I have the M2 iPad Air, which was released in 2024, and despite it being a couple of generations old, it still works extremely well. I just wish I could find more reasons to bring it into my everyday life.

Maybe I’m not thinking creatively enough about how it could fit into my daily routine, or perhaps there are opportunities I’m missing. Either way, it’s got me questioning why it isn’t a device I reach for more regularly.

The awkward middle ground

I’ve got the iPad, I’ve got the Apple Pencil, but I also have an iPhone nearby pretty much all the time.

I know not everyone runs their own Substack, but whenever I’m preparing an article, I usually research things on my phone and type up my thoughts on my laptop. This unfortunately means that my iPad is missing from that workflow.

I should point out that I’ve tried using the iPad to write articles in the past, but even though it offers multitasking, I still find a laptop easier to work with. Especially when some of my content requires me to research things in between typing.

I feel as though my iPad sits somewhere in the middle of this workflow. If I’m going to use it as part of my blogging routine, it needs to fit in seamlessly rather than making things more complicated.

What I do find myself using my iPad for, well, for the couple of times a month that I pick it up, is browsing the web and gaming.

Sometimes it’s easier when you’re sitting on the sofa to browse holidays on a bigger display without the hassle of getting your laptop out. You can properly see the images, zoom in with your fingertips and show your other half that discounted summer trip you’ve just found.

Gaming is another good use case. There are some games that are specifically designed for the bigger screen and are genuinely fun to play on the iPad. I definitely don’t game on my laptop, so it’s something I enjoy using the iPad for. But I’m a casual gamer, so it’s not something I do all the time.

Travelling is another occasion when the iPad comes in handy. If I’m on a long train journey, you best believe I’ve got Apple TV and Netflix programmes downloaded beforehand to help pass the time. Especially when the Wi-Fi on trains isn’t particularly reliable!

I guess there’s nothing wrong with using the iPad occasionally, but I like to get the best use out of my technology. And let’s face it, an iPad isn’t cheap.

It’s not that I regret buying it. I just feel frustrated that I haven’t found more reasons to use something I genuinely like.

Searching for a reason to use it

Rather than just writing about why I’m not using my iPad more, I thought I’d share what I’ve been doing to find some inspiration.

Like many people, I turned to TikTok.

I searched for things like ‘best iPad use cases’ before being met with lots of creators showing you how to make your iPad aesthetically pleasing, along with suggestions for planning, taking notes and generally boosting your productivity.

This got me thinking. Has the iPad become a device that’s primarily used for productivity rather than gaming and media? Or is that just the type of content I’m coming across?

I’m certainly not against using my iPad for productivity, but it does seem to be one of the main recommendations whenever I look for inspiration.

Maybe the Apple Pencil plays a part in that too. Taking notes and planning things arguably feels more natural when you can replicate the experience of writing on paper, just on a digital screen.

While the TikTok suggestions are useful, I do wonder whether I should really need to be searching for ways to use a device I already own.

I guess these tips are helpful, but are they more useful for people who are deciding whether to buy an iPad in the first place?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m always interested in discovering new apps and features. If there’s something that could genuinely improve my routine, I’d happily give it a go.

But I don’t particularly want to start using a digital planner just to give myself another reason to pick up my iPad.

Maybe that’s part of the problem. I’m trying to find a reason to use it rather than naturally reaching for it when I need something.

Does everything need to be an everyday device?

Firstly, I don’t want to sell my iPad. Well, not unless I’m replacing it later with a newer model!

I like having it, and it’s there whenever I want to use it. I just feel as though I’m not getting the best use out of it, and perhaps there are occasions when I could be using it more.

On another note, maybe it’s okay that my iPad isn’t an everyday device.

How we use technology is constantly evolving, and I can’t believe how much I now rely on my phone for things I would previously have done on a bigger screen.

Obviously, there are still things where I’d rather use a more capable device. Imagine trying to design a website on your phone? Even with AI, I think that would still be challenging.

But perhaps that’s where the iPad struggles to find its place in my routine. My phone handles most of the everyday stuff, and my laptop is there when I need to get something more substantial done.

That leaves my iPad somewhere in between.

I sometimes feel like I should be using it more, particularly when I think about how much it cost. But it’s not really about the money. It’s more that I enjoy technology, and I know the iPad is capable of so much more than what I’m currently using it for.

Maybe I don’t need to justify having an iPad. Maybe it’s become a device that’s useful at certain times, convenient for browsing and shopping, great for the occasional game and ideal when I’m travelling.

And maybe that’s perfectly fine.

I’m still keen to explore other ways of using it, and I’d love to find something that makes me reach for it more often. But I’m also starting to wonder whether I’m trying too hard to make it part of my everyday routine.

Perhaps the iPad doesn’t need to replace anything in my life. It just needs to be useful when I actually want to use it.

Do you own an iPad that you rarely use? Were you in the same position as me but have since found a great use for yours? I’d genuinely love to hear how you’re using it, so let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Likes

• It looks good - No one can deny that Apple’s iPhones look amazing these days. They look so premium and put together that even though there have been foldables before, the iPhone Duo really feels like something new. It’s only available in two colours right now, but I expect future generations will come in a wider lineup of colours, and maybe even a cheaper version.

• Display - The inner display looks so impressive. It’s ideal if you game, watch streaming services, or want to be productive across multiple apps. Definitely one of the phone’s biggest selling points.

• Software - It runs on the latest iOS, and Apple have really elevated their iOS features this year.

• Desk Stand - Ever charged your iPhone on a stand and noticed that widget screens pop up? Well, on the iPhone Duo, your phone doesn’t even need to be charging. Simply fold it slightly and stand it on your desk, and you’ll be able to display beautiful widgets including a clock, camera and Apple Music.

• Apple Pencil Support - A lot of people might not use this, but it’s the first iPhone to support Apple Pencil. It works with the USB-C Pencil, and once connected, you can draw and navigate your device with it.

Dislikes

• The Sidebar - I don’t know if this is the right terminology, but on the iPhone Duo the controls are all on the right-hand side. Basically, where the dock used to be has now shifted to the side with the other controls. I think this looks good, but apps look left-aligned, especially on the outer display.

• Messaging - I’ve only seen a few use cases of the Messages app on the Duo, but in the ones I have seen, the keyboard takes up the majority of both the outer and inner display. That means you can only see one or two messages above it and need to scroll. I’m not sure if this can be adjusted in the settings, but I like to see multiple bubbles of my conversation when I’m messaging.

• Front Facing Camera - I actually think it’s cool how the front facing camera disappears into the screen, but the 12MP quality isn’t great, especially when most people like a selfie nowadays.

• Camera Zoom - This is a big reason I can’t upgrade. Well, this and the phone being over £2k. I love using the telephoto zoom on my iPhone 17 Pro Max, especially when I don’t get a good seat at a concert and want to zoom in on the performance. It’s a shame the Duo doesn’t have it, as the detail on the big screen would be brilliant.

• Touch ID - If you’re upgrading to the Duo from a recent iPhone, you’ll notice the switch to Touch ID. The iPhone Duo doesn’t support Face ID and requires a fingerprint to unlock it. While this is still secure, it feels like a step back for Apple. It’s not included because of the phone’s design, as there isn’t enough space for the Face ID sensor. Maybe we’ll see it return in future versions of the device.

• App Support - A lot of apps aren’t ready for the Duo at launch. They still work, but it’s basically just zoomed or stretched versions of their existing app views. As the device is so expensive and there’s been huge demand for it, it would have been nice to see more apps support it from day one.

Over to you

As always, I’m keen to know your thoughts on the new iPhone Duo. Will you be upgrading? Do you have it already? Please share your likes and dislikes in the comments.

Apple has no doubt designed one of the best smartwatches on the market in terms of both design and operating system. But for me, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not enough to keep me wearing the device.

What’s changed

The key reason I’m no longer using my Apple Watch is battery life. A quick search tells me Apple says the watch should last around 18 hours on a normal charge, and I’m not sure I notice it lasting even that long. All I know is that I need to charge it daily, and I often forget.

That’s the real problem for me. I like my metrics to be tracked all the time, so when I forget to charge it before heading out, it’s incredibly frustrating. A whole day of steps, activity and heart rate data simply goes missing, and it makes the watch feel more like a chore than a helpful companion. I remember it being a Sunday morning and I decided I wanted to go a walk in the park, but as I hadn’t charged my watch, it ran out when I was about 10 minutes into my walk.

Even when I do remember, charging it has become one more thing on the nightly to-do list, alongside my phone and everything else that needs plugging in. I’ve been doing it for too long now, and I’d rather have a device that fits around my life than one that demands a routine of its own.

What I’ll miss

There’s plenty I’ll miss. Apple has developed some genuinely recognisable features, the daily activity rings being the obvious one. Seeing your progress each day and trying to close all three rings is a simple but effective bit of motivation, and it’s beautifully integrated into iOS and the Fitness app in particular.

The Apple Watch is also tightly woven into iOS and the default Apple apps. I can check my reminders on my wrist or see my calendar events at a glance, without taking my phone out of my pocket. That kind of convenience is hard to replicate, and it’s what Apple does best.

That said, I’m hoping the advancements coming to Siri will help fill the gap. In theory, I should just be able to chat to my iPhone to stay updated and plan my days, no wrist required. I’ll let you know how that goes.

What’s next

At the time of writing, I’ve got an Oura Ring 5 sizer in the post. I’m still doing my research, but so far I’m impressed, and I’ve never tried a ring to monitor my health before.

Obviously, a ring is a different proposition. It comes without a screen, which is why it can last around a week on a single charge. I don’t mind the lack of a display, though. If I can access my metrics through the app and it’s reliable, I’m happy to give up a digital screen on my wrist. I’ll be keeping a close eye on how accurate and consistent the tracking is, as that will make or break it for me. I’m speaking although I’ve bought the ring already, but its a likely alternative for me.

I’m also looking forward to wearing a normal analogue watch again. I’ve had Apple Watches for years, even before the Series 10, so it’ll be a nice change to go back to something simple, and a good excuse to dig out a watch I’ve not worn in a while. I had a nice Casio watch which has an analogue display, its small and comfortable to wear, and I haven’t worn it in so long.

I do want to call out that I still think the Apple Watch is a fantastic device. I’m just a little bored of it and want to try something new.

Over to you

I’d love to know what your thoughts are on the Apple Watch. Even if I’d upgraded to the latest model, I think I’d still be feeling the same way. They’re still beautiful devices, but battery life is so important to me, and I don’t want something I constantly need to charge.

Do you use a different smartwatch? Are there any better options out there that offer as many features with great battery life? Or are you a smart ring wearer instead? Let me know in the comments.

In November 2025, I ordered a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses after reading a few reviews. I was so excited about them, right up until they arrived then I had the returns form completed within an hour. This was my mistake. I didn’t realise the pair I’d bought had no display in the lenses and were really only for recording short videos. They did a couple more things than that, but I don’t know what led me to believe you could see something in the glasses too. I checked the website, and it turns out glasses like that were coming soon. The Meta Ray-Ban Display are out now, but they come with a much higher price tag, and the ones I ordered didn’t have that functionality. To be fair, Meta were very helpful, and I returned the glasses and got a refund pretty swiftly.

I was a little gutted, to be honest. Then I found myself browsing the Meta website to see what else they had to offer, and I discovered the Meta Quest 3S. I think it’s the cheaper version of the Meta Quest 3 and a really good introductory VR headset. Before I knew it, I’d ordered it in place of the glasses, not really knowing what to expect. Even though I’d watched videos and read about the features, I had never actually tried a VR headset, so the whole thing was new to me.

Unboxing

It arrived on 6th January 2026 and I was amazed by the unboxing. It was so well presented, with the headset and controllers placed perfectly in the box. The build quality is brilliant, and the controllers fit perfectly in your hands. I read a bit more about the device before unboxing it and putting it on my head. It also comes with a charging cable and plug, plus a spacer so you can use it while wearing glasses. It was really easy to put on and the straps were easily adjustable. I pressed the power button, waited for it to load up and, when it did, I was instantly impressed.

Design and Comfort

Even though this is a budget device, I couldn’t believe how premium it felt. There are other VR devices out there which cost thousands of pounds, and while this probably isn’t on their level, it feels like more than a budget entry into the world of VR. It doesn’t feel too heavy on my head, but I only wear it for short periods, so I’m not sure whether you’d notice it more if you were a daily player. Overall, I find it very comfortable when I do have a shot of it.

My First Time in VR

As mentioned, I was new to VR and didn’t know what to expect, but to say I was blown away would be an understatement. I was even impressed with the menus and navigation windows, because they’re literally right in front of you and bigger than any screen I’ve played a game on. There are two ways to control the system and apps: you can use the controllers, or switch to a controller-less mode and use your hands. The headset has cameras built in which detect your hand movements. The first app I tried was YouTube, as I wanted to see a video on a huge screen. It did not disappoint. I’m not sure if it was super high definition, but it was clear to me and seemed at least HD. The sound quality was also great, and you don’t need any third-party accessories for audio as the speakers are built into the headset.

The Games

Amazing. Honestly, some of the games available on this device are superb. You can buy games individually via the store, or you can get the Meta Horizon+ subscription at £7.99 a month, which comes with access to some of the top games.

Here are a few of the games I’ve played and my thoughts on them:

• First Hand – If you want a VR game with cracking graphics that gives you the wow factor, First Hand is unreal. You use your hands to solve puzzles in real time.

• Premium Bowling – A classic bowling game where you feel like you’re actually in a bowling hall. It feels so real, and you can even look behind you as you pick up your ball, ready to take your shot.

• Shooty Fruity – This game is such fun. It’s a fruit-shooting game that keeps you on your toes, as not only do you need to battle fruit monsters, you also need to scan groceries at a checkout. It’s a pretty unique concept.

Just to mention, if you want to play with others but only have the one headset, you can cast what’s on your screen to the Meta Horizon app on your phone, and then cast that from your phone to the TV. Really good if you want to help each other navigate some of the games.

Mixed Reality

Some of the games on the Quest 3S give you an immersive experience where you can’t see your surroundings, but others take advantage of mixed reality. This means you can literally place a game in your living room. It’s really cool and there are some brilliant games to play in mixed reality. And don’t forget apps like YouTube and Disney+ can also be used as part of your space.

The 9-Month Verdict

On the website, Meta say the Quest 3S is for gaming, entertainment, sports and fitness. I’ve yet to watch a full movie on it, but I think it works well for short YouTube clips. For me, gaming is definitely the top use case.

It’s a great device, but if I’m being honest, I’ve only played it a handful of times since getting it in January. That’s nothing to do with the device, and I’d still recommend it if you’re looking for something in the VR space. I just don’t think I’m a huge gamer, so I’m not always inspired to put the headset on.

So who’s it for? If you’re a keen gamer, I’d say go for it. If you’re more like me and only dip in now and then, it’s still a fun bit of kit, but it might not get as much use as you’d expect.

Specs

This post is my own personal view of the Meta Quest 3S after 9 months. I’m not overly technical when it comes to VR, but I’ve noted a few specs below if you’re thinking of buying:

• 8GB RAM

• High-definition resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye

• 2.5 hours of average run time

• Two storage options: 128GB and 256GB (I bought the 128GB version)

What are your thoughts on the Meta Quest 3S? Do you have one and, if so, how often do you use it?

Rather than keep you guessing until the end of the post, I’m an Apple Music user currently. I used Spotify for several years before deciding to make the switch, and I’m glad I did, especially in recent years as Apple Music has come on a lot, bringing its features on par with Spotify.

Now it’s time to compare the main features of each platform and give my take on the differences in what each one offers.

Music Discovery

Spotify does discovery really well; you get access to daily and weekly mixes, tailored for you. You also have the ability to create blended playlists where it will make recommendations based on what you and others are listening to.

I don’t think Apple Music’s discovery used to be that good, but it’s definitely got better in recent years. There are several playlists made for you, including Your Essentials, which learns from your history. My favourite feature is the stations – you get your own station, playing music you’ve listened to, as well as the discovery station, which is personalised to you, recommending songs you might like.

Audio Quality

Spotify offers 320kbps audio quality for premium users, and this is generally very good for most people, unless you’re really looking for the best in the business.

Apple excels at audio quality with lossless and hi-res lossless included, as well as Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This, paired with Apple’s AirPods, is the perfect combination.

Music Library

Both platforms have 100M+ songs, so there’s no shortage of tracks to add to your library.

Spotify’s library is clean, fast and easy to navigate. You can split between grid and list view, and easily apply filters to keep your music, podcasts and more separate.

I feel as though Apple Music does the library part well. Remember, Apple already had music before streaming subscriptions – it had the iTunes Store, which has evolved into this library. It’s neat, organised, and syncs across your devices. You can even pin your favourite albums.

App Design

This is an interesting point as both platforms are really slick.

Spotify has had quite a distinct look for several years. For me, it feels like a social network in ways, as the homepage gives quick links and a sort of feed style at the bottom. The tabs are placed along the bottom, giving quick access to your library and create. One thing I don’t love about Spotify is that the app doesn’t have a light mode – it’s always in dark colours. I like when an app has the option of both.

For me, Apple Music wins at design on iOS. It has a stunning menu at the bottom which fits in with Liquid Glass. The tabs are simple and useful: Home, New, Radio and Library. There’s also a search button too, and the now-playing bar appears here when scrolling. It supports both dark and light mode. The homepage is more of a grid, giving you picks and the top songs at the top.

Device Support

Spotify has wide support across many devices, and it offers the same beautiful look and feel across devices, which is probably why it hasn’t adopted Liquid Glass on iOS. One area where Spotify wins is the ability to connect directly to Alexa devices and play music. This isn’t as simple with Apple Music.

Apple Music is available on Android, but you’re going to get the best experience on iOS thanks to its integration with the platform, using Liquid Glass and stunning home screen widgets. It’s also integrated fully with the Apple ecosystem.

Podcasts

Podcasts are integrated directly into the Spotify app, so there’s no additional app needed. You can subscribe to loads of them and they’ll appear in your library, where they can be filtered separately.

Apple has gone for a different approach and has its own dedicated podcast app, keeping your music library completely separate. You may prefer this – the podcasts app is good too!

Social Features

Spotify offers the ability to create blended playlists with partners, family and friends. You can also follow artists, share clips, access merch and see upcoming concerts.

In Apple Music, you can add friends, see what they’re listening to, create shared playlists, view artist concert listings, favourite artists, pin albums and more.

Price

Spotify has a free ad-supported version. Premium prices are £12.99 for an Individual account, £17.99 for Duo (two premium accounts), and £21.99 for Family (up to 6 premium accounts). A student plan is available for £5.99, but student proof is required.

Apple Music doesn’t have a free tier. The Individual plan is £11.99 a month, £1 cheaper than Spotify. The Family plan is £19.99 a month, allowing you to share with up to 5 people via Family Sharing – £2 cheaper than Spotify, but Spotify gives you an extra user. Student is priced the same at £5.99, but it comes with free Apple TV+.

You can also get Apple Music as part of Apple One, which starts from £18.95 a month. Apple One offers bundled Apple services at a cheaper overall price.

Final Thoughts

I’ll echo what I said at the start: both of these services are great, but it really comes down to what works for you. I use Apple Music, but I’m also in the Apple ecosystem device-wise – I’m not sure how appealing Apple Music would be on Android, please let me know if it is! Spotify is still very much a market leader, and it does have so many features that users enjoy, including the yearly Wrapped – Apple Music has its own version of this too! If you’d like to try one of the services, if you’ve always been on the other, look out for free trials – just remember to cancel it before the trial runs out.

I hope this comparison has been interesting. As always, I’d love to hear your views. Let me know which one you choose and why in the comments.

My initial impressions were that the colours are stunning, however the overall phone looks much like my current phone, and that’s what I’m going to talk about today.

Last September, I upgraded to the iPhone 17 Pro Max in the orange colour that some love, and others hate. My iPhone comes everywhere with me, and I rely on it not only for using social media and contacting people, but I also rely on it for managing my websites including emails, post content and more.

After a full year of using the phone in everyday life, here’s what stands out for me - and my view on whether it’s worth upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro models.

1. Build Quality & Durability

My phone is still in really good nick, but I must admit I always have a case on it. I remember when this phone was released, there were some reports online of the case chipping but due to my quality case, I haven’t experienced this. Shout out to Blanc Space, a company that provides fantastic quality iPhone cases at reasonable prices.

• Screen & Glass: One thing I haven’t used is a screen protector because I’m not a fan of how they feel, but my screen has held up really well. There’s maybe minor scratches if you hold it under the light, but nothing I notice daily. I am conscious when I put my phone in my pocket though - I always make sure it’s in a pocket on its own, and make sure I don’t put it in with my keys. So there isn’t any distinctive screen damage, showing that it’s well made. I’ve even dropped my phone a few times and it’s been fine, phew!

• Buttons & Haptics: The Action Button and Camera Control remain tactile and clicky with no real signs of wear and tear. Admittedly I never use the button that lets you zoom in and out with the camera app. I forget it’s there sometimes. Oops!

• Ergonomics: I have the Pro Max model, so the phone is large, but honestly I couldn’t switch back to a smaller phone now. You really do settle into it after the initial shock of how huge it feels at first. I think initially it can feel like your hand is straining to hold it, but after a month or so, it’s absolutely fine.

2. Battery Health & Heating Up

This is usually where long-term reviews fall apart, but the 17 Pro Max has been surprisingly resilient.

• Battery Capacity: After a full year of daily charge cycles, mostly via a really long wire because that’s my preference over MagSafe, battery health is sitting at 98%. My phone easily lasts a day, but I do need to charge it in the evenings. I think a lot of this is down to the fact that I scroll TikTok in bed.

• Heat: The updated thermal dissipation in the 17 series solved the uncomfortable warmth that plagued earlier models during video export or extended camera use. It gets warm under heavy loads, but never uncomfortably hot. There have been one or two occasions where I’ve felt it hot while charging, so I’ve taken it off charge to cool down. Nothing concerning though.

3. The Camera & Everyday Capture

I don’t use this phone to shoot cinema-grade films; I use it to capture quick B-roll, product close-ups, daily moments, and some architecture - I like capturing pictures of my city.

• The Good: Colour consistency across the lenses remains top quality. The 5x telephoto lens has become my default for framing clean, compressed shots of desk setups and hardware details without distortion. I find the iPhone camera the best in the phone market, and it’s only kept getting better throughout the year.

• The Gimmick: As mentioned above, the dedicated Camera Control button ended up being something I used far less than expected after the first month. It’s a nice feature to have, but I’m a pinch-to-zoom kind of photo taker, so that option still wins for me. I guess if you were more into your photography though, it’s a nice feature to have.

4. Software & Daily Performance

Performance on the A19 Pro chip hasn’t degraded in the slightest. System animations are fluid, multi-tasking across heavy apps like Notion, Mail, and photo editing tools is instantaneous, and local AI tasks complete without stutter. I am confident that when iOS 27 is released, it will work seamlessly on this device.

The iPhone 18 Pro models are claimed to be faster, with up to 6 hours more video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro Max on a single charge.

The Final Verdict

If you’re currently holding an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, there is almost no practical reason to upgrade to the iPhone 18 this month. Hardware iteration has matured to a point where a one-year upgrade cycle simply doesn’t yield a noticeable jump in daily utility.

However, if you’re holding an older device (like an iPhone 14 or 15 Pro) and eyeing discounted or certified pre-owned 17 Pro Max units once the 18 drops, it’s an absolute powerhouse.

It hits the sweet spot of design refinement, battery endurance, and thermal stability.

The iPhone 18 Pro models do come with some pretty decent upgrades if you do decide to go for the new device. Colour-wise there’s a new burgundy and glacier, as well as the standard colours in Black and Silver. The Dynamic Island has also been redesigned and is now smaller and supports more apps. The camera is also a big talking point with its new variable aperture.

What’s your take on one-year phone upgrades? Are you holding onto your current device or planning to upgrade this cycle? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.