Paramount+ Enacts Price Hikes Across All Streaming Packages

**Paramount+ Price Hikes Announced for 2026**

The costs of TV streaming services have been consistently increasing, and Paramount+ is the most recent platform to declare a price rise. Starting January 15, 2026, all subscription options for Paramount+ will experience an elevation in their monthly and annual fees.

In a recent quarterly earnings discussion, Paramount disclosed the revised pricing framework for its streaming service. The updates are detailed as follows:

– **Paramount+ Essential**: The plan with ads will go up from $7.99 to **$8.99 per month**.
– **Paramount+ Premium**: The ad-free option will escalate from $12.99 to **$13.99 per month**.

Annual subscription fees will also witness changes, with the Essential plan set at **$89.99 per year** and the Premium plan at **$139.99 per year**.

This move to increase prices is not surprising, given that numerous streaming services have been enacting similar hikes. Furthermore, Paramount+ is about to become the new destination for UFC, having allocated $7.7 billion to obtain the rights to the sport. This addition may assist in rationalizing the price increases for UFC fans, although it is uncertain how current subscribers will respond to the elevated costs.

As the streaming environment continues to shift, viewers must contemplate whether the new pricing will affect their subscription decisions. Paramount+ subscribers are invited to express their opinions on these modifications in the comments section.

Apple Gift Guide 2025: Best Offers and Buying Advice for All Items

As the holiday shopping season heats up, it’s crucial to ensure you’re purchasing the right Apple product and securing the best possible deal. Here’s all you need to know about what to buy and how to achieve significant savings on the top Apple gifts of the year.

As of November 11, Apple has yet to reveal its yearly Black Friday shopping event. However, when it does, the offers will likely be rather uninspiring. You’ll probably be able to earn up to a $200 gift card with the purchase of an eligible product, which can include iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches.

Most shoppers, nevertheless, prefer immediate cash savings over a gift card that may not be essential. Fortunately, you can readily find greater discounts through Apple’s retail partners like Amazon, Best Buy, and others.

## MacBook Air

The MacBook Air represents one of the best values for a Mac in Apple’s current lineup, potentially standing as the best deal of all time. It boasts a compact, elegant, and lightweight design, yet it still delivers strong performance thanks to Apple Silicon.

The M4 MacBook Air is the newest entry in the range. I genuinely doubt we will encounter a better deal this holiday season than the 13-inch M4 MacBook Pro at Amazon starting at $749.99.

**13-inch M4 MacBook Air**

**15-inch M4 MacBook Air**

[Stay updated with the latest MacBook Air offers on 9to5Toys.](https://9to5toys.com/guides/apple/)

## AirPods Pro

This year, Apple introduced AirPods Pro 3, featuring enhancements such as heart rate tracking, improved noise cancellation, and more. They make an exceptional gift for someone who is acquiring their first pair of AirPods or for anyone looking to upgrade from an older model that has seen better days.

AirPods Pro 2 remain available at impressively low price points as well. These are also excellent choices, as long as heart rate monitoring isn’t a requirement.

**AirPods Pro 3**

[Stay updated with the latest AirPods offers on 9to5Toys.](https://9to5toys.com/guides/apple/)

## AirPods 4

AirPods 4 were launched last year and serve as a fantastic option for those who desire noise cancellation but prefer not to have the in-ear design of AirPods Pro. These come in two versions, both regularly offered at discounted prices.

**AirPods 4**

**AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation**

[Stay updated with the latest AirPods offers on 9to5Toys.](https://9to5toys.com/guides/apple/)

## AirPods Max

For those seeking an Apple-branded pair of over-ear headphones, AirPods Max continue to be a part of Apple’s lineup. They are on the pricier side and lack Apple’s latest audio chip, but they still deliver excellent sound quality and connect effortlessly with your Apple devices.

**AirPods Max**

[Stay updated with the latest AirPods offers on 9to5Toys.](https://9to5toys.com/guides/apple/)

## Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a superb selection this holiday season, featuring all of Apple’s latest health functionalities, prolonged 24-hour battery life, and 5G compatibility.

**42mm Apple Watch Series 11**
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi only
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi + Cellular
– Titanium, Wi-Fi + Cellular

**46mm Apple Watch Series 11**
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi only
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi + Cellular
– Titanium, Wi-Fi + Cellular

[Stay updated with the latest Apple Watch offers on 9to5Toys.](https://9to5toys.com/guides/apple/)

## Apple Watch Ultra 3

If you’re looking for a gift for an outdoor enthusiast, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an excellent option. It also features exceptional battery life, satellite and 5G connectivity, along with a robust design housed in a larger 49mm size.

[Stay updated with the latest Apple Watch offers on 9to5Toys.](https://9to5toys.com/guides/apple/)

## Apple Watch SE

Apple has unveiled a new model of the Apple Watch SE this year, enhancing its most affordable wearable significantly. It now boasts an always-on display, a more powerful S10 chip, and the latest health features.

**40mm Apple Watch SE**
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi only
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi + Cellular

**44mm Apple Watch SE**
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi only
– Aluminum, Wi-Fi + Cellular

Mophie Unveils Juice Pack Battery Cases for iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro

**Mophie Introduces New Juice Pack Battery Cases for iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air**

Mophie has officially introduced its newest collection of Juice Pack battery cases crafted explicitly for the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. These cases are designed to improve battery longevity while preserving a slim profile, allowing users to experience prolonged usage without sacrificing the elegant design of their devices.

**Battery Specifications**

The Juice Pack cases are fitted with different battery capacities customized for each iPhone model:

– **iPhone Air**: 2,400 mAh battery delivering an extra 60% charge.
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: 3,000 mAh battery providing an additional 50% charge.
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 3,600 mAh battery yielding an extra 50% charge.

**Passthrough Charging and Audio Support**

A key highlight of the new Juice Pack cases is the introduction of passthrough charging via USB-C. This feature allows users to charge their iPhone first and then the Juice Pack itself. Moreover, for the first time, Mophie has included audio passthrough, permitting users to connect wired headphones through the Juice Pack’s USB-C port.

**Dimensions and Weight**

The specifications and weight of each case are detailed below:

| Model | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (g) |
|———————-|—————————|————|
| iPhone Air | 165.91 x 79.46 x 15.0 | 98 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 159.57 x 76.63 x 19.25 | 98 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 173.17 x 82.72 x 19.27 | 98 |

**Durability Features**

Mophie highlights the durability of the Juice Pack cases, asserting they offer high-impact protection against common drops and bumps. Each case features a raised edge to protect the iPhone’s screen from possible cracks and scratches. Furthermore, an integrated magnet ensures compatibility with certain MagSafe accessories.

**Pricing and Availability**

The latest Mophie Juice Pack cases are available for purchase at a retail price of $99.95 each:

– **Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone Air**: $99.95
– **Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro**: $99.95
– **Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max**: $99.95

While these cases may add some thickness to the iPhone, they provide a worthwhile combination of enhanced battery life and protection, making them a valuable investment for users aiming to optimize their device’s performance.

**Conclusion**

With the debut of the Juice Pack battery cases, Mophie continues to deliver groundbreaking solutions for iPhone users seeking to prolong their device’s battery life while ensuring durability and compatibility with contemporary accessories.

Current Offers: $140 Discount on M5 MacBook Pro, Record Low Price for Apple Watch SE 3, 30% Reduction on Nomad MagSafe Stand, and Additional Savings

**Deals for Apple Singles’ Day 2025 and Early Black Friday Promotions**

As the festive shopping period nears, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break showcases a selection of appealing discounts on Apple products, aligned with Singles’ Day 2025 and early Black Friday deals. Consumers can discover remarkable savings on sought-after items like the M4 MacBook Air, AirPods 4, and M4 Mac mini, with prices beginning at just $499. Impressively, Amazon has unveiled the lowest price ever on the new M5 MacBook Pro, slashing over $140 off, in addition to notable reductions on the 44mm Apple Watch SE 3 Midnight edition and clearance prices on Nomad’s MagSafe charging stands.

### Lowest Price for the M5 MacBook Pro

Amazon has officially discounted the 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro, now priced at $1,658, which reflects a savings of $141 from its usual price of $1,799. This offer signifies the most affordable rate registered online for this setup, making it an enticing option for anyone in search of a new MacBook. The M5 MacBook Pro boasts a dual 10-core CPU/GPU arrangement, boosting performance for both casual and professional users. With Black Friday approaching, this offer is especially significant, as it follows shortly after the product’s launch.

### Discount on the Apple Watch SE 3 Midnight Edition

The fresh 44mm Apple Watch SE 3 Midnight edition is now on sale for $229.99, nearly $50 less than its typical cost of $279. This discount represents the first major price drop for this model since its introduction, making it a desirable choice for shoppers looking for a feature-rich smartwatch without the steep cost associated with premium models. The SE 3 is driven by the same S10 chip present in the Series 10, providing features like an always-on display and gesture support, making it an attractive pick for tech fans and everyday users alike.

### Sale on Nomad MagSafe Charging Stands

Nomad has launched its latest high-end MagSafe charging stands, but for those who favor the earlier version, there are significant discounts available. The 3-in-1 Stand One Max is listed at $159, while the 2-in-1 model can be purchased for $119. However, the older models are currently on clearance, with the black Carbide 3-in-1 Stand One Max now priced at $111, reflecting a 30% discount. These stands maintain an elegant design and functionality, making them a fantastic addition to any Apple setup.

### Discounts on Accessories and Charging Solutions

Alongside the major product markdowns, Apple’s current-generation 2-meter 240W Woven USB-C Cable has also seen a price reduction, now priced at $18, down from its standard cost of $29. This cable facilitates high-speed charging and data transfer, serving as a valuable tool for users with USB-C devices.

### Summary

With a range of discounts on Apple products and accessories, shoppers have a unique chance to make significant savings as the holiday season draws near. Whether in the market for a new MacBook, smartwatch, or charging accessories, these deals offer excellent value and are worth exploring before the surge of Black Friday.

iOS 26.1 Brings Apple Intelligence Assistance for Eight Additional Languages

**Apple Intelligence Grows to Numerous New Languages in iOS 26.1**

iOS 26.1 was released last week, bringing a range of new features for users, such as improvements for Apple Music, Fitness, and a creative alarm slider. One of the key updates is the extension of Apple Intelligence support to eight additional languages, signifying a significant advancement in its evolution.

Initially unveiled in October 2022 with iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence started with support solely for US English. Since that time, Apple has systematically broadened the range of supported languages, and iOS 26.1 marks one of the most extensive expansions so far.

The newly included languages in iOS 26.1 are:

– Chinese (Traditional)
– Danish
– Dutch
– Norwegian
– Portuguese (Portugal)
– Swedish
– Turkish
– Vietnamese

With these new additions, Apple Intelligence now accommodates a total of 16 languages, excluding various localized versions. The comprehensive list of supported languages comprises:

– English
– Danish
– Dutch
– French
– German
– Italian
– Norwegian
– Portuguese
– Spanish
– Swedish
– Turkish
– Chinese (Simplified)
– Chinese (Traditional)
– Japanese
– Korean
– Vietnamese

For users who are experiencing Apple Intelligence for the first time, iOS 26 introduced over 20 fresh AI capabilities, with even more impactful changes expected in subsequent updates, particularly iOS 26.4 and iOS 27. The anticipated iOS 26.4 is likely to feature long-awaited AI improvements for Siri, while speculation regarding iOS 27 hints at the launch of three major new AI functionalities.

As Apple progressively enhances its language support, users are invited to provide feedback on any languages they feel are lacking in the comments section.