The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, which we named the best pick for people new to mesh Wi-Fi systems, is on sale for $220 for the two-pack. That's a 27 percent discount, which is the best price it's been all year and just $20 more than the all time low it hit for Black Friday last November. The set of two should provide coverage for 4,400 square feet. If you've got a particularly large home or tricky areas due to thick walls or other interference, you might want the three-pack. That set is down to $319 after a 20 percent discount.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems let you add a distributed set of smaller nodes around your home, solving a lot of connectivity problems including sub-par ISP-provided equipment and dead zones in far off or awkward corners. The Wi-Fi 7 standard was just released, but few devices support it just yet, and the speeds the protocol can potentially deliver (along with the price tag) are likely overkill for the average household. Wi-Fi 6E, on the other hand, is mature and much more affordable. It's plenty capable of giving a home superior wireless performance for those coming from prior Wi-Fi generations.
In our review, Engadget's Daniel Cooper noted that the Nest Pro system is neither faster (though it's plenty fast) nor more customizable than its competitors, but its one of the more affordable Wi-Fi 6E systems out there. It's also terribly simple to use, even for those who've never worked with mesh routers before. The Nest Pro should particularly appeal to anyone who has already bought into Google's smart home ecosystem, as it makes good use of the Home app, where many of your automated controls may already be living.
One of the bigger selling points is Google's promise of regular software updates, which means you should be able to set the system up and not have to think about your Wi-Fi configurations for several years.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-two-pack-of-googles-nest-wi-fi-pro-6e-mesh-routers-has-dropped-to-220-180024047.html?src=rss
The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, which we named the best pick for people new to mesh Wi-Fi systems, is on sale for $220 for the two-pack. That's a 27 percent discount, which is the best price it's been all year and just $20 more than the all time low it hit for Black Friday last November. The set of two should provide coverage for 4,400 square feet. If you've got a particularly large home or tricky areas due to thick walls or other interference, you might want the three-pack. That set is down to $319 after a 20 percent discount.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems let you add a distributed set of smaller nodes around your home, solving a lot of connectivity problems including sub-par ISP-provided equipment and dead zones in far off or awkward corners. The Wi-Fi 7 standard was just released, but few devices support it just yet, and the speeds the protocol can potentially deliver (along with the price tag) are likely overkill for the average household. Wi-Fi 6E, on the other hand, is mature and much more affordable. It's plenty capable of giving a home superior wireless performance for those coming from prior Wi-Fi generations.
In our review, Engadget's Daniel Cooper noted that the Nest Pro system is neither faster (though it's plenty fast) nor more customizable than its competitors, but its one of the more affordable Wi-Fi 6E systems out there. It's also terribly simple to use, even for those who've never worked with mesh routers before. The Nest Pro should particularly appeal to anyone who has already bought into Google's smart home ecosystem, as it makes good use of the Home app, where many of your automated controls may already be living.
One of the bigger selling points is Google's promise of regular software updates, which means you should be able to set the system up and not have to think about your Wi-Fi configurations for several years.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-two-pack-of-googles-nest-wi-fi-pro-6e-mesh-routers-has-dropped-to-220-180024047.html?src=rss
In celebration of Pokémon Day (the first games launched on February 27, 1996), The Pokémon Company revealed the franchise’s latest “Legends” entry on Tuesday. Pokémon Legends: Z-A returns the series to Lumiose City, last seen as one of the regions in Pokémon X and Y on the Nintendo 3DS. The game arrives on Switch in 2025.
Developed by Game Freak, Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s trailer and press materials only provide a minimal glimpse at the upcoming title. The Pokémon Company describes it as “an exciting new adventure” and “an ambitious new entry” as the company tries to wrestle the narrative back from its guns-blazing off-brand counterpart Palworld. (That fast-growing title has already gotten the attention of The Pokémon Company’s legal team.)
A prancing Pikachu in wireframe minimalism.
The Pokémon Company
The trailer teases an urban redevelopment plan in a mysterious metro area, finally revealed as Lumiose City. Within the game world, a renovation project strives to help humans and Pokémon live together in the sprawling urban landscape. The trailer even teases Mega Evolutions, initially introduced in Pokémon X and Y.
The Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer below — largely an extended teaser — doesn’t show any gameplay footage, and its shots of Lumiose City use wireframe models, suggesting an incomplete nature (or at least surprises reserved for another day). The game will have a simultaneous global launch when it arrives next year.
Pokémon Day also saw the announcement of a new digital trading card game. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a new mobile app (Android and iOS) set to arrive later this year. It will allow players to “enjoy the thrill of opening booster packs and collecting cards,” which will include “immersive cards” and visual effects unique to the app (in addition to classic artwork). The app’s trailer showcases a satisfying ripping animation when “opening” the digital packs (gotta get you hooked!).
Players using the app will receive two free booster packs daily. The company hasn’t officially announced the availability of additional packs through in-app purchases. However, the Pokémon Company’s language describing the app as “free-to-start” may provide a hint about its plans. The app will support trades and “quick battles,” using streamlined rules based on the card game’s battle system.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pokemon-legends-z-a-for-switch-returns-the-series-to-lumiose-city-174208223.html?src=rss
In celebration of Pokémon Day (the first games launched on February 27, 1996), The Pokémon Company revealed the franchise’s latest “Legends” entry on Tuesday. Pokémon Legends: Z-A returns the series to Lumiose City, last seen as one of the regions in Pokémon X and Y on the Nintendo 3DS. The game arrives on Switch in 2025.
Developed by Game Freak, Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s trailer and press materials only provide a minimal glimpse at the upcoming title. The Pokémon Company describes it as “an exciting new adventure” and “an ambitious new entry” as the company tries to wrestle the narrative back from its guns-blazing off-brand counterpart Palworld. (That fast-growing title has already gotten the attention of The Pokémon Company’s legal team.)
A prancing Pikachu in wireframe minimalism.
The Pokémon Company
The trailer teases an urban redevelopment plan in a mysterious metro area, finally revealed as Lumiose City. Within the game world, a renovation project strives to help humans and Pokémon live together in the sprawling urban landscape. The trailer even teases Mega Evolutions, initially introduced in Pokémon X and Y.
The Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer below — largely an extended teaser — doesn’t show any gameplay footage, and its shots of Lumiose City use wireframe models, suggesting an incomplete nature (or at least surprises reserved for another day). The game will have a simultaneous global launch when it arrives next year.
Pokémon Day also saw the announcement of a new digital trading card game. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a new mobile app (Android and iOS) set to arrive later this year. It will allow players to “enjoy the thrill of opening booster packs and collecting cards,” which will include “immersive cards” and visual effects unique to the app (in addition to classic artwork). The app’s trailer showcases a satisfying ripping animation when “opening” the digital packs (gotta get you hooked!).
Players using the app will receive two free booster packs daily. The company hasn’t officially announced the availability of additional packs through in-app purchases. However, the Pokémon Company’s language describing the app as “free-to-start” may provide a hint about its plans. The app will support trades and “quick battles,” using streamlined rules based on the card game’s battle system.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pokemon-legends-z-a-for-switch-returns-the-series-to-lumiose-city-174208223.html?src=rss
TikTok is being forced to take down more music from its platform as a royalties spat with Universal Music Group (UMG) rumbles on. UMG recently yanked recordings it owns or distributes from TikTok including tracks from the likes of superstars Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd. The standoff is now impacting songs published by UMG.
"We are in the process of carrying out Universal Music Group's requirement to remove all songs that have been written (or co-written) by a songwriter signed to Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), based on information they have provided," TikTok said in a statement. "Their actions not only affect the songwriters and artists that they represent, but now also impact many artists and songwriters not signed to universal." TikTok added that it is still committed to "reaching an equitable agreement" with UMG.
Due to an issue called split copyrights, if a UMPG-contracted writer has contributed to a song in any way, that track has to be removed from TikTok. So artists who have collaborated with the likes of Swift, Adele, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Ice Spice, Elton John, Harry Styles and SZA will see their songs disappearing from TikTok and being muted on videos that currently use them. The move will prevent more artists from plugging their work on the most important platform for promoting music.
According to the BBC, UMG removed around three million songs from TikTok after an agreement over its recording catalog expired. UMG's deal with TikTok over its publishing catalog (which covers some four million songs) ends later this week, at which point all relevant tracks will have vanished from the short-form video service.
Update 2/28 3:30PM ET: Added confirmation that TikTok is removing songs by UMPG-contracted songwriters.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-is-muting-more-songs-amid-its-tussle-with-universal-music-161839190.html?src=rss
TikTok is being forced to take down more music from its platform as a royalties spat with Universal Music Group (UMG) rumbles on. UMG recently yanked recordings it owns or distributes from TikTok including tracks from the likes of superstars Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd. The standoff is now impacting songs published by UMG.
"We are in the process of carrying out Universal Music Group's requirement to remove all songs that have been written (or co-written) by a songwriter signed to Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), based on information they have provided," TikTok said in a statement. "Their actions not only affect the songwriters and artists that they represent, but now also impact many artists and songwriters not signed to universal." TikTok added that it is still committed to "reaching an equitable agreement" with UMG.
Due to an issue called split copyrights, if a UMPG-contracted writer has contributed to a song in any way, that track has to be removed from TikTok. So artists who have collaborated with the likes of Swift, Adele, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Ice Spice, Elton John, Harry Styles and SZA will see their songs disappearing from TikTok and being muted on videos that currently use them. The move will prevent more artists from plugging their work on the most important platform for promoting music.
According to the BBC, UMG removed around three million songs from TikTok after an agreement over its recording catalog expired. UMG's deal with TikTok over its publishing catalog (which covers some four million songs) ends later this week, at which point all relevant tracks will have vanished from the short-form video service.
Update 2/28 3:30PM ET: Added confirmation that TikTok is removing songs by UMPG-contracted songwriters.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-is-muting-more-songs-amid-its-tussle-with-universal-music-161839190.html?src=rss
“Which iPhone should I buy?” It’s a question you’ve probably asked or heard many times over the years. Most of the time, the answer is simple: Get the best one you can afford. And if you’re happy with your current iPhone, there’s no need to upgrade. But if you’re ready for a new smartphone, we’re here to help. Below we’ve picked through all nine models in Apple’s current smartphone lineup and selected the ones that should satisfy most people.
Before we dig in, just note that we’ve based this guide on the prices of new unlocked iPhones on Apple.com. If you can find a heavy discount from another trusted retailer or a good deal on a refurbished model, that could always change the value equation. But with that out of the way, here are the best iPhones you can buy as of late 2024.
The rest of Apple’s iPhone lineup in 2024
The iPhone 16.
Billy Steele for Engadget
Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
As noted above, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have made genuine improvements over last year’s models and generally feel more “Pro-like” than they have in years past. They also come in a range of vibrant colors. If the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max are just too pricey, especially if you want extra storage space, they’re fantastic compromises. Still, they are compromises. If you can afford it, the Pro should hold up a bit better over time.
Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are fine phones in a vacuum, but we just don’t have the stomach to recommend a $600 or $700 phone without USB-C in late 2024. You lose out on the Dynamic Island and Apple’s forthcoming AI tricks as well. The 14 Plus may be justifiable if you just want the cheapest large-screen iPhone out there, but most should look for a trade-in or refurbished deal on an iPhone 15 or, if your budget allows it, iPhone 16 instead.
Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen)
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) isn't just the cheapest iPhone that Apple sells, it’s also the smallest and lightest. It retains the look and feel of the iPhone 8, which was released all the way back in 2017, but some may appreciate the older design and tactile Home button. The SE uses the same A15 Bionic chip as the old iPhone 13, but it still runs fine for everyday tasks. It might be OK if you just want the cheapest route into iOS or you’re buying a first iPhone for your kids. For most, though, the SE’s small display, single-rear-camera setup and limited memory and storage are tough to accept in 2024. It also lacks ultra-wideband (UWB), so it’s not as adept at finding nearby AirTags. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in August that Apple could release a new iPhone SE in the spring of 2025, so anyone in need of a true budget iPhone should try to hold out for a little longer.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-iphone-160012979.html?src=rss
Apple’s iPhone lineup has grown more complicated over the years, with multiple models targeting different kinds of buyers. Some prioritize camera performance and display quality while others focus on design or price, and not everyone needs the most powerful option on the shelf. If you’re planning an upgrade, the challenge isn’t whether Apple makes a good phone; it’s figuring out which iPhone actually makes sense for you based on how you use it.
We test every new iPhone Apple releases, comparing performance, cameras, battery life and long-term value. In this guide, we break down the current lineup to highlight the best iPhones for different needs, from the best all-around picks to more specialized options that trade raw power for affordability or style.
For consistency, our recommendations are based on Apple’s standard pricing for unlocked models sold directly through Apple. Deals from carriers, third-party retailers or refurbished sellers can shift the value math, but this guide is meant to help you choose the right model first — then decide where to buy it.
Best iPhones for 2026
The rest of Apple's iPhone lineup in 2026
The iPhone 16.
Billy Steele for Engadget
Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
Apple is still selling the last-gen iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus for $699 and $799, respectively, but the improvements made with the iPhone 17 have forced both devices into something of a no man’s land. The 16 Plus and its 6.7-inch display might be worth it if you want a large-screen iPhone for a much lower price than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but you’ll miss out on the base model’s 120Hz always-on display and upgraded dual-camera setup. If you just want a usable iPhone for as little as possible, meanwhile, the iPhone 16e is acceptable for $100 less. In general, we think the iPhone 17 is worth the extra $100; its 6.3-inch display helps it split the difference between the 16 and 16 Plus anyway.
iPhone FAQs
Brian Oh for Engadget
When is the best time of year to buy an iPhone?
The best time to buy an iPhone, or really any product, is whenever you need one. But if you want to maximize how long your iPhone is considered “current,” plan to upgrade in late September. Apple almost always introduces its new core models around then. SE and “e” iPhones, meanwhile, have arrived between February and April, but those aren’t guaranteed annual releases.
Cash discounts on new unlocked iPhones are rare, so there usually isn’t much reason to wait for a deal before buying (as is often the case with Samsung or Google phones). Carriers will run their own sales, but those typically involve locking you into years-long service plans. The exception would be if you specifically want an older iPhone, since Apple typically cuts the price of its last-gen devices by $100 or more when it introduces a new model. So, for instance, if you know you won’t care about the inevitable iPhone 17’s upgrades, you could wait until that device is announced and get the iPhone 16 for a little cheaper.
How long does an iPhone last?
This depends on the person and how they define “last.” If we had to give a broad estimate, we’d say most iPhone users keep their device between two and four years. If you’re particularly sensitive to performance and camera improvements, you might want to upgrade on the earlier side of that timeline. If you’re not as picky, you could hold out for even longer — though you’ll likely want to get a battery replacement sometime around the three- or four-year mark (or whenever you notice your battery life has severely degraded).
Software support shouldn’t be a problem regardless: Apple is renowned for keeping its devices up-to-date long-term, and the current iOS 26 update is available on iPhones dating back to 2019. Most of those older phones don’t support Apple Intelligence, so there isn’t total parity, but that’s not a big loss in the grand scheme of things.
How do I know how old my iPhone is?
Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then tap General > About. You should see the Model Name right near the top. You can also tap the Model Number below that, then verify the resulting four-digit code on Apple’s identification page to further confirm.
If you don’t want to use software, for whatever reason, you can also find your iPhone’s model number printed within its USB-C or Lightning port, if the device lacks a SIM tray. For older devices, you can alternatively find that number within the SIM slot or — if you’re still hanging onto an iPhone 7 or older — right on the back of the handset.
Recent updates
September 2025: We’ve overhauled this guide to reflect the release of the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series. The base iPhone 17 is our new top pick for most people, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max represent the best iPhones you can buy if money is no object. The iPhone Air is worth considering if you care about style above all else, while the iPhone 16e remains acceptable if you want the most affordable new iPhone possible.
August 2025: We’ve taken another pass to ensure our advice is still up-to-date and noted that we expect to Apple to launch new phones soon in September.
June 2025: We’ve lightly edited this guide for clarity and added a few common FAQs. Our picks remain unchanged.
February 2025: The new iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus as our “budget” pick. We’ve also removed our notes on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation), as each has been formally discontinued.
January 2025: We've made a few minor edits for clarity and ensured our recommendations are still up to date.
December 2024: We’ve made a few edits to reflect the release of Apple Intelligence, though our picks remain the same.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-iphone-160012979.html?src=rss
If you're looking to stock up on charging gear, a few Anker accessories we recommend are back on sale, including the Anker 622 Magnetic Battery down to $35 in various colors. Outside of a brief fall to $25 last year, that matches the lowest price we've seen for the wireless battery pack. The discount takes half off Anker's list price, though the device's actual street price has sat around $50 for most of the past year. This offer is also available at Anker's online store with an on-page coupon code.
We've previously highlighted the Anker 622 for those who want a compact power bank they can use to recharge their phone without any cables. It's compatible with Apple's MagSafe standard, so it can quickly snap onto the back of any recent iPhone and immediately start topping it up. It's a 5,000mAh (19.25Wh) battery that only supplies up to 7.5W of power, so it's not especially fast and can't completely refill most phones on its own. Instead, it's best viewed as a pocket-friendly security blanket, a thin and light pack you can use to keep your phone from dying before you make it back to an outlet. The device can also serve as a charging stand when you aren't out and about, as it has a foldable kickstand built in and a side-mounted USB-C port that allows for pass-through charging. Just be aware that it won't work with cases that aren't magnetic.
It's worth noting that Anker recently launched new wireless power banks that support the faster Qi2 standard, which can deliver up to 15W to compatible devices. But the closest analog to the 622 there is currently priced at $60. If you don't need the absolute fastest speeds, the older model is still a decent value when it's discounted to this extent.
If you want a charging station for your desk, the Anker 525 Charging Station is also worth a look at $40. That's about $20 off its usual street price and an all-time low. This is a stubby, 67W desktop charger with two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the front, plus three AC outlets on the back. It'll split that power if you connect multiple devices at once, so it won't refill every phone, tablet or small laptop at max speed, but it should be quick enough for most people looking for something on the cheap.
Beyond that, the Lightning-based version of Anker's 621 Power Bank is down to $20 with an on-page coupon. That matches the lowest price we've seen for the ultracompact battery pack, which has a foldable plug that connects directly into the bottom of older iPhones and provide an emergency 12W charge. We recommend the USB-C version of this device in our guide to the best power banks.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ankers-5000mah-magsafe-power-bank-is-on-sale-for-35-right-now-155349545.html?src=rss
If you're looking to stock up on charging gear, a few Anker accessories we recommend are back on sale, including the Anker 622 Magnetic Battery down to $35 in various colors. Outside of a brief fall to $25 last year, that matches the lowest price we've seen for the wireless battery pack. The discount takes half off Anker's list price, though the device's actual street price has sat around $50 for most of the past year. This offer is also available at Anker's online store with an on-page coupon code.
We've previously highlighted the Anker 622 for those who want a compact power bank they can use to recharge their phone without any cables. It's compatible with Apple's MagSafe standard, so it can quickly snap onto the back of any recent iPhone and immediately start topping it up. It's a 5,000mAh (19.25Wh) battery that only supplies up to 7.5W of power, so it's not especially fast and can't completely refill most phones on its own. Instead, it's best viewed as a pocket-friendly security blanket, a thin and light pack you can use to keep your phone from dying before you make it back to an outlet. The device can also serve as a charging stand when you aren't out and about, as it has a foldable kickstand built in and a side-mounted USB-C port that allows for pass-through charging. Just be aware that it won't work with cases that aren't magnetic.
It's worth noting that Anker recently launched new wireless power banks that support the faster Qi2 standard, which can deliver up to 15W to compatible devices. But the closest analog to the 622 there is currently priced at $60. If you don't need the absolute fastest speeds, the older model is still a decent value when it's discounted to this extent.
If you want a charging station for your desk, the Anker 525 Charging Station is also worth a look at $40. That's about $20 off its usual street price and an all-time low. This is a stubby, 67W desktop charger with two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the front, plus three AC outlets on the back. It'll split that power if you connect multiple devices at once, so it won't refill every phone, tablet or small laptop at max speed, but it should be quick enough for most people looking for something on the cheap.
Beyond that, the Lightning-based version of Anker's 621 Power Bank is down to $20 with an on-page coupon. That matches the lowest price we've seen for the ultracompact battery pack, which has a foldable plug that connects directly into the bottom of older iPhones and provide an emergency 12W charge. We recommend the USB-C version of this device in our guide to the best power banks.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ankers-5000mah-magsafe-power-bank-is-on-sale-for-35-right-now-155349545.html?src=rss