The Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t a massive step up from the prior model, but it does offer a few new features. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, introducing the first-ever Ultra ($799) alongside the Series 8 ($399) and a new Apple Watch SE ($249). Each wearable has its own pros and cons associated with it, but the introduction of the high-end Ultra also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market before than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had. But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch…

You can get a great device for less than $500 these days if you know how to pick your priorities. | Image: The Verge You can’t have absolutely everything at this price, but you can get a great smartphone. Whether you want an iPhone, a 120Hz screen, or water resistance, you’ve got options. You can’t set foot in a wireless retail store without being bombarded by “free phone” offers. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with taking a free phone deal, there are almost always lots of strings attached. Paying out of pocket means you’ll have much more freedom, but the sky-high prices on flagship phones mean that’s not an option for everyone. Budget phones to the rescue. These devices…

Macworld The Apple Watch has been a huge success for the company, pretty much tying up the wearables sector at the first attempt. With 2023 underway, we’re looking forward to seeing what Apple will do with the next generation of its digital timepiece. So, here’s all the news, rumors we’ve discovered so far about the Apple Watch Series 9 as well as our expectations for the new device. Apple Watch Series 9: Release date Apple has a release schedule for its Watches that, if you’ll pardon the pun, runs like clockwork. For years now, its latest iterations have made their debut in the second or third week of September, usually alongside the new iPhones, with on-sale dates about a week…

Workers at Apple’s unionized retail store in Maryland are asking for higher pay, additional time off, and changes including allowing customers to tip employees. Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News: The employees, represented by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, are conducting negotiations with Apple on Wednesday and Thursday. Their latest proposal calls for raises of as much as 10%, as well as major changes to the outlet’s vacation policy, bereavement leave and overtime. The store in Towson was the first Apple retail location in the US to unionize, and other efforts since then haven’t made much headway. Workers at a location in Oklahoma City agreed to unionize, though negotiations with Apple haven’t begun. Efforts in Atlanta and St.…

Macworld If you’re looking to buy an iPhone 12 (or 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max), now is a great time to hunt for deals. Retailers want to get rid of old stock, and there are great deals on the iPhone 12 range, whether you want to buy SIM-free or on contract. There are some great discounts on refurbished models too. In this article we look at every major retailer and contract provider to find the best deals for the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. In a separate article we round up the best iPhone deals overall; we also look at the best Apple deals in an even broader article. Find out how…