Buying for a Mac fan this Christmas? We’ve picked six accessories for making more of the Mac they already own. Apple’s latest launches have given us a couple of fresh ideas, but there’s plenty to like from other brands too. Here’s what we’d put under the tree (beyond an iPhone, that is).
Apple HomePod Mini 2
Apple’s newly announced HomePod Mini 2 has a welcome addition for Mac owners. It can serve as their default speaker, playing audio from films, games, and video calls as well as music. Buy a second and they can use the two as a stereo pair. Their Mac will need Wi-Fi 6E or later for this feature, so it’s worth checking the model before ordering.
Inside, Apple’s S10 chip adjusts the audio as it plays, while the 360-degree design spreads sound around the room. The speaker comes in five funky colours, including pink, green, and blue, while its illuminated top can pulse along with the music. Apple has also announced Siri AI support, but that’s coming in a later software update rather than at launch.
Logitech MX Master 4 for Mac
There’s a lot more to Logitech’s MX Master 4 for Mac than pointing and clicking. Its steel scroll wheel switches between precise steps and a free-spinning mode that Logitech says can cover 1,000 lines a second, which should make short work of a lengthy spreadsheet. The contoured body has a rest for the right thumb, and the Actions Ring opens a menu of shortcuts around the cursor.
Those shortcuts are customisable through the Options+ app, so they can put their most-used tools within easy reach. The mouse also provides haptic feedback – little vibrations that respond to actions in supported apps, such as snapping an image into place. The sensor even tracks on glass at least 4mm thick, so a glass desk won’t force them to pack a mouse mat.
Twelve South Curve Flex
Twelve South’s Curve Flex raises a MacBook’s screen without permanently taking over the desk. Both the height and angle are adjustable, so they can bring it closer to eye level or line it up with an external monitor. Raising the laptop also raises its webcam, giving them a better angle for video calls. The keyboard angle adjusts through 45 degrees, so there’s room to experiment with the position rather than being stuck with one fixed tilt.
It works best with a separate keyboard and mouse when lifted up. Available in black or white, it supports laptops weighing up to 3.2kg – comfortably covering a 16in MacBook Pro. When they’ve finished, the stand folds flat and fits into the supplied neoprene sleeve – handy for anyone whose home office turns back into a dining room at six.
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Not everyone gets on with silicone ear tips. Apple’s AirPods 5 leave those out, while still offering active noise cancellation to help quieten the background. Transparency mode lets you hear more of their surroundings without removing them, while Conversation Awareness lowers the music when you start speaking, then brings it back afterwards. Automatic switching also lets you move from listening on a Mac to taking an iPhone call without manually reconnecting.
The Wireless Charging Case version is worth the extra cash over the basic model, I reckon. It adds swipe controls for volume, a case speaker to help locate it through Find My, and longer listening time. Apple quotes up to five hours with noise cancellation enabled, compared with four for the cheaper pair, and up to 22 hours including case top-ups. The case can charge over USB-C, on a Qi pad, or using an Apple Watch charger. Apple lists the latest macOS for full Mac compatibility, although older software can still support basic Bluetooth listening.
Anker Prime Power Bank 26K, 300W
Anker’s Prime Power Bank has enough power to charge a MacBook, with two USB-C ports capable of supplying up to 140W each. There’s a USB-A port too, so a phone or another small device can charge at the same time. Huzzah!
Inside is crammed a generous 26,250mAh battery, while a screen shows how charging is progressing. Refilling it is unusually quick too – connect suitable chargers to both USB-C ports, and it can take in up to 250W! Anker also includes a 240W USB-C cable, so they won’t have to find a suitable one separately. A substantial gift for someone who takes their MacBook everywhere – especially if they’re always searching for a socket.
Lexar JumpDrive D50E 256GB
USB sticks still have their uses, especially when a large file needs to get from one device to another without a snooping internet connection. Lexar’s D50E fits the bill, with handy USB-C and USB-A connectors in a swanky swivelling metal housing, with no unsightly adaptors needed.
This version holds 256GB and also works with compatible USB-C phones and tablets. It uses USB 3.2 Gen 1, with read speeds of up to 400MB/s – useful when copying a folder of videos onto a Mac rather than moving the odd document.
