The FBI is buying Americans’ location data
FBI director Kash Patel admitted that the agency is buying location data that can be used to track people's movements. Unlike information obtained from cell phone providers, this data can be accessed without a warrant - and used to track anyone.
"We do purchase commercially available information that's consistent with the Constitution and the laws under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and it has led to some valuable intelligence for us," Patel said at a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.
Patel would not commit to senators' requests that the agency stop buying Americans' location data. "Doing that wi …
Amazon doesn’t want the blame for the Post Office going under
Amazon is going on the defensive after a report from The Wall Street Journal revealed that the ecommerce giant plans to slash shipments with the United States Postal Service, which said this week that it's running out of money. In a lengthy statement published on Wednesday, Amazon says it didn't want to reduce shipments with the USPS, and that negotiations only stalled after the USPS "abruptly walked away" from negotiations for a new contract.
As reported by the WSJ, Amazon plans to cut packages sent through the USPS by at least two-thirds by this fall, around the same time its contract with the independent federal agency is set to expire. …
Congress considers blowing up internet law
Internet platforms' liability shield Section 230 faced another round of attack at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Wednesday, this time with two distinct undercurrents complicating the conversation. One was an unprecedented wave of ongoing legal challenges to the law's scope, and the second was a heightened bipartisan concern over government censorship.
"Section 230 is not one of the Ten Commandments," Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) said in his opening remarks. "This idea that we can't touch it, otherwise internet freedom incinerates, is preposterous." Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have introduced a bill to sunset Secti …
Hoto’s powerful PixelDrive electric screwdriver is 25 percent off
Hoto makes electric screwdrivers for different budgets. If you don’t want to spend much, you can get its most basic model, which we’ve recommended many times. That one comes with 25 bits, and has three levels of torque for $29.99 (usually $59.99). But if you want more power and versatility, its PixelDrive model might be the better option. It offers six levels of torque, plus two speed options: 80RPM for precision-oriented tasks, and a 200RPM setting for faster action. Hoto has knocked $20 off its price, and you can pick it up for $59.99 at Amazon.
Hoto PixelDrive
Hoto’s latest electric screwdriver delivers an adjustable 6Nm of torque, along with a built-in pixelated display that lets you check the battery life and other info.
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The PixelDrive also offers more bits than Hoto’s basic model (30 versus 25) and a bigger battery (2,000mAh versus 1,500). This model features a 360-degree LED light near the bit to illuminate where you need to screw or unscrew, and its display shows the battery level as well as your torque selection. While the carrying case included with the affordable Hoto electric model is already miles ahead of what’s included with most competing products, the stacking cylindrical bit case set included with the PixelDrive goes a step further. Its camera lens-inspired design should blend in a little more easily wherever you like to tinker.
The best deals on MacBooks right now
It’s 2026, and that means Apple sells MacBooks equipped with not just its capable M-series processors but A-series chips that were previously exclusive to the iPhone. With the MacBook Neo starting at $599, the company now offers a wider range of options with more sizes and price points than ever before, all of which run the company’s newest operating system, macOS 26.
Purchasing a new MacBook is easy if all you want is an affordable laptop. But if you have more specific needs and use cases that require a lot of power, or if you want to connect multiple 6K displays, it gets more complicated. That said, finding a deal on a relatively speedy model is surprisingly easy if you know where to look.
These days, it’s not uncommon to see various MacBooks discounted by up to $800, although the quality of deals fluctuates frequently. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. It’s also the only option to find certain configurations of older models as Apple continues to launch newer versions. Apple’s refurbished store offers a one-year warranty and generally discounts new units by up to 20 percent.
But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.
The best MacBook Neo deals
Apple recently launched the MacBook Neo, a 13-inch laptop that aims to take on premium Chromebooks and midrange Windows laptops. Its design is somewhat similar to other MacBook models, but there are a handful of differences, ranging from the placement of the headphone jack and speakers to the thickness of the screen’s bezel (there’s also no keyboard backlighting). The most notable difference, however, is what powers it: the Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chipset, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro. It also comes with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, although it’s capped at 8GB of RAM. If you’re curious about how it stacks up to Apple’s pricier MacBooks, our full review is chock-full of benchmarks and insights.
Although Best Buy ran a gift card promo ahead of the Neo’s launch, it has since expired. There are currently no big cash discounts available on the budget laptop — unless you count Amazon’s paltry $5 discount on the 256GB version or its $10 discount on the 512GB configuration.
MacBook Neo
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The best MacBook Air deals
M5 MacBook Air
In March, Apple released an updated 13.6- and 15.3-inch MacBook Air with an M5 processor. In almost every way, there’s nothing new here, except for the processor, the starting price, and the amount of storage you get in the base model. The most affordable option retails for $1,099 — $100 more than the cheapest M4 model — but it offers twice as much storage at 512GB. Not just that, Apple says its SSD is faster than the last-gen model (the company claims its read / write speeds are twice as fast). It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 7, which are spec improvements that may or may not matter to you, or yield noticeable improvements over the previous model.
The smaller MBA model with an M5 processor (10-core CPU, 8-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is down to $1,049 at Amazon and B&H Photo, which is $50 off. Meanwhile, the larger version — which is similar but offers a 10-core GPU, a larger battery, and a slightly higher-res screen due to its size (but with the same 224 pixels-per-inch clarity) — is on sale at Amazon and B&H Photo starting at $1,249 (also $50 off).
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M5, 2026)
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Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M5, 2026)
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M4 MacBook Air
Last year’s 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs have both previously received sizable discounts, and this might be your last chance to get them before Apple phases out the last-gen M4 model in favor of its newer version. Thankfully, you can pick up the 13-inch base model with a 10-core CPU, an eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage on sale at B&H Photo right now starting at $899 ($100 off), which is $100 more than its all-time low. Amazon has most color options available with a 512GB SSD for $999.99 ($200 off), too, whereas Best Buy just has the midnight-colored model at this price.
If you prefer the larger 15-inch model, the entry-level configuration with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is on sale starting at $999 ($200 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo, which is among the best-ever prices we’ve seen for this model. The 512GB model is also currently on sale for just $100 more at Amazon and B&H Photo.
MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
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MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
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The best MacBook Pro deals
M5 MacBook Pro
Apple’s latest revision of the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro has the M5 processor. The generational leap will be felt most by those who have an older MacBook Pro, not those upgrading from the M4, unless you use specific AI apps that tap into the chip’s new Neural Accelerators. As for other design changes and upgrades to the inside and outside of this MacBook Pro, there really aren’t any major ones to note; in fact, it’s so similar to the M4 model that our reviewer Antonio Di Benedetto had to write “M5” on a sticky note just to be able to tell them apart. That being said, it’s still an amazing laptop, one that’s just now starting to get minor discounts.
The 14.2-inch base model with the M5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is down to $1,399 ($200 off) at Amazon in the space black color scheme, which is $50 shy of its best price to date. If you want more storage, jumping up to a configuration with 1TB SSD will cost you $100 more, bringing the total to $1,499.99 at Amazon — a great deal that’s $200 off its normal list price. Either model is worth picking over the M4 MacBook Pro, especially since that model is tough to find in stock and, more importantly, currently costs more than the newer, better version.
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5, 2025)
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M5 Pro / Max MacBook Pro
Apple’s recent announce-a-thon included the debut of M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of its MacBook Pro lineup, giving content creators new machines to lust over. Like the other laptops introduced for 2026 (except the Neo), not much has changed on the outside compared to the last-gen version. However, prices for each configuration have gone up; the M5 Pro model starts at $200 higher than the M4 Pro, while the M5 Max is $400 more than the starting M4 Max model. Similarly, they’re available in 14- and 16-inch configurations, and each starts with 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, with plenty of upgrade paths for those with deep pockets.
Amazon and B&H Photo are both offering a $50 discount on most configurations featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, regardless of size. For instance, the base 14.2-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD is down to $2,149.99 at both retailers (Amazon / B&H Photo). Meanwhile, the upgraded 2TB version is on sale for $2,549 ($50 off) at Amazon, while the base M5 Max variant with a 2TB SSD and 36GB RAM is going for $3,549 at Amazon, down from $3,599. The 16-inch configurations are $50 off, too, starting with the base M5 Pro model, which is available for $2,649 at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max, 2026)
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M4 Pro MacBook Pro
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips launched with a big increase in RAM over the previous generation, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasn’t changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, you’ll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. That’s in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View, as well as the optional nano-texture display option.
As of right now, the M4 Pro-equipped MacBook Pro is the only model receiving significant discounts. For example, the 14-inch M4 Pro with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is available at Amazon and B&H Photo starting at $1,799 ($200 off). It’s a solid discount, especially considering that Apple’s most affordable M5 Pro model currently costs $350 more.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
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The best Mac Mini deals
The newest Mac Minis in town are the M4-based models, which arrived in 2024. Apple reduced the desktop’s horizontal footprint and paired it with its M4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which is double that of the previous generation and brings it in line with other base-model Macs from 2024. That makes Apple’s newest desktop computer a tremendous value.
M4 Mac Mini
The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. The M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the last-gen M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.
In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port.
In the past, we’ve seen the base Mac Mini drop to as low as $469, but right now, the sales aren’t particularly noteworthy. In fact, it’s tough to find a range of M4 Mac Mini configurations in stock outside of Apple. The Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset is easier to find than the base model, although it’s currently not discounted. This model comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports and storage, and starts at $1,399 at B&H Photo and Apple.
Apple Mac Mini (M4)
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Update, March 18th: Updated to reflect current prices / availability of all new MacBook models, as well as the last-gen M4 models.
David Sacks’ big Iran warning gets big time ignored
Hello and welcome to Regulator, a newsletter for Verge subscribers about the politics of technology and the technology of politics - now landing in your inbox on Wednesdays! If someone has forwarded this email to you, and you're not a Verge subscriber yet, you should sign up right here, and not just because it would be really, really cool if you do that. We can apparently see how many non-subscribers have opened this email, and why should Palantir get all the "spying on people" fun?
Do you have cool events to highlight, tips to toss over, and secrets to spill? Send everything to tina.nguyen+tips@theverge.com. Or, if you're truly tech-pilled …
Robinhood is making a social network
Robinhood is now beta testing a Twitter-like social media platform it calls Robinhood Social. The trading-focused platform was announced last September at the company's HOOD Summit, but it's rolling out to 1,000 people who attended the event and will expand to "an additional 10,000 customers over the coming weeks," according to Robinhood.
On Robinhood Social, which, based on screenshots, looks a lot like Twitter or Threads, users will be able to create a profile, make posts about their trades, and complete trades from their feed. The company is also promising to launch additional features during the beta, including news feeds and "the abili …
ChatGPT did not cure a dog’s cancer
When an Australian tech entrepreneur with no background in biology or medicine said ChatGPT helped save his dog from cancer, the story spread with the kind of validation Big Tech has long craved: proof that AI will revolutionize medicine and take on one of its deadliest diseases. The reality, as usual, is more complicated.
The version of the story that made the rounds online, first reported by The Australian, was relatively straightforward. In 2024, Sydney-based Paul Conyngham learned that his dog Rosie had cancer. Chemotherapy slowed the disease but failed to shrink the tumors. After vets said "nothing could be done" for the Staffordshire …
Kasa’s Matter-compatible smart plugs are on sale for $11 a pop
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to add smarts to your home, you can buy two Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim smart plugs on sale for $21.99 ($8 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo. That’s the bundle’s best price in months and a good opportunity to upgrade things you already own instead of replacing them with pricier smart devices.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (KP125M)
Where to Buy:
The plugs let you add smart controls to devices like lamps, fans, chargers, coffee makers, and heaters. All you need is plug one into an outlet and connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and you can automate whatever’s attached using the Kasa app on your phone. You can also control stuff with your voice thanks to Matter support, which lets the plugs work with major smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. That means you can turn lights on or off when you’re out of town or, for example, schedule a fan so that it turns on a few minutes before you return home.
Another advantage is that the plug also includes energy monitoring, which tracks how much electricity your devices are using. That’s handy information that can help better understand your power consumption, and potentially save money on electricity bills. The slim design is also helpful: unlike bulkier smart plugs that can block neighboring outlets, these are small enough that you can plug two into a single wall outlet.
My favorite robot vacuum now supports Matter
Matic, my current top pick for the best robot vacuum, just got a big update. The unique-looking floor bot now works with Google Home and Apple Home, with support coming through the smart home standard Matter.
This enables voice control and smart home integrations, features that have been missing from the robot since launch. Now you can set up automations such as "Run Matic when everyone leaves home," "Dock the robot when I arrive home," or "Stop Matic when the door unlocks."
The Matter integration isn't yet certified and doesn't work with all the platforms, but it's a good start. However, as it's still unofficial, there are some rough edg …