prices:
Discontinued:
You should never pay more than the prices above: we’ve seen unscrupulous retailers claim the MSRP/RRP is higher and work out ‘savings’ based on that.
Remember to take delivery and postage fees into account when evaluating deals; we include it in our list of prices but most retailers won’t add it until you’re at the checkout. And watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, but turn out to have no stock. We see this a lot.
Good AirPods deals are rare and tend not to last long. If you see one (and you’re sure the supplier is legit: look it up on TrustPilot if you’ve not bought from there before), grab it.
Apple sells two sets of basic (non-Pro) AirPods, both introduced at the 2024 Glowtime event: the 4th-gen model with active noise cancellation, and the 4th-gen model without. Best Buy is worth a look for some worthwhile savings in the U.S., while U.K. customers can save a little money across the range.
You can buy the 4th-gen AirPods directly from Apple, but you’ll find the best prices elsewhere in the automated tables below.
These replace the AirPods (3rd generation) and have a redesigned, smaller USB-C case that works with wireless charging and now has Find My functionality, with a built-in speaker for locating the device. They feature active noise cancellation, previously found only on the AirPods Pro and Max, and sport Apple’s H2 chip, which was introduced in the 2022 AirPods Pro and improves audio quality.
MSRP: $179/£179
Whereas the ANC AirPods 4 replace the 3rd-gen AirPods, these replace the 2nd-gen AirPods. They feature most of the features of the higher-priced model with the main exception of Active Noise Cancelation, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio.
MSRP: $129/£129
The 2nd-gen version of the AirPods Pro was released in September 2022. Rather than introduce the third generation in 2023, Apple instead tweaked them to support USB-C for charging (including charging via the iPhone 15) The Lightning models have now been discontinued, but will be available from other retailers for a while; make sure you’re getting the exact model you want.
This is the 2023 version with USB-C charging. You can also use an iPhone 15 to charge the case.
MSRP: $249 / £229
The AirPods Max, Apple’s wireless over-ear headphones, are available to buy directly from Apple for $549 / £499 (they were £549 in the U.K. before September 2023 when Apple dropped the price to £499).
The AirPods Max haven’t exactly been updated for 2024, beyond a new set of colors and USB-C instead of Lightning. These are still effectively the same as the 2020 models. It may still be possible to buy old models in the original colors for some time so we have included the best prices for the older model in the discontinued section of this article.
Find the latest prices in our automated table embedded below.
MSRP: $549/£499
One way to pick up a really good deal can be to buy discontinued AirPods which are often the first to be discounted.
Apple updated the ultra-popular AirPods in October 2021, after a wait of more than two and a half years. They were eventually discontinued in September 2024. Get all the info you need in our AirPods 3 review.
MSRP was: $179 / £179 (DISCONTINUED)
There was also a cheaper version of the AirPods 3rd generation with a case that has to be charged via Lightning, rather than wirelessly.
MSRP was: $169 / £169 (DISCONTINUED)
This older version of the AirPods was sold by Apple until September 2024, and may still be found at other retailers. Note that this version of the AirPods comes with an Lightning charging case that needs to be plugged in, as opposed to the wireless MagSafe charging case.
Check the automated table below for the latest deals.
MSRP was: $129 / £129 (DISCONTINUED)
This is the older version with a Lightning port for charging the case. You may still find them on sale.
MSRP was $249 / £249 (DISCONTINUED)
This is the older version of the original AirPods Max came in different colors and featured Lightning (rather then USB-C in the newer models). You may still find them on sale.
MSRP was: $549/£499
For an in-depth look at your options here, read Where to buy AirPods Max.
The best way to get a good price on AirPods may be to bundle them with a phone, although this is mainly an option in the U.K.
Phone network Three offers a variety of bundles that include the AirPods. Visit the company’s accessories page to browse the best options for you.
Vodafone and O2 aren’t currently bundling the AirPods with their iPhone plans, although O2 sells the 2021 AirPods, the early-2019 AirPods and the 2022 AirPods Pro on their own.
Whichever bundle you go for, remember to check if you’re getting the AirPods Pro, the early-2019 AirPods (sometimes called the second gen or AirPods 2) or the new 2021 AirPods (third-gen or AirPods 3). If you’re getting the AirPods Pro, find out if they include the new MagSafe charging case.
Wondering if a pair of AirPods is right for you? We have a guide to the Best AirPods, and you could read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models compare, but let’s quickly discuss the pros and cons.
Apple has launched various AirPods versions, several of which are still on sale:
All four non-Max models are wireless, sitting in your ears and in theory staying there through snugness of fit alone. The advantages of this are clear–they allow you to go running or work out without worrying about snagging the cables–but they may fall out once you pick up the pace. Our experience, however, is that the AirPods are among the best earbuds around in this regard.
The AirPods Pro offer a snugger fit than the others because they have a choice of flexible ear tips, and are actually able to tell you whether you’ve selected the right tip or not.
Sound quality is decent but not exceptional on the original and early-2019 models; the 2021 3rd gen AirPods were better, while the AirPods Pro are a step above thanks in part to their better fit and implementation of active noise cancellation. What AirPods consistently do better than non-Apple headphones is coordinate with other Apple products, thanks to the W1 chip (in the 2016 model) and H1 chip (2019 and 2021) which makes pairing with an iPhone a breeze.
Battery-wise, most non-Max AirPods will last around five hours, but that’s not the end of the story: they come with a little charging case with its own larger battery, so you can pop them back in for a quick charge. The case should offer another 24 hours (give or take) before it’ll require charging. The 2021 AirPods, however, offer more in this department, with claimed figures of six hours out of the case and 30 hours in total. We’ve got some advice on getting better AirPods battery life.
Apple’s 2nd gen AirPods can respond to Hey Siri commands, charge wirelessly if you opt for the Wireless Charging Case, and offer more talk time than the originals. Those features are kept in the 2021 3rd-generation models, with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ added to the mix. The 4th generation AirPods arrived in 2024 and add ANC to the mix.
The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones and essentially a completely different product to the rest of the AirPods range. They are a lot more expensive and a totally different proposition to the other AirPods. Audio quality is almost universally considered to be exceptional, but it’s debatable whether it’s exceptional enough to justify that premium price tag. And many reviewers have pointed out that the case is oddly designed, given that the one part of the headphones that it doesn’t protect–the mesh headband–is the one that’s most vulnerable to damage.The AirPods Max are an appealing prospect, but may not be practical for most budgets.
For more detailed advice and thoughts on the best alternatives to Apple’s three cheaper AirPods models, read our guides to the Best wireless earbuds and the best wired headphones.
RCL Trading nv 2025
Email: admin@computing911.com
