IT General

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is $1,000 off this weekend with T-Mobile. To claim this offer, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro for $1,000 off   Shop Now

After months and months of speculation, rumors, and leaks, Apple finally announced new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more. It's all very exciting, but it's the iPhones that really get the people going.

Like everyone else, we dug deep into all the specs and features to give you an insight into exactly what these new flagship devices offer. Now that the dust has settled, the focus naturally switches to deals — and there are a couple of standout options worth highlighting right now:

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — $1,000 off when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — $1,000 off when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

The bad news is the completely "free" doorbuster deal is gone, but taking $1,000 off the $1,199.99 list price knocks your monthly payment down to just $5.56 per month over 36 months for the iPhone 18 Pro. To qualify, you can either switch to an Experience Beyond plan and port over your existing number or trade in an eligible device in any condition on a qualifying plan. The choice is yours.

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. As long as you intend to stay locked into T-Mobile for three years, taking a huge chunk off Apple's premier hardware is one of the smartest ways to upgrade without a major hit to your budget.

Keep in mind that T-Mobile requires you to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout.

Save $1,000 on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max at T-Mobile

The best early October Prime Day deals on power stations: Best Jackery deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ecoflow deal Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 (save $400) Get Deal Best Bluetti deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (save $400) Get Deal Best Anker deal Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 (save $150.01) Get Deal Best DJI deal DJI Power 1000 v2 $419.99 (save $280) Get Deal Best camping deal Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 (save $120) Get Deal Best refrigerator backup deal Anker Solix S2000 $679.99 (save $699.01) Get Deal

You can't go wrong with a portable power station, especially as we come into colder, and more storm-prone months.

They're great for camping or road trips, keeping your gadgets running when you're away from a plug socket. Portable power stations come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, with some costing well into the thousands. It's not exactly an everyday purchase, so when sales events like Prime Day roll around, it's a great excuse to make a big purchase.

Prime Day officially runs from October 6-7, but we've been keeping an eye on the early deals you can get now. There are discounts on seriously powerful models that can serve as a perfect backup power source for your refrigerator, as well as other models that will keep your personal devices charged and online.

SEE ALSO: 20+ of the best early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Apple, Nintendo, and Garmin

With Prime Big Deal Days coming up on October 6-7, Amazon has already started cutting prices on some popular power stations, so now is a great time to pick one up at a lower-than-usual price. Below, we've rounded up the best early deals worth checking out.

A great beginner model from Jackery

For those new to portable power, Jackery makes some of the most beginner-friendly and uncomplicated models. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a compact, portable power station with a 1,070Wh capacity and 1,500W output, making it suitable for powering devices such as fridges, electric pots, and other appliances. It can also go from empty to fully charged in an hour with emergency charging switched on, and the LFP battery is designed to retain more than 70% of its capacity after 4,000 charge cycles. Plus, it weighs under 24 pounds, so it's easy to carry around the house or the campground.

If you don't love the traditional black and orange look of Jackery portable power stations, the Explorer 1000 v2 comes in a modern cream color called dune white. That version is also on sale for $499 ahead of Prime Day, marked down from its list price of $589.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 at Amazon
$559 Save $60   Get Deal A classic EcoFlow station with a solar panel

One of the major benefits of a portable power station is the ability to recharge using solar power. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle with a 220W solar panel is a great choice ahead of Prime Day. You'll get the 1,024Wh portable power station with a 1,800W output that can power even big appliances like fridges. It has X-Boost providing up to 2,600W for higher-power devices, and can charge to 80% in 45 minutes via AC.

With full sun, EcoFlow says the Delta 3 Classic can recharge in about 6 hours with the 220W solar panel. Of course, you can also recharge using standard wall power or a generator. When plugged into a wall outlet, the EcoFlow can reach 80% capacity in just 45 minutes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecoflow Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $400   Get Deal A Bluetti power station with major solar recharging power

Ahead of Prime Day, this Bluetti Elite 100 v2 unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.

But one of the highlights of the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 is its ability to connect with up to 1,000W of solar power. That's a massive amount of solar compatibility for a portable power station in the 1kWh range. If you have access to both 1,000W of solar and full sun, the Elite 100 V2 will recharge in just 70 minutes.

The 10-millisecond UPS (uninterruptible power supply) also makes this a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm threatens to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Bluetti will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400   Get Deal An Anker deal on one of Mashable's favorite models

This unit has a 1,056Wh capacity and 2,400W output, with 11 ports for powering multiple devices and appliances. It can reach 80% charge in 43 minutes with UltraFast charging enabled through the Anker app. It's built a LiFePO4 battery, so it's designed to last a long time, up to 10 years, which is around 3,000 battery cycles.

The original Anker Solix C1000 also has a few advantages over the new C1000 Gen 2. For starters, the older model has a built-in light bar, which is incredibly useful when camping or carrying the power station around the house during a power outage. The original C1000 is also expandable to add 1,056Wh of power, doubling its capacity.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.01   Get Deal A portable power station that doesn't mind the rain

If you plan on heading out for fall camping, you might run into some rain or dewy mornings. The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra isn't afraid of getting wet, so it's perfect for all-season camping. It carries an IP65 rating, which means it's both water- and dust-proof. Jackery also tested this model for drops, and it'll be just fine when it takes a tumble of about three feet or less.

Important stats include a 1,536Wh battery capacity, a metal cooling base, and protective covers for all ports. This is also a great model for using in a dusty workshop since the air intake is located toward the top of the unit rather than near the bottom, which tends to suck up dust or wood shavings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $120   Get Deal Backup for your refrigerator

When the power goes out at home, a major worry is keeping food from going bad. Now that grocery prices have gone wild, the thought of having to toss it all out is worrying. Instead, plug the fridge into the Anker Solix S2000, which packs a massive 2,010Wh of battery capacity. Anker says this can keep a standard refrigerator on for up to 35 hours. Keep in mind that the exact number will depend on factors such as your fridge's capacity, the kitchen's ambient temperature, and how full the refrigerator is.

The Anker Solix S2000 has AC ports on both the front and the back of the station, so you can plug the fridge into the back and keep the front ports open for other kitchen appliances like the coffee maker.

During Prime Day in July, we saw this model drop to an incredible price of $599, which means it's possible it'll drop again next week when the sale officially kicks off on Oct. 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix S2000 $679.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $519.01   Get Deal Backup power designed for creators

We all know DJI as the brand that launched drones into our everyday lives, as well as the company that makes excellent creator cameras and mics. But DJI also makes a stellar lineup of portable power stations. Often, they're on sale at such a competitive price that anyone should consider them a frontrunner for portable power, especially for those who have DJI drones.

The DJI Power 1000 v2 comes with a solid 1,024Wh battery capacity with a peak output of 2,600W. It has your standard AC ports, USB-C, and USB-A, but it also features dual SDC ports that can fast-charge DJI drone batteries. This feature makes it incredibly friendly for content creators. Additionally, it's super quiet, operating as low as 26 decibels, making recording video or audio near the power station no big deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $399.46
$449.99 Save $50.53   Get Deal An older Jackery model with a solar panel at a great price

These days, a huge number of Jackery portable power stations are on their second version, or v2. Most of them have improvements such as lighter weight, faster charging, and a USB-C port that can handle more power. But this doesn't mean you have to count out older models. The Jackery Explorer 300 still has plenty of great features for a 293Wh portable power station.

For starters, it weighs only about 7 pounds and has a 100W USB-C port. Jackery mentions that the battery can recharge a phone about 13 times. But one of the best parts about this deal is the inclusion of a 40W solar panel. The Jackery SolarSaga 40W air is a compact panel that measures about the size of a sheet of paper and weighs under two pounds.

On its own, the SolarSaga 40W Air solar panel costs $129 at full price, although it's on sale for $108.99. Given this pricing, snagging both the Jackery Explorer 300 and the 40W Air solar panel for $339 is a great option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 with Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air $339 at Amazon
$379 Save $40   Get Deal Whole-home backup ahead of storm season

For those who live in an area prone to hurricanes or ice storms, the Anker Solix F3000 could be a lifesaver. Its massive 3,072Wh capacity means you can keep almost everything in your home powered up, from the refrigerator to lamps and the coffee maker. Plus, it has the capacity for major expansion to 24kWh.

Thanks to the 30amp plug, you could even do a load of laundry with the Solix F3000 or take it along in the RV. Plus, the Anker can power gadgets while recharging, and, even better for storm situations, you can recharge it via a generator in a bit over an hour.

Of course, Anker added durable wheels and a telescoping handle to this model since the 3kWh battery weighs about 91 pounds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix F3000 $1,399.99 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $299.01   Get Deal A petite model for a weekend of camping

Not everyone needs or wants major power backup. For short trips to the campground for a few nights or for using at home during short outages, the Anker Solix C300 is packed with useful features. The 288Wh capacity will recharge small gadgets like cell phones and earbuds while camping, and the carrying strap makes it ideal for transporting at the campsite.

The Solix C300 comes with four USB-C ports, including two that support 140W, allowing you to recharge your MacBook Pro at the campsite. Plus, you can recharge the Solix power station in 2.5 hours via the car socket. The pop-up lantern adds to the campsite-friendliness of this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C300 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal A refurbished model at an incredible price

We already mentioned the benefits of buying the Jackery Explorer 300 with a 40W solar panel, but if you don't mind buying used and you don't want the solar panel, this deal is pretty awesome. A renewed version of the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale at Amazon for only $156. It's certified by Amazon's renewal program to retain at least 80% of its original battery capacity.

This isn't the fanciest or newest model, but if you're looking for a more affordable way to get into the portable power station game, this could be your ticket.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Refurbished Jackery Explorer 300 $156 at Amazon
$259 Save $103   Get Deal A Bluetti that doesn't mind the cold

Most batteries don't perform well in deep chills, but the Bluetti Pioneer Na is designed specifically to be cold-proof. It can safely recharge your devices and tools at temperatures as low as -13 degrees. That makes it ideal for ice fishing, working in an uninsulated shed or garage in the winter, or leaving for the cabin.

Instead of using lithium-ion battery cells, the Bluetti Pioneer Na uses sodium-ion cells, which are not only better suited to cold weather but also avoid using rarer metals like lithium and cobalt.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Pioneer Na $799 at Bluetti
$899 Save $100   Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is just around the corner — and so are some excellent Apple deals, no doubt. This 48-hour "October Prime Day" serves as Amazon's kickoff to the Black Friday/holiday shopping season, which is the best time to find discounts on popular Apple devices, among many other tech products. This year, it will double as some year-end relief from RAMageddon price increases.

While the sale isn't scheduled to begin until Oct. 6, Amazon is already rolling out some early October Prime Day deals on select gadgets, including most AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks. That raises the question: If you're thinking about upgrading from an older Apple device to a newer model, should you start adding items to your cart now or hold off for a bit?

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces dates for Prime Big Deal Days, its 48-hour 'October Prime Day' sale

The answer depends on the exact product you're eyeing. Having covered Amazon's sales for years now, I think most of its current Apple deals will get much better on Oct. 6 and 7, when Prime Big Deal Days is officially live. However, a couple of the deals are worth grabbing immediately. In fact, you might miss out if you wait too long.

Read on to find out which six Apple deals I'd add to my cart ASAP, and which others I'm hoping to see once Prime Big Deal Days starts. I've come up with some October Prime Day discount predictions for every current Apple product based on their pricing histories and Amazon's deal patterns. I'm also keeping an eye on rivaling retailers like Walmart and Best Buy to see if they can one-up their offers. (Check back for updates as we get closer to the sale.)

The only Apple deals I'd shop before October Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

Apple's last-gen earbuds are getting harder to find in stock following this month's launch of the AirPods 5. Amazon's $99 deal on new pairs is gone, leaving only used options starting at $84.55.

If you're after the base model, your best move right now is Walmart, where new pairs are still available for $99 (normally $129) — matching their lowest price of the year. However, if active noise cancellation is a priority, you can get the ANC version for $129.99 at Best Buy.

While the standard version lacks ANC, misses out on Live Translation, and doesn't sound quite as refined as its successor, it's still a great option for budget shoppers who want a reliable set of wireless earbuds without paying full price.

Read Mashable's review of the Apple AirPods 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $9.01   Get Deal

Apple's latest flagship smartwatch hit shelves in mid-September alongside the AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pros. It has an upgraded chipset and sensors that support better heart rate monitoring, a new Readiness feature, and new Audio Intelligence tools. Amazon is currently selling it for $389.99, which is almost $10 off its usual sticker price of $399. That discount isn't huge, but it's probably not going to get any bigger once Prime Big Deal Days starts. Its predecessor, the Series 11, was also only $10 off during its first Prime Big Deal Days.

Check out our breakdown of all the differences between the Apple Watch Series 12 and Series 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $779.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $19.01   Get Deal

Similarly, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn't heavily discounted but probably won't get any cheaper than it currently is, if history repeats itself. Last year, during Prime Big Deal Days, the last-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 was marked down to $779.99 (normally $799). Ahead of this year's sale, the Ultra 4 is already matching that. Its upgrades include a faster processor, a longer battery life, and a new heart rate monitoring system; it has the same new health and fitness features as the Series 12.

Read Mashable's review of the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) $1,899 at Amazon
$2,099 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $200   Get Deal

Amazon still has a couple of older M4 iPad Pros in stock and on sale at deep discounts. One is an 11-inch model with a nano-texture (matte) display and 2TB storage; the other is a 13-inch model with Apple's standard display and 512GB of storage. They're marked down to $1,899 and $1,299, respectively, which is a $200 savings either way. (For reference, they were $250 off and $100 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025.) They're significantly cheaper than their newer M5 counterparts right now, so I can see them selling out well before this year's October Prime Day.

Read Mashable's review of the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M4).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 at Amazon
$4,099 Save $600   Get Deal

This beefy MacBook Pro, powered by Apple's most powerful laptop chip, is ideal for advanced users like professional video editors and developers. MacBooks don't normally get discounts of more than $300 to $400 during Amazon's Prime events, so at $600 off, this one's a no-brainer buy. I should also mention that this exact configuration cost $3,599 before Apple raised its MacBook prices in June — this discount negates that and then some.

October Prime Day AirPods deals to watch

• Apple AirPods 5: The latest flagship AirPods debuted in mid-September, and they're currently stuck at full price. (The standard models retail for $129, while the ones with a wireless charging case cost $149.) They should get cheaper next month, but not by much. The AirPods 4 only saw a small $10 discount during their first Prime Big Deal Days in 2024, so I think they'll probably go for $119 and $139, respectively.

• Apple AirPods Pro 3: The AirPods Pro 3 have better ANC than the regular AirPods 5, plus a longer battery life, an added heart rate sensor, and an exclusive Hearing Aid mode. They're down to $234 right now — a 6% savings — but there's a strong chance they'll dip even lower for October's festivities. Amazon could revive its record-low price of $169, which last appeared right before June's Prime Day sale.

• Apple AirPods Pro Max 2: Apple's over-ear headphones are currently on sale for $479 (or $70 off their $549 MSRP), but I'd wait. We saw them fall to $399 a couple of months ago on Prime Day — an impressive 27% savings.

Read our reviews of the AirPods 5, the AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, find out where they ranked on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-canceling headphones.

The best early October Prime Day AirPods deals for now: Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30 at Walmart) Get Deal Apple AirPods 5 $129 Shop Now Apple AirPods 5 with wireless charging case $149 Shop Now Apple AirPods Pro Max 2 $509.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal October Prime Day Apple Watch deals to watch

• Apple Watch SE 3: Normally $249, Apple's budget smartwatch has been as cheap as $189.99 before — a savings of just under $60. It's definitely not worth buying now at $239, or only $10 off.

The best early October Prime Day Apple Watch deals for now: Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $239 (save $10) Shop Now Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $779.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal October Prime Day MacBook deals to watch

• Apple MacBook Neo: The cheapest MacBook hasn't gotten any major discounts at major retailers since its March release. (Its current sale price of $689 on Amazon, or $10 off, is its all-time low there.) There's no world where Amazon matches the Apple Store's $100 student discount for Prime Big Deal Days, IMO, but maybe we'll see it hit $649 for the first time next month. It's due for better deals now that it's more than six months old.

• Apple MacBook Air: The sky blue 13-inch M5 MacBook Air was $150 off at the time of writing, but don't add it to your cart yet. Both sizes of last year's M4 MacBook Air were $200 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025. If Amazon matched that offer in the coming weeks, it would erase the M5 Air's recent price hike. For reference, the 13-inch one usually starts at $1,299, while the 15-inch size typically starts at $1,499; snag them as soon as you catch them at $1,099 and $1,299, respectively.

• Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch, M5-powered base model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is $160 off right now, but I think Amazon might sell it for $1,799, or $200 off, come Prime Big Deal Days. That's the discount its equally configured predecessor got last fall. (It wouldn't fully cancel the MacBook Pro's recent $300 price increase, but it would be a welcome deal regardless. We haven't spotted it on sale for less than $1,849 since June.)

Read our reviews of the Apple MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is best for you.

The best early October Prime Day MacBook deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $689 (save $10) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,449 (save $150) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 (save $100) Shop Now Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,839 (save $160) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 (save $600) Get Deal October Prime Day iPad deals to watch

• Apple iPad: Apple's flagship tablet is on sale for $427 in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days (usually $449), which is a skip. Wait to see if Amazon matches or beats its $70 discount from last year's sale, which would bring it down to just $379.

• Apple iPad mini: The smallest, most portable iPad was also $70 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025, so it's worth adding to your cart if you see it drop to $529 or lower next month. It's now on sale for $569 (only $30 off).

• Apple iPad Air: Amazon randomly shifted the list prices for both sizes of the latest M4 iPad Air, so technically, both models are $20 off right now. You can grab the 11-inch version for $729 and the 13-inch version for $929 (down from their original retail prices of $749 and $949). It's a tiny markdown compared to the $100 price cuts we saw recently, but last October, Amazon dropped the previous-gen models by $150 during Prime Big Deal Days. If Amazon replicates that $150 discount off the original list price next month, the 11-inch model would fall to $599, and the 13-inch would drop to $799.

• Apple iPad Pro: The 11-inch base configuration of the M4 iPad Pro was $100 off during last year's Prime Big Deal Days, while the 13-inch base model was $200 off. Amazon isn't matching those offers just yet: The smaller size is now $1,139, only $60 off, while the 13-inch one is now $1,399, or $100 off (not bad, but it could be even better). Ideally, they'll soon hit $1,099 and $1,299 or less.

Read our reviews of the iPad mini, the M4 iPad Air, and the M5 iPad Pro. Not sure which iPad to buy? Allow us to offer some guidance.

The best early October Prime Day iPad deals for now: Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $427 (save $22) Get Deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $569 (save $30) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB $729 (save $20) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $929 (save $20) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) $1,899 (save $200) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 (save $200) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,139 (save $60) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,399 (save $100) Get Deal October Prime Day Apple accessory deals to watch

• Apple AirTags (4-Pack): Currently on sale for $89 (normally $99). We frequently see this 4-pack drop to $69 or $79 during major Amazon events, so it's worth holding off a few more weeks to save an extra $5 or $10.

• Apple Pencil Pro: Down to $99 (normally $129). This $30 discount is a pretty good deal. The lowest we've ever seen Amazon let it go for was $89.99 in Oct. of 2024.

• Apple MagSafe Charger: On sale for $39.99 (normally $49). It doesn't usually drop below $29 (though we did see it at $28 in June), so the current price is reasonable if you need a wireless charger right away, though a slightly better deal is likely during the sale.

Watch for Apple Gift Card bundles: Keep an eye out for gift card promos as we get closer to Oct. 6. Target and Best Buy frequently run deals where buying a $100 Apple Gift Card gets you a $15 credit back. It's essentially free money if you already plan on paying for iCloud, Apple Music, or future hardware upgrades.

TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Czechia in the Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League is still in its early stages, but Spain already look tough to beat. They overcame a stubborn England side and then beat Croatia 4-1.

Now Space face Czechia at the Estadio Municipal Carlos Tartiere. Czechia will need to do something special to take something off the World Cup winners.

If you're interested in watching Spain vs. Czechia in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Czechia?

Spain vs. Czechia in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Oct. 3. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Municipal Carlos Tartiere.

How to watch Spain vs. Czechia for free

Spain vs. Czechia in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can live stream Spain vs. Czechia for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Spain vs. Czechia for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch Spain vs. Czechia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Spain vs. Czechia without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Spain

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Spain vs. Czechia for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly for free on GE TV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Brazil are playing some really fun friendly fixtures. They've just visited Australia for a couple of entertaining fixtures, and now they face off against India at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. This marks the first-ever official senior men's international match between India and Brazil.

It's going to be absolutely electric in the 68,000-seater stadium.

If you're interested in watching India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is India vs. Brazil?

India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Oct. 3. This fixture takes place at the Salt Lake Stadium.

How to watch India vs. Brazil for free

India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on GE TV.

GE TV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream India vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream India vs. Brazil for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit GE TV

5. Watch India vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch India vs. Brazil without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for GE TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on GE TV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream India vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Fire.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

BLAZE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Royal.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 3, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

REGAL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A blacksmithing tool.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 3, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 3, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ANVIL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Cranky.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

FUSSY

Final Hurdle hint

Loose.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

BAGGY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

It's the Third Quarter phase of the lunar cycle tonight, which means we'll see roughly half of the Moon's surface lit up from Earth. It also means there's still plenty of its surface illuminated to be able to spot some of the Moon's craters and other surface features.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Oct. 3, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Third Quarter phase, with 53% of its surface visible.

With just your naked eye, tonight you can see the Copernicus Crater, the Aristarchus Plateau, and the Mare Imbrium. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Archimedes, Alphonsus and Gassendi Craters. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 13 landing spot and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: The Bahrain GP in Malaysia is free to viewers on F1’s exclusive U.S. home Apple TV this weekend — no subscription required.

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The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was everything that's great about F1. We had electric racing, dramatic incidents, and a nail-biting race to the chequered flag. Can the Bahrain GP in Malaysia compete with that? We believe.

George Russell's win last weekend has narrowed the gap to leader Kimi Antonelli, but the young Italian still looks like the favorite to end up on top. Lando Norris had been the man to beat coming into the last race weekend, but he ended up with a dreaded DNF. There's plenty of time to turn things around, and that starts at the Sepang International Circuit.

SEE ALSO: ExpressVPN review: A stylish VPN service with proven privacy and a large U.S. presence

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Bahrain GP?

The Bahrain GP is the 16th race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Sepang International Circuit:

• Practice 1 — 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 2

• Practice 2 — 4-5 a.m. ET on Oct. 2

• Practice 3 — 12:30-1:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 3

• Qualifying — 4-5 a.m. ET on Oct. 3

• Race — 3 a.m. ET on Oct. 4

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Bahrain GP for free

It's at the stage where we usually suggest using free trials to access F1 race weekends, but that's not necessary this time around. Instead, fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.

Not for the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available to live stream for free to viewers in the U.S. Live coverage of the Bahrain GP in Malaysia runs from Oct. 2-4. You simply need to visit Apple TV and tune in. It's that simple.

We don't know why Apple TV has chosen this race weekend, but we're not going to ask too many questions. We're just going to sit back and relax all weekend with live action from the Sepang International Circuit.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 3, 2026 Elbow grease meaning

Hard physical effort or manual labor, especially vigorous scrubbing, cleaning or polishing.

Fat cats meaning

A greedy and privileged wealthy person.

Linda Hamilton meaning

A famous American actress most known for her role in "The Terminator."

Something wicked meaning

A famous line from Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

Can opener meaning

A hand tool or small electrical appliance used to cut open sealed metal cans or tins of food.

Head waiter meaning

The person in charge of the dining room staff.

John Denver meaning

An American country and folk singer made popular in the 1970s.

W.C. Fields meaning

An American actor, comedian, juggler and writer.

Broad bean meaning

Large, flat, edible green seeds that grow inside long pods on an upright plant.

Getty Images meaning

A major global visual media company and stock photo agency.

Met halfway meaning

To compromise with someone by making concessions so that both parties reach a fair agreement.

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Whitney Houston meaning

An American singer and pop star who rose to fame in the 1980s.

Diet Sprite meaning

A healthier version of the soda Sprite.

Merv Griffin meaning

An American TV host and media mogul.

NY Giant meaning

A New York City football player for the Giants.

River Phoenix meaning

An American actor most known for his role in "Stand By Me."

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you appreciate art.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 2, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: The crapper

• Green: Theater shows

• Blue: Art galleries

• Purple: They're not real

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Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Starting with terms for "Toilet"

• Green: Ending in musicals

• Blue: Starting with U.S. museums

• Purple: Ending in fantasy creatures

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1210 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Starting with terms for "Toilet": CAN OPENER, HEAD WAITER, JOHN DENVER, W.C. FIELDS

• Ending in musicals: ELBOW GREASE, FAT CATS, LINDA HAMILTON, SOMETHING WICKED

• Starting with U.S. museums: BORAD BEAN, GETTY IMAGES, MET HALFWAY, WHITNEY HOUSTON

• Ending in fantasy creatures: DIET SPRITE, MERV GRIFFIN, NY GIANT, RIVER PHOENIX

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you believe in ghosts.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 3, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: A figment of your imagination

The words are related to the paranormal.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ghostly things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Willothewisp.

NYT Strands word list for October 3

• Specter

• Chimera

• Mirage

• Willothewisp

• Phantasm

• Illusion

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're easily bothered.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 3 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Annoyance.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter P appears three times.

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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PEEVE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free on MeWatch (Singapore) / KBS, MBC, SBS (South Korea) / VTV (Vietnam). Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This weekend's sport schedule is extremely busy. We've got NFL, international soccer, F1, and so much more, but there's one event that stands out above the rest: Pakistan vs. India in the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament. It really doesn't get any bigger than this.

India were expected to reach this stage. They brought a very strong squad to Japan, but they still had to deliver on those lofty expectations. Pakistan will provide a tough test in the final. India haven't secured a gold medal just yet.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. India?

Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 3. This fixture takes place at Korogi Sports Park.

How to watch Pakistan vs. India for free

Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final is available to live stream for free on MeWatch in Singapore, KBS, MBC, and SBS in South Korea, and VTV in Vietnam.

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can gain access to Pakistan vs. India from anywhere in the world.

Watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Singapore, South Korea, or Vietnam

4. Visit MeWatch, KBS, MBC, SBS, or VTV

5. Watch the 2026 Asian Games cricket final from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to Pakistan vs. India without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2026 Asian Games cricket final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Asian Games?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free with ExpressVPN.

Dual-booting Windows and Linux can work well, but Windows rarely cooperates. Updates, security features, and default power settings can each disrupt a shared setup. Here are four ways Windows causes trouble for Linux installs, and what you can do about each one.

A Raspberry Pi has long been a popular option for home projects because these single-board computers are highly customizable and have traditionally been relatively low-cost. As the prices of Raspberry Pi models rise, you may be looking for alternative options. You may be surprised to learn that your old Samsung phone may make an excellent Raspberry Pi replacement for some projects.

In addition to power tools, Ryobi offers a wide selection of outdoor power equipment. If you've ever considered one of its electric lawn mowers, you're probably wondering whether it can actually mow 1/2 or 3/4th of an acre like Ryobi promises on the box. After briefly testing an 18V and upgrading to a more capable 40V mower, I measured and tested it myself.

Are you looking for some fun hardware-based projects to try with your Raspberry Pi this weekend? Well, then I have the projects for you! Today, I'll show you how to make an internet radio with a tuning knob, a home intercom system, as well as a backyard scoreboard for get togethers.

Buckle up for October, people, as Netflix revs up to drop a bunch of big returning shows on us, including new seasons of The Diplomat (October 15), Kristen Bell and Adam Brody's Nobody Wants This (October 22), and a new Lupin(!) heist on October 23. There's also a highly anticipated documentary from Judd Apatow about comedy great Norm Macdonald (October 16).

Apple has just been forced to respond to the flurry of AI agent apps, like Meta's Muse, which are accessing Mac users' private data.

According to Apple, the company will soon release additional controls to "Full Disk Access," which will explicitly ask Mac users if they'd like to grant a third-party access to a specific part of their system. With Full Disk Access, AI agents can complete a much wider range of tasks for users, but these users may not understand the cybersecurity risks of agentic AI.

Apple says it is specifically doing this due to the rise of AI agents like Muse, which recently surpassed 5 million downloads, and the risks associated with handing over full access to a user's full private data.

SEE ALSO: Big banks are worried AI agents could increase the risk of scams and fraud

When a Mac user downloads a third-party app, some apps require the ability to access specific functionality on their computer. Apple requires that these apps ask a user to access that functionality. For example, a third-party webcam app is forced by Apple to ask the user for permission to access the Mac's camera and audio devices. A user must grant that access before an app can use that Mac function.

Some apps, like a backup app, for example, require access to the entire Mac system. In order to cover all of these functions in one swoop, from email to messages to file systems, Apple allows apps to request "Full Disk Access."

However, AI agents that run autonomously add additional risks that other apps simply don't when given this type of access. For example, Inc. columnist Jason Aten recently discovered that Meta's Muse AI assistant somehow had synced his entire local Messages database and was using those messages as context for its tasks.

Aten claims he denied giving Muse permission to access Messages. Meta claims it's impossible for Muse to do so if Aten did decline providing Muse with these permissions. Apple now wants to make it more explicit when an app asks for these permissions and a user grants them.

Apple's full update is posted below:

"We give developers powerful APIs to build incredible capabilities into their apps for Apple products, backed by a set of controls designed to protect users’ private data. Full Disk Access largely sidesteps these controls in order to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users’ full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with. 

Going forward, we will introduce additional controls to ensure that users who genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access can only do so with very explicit user action. Addressing this is critical. As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially. We are committed to ensuring users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions about their own data and privacy."

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Ethernet cables seem like the most straightforward thing in the world. Plug one in, get steady internet. But then, you have these little caveats, such as having to worry about whether a cable is too long and what that means for your connection ... the caveats that make Ethernet more mysterious than it perhaps needs to be.