hello (again)

What a way to end the year, with two refreshed Macs and the new-look iPad Pro in two sizes! There’s been so much great Apple kit released in 2018 that it’s hard to pick my favourite.

I adore the sound of HomePod enough that I bought a second to enjoy stereo pairing. Apple Watch Series 4’s ability to detect even casual exercise like walking and ask if I want to log it makes me feel like it’s truly looking out for me by gathering more data. And the 9.7in iPad working with Pencil was a welcome move from Apple.

However, my favourite device of the year has to be the new Mac mini. It looks pretty much like previous models on the surface, but you may be taken by surprise by what’s on offer in this petite powerhouse. Turn to page 75 to find out what we think of it, the MacBook Air and the new iPad Pro.

Whether you’re going to buy one of the latest devices or are determined to stretch out the lifetime of your current kit, make sure you don’t miss this issue’s main feature on page 20. It’s packed with 45 apps for Mac, iPhone and iPad that enable you to do more without spending any more money.

There’s bound to be even more exciting stuff in 2019. The iMac hasn’t been updated in more than 18 months, we know a new Mac Pro is on the way, and might HomePod gain a little sibling? Go to page 60 to find out what we expect to see.