Hands-on: ESR’s 45W Xtend charger is an excellent iPhone fast charger on the go

9to5mac.com Nov 2, 2026

Hands-on: ESR’s 45W Xtend charger is an excellent iPhone fast charger on the go

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 2, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

ESR launched its Xtend line of chargers last month, featuring built-in retractable cables that are longer than most competitors. The flagship 45W wall charger offers a 3.1‑foot cable, USB‑C passthrough, and supports up to 60W dynamic charging with Apple’s Adaptive Voltage Scaling, delivering the fastest charge rates for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Available in black, white and burgundy, the unit retails for $49.99 but is currently discounted to $35.99 on Amazon, with the burgundy version at $41.99. ESR also introduced a 100W car charger with dual retractable cables and an extra USB‑A port, priced at $36.99 after a $20 discount, capable of powering iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The reviewer praises the compact, tangle‑free design for travel and everyday use.

💡 Why It Matters

· The extended retractable cable eliminates the need for separate cords, streamlining mobile power setups for iPhone 18 users and travelers.
· Its AVS‑enabled 60W output pushes Apple devices to their maximum charging speed without extra accessories.

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Three new iPad models are reportedly launching early next year, here’s what’s…

Apple is set to launch three refreshed iPad models early next year, following the recent OLED‑equipped iPad mini. The new iPad Air will feature an OLED display, likely retain a 60 Hz panel, and may upgrade to an M5 chip, priced around $799‑$899. The base iPad will receive an A19 chip, 8 GB RAM, and Apple Intelligence support, with no major design changes. The iPad Pro will add a vapor‑chamber cooler and a new M6 or M7 chip, starting at $1,199.

💡 These updates position Apple to reassert leadership in the mid‑tier tablet market, offering higher performance and AI capabilities at competitive price points. The refreshed lineup could reshape consumer expectations for tablet functionality and price parity.

9to5google.com · Nov 2

Google says Googlebook ‘detachables’ are coming soon

At the Android Dev Summit 2026, Google unveiled its next hardware category, the Googlebook ‘detachables,’ positioning them as the successor to clamshell and convertible devices. The announcement confirmed earlier leaks and showed that four of the five models are clamshells, including the Acer Googlebook 14 priced at $899, which functions as a laptop, tent and tablet. Googlebook OS will run across all form factors, but on launch only landscape orientation supports the homescreen, overview and app tray, while portrait mode is limited to fullscreen apps. The first detachable is expected from Lenovo and is rumored to feature a keyboard, kickstand and a Glowbar beside the camera. The rollout raises questions about the future of Android tablets versus the desktop‑like Googlebook experience.

💡 Detachables give Google a true laptop‑tablet hybrid, directly challenging Windows‑based 2‑in‑1s and expanding its ecosystem beyond phones.

9to5google.com · Nov 2

Wear OS adding ‘system status bar’ to apps, Wear OS 7.1 coming

Google announced that a forthcoming Wear OS update will introduce a persistent system status bar across circular smartwatch displays. The feature, previewed in a Wear OS 7.1 canary emulator released on October 26, places the current time and standardized status icons at the top of app windows, mirroring Android phone UI. Developers can test the bar using the new emulator, which runs on API level 37.2‑beta1 and Android 17 “CinnamonBun.” Apps requiring full‑screen immersion may hide the bar, and the preview currently shows a placeholder star icon pending final graphics. Although the canary includes the status bar, Google confirmed it will not appear in the stable Wear OS 7.1 emulator, indicating a later rollout for upcoming smartwatch models next year.

💡 A unified status bar gives developers a consistent UI target, reducing fragmentation across Wear OS apps and aligning the platform with Android’s broader design language.

appleinsider.com · Nov 1

Crime blotter: Apple Store looters in France got bricked iPhones

In mid‑October, looters during French riots in Lille received a notification that the iPhones they stole were disabled, tracked, and would alert authorities. The message, translated into French, warned that the devices were bricked and monitored. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of Apple products to anti‑theft measures during widespread unrest. The event followed other Apple‑related thefts, including a high‑profile hack involving Jared Kushner’s iPhone and a warehouse heist in India.

💡 The alert demonstrates Apple’s proactive stance on device security, turning theft into a deterrent. It also underscores how tech companies can leverage built‑in tracking to disrupt criminal activity during chaotic events.

appleinsider.com · Nov 1

Flying today? Get a cheap Apple TV while you’re at it

Apple’s authorized airport dealer iStore is offering a limited-time discount on its third‑generation Apple TV 128GB Ethernet model, priced at $129.99 plus tax. The promotion is available chain‑wide across iStore locations in airports, though availability may vary by terminal. The sale highlights the retailer’s strategy to attract travelers seeking affordable entertainment devices. The discount is notable for its steep reduction from the standard retail price, potentially boosting impulse purchases among commuters.

💡 The deal underscores how airport retailers are leveraging exclusive offers to drive sales in high‑traffic, captive audiences, reshaping retail dynamics in travel hubs.

appleinsider.com · Nov 1

Apple to eliminate non-touch MacBooks Pros other than core 14-inch model

Apple announced it will discontinue all non‑touch MacBook Pro models when the second‑generation touch‑enabled line launches in 2027. The current 14‑inch and 16‑inch Pro models feature PROLED XDR displays and touch screens, priced at $2,899 and $3,399 respectively, while the entry 14‑inch model starts at $1,999 without touch. The 2027 models will use the new M7 Pro and M7 Max chips, emphasizing AI capabilities, and the 14‑inch version will remain touch‑free but lighter.

💡 The shift signals Apple’s tightening focus on high‑end, touch‑enabled laptops, potentially reshaping enterprise purchasing and consumer expectations for premium MacBook features.