Comparison of M5 iPad Pro and M3 iPad Air: Holiday Season Purchasing Guide

**iPad Pro vs. iPad Air: Which One to Gift This Holiday Season?**

iPads are a favorite choice for holiday gifts, with 9% of owners indicating they received theirs as presents in Q4 2024. If you’re thinking about giving an iPad, particularly during the appealing Black Friday Week promotions, you may be curious about which model is more advantageous. This article evaluates Apple’s newly launched M5 iPad Pro in comparison to the M3 iPad Air.

### Display

The iPad Pro’s display is its key selling point. It incorporates a Tandem OLED display, whereas the iPad Air is equipped with a typical LCD panel. The iPad Pro provides up to 1000 nits of brightness compared to the iPad Air’s 500 nits, leading to enhanced HDR capabilities, vivid colors, and richer blacks. Furthermore, the iPad Pro includes a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, facilitating smoother scrolling and quicker animations, while the iPad Air is restricted to a 60Hz refresh rate.

Although the iPad Air’s display remains commendable with P3 color support and satisfactory brightness, the iPad Pro is the superior option for users intending to stream content.

### Performance

The iPad Pro runs on the M5 chip, leveraging the 3rd generation 3nm process, while the iPad Air is powered by the M3 chip, which utilizes the 1st generation 3nm process. In typical usage, the performance variation may not be apparent, but the iPad Pro provides 12GB of unified memory in contrast to the Air’s 8GB. This can be vital during intensive multitasking or browsing.

In synthetic benchmark tests, the M5 chip surpasses the M3 by roughly 40% in CPU capabilities and 60% in GPU performance. Nonetheless, for the majority of users, the M3 chip is sufficiently powerful, especially for activities that do not demand high refresh rates.

### Quality of Life Features

Apart from display and performance, the iPad Pro offers various quality of life enhancements that improve user experience. It features Face ID for secure and easy biometric authentication, which is not present on the iPad Air. Additionally, the Pro is equipped with quad speakers, delivering a richer audio experience than the dual speakers of the iPad Air, which, while stereo, lack the same sound depth.

Moreover, the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard is constructed from premium aluminum, while the iPad Air’s version is made from silicone.

### Commonalities

Despite their distinct features, the iPad Pro and iPad Air have several similarities. Both models are compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and are made from durable aluminum. They also offer identical display size options and take advantage of the latest iPadOS features, including sophisticated multitasking functionalities.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, the iPad Air is a stellar choice for the majority of users, offering an experience nearly on par with the iPad Pro at a much lower cost. If the gift recipient prioritizes an exceptional display for media viewing or requires enhanced performance for professional use, the iPad Pro justifies the higher price. However, for everyday tasks, the iPad Air continues to be an excellent choice that balances performance with cost-effectiveness.

As you weigh your options between the iPad Air and iPad Pro this holiday season, think about the needs and preferences of the recipient to ensure you make the right decision.

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

As the festive shopping season begins to peak, it’s crucial to ensure you’re selecting the right Apple products and securing the best possible deals. Here’s all the information you need regarding what to purchase and how to obtain significant savings on this year’s top Apple gifts.

**Updated November 25, 2025**: Exceptional new price cuts on M5 MacBook Pro, AirPods 4, AirPods Max, and others.

Apple has formally revealed its yearly Black Friday shopping event. As usual, the “deals” revolve around a gift card offered as a bonus with your Apple purchase.

– **iPhone**: Receive an Apple Gift Card worth up to $75 when you purchase iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e.
– **iPad**: Receive an Apple Gift Card worth up to $100 with the purchase of iPad Air, iPad (A16), or iPad mini.
– **Mac**: Enjoy an Apple Gift Card worth up to $250 when you get a MacBook Pro (M4 Pro or M4 Max chip), MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac mini.
– **Apple Watch**: Obtain a $50 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch SE 3.
– **AirPods**: Get an Apple Gift Card worth up to $75 when you buy AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4.
– **TV & Home**: Receive an Apple Gift Card worth up to $50 when you buy HomePod or Apple TV 4K.
– **Beats**: Get an Apple Gift Card worth up to $50 when you purchase Beats Studio Pro, Powerbeats Pro 2, Beats Solo 4, Beats Studio Buds +, or Beats Pill.
– **Accessories**: Receive a $25 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16), or Apple Pencil Pro.

Most individuals, however, prefer cash savings over a gift card they may not need. Fortunately, you can save even more through Apple’s retail associates such as Amazon, Best Buy, and others.

Apple has also unveiled its extended holiday return policy. Items received between November 12, 2025, and December 25, 2025, can be returned until January 8, 2026.

### MacBook Air
The MacBook Air stands out as one of the best values for a Mac in Apple’s current assortment, if not the best value ever. It boasts a compact, elegant, and lightweight structure while delivering powerful performance powered by Apple Silicon.

The M4 MacBook Air is the latest addition to the range. The 13-inch M4 MacBook Pro is available at Amazon starting from $898.00.

### AirPods Pro
Apple introduced AirPods Pro 3 this year featuring new functionalities like heart rate monitoring, enhanced noise cancellation, and more. These make a fantastic gift for anyone wanting their first pair of AirPods or looking to upgrade from an older model.

### AirPods 4
Introduced last year, AirPods 4 are an excellent choice for those seeking noise cancellation but prefer not to have the in-ear style of AirPods Pro. They come in two variants, both regularly available at a discount.

### AirPods Max
For those interested in Apple-branded over-ear headphones, AirPods Max deliver exceptional sound quality and easily pair with your Apple devices.

### Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 is a superb option this holiday season, showcasing all of Apple’s latest health capabilities, enhanced 24-hour battery life, and 5G compatibility.

### Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is ideal for outdoor adventurers, providing outstanding battery life, satellite and 5G connectivity, and a robust design.

### Apple Watch SE
The new iteration of the Apple Watch SE is more attractive than ever, featuring an always-on display, an upgraded S10 chip, and the latest health enhancements.

### iPad (11th generation)
The iPad 11 represents Apple’s most budget-friendly iPad, powered by the A16 chip, making it suitable for most users.

### iPad Air (M3 chip)
The iPad Air delivers an improved display and quicker performance, available in both 11-inch and 13-inch variants.

### iPad mini (A17 Pro chip)
The iPad mini encapsulates all the best iPad features in a compact form, making it ideal for those seeking an iPad experience in a smaller package.

### iPad Pro (M5 chip)
The iPad Pro stands as the powerhouse of the iPad lineup, featuring a sleek design, stunning OLED displays, and 5G connectivity.

### iPhone
The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air series represent Apple’s most robust offerings in years. While deals on new i

9to5Mac Daily: November 25, 2025 – Speculations Regarding iPhone 18 Design and Apple Workforce Cuts

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, staying informed about the latest updates and trends is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily provides a seamless way to catch up on the most important stories influencing the Apple ecosystem. This daily podcast, presented by the insightful team at 9to5Mac, offers listeners a summary of the leading stories, insights, and discussions related to Apple products, software updates, and industry changes.

**Podcast Accessibility**

Listeners can tune into 9to5Mac Daily on a variety of platforms, making it easy for everyone to listen at their leisure. The podcast is offered on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast platforms

New episodes are produced every weekday, ensuring that subscribers get the latest news as soon as it is released.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

The podcast is backed by sponsors such as Roborock, which often provides substantial discounts on their premier vacuums during promotional occasions like Black Friday. These offers allow listeners to save on premium products.

**Subscription Advantages**

For those aiming to enhance their listening experience, 9to5Mac Daily features a subscription service through [9to5Mac Daily Plus](https://9to5mac.com/join/). Subscribers can benefit from ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material, making it a valuable investment for dedicated listeners.

**Interaction and Responses**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback regarding the podcast. They can connect via email at

Google’s actions place Apple near Nvidia in the competition for the title of the world’s most valuable company.

Apple is on the brink of surpassing Nvidia as the world’s most valuable company, propelled by recent changes in the market and Nvidia’s variable stock performance. Since the beginning of 2023, Nvidia’s stock has skyrocketed by over 1,000%, cementing its status as a frontrunner in the AI hardware domain. This surge enabled Nvidia to outpace both Apple and Microsoft in market valuation during the initial half of 2025.

Nevertheless, recent changes imply that Apple might regain its position. The market is currently looking for assurances that the expected AI bubble will not implode, particularly after Nvidia announced robust financial outcomes, which initially lifted its stock. However, Nvidia’s stock faced a downturn following news of possible rivalry from Google and Meta concerning AI chip agreements, stirring apprehensions about revenue inflation in the AI industry.

In contrast, Apple has witnessed a consistent rise in its stock, achieving a market capitalization of $4.124 trillion, closely trailing Nvidia’s $4.234 trillion. Despite facing criticism for its delayed entry into the AI arena, Apple’s prudent strategy may shield it from the forthcoming repercussions of an AI market correction.

Should current patterns persist, Apple and Nvidia might exchange ranks as the world’s most valuable company in the near future. It remains to be seen whether Apple will reinforce its lead or gain from Nvidia’s market obstacles.

Important Alert: Think Twice About the $549 M1 MacBook Air Offer This Black Friday

# Should You Consider Purchasing the M1 MacBook Air? An In-Depth Review

Since its release, Apple’s M1 MacBook Air has captured interest, particularly with recent price reductions making it more affordable. Currently listed at $549 during Black Friday promotions, it offers an enticing deal for anyone in the market for a new MacBook. Nonetheless, prospective purchasers ought to carefully evaluate the ramifications of acquiring this device, considering its age and specifications.

## Reasons to Think Twice About the M1 MacBook Air

Although it is branded as a new device, the M1 MacBook Air has now been in circulation for five years. While it provides remarkable battery life and performance for daily activities, there are notable worries regarding its durability and future software updates. Traditionally, Apple supports its Mac computers for approximately 5-8 years, and the M1 MacBook Air is approaching the latter part of that range. Although there is no definitive guideline from Apple about the lifespan of its Apple Silicon Macs, the ambiguity surrounding future macOS upgrades is a legitimate concern for prospective buyers.

Another drawback of the M1 MacBook Air is its 8GB of unified memory. Though this RAM was sufficient at the time of its launch, it is becoming increasingly inadequate for contemporary computing demands, especially for users who perform more intensive tasks or utilize AI applications. As software progresses, having additional RAM might become crucial for optimum performance.

## Alternatives Worth Considering

While the M1 MacBook Air is competitively priced, it is far from the sole choice available this Black Friday. The new M4 MacBook Air is up for grabs at $749 on Amazon, presenting several benefits over the M1 version. It comes with 16GB of unified memory, a larger and brighter display, MagSafe compatibility, and an upgraded 1080p webcam. These improvements render it a more future-ready option for individuals who might need extra power and performance.

For those on a more constrained budget, Best Buy is providing the M2 MacBook Air for $649. This variant maintains many features of the M4 MacBook Air but employs an earlier chipset, making it a reliable middle-ground for buyers seeking a compromise between cost and performance.

## Final Thoughts

The M1 MacBook Air, priced at $549, is certainly an appealing choice for those searching for a new MacBook at a budget-friendly price. However, in light of its age and restrictions, prospective buyers should meticulously contemplate their options. If finances permit, investing in the M4 MacBook Air at $749 or the M2 MacBook Air at $649 may offer greater long-term benefits, particularly with the enhanced RAM and added features. Ultimately, while the M1 MacBook Air is not an unacceptable option, it may not represent the most prudent investment for those desiring a device that will stay relevant and supported for years ahead.

“How to View the Debut of Five New Ice Age Episodes of Prehistoric Planet on Apple TV”

**Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age – An Expedition Through the Pleistocene Epoch**

The animal history documentary series *Prehistoric Planet* has made its comeback on Apple TV with a thrilling new chapter concentrating on the Ice Age. This series, crafted by the makers of the recent live-action *Lion King* remake, utilizes state-of-the-art CGI technology to create lifelike representations of creatures long gone, vividly illustrating the Pleistocene epoch.

*Prehistoric Planet* is crafted to mimic a contemporary nature documentary, skillfully showcasing these ancient animals as if they continue to roam the Earth in the present day. The production is backed by the esteemed BBC Studios Natural History Unit, guaranteeing top-notch content that is both informative and visually breathtaking.

The Pleistocene epoch, commonly known as the Ice Age, is marked by its severe, chilly climates. The series delves into how different species evolved to thrive in these environments, while also highlighting the significant transformations that took place during ‘The Big Melt.’ This combination of scientific precision and artistic visualization permits viewers to gain understanding into the lives of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, elephant birds, and early relatives of kangaroos.

The inaugural season of *Prehistoric Planet* was narrated by the iconic David Attenborough, whereas the new Ice Age segments feature narration by Tom Hiddleston, who has previously contributed his voice to Apple’s *Earthsounds* docuseries. The musical score for *Prehistoric Planet* is crafted by the distinguished Hans Zimmer, adding an emotional richness to the viewing experience.

All five episodes of *Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age* are now available for streaming, featuring a variety of intriguing prehistoric beings and their habitats.

### How to View Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age

To view *Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age*, an Apple TV subscription is necessary. The service, usually priced at $12.99 per month, is currently offering a promotional deal of $5.99 for six months for new subscribers.

Audiences can access the series through the Apple TV app on various devices, including iPhone, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, PlayStation, Xbox, and more. It is also streamable via a web browser at

The Chance to Acquire Apple’s Exclusive Accessory Could Have Elapsed

### The iPhone Pocket: Apple’s Most Unconventional Accessory

The iPhone Pocket has become one of the most peculiar accessories ever introduced by Apple, even outdoing the notorious iPod sock in terms of uniqueness. Released merely two weeks ago, this exceptional item was developed in partnership with the acclaimed Japanese design firm Issey Miyake, and it swiftly attracted attention for its striking design and practicality.

#### Design and Concept

Apple characterizes the iPhone Pocket as a fusion of artistry and minimalism, aiming to provide users with a fashionable means to carry their iPhones, AirPods, and other everyday essentials. Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice president of Industrial Design, stressed the common design ethos between Apple and Issey Miyake, emphasizing the significance of craftsmanship and joy in the creation of the product. The iPhone Pocket showcases a color scheme intended to enhance all iPhone models, enabling users to customize their aesthetic.

#### Availability and Popularity

Initially released in just eight nations—France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the US—the iPhone Pocket quickly became a coveted item. In spite of its unconventional nature, it sold out in the United States within days of its launch and is now out of stock from any Apple retail outlet worldwide. As it was launched as a limited edition accessory, there is ambiguity regarding its future restocking.

#### Comparison with Other Accessories

The iPhone Pocket follows the introduction of another quirky accessory, the Crossbody Strap, which embraced a rising fashion trend. With a price tag of $59, the iPhone Pocket presents a more upscale choice compared to comparable products found on sites like Amazon, where alternatives can be purchased for just a few dollars.

#### Caution for Buyers

For those thinking about acquiring the iPhone Pocket on resale platforms like eBay, it is essential to examine listings carefully. Many may promote third-party replicas, so prospective buyers should exercise caution to confirm they are obtaining the authentic product.

### Conclusion

The iPhone Pocket distinguishes itself as a reflection of Apple’s readiness to venture into unconventional accessory designs. While it may have elicited a blend of humor and curiosity, its swift sell-out suggests that there exists a demand for such distinctive items. Whether it will return remains uncertain, but for the moment, it has undeniably left its imprint in the realm of tech accessories.

Exposed Credentials from Coding Help Websites Impact Financial Institutions, Government Bodies, and Various Other Industries

**Exposed Credentials: A Security Breach in Code Formatting Tools**

Recent discoveries by cybersecurity experts have uncovered a serious security breach involving two widely used online code formatting tools, JSONFormatter and CodeBeautify. These services, favored by software developers for improving code readability, have unintentionally compromised thousands of sensitive login credentials, authentication keys, and additional crucial information.

### The Vulnerability

When developers make use of JSONFormatter and CodeBeautify, they can input their code into these tools for formatting purposes. However, a significant issue emerges when users save their formatted outputs. The links created during this procedure may include embedded credentials and sensitive data, rendering them susceptible to unauthorized access. This negligence has placed organizations in high-stakes sectors, such as government, banking, and healthcare, at considerable risk.

### The Findings

A report by Bleeping Computer indicates that the cybersecurity company watchTowr unearthed over five years of data from JSONFormatter and one year’s worth from CodeBeautify. This dataset encompassed a broad range of sensitive information, including:

– Active Directory credentials
– Database and cloud credentials
– Private keys
– Code repository tokens
– CI/CD secrets
– Payment gateway keys
– API tokens
– SSH session recordings
– Significant amounts of personally identifiable information (PII), including know-your-customer (KYC) data
– An AWS credential set used by a global stock exchange’s Splunk SOAR system
– Credentials for a bank exposed through an MSSP onboarding email

The irony of the scenario is accentuated by the inclusion of sensitive information from a prominent cybersecurity company in the compromised data.

### Current Status

Currently, the links containing this sensitive information remain publicly available on both JSONFormatter and CodeBeautify. This persistent exposure presents a considerable threat to the security of the involved organizations, as malicious actors could take advantage of this data to gain unauthorized access to essential systems.

### Conclusion

This incident underscores the necessity of security awareness among developers and the urgent need for strict data protection practices when utilizing online tools. Organizations must guarantee that sensitive information is not unintentionally shared or revealed through third-party services. As the digital environment continues to develop, sustaining robust cybersecurity measures will be vital in protecting against such vulnerabilities.

“Summary of ChatGPT Voice Enhancement and Expected Features of the Upcoming Siri”

# The Progression of ChatGPT: Combining Text and Voice Engagements

## Introduction

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has seen substantial changes since it was launched, especially with the recent addition of voice and text engagements. This advancement improves user satisfaction, making conversations with the chatbot more dynamic and natural. The transition to a more flexible interface is not just a landmark for ChatGPT but also establishes a benchmark for future AI assistants, like Apple’s Siri.

## From Text to Voice: A Revolutionary Shift

At first, ChatGPT was restricted to text-oriented exchanges. The launch of voice functionalities represented a crucial shift, enabling users to interact with the chatbot in a more human-like way. This progression fulfills two main objectives:

1. **Human-Like Interaction**: The voice feature boosts the chatbot’s capability to replicate human dialogue, although some experts believe this shouldn’t be the primary aim of AI communication.

2. **Enhanced Usability**: Communicating with an AI through speech is often quicker and more efficient than typing, especially for specific tasks. However, the earlier division between voice and text interactions created difficulties, particularly when users had to switch modes for particular functions.

## Blending Text and Voice

The newest update to ChatGPT resolves the constraints of its earlier version by unifying text and voice features. Users can now engage with the chatbot using voice commands while also viewing text replies and visual materials. This smooth merging provides a more integrated experience, eradicating the annoyance of toggling between modes.

Despite the promising enhancements, the integration comes with its hurdles. Users have reported discrepancies, such as the chatbot asserting the display of information that it does not actually show.

## The Prospects for Siri

As Apple seeks to improve Siri’s functionalities, it needs to embrace a similar strategy as ChatGPT. The revamped Siri should not only react to voice commands but also manage text and images efficiently. For example, users should be able to direct Siri to execute tasks such as booking flights across various travel applications, highlighting the necessity for Siri to function as a smart agent.

## The Challenges of Implementation

Creating such advanced functionalities is an intricate endeavor. Concerns remain about whether Apple can keep up with the rapid progress in AI technologies. It is feasible that Apple might need to partner with external AI developers to enhance Siri’s capabilities.

Regardless of whether Apple chooses to innovate its technology internally or collaborates with established AI companies, two vital elements remain crucial:

1. **User Privacy**: Apple must guarantee that user interactions with third-party AI platforms are protected, upholding the privacy standards for which it is well-known.

2. **Prompt Implementation**: The necessity for Apple to roll out these improvements is essential. Users anticipate notable upgrades within the coming year, and any delay could impair Siri’s competitive advantage.

## Conclusion

The combination of voice and text interactions in ChatGPT signifies a remarkable advancement in AI communication. As Apple endeavors to upgrade Siri, it must focus on seamless integration, user privacy, and the timely rollout of sophisticated features. The future of AI assistants depends on their capacity to adjust and progress, fulfilling the rising expectations of users in an increasingly digital landscape.

Unprecedented Apple Collectible Anticipated to Reach All-Time High Sale Price

The initial partnership agreement that founded the Apple Computer Company, presently referred to as Apple, Inc., is scheduled to be sold at auction by Christie’s on January 23, 2026. This important document is projected to command between $2 million and $4 million, potentially making it the priciest Apple collectible ever traded.

The three-page document was endorsed by the company’s co-founders: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne. According to the contract, Jobs and Wozniak each possessed a 45% share, while Wayne held 10%. Nevertheless, Wayne divested his ownership for merely $800 shortly after the company’s establishment, apprehensive about the financial risks involved, as he was the only member of the trio with personal assets at that time. If he had kept his share, it would now be valued at approximately $400 billion.

Along with the original partnership contract, Christie’s will also put Wayne’s withdrawal agreement up for bid as a single item. The auction house has yet to publish the items on its website, but these are likely to form part of an American collectibles auction.

Unique Apple memorabilia frequently draws considerable interest, but this contract is forecasted to break records for the highest amount paid for an Apple-related artifact. The auction is expected to attract collectors and fans eager to acquire a segment of technological history that represents the beginnings of one of the world’s most valuable enterprises.