Even though the newest iPad Air is only a couple of months old, we're already looking towards the future and towards the next version of Apple's mid-range tablet.
This isn't the next iPad on the way - there's the iPad (2022), iPad Mini (2022) and iPad Pro (2022) that will likely all come first. But the Air line is popular for lots of people who might not want those other devices.
Apple's iPad Air tablets sit below the Pro line, bringing svelte designs but with not-quite-top-end displays and processing power. They're good options for people who want a premium tablet but don't quite need everything the Pro offers - or don't want to spend that much.
As we've said, we saw one iPad Air launch at the beginning of 2022, but Apple is likely working on its sixth-gen version already - it could come in 2023 but more likely later than that. Here, we'll detail everything we know and what we want to see.
Cut to the chase
What is it? Apple's next mid-tier tablet
When is it out? Likely in early 2024
How much will it cost? Around $599 / £569 / AU$929
(Image credit: TechRadar)
iPad Air 6 release date and price
We haven't heard any confirmed or even rumored information on when the next iPad Air could come along or how much it could cost, but we can make some good guesses.
The fourth- and fifth-gen iPad Airs came two years apart, so it stands to reason that the next one will too. That'd make the release window the first half of 2024 - quite a while away!
Regarding the price, it'll likely cost the same amount as the last one - that started at $599 / £569 / AU$929 but the cost went up for more storage.
iPad Air 6: what we want to see
(Image credit: TechRadar)
1. A more distinct identity
The biggest problem with the 2022 iPad Air is that it's just too close to the iPad Pro. Most buyers will struggle to know which to buy, or which is best for them - in fact, it makes the Pro a little redundant thanks to its lower price.
Apple is going to have to work out a better way to make the next iPad Air unique, so that it's not too similar to the Pro.
Perhaps we could see it get a more mid-range specs sheet as well as a lower price, to make it more accessible.
2. More storage
The current iPad Airs start with 64GB storage which, for a tablet with a top-end chipset, simply isn't enough.
That's not enough to have many games downloaded, or to have loads of files to work on or edit, and so it's not really clear why this version even exists.
It makes the price seem a little disingenous too - sure, the $599 / £569 / AU$929 entry price seems low, but if it's for little storage space, no-one will actually buy it at that price.
3. A bigger battery
An issue we found in the last iPad Air - and most other iPads, if we're being honest - is that the battery life wasn't amazing. It wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good either.
If you're wanting to wander around coffee shops to do work, or take your iPad to your studio to use as a second screen, you really want a device that'll last a long time. Current iPads don't always do that.
We'd like the next-gen version to use a bigger battery - perhaps alongside some optimizations to squeeze the most out of that power - to ensure this has a chance of landing on our list of the best iPads.
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Huawei's launched its latest assault on our list of the best tablets, with an updated version of the Huawei MatePad Pro called... well, with the same name, but we'll append (2022) so you know that we're talking about the new one.
This new MatePad Pro has an 11-inch screen, like its predecessor, and the big upgrade over the 2021 model is in this display, as it uses OLED tech instead of LCD, and has a 120Hz refresh rate.
The new tablet also has improved speakers, a redesigned rear camera bump, and software that's designed to be better for multi-tasking.
When I was reading the press release on the new Huawei MatePad Pro, I wasn't sure that it was worth reporting on - Huawei hasn't provided a price or release date, or even said whether it'll be available to buy in any regions we cover.
That was until I read about one extra feature that the new MatePad Pro brings, which is something I've been wishing my iPad Pro would do for ages now...
The keyboard is the key
This upgrade is in the keyboard - the Huawei MatePad Pro (2022) supports a new form of keyboard folio, which is basically a type of accessory that functions as a stand, a case and a keyboard all in one.
The new Smart Magnetic Keyboard can be clipped onto the tablet, like all other keyboard stands for other tablets, but you can also pair it to the slate via Bluetooth so you can continue using it when it's not physically attached.
Huawei calls this detachable mode, and it works alongside laptop mode (like a traditional keyboard accessory) and studio mode (like Apple's Magic Keyboard) as one of the three 'modes' for the keyboard.
Detachable mode is the real stand-out feature here though, and it's something I wish other slates could do, in particular the iPad Pro that I use all the time.
I can't count the number of times I've tried to awkwardly prop my tablet up on a tiny table on a coach, or in a coffee shop, or even my own (tiny) desk, and struggled to get it to fit due to its large size - this makes typing almost impossible. I've had to contort my arms into incredibly weird positions just to be able to type on long train journeys.
With detachable mode, you could in theory prop the tablet on the small table while you leave the keyboard on your lap to write, or place the slate somewhere other than your accessory in order to easily type.
This mode would make working when out and about so much easier - even on a desk, or sofa, or bed, it'd give you the versatility to contort yourself into bizarre stretches while you work (people who've written for a long time will know exactly what I mean).
I'd love this kind of feature to come to the iPad Pro - I don't see it happening, since every keyboard Apple releases gets worse and worse (I'm looking at you, Magic Keyboard, with your horrible lack of range on the viewing angles), but here's to hoping.
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Scratches are being observed mainly on the edges of USB-C ports and around the perimeter of the trackpad, the latter being 9to5Mac’s own finding, and it’s a touch more of a worrying looking scrape (see the image below).
What’s going on here? This is basically a hazard of having an aluminum chassis, and something that has been observed previously with MacBooks. However, with a silver or grey MacBook – the most common color schemes used and plumped for – such nicks and scuffs don’t really show up noticeably.
The problem comes because the all-new midnight color is obviously very dark paint, and so a scratch that exposes the silver of the aluminum beneath is such a contrast, it’s far more visible.
(Image credit: 9to5Mac)
Analysis: Paint it anything but black?
Perhaps this is the reason why MacBooks have traditionally stuck to silver and grey or similar color schemes in general. Whatever the case in that regard, having opted to offer a midnight color with the M2 MacBook Air, you’d assume Apple would’ve thoroughly tested any such scratch-related issues, and ensured the finish on top of the aluminum was up to a good standard for wear-and-tear.
True enough, the photographic and video evidence of the scratching supplied online indicates relatively minor flaws, particularly for the ports (less so for the trackpad, maybe). But the problem is, this is after having the shiny new MacBook Air for a very short period of time indeed. What might the cumulative effect of all these little scuffs be after months, or indeed years? We simply don’t know.
While the Air does benefit from a MagSafe port, which should be less troublesome, scratch-wise, than the USB-C ports for the not-so-steady-handed out there, even it could suffer from some chipping longer-term. Moreover, YouTuber iCaveDave anticipates possible problems with the indent in front of the trackpad, where you lift the lid to open the laptop, which has some sharp points at either end – and these might be subject to wearing that shows the aluminum underneath.
Right now, this remains more a case of feedback from reviewers rather than owners, and we shall have to see how the situation develops; but by the sound of things, we’re expecting to hear more about this given that there are a number of YouTubers discussing this already. Some commenters on 9to5Mac have already flagged up issues, including one person who claims their midnight MacBook Air came ‘pre-scratched’ with a chip at the top-right of the keyboard.
If you’re concerned by this, you could always get a sleeve for your M2 MacBook Air – not that any are out there just yet, and of course this won’t help when it comes to plugging and unplugging things from ports, or opening the lid, and so forth.
Apple’s MacBook Air (M2, 2022) has been given the teardown treatment by iFixit, with some interesting revelations about the cooling solution for the notebook, and a mysterious addition in the component mix, too.
Other highlights include the mystery addition we mentioned at the outset, which is the presence of an accelerometer in the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) – to what end, we don’t yet know – and a thorough examination of the cooling system employed in the notebook.
As you may know, the MacBook Air is fanless, relying on passive cooling rather than a fan – and avoiding using up space to fit one of these, as well as ensuring no noise during operation. But iFixit was surprised to see there’s no heat spreader used, and rather, Apple seems to be relying on applying a whole load of thermal paste and graphite tape, and that the M2 chip itself is highly power-efficient and therefore easy to cool anyway.
There’s some good news in that the battery is relatively easy to remove, and therefore swap for a fresh power pack if needed, but the SSD is soldered so cannot be upgraded with a better model down the line (and the same is true of the M2 SoC, as you’d expect).
Analysis: Heatgate incoming? And what about that accelerometer?
The main point of interest here is the observations iFixit makes on cooling, and how Apple has potentially taken a few liberties in terms of ensuring the MacBook Air’s seriously slim and svelte lines by cutting a few cooling corners.
While we didn’t find any issues with overheating in our review of the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), there have been some owners reporting the laptop running hot in their experience, and the M2 chip throttling back as a result (cutting down performance levels to ensure it doesn’t get any warmer).
The latter is not an ideal situation, of course, and it’ll be interesting to see if something of a ‘heatgate’ situation develops as more folks get their shiny new MacBook Airs. Especially if they’re using the portable in very hot environments, with the current heatwave situation in Europe, for example, which has already seen some companies sending out warnings about the thermal limits of their devices.
As for the mystery of the accelerometer and what it’s there for, these gizmos were inside old MacBooks to detect if the laptop had been dropped, and to take precautions to try and save the hard drive from damage in the ensuing impact. Of course, Apple’s notebooks have SSDs these days, so that’s not necessary anymore – but maybe the company could still want to detect drops, perhaps to see if a faulty laptop has been dropped in the past, and any damage is down to the owner.
We’re not sure if that’s a good enough reason to set aside internal space for an accelerometer, mind – when space is at such a premium with the MacBook Air in particular – but it’s not outside the realms of possibility. Alternatively, maybe the accelerometer will have some kind of app-related function; only time will tell, but presumably it must be there for a good reason.
Alienware breaks through the refresh-rate ceiling as its new m17 R5 and x17 R2 gaming laptops come with the industry’s first 480Hz displays.
Admittedly, it’s tricky to conceptualize what a 480Hz display even looks like in action. Dell describes what this tech brings to the table and it all sounds impressive. The company claims these displays will bring a “multitude of gameplay benefits…” In-game animations will be made smoother, system latency will be lowered, and ghosting will be reduced. Ghosting, for those who don’t know, occurs when a game runs at such a high speed that the monitor can’t keep up and causes afterimages to appear. It’s an annoying problem and any feature that reduce it is a big plus.
In addition to the 480Hz refresh rate, the laptops’ displays come with Dolby Vision for a wider range of color and contrast and ComfortView Plus for reducing eye strain. However, the unheard-of refresh rate comes at the cost of resolution as it’s only available on the Full HD (1920 x 1080) display. The m17 and x17 do have an Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) display option, but the refresh rate drops to 120 Hz which is still decent.
Hardware choices
With regard to other hardware choices, the m17 R5 laptop offers more variety.
As its most optimal, the x17 R2 offers a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900 HK processor, NVIDIA GeForce 3080 Ti graphics card, 64 GB of RAM, and a 4 TB SSD. There are options for less memory, smaller storage capacity, or other GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs if you’re looking to lower the price tag.
The m17 R5 leans more towards AMD hardware. For the CPU, you have a choice between a Ryzen 7 6800H or Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU. For graphics cards, there are the Radeon RX 6700M and Radeon RX 6850M, but you can choose to have one of four GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs, instead. Memory and hard drive options are the same. For RAM, you can go from 16 GB up to 64 GB. SSD choices range from 512 GB to a maximum of 4 TB.
On top of the 480Hz display, the m17 R5 has a suite of AMD software called AMD Smart Technologies that aim to further enhance the gaming experience. The suite includes AMD SmartAccess Graphics which changes how a game renders graphics for better battery life and reduced latency, and Smart Access Memory to allow the CPU to have unfettered access to the GPU.
However, certain AMD features are only available on select models. For example, if you want Smart Access Graphics, you’ll need to purchase an m17 laptop with the Ultra HD 120Hz display and one of the Radeon graphics cards.
Both laptops are available for purchase on Dell’s website. The m17 starts at $1,599.99 while the x17 laptop starts at $2,249.99. But what’s strange is the 480Hz display option, the big draw for these laptops, is not available at the time of this writing. The highest refresh rate option is 360Hz.
We reached out to Dell and asked when the 480Hz display option will be made available. We’ll update this story if they ever respond.
Analysis: For a niche audience
So, which of these laptops you should get? That depends on what kind of gamer you are. A 480Hz display is certainly impressive, but only if you're an esports player or someone who spends hours playing video games. The average person probably won’t be able to tell the difference between a 480Hz or a 120Hz display. The details are minute.
That isn’t to say these Alienware laptops aren't worth having. They’re top-of-the-line models, but for a very specific audience. An esports player will appreciate the assurance that frames won't drop mid-game as it can mean the difference between winning or losing. But the average gamer probably isn't interested in frame data; they just want to play.
There have been some reports that the new MacBook Air (M2, 2022) has overheating issues, due to the fact that its fanless design struggles in certain conditions, but a cheap – and risky – hack could fix it.
While we didn’t encounter any overheating problems during our review of the new MacBook Air, it seems some people are reporting issues where the heat of the MacBook Air gets too high, which causes the laptop to lower its performance – known as throttling – to prevent serious damage.
Unlike most laptops, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) doesn’t come with built-in fans, instead using a heatsink to keep the internal components cool. While this solution means the MacBook Air is thinner and lighter than many other laptops, while also running completely silent, it also means it has a tougher job keeping cool, especially if the ambient temperature it’s used in is also very hot.
However, YouTuber Max Tech has seemingly found a cheap solution to this problem by opening up the MacBook Air and adding thermal pads on top of the MacBook Air’s heatsink. Best of all, this costs just $15.
The results look promising, with the MacBook Air taking much longer to heat up after the thermal pads were added, with the MacBook Air taking one minute 23 seconds to reach 108 Celsius. Without the modification, it was taking just 28 seconds to reach that temperature.
As the video, which you can view above, demonstrates, this has a positive impact on the MacBook Air’s performance, as it was able to last longer performing intensive tasks before throttling performance.
The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) doesn’t have this issue, as while it features the same M2 chip as the new MacBook Air, it has built-in fans that help keep it cool.
So, it seems this cheap fix does work. But, should you try it?
Analysis: Should you attempt this MacBook Air fix?
Short answer: No. Long answer: Noooooooooooooo.
Slightly more useful answer: Despite this $15 fix seemingly making a difference, we strongly advise about trying it yourself. It’s not that it’s particularly difficult to perform – on the contrary, it’s actually quite easy, as you just unscrew the four screws on the back of the MacBook Air, open it up and place the thermal pads on the heatsink.
It seems like adding more thermal paste to the logic board could also help, but that is a far more risky and time-consuming endeavor.
So, why do we suggest you don’t try this fix? For a start, opening up a device always has an element of risk to it, and you may accidentally damage sensitive electronics while attempting this. Also, if you incorrectly add the pads, it could end up making the overheating issue even worse, and could cause serious damage to your laptop.
Most importantly, opening up the MacBook Air and trying to fix it yourself will almost certainly void the warranty. If that happens, and you need to take it in for repair by Apple, you may find you’re no longer covered by the warranty, and could end up spending a lot of money to get it fixed.
If this issue is indeed widespread, we imagine Apple will be looking into an official fix, which could even involve physical repairs or replacement. This should be offered for free under warranty – and if you’ve tried an unofficial fix this may mean you’re no longer eligible.
For the time being, then, we’d recommend you hold tight and wait to see if Apple has a response. One thing the company might argue, however, is that the MacBook Air is not designed for intensive tasks, which is what the MacBook Pro 13-inch is designed for.
If you've so far been unimpressed by the base M2 chip that features within the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch then there's some good news - it's likely that the updated MacBook Pro features a choice of M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will be released between Q3 2022 and Q1 2023.
This rumor comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-respected Apple analyst who made the prediction within his Power On newsletter. According to Gurman, Apple has set itself the goal to launch the expanded range of M2 chips as early as Q3 2022, and Gurman's sources also claim that a refreshed version of both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-Inch Macbook Pro set to contain them are already in development.
As reported by 9to5Mac, the design is expected to remain largely the same as these two laptops are still sporting a relatively fresh look, so most (if not all) of the update will be in regards to what's under the hood. There are no official details at this stage, though Gurman shared that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will focus on the graphics side of things, as Apple did with the previous M1 Pro and M1 Max.
This is great news for creative professionals such as video editors who need the high-end Apple silicon for tasks like 4K video encoding and decoding, or even those who work with demanding 3D applications like Maya.
As with all speculative information, take this all with a pinch of salt. Gurman even gives himself an out within the newsletter, stating “given the continued supply-chain challenges, it’s hard to predict exactly when these will hit store shelves.”
Apple has been facing a slew of issues within its supply chains thanks to things like the ongoing global chip shortage and Covid-19-related lockdowns closing their assembly lines which have caused various delays to shipping and production. With any luck, the situation will have improved by the time preorders go live for these larger, more powerful MacBooks.
Analysis: Should you wait for a new MacBook Pro?
Apple’s MacBook Pro with M2 chip is essentially the same laptop as its predecessor, the MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, as shown by a teardown of the device, with the only real difference being upgrading the M1 SoC ('system-on-a-chip') to an M2, and giving the option to select more system RAM (24GB if needed).
In fact, the storage on the entry-level model of the M2 MacBook Pro is actually slower than the M1 MacBook Pro, due to a different configuration for the SSD (though this is only true for that base model). If you're in need of some serious power, you'd be better off buying up one of the M1 Max or M1 Ultra models of MacBook Pro, otherwise, you'll have to wait for the M2 models to see a real boost to performance.
The very existence of these 13-inch Macbooks is a smidge perplexing given the minimal boost they offer over the more affordable MacBook Air (as they both contain the same base model M2 SoC), but Apple has previously confirmed that the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch is the second most popular product within the Mac family. This is likely because while it's pricer than the Air, it's significantly more affordable than the 14-inch and 16-inch Macbook Pro models which makes it the only 'budget' option for those looking to buy an Apple portable workstation laptop.
We would suggest waiting until the new chips make an appearance, even if you currently have your heart set on either the M2 13-inch MacBook Pro or any of the Pro models featuring the M1 Pro, Max, or Ultra chips, even if only to ensure that you're getting fair market value for the performance of your device.
It's also worth remembering that Gurman has also predicted a 15-inch Macbook and a 12-inch Macbook could hit the market sometime in the coming months which will hopefully fill the performance gap between the 13-inch model and its larger, more powerful siblings. Still, we collate the best deals on Macbooks that are currently available for those who are especially impatient.
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If you were struggling to decide between the newly released M2-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models then some information has come to light that could push fence-sitters over the edge, after the new MacBook Air is revealed to throttle its own performance by up to 25% under prolonged workloads.
These results come from The Verge's review of the new MacBook Air, in which a 30-minute loop in the multi-core test was run to more accurately portray how the device would cope with prolonged and demanding tasks, rather than using a benchmarking application such as Cinebench R23. These benchmarks are useful, but given their short duration, they can't accurately reflect real-world performance.
The fanless design is the likely culprit, with the machine forced to throttle its own performance in order to reduce the risk of overheating, and it's worth noting that the M2-powered MacBook Pro 13-inch didn't encounter the same performance issues during the same tests as it sports a single cooling fan to help reduce temperatures under load.
Another thing to consider if you're on the fence is that the M2 MacBook Air has slower SSD speeds, likely to try and keep manufacturing costs low but combined with the performance loss this should drive home that while they contain the same chip, the Air and Pro are different for a reason. If you need to run applications for a longer duration, such as editing and rendering video footage, you'd be better buying the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) or even the larger 14-inch or 16-inchM1 Pro and M1 Max models.
Analysis: Don't overlook the M1 MacBook Pro
This news will probably upset a few Apple fans as the MacBook Air was definitely the most hyped model of the two M2 launches, but don't let a very specific area of its performance dissuade you from buying one - providing it's actually the right fit for your needs.
If you're looking for an affordable entry-level Macbook then you'd actually be better off sourcing the older MacBook Air (M1, 2020) version, especially if you can wait until the Black Friday sales.
It's previously dipped as low as $799 from its original MSRP of $999 / £999 / AU$1,599, and given the new M2 MacBook Air starts at $1,199 / £1,249 / AU$1,899, it's still a solid buy for the price.
If you do need more power, go for the older MacBook Pro models as previously mentioned, or hang on until they get their own inevitable M2 Pro and M2 Max refresh.
In a sense, the new MacBook Air should only hold appeal for those who want a redesigned look, need a little bit more power than the original M1 Air, or if you're the type of person who likes the have the very latest model of a gadget.
It feels as though Apple has already fallen victim to its own generational releases in this situation. When the M1 launch was so good, it's hard to follow up that success in such a short period of time, especially for a company that's fairly new to processor development.
The M2 simply won't offer enough of a boost to performance for most people to justify its larger MSRP, and given the proposed longevity of the laptop, it's unlikely that current M1-device users actually need to upgrade for some time.
Don't forget that there are other devices on the market that could suit you as well, and many of the best laptops on the market are not Macbooks, though there's very little that offers the same performance and features as the older M1-powered MacBook Air for the same price.
So, you're looking to buy a Kindle, and you're price-savvy enough to know that Amazon Prime Day is the best time to pick one up. But we've got one more thing you should consider before you opt for one of the discounts on offer.
Sure, there are loads of Prime Day deals on Amazon's best Kindles, cutting lots of money off the price. So today is a good day to buy.
I've been a Kindle fan for years, using my Kindle Oasis nearly daily through lockdown as well as before and after. But after testing another device recently, I've found that it provided a very similar experience and more, but at a lower price.
This other device was an Amazon Fire tablet - these are super-low-cost Android slates with easy access to Amazon's ecosystem of apps (including Kindle for reading, of course). Both before and after Prime Day discounts, the Fire slates generally undercut the Kindle ereaders, and they also come with access to many more apps like Prime Video and Amazon Music.
Just check out these prices:
Fire tablet deals US
Amazon Fire 7:$64.99$44.99 at Amazon Save $20 - Budget-minded tablet users looking for a trimmed-down tablet should check out this Prime Day deal. The back-to-basics Fire 7, which we found to be a solid option in our review, is now under $50. That's actually a steal for a tablet you can use for media consumption, book reading, checking emails, and organizing your everyday life.View Deal
Amazon Fire HD 8:$89.99$44.99 at Amazon
Save $45 Amazon's mid-size tablet is half off, giving you a nice mix of the affordability of the 7 yet the specs of the HD 10 - it's arguably the best pick of the bunch for this reason.View Deal
Amazon Fire HD 10:$149.99$74.99 at Amazon Save $75 - With this 50% discount, you're getting Amazon's biggest tablets for much less. This snappy device, which boasts an octa-core processor and 3GB RAM, comes with a brighter 10-inch display, Alexa support, and 32GB storage. All four colors, including lavender and olive, are discounted.View Deal
Fire tablet deals UK
Amazon Fire 7:£59.99£24.99 at Amazon Save £35 - You can get absolutely loads of money off the Fire 7 in the UK. This is for the 2019 model, which has been replaced recently, and we can likely thank the new model for the large reduction. Expect a low-res 7-inch screen and not much processing power.View Deal
Amazon Fire HD 8:£89.99£34.99 at Amazon
Save £55 You can get Amazon's 8-inch tablet for over half price off in the deals, making it more affordable than its smaller sibling is (when deals aren't on, of course). We should point out that 8 inches is actually bigger than any Kindle display.View Deal
Amazon Fire HD 10:£149.99£79.99 at Amazon Save £70 - While the 47% discount here is very impressive, it's actually not as much as the Fire 7 or HD 8 discounts (purely because of how reduced they were). Still, if you want a large-screen tablet, this is your best pick.View Deal
I've been testing the recent Fire 7 recently (not the one in the above deal, I should point out), and quickly found myself using it instead of my Kindle.
The Fire 7 is much easier to connect to the internet (you don't have to jump through hoops trying to connect your ereader to the web) so downloading books is easier, especially using the built-in browser to find your own.
Plus, thanks to its range of other apps, you can play music while you're reading, or jump from the Kindle app to Prime video if you'd rather watch something.
Still, there are two reasons that I can see for you opting with a Kindle if you don't mind the prices.
Firstly, is the screen - Kindles use E-Ink which is easier on the eyes, and more closely resembles reading an actual book. I'd class this as a 'luxury' rather than a 'necessary' feature for most people, though depending on your vision it might be a god-send.
The second feature is important for all users, and it's the battery life - Kindles simply have superb batteries. You can keep a Kindle ereader going for weeks, thanks to how efficient E-Ink is. In comparison, you'll only get a day or two from a Fire tablet from each charge.
Amazon Kindle (without Lockscreen Ads):$109.99$59.99 at Amazon Save $50 - The e-reader that started it all is almost 50% off this Prime Day. It boasts a 167ppi display that delivers that reading-on-paper experience, adjustable brightness, and a battery life that lasts for weeks. You'll save even more money as this deal comes with three free months of Kindle Unlimited subscription.View Deal
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition:$189.99$134.99 at Amazon Save $55 - This ad-free signature edition of the Kindle Paperwhite comes with IPX8 waterproofing, adjustable warm light, and three free months' access to Kindle Unlimited. Best of all, it boasts sensors that auto-adjust the front light as well as wireless charging capabilities – two things the original Paperwhite version doesn't have.View Deal
Amazon Kindle Oasis: $349.99$259.99 at AmazonSave $90 - Originally $349.99, this is a very good bundle deal for both Amazon's premium E Ink reader and the all-you-can-eat Kindle Unlimited service. You get to keep the reader and the free cellular service to add new books from wherever you are, but the free book service bundle runs out after three months (then it auto-renews for $9.99 a month). Even so, this is a top-tier reader with lots of storage (32GB), no ads, and a waterproof case, which means it's perfect for the beach or pool.
Kindle Kids:$109.99 $49.99 at Amazon Save $60 - You're saving more than you're spending on this kid-friendly tablet. Unlike other game- and entertainment-focused educational tablets, Amazon's Kindle Kids, now 55% off for Prime Day, is primarily focused on introducing the kids to the joys of reading. It offers weeks of battery life, and comes with one-year free Amazon Kids+ membership that gives the young ones access to a ton of titlesView Deal
Kindle deals UK
Kindle:£69.99£34.99 at Amazon Save £35 - Take advantage of this exclusive 50% discount on the original Kindle if you're a Prime Member. Amazon's most affordable e-reader (with Ads version) is cheaper this Prime Day. This under-£40 device comes with a 167ppi display that reads like actual paper, adjustable front lighting, and a battery life that'll last for weeks on a single charge. It's a great option for budget-minded readers.View Deal
Kindle Paperwhite:£129.99£84.99 at Amazon Save £45 - Another Prime Member exclusive, the Paperwhite model is 35% off in this early bird special. Getting a lofty 4.5 out of 5 in our review, this model comes with a beautiful 6.8-inch 300ppi display, 10 weeks of battery life on a single charge, and an IPX8 waterproof rating. Its USB-C charging port is also a plus to fans of the connector.View Deal
Kindle Oasis:£229.99£159.99 at Amazon Save £70 - UK Prime members get an exclusive 30% discount on Amazon's waterproof Kindle. The popular Kindle Oasis, which got 4 out of 5 stars in our review, is the most luxurious Kindle yet, so it's a bit more expensive. With this deal, you're getting that coveted IPX8 waterproof rating, 300ppi Paperwhite display, and adjustable warm lighting for much less.View Deal
Kindle Kids:£99.99£49.99 at Amazon Save £50 - Unlike other game- and entertainment-focused educational tablets, Amazon's Kindle Kids, now 50% off for Prime Day, is primarily focused on introducing the kids to the joys of reading. It offers weeks of battery life, and comes with one-year free Amazon Kids+ membership that gives the young ones access to a ton of titlesView Deal
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We’ve been hearing talk of an iPad with an OLED screen for a long time, and the rumors are likely to continue for a while yet, with a new report suggesting we won’t see an OLED iPad until, at least, 2024.
Although this isn't the first time we’ve heard that year uttered, its persistence amidst rumors and leaks lends credence to it being an accurate time frame. Still, it sounds like progress is being made, as according to ETNews – which is the most recent source to claim the OLED iPad will arrive in 2024 – Apple has begun producing the final prototypes of these devices.
If accurate, there's a chance the Apple could have an OLED iPad on the market before 2024, however, the company is reportedly putting the unannounced device through more rigorous display testing than it usually does; ensuring the display technology meets its exacting quality standards.
ETNews also claims that Apple is using a dry etching process on these OLED panels to make them as thin and light as possible, which, in turn, should help make the overall iPad lighter than current models.
If you’re worried about a thin screen being fragile then fear not, Apple has apparently accounted for that too; with the company said to be developing “special coatings” to increase the display’s durability.
Those are two upgrades we might see from an OLED iPad, with another expected to be improved image quality.
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) has an impressive mini-LED screen(Image credit: TechRadar)
Analysis: why switch to OLED?
The ability to make the screen thinner and the device lighter isn’t the main benefit of OLED, rather it’s an upgrade in picture quality.
ETNews mentions that image improvement is one of Apple’s areas of focus here, but doesn’t get into specifics. Thankfully, there are plenty of existing OLED devices already on the market – including the iPhone 13 line – which give us an idea of the kinds of improvements an OLED iPad offer over existing models.
These include a better contrast ratio, improved viewing angles and – when paired with dark wallpapers and themes – reduced battery drain; as pixels are lit individually (rather than relying on dedicated backlighting, as with LCD technology).
On paper, there are some advantages to use LCD technology over OLED, like better overall brightness, however, in practice most of the brightest smartphone screens out there happen to leverage OLED technology.
The standout exception in the mobile space, right now, is the mini-LED-based panel used by the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), which offers benefits approaching that of OLED, but without its drawbacks.
This does mean there's potential for Apple to continue using mini-LED displays on its best iPads, while the models that currently rely on IPS LCD panels will be the ones to benefit from an OLED upgrade.
The LG Gram 15 is one of our favorite 15-inch laptops, from its vibrant display to its solid performance thanks to an Intel Core i7 processor. It's now just $1,000 on Amazon, which is almost half-price and the biggest discount we've ever seen, making this top-tier ultrabook a great-value purchase.
Of course, as the name implies, this is a seriously thin-and-light laptop perfect for fast-moving professionals, weighing barely more than a kilogram and measuring less than 2cm thick. It's not the only work laptop on sale this Prime Day, but in our opinion, it's one of the very best.
(Not in theUS? Scroll down for deals in your region).
Today's best LG Gram 15 Prime Day deal
LG Gram 15: $1,600$1000 at Amazon Save $600 - A super-lightweight laptop with a powerful Intel processor, the LG Gram 15 also boasts a bright, colorful display and an excellent battery life. This is by far the cheapest it's ever been on sale, too!View Deal
Considering that it packs an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and half a terabyte of high-speed SSD storage, this LG Gram 15 is an almost ludicrously good value at $600 off. We felt relatively comfortable recommending this laptop at full price, so here it becomes an absolute no-brainer.
As a lightweight laptop, it's capable of battery life that should last you a full day at work or school, and the 1080p IPS display is bright and colorful too. LG designed it with flexibility in mind, so it also packs HDMI video output for connecting to a second screen or projector, a MicroSD card reader for photographers, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
More LG Gram deals
No matter where you live, you'll find all the lowest prices for the LG Gram laptop range from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
Ah, Chromebooks. No longer the runt of the litter, these Google-powered laptops have become a serious competitor to Windows laptops and MacBooks thanks to their cloud-based design, superior portability, and wallet-friendly pricing.
There are plenty of Prime Day deals on Chromebooks this year, from flashier units like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 to super-budget laptops like the Acer Chromebook 512. You don't need to spend more than $200 for a decent ChromeOS device right now, which is a great opportunity to equip yourself with a shiny new laptop.
(Not in theUS? Scroll down for deals in your region).
Today's best Prime Day US Chromebook deals
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook (13.3-inch OLED, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage)$428$300 at Amazon
Save $128 - One of our favorite Chromebooks ever just got a huge price cut for Prime Day. Featuring a full HD OLED display, this is one of the most gorgeous Chromebooks around. The detachable keyboard is a bit flimsy and the specs are average, but the Duet 5 Chromebook is a great little laptop to carry around with you when you just want to surf the web or stream Netflix on the go.View Deal
ASUS Chromebook CX1 (15.6" 1080p, Celeron N3350, 8GB RAM, 64GB Storage)$250$195 at Amazon
Save $55 - Any Chromebook with 8GB RAM and an Intel Celeron processor for under $200 is going to be a steal, and the Asus Chromebook CX1 definitely qualifies. It'll be powerful enough to handle all your everyday computing tasks, and for this price, you really can't go wrong.View Deal
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (11.6" HD, Intel Celeron, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage)$250$200 at Amazon
Save $50 - The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is one of the best Chromebooks around for anyone looking for a solid 2-in-1 for school or just for having around the house. The specs aren't all that impressive and the screen is not much bigger than most tablets, but at this price it's an incredible value.View Deal
Acer Chromebook 512 (12" HD+, Intel Celeron, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC storage)$199$134 at Amazon
Save $65 - This Chromebook doesn't have the greatest specs in the world and it has bezels like something right out of 2009, but it's powerful enough for everyday computing needs and you really can't argue with the price.View Deal
Asus Chromebook C203XA: $249$129 at Amazon
A rugged Chromebook that's great for kids thanks to its spill-resistant, military-grade durability. A quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 32GB eMMC drive mean that this is a budget offering, made even better value at just $129.View Deal
Save $120 - A lightweight Chromebook with an 11-inch display and an Intel Celeron processor backed up by 4GB of RAM, the IdeaPad 3 11 is an excellent entry-level Chromebook ideal for simple office or schoolwork. It's got plenty of ports too, from USB-A and USB-C to a MicroSD card reader.View Deal
Lenovo Chromebook S330: $195$163 at Amazon
A super-thin, super-cheap Chromebook with a 180-degree hinge, the Lenovo S330 is a great pick for students thanks to its 720p webcam and comfortable keyboard. The 14-inch FHD display is awesome, so we feel comfortable calling this one of the best budget Chromebooks ever.View Deal
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i: $430$360 at Amazon Save $70 - A more premium Chromebook equipped with a 13.3-inch touchscreen and a robust 360-degree hinge for hybrid laptop-tablet modes, the IdeaPad Flex 5i is one of Lenovo's best Chrome devices. It's all powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, with 128GB of local storage.View Deal
Lenovo Flex 5 (2022): $341$210 at Amazon Save $131 - At almost $100 off MSRP, the 2022 edition of the Lenovo Flex 5 proves that 2-in-1 laptops don't have to be pricey products. This hybrid laptop runs on an Intel Celeron N5205U CPU with a 13-inch touchscreen that feels premium despite the price.View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook: $1,000$580 at Amazon Save $420 - If you're after a seriously premium Chromebook, Samsung has you covered. The Galaxy Chromebook is massively discounted for Prime Day, wrapping up a 4K screen and 256GB of storage in a refined, ultra-thin chassis. It also comes with a stylus that slots seamlessly into one side.View Deal
Acer Chromebook 514: $410$340 at Amazon Save $70 - The 514 is a mid-range offering from Acer, currently available at its lowest price ever for Prime Day. There are touch and non-touch versions to suit your preferences, with both packing an octa-core MediaTek processor and a 14-inch FHD display. Oh, and it comes with a lovely laptop sleeve, too!View Deal
Acer Chromebook Spin 314: $380$315 at Amazon Save $65 - If you're after a dependable 2-in-1 Chromebook, we reckon Acer's Spin 314 is a solid pick. A 14-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen (with a small bezel for a Chromebook!) is joined by an Intel Pentium Silver processor and 128GB of storage space, making for a great work laptop.View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11-inch: $174$149 at Amazon
Save $24 - Before Samsung rebooted its Chromebook naming conventions (much to everyone's confusion), we got the exceedingly budget-friendly Galaxy Chromebook 4. It's not the most powerful laptop out there, but it's cheap, durable, and offers 10+ hours of battery life to get you through a full day of work or school.View Deal
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3: $189$172 at Amazon
The little brother to the Flex 5, Lenovo's Chromebook Flex 3 is a dinky 11-inch laptop with a touchscreen and 360-degree hinge for swapping into tablet mode. It's affordable but on the lower end specs-wise, making it a solid choice of 2-in-1 laptop for a younger kid (or tech-averse elderly relative).View Deal
Today's best Prime Day UK Chromebook deals
HP Chromebook 14a-nd0001sa: £250£150 at Amazon Save £100 - With the rising cost of living, you might be looking for the most affordable device on the market, which is where Chromebooks come in handy. This HP Chromebook won't knock your socks off in regards to power, but for under £150 it's ideal for web browsing and checking emailsView Deal
HP Chromebook 14b-na0005sa: £400£170 at Amazon Save £230 - Chromebooks are a fantastic way to affordably get online, which makes them a popular choice for young students and older relatives. This HP Chromebook has some amazing savings too, which is important as many of us are feeling the pinch of rising costs of living this year.View Deal
Acer Chromebook 311 CB311-11H: £230£160 at Amazon Save £70 - This pint-sized Chromebook measures just 11.6-inches, which makes it a fantastic buy for those who need a small, lightweight device to use as a cheap way to browse the web. It's not especially powerful, but Chromebooks rarely are, and nor do you need it to be for paying bills, online shopping and other day-to-day activities.View Deal
Acer Chromebook 314: £280£200 at Amazon
Save £80 - The Acer Chromebook 314 is ideal for those who want a reliable way to get online, without spending a tonne of cash. It's not a very powerful device, only rocking an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, but for young students or older relatives who need to browse the web and check emails, it's an ideal budget alternative to expensive laptops.View Deal
ASUS Chromebook Flip C433TA: £350£270 at Amazon
Save £80 - The Asus Chromebook Flip is a great choice if you want something that can easily fold into a tablet-inspired mode for watching shows on the go, and its touchscreen allows you to make notes and highlight documents without needing to use the built-in touchpad. At under £300, this is an affordable product well suited for students and aging relatives.View Deal
Acer Chromebook 317 CB317-1H: £400£300 at Amazon
Save £100: Most Chromebooks are on the small side, but there are models with large displays available if you appreciate having a massive screen. The Acer Chromebook 317 is rocking a 17.3-inch display at a low price, so if you need a cheap device for web browsing and watching streaming services like Netflix, this is one of the most affordable offerings on the market.View Deal
ASUS Chromebook C423NA: £230£150 at Amazon Save £80: The Asus C423NA is a 14-inch Chromebook that can provide all of your basic needs for getting online. If you're in the market for a first laptop and you don't need to run any demanding applications then a Chromebook can be an affordable way to use social media, send emails and organize your online shopping.View Deal
ASUS Chromebook Flip C433TA: £500£400 at Amazon Save £100: Chromebooks don't have to be underpowered, and this beautiful touch screen offering from Asus proves it. You're getting an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM which will help you run several windows and tabs with ease without slowing down.View Deal
Acer Chromebook 311: £200£130 at Amazon Save £80: The Acer Chromebook 311 is a super affordable and lightweight Chromebook that weighs in at under 1.2KG, perfect for those who need a cheap way to get online. Its portability would make it suitable for children to study between home and school, and its battery life can last for up to 15 hours on a single charge.View Deal
Chromebooks boast great security features and a simple, intuitive UI, which makes them perfect laptops for kids or anyone lacking tech aptitude. They're often lower-powered than their Windows and MacOS counterparts, making them more suited for straightforward tasks like web browsing and word processing than demanding workloads such as gaming or content creation.
If you just need a lightweight laptop for answering emails and joining video calls, a Chromebook could be the right choice for you. Even on Prime Day, it's easy to spend too much money on a laptop when you just need something for basic work.
Remember that specs are important; if you plan on keeping dozens of Chrome tabs open at once, you'll want a better processor and more RAM. Local storage isn't a huge issue for Chromebooks thanks to their cloud-focused design, but if you plan on installing lots of apps, be sure to pick one with a proper SSD rather than eMMC storage.
More Chromebook deals
No matter where you live, you'll find all the lowest prices for Chromebooks from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
