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Astell & Kern Luna cost £2,699 / $2,700 (about AU$5,612)Newly developed micro planar magnetic driverTitanium housings and copper/silver cableAstell & Kern's new Luna in-ear monitors are the kind of audio product that makes me sad, because they're likely to sound incredible – and like many of the best wired earbuds for audiophiles, they're way beyond my budget.The new, moon-inspired Luna are the third set of earbuds in Astell & Kern's own IEM series, and they're the firm's most luxurious listens yet. Where the previous flagship AK Zero 2 uses a "quad-brid" setup featuring four different kinds of driver, there's just one driver here: a planar magnetic one.(Image credit: Astell & Kern)Astell & Kern Luna IEMs: key features and pricingEach of the titanium buds here contains a specially developed 13mm Katabiki micro planar magnetic driver, which Astell & Kern created in collaboration with Madoo. It's a unipolar magnetic circuit featuring a single magnet and a dual ring-shaped yoke, which Astell & Kern says delivers "superlative control".The idea with planar magnetic drivers is that they use a larger, flat, ultra-thin diaphragm compared to regular dynamic drivers. They're capable of deeper bass response and amazing detail compared to dynamic drivers, but they're hard to produce.The housing for the planar diaphragm is CNC-machined aluminum for rigidity, and the ultra-thin diaphragm is made from lightweight film and a printed aluminum pattern for significantly reduced weight.According to Astell & Kern, they deliver outstanding speed, exceptional audio resolution and a very natural and detailed audio experience with a frequency response from 20Hz to 30kHz.Each pair of Luna IEMs is hand-made in Japan and comes with an attractive alcantara case. The cables are silver-coated OCC and copper OCC, blending high purity silver with copper plating and terminating in an aluminum-finished 2-pin 4mm connector. Seven sets of ear tips are provided, of different sizes and materials.The Luna IEMs are on sale now with a price tag of £2,699 / $2,700 / €3,049 (about AU$5,612).You might also likeThe best earbuds for every budget, all TechRadar testedI tested the solid budget IEMs that bring Astell & Kern’s audiophile talents to the masses, and they go hard in ways I didn’t expectBest MP3 player 2025: top portable hi-res music players for any budget, all tested by our experts

UK SMBs are worried about rising costs, survey findsCash flow challenges and global economic issues are also a concernHaving more insight and control can be key, Intuit QuickBooks saysSmall businesses are becoming increasingly worried that rising costs will lead to unwelcome pressure as they look to grow and prosper.New research from accounting software giant Intuit QuickBooks claims over half (57%) of UK SMBs are predicting rising costs in coming months.Of these, nearly two-thirds (64%) said they are concerned about the effect these increases will have on their business, with nearly half (47%) reporting cash flow challenges.SMB worriesThe data, contained in Intuit QuickBooks’ latest Quarterly Small Business Insights Survey, looks to highlight a number of challenges facing SMBs in the face of mounting financial and business pressure.Just under half (42%) said they source from overseas, meaning they are more exposed to global cost pressures, and just over half (51%) say poor financial or resource management is holding their business back.To help deal with the pressures, Intuit QuickBooks perhaps unsurprisingly recommends urgent adoption of smarter financial management processes. The findings highlight a stark need for better financial planning, and financial guidance to help businesses navigate ongoing headwinds.“SMBs may not be able to control global markets, but they can control their finances and be better prepared for changes," noted Pauline Green, Head of International Compliance at Intuit."In the face of rising costs, supply chain pressures, and economic uncertainty, robust financial planning procedures play a vital role in helping businesses stay on the front foot.”You might also likeSolve some worries with the best invoicing software We've also rounded up our pick of the best tax software aroundAnd these are the best expense tracker app choices we've found

Traditionally, IT and digital teams have been kept centralized and separated from the rest of the business, acting as gatekeepers for new solutions, products and initiatives. While IT is undoubtedly a business-critical function, this centralized model can hamper innovation. With our research finding that nearly 20% of employees see a lack of innovation as a barrier to high performance across the organization, it’s clear that this unnecessary bottleneck is preventing businesses from reaching their full digital potential.To harness the power of enterprise technology, businesses should consider a new approach, one that empowers employees across departments to become technology changemakers. These “citizen developers” – individuals who sit outside of IT – must be encouraged to identify and implement digital solutions tailored to specific challenges in their roles. This can help businesses foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement, whilst easing pressures on stretched IT teams along the way.IT should not be innovation gatekeepersFor decades, businesses recruited heavily into IT functions as their digital infrastructure needs became vastly more complex, typically funneling all technology related change through a single department. Historically this offered the obvious benefits of centralizing control and compliance, but it may be less helpful to the way organizations have now evolved.Employees across all departments are facing different challenges to those they faced a decade ago – the advent of hybrid working, the transition to AI tools, globally dispersed teams and clients – means they require tailored solutions to help them each work efficiently and effectively. If people need to wait for IT to determine each new product or initiative introduced across the business, great ideas and new ways of working can go ignored and ultimately missed. This in turn can dissuade individuals from suggesting new ways of working if they feel they aren’t being valued or listened to by the digital experts.Democratizing technology for allWe speak with many forward-thinking organizations that are increasingly recognising the need to democratize how and where new technologies are implemented across their teams. But the citizen developer model does of course come with challenges to mitigate. One risk in the model is that developers will focus on what is beneficial to their specific areas, and may not appreciate the up and downstream implications of making specific requests for change.To square this circle, governance needs to remain front and center when implementing any new solution across the company. This can end up resulting in greater collaboration across teams, as citizen developers would work with the governance team to engender a greater understanding of the business, ultimately changing the culture of the company and ensuring that everyone is moving in the same direction.It might seem a scary prospect to some, allowing staff without technical backgrounds to take charge of their own digital needs, but it can be done in a safe and effective way with the right guidelines in place. Low-code and no-code platforms are great examples of how technology can be put into the hands of employees outside of IT, allowing them to develop and deploy solutions quickly, without requiring advanced programming skills.By empowering the workforce to become citizen developers and equipping them with accessible, user-friendly digital tools, they can take ownership of solving their own business challenges.Removing barriers to innovationIt’s one thing if employees are crying out for digital democratization, but this sometimes isn’t the case. Some know the problems they face and the solutions they would like to see, but the gripe stops there. They continue with outdated and friction-heavy processes and don’t think to bother IT or conceive their own digital workaround – perhaps due to the extra time it takes in an already busy working day. This is where change management comes in.We typically find that a major challenge to enabling broader tech-driven innovation is overcoming resistance to change. Certain employees may hesitate to adopt new tools or step outside their traditional roles to engage with technology.Organizations must actively work to evolve the mindset of the workforce, encouraging them to embrace digital literacy, continuous learning, and adaptability. Providing ongoing support, celebrating small wins, and highlighting success stories can help non-technical employees feel more confident in their ability to leverage technology effectively in their roles.Another factor to consider is the potential risk of shadow IT, where employees use unauthorized software to meet their needs. While this highlights the demand for better tech accessibility, it also illustrates the importance of making user-friendly, company-approved tools available to everyone that needs it, to help encourage compliance without hampering innovation.The future of digital innovation depends on collaborationThe future of work is not about replacing traditional IT roles – far from it – rather it’s about enhancing them to be more collaborative with the wider organization. IT teams will always play a critical role in digital governance, security and large-scale digital transformation. But their role will increasingly shift towards empowering other departments to innovate in ways tailored to their respective functions, so that every individual can operate to their full potential without waiting on IT to come to their rescue.Enterprise technology is no longer confined to IT departments, nor should it be. But leaders must remember that embedding technology into the culture of a business requires having a shared vision in place that all tech implementations can ladder back up towards.With this one clear objective across the business, employees are empowered to suggest solutions that align with the business’s overarching objectives, meaning organizations can unleash one of their greatest assets – employee experience and knowledge – in so many ways previously unavailable to them.We list the best HR software.This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Alone fans should prepare for a change of scenery for its 12th run, as snow gives way to sand. Armed with basic necessities, a pack of 10 contestants look to survive the scorching heat of Africa. Read on for how to watch Alone season 12 online from anywhere with a VPN.Premiere: Thursday, June 12 at 9pm (ET)TV channel: HistoryStream: History.com (day after) | Sling TV (US) RoW Stream: StackTV (CA) | Stan (AU)Use NordVPN to watch any streamWith the word 'thirst' appearing in two of the episode names of this 10-part season (see full schedule at the foot of this page), you immediately get the gist of what awaits the intrepid contestants heading to South Africa’s Great Karoo. The surroundings will be no less hostile than previous seasons, with vast expanses of snow and ice being swapped for hot, dry desert.Outside of that, however, this is very much business as usual for Alone. A cast of 10 survivalists are dropped in the middle of nowhere, with just their wits, skills and barest of necessities. Whoever lasts the longest without either submitting or falling ill wins the jackpot prize of $500,000.We’ve got all the information you need on where to watch Alone season 12 online and stream episodes no matter where in the world you are.How to watch Alone season 12 online in the USUS viewers can watch Alone season 12 on History on Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT starting June 12.Don’t have cable? Latest episodes can be streamed live via Sling TV through either its Orange or Blue plans. Prices start at $40 a month (Orange) and right now you can get 50% off the service.Previous seasons of Alone are also available to stream on the Hulu (30-day free trial) streaming platform, but don't usually land there until a couple of months after the premiere.Away from the US? Use a VPN to watch Alone season 12 from abroad.How to watch Alone online from anywhere in the worldIf you’re traveling abroad when Alone season 12 airs, you’ll be unable to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.Use a VPN to watch Alone from anywhere.Editors ChoiceNordVPN – get the world's best VPNWe regularly review all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice. It unblocked every streaming service in testing and it's very straightforward to use. Speed, security and 24/7 support available if you need – it's got it all.The best value plan is the two-year deal which sets the price at just $3.59 per month. There's also an all-important 30-day no-quibble refund if you decide it's not for you.- Try NordVPN 100% risk-free for 30 daysVIEW DEAL ON How to watch Alone season 12 online in CanadaAlone season 12 is being shown on History on Canadian TV, just like south of the border. The only difference is that it will go out at the slightly later time of 10pm ET/PT on Thursdays.To watch Alone online, you can access History programming through the Global TV app. You'll just need your cable login details to do so.Alternatively, you'll need subscription video streaming package StackTV. Probably the easiest way to get access to StackTV is through Amazon Prime Video. If you already have Prime, signing up to StackTV costs $14.99 a month after you've enjoyed the 7-day free trial.From there, you can then watch on all the usual devices through which you'd normally watch Prime Video. So that's on web browsers, app for Android and iOS, Fire TV and a variety of other devices including PS4, PS5, Xbox, Roku and select Smart TVs.Can I watch Alone season 12 online in the UK?Alone season 12 will likely be shown on Sky History and the History Play channel on Amazon Prime Video in the UK – but not yet. Last year, season 11 began airing a couple of months after episodes went out in the US. So you might be waiting until August before you can start watching Alone season 12.Visiting the UK and wanting to watch Alone Season 12? A good VPN will let US and Canadian residents access their usual streaming service effortlessly.How to watch Alone season 12 online in AustraliaTo stream Alone season 12 in Australia, you'll need a Stan subscription. Episodes will land on Fridays, with the first one available on June 13.Stan subscriptions costs from $12 a month for a Basic plan, with incremental increases if you want to add HD/4K quality and additional devices.Or if you’re visiting Australia from abroad and want to watch on your home service, simply download a VPN to stream Alone season 12 just as you would back home.Alone season 12 trailerAlone season 12 castPablo ArguellesColton GilmanWill LambKelsey LoperBaha MahmutovDouglas S. MeyerDug NorthNathan OlsenJit PatelKatie RydgeAlone season 12 episode guideSeason 12 of Alone is scheduled for 10 episodes, which is two fewer than in season 11. Below are the air dates in North America:Episode 1 – "The Land of Great Thirst": Thursday, June 12Episode 2 – "Best Laid Plans": Thursday, June 19Episode 3 – "Thirst Trap": Thursday, June 26Episode 4 – "Finding a Foothold": Thursday, July 10Episode 5 – “The Tempest": Thursday, July 17Episode 6 – “Purpose": Thursday, July 24Episode 7 – "Echoes of Emptiness”: Thursday, July 31Episode 8 – "Weak Spot": Thursday, August 7Episode 9 – "The Promised Land": Thursday, August 14Episode 10 – "No Regrats": Thursday, August 21Alone Season 12 FAQIs Alone Season 12 on Netflix?No, not right now. You can stream season 12 of Alone on the History channel via Sling TV.VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

It’s a question you’ve probably heard many times before: “Which iPhone should I buy?” Most of the time, the answer is simple: Get the best one you can afford. And if you’re happy with your current model, don’t feel like you have to upgrade at all. But if you’re ready to make a change, we’ve tested all seven models in Apple’s current smartphone lineup and picked out the best iPhones for most people.Before you dive in, note that we’ve based this guide on the list prices for new, unlocked iPhones on Apple.com. If you can find a heavy discount from another trustworthy retailer or a good deal on a refurbished model, that could always change the value equation.

Table of contents

Best iPhones for 2025

The rest of Apple's iPhone lineup in 2025

iPhone FAQs

Recent updates

Best iPhones for 2025

The rest of Apple's iPhone lineup in 2025

The iPhone 16.

Billy Steele for Engadget

Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have made genuine improvements over their predecessors and generally feel more “Pro-like” than they have in years past. They also come in a range of vibrant colors. If the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max are just too pricey, especially if you want extra storage space, they’re fantastic compromises. Still, they are compromises. If you can afford it, the Pro should hold up a bit better over time.

Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus still get you many key upgrades over the iPhone 16e, including a superior two-camera system, a brighter display, MagSafe and the Dynamic Island. The 15 Plus is particularly appealing as the most affordable big-screen iPhone in Apple’s current lineup. It has excellent battery performance as well.

At $699 or $799, though, both phones are priced in something of a no man’s land. Most people who care about ultrawide cameras and MagSafe support should just spend another $100 for the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus, which add AI features, a slightly improved ultrawide lens with macro support, an extra hour or two of battery life, faster wireless charging (25W vs. 15W), a quicker processor, more RAM, the Action button and the Camera Control button.

Those who just want the essentials, meanwhile, are probably happy to save an extra $100 on the iPhone 16e, which is still better equipped for the long-term thanks to its faster chip and Apple Intelligence support. As a result, the 15 and 15 Plus will probably make the most sense if you can find a good price on a refurbished model.

iPhone FAQs

Brian Oh for Engadget

When is the best time of year to buy an iPhone?

The best time to buy an iPhone, or really any product, is whenever you need one. But if you want to maximize how long your iPhone is considered “current,” plan to upgrade in late September. Apple almost always introduces its new core models around then. SE and “e” iPhones, meanwhile, have arrived between February and April, but those aren’t guaranteed annual releases.

Cash discounts on new unlocked iPhones are rare, so there usually isn’t much reason to wait for a deal before buying (as is often the case with Samsung or Google phones). Carriers will run their own sales, but those typically involve locking you into years-long service plans. The exception would be if you specifically want an older iPhone, since Apple typically cuts the price of its last-gen devices by $100 or more when it introduces a new model. So, for instance, if you know you won’t care about the inevitable iPhone 17’s upgrades, you could wait until that device is announced and get the iPhone 16 for a little cheaper.

How long does an iPhone last?

This depends on the person and how they define “last.” If we had to give a broad estimate, we’d say most iPhone users keep their device between two and four years. If you’re particularly sensitive to performance and camera improvements, you might want to upgrade on the earlier side of that timeline. If you’re not as picky, you could hold out for even longer — though you’ll likely want to get a battery replacement sometime around the three- or four-year mark (or whenever you notice your battery life has severely degraded).

Software support shouldn’t be a problem regardless: Apple is renowned for keeping its devices up-to-date long-term, and the most recent version of iOS is available on iPhones dating back to 2018. Most of those older phones don’t support Apple Intelligence, so there isn’t total parity, but that’s not a big loss in the grand scheme of things.

How do I know how old my iPhone is?

Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then tap General > About. You should see the Model Name right near the top. You can also tap the Model Number below that, then verify the resulting four-digit code on Apple’s identification page to further confirm.

If you don’t want to use software, for whatever reason, you can also find your iPhone’s model number printed within its USB-C or Lightning port, if the device lacks a SIM tray. For older devices, you can alternatively find that number within the SIM slot or — if you’re still hanging onto an iPhone 7 or older — right on the back of the handset.

Recent updates

May 2025: We’ve lightly edited this guide for clarity and added a few common FAQs. Our picks remain unchanged.

February 2025: The new iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus as our “budget” pick. We’ve also removed our notes on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation), as each has been formally discontinued.

January 2025: We've made a few minor edits for clarity and ensured our recommendations are still up to date.

December 2024: We’ve made a few edits to reflect the release of Apple Intelligence, though our picks remain the same.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-iphone-160012979.html?src=rss

A Konami Press Start livestream has been announced for June 12, 2025The broadcast will offer an extended look at Silent Hill f and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake EaterThe event will be 37 minutes longKonami has announced a special livestream taking place this week that will offer an extended look at Silent Hill f and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.The Konami Press Start broadcast is scheduled to begin on June 12, 2025, at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET / 3 PM CEST / 2 PM BST.The livestream is expected to be 37 minutes long and can be watched on Konami's YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook."Tune in live for the official Konami Press Start livestream event, featuring game updates and appearances from Konami Digital Entertainment developers and producers," Konami said in a press release.The publisher confirmed that the event will also feature "extended looks" at Silent Hill f and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and offer new insight from the creative minds behind both games, suggesting that we may get to see new gameplay sequences.⬆⬆⬇⬇📢Global Premiere📺⬅➡⬅➡Join our KONAMI PRESS START livestream on June 12th for the latest franchise updates. Plus, hear directly from our passionate developers! 🎮📺 Where to watch: 🔴 https://t.co/c4ZWd1T7a4🟣 https://t.co/QAOiv3SQ9cSee showtimes below 👇🇺🇸… pic.twitter.com/xwo9Ngzev6June 9, 2025During PlayStation's June State of Play, it was announced that Silent Hill f will officially launch on September 25 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. The broadcast also offered a brand new look at the horror game with a chilling gameplay trailer captured on PS5.Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which just got a new gameplay trailer at the State of Play, will also be launching this summer on August 28. It's coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.It was previously confirmed that all the original voices from the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3 will be used in the remake.You might also like...Nintendo Switch 2: review in progressCall of Duty: Black Ops 7 officially announced and it stars that one Gilmore Girls actorXbox Games Showcase 2025: everything revealed from Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Persona 4 remake to a new handheld