This week’s bringing some genuinely exciting new devices and tech. Apple and Nothing just dropped fresh devices across phones, laptops, and wearables—and they’re making premium features actually affordable. The iPhone 17e, M5-powered MacBook Neo, and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro show that you don’t need to spend flagship money to get flagship performance anymore.
iPhone 17e: Entry-Level New Devices Done Right
Apple‘s taking a different approach with the iPhone 17e. You’re getting A18 chip performance, a 6.1-inch display, and a 48MP main camera—starting at just $699. That’s $200 less than the Pro, and honestly, most people won’t notice the difference in daily use.
Here’s what really caught our attention: the battery. Apple’s claiming 28 hours on standard use and 72 hours in low-power mode. That’s genuinely competitive with Android flagships. When we looked at our mwc 2026 coverage, we saw similar targets across the industry—but Apple’s pulled it off more cleanly.
M5 Pro/Max MacBook Neo: New Devices for Creators
It’s not just phones either. Apple’s MacBook Neo with M5 Pro (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU) and M5 Max (12-core CPU, 20-core GPU) set a new standard for laptop performance at these prices. You’re looking at $1,499 for the Pro and $1,999 for the Max, and they absolutely handle video rendering and 3D work.
The M5 Max delivers 40% faster GPU performance compared to last year’s M4. If you’re using Final Cut Pro or editing 4K footage, you’ll feel the difference. According to GSMArena, the thermal management’s gotten way better too—your machine stays consistently fast even under heavy load.
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro: Bold Design
Nothing just took their entry into premium territory. The Phone (4a) Pro packs a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, 120Hz refresh, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version, and dual 50MP cameras. Price tag: $599.
What makes it stand out? The Glyph Interface 2.0—those customizable LED notifications on the back. It sounds gimmicky until you actually use it. Then it becomes genuinely handy for checking your status without unlocking the phone. Our smart tech devices guide covers similar interface tricks, but Nothing’s version feels fresher.
