Latest Intelligence

Quick Answer: The United States has set a zero percent tariff rate on semiconductor imports from China until June 2027. This delay provides Apple and other tech firms a crucial 18-month window to continue diversifying their supply chains without facing immediate multi-billion dollar import cost increases.

• Strategic Grace Period: While the legal framework for new tariffs is now in place, the effective rate remains at 0% for the next 18 months. This "zero-rate" mechanism preserves regulatory leverage for the U.S. while preventing immediate price spikes for consumers.
• Sourcing Complexity: Although Apple's flagship A-series and M-series chips are made by TSMC in Taiwan, Apple still relies heavily on Chinese suppliers for essential secondary components, including power management ICs, display drivers, and connectivity controllers.
• Mitigating a "100% Tariff": Prior to this announcement, there were significant industry concerns that semiconductor imports could face a 100% tariff. The delay significantly lowers the risk for the upcoming iPhone 18 and MacBook M6 production cycles.
• Long-Term Diversification: The 2027 deadline aligns with Apple's $600 billion commitment to domestic manufacturing and infrastructure. The company is actively moving more assembly and component sourcing to India, Vietnam, and the United States.
• Supply Chain Clarity: The 18-month window allows Apple to finalize its transition to newer suppliers without the threat of sudden cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) inflation that could have mandated a mid-cycle price increase for existing hardware.
• Future Uncertainty: The specific tariff percentage to be applied in June 2027 remains unannounced; the government has committed to revealing the exact rate at least 30 days before the June 23, 2027 activation date.

Quick Answer: AppleInsider Reviews Editor Amber Neely shares her "utility-first" desk setup for late 2025. Centered around a sunny yellow M1 iMac and an M2 MacBook Air, her workspace prioritizes proven reliability and comfort over the latest hardware, blending professional Apple gear with personal creative hobbies like crochet and sketching.

• Primary Workstation: Amber continues to use her yellow 2021 M1 iMac as her main machine. Despite its age, it remains her favorite computer due to its ample screen and ability to handle daily tasks smoothly on macos.
• Mobile Setup: For work outside the home, she relies on an M2 MacBook Air. While she identifies as a "desktop person," the Air provides the necessary portability for occasional remote sessions.
• Key Accessories: Her setup includes a Lofree Flow mechanical keyboard with a number pad—essential for both typing and gaming—and a simple Logitech Design Series wireless mouse that recently replaced a failed unit.
• Ergonomic Furniture: Her desk is a Jaxson Compact sit-to-stand model, paired with a long-serving Sihoo M18 chair. She plans to upgrade the chair to a Pipersong model to better accommodate her active sitting style.
• Legacy iPad: An iPad Air 4 (over five years old) still sits on her desk, though its use is declining due to poor battery life. She expresses little interest in upgrading the tablet, as it primarily serves as a secondary screen on ipados.
• New Addition: One of the few updates in 2025 is the addition of a label printer sourced from eBay, which has significantly streamlined her process for shipping crafts and personal items.
• Lighting & Power: A BenQ ScreenBar provides directional lighting for late-night work, while a Mag:3 Classics Device Charging Tray manages her iPhone 17 and AirPods Pro 2, though she finds the tray difficult to keep clean.

• Apple Watch SE 3 Under $300: The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS 40mm) is featured as a top deal, currently priced at $299 (down from $329) on Amazon Canada.
• iPad Discounts: The 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip is seeing significant price cuts, with the 128GB model down to $389 (save $110) and the 256GB model at $549 (save $100).
• AirPods Sales: Multiple AirPods models are on sale, including the 3rd Gen AirPods with MagSafe for $178 and the premium AirPods Max for $648 (save $131).
• MacBook Air 2025 Deals: The latest 13-inch MacBook Air is discounted to $1,180, while the 15-inch model is available for $1,689, offering savings of up to $309.
• iPad Air & Mini Offers: The M3-powered 11-inch iPad Air is down to $799 (save $150), and the iPad mini (A17 Pro) 256GB is priced at $749.
• Essential Accessories: The Apple AirTag 4-pack is on sale for $99, and the Apple Pencil Pro has been reduced to $139 for Boxing Day.
• Limited Inventory: Tech writers warn that stock moves quickly during the Boxing Day period, especially for popular items like Apple Watches and entry-level iPads.
• Ecosystem Savings: Small add-ons like the Magic Keyboard Folio ($280) and Magic Mouse ($85) are also discounted, making it a good time to complete an Apple setup.

• Strategic Purge: Apple has quietly discontinued up to 25 devices and accessories in 2025 to streamline its lineup and prepare for the 2nm processor era of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
• End of the Home Button: The discontinuation of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) officially marks the end of the Home button and Touch ID era, with the iPhone 16e taking its place as the entry-level model.
• Non-AI Hardware Exit: Older models like the iPhone 14 and 15 are being phased out to ensure the current lineup meets the minimum performance baseline required for advanced Apple Intelligence features.
• iPad & Mac Refresh: Several M-series devices, including the iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra), have been retired to make way for newer M3 and M5 successors.
• Wearables Update: The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE (2nd Gen) were discontinued as Apple moves toward a more clearly differentiated smartwatch lineup for 2026.
• Accessory Transition: Apple is retiring legacy standards, including Lightning adapters and older MagSafe chargers, in a final push toward total USB-C and Qi2 charging adoption.
• Titanium Focus: The product cleanup is seen as a move to highlight the rumored titanium chassis and next-gen hardware of the "iPhone 18" flagship series.
• Inventory Impact: While discontinued, these products remain software-supported, and users may find significant price drops at third-party retailers while supplies last.

• iPhone 18 Series & Foldable: The fall lineup will feature the iPhone 18 Pro with under-display Face ID and a dedicated "iPhone Fold/Ultra" featuring a book-style crease-free design.
• Budget MacBook & iPhone 17e: A new low-cost MacBook (starting at $599-$699) and the iPhone 17e with the A19 chip are expected in early 2026 to target the budget market.
• iPad OLED & Spec Bumps: The iPad mini is rumored to finally receive an OLED display and A20 Pro chip, while the iPad Air moves to the M4 and the base iPad gets Apple Intelligence support.
• Apple Home Expansion: A new "HomePod Touch" with a 7-inch screen and a first-party Apple security camera with HomeKit Secure Video integration are on the horizon.
• Next-Gen Mac Displays: Apple is reportedly prepping a Studio Display 2 with 120Hz ProMotion and a possible new Pro Display XDR refresh.
• M5 & M6 Mac Transitions: The year starts with M5 MacBook Air and Pro models, culminating in a major redesign for the MacBook Pro featuring M6 chips and OLED touch displays in the fall.
• Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4: Expected updates include new "S-class" chips and the potential introduction of Touch ID or expanded health sensors across both models.
• AirPods Pro 3 with Cameras: Built-in cameras are rumored for the next AirPods Pro to power advanced AI and visual intelligence features.
• Apple Glasses Tease: While shipping might not occur until 2027, Apple may officially unveil its AR "Apple Glasses" during 2026.
• AirTag 2: An updated tracker with a new Ultra Wideband chip for improved range and security is slated for a spring release.

• Major Milestone: Apple will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026, marking five decades since its founding in 1976.
• The "iPhone Fold": The year is expected to be headlined by Apple’s entry into a brand-new product category with the launch of its first foldable iPhone.
• Next-Gen Mac Hardware: Macs are anticipated to transition to OLED displays and the M5 chip family (Pro and Max), with the first M6-powered Macs potentially appearing by the end of the year.
• Smart Home Expansion: Apple is rumored to introduce new smart home displays and provide the first official look at its long-awaited smart glasses project.
• AI and Siri Overhaul: A significantly smarter Siri, powered by advanced contextual intelligence and deeper integration with Google Gemini, is expected to debut alongside iOS 20.
• Health+ Service: Apple may launch "Health+," a new service aimed at bringing primary healthcare features directly to the iPhone and Apple Watch.
• Diversified Lineup: Rumors suggest Apple might introduce lower-cost "e-series" iPhones and Macs powered by iPhone-class chips to increase market share in the enterprise sector.
• Robotics Ventures: The company could begin discussing its future in robotics, potentially starting with an AI-powered home security camera.

• End of an Era: With the discontinuation of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), Apple no longer sells any iPhones with a Home button, Touch ID, LCD screen, or Lightning port.
• iPhone Lineup Changes: The iPhone Plus models are being phased out in favor of the upcoming iPhone Air, while the iPhone 16 Pro and 14/15 series models were cut to make room for newer generations.
• iPad Refresh: The iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and iPad 10 were all discontinued and replaced by models featuring spec bumps to M5, M3, and A16 chips respectively.
• Apple Watch Updates: The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE 2 were retired, succeeded by the Ultra 3, Series 11, and SE 3.
• Mac Hardware Transitions: Discontinued Macs include the Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra), the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4), and several MacBook Air models (M2 and M3) as they transitioned to M4 and M5 chips.
• Accessories & Others: Apple also discontinued several high-profile accessories, including the AirPods Pro 2, the M2 Apple Vision Pro, and the 30W USB-C Power Adapter.