Month: November 2021

Star Wars: Ashoka arrives in 2023 – here’s what you need to know about the forthcoming Disney Plus TV series.

Star Wars: Ahsoka promises to be another important component in Star Wars‘ burgeoning TV universe. 

The forthcoming live-action series, which stars Jedi Master Ahsoka Tano – an increasingly important figure in that galaxy far, far away – will continue to flesh out the era of the franchise nestled between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. Put more simply, it’ll connect to events in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and other upcoming Star Wars shows that have debuted on Disney Plus in recent years.

So, what do we know about Ahsoka before it Jedi flips its way onto one of the world’s best streaming services? Below, we’ve compiled all of the most important information pertaining to her standalone series. That includes its potential release date, official casting news, potential storylines, and more.

Full spoilers follow for The Mandalorian season 2, The Book of Boba Fett, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars: Rebels – all of which Ahsoka Tano features in. Phew!

Star Wars: Ashoka release date – what we know

Ahsoka became the first person to utter Grogu’s name in The Mandalorian.  (Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

Star Wars: Ahsoka doesn’t have an official release date yet. However, Rosario Dawson – who plays the character in Star Wars‘ live-action shows – has teased that Ahsoka will release this Fall (that’s Autumn for non-US readers).

The show was one of many new Star Wars and Marvel TV shows announced at the Disney Investor Day in December 2020. The official Star Wars account confirmed production began in May 2022, with filming wrapping in October.

We shouldn’t have to hold on too much longer to see when it’ll arrive, either. The 2022 edition of Star Wars Celebration confirmed it’ll debut sometime in 2023, while a brief Disney 2023 show reel doubled down on that commitment. Here’s hoping we get an actual launch date at Star Wars Celebration 2023, which will take place between April 7 and 10.

Who is Ahsoka Tano?: The Jedi Master explained

Ahsoka Tano made her Star Wars debut in The Clone Wars TV series. (Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

“When gone am I, the last of a Jedi will you be,” a dying Yoda told Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi – but the wise old Jedi Master was only correct from a certain point of view. Ahsoka Tano isn’t technically a Jedi – she left the Order before passing the relevant trials – but, in every other regard, she has all the necessary qualifications.

So, who is Ahsoka Tano? For one, she made her first appearance in 2008, in the animated Clone Wars movie that set up the long-running TV show. The Togruta teen subsequently served as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan apprentice throughout the eponymous conflict. 

A highly respected commander in the Republic forces, she fought with a distinctive two-lightsaber style, and was nicknamed “Snips” by her master, owing to her supposedly snippy attitude. She referred to Anakin as “Sky Guy” in a humorous bit of name calling that the pair regularly engaged in.

Ahsoka Tano went on to play a key role in Star Wars Rebels, set during the run-up to A New Hope, and she’s since returned in The Mandalorian season 2 episode 13, aka ‘The Jedi, plus The Book of Boba Fett episode 6, i.e. ‘From the Desert Comes a Stranger’.  Her voice can also be heard among the choir of Jedi giving Rey a pep talk in The Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: Ahsoka trailer

When will we see some footage of Star Wars: Ahsoka? (Image credit: Lucasfilm / Disney)

There isn’t a trailer for Star Wars: Ahsoka yet, but the lucky people who attended Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim in May 2022 saw some footage from this exciting addition to Lucasfilm’s ever-expanding line-up of Star Wars TV shows.

According to Collider, the teaser featured shots of Ahsoka Tano (from behind) in a Jedi Temple, as well as being aboard the Ghost, the heroes’ ship in Star Wars Rebels. Incidentally, that ship also made brief cameos in Rogue One and The Rise of Skywalker.) 

The Ghost’s captain Hera Syndulla – presumably now a general, if the namecheck in Rogue One is anything to go by – is also sighted briefly, while the final shot of this one-off Star Wars: Ahsoka trailer featured Mandalorian Sabine Wren standing in front of a mural of the Ghost crew; itself a live-action recreation of the final shot of Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars fansite The Bespin Bulletin also reported three new images from the show had debuted at Disney’s APAC presentation, which took place in Singapore on November 30, 2022 – two featuring the titular lead and the other showing Sabine Wren. Here’s hoping the rest of us get a proper look at the series when Star Wars Celebration 2023 rolls around.

Star Wars: Ahsoka cast

Ahsoka makes friends with Baby Yoda – and becomes the first character to discover his name. (Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

Here’s what the Ahsoka TV show cast currently looks like:

Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano
Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren
Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as TBC
Ivanna Sakhno as TBC
Ray Stevenson as TBC
Chopper as himself

Although Ashley Eckstein voiced Ahsoka throughout The Clone Wars and Rebels, it’s Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Daredevil) star who has played her in live-action Star Wars projects. Dawson returns as the Jedi in Ahsoka Tano’s standalone series.

Dawson will be joined by Natasha Liu Bordizzo, replacing Tiya Sircar who voiced graffiti-loving Mandalorian explosives expert Sabine Wren across four seasons of Star Wars Rebels. The show’s Star Wars Celebration 2022 panel also confirmed a return for surly astromech droid C1-10P, better known as Chopper. In September 2022, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) confirmed Eman Esfandi will play aspiring Jedi Ezra Bridger, a role originated by Taylor Gray in Rebels. 

While the aforementioned Star Wars Celebration teaser footage indicated Hera Syndulla is back in action, no actor has yet been confirmed for the role. There’s also no word on whether the other (surviving) member of the Ghost crew, Lasat muscle Zeb Orrelios, will complete the Star Wars Rebels reunion.

In other casting news, these are particularly good times to be Hayden Christensen. Following up the actor’s spectacular return as Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi, THR confirmed he’ll be part of Star Wars: Ahsoka‘s cast. It’s unclear whether he’ll be playing Anakin or Vader incarnations of the character – or both. 

There’ll also be roles for Birds of Prey’s Mary Elizabeth Winstead (via THR) and Pacific Rim: Uprising‘s Ivanna Sakhno (via Deadline). Some fans have speculated that Winstead might be playing the aforementioned Hera, though that remains unconfirmed.

Punisher: War Zone/Black Sails star Ray Stevenson will play his second part in Star Wars, having previously voiced Mandalorian warrior Gar Saxon – now deceased – in both The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. THR uggests Stevenson will play a bad guy, but their sources claim he’s definitely not Grand Admiral Thrawn – the blue-skinned Star Wars Rebels villain who first appeared in Timothy Zahn’s much-loved series of (now non-canonical) 1990s novels. 

No actor has been officially linked to that role, but fans would be delighted if Rebels voice actor Lars Mikkelsen was asked to reprise the role. He was suitably chilling in the animated show and has a track record playing memorable villains after his appearance in Sherlock season 3 finale ‘His Last Vow’.

Seeing as Star Wars: Ahsoka exists at a similar point in the Star Wars timeline to The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett  –check out our guide on how to watch Star Wars in order to understand how everything fits together – don’t be surprised if the likes of Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze, Pedro Pascal’s Mando/Din Djarin, and even Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker make cameo appearances There’s also a possibility of The Book of Boba Fett star Temuera Morrison turning up to play Ahsoka Tano’s Clone Trooper buddy Captain Rex. After all, Boba and Rex were born in the same petri dish.

Star Wars: Ahsoka story

Star Wars: Ahsoka‘s plot synopsis hasn’t been revealed yet. (Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

Little is known about Star Wars: Ahsoka. However, for the benefit of anyone who hasn’t watched the animated Star Wars shows, here’s a brief history of Ahsoka Tano’s life and times.

Having served the Republic with distinction throughout the Clone Wars, she left the Jedi Order under a cloud during The Clone Wars season 5. Although she was eventually exonerated for bombing the Jedi Temple – she’d been framed by her friend and fellow Padawan Barriss Offee – she decided not to return, and went out into the galaxy solo.

During the final days of the Clone Wars, she helped Bo-Katan Kryze remove Darth Maul from the Mandalorian throne, and was on her way to return the former Sith Lord to Jedi custody when the Emperor initiated Order 66. With some help from her old friend Captain Rex – whose mind-controlling inhibitor chip she surgically removed – Ahsoka survived the Jedi purge and went into hiding. Interestingly, one of the episodes of 2022 anthology series Tales of the Jedi shows how an encounter with one of the Empire’s Inquisitors persuaded her to rejoin the fight.

Ahsoka turned up again in Star Wars Rebels, set around 15 years after the Emperor came to power. It was eventually revealed that Ahsoka was the mysterious Fulcrum, an agent who helped pull disparate cells of freedom fighters together to form the Rebel Alliance.

Will master and apprentice meet again in Ahsoka? (Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

She also fought a fateful duel with her former master. When she removed a portion of Darth Vader’s helmet with her lightsaber – much as Obi-Wan did in the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV show – she became one of the few people in the galaxy to realize his true identity. The Vader/Anakin Skywalker connection wouldn’t become common knowledge for several decades – the secret eventually being leaked to damage Leia Organa’s post-Return of the Jedi political aspirations in Claudia Gray’s 2016 novel Bloodline.

Ahsoka barely made it out of the duel with Vader alive, but she was saved by a future version of Jedi apprentice Ezra Bridger. He pulled her into the so-called World Between Worlds, a mystical realm where the usual rules of time and space do not apply. By the time of the Rebels epilogue – set some time after Return of the Jedi – Ahsoka had somehow returned to the normal reality of that galaxy far, far away.

Aside from the flashbacks of Tales of the Jedi, her most recent canonical appearances came in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.

In The Mandalorian episode 13, otherwise known as ‘The Jedi’, she met Din Djarin (aka the Mandalorian) and Baby Yoda. While communing with the Child, she learned his real name was Grogu, and gave Mando some pointers to help find some other Jedi – aka Luke Skywalker.

She showed up again in The Book of Boba Fett’s sixth chapter, ‘From the Desert Comes a Stranger’. The episode provided confirmation that Ahsoka knew Luke Skywalker, as she paid him a visit at his new Jedi academy on Ossus. She also counselled him about Grogu’s training, and told him that he reminded her of his late dad. When Luke asked if he would see her again, she replied with a cryptic “Perhaps”.

Ahsoka Tano gavee Mando some parenting tips in The Book of Boba Fett. (Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

So what do we know about Star Wars: Ahsoka‘s plot? Well, it’ll have plenty of existing canon to work from, and there’s nobody on the planet who knows how to navigate the Star Wars timeline better than Dave Filoni. During his previous life as supervising director on The Clone Wars, Filoni co-created Ahsoka Tano with George Lucas. He then went on to shepherd her through seven seasons of The Clone Wars and several guest appearances on Rebels. He also directed her episodes of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, and clearly has a long-standing plan for the direction of the character.

In fact, this is why he insisted that Ahsoka shouldn’t be the Jedi to train Grogu in The Mandalorian. “I was telling Jon [Favreau, Mandalorian showrunner] that as much as I wanted to have Ahsoka in the show, she can’t take this kid on,” he told Empire magazine in March 2023. “That‘s just not what I have planned.”

Going by StarWars.com’s original announcement, it looks like the new series will pick up soon after Ahsoka’s meeting with Mando and Grogu: “After making her long awaited live-action debut in The Mandalorian,” the site’s article reads, “Ahsoka Tano’s story will continue in a limited series.”

It’s currently unknown whether that Rebels epilogue takes place before or after Ahsoka showed up in The Mandalorian. However, we do know (from the aforementioned Star Wars Celebration 2022 footage) that the animated show’s closing scenes have been recreated in live-action for the Ahsoka’s standalone show.

“That’s not necessarily chronological,” Filoni told Vanity Fair in November 2020. “I think the thing that people will most not understand is they want to go in a linear fashion, but as I learned as a kid, nothing in Star Wars really works in a linear fashion. You do [Episodes] 4, 5 and 6 and then 1, 2, and 3. So in the vein of that history, when you look at the epilogue of Rebels you don’t really know how much time has passed. So, it’s possible that the story I’m telling in The Mandalorian actually takes place prior to that. Possible. I’m saying it’s possible.”

Grand Admiral Thrawn surely has a major part to play in the Star Wars: Ahsoka. (Image credit: StarWars.com)

That sense of non-linear chronology may become particularly important if time travel becomes a plotline in the new series. In the Rebels finale, Ahsoka and Sabine set out to find Ezra Bridger, who’s assumed to be trapped in the World Between Worlds. 

This mystical plane of existence within the Force provides gateways to different parts of time and space, and would take Star Wars in a direction we’ve never seen before on screen – certainly not in live-action. The markings in the background of the Ahsoka logo also have a remarkable resemblance to the World Between Worlds, suggesting this strange realm is going to be pivotal to the new show. It’s also worth noting that The Mandalorian season 3 premiere featured a sighting of whale-like Purrgil in hyperspace – Bridger established a connection with the creatures in Rebels.

This could all tie in with Ahsoka’s primary mission in her episode of The Mandalorian. There, she revealed that she’s on the hunt for Imperial bigwig Grand Admiral Thrawn, who just happened to be with Bridger when he went missing. The way Ahsoka pressed Calodan town magistrate Morgan Elsbeth about the location of her master – aka Thrawn – in The Mandalorian suggested he’s already back in normal space making a nuisance of himself. Maybe Bridger isn’t far behind – and perhaps Star Wars: Ahsoka will be Rebels season 5 in all but name.

One thing the Rebels epilogue and Star Wars: Ahsoka will have in common is Sabine Wren. The fact that Natasha Liu Bordizzo will take the character into live-action (first confirmed by Deadline), potentially offers up some clues about the story.

We’d be disappointed, too, if we didn’t learn more about Ahsoka’s decision not to train Grogu, an opportunity Luke grabbed with both hands. “Jon [Favreau] and I went back and forth, because if [Ahsoka can’t take Grogu], then who will?” said Filoni in The Art of The Mandalorian: Season Two (h/t The Direct). “Taking care of the Child is not her destiny.”

Clearly that “destiny” will have a major bearing on her TV show. It’ll also be interesting to see how Anakin Skywalker might fit into the Ahsoka story, seeing as Darth Vader is very much dead at the time the new show is set. It seems most likely that Hayden Christensen will show up in flashbacks to the Jedi/Padawan duo’s Clone Wars days – perhaps in a similar vein to ‘Practice Makes Perfect’, the training-focussed episode of Tales of the Jedi . However, it’s also plausible that the redeemed Anakin could appear as a Force ghost giving Ahsoka advice, much as Obi-Wan Kenobi did for Luke. While revenge isn’t traditionally the Jedi way, we wouldn’t be surprised if Ahsoka gets to settle a few scores with Barriss Offee. After all, being framed for murder is going to leave a few scars.

For more Star Wars-based content, read our interview with The Mandalorian season 3 director-executive producer Rick Famuyiwa. Additionally, find out which Star Wars TV series made it onto our best Disney Plus shows list.

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With Black Friday looming, here’s all you need to know when it comes to snapping up worthwhile Black Friday tablet deals this year.

Although we’re still a ways away from this year’s crop of the best Black Friday tablet deals, as Idowu Koyenikan once said, “opportunity does not waste time with those who are unprepared”. So, we’ve created this guide to highlight where you can expect the best deals this year, answer any burning questions about nabbing the best Black Friday tablet deals in 2023 and what last year’s deals provided, for a little added context.

As deals go, electronics saw some of the biggest reductions last year, with an average of 25% off across purchases made in the US around Black Friday. Meanwhile, Cyber Monday was the time frame when most buyers decided it was time to fork out cash for a new iPad or Fire tablet. Speaking of which, some of the biggest reductions we picked up on last year included almost $250 off the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro, great trade-in deals and money off Samsung’s then-latest Galaxy Tab S8 family and almost half off Amazon’s Fire tablets.

Black Friday 2023 officially kicks off on November 24, however, deals can emerge as early as late October, so check out our Black Friday deals hub for an overview of what discounts are already waiting to be found as we approach the sales period proper.

If you’re not sure which are the hottest tablets right now, why not first stop by our best tablets buying guide, or if you’re looking for deals on something a little more specific in the tablets space, we have a dedicated Black Friday iPad deals roundup worth checking out, too.

Today’s best tablet sales

While we’re not yet in deals season, many big-name retailers offer various discounts all year round. Here are some places worth checking out right now, if you can’t wait for this year’s Black Friday tablet deals.

US tablet sales

Amazon: savings on Samsung’s Galaxy A and S series Tabs, right nowBest Buy: discounts on tablets of all shapes and sizesTarget: all the biggest slates are in stockWalmart: discounts on tablets not sold elsewhere

UK tablet sales

Amazon: reductions on Samsung, Lenovo and even iPad alreadyArgos: special offers on already-cheap tabletsJohn Lewis: trade-in deals and some reductionsCurrys: money off a big range of tabletsMicrosoft: across-the-range reductions on Surface Pro tablets

Black Friday tablet deals: FAQs

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)

When will the best Black Friday tablet deals start in 2023?

As mentioned earlier, while Black Friday isn’t scheduled to take place until November 24 this year, there will almost certainly be a few retailers and brands who kick things off early.

Once upon a time, we’d have told you to keep your bank account on lock until the main event but in recent years we’ve started to see deals crop up earlier and earlier; sometimes as early as the end of October!

There’s also a second Amazon Prime Day to consider, which takes place on October 10 – 11 this year and is great for giving an indication of where Black Friday deals are likely to lie.

While the timing on when to pull the trigger on a new discounted tablet is ultimately your choice, we’d suggest grabbing your desired device(s) on Black Friday itself and holding out for accessories on discounts on Cyber Monday, which in the past has played host to the best reductions on such things (think Apple Pencils, cases and the like).

Where will the best Black Friday tablet deals be?

This will be the place to find the best Black Friday tablet deals, once they launch, but if you simply cannot wait, below you’ll find a shortlist of retailers we suggest checking out across the US and UK.

US:
Amazon: already up to 16% off select iPads
Apple: the latest deals on the iPad Mini to the iPad Pro
Walmart: free headphones with iPads and money off Samsung tablets
Target: Money off big-brand tablets and Fire tablets

UK:
Amazon: iPads are almost perpetually on discount
John Lewis: save on accessories with select Samsung Galaxy Tabs
Argos: 10% of Samsung tablets with code ‘SAMSUNGWEEK10’
Currys: savings on select iPads and Samsung tablets
EE: reduced monthly price on tablets on-contract, plus no upfront cost
Vodafone: save £96 on an iPad Mini contract at just £21 a month

What Black Friday tablet deals do we expect to see in 2023?

The biggest deals will almost certainly fall on Amazon’s own Fire tablets – including their Kids and Pro tablet lines and bundles. Discounts of almost 50% aren’t uncommon, making it the best time all year to buy one of Amazon’s already-affordable slates.

If you’re hoping for iPad reductions, the latest models only see minor price drops (think $100/£100 off), while the last year, 2021 iPad Pro models could be had with discounts as much as $230 off.

Samsung supplements modest discounts with trade-in offers to create some worthwhile deals, while Microsoft’s Surface offering can be found with several hundred off pretty consistently.

Last year’s best Black Friday tablet deals

Most of our ‘what to expect’ advice comes from former deals that we’ve featured in previous years’ Black Friday tablet deals roundups, so below you’ll find specific examples of offers we’ve deemed worth your time and, more importantly, money.

Last year’s best deals (US)

Last year’s best deals (UK)

In the UK, iPad deals proved harder to come by last year, but discounts on Samsung and Amazon Fire tablets were still in good supply.

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We pit Chromebooks versus laptops to see which is the best buy for your needs.

The battle for students’ typically scarce budgets has intensified over the years, with one of the most fiercely fought debates is over Chromebooks vs laptops running Windows or macOS. 

As technology continues to evolve, so do our computing needs, and the market for the best student laptop has responded with a plethora of devices vying for our attention, especially now with so many back-to-school sales offering incredibly low prices on the best chromebooks and the best laptops. 

While laptops have long been the trusted workhorses, Chromebooks have emerged as agile contenders, disrupting the status quo with their unique features and streamlined functionalities. But which is the right fit for you? Whether you’re a casual user seeking simplicity or a power user craving performance, we’ll compare the benefits and drawbacks of both to shed light on the ideal companion that will give you the best value for your needs and budget.

(Image credit: Future)

What is a Chromebook?

First thing’s first. You likely already know what a laptop is. However, before you delve into the Chromebooks vs laptops rabbit hole, you must first understand what a Chromebook is and how it differs from a traditional laptop. So, let’s start there.

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on Google’s Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system that largely relies on the Chrome browser as its main user interface. This means that anything you can do with the Chrome browser, you can do on a Chromebook. 

That doesn’t mean that you can only use a Chromebook when there’s an internet connection. Google has designed Chrome OS to be able to run apps from the Chrome Web Store or the Google Play Store on which there are thousands to choose from to cover all the basics – from word processors and spreadsheets to quick photo editing and light gaming. And, many of these apps work even when a Chromebook isn’t connected to the internet.

(Image credit: Asus)

What’s the difference between Chromebooks and laptops?

To the untrained eye, a Chromebook and a laptop may look the same. After all, a Chromebook is technically a laptop, just with a different operating system. Both are notebooks with a keyboard, a camera, a built-in screen, and a trackpad. And, just like laptops, many Chromebooks are clamshells, while quite a few others tout touchscreen displays and a 2-in-1 form factor. 

Internally, however, the two couldn’t be more different. If you’re doing a Chromebooks vs laptops comparison in terms of power, a strong case is made for laptops. That’s because typically they have more capable microprocessors – usually from Intel or AMD – and more robust integrated or discrete graphics powering them.

On the other hand, Chromebooks usually have lower-performing chips and graphics inside, although a handful of premium Chromebooks have been known to run on Intel Core chips. The reason for this is two-fold: the Chrome OS is lightweight enough that it really doesn’t need a powerful chip to run, and it keeps the cost of Chromebooks down.

Traditional laptops run on much more robust operating systems Windows 11, macOS and Linux, an open source operating system. The best Windows laptops and the best MacBook and Macs usually require high-powered CPUs and GPUs, as well as faster memory, which means they tend to cost more. The upside is that students can use the same computer to both write a term paper and play the best PC games when they’re done and need a post-homework break.

Windows laptops also usually have a lot of local storage, from 128GB on the low end – those apps and files, after all, take up a lot more space. Chromebooks typically include much less storage, sometimes as little as 32GB. This is because Chrome OS, and the apps it runs, do not need as much storage space as Windows and are designed to save your documents to the cloud.

Chromebooks vs laptops: which is better for school work?

A Chromebook is a good choice for a student that is primarily using the computer for web browsing, word processing, or streaming video and audio. Storage isn’t a problem if Google-focused students can store their files with Drive. They can also use SD cards and USB drives to keep hold of their documents.

A Chromebook is also a great low-cost option, with prices dipping as low as $100/£120/AU$140 during the holiday season for the low-end models. However, the price of a Chromebook can skyrocket to $1,000/£1,000/AU$1,400 if you choose a corporate or luxury option like the Google Pixelbook.

For school work, the Chromebook is a winner because it has so few features. Without extra games or a lot of applications, the Chromebook becomes a homework powerhouse, allowing students to access their lessons online with few distractions. 

Students can write their papers with Google Docs and share their work straight from the Chromebook to their teacher or parent, no printing necessary. The Microsoft Office suite is also available online, so students can create Word documents with ease.

The Chromebook is also just a hard device to break. If your student is prone to installing virus-laden programs, the Chromebook can be wiped and reset with ease. If the child isn’t particularly tech-savvy, there are few confusing functions: the Chromebook is a plug in and play device. Some of the newer Chromebooks are a little more delicate physically, but most can take a tumble, as many of the parts are plastic.

(Image credit: Acer)

As for a Windows laptop, it’s more of an investment, but it provides a lot of versatility and convenience. You have the ability to create almost anything on a laptop and store files on it as well. 

A laptop also has a lot of the drawbacks of owning a full-fledged computer. It will take time to boot up, it will require updates, and even the occasional “blue screen of death” can occur. Chromebooks very rarely crash, and when they do, a simple restart is an easy fix.

However, there are some tasks that are just easier on a Windows device. Chromebooks have traditionally struggled with direct printing, while laptops make quick work of printing out documents. Accessing and organizing files can also be a bit of a pain on the Chromebook, but there are workarounds.

In some way, though, a Windows laptop’s versatility is a weakness, as there are more features available for hackers to attack on a laptop. PCs need regular maintenance to keep them secure, even if it’s just keeping on top of scheduled software updates.

Chromebooks require far less upkeep, and Google has developed Chromebooks with safety and security in mind, and there are defenses working behind the scenes to keep you protected while you browse the web.

How should you decide?

One way to determine the right option for you is to give a Chromebook a test drive. You could try using Google Chrome exclusively as your browser on your desktop computer for a few days, and determine whether your student needs more features than the browser can provide. Only use Chrome extensions, and use online apps like Google Docs.

However, Windows offers a far more complete computing experience, but Google OS is a much cheaper, scaled down alternative that may be just what your student needs in the classroom.

Whether or not you know which one you want, you can always check out the latest back to school sales going on right now to better assess your options should you decide that now is the time to buy.

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Fallout 5 is being worked on in some capacity, though it’ll likely be a long time before we see it. Here’s what we know.

Fallout 5 is being worked on by the folks over at Bethesda Game Studios. It’s been in development for a little while, though for now we only know that it is indeed being worked on in some capacity. There’s been no official reveal, no title given to the project, and very little in the way of leaks and rumors.

What we do know is that Fallout 5 will not be out until two other Bethesda projects are released first. This puts its potential release date at years away, though hopefully we hear more sooner rather than later.

Starfield is the first Bethesda game that is set to release before Fallout 5, and luckily it’s not far off. Beyond that, we have The Elder Scrolls 6 to look forward to, but that game is even further out. In all likelihood, we won’t be seeing Fallout 5 for many years yet, depending on how the development of these other projects goes.

While we wait for more news on Fallout 5, you’ll find everything we know about the game so far, on this page. As more is revealed, we’ll add the details here.

Fallout 5: cut to the chase

What is it? The next installment of the Fallout franchise

When can I play it? TBC

Which console will it be on? Likely not PlayStation 

Fallout 5 release date and platforms

Fallout 4 (Image credit: Bethesda)

While there’s currently no confirmed release date for Fallout 5, there’s plenty of speculation. We’ve seen optimistic predictions but given Bethesda’s focus is resolutely on Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6, nevermind the fact that the game hasn’t even been revealed, we’re not expecting it for a long time. As it stands, we’re expecting Fallout 5‘s release date to be many years down the road, really stretching the previous seven-year gap between Fallout 3 (2008) and Fallout 4 (2015). At the moment, 2025 or later feels more realistic.

Platforms for Fallout 5 haven’t been confirmed but it’s likely we’ll see the next Fallout release for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC. If we’re not looking at the next-generation of consoles by this point, that is. PS5, however, is another matter.

Fallout 5 story and setting: where could it be set?

Fallout 4 (Image credit: Bethesda)

If you’ve ever played a Fallout game, you’ll know how much it loves its doomsday nuclear-ravaged American setting. Fallout games have all been set in a US state, so it would stand to reason this aspect wouldn’t change. Fallout 3, for example, was set in Washington while Fallout 4 took place in Boston.

It would nice to see Fallout explore different parts of the world, but that might change the game up too much and alienate long-term fans who are particularly fond of the setting. You don’t have to look far to see fans discussing and fantasizing about where Fallout 5 will take place. 

Here are the most rumored places we’ve heard chatter about so far:

New Orleans
Rumors that a new Fallout game would be set in New Orleans started after a trademark application for ‘Fallout New Orleans‘ was spotted online in 2016. Ultimately, this listing hasn’t resulted in anything more than five years later, but it could all be a clever bait and switch.

We’ve already visited swampy areas in Fallout, but a game set entirely around the deep south would certainly be an interesting take.

Chicago
This one is a bit more ‘out there’ in terms of its validity. Having a game set in the Windy City is only being speculated over because fans of Fallout: New Vegas remember that there is a hint towards an Enclave outpost in Chicago.

Anywhere else in the world
There has never been a Fallout game set outside of the United States, so could Fallout 5 be the one to buck the trend? Having a game set in Korea, China, Russia or elsewhere would provide an excellent outlet to change up how the entire map and locations look. A new installment is a great opportunity to give the franchise a fresh aesthetic.

Fallout 5 news

Fallout 4 (Image credit: Bethesda)

Fallout 5 is coming after The Elder Scrolls 6
In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 will be Bethesda’s next project after The Elder Scrolls 6.

“Yes, Elder Scrolls 6 is in pre-production and, you know, we’re going to be doing Fallout 5 after that, so our slate’s pretty full going forward for a while” Howard told the publication. “We have some other projects that we look at from time to time as well.”

Work has begun…sort of
Work has started on Fallout 5 but don’t hold your breath for seeing it any time soon. Speaking to IGN in November 2021, regarding the impending release of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, Bethesda studio director Todd Howard revealed that a “one-pager” design document was already in place for Fallout 5, being a very early blueprint for what the studio has planned for the game. 

Being a “one-pager”, the design document is a high-level outline and there is, therefore, little to share. With Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6 both up first, it’ll be a while before we hear more about Fallout 5. 

As for whether or not Obsidian—the studio which handled development duties on the Xbox 360 era Fallout: New Vegas—could have some involvement, Howard said “We’ve worked with other people from time to time. I can’t say what’s gonna happen…If I could wave my hand and have [Fallout 5] out…you know, I’d like to find a way to accelerate what we do, but I can’t really say today or commit to anything, what’s going to happen when, other than our cadence is Starfield then Elder Scrolls 6“. 

Check out these other upcoming games

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Are your mattress’s days numbered? Find out how long it’ll probably last, and how you can prolong its lifespan.

Having a comfortable and supportive mattress is a must, especially when you consider that we spend roughly a third of our lives tucked up in bed. It’s safe to say. though, that we might not replace our mattresses as often as we should, and that’s a problem because even the best mattresses will wear out eventually.

In general the best memory foam mattresses and best hybrid mattresses will keep going for between seven and 10 years (although some can last a lot longer). But how long a mattress lasts can vary depending on an assortment of factors; there’s not only the materials and their quality (latex, for example, tends to be a lot more durable than memory foam), but also things like how you sleep, your weight, and whether you sleep alone or with a partner.

If you’re concerned that your mattress may be past its prime, here’s where we spell out how long, on average, the different types of mattress should last. We’ll also let you know about some warning signs that it’s time to replace yours, and to help you ensure that moment doesn’t come along for a while, we’ll also provide some mattress care tips that can help your bed last longer, such as investing in the best mattress protector you can comfortably afford, and remembering to give your bed a regular clean.

Read on for all the tips you need, but if you already know deep down that it’s time to say goodbye to your saggy old bed, maybe you should head straight to our mattress sales guide to find yourself a fresh new mattress at the best price.

How long does a mattress last: at a glance

There are any number of combinations of materials to be found in the various mattresses on the market, but in general the main types are memory foam, hybrid, latex and innerspring. Each type of mattress has its own likely lifespan; here’s a summary of how long you can expect each type to last, on average:

Latex: 15 to 25 years
Memory foam: 8-10 years
Hybrid: 7 to 10 years
Innerspring: 5 to 7 years

If you’re still sleeping soundly on your bed, but your mattress is over five years old or needs a little boost in terms of comfort or support, consider investing in one of the best mattress toppers. Get the right one and it can give you a few more years of comfortable sleeping on your current bed; see our mattress pad vs mattress topper guide if you’re not entirely sure what you should be putting on top of your mattress.  

How long does a memory foam mattress last?

The Emma Original is a memory foam mattress that uses three layers of pressure relieving foam (Image credit: Future)

Memory foam is pretty durable and you can expect to get around eight to 10 years’ use out from it. This is mainly because there aren’t a lot of materials and components in these mattresses, meaning there’s less to deteriorate and compromise the quality. 

Memory foam mattresses generally need to be rotated regularly and must be kept clean and aired. If you start waking up with aches and pains and find that the foam is no longer supporting you and offering pressure relief, it’s time to upgrade. 

Sink-in body cradling that’s gone from the sublime to the ridiculous is also a red flag. Watch out for the memory foam discoloring (turning yellow) too, as this is a sign of mattress old age.

How long does a latex mattress last?

Latex is the most resilient of all materials listed here, which means that latex mattresses are the longest-lasting. However, this only applies if you buy a 100% natural latex mattress as these can last from 15 to 25 years. Look for the terms organic, Dunlop or Talalay when considering a latex bed. 

Natural latex mattresses often cost more but this is balanced out by the length of time they last for. Blended or synthetic latex has a shorter lifespan of between five to 10 years. It also softens more than natural latex and can produce off-gassing.

How long does a hybrid mattress last?

The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring hybrid mattress made with coils and premium foam (Image credit: Saatva)

Hybrid models aren’t as durable as memory foam, but you can still expect several years of use. Some brands, such as Purple and Casper, state that their hybrid mattresses can last as long as 10 years, due to the high-quality materials they’re made with. 

With more layers and components in a hybrid than in most other beds on the market, they can be prone to a little premature sagging, hence the slightly shorter average lifespan. 

Hybrids can be rotated regularly but should not be flipped unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise. This is because they generally have a soft top and a sturdy base. You might also void the warranty if you flip a hybrid mattress when it isn’t designed to be flipped.

How long does an innerspring mattress last?

Springs wear down over time and can cause sagging, meaning that innerspring mattresses generally have a lifespan of around five to seven years. But they are extremely popular due to their bounce, comfort and cheaper price tags. 

Of course, this can be a false economy as you will end up replacing your mattress more often. If you do want an innerspring bed, it’s worth looking at one with an extra layer of coils combined with a soft pillow top for extra comfort.

Other factors that affect the lifespan of a mattress

(Image credit: Getty)

Along with the type of mattress you’re sleeping with, there are other factors that will contribute to its lifespan:

Original quality
The quality of your mattress when you originally bought it makes a difference to how long it will last. A very cheap bed is almost certain to wear out before a model made with durable materials.

Body weight and sleep position
Those with a heavier body weight may find their mattress sags more quickly. If you’re of a heavier build, it’s worth looking for a mattress made with stronger, durable materials alongside heavy duty springs. 

By the same token, side sleepers put a lot of weight onto the bed in the hip and shoulder regions, causing points in the mattress that sag quicker. Memory foam is the best choice for side sleepers, as they help support and provide pressure relief to the right areas.

Frequency of use
This is somewhat obvious, but a mattress that sits in your guest room and is only used occasionally will last longer than the one you sleep on every night.

How to care for your mattress so it lasts longer

Following some simple tips will help extend the lifespan of your mattress, which will save you money in the long-run as you won’t need to replace your bed so often:

1. Rotate it regularly to help keep the surface even and prevent any indents. Although some mattresses can be flipped, make sure you check the manufacturer’s guidelines first. Some mattresses are one-sided only and could be damaged if flipped.

2. Put your mattress on a sturdy base. Most manufacturers recommend what type of bed bases suit their mattresses but, as a general guideline, a box spring, platform, or bed frame with evenly spaced slats should provide decent support.

(Image credit: Getty UK)

3. Clean and air your bed frequently to keep it fresh. Many modern mattresses have washable covers that can be removed and machine washed, though some can only be spot-cleaned. Run the vacuum over your mattress and wash your bedding regularly to help prevent the build-up of dust mites, bacteria and sweat.

4. Use a mattress protector at all times. These slip over just like a fitted sheet and help to safeguard your bed from dirt, spills, sweat and bacteria. They are easy to machine wash and dry, and they needn’t cost much either.

When should you replace your mattress? Key signs

If you don’t know how old your mattress is, there are other ways to tell if it needs replacing. Some classic signs to look for include how:

You sleep better on any other mattress
You wake up frequently throughout the night
You wake up with aches and pains
Your mattress is turning yellow due to age
Your mattress has worn patches, tears, or sinks at the edges
Your mattress feels saggy and unsupportive
The slightest movement from your partner wakes you up
You’ve noticed an increase in allergies or asthma symptoms

What you sleep on makes a big difference to how comfortably you sleep, so it pays to get this one right. A good bed needn’t cost the earth though, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the most expensive mattress is better than all others. 

For some affordable options, check out our guides to the best Saatva mattress sales for hotel luxury for less, or the latest Nectar mattress sales for a top-rated budget memory foam bed-in-a-box.

Read more:

Mattress protector vs mattress pad: key differences explained

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Electric scooter Black Friday deals offer massive savings during the biggest sale event. And using our expertise and insider knowledge, we can help you score one.

Electric scooter Black Friday deals abound during the biggest sale event of the year. So it’s the best time to grab one, whether you’re looking for the best budget electric scooter or you want a premium model with a long range, a powerful motor, and the best performance.

Last year’s Black Friday deals on e-scooters included deep discounts on some models from our best electric scooter and best e-scooter for students lists, with brands like Niu, TurboAnt, Segway, Pure Electric, Gotrax, and Fluid offering many money-saving deals and coupons. Some models even dropped to their record-low prices, which meant irresistible bargains. And that’s not to mention all the lesser-known brands that roll out their own bargains.

If you missed out on last year’s Black Friday e-scooter deals, we expect online retailers to match those prices this year at the very least – especially since e-scooters are becoming a favorite mode of travel for many. And, you’ll have plenty of chances since Amazon’s 2nd Prime Day on October 10 and 11 will kick off Black Friday early, giving you almost two months to look for the best deal for you.

To help you find the best electric scooter Black Friday deal, we have shared everything you need to know about this year’s event below, such as the date, what bargains we can expect, and looking back at last year’s top sales. 

Today’s best electric scooter sales

We’ve listed all the best electric scooter sales happening now from your favorite online retailers. Black Friday may not have officially started yet, but there are deals to check out even now from Amazon, Best Buy, and other online stores.

Electric scooter deals in the US

Amazon: lots of deals from Hiboy, Gotrax, NIU and moreBest Buy: save up to $250 on models from Segway, Okai, and NiuWalmart: plenty of discounts on budget electric scootersTarget: tons of e-scooters in stockSears: great prices on e-scootersLowes: super affordable e-scootersNewegg: some good deals on lesser-known brand e-scooters

Electric scooter deals in the UK

Amazon: up to £150 in savings on some e-scooter modelsPure Electric: some clearance deals on older modelsHalfords: e-scooter deals for all budgetsArgos: e-scooters from Xiaomi, Zinc, Pure Electric and moreVery: decent deals on budget and kids e-scooters 

Electric scooter Black Friday deals 2023: key info

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

When will Black Friday electric scooter deals start in 2023?

Although Black Friday falls on November 24 this year, the day after Thanksgiving, you don’t have to wait weeks to score a bargain. Amazon is holding a second Prime Day event on October 10 and 11, which will inadvertently kick off the Black Friday sale event. Therefore, we anticipate almost two months of electric scooter Black Friday deals, giving you ample time to choose the best one for your needs and budget.

In fact, if you check out Amazon now, you’ll find that some deals have already trickled in. They aren’t the best, and we suggest waiting until the 10th to start looking, but if you can’t wait, you should be able to save some money now.

Where will the best Black Friday electric scooter deals be?

Starting on October 10 when Amazon’s 2nd Prime Day kicks off, we will be tracking all the best electric scooter Black Friday deals on this page. So, the best place to find a bargain is right here, especially because we have first-hand knowledge on the best models, having tested more than our share.

If you do want to do some independent Black Friday shopping, however, Amazon will have the best deals – although stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target will be trying to match those prices as well.

We’ve also listed the best electric scooter Black Friday deals from all the top retailers below if you’re looking to buy now.

US:
Amazon: lots of deals from Hiboy, Gotrax, NIU and more
Best Buy: save up to $250 on models from Segway, Okai, and Niu
Walmart: plenty of discounts on budget electric scooters
Target: tons of e-scooters in stock
Sears: great prices on e-scooters
Lowes: super affordable e-scooters
Newegg: some good deals on lesser-known brand e-scooters

UK:
Amazon: up to £150 in savings on some e-scooter models
Pure Electric: some clearance deals on older models
Halfords: e-scooter deals for all budgets
Argos: e-scooters from Xiaomi, Zinc, Pure Electric and more
Very: decent deals on budget and kids e-scooters 

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

What Black Friday electric scooter deals do we expect in 2023?

As we mentioned in the beginning, many of the top electric scooter brands dropped massive money-saving deals on their popular models, from the budget offerings to the premium ones. We saw our favorites like the NIU KQi3 Pro and the TurboAnt V8 Dual-Battery receive deep discounts, making them more accessible to budget-minded riders. We also saw many budget scooters from Razor and GoTrax get even cheaper.

With electric scooters getting more and more popular, we expect online retailers and brands to match last year’s electric scooter Black Friday deals during this year’s sale event, at the very least. And, if you look at Amazon’s current deals now, you’ll already find up to $300 off on some models, which is a good indication of what’s to come.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap e-scooter or a high-performance one, however, rest assured you’ll be able to find a terrific bargain at this year’s Black Friday event.

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Last year’s best electric scooter Black Friday deals

Looking back at last year’s Black Friday electric scooter deals can give us a good idea of what will be discounted at the 2023 sale. Many popular models received excellent discounts and dropped to their lowest price yet, and we’re hoping to see more of that – if not better – this year.

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The number of servers by country and location could be less important than you might think – here’s why.

If you’re checking out any of the best VPNs and you want a quick way to judge how good it really is, there’s one particular boast that providers have traditionally displayed to stick out from the crowd.

“We’ve got thousands of VPN servers“, they declare proudly. And established in hundreds of locations, across a record-breaking number of cities all around the world, no less.

This focus on network size seems to make sense. More locations suggests there’s a better chance you’ll have one close to you, improving performance. And 1,000 servers has to be better than 100, as it spreads user load, and you’re less likely to see speeds nosedive at peak times.

While that may be true, the reality is often more complex. Here we’ll look at why network size might not matter as much as you think, and how VPN providers are beginning to move to new ways of improving their service.

Looking for a bargain? Here are today’s best VPN deals

Virtual servers

If you’re looking for a VPN with servers everywhere, then HideMyAss! (or HMA as it’s now more commonly known) is the provider to check first. It’s ‘the biggest VPN network in the world’, says the website, proudly. And with 290+ locations spread across 210+ countries, it just might have a point. Even a giant like ExpressVPN has servers in ‘only’ 94 countries, while NordVPN trails behind with 59.

Look at the HMA website, though, and it explains that some of these are ‘virtual servers.’ The company says, “they are physically located outside the country they claim to be in, but use that country’s IP address so it appears as if you’re connecting through that region in question.”

HMA doesn’t use virtual servers much in North America or Europe, but it’s very different in the rest of the world. The company has an impressive 50+ countries in Africa, for instance, way ahead of the competition (NordVPN has a total of five in Africa, the Middle East and India put together). But almost all of these are virtual servers. They’ll give you an IP address from Nigeria, Bahrain, Fiji or wherever you are, but the servers aren’t located in those countries and won’t give you the performance boost you might expect.

Check your chosen VPN’s app store pages to find out more about the provider. (Image credit: HideMyAss!)

Just to be clear, HMA isn’t doing anything wrong here. Quite the opposite: it’s totally up-front on the website, tells you where it’s using virtual servers, how many and exactly what they are. Other providers might hide this detail away in the support pages somewhere, or never mention it at all.

What this does mean, though, is you can’t assume that choosing a VPN with 250 countries, rather than 25, will necessarily mean you’ll be allocated a server physically closer to you. You might get an IP address from China, for instance, but the server could be anywhere.

VPN variety

So what? You may ask. Surely if the server appears to be in a far off country but is actually closer to you, won’t that make for a faster connection? What does it matter if there are only a few of them?

The short answer is yes: if a VPN server is closer to you, it’ll reduce latency i.e. the time it takes to send and receive data from your device. This will make for a faster connection

However, this works both ways : if you select a server which is supposedly in a country close to you in the hope of a speedier connection & it turns out that it’s actually much further away your connection will be slower. 

If the server is physically located in a country which requires providers to log connection records, or is known not to tolerate hacking, your data could also be at risk. 

When you use a VPN service, you’re trusting them with this sensitive data. When they in turn rent a virtual server to provide their VPN service, they have to trust the virtual server hosting provider with this information. As such, it’s much safer for everybody if your VPN service sets up & maintains its own physical servers.

The next best option is for your provider to use bare metal servers. These are still rented out from a third party but the client (in this case your VPN provider) doesn’t have to share the server with anyone else. 

This is an easy way for your VPN Provider to expand their server network but there’s still a risk that this ‘bare metal’ server’s data could leak to the people who actually own it. 

Make sure to research your provider thoroughly before subscribing to a VPN. 

VPN servers, locations or countries?

Another complication with network stats is you can interpret them in several ways.

As mentioned above, HMA tramples all over the competition with 290+ locations in 210+ countries. If you’re always travelling the world – or maybe you just want to use HMA as a streaming VPN to unblock local TV across all of Asia, say – that’ll be a major plus. If you don’t need all those countries, though, it could be a very different story. 

NordVPN lags far behind HMA on the location front, for instance, but has many more servers – 5,000+ vs 1,000+. If all you’re looking to do is connect to a server in the United States, there’s no contest: HMA has around 275, but NordVPN has around 1800 spread across 15 different cities.

Even these stats don’t tell you the whole story, unfortunately. There’s another major factor you need to consider.

VPN server speeds

The real problem with VPN network figures is that all servers are not the same. 

One provider’s server might be a cheap VPS (virtual private server( from a budget web host, sharing a 1Gbps web connection with 25 other websites. 

Another could be a powerful dedicated server, with a 20GBps connection all to itself. 

Even if there’s a big difference in two provider’s server numbers – 100 over here, 1,000 over there – it’s difficult to properly compare the networks unless you’ve some idea of the technology they use.

There’s good news, though. VPN providers are finally beginning to realize that the ‘I’ve got more servers than you’ wars aren’t working any more. It’s not about quantity these days, as much as network quality.

Nord VPN, for instance, has a built-in tool on its website to calculate which would be the fastest server for you based on your location. You can choose servers from other countries but also ones for particular purposes such as streaming video. You can also choose between different VPN protocols, which can affect your connection security and its speed.  

(Image credit: PureVPN)

Server hacking

If you’re satisfied with your connection speed, you may also wonder if having more servers is safer. If, after all, your VPN provider has 5,000 servers doesn’t that make your traffic much harder to detect?

VPN’s do sometimes get hacked. One of NordVPN’s servers was briefly compromised in 2018 for instance. The company quickly fixed the problem and pointed out that the issue only affected one of the many thousands of machines they operate. 

This particular one in Finland didn’t contain user data and the most an attacker could have done in that case would have been to monitor server traffic. As most sensitive data like passwords is protected by SSL/TLS, the impact was minor. 

Still, this probably wouldn’t be much comfort if you’d happened to use the particular server that had been hacked. Surely then, the more servers there are the less likely you’d be to pick the particularly unlucky one?

This kind of reasoning doesn’t take into account the realities of server maintenance however. NordVPN were renting this server from a third-party data centre. They were quick to point out their own servers were perfectly safe, as they maintained best practices.

Problems like these can occur when a network provider is simply spread too thin. Every new server added is one more than needs to be secured. On the other hand, if you’re operating fewer servers it’s easier to maintain each of them. 

Quality – not quantity

PureVPN had spent years building up some very impressive network numbers, but 2021 saw that change, and in a big way. The company has ditched many of its old virtual servers, cutting the network from 180+ locations in 140+ countries, to 86 locations in 78 countries. 

In previous years that might have looked like bad news, but PureVPN explained why it was actually a plus: ‘…we shelved dozens of virtual servers… to offer a top-notch VPN experience… Our physical VPN servers are more reliable and better equipped to deliver faster speeds…’

The company is now focusing on those physical VPN servers, instead, by upgrading them to speedy 20Gbps connections.

PureVPN isn’t alone in moving the focus from raw server numbers to what its hardware can actually do. IPVanish has been telling the world all about its network upgrades for a long time, including a move to 25Gbps connectivity.

This isn’t just about speed. Providers are coming up with their own ways to ensure their network stands out from the crowd. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology sees servers run entirely in RAM to improve their security, while NordVPN now wholly owns and manages some servers through a colocation scheme. 

The need for speed

Although, as we said, not everything is about speed, NordVPN also offer its very own tool to test your VPN’s. 

This, perhaps, is  a recognition of their 2020 survey where they asked users which features are most important in a VPN. Over 97% of them felt connection speed was at least “important”, which is why selecting a reliable VPN server is so important.

Providing a reliable benchmark for testing is difficult but NordVPN’s supports a number of providers such as a PureVPN and ExpressVPN besides their own.  

It takes into account factors like different results from testing over Wi-Fi versus Ethernet, as well as the fact that some web browsers perform at different speeds. 

Naturally the more VPN servers a provider has, the more difficult it is to reliably test their connection speed but if this is an issue for you, remember that the number of servers and their location aren’t the only factors that make for a fast connection.

If your current provider doesn’t offer enough speed after testing, take some time to read our guide to the fastest VPNs. 

Servers in summary

This is the beginning of a change, not the end. Plenty of providers still only talk about server totals, and give customers precisely no idea if these are physical or virtual, what protocols they use and so on.  

But the direction of travel is clear. In future, we’re going to hear far less ‘my network is bigger than your network’, and far more detail on why a VPN’s servers stand out, and exactly what they can do.

PC user? These are the best Windows 10 VPNsOr for those that prefer Apple, these are the best Mac VPNs

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Here’s everything you need to know about The Mandalorian season 3 on Disney Plus.

After a lengthy wait, The Mandalorian season 3 releases this week.

That’s right, the hit Star Wars TV show returns on Wednesday, March 1, meaning it’s less than 48 hours (at the time of writing) until we’re reunited with Din Djarin and Baby Yoda. Celebrations all around!

Before one of the best Disney Plus shows makes landfall on our screens, you’ll want to get the lowdown on what we know about it. In this guide, we’ve compiled everything worth knowing about The Mandalorian’s third season on Disney Plus. That includes its cast list, story details, trailers, the show’s future, and more.

Full spoilers follow for The Mandalorian’s first two seasons and The Book of Boba Fett.

The Mandalorian season 3 release date

Din Djarin might be getting his own Mandalorian army in season 3. (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

The Mandalorian season 3 will be released on Wednesday, March 1.

Unlike other recent Star Wars shows, such as Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi, it’ll only debut with a one-episode premiere (via Star Wars’ Australasia Facebook page). New episodes will air weekly after that.

The Mandalorian season 3 trailer

The Mandalorian season 3’s official trailer arrived in January. You’ll want to read our Mandalorian season 3 trailer breakdown article for more about its references, Easter eggs, and other story details, too.

Missed the first teaser for The Mandalorian’s third season? Watch it below:

The Mandalorian season 3 cast

Yes, Grogu is back in The Mandalorian season 3. (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

Here’s the confirmed cast list for The Mandalorian season 3:

Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin/The Mandalorian
Grogu as himself
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon
Katee Sackhoff as Bo-Katan Kryze
Carl Weathers as Greef Karga
Emily Swallow as the Armorer
Omid Abtahi as Doctor Pershing
Amy Sedaris as Peli Motto
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Carson Teva
Christopher Lloyd as TBC
Tim Meadows as TBC

Pascal, Esposito, Sackhoff, Swallow, Abtahi, and Weathers all reprise their roles from previous seasons. Gina Carano, who was sacked after she posted an official social media post in early 2021, isn’t part of the cast.

Meanwhile, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee is back as New Republic pilot Carson Teva, which was confirmed in the official trailer. Having appeared in the Back to the Future and Star Trek franchises, Christopher Lloyd will make his Star Wars debut in an undisclosed role, while Saturday Night Live veteran Tim Meadows is also reportedly playing a part.

As for those behind the camera, Lucasfilm and Disney have confirmed its directorial line-up for The Mandalorian season 3. Rick Famuyiwa, who holds a dual director-producer role on the space western-styled series, will helm the first and final episodes of season 3. Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey, and Bryce Dallas Howard have directed episodes, too.

The Mandalorian season 3 story

Din Djarin is going to team up with other Mandalorians in season 3. (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

Spoilers follow for The Mandalorian season 2 and The Book of Boba Fett.

Here’s a brief story synopsis, courtesy of Lucasfilm: “The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.”

Wait – didn’t Din and Grogu part ways in season 2? Yes, but those who watched The Book of Boba Fett (and for those who can’t be bothered streaming it), they reunited in the latter show’s season finale. 

In short: midway through Boba Fett’s standalone series (or it was, until Mando showed up in episode 5), Luke offered Grogu a choice – stay with him to continue his Jedi training, or go back to Din. Grogu opted for the latter, thus Din and Baby Yoda have joined forces once more. We saw them fly off into space in Din’s rebuilt Naboo Starfighter in Boba Fett episode 7, paving the way for new adventures in The Mandalorian season 3.

Explaining why the pair were reunited in Boba Fett’s show, co-creator and executive producer Jon Favreau told Empire: “We couldn’t just hit a hard reset. It’s going to be interesting to see how this unfolds for people who may not have seen The Book Of Boba Fett. But I think Boba Fett offered time to pass. 

“You saw what Mando was like without Baby Yoda and we saw what Grogu was like without the Mandalorian and neither of them was doing too good. So them coming back together was a really good plot point that allows us to jump back into season 3 while maintaining the central relationship.”

Teasing what else we can expect from Baby Yoda this time around, Rick Famuyiwa told Empire: “In incremental ways, he’s growing as a character and in this partnership with Mando. As this relationship grows, Grogu has to become more central in things that are going on. He’s now firmly at the hip of Mando in every adventure. The purity of the character brings out the best in the people round him. This next season continues to attach to that idea.”

Now that Grogu’s back with his surrogate dad – and with some time at Jedi schooling behind him – then, The Mandalorian season 3 will see Grogu flex even more Force-based powers than before. “This child has magic powers, [is] 50 years old, and can see the future,” Giancarlo Esposito told a young fan at GalaxyCon (via SlashFilm). “And we want everyone to know, eventually on this show, that [Grogu] could save our universe.”

Are we going to get some Order 66 flashbacks in season 3? (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

So in addition to levitating, choking, and looking implausibly cute, Baby Yoda can apparently see the future – which is an ability we’ve come across before in the troubled visions of Anakin and Luke Skywalker. Per season 3’s official trailer, Grogu will also be able to use his powers to see into his past. Based on that teaser, we’re sure to see flashbacks of Grogu’s time at the Jedi temple and potentially see how he survived Order 66, aka the Empire’s genocidal attack on the Jedi.

His clairvoyant abilities possibly explain why Imperial officers have been so keen to get his hands on the implausibly cute green kid, though Esposito did add that Gideon’s pursuit of Grogu is “for a very different reason than many people think”. 

Could that have something to do with a cloning subplot? The Mandalorian season 2 teased the Empire’s remnant forces – read: Doctor Pershing – were trying to use Grogu’s blood to create new Force wielders (they failed, FYI). It seems the show was pointing at the cloned origins of Supreme Leader Snoke, aka the sequel trilogy’s puppet villain, and the eventual return of Emperor Palpatine, which would make us sigh in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

And what of Gideon himself, who was incarcerated at the end of season 2? Esposito told TVLine: “You’re going to get some Moff Gideon. I mean, I always want more Moff Gideon – I’ve got to be honest with you! But, you know, you’re going to get a good amount. You always want to see the phoenix rise from the ashes. Or, you want to see a nefarious villain rise from the ashes. And believe me, he will.”

Moff Gideon’s ship is just one small part of the Imperial remnant forces out there waiting to be dealt with by the New Republic. For instance, we know Imperial leader Grand Admiral Thrawn is alive and being hunted by Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice. We expect Ahsoka’s pursuit of Thrawn to form the basis of her live-action show, but it’s possible we’ll see it picked up in The Mandalorian season 3 as well.

Could Grand Admiral Thrawn make an appearance? (Image credit: StarWars.com)

Then there’s the story of the Mandalorians and the Darksaber, which was also significantly advanced by The Book of Boba Fett.

At the end of The Mandalorian season 2, Mando won the Darksaber weapon – the Mandalorian blade highly coveted by Bo-Katan Kryze in her journey to reclaim the throne of Mandalore – from Moff Gideon. However, he couldn’t simply hand it over to Bo-Katan, causing tensions to mount as it became clear the pair would have to duel in order for Bo-Katan to reclaim the weapon.

Things got more complicated in The Book of Boba Fett when Mando tracked down his old cohorts from the Children of the Watch, a Mandalorian tribe, on the spectacular Glavis Ringworld. Although the Armorer agreed to fashion Grogu’s new beskar undershirt, Mando faced a challenge from Paz Vizsla (another Children of the Watch member) for the Darksaber. Mando won the fight, but he’s still got a lot to learn about wielding it.

Unfortunately, he’ll have to do it without guidance from the Armorer, who has cast him out of the order. Mando’s crime? Removing his helmet in front of Grogu. According to Mandalorian creed, the only way Din can redeem himself is by visiting the living waters beneath the mines of Mandalore, which may prove problematic seeing as the mines have been destroyed. Based on the official trailer, we know he’s heading back to Mandalore, so maybe he realizes there’s another way he can be forgiven for his transgressions.

Mando also has unfinished business with Kryze who has no issue with removing helmets. She also claims the Children of the Watch “fractured our people” in the first teaser, before pointedly asking, “Where were you then?”. In other words, it seems the future of Mandalore’s people is going to be a major plot point.

Could we see a Mandalorian civil war erupt? Based on the various Mandalorian factions that are scattered across the cosmos, maybe. It seems Din is trying to recruit some groups to his side and rally them into returning to their home world. Speaking to Empire, lead star Pedro Pascal hinted that “delicious doors are flying wide open” when it comes to exploring Mandalore and its people, adding: “The world opens up in terms of Mandalore and Mandalorians. That means so many different facets of culture, politics, rules, and discoveries.”

“As you witnessed in the trailer there are a lot more Mandalorians in the season and with that many Mandalorians in one room, things are bound to go wrong,” Bo-Katan actor Katee Sakhhoff also teased (via Yahoo Entertainment). “I think this season is different, I think that it is The Mandalorian, it’s everything that people have come to love and know about the show, but I do believe that this season is a little faster paced and I do believe that tonally it’s like a moving train – you’ve just gotta get on.”

If a war does break out, what can we expect? Pascal wasn’t giving too much away during a chat with Jimmy Fallon recently, but he did offer a little tempting nugget, saying: “I will say there will be more Mandalorians. A lot of them. Big epic battle… plural? Maybe?” Oh, you sly thing, Pedro.

The Mandalorian season 3 spin-offs explained

How will The Mandalorian season 3 affect other Star Wars TV shows? (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

Spin-offs wise, The Book of Boba Fett has come and gone, though there are rumors that a second season is in early development. As mentioned in our plot section, Ahsoka’s TV spin-off is eyeing a 2023 release (star Rosario Dawson says it’s coming in August), with Dave Filoni leading its development.

Both shows run concurrent to The Mandalorian, i.e. around five years after Return of the Jedi. The new Jude Law-starring Skeleton Crew is also set in the New Republic era, so expect some narrative overlapping here. However, Favreau says Skeleton Crew characters won’t make their debuts in The Mandalorian season 3 (via Variety), though there will be some crossover between Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Skeleton Crew (per Twitter user Seif Zaki).

It sounds to us, then, that we’re going to see either a miniseries or movie-length episode that brings these stories together – though we wouldn’t expect to see that for a few years.

Will The Mandalorian end with season 3?

Will we see The Mandalorian again after season 3? (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

Thankfully, The Mandalorian season 3 won’t be the final entry in the series.

Speaking on French TV show BMFTV (via Twitter user Nico Behar), showrunner Jon Favreau confirmed the show’s fourth season has been written. According to The Bespin Bulletin, filming will begin in October 2023.

In a chat with GamesRadar, Favreau also confirmed The Mandalorian season 4 won’t be its last entry, too, saying: “We’ll have resolution over time with these characters, I think that how these characters fit into the larger scope and scale, but it’s not like there’s a finale that we’re building to that I have in mind. 

“Quite the contrary, I love for these stories to go on and on. And so these characters potentially could be with us for a while, and I really love telling stories in their voice, and I love the way the adventures unfold and I’m looking forward to doing much more.” So are we, Jon. So are we.

For more Star Wars content, find out how to watch the Star Wars movies in order. Alternatively, read our new Star Wars TV shows and movies explained guide for more on what’s to come in that galaxy far, far away.

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We round up all the latest news surrounding Apple’s rumored self-driving car project.

Apple’s tentatively-named Apple Car project has been the subject of more rumors than the Loch Ness Monster in recent years, and even as we move into 2023, concrete details surrounding the company’s vehicular vision are few and far between. 

Reports of trade deals, industry partnerships and vehicle specs have swirled ever since mutterings of an Apple-produced car began several years ago, and the tech company – known for its penchant for keeping plans under wraps – has often been quick to dispel false information as quickly as it gains traction. 

We do know for certain that Apple is working on a semi-autonomous automotive project (codenamed Project Titan); the company itself said as much in 2021 and continues to hire for roles that seem specialised to automotive development.

But many big questions still remain unanswered. Will it be an actual Apple Car, tech we can integrate into our own vehicles or hardware and software licensed to third-party car makers? At present, it looks likely to be the former, though imminent production hopes remain stagnant thanks to Apple’s continued struggle to pin down a willing automotive manufacturing partner. 

In this guide, we walk you through all the latest Apple Car news, rumors, leaks and updates available to us right now, as well as what we expect to see when Silicon Valley’s most anticipated vehicular project does eventually hit the road.

Cut to the chase

What is it? Apple’s long-rumored car, which could be partially self-drivingWhen is it out? Apple is targeting a 2026 release, but experts are skepticalWhat will it cost? Apple is reportedly aiming for a sub-$100,000 price point

Apple Car release date

Long story short: nobody knows for sure. But Apple has set its own internal target. 

Back in 2020, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the Apple Car might not be launched until 2028 or later, given the ongoing impasse in negotiations to bring an automotive manufacturer on board for the project. Then, in November 2021, Apple insiders revealed that Apple itself had set an internal release target of 2025, having resolved to shoulder the entire production process alone (though the company also acknowledged a level of flexibility should development on the final product not prove quite as swift as hoped).

And, lo and behold, at the end of 2022, reports emerged suggesting that Apple has since re-jigged its Apple Car release date target to 2026. What’s the bet that’ll change to 2027 next year?

After a while without any Apple Car rumors, analyst Daniel Ives went on record to say that he thought the arrival of the vehicle was a question of “when, not if” – and that 2026 launch window did come up again, so make of that what you will.

Apple Car development

As far back as May 2018, Apple was reportedly in talks with German automotive giant Volkswagen to produce an autonomous employee shuttle van based on the T6 Transporter commercial vehicle – a program which was expected to lead to the development of an Apple car for the mass market. 

But after a series of high-profile test crashes and employee leaks, the partnership between the two companies stifled, and little more was disclosed on the matter.

At the start of 2021, we thought the tech giant was in promising talks with Hyundai regarding production of the autonomous electric vehicle. Then we reported on rumors which suggested Apple had in fact signed a manufacturing deal with Hyundai’s subsidiary company, Kia, which would bring the Apple Car to market as early as 2024. 

Alas, in typical Apple style, another report then emerged which suggested Apple swiftly called off those talks with both Hyundai and Kia, with the company turning its attention to several Japanese automotive manufacturers in an effort to bring its ambitious EV (electric vehicle) plans to fruition. 

Rumors then began indicating that Apple approached Nissan as one of these potential Japanese manufacturing partners, but a report from the Financial Times suggested that “contact was brief and the discussions did not advance to senior management levels following divisions over branding.”

(Image credit: zomby / Shutterstock)

It’s no surprise, though, that automotive collaboration has been such a sticking point for Apple. Despite being widely-considered the most successful business in the world, Apple’s expertise lies in tech development, not vehicle manufacturing.

Basically, that means it needs – or thought it needed – help from another organisation to bring its Apple Car vision to life, but the big car brands have so far been unwilling to become a bit-part supplier – in the same way that Foxconn is to Tesla – on a vehicle that would ultimately bear the Apple name.

One unlikely rumored alliance was that of Apple and LG Electronics. According to a Korea Times report from April 2021, Apple was “very near” to landing a collaborative deal with the South Korean tech giant (alongside Canadian automotive supplier Magna International), which has recently departed from the smartphone industry to focus resources on growth areas where its brand is better positioned – like electric vehicle components.

LG isn’t a name traditionally associated with auto manufacturing, but neither is Apple, so we thought this common ground could prove the clincher in Apple’s ongoing hunt for a partnership on the project.

Talks didn’t last long, though, and subsequent reports then emerged suggesting Apple was also in negotiations with Chinese battery supplier CATL – which, like Foxconn, already counts Tesla among its customers – to produce the power source for the Apple Car. By most accounts, however, a deal was dependent on the latter’s willingness to build manufacturing facilities in the US, and enduring political tensions between Washington and Beijing proved a roadblock in this regard.

A Korea Times report suggested Apple bosses also sat down with Korean EV components manufacturers – CATL and LG among them – in August 2021, but official communications on the matter were non-existent. 

As of 2022, then, none of those names – LG, CATL or Magna International – seem to have inked an official, public deal with Apple, so in all likelihood (without wishing to repeat the same phrase), talks between all parties have since dried up. 

(Image credit: max.ku / shutterstock)

Another slightly left field name that emerged as a potential collaborator was Lucid Motors, an American automotive manufacturer that specialises in electric cars. On top of a like-minded design philosophy which places emphasis on developing luxury, disruptive products, both Lucid Motors and Apple are connected in another way – Jony Ive.

Former chief designer at the Cupertino giant, Ive is now an operating partner at a firm set to merge with Lucid Motors, meaning he’s likely to have a say in the company’s operations going forward. Of course, this isn’t enough to speculate that Apple will definitely approach Lucid Motors in the near future, but should the tech company decide to focus its efforts on EV software rather than a fully-fledged vehicle, Apple CarPlay could pose an attractive proposition to an automotive manufacturer which is actively pursuing in-car integration systems for its own vehicles. Likewise, Lucid Motors could offer Apple the manufacturing infrastructure it needs to develop its EV plans, whatever form they take.

That question of what form those plans might take was answered, tentatively, by Apple CEO Tim Cook in an April 2021 interview. When pressed on whether the Apple Car would end up being a fully-fledged vehicle or software-based project, Cook said: “We love to integrate hardware, software and services, and find the intersection points of those because we think that’s where the magic occurs. That’s what we love to do. And we love to own the primary technology that’s around that.”

The integration of “hardware, software and services” sounds, to us, like Apple is committed to producing an entire vehicle. Ironically, though, the company’s “love” of owning “primary technology”, as Cook suggests, speaks to the central problem it faces when searching for a manufacturing partner on the project.

Of course, there’s every chance that Apple won’t ever find a suitable collaborator for its Apple Car vision. In fact, the most recent word is that the company is now prepared to shoulder the entire development process on its own – similar to the approach taken by Elon Musk’s Tesla – with Porsche seemingly the only major automotive name left in ongoing discussions with Apple. 

What’s more, if those aforementioned 2026 internal release targets are to be believed, then Apple may genuinely have resigned to the fact that it won’t ever strike deal with a suitable manufacturer on the Apple Car project – suggesting the company really could be going things alone from here on out.

(Image credit: canadianPhotographer56 / Shutterstock)

Still, flying solo would actually take Apple back to its original project roadmap, which saw the company handling all research, development and logistics on the Apple Car in-house. 

As for who is leading that development within the company itself, Kevin Lynch, who is well known for overseeing the brand’s Apple Watch division (as well as his role in creating Adobe Creative Cloud), is now in the lead role. The project was being overseen by Apple’s AI and machine learning chief, John Giannandrea, who stepped in for Bob Mansfield after the latter’s retirement in 2020. 

That appointment seemed to lead to a high turnover of Apple Car executives leaving the company in 2021 – former software engineering manager Joe Bass was poached by Silicon Valley rival Meta, for example – but it’s normal that regime changes would trigger a revolving door of new and departing employees. 

We know that Apple has acquired several new, high-profile staff to work on the Apple Car project, too. Former Tesla Autopilot software director Christopher Moore, for instance, was recruited in November 2021 (per Bloomberg). He now reports to Stuart Bowers, another executive who made the switch from Tesla to Apple in 2020. 

Might these be the catalyst appointments needed to get the wheels moving on the Apple Car project? Tim Cook will be hoping so. 

Apple Car specs and expectations

Despite the deadlock in production, the Apple Car project has been in a state of continuous development for several years, meaning there’s some semi-concrete rumors (caution must always be applied with Apple) regarding features of the upcoming, potentially fully-electric vehicle. 

The first is its autonomous nature. After the issues encountered with Volkswagen in 2018, it was reported that Apple would turn its attention to developing autonomous software for vehicles, rather an entire vehicle in itself. 

In June 2019, Apple acquired autonomous vehicle startup Drive.ai, further suggesting a commitment to ensuring its vehicular debut would be autonomous in nature. Then, in 2021, the company hired a “Radar Test Engineer”, whose responsibilities included (per the vacancy at the time) developing “autonomous systems.”

In November 2021, Apple’s autonomous plans were laid out a little clearer, but these plans now appear to have changed drastically. According to admissions by Apple insiders in November 2021, the company reportedly made a decision to shift away from plans to create a vehicle with limited self-driving capabilities, or even standalone software, to instead focus on an Apple Car that requires zero driver intervention. Apple’s revised strategy was so ambitious, in fact, that Bloomberg claimed the company was aiming to develop a car with no steering wheel or pedals, and an iPad-like infotainment system in the center of the cabin.

But hold the excitement: a November 2022 Bloomberg report has since put paid to those one-time ambitions. According to Apple insider Mark Gurman, the company has dialled down its ambitions for a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel and pedals to instead focus on a partially self-driving car, one that can more realistically be produced for a 2026 release. 

A very early artist’s impression of what the Apple Car might look like (Image credit: MagicTorch.com)

A lack of steering wheel and pedals isn’t the only wacky design rumor we’ve heard, either. While Apple does its best to keep plans a secret, regulatory filings and patent requests do provide some factual insight into its activities. 

Reported patents include an in-vehicle system that warns riders about what an autonomous car would do, as well as, perhaps more interestingly, a car window that can alter its transparency and tint. 

The latter suggests an attempt by Apple to integrate technologies that could fit into a single car window pane, those which allow passengers to see out, but be shielded from those looking in. 

Even more exciting is the patent’s supposed automation features, with sensors allowing the window to vary its tint or reflectiveness in response to external weather conditions – say, when the sun is beating down on the open road.

Ironically, though, another Apple patent filing, uncovered in March 2018, indicated plans to rid the car of any windows at all. The patent detailed how VR headsets could be worn by passengers in a self-driving car, rendering virtual windows with a view of the outside world – or indeed any world that the occupants of the car wanted to go through. You could even use the VR experience to hold a virtual meeting in a virtual office space, according to the patent. 

A similar patent emerged in 2022 suggesting that Apple remains committed to this integration between its car project and new VR technologies. The same filing also details a 4D-like system capable of surround sound audio and motor-powered seat movements, implying that Apple is placing as much emphasis on the physical experience of the driver/passenger as the visual.

(Image credit: United States Patent and Trademark Office)

It’s worth taking those ambitious, window-less VR concepts with a hefty pinch of salt, though, since we’ve previously seen a contradictory patent detailing a system of “windshield area intrusion control” to prevent flying objects penetrating a car’s windscreen. Naturally, you’d expect such a system to concern a glass windshield rather than a VR-enhanced environment, but it could still refer to a more general safety feature protecting occupants of the Apple Car.

In this patent, Apple proposes a new type of airbag wall which, instead of cushioning a single occupant, could be put in place to cover the windshield area completely. As per diagrams, these airbags would be installed in the roof and instrument panels, ready to be deployed across the entire cabin space, deflecting airborne hazards from any angle. A neat idea, in our book.

(Image credit: US Trademark and Patents Office)

In terms of other features we can expect from the Apple Car, the jury is out, although there’s several assumptions we can make based on the company’s existing products and industry partnerships.

One of those assumptions is that the Apple Car will almost inevitably be deeply integrated with iOS, meaning, in some capacity, your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and maybe even your Mac could have a big part to play in the functionality of the vehicle. 

Given Apple’s ongoing research into next generation battery technology, we can also expect the Apple Car to come equipped with a range and efficiency to exceed any other electric car on the market right now. 

What’s more, the company has reportedly held talks with four different suppliers of LiDAR sensors – that’s the lasers that measure depth and distance – suggesting the Apple Car might bear resemblance to the planned fleet of self-driving vehicles from Intel. 

With Tesla, too, now offering its Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode – which allows vehicles to manoeuvre around objects and navigate turns without driver intervention – to customers through a monthly subscription service, it’s clear the technology for autonomous, mass-market vehicles exists, at least in some capacity. 

So, to round-up, expect the Apple Car – if indeed it is a car – to be electric, partially self-driving, heavily integrated with iOS, have a technology-packed interior with potentially self-tinting windows and VR integration, neat new safety features and a market-leading driving range. And breathe…

Don’t, however, expect a car with no steering wheel or pedals. Sorry, sci-fi fans.

Apple Car price

Of course, with little to no official information surrounding the Apple Car, it’s almost impossible to predict how much it’ll cost – but Bloomberg’s aforementioned 2022 report does suggest Apple is aiming for a sub-$100,000 price point. 

By and large, that ballpark figure matches the prices of other high-end EVs on the market right now. The new Tesla Roadster is the most expensive Tesla available to buy in 2022, with a purchase price of around $200,000 (£145,600 / AU$260,000). The Model X Performance, too, is expensive, with a purchase price of $99,990 (around £72,000 / AU$130,000). 

Although no fully-autonomous vehicles are available to buy as yet, Tesla drivers are currently having to fork out $10,000 (around £7,600 / AU$13,000) to add the aforementioned FSD mode to Autopilot, the Tesla advanced driving system.

What this all means for the Apple Car is… unclear. We don’t know if it’ll be targeted at everyday consumers or marketed as a high-end, high-performance road vehicle, so it’s difficult to make any assumptions based on competitor prices. But that rumored sub-$100,000 price point is reason for optimism. 

The road ahead for Apple Car

The bottom line: the Apple Car is likely still a long way off.

It’s clear the company has made strides in developing autonomous technology and jazzy new tech features given its patent filings and road testing escapades, but we shouldn’t expect to see a marketable Apple vehicle product for some time. 

The major roadblock for the company remains its brokering a deal with an automotive manufacturer, and with big names including Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan already condemned to the ‘tried and failed’ pile, it’ll be interesting to see if the company breaks ground with any of the other brands it’s been touted as circling over the past year.

In 2021, we would have said CATL and LG seemed the most likely partners, with the two Korean companies standing to gain the most from a partnership with Apple – but the subsequent radio silence in 2022 wasn’t promising.

In all likelihood, then, the company will have to go the whole process alone. 

(Image credit: Unsplash/Laurenz Heymann)

Of course, it’s worth noting that Apple isn’t exactly miles behind in the race to produce the first mass-market self-driving car. While Tesla clearly leads the pack in that regard, a host of other companies have experienced similarly-rocky rides when it comes to developing autonomous road vehicles. 

Perhaps Apple’s most comparable competitor is Waymo, which was which was once Google’s self-driving car project and is now its own company under Alphabet. 

Waymo represents a vehicular offshoot of a major tech corporation, and remains equally beholden to changing regulations and manufacturing roadblocks – which is to say Apple isn’t alone in its snail-paced development on the project.

Uber, too, was famously touted as the first to potentially bring self-driving cars to the road, but a fatal accident in March 2018 derailed the ride-sharing service’s tests and the company has since ended its autonomous program in Arizona.

Volkswagen, Jaguar, BMW, Nissan, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and GM have also all been the subject of self-driving project rumors, but no safe, commercially-viable, mass-market vehicles look likely to hit the road any time soon. What’s more, with two of those names having already been fruitlessly approached by Apple, it looks like the big brands would prefer to keep their autonomous technology to themselves. 

Elsewhere in the mobile space, Chinese brand Xiaomi is pressing ahead with plans to bring its own electric car to market by 2024, with a dedicated team of 1,000 people reportedly working on the project’s development. The so-called Xiaomi Car won’t be self-driving, mind, but the company’s swift progress is nonetheless a promising sign that mobile brands can become car-makers, after all. 

The bottom line, then, is that something is happening over at Apple, we just don’t quite know what yet. It’s clear the tech giant is hoping to be a major player in the autonomous game in the years to come, and it’s also clear it’ll have to compete with those manufacturers who already possess the vehicular pedigree needed to roll out a fleet of self-driving vehicles.

Whether Apple is the first to crack the code on autonomous vehicle tech remains to be seen – but with a technological track record as iconic as the American giant’s, you wouldn’t put it past Apple to develop something truly groundbreaking.

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