This week, Apple unveiled upgraded iPads and MacBooks featuring new chipsets, available for pre-order on March 12. The 2025 vanilla iPad now includes an A16 chip and base storage increased to 128GB, while the iPad Air features the M3 chip, said to be twice as fast as its predecessor. New MacBook Airs, equipped with the M4 chip and new 12MP cameras, offer a $100 discount. In Samsung news, Galaxy S25 series devices are discounted, with storage upgrades available for the FE series models. Additionally, Amazon introduced its generative AI assistant, Alexa+, which offers improved functionality for Prime members.
This week highlighted new developments from Apple, as they unveiled upgraded iPads and MacBooks equipped with advanced chipsets. The newly announced Apple devices are currently available for pre-order and will be released on March 12 (Wednesday). Additionally, we explore Samsung Galaxy discounts and delve into Amazon’s innovative AI initiatives.
Starting with the standard iPad – the 2025 iteration has been enhanced with the Apple A16 chip, making it the only new iPad lacking Apple Intelligence support (the 2024 mini features the A17 Pro chipset).
Fortunately, Apple has increased the base storage to 128GB, which is manageable (the previous 64GB option was limiting, and upgrading meant opting for the expensive 256GB model). It’s been three years since the standard iPad saw an upgrade, and while we welcome the improvements in performance and storage, we wish for additional features – perhaps AI capabilities, a 120Hz display, or something else.
The iPad Air was refreshed last year with the M2 chip, but this time, Apple has equipped it with the M3 chip. This constitutes the main upgrade for the 2025 iPad Air 11” and 13”. Apple asserts these devices are twice as fast as their M1-based predecessors, attempting to entice owners of the 2022 models to consider an upgrade.
Also debuting this week are the new 13” and 15.3” MacBook Air models outfitted with the M4 chip and a $100 price reduction. The latest chip allows for the support of up to two 6K 60Hz displays (increased from the previous generation, which supported only one). Furthermore, the new MacBook Airs come with upgraded 12MP Center Stage cameras (the same as those on the MacBook Pro). A new color option, named Sky Blue, is also included.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is currently available at a $100 discount. This applies to both the 42mm and 46mm models, with or without cellular capabilities. While we’ve linked to the aluminum options below, pricier titanium variants are also available.
Shifting gears to Android, Amazon has eliminated free storage upgrades for the Galaxy S25 series, opting instead for direct discounts. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25+ are now discounted by $200, while the standard Galaxy S25 sees a $100 reduction.
The FE series is currently offering cost-effective storage upgrades. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE’s storage can be expanded from 128GB to 256GB for just an additional $20. Previously, upgrading to 256GB cost $60 more.
Likewise, upgrading the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE from 128GB to 256GB will set you back just $45 more. This upgrade also increases RAM from 6GB to 8GB, whereas it previously cost $70.
Unfortunately, the larger Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has not adopted this trend, and the upgrade to 256GB remains at the same price as always, $100.
This week, Amazon introduced its upgraded AI assistant, Alexa+. Built on a generative AI model, it allows for more natural conversations and handles more complex tasks. While it normally costs $20 a month, Amazon Prime members can access it for free.
Alexa+ can be utilized with various Echo devices, including the budget-friendly $40 speaker and the $150 smart display. Early access is granted on those devices, though it’s worth noting that Amazon prioritizes the Echo Show (smart display) models.
Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro laptop is also designed with AI capabilities in mind – featuring Intel Core Ultra and Microsoft Copilot as its core technologies. Beyond AI features, this laptop is lightweight, available in 14” (11.6mm, 2.71lbs) and 16” (12.5mm, 3.44lbs) options, both boasting 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreens. Both versions are powered by the first-generation Core Ultra 7 (155H) alongside Intel Arc Graphics.
We may receive a commission from qualifying purchases.